"A versão cinematográfica, de 1972, ficou para a história com a inesquecível voz de Liza Minnelli a dar vida à cantora Sally Bowles.

O musical "Cabaret", com encenação de Diogo Infante, estreia-se no dia 10 de Setembro no Teatro Maria Matos, em Lisboa.

A protagonista foi escolhida num programa da RTP. Ana Lúcia Palminha (na foto) foi a vencedora do programa "À Procura de Sally", do canal público, escolhida para interpretar o papel da protagonista. Sally Bowles é uma jovem cantora inglesa que trabalha no Kit Kat Klub, em Berlim, e por quem um escritor americano (Cliff Bradshaw) se vai apaixonar.

"Cabaret" relata a vivência na capital alemã, na década de 30, num tempo de contradições e ascensão nazi. Ambiente com o qual o amor de Sally e Cliff terá de conviver e sobreviver".

TELEFONE - 218438801
LOCAL - Lisboa, Teatro Municipal Maria Matos - Av. Frei Miguel Contreiras, 52

HORARIOS - De 10-09-2008 a 28-12-2008
Quarta a sábado às 21h30
Domingo às 17h00
PREÇO - 15€ a 25€.

ACTOR/ES
Ana Lúcia Palminha, Adriana Queiroz, Ana Cláudia Ribeiro, Bernardo Gama, Carlos Gomes, David Ripado, Dima Pavlenko, Fernando Gomes, Henrique Feist, Isabel Ruth, Meredith Kitchen, Paula Fonseca, Pedro Laginha, Sandra Rosado , Sara Campina
AUTOR/ES
Joe Masteroff, Fred Ebb
ENCENADOR/ES
Diogo Infante
TRADUTOR/ES
Pedro Gorman

 

As a surprise for my birthday, I was treated to an evening out at Teatro ZinZanni at Pier 29 at the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I have lived in the Bay Area for years and have passed the familiar tents on the Embarcadero and have always wanted to see what was inside them, so this was a real surprise for me. 

What I did not realize when I entered the front doors of those tents, was that I was entering an exotic world of wonderful, zany entertainment and dining. We were immediately greeted by a hostess dressed in period cabaret clothing. In fact there was a lot of staff around, both male and female, attired the same way, greeting every arriving guest.  We all gathered in the main lobby area where there was a central bar set up. Also, there was a boutique where guests could buy feather boas, junk jewelry, period hats, fake mustaches, etc., to buy and wear to get into the spirit of the evening. There were also all kinds of props inside that gave it a carnival/ circus atmosphere. 

 Dinner was announced and were all escorted into a main dining hall where we were all set at our tables. My partner and I were set at a table for two.  Without giving too much away, the show and dinner began that lasted about three hours. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Let’s say we saw Cleopatra come back from the dead.  We saw acrobats, vaudeville, heard opera, comedy acts, magic tricks, pop songs,  broadway, dance numbers, contortionists, and the list goes on and on. 

Every course of the dinner was announced with fanfare and an entertainment number. There was audience participation. Between the acts, the cast and wait staff were very attentive to the guests. 

There was a very great moment for me.  An audience member named Rosemary who turned 80 years old was brought up by Emcee and Star, Frank Ferrante, who played Chef Caesar and the band played a song to bring back memories of her high school prom. Ferrante danced with her. He then asked all the audience members to dance also. My partner took my hand and we danced. This was the first time in my life I danced to a prom song as a same sex partnered couple. Yes, that was a moment for me, especially since I was dancing with this man I have loved for nearly 10 years. 

The food was good.  I was actually so caught up with the entertainment that I really did not concentrate on it. I had the chicken entrée. There were four choices for the entrée. I did enjoy the lentil soup. I opted for the fruit dish instead of the dessert.  My partner loved the dessert. Beverages are extra.    

I have to comment on the performers.  There were standouts for me. 

