“Bandstand” Revisited: The Donny Nova Band At Birdland Jazz Club

11/27/2017-New York City— “The Donny Nova Band Featuring Julia Trojan” was the focus of the show “Bandstand”. Once brought together, Corey Cott (Donny Novitski/Donny Nova), Laura Osnes (Julia Trojan), Geoff Packard (Wayne Wright), Joe Carroll (Johnny Simpson), Joey Pero (Nick Radel), James Nathan Hopkins (Jimmy Campbell), Brandon J. Ellis (Davy Zlatic)  got to understand the show’s message, and enjoyed playing music from it.  To promote the show, they had made appearances outside of the stage show during its run.  The show closed on September 17^th, 2017; the show’s fans wondered where the cast would go next.

Fast forward nine weeks later. The Birdland Jazz Club, established 1949, played host to “The Donny Nova Band Featuring Julia Trojan”.  The night served as the “Bandstand” cast reunion. News of the event was spread via social media and Playbill’s website, and quickly sold out.  Looking around the room, you could see fans of the show, guests of the actors, “Bandstand” ensemble dancers, and some of the “Bandstand” creative team.

The Birdland club has a history you could see on its walls, and  you could get lost in.  After he got everyone’s attention, Jim Caruso (the event’s emcee) welcomed those gathered and introduced Corey Cott and James Nathan Hopkins to the stage.  Cott and Hopkins took time to address the audience who may have -or may not have- seen “Bandstand” before. The response was mixed, prompting Cott to comment: “This will be a weird 70 minutes for you then…”.

To introduce the rest of “The Donny Nova Band”, Corey Cott and James Nathan Hopkins used the song “I Know A Guy” from their show; they referenced a different actor in each verse.  As each person appeared, they quickly caught up with everyone before singing about the next one.  This in-between banter got more and more amusing, and Laura Osnes was finally announced as the final person in this band.

As they had on stage nine weeks ago, “The Donny Nova Band Featuring Julia Trojan” picked up where they left off: with the songs they played on stage, and bantering amongst themselves.   As they played “First Steps First”, the actors paused to admit times they forgot their lines.  During “Ain’t We Proud”, they related to the audience that “Bandstand” received the status of “Got Your 6” certification-an honor awarded for portraying the soldiers’ stories accurately and responsibly.   They were enjoying re-visiting the show and talking about it.

There were surprises in this show that delighted the crowd. Laura Osnes and Corey Cott mentioned that “Bandstand” cut some material from the Broadway production. The duo introduced and performed two songs that had been edited out: “Worth It” (one of the original contest entry songs) and “Give Me A Reason” (Donny’s Act 2 song). Laura Osnes also performed an extended version of one of the songs in the production.

Besides bringing up “Bandstand” stories, the cast performed standards and original songs.  For his part, Joey Pero played a piece he wrote.  James Nathan Hopkins went over to the piano to play one of his favorite Jazz pieces.  Brandon J. Ellis stepped away from his stand-up bass to sing “My Funny Valentine”; Hopkins took Ellis’ place on bass for this song. Joe Carroll and Geoff Packard sang about their actor-musician challenges to the tune of “Agony” from musical “Into the Woods”.

“Nobody”, a high-energy musical number from “Bandstand”, closed out the show.  People in the audience applauded the finale, expecting an encore.  Corey Cott sensed this and began crooning “I’m Dreaming of White Christmas”.

For one night on November 27^th, 2017, the cast of “Bandstand” re-united at the Birdland Jazz Club.  Audience and actor alike had a good time.  This show was sold out, and generated interest regarding additional encores.  The response to this interest was quick: The Birdland Jazz Club will have “The Donny Nova Band Featuring Julia Trojan” back for a return engagement in March.           