Frank Ferrante as Chef Caesar:   Absolutely hilarious and over the top funny.  He carried the show and reminded me of traditional vaudeville comedy mixed with that modern quick, sarcastic wit. His energy was contagious. They casted the perfect actor in this role and his comedic timing was perfect. He is like a ball of energy when unleashed on an audience there is no one that escapes his impactful talent.  According to the playbill, the New York Times as described him as “the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx’s material.”  He played the original titled role of Groucho Marx’s son Arthur’s written work entitled Groucho: A Life in Review in New York. He has earned New York’s Theatre World Award and nominated for other prestigious recognitions in the industry. He has been featured on many television programs and has been a returning performer to Teatro ZinZanni since 2001. 

Debbie De Coudreaux as Cleopatra: Beautiful voice and great stage presence. She seductively plays to the audience with enough of a comedic wink to be truly entertaining. De Coudreaux is simply mesmerizing. She is native of the Bay Area and holds the distinction of being the only American besides Josephine Baker to have played Moulin Rouge in Paris. She has appeared in leading roles on Broadway in Grand Hotel and Show Boat. She also has appeared in London West End’s Grand Hotel. Locally, she is known for her sensational performances when she appeared at the Empire Plush Room in San Francisco. 

Andrew Adams and Erika Gilfether simply took our breaths away with their very acrobatic, sensual, beautiful performance. It was passionate as they navigated up and down in Circus Soleil fashion. The chemistry and real love that exists between them translated to the stage. Both these performers most recently come from Chicago but have a plethora of experience in dance and performance across America and Europe. They were definitely a highlight of the evening. 

Vita Radionova.  All I can say is WOW!  This beauty from Ukraine put on a sensual, spectacular, wonderful contortionist performance that brought major applause from the audience many times over. It was beautiful to watch.  She did it with such grace and elegance. It was like watching a work of art on stage. Bravo! 

Les Petits Freres:  The trio Gregory Marquet, Mickael Bajazet, and Domitil Aillot from France were Acrobats, Keystone Cops and Vaudeville performers all wrapped up into one. They definitely stole the show individually and as a group during many moments of the evening. I swear they actually defied gravity during some points. Funny guys and they were very engaging with the audience. They were the court jesters of the tent. 

The show is directed by Emmy award winner Norman Langill and co directed by Elise “Mo” Durocher.   The price of admission is not cheap and you end spending some money on drinks, etc.  However, Teatro ZinZanni is an event.  It is an investment in beautiful evening that is memory builder for your loved one, your family, a group of friends or business associates. It is worth the price of admission. 

There is a sister show in Seattle.  The official websites are listed as follows:  

Teatro ZinZanni San Francisco : http://love.zinzanni.org/

Teatro ZinZanni Seattle: http://dreams.zinzanni.org/

Teatro ZinZanni Main: http://www.zinzanni.org/

Ma paradossalmente è così, oggi tutti gli "addetti ai lavori" ti dicono di fare cose basse, perchè la gente deve capire subto, non deve ragionare, non deve riflettere!

Più di una volta ho sentito dire...

"Dobbiamo far ridere IL porco Pubblico!".

Te lo dicono talmente tanto di fare cose basse, che a un certo punto rischi di credergli di assuefarti all'OMOLOGAZIONE comica imposta oggi da logiche di mercato. Ma per fortuna qualche mese fa, in un Laboratorio di Milano ho incontrato due "Addetti ai Lavori" che dopo aver visto due miei pezzi mi hanno detto...

"OK, funziona, hai le corde per farlo, ma fai pezzi un po' bassi!"...

Basta crederci e insistere... Niente è mai troppo alto!

Grazie 

PRESENTS

THE NIGHTCLUB DEBUT OF

GOLDEN GLOBE-NOMINATED “HAIRSPRAY” FILM STAR

NIKKI BLONSKY

“COMING HOME”

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 4

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine and “an invaluable New York institution” by The New York Post, will continue its 10th Anniversary season with Hairspray film star NIKKI BLONSKY from September 23 to October 4. The Long Island native returns to her home city for her nightclub debut “Coming Home,” which features songs from Broadway, the Great American Songbook and pop classics. Highlights will include the Bonnie Raitt favorite “Something To Talk About,” the Frank Wildhorn hit “Big Time” and selections from Hairspray. Musical Director Patti Dunham will conduct the band. Nikki will be dressed by IGIGI. All shows take place at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

NIKKI BLONSKY marked her professional debut with Hairspray in 2007. She starred as Tracy Turnblad amongst a cast that included John Travolta, Queen Latifah and Michelle Pfeiffer. She has since gone on to star in the feature film Harold, opposite Spencer Breslin, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Colin Quinn and Ally Sheedy; and the Lifetime Original Movie Queen-Sized. She performed in concert throughout the states and abroad, and will be Regis Philbin’s special guest at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City on October 25.

Nikki was born and raised in Great Neck, Long Island, New York. Although she graduated from the Great Neck Village School in January 2006, she received all her dramatic and musical training at Great Neck South High School, which is a four-time Grammy Foundation Signature School, with its most recent honor bestowed in 2005.

Nikki’s high school performing credits include ‘Madame Thenardier’ in Les Miserables, ‘Mrs. Lovett’ in Sweeney Todd, ‘Kate’ in Kiss Me, Kate, ‘Rebecca Hillicker’ in The Laramie Project and the title role in Bizet’s Carmen, which was performed entirely in French. She has sung for many organizations and events in and around the Long Island, New York area, including an original song for 2002 Olympic gold medalist figure skater Sarah Hughes’ homecoming parade in Great Neck. She is also a published poet, having written an original piece in honor of Jonathan Lee Ielpi, a member of the Fire Department of New York and a volunteer firefighter at Great Neck’s “Vigilant” Fire Department, who passed away in the September 11th World Trade Center tragedy.

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY will play the following schedule: Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30 PM. The weekend schedule presents shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. All shows have a $60.00 cover with $75.00 premium seats, and a $40.00 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. The club is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.

----------------------------------------------------

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

ASHFORD & SIMPSON

September 9 – 20

MARY CLEERE HARAN

“Mad About Manhattan”

October 7 – 18

LYNDA CARTER

October 21 – 25

CRYSTAL GAYLE & LAURA BELL BUNDY

“Kentucky Girlfriends”

October 28 – November 1

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL

November 11 – 15

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

Annual Holiday Show

December 2 – 31

GARRISON KEILLOR

“Man In Tux with Red Shoes and Piano”

Sunday Nights, December 7 – 28

Here's what I do know--the group (no relation to the 1990s alt-rockers Dovetail Joint) features a smoky-voiced singer in Becca Smith (another coincidence, as she's different from the young Columbia, SC performer you can also find videos of online), and what I've heard of their music tonight is bluesy cabaret folk-rock, the kind of stuff that apparently goes over well in the bars of Shanghai. Who'd have guessed?

Here's "Me and The Rain", follow this to the YouTube page and you can find clips of several other pretty good songs, too.

As ever, here's my round-up of what has happened in the last week... we have a couple of pieces of casting news, 2 transfers, 1 show opening, 1 show extension and a new TV programme...

• Piaf is the latest Donmar show to make it to the West End (see here for more) Pam Gems' show about Edith Piaf stars Elena Roger, who has received some excellent reviews (see The Times for one example)
• Jimmy Osmond is joining the cast of Grease for 2 months next year. According to What's On Stage, he'll be playing the part of Teen Angel between January 19th - March 14th.
• Sky1 (as it's now been 'renamed') launched its new show, Hairspray: A School Musical, which appears to be a cross between 2 BBC shows - 'I'd do Anything' and 'The Choir'. It's only 1 week in, but Denise Van Outen is already rumoured to be talking about future series...
• Samantha Barks started her first professional tour, playing Sally Bowles in Bill Kenwright's production of Cabaret. The Birmingham Mail thinks she was great, so well done...
• La Cage Aux Folles announced its long-anticipated West End transfer. It will be opening at the Playhouse Theatre in October.
• Michael Ball will continue to wear his dress for a little bit longer - it has just been announced that he will remain in the show until April 2009. The show has also just sold its 500,000th ticket - impressive stuff for a fantastic show
• Wicked has extended its time on the West End stage - according to The Stage, it is now booking until September 2009. Impressively the article also reports that the show's London run has already taken £55m - not a bad effort!