Christmas Concert Season: Celtic Thunder at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Casino

12/2/2017-Connecticut—Irish singing group Celtic Thunder returned to Foxwoods Casino for their “Symphony Tour 2017”. Backed by an orchestra, their set list consisted of songs from their new album “Inspirational”, Christmas classics, and their well-known hits.  The stage was adorned with a winter theme in mind: a snowy landscape with snowflakes hanging above the stage.

1^st Segment: The first part focused on the new album “Inspirational” for the most part.  The quintet (Damian McGinty, Ryan Kelly, Neil Byrne, Emmet Cahill and Michael O’Dwyer) walked out in suits as the orchestra kicked off the show and got the concert off to a good start. Celtic Thunder conveyed the tone of their recent recordings through songs like “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (from the musical “Carousel”). “Take Me Home” sounded really good when backed by an orchestra.

Solos in the First Half Included: Ryan Kelly’s cover of “The House of the Rising Sun”….Michael O’Dwyer’s version of the Elvis song “If I Can Dream”…Emmet Cahill’s rendition of  “Jekyll and Hyde”musical highlight  “This Is The Moment” …Damian’s performance of “Feels Like Home”

2^nd Segment: After an intermission, the show resumed with the holiday themed-set.  Celtic Thunder’s version of “Carol of the Bells” started the segment. Also, there was a medley of holiday tunes that displayed their ability to play off each other amusingly; their dancing at this point in the show was later referenced by Ryan Kelly as a casual remark. They addressed the audience, expressing their warmest holiday wishes before preparing for their strong finale “Ireland’s Call”.  The finale was a perfect song to end the evening.

Solos in the Second Half Included:  Neil’s performance of “Mary, Did You Know?” … Emmet’s version of “O Holy Night”…Damian’s joyous cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”… Michael’s beautifully sung version of “Hallelujah”

This concert was memorable.  Besides this being my first Celtic Thunder show, The “Symphony 2017 Tour” was a nice evening out.  Celtic Thunder’s vocals were great.  The orchestra backing them up enriched the experience for the listener.  Like the album title says, the concert was “inspirational”.

The "Groundhog" Sees His Shadow for the Last Time

 As “Bandstand” is set to bow out on September 17^th, 2017, it shares this closing date with a show that was a hit in London. Based on the 1993 movie, “Groundhog Day the Musical” tells the story of conceited weatherman Phil Connors. Connors doesn’t like covering the Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, PA; he just wants to leave.  Unfortunately for him, he is compelled by some force to relive this same day over, and over and over again. In this time loop, he goes from enjoying being able to do whatever he wants without consequences (“Philandering”) to a depression and wanting the  day to end at all costs (“Hope”). Through this ordeal, he ends up becoming open to the possibilities life has to offer (“Philanthropy”), including a meaningful connection with Rita Hanson-the Associate Producer who helps him throughout this never-ending day.

I have seen this show 3 times and will be at the final performance September 17^th, 2017.  Andy Karl, Barrett Doss, and company really put on an entertaining performance. The comedic moments can come from new sources every night or afternoon as they devise ways to crack up their co-stars.  There are moments when the audience grows quiet and somber at Phil’s predicament, but the next scene is there to lighten the mood.  

At the stage door, they are just as friendly and grateful for the public that sees their show.   They greeted the fans with words like “friend”. Each was sure to thank everyone for coming out.  Led by Andy Karl, they were honest about how they felt the final show would be;   “emotional” and “crazy” were the terms used.

“Groundhog Day: The Musical will have had 176 performances when it closes tomorrow.   The night will-and has- come, but “there will be sun” the next day.

#GroundhogDayThe Musical #GroundhogDayBway

Here are some photos of the cast of  "Groundhog Day: The Musical":

Rebecca Faulkenberry (Nancy)

Andrew Call (Gus/Billy the Bartender)

Katy Geraghty (Debbie)

Gerard Canonico (Fred)

Travis Waldschmidt( Jeff)

Michael Fatica (Chubby Man)

Josh Lamon (Buster)

Tari Kelly(Piano Teacher/Mrs. Cleveland)

Vishal Vaidya (Larry)

Barrett Doss (Rita Hanson)

Sean Montgomery (Sheriff)

Raymond J. Lee (Ralph)

William Parry (Jenson)

Jenna Rubaii (Joelle/Doctor)

Andy Karl (Phil Connors)

Joseph Medeiros(Deputy/Mr. Cleveland)

“Bandstand” Goeth ; “The Iceman Cometh”

“Bandstand” is the second in a series of Broadway shows to close this September. The show stars Corey Cott and Laura Osnes as two characters who live in post-WWII Cleveland. It is set in backdrop of soldiers returning from the home front.  As they re-adjust, the young men do what they can to forget their experiences. Then the news of a national contest to find a swing band has one group of veterans and a soldier’s widow turning to performing music to find some peace.

I had the honor of seeing this show September 10^th, 2017. The dancing and music were worth the wait. As the story unfolds, the audience gets drawn into the story of the Donny Nova Band featuring Julia Trojan.  Through the highs and lows as the story unfolds, you see how each character is coping; and you learn that the “ghosts” (played by ensemble actors) that haunt their memories of the war. However, you leave the show knowing that the characters will be slowly getting back into their lives at home as they try hard to get back “the way it was before”. Corey Cott (Donny) and Laura Osnes (Julia) really lose themselves in their characters. This show that will have had over 160 performances at the time it concludes on September 17th, 2017. It is a high-energy show that features choreography that won Andy Blankenbuehler a well-deserved 2017 Tony Award. I salute this wonderful show for what it has done to honor the men and women of the armed forces.

#BandTogether #GotYour6

So, before “The Iceman Cometh” comes into the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre next year, here are a few photos of the “Bandstand” cast:

 Joey Pero (Nick Radel)

Corey Cott (Donny Novitski)

Laura Osnes (Julia Trojan)

Geoff Packard (Wayne Wright)

Max Clayton (Ensemble)

Brandon J. Ellis (Davy Zlatic)

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” To Close September 3rd, 2017: A Look Back

For less than a year, the Imperial Theater has been the home of the operetta “Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”, a creation of Dave Malloy. This production grew a following through small theater runs and had finally made it to Broadway headlined by Josh Groban and Denee Benton.  Due to a low advance in ticket sales, this show will close on September 3^rd, 2017.It will have had 32 previews and over 340 performances at the time of its closing.

I saw this show twice during its run, and enjoyed the immersive theater experience.   This show will be missed.

#FollowTheComet

Here are photos of the show’s cast (and one of its orchestra members):

Dave Malloy (Pierre, Creator)-Photo: Stars In The Alley 2017 #DareToDream

Josh Groban (Pierre)-Photo: 2/7/2013 Barnes and Noble CD Signing  #DareToDream

Lulu Fall (Ensemble)-Photo: Broadway In Bryant Park 2017 #DareToDream

Joey Cassata (Drummer-Orchestra) -Photo: 7/28/2017- Rubix Cube's 10th Anniversary/David Z Tribute Show(w/ Paulie Z) #Joeylicious #Zo24ever

Photos From Rubix Kube's 10th Anniversary Show/David Z Tribute

Marquee Outside Irving Plaza

Paulie Z and Constantine Maroulis Performing Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child of Mine"

Paulie Z and Russell Allen of Adrenaline Mob gather at the end with everyone to sing Journey's "Don't Stop Believing"

Lucia Marco, Rubix Kube and Paulie Z on stage

"The Year was 1980 Something"(Adam F. Goldberg): Rubix Kube’s 10th Anniversary Show/David Z Tribute

July 28th, 2017-New York, NY- 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube was scheduled to appear at Irving Plaza to commemorate their 10th anniversary. Based on their preview and YouTube videos, one can see that their show includes 80’s song covers complete with costumes. It looked like a night of nostalgia was certainly to be had.

On July 14th, 2017, Rubix Kube got word that their co-founder and bassist David Z, touring with the band Adrenaline Mob, had sadly lost his life in a traffic accident.  They announced they would still do the Irving Plaza show as scheduled in his memory. Eric Martin of the group Mr. Big, was already confirmed as a special guest for the anniversary show. As the day approached, Rubix Kube announced other artists had reached out to them requesting to perform tributes to honor the late David Z. Among the early additions were David’s brother (and ZO2 bandmate) Paulie Z, his sister-in-law Lucia Marco, and his friend Chris Jericho. Other names to follow would include: Constantine Maroulis, Sean Altman of Rockapella, Jen Cella and Angus Clark of Trans-Siberian Orchestra(TSO) with whom David Z had performed for 15 years, Adrenaline Mob's lead singer Russell Allen, and Paulie and David's brother Brian.

The show was very entertaining.  Rubix Kube brought to the stage renditions of 1980's classics with enthusiasm. Their MTV-style entrance to the stage included a "moonman" and band members entering from a telephone booth a la "Bill and Ted".  They got right into their set by performing Van Halen's "Jump" and Journey's "Anyway You Want It".

With the crowd now engaged, The tribute portion of the show got underway.  Frontwoman Cherie Martorana welcomed those gathered in Irving Plaza and said a few words about David Z.  The majority of the night was organized by him, and would include songs he had always liked to perform (including a medley of Mister Mister songs). They had guests lined up who would come out to tell the audience about him.  When mentioning the many things he wanted to do, Cherie made it clear Rubix Kube would work to make those ideas a reality.

While the show was somber in some spots, it was a fun night of 80's rock and memories. Videos of David Z were shown on the screen behind the stage showing the creative and silly side of the late bassist.  His brother, Paulie Z, factored heavily into the show as a performer on multiple songs that night including "Jukebox Hero" by Foreigner and Rush's "Limelight".  Fozzy frontman-and WWE superstar-Chris Jericho came out with guitarist Rich Ward to perform Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" and drifted around the stage the rest of the show. TSO members Jen Cella and Angus Clark were greeted with an ovation when they came to the stage. Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister came out to play guitar for Twisted Sister hit songs "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It". Special Guest Eric Martin of Mr.Big conveyed his kind words before beginning his 3 song set. ZO2 drummer Joey Cassata showed up after that night's production of "Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812" (where he is a member of the orchestra) to assist on a performance of the theme from Rocky III, Survivor's "Eye of The Tiger", while a video of David Z played showing him running towards, then up, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum.

Those that came out to honor David Z spoke really well of him. One could tell he was well-liked and respected in the music community On stage, the announcement of the David Z Scholarship Fund was met with applause. With the proceeds from that night's concert as a beginning, the fund would assist the talented in culinary and musical arts.  Also, webmasters were hard at work on the site "What Would David Do?", a creative space meant to inspire; the band threw out stickers promoting the site.  

Rubix Kube took time out to address the Adrenaline Mob colleagues of David Z, who were also involved in the traffic incident on July 14. Cherie dedicated a song to that group's tour manager Jane Train, who is still recuperating.  At the end of the night, the lead singer Russell Allen slowly came out to join the entire ensemble of guests and Rubix Kube; their version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" was the perfect way to end the evening.

On July 28th, 2017, The 80's tribute group Rubix Kube celebrated 10 years as a group.  Their show at Irving Plaza entertained as well as paid respects to their fallen comrade. Those in the crowd turned out to honor him as well, and to sing along to their favorite songs. Some went home with a token of appreciation-be it a drum stick from Rubix Kube's John LaSpina or Joey Cassata, a guitar pick from Eddie Ojeda, a sticker, or a tribute poster of the late David Z.

To quote Rubix Kube's postcard, allow me to say in closing:"Rock In Peace, David Z!"    

Sources:http://test.rubixkube.com/portfolio-item/about-rubix-kube/; Rubix Kube's Facebook Page