Have a great weekend...

See more of Flissy's sketches here.

Thanks to Mary, Elly, and Flissy for sharing--they'll get $2 off the cover charge at this Monday's session!

Again, if you have sketches from our previous three sessions: please, please, please send them in! Just email them to us by noon on Monday to get in on the 8th for the old cover charge of $5.

See you Monday! (Or maybe at Friday night's gallery opening?)

Today's letter of the day is W.  Which looks either like Walter Matthau's eyebrows or Della Reese's tits, depending on your perspective.  Or inclination.

I have added a few videos from Glitter & Thorns. That was such a fabulous evening. There will be more coming.  They can also be viewed on 'Other Videos'.

UPCOMING GIG: I will be playing at The Gladstone with Ryan G. Hinds on September 17th as part of a monthly cabaret series. More info to come.

OTHER NEWS: I don't know why this would interest anyone but me and my mother, but I just new headshots by Pierre Gautreau.  Not only is he wonderful and talented, but he also plays guitar in a band. (http://www.pierregautreau.com/index2.php.) I am quite thrilled and will be posting them as soon as I decide which ones make me look the most ravishing and plastic.

Sloppy Kisses,

Chelsea

SUMMERTIME

I pretentiously re-did the lyrics to this one to make it more relevant to today's society.  This was the opening song at the cabaret.

BY ALL LOVE'S SOFT YET MIGHTY POWERS

I wrote the music to this poem, which was written by John Wilmot, the Second Earl of Rochester (1647-1680). I'm into historical naughtiness.  Musical Directon by Greg Gibson @ Buddies in Bad Times.

A LOVE SONG FOR SADNESS

This is a Cabaret song I wrote.

Getting cast in such a prestigious show was clearly fantastic news for her, and she thoroughly deserves it - she showed during I'd Do Anything that she's a really talented performer, and I'm sure she'll have a very successful professional career ahead of her.

However, back when the news was announced, I noted that "Playing the role of Sally Bowles risks her being judged on her looks even more, despite her previous attempts to claim that she is 'not a sexpot'"

And judging by the press photos, I wasn't wrong....

I really hope that this role works out for Sam, and that she gets great reviews over the coming months. I just hope that when this show finishes, she doesn't find herself only being offered parts which involve very small costumes...

Either way, I doubt we'll be seeing too many more articles where she denies being a sexpot - I'm sure the team at Kenwright will make sure of that!

******************************************************************

And in case you're interested, here are a couple more of the press photos:

**** good news for Sam - the reviews from Birmingham appear to be very positive - see here for an example... well done Sam ****

That's next Monday, folks! Come down to Dionysus for a beer and draw the lovely Little Luna of the Gilded Lily Burlesque. You might win a snazzy prize. . .

. . . just like Meredith--the talented illustrator and designer of our current flyer--did last session.  She won a shiny new Moleskine sketchbook for her awesome depiction of Nicolette le Faye (times two!) fending off a caveman.  You, too, can walk away next Monday night with a cool prize--or at least an awesome, wine-induced buzz and a bunch of fun sketches.

In case you haven't heard, Dr. Sketchy's Baltimore will now have sessions every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month--so now you can get your cure for a nasty case of the Mondays twice a month!

And yes, the cover charge is now $7.  But, if you send us a sketch from any of our past three sessions to be included in our online gallery, you can still get in for just $5 on the 8th.  Please include your name as you'd like to have it appear in the gallery, and so that we know who doesn't have to give us the two extra bucks.  So don't be shy--send us your sketches! (And lots of thanks to the two artists who already sent us their work.)

After telling about Los Dioses Primeros and the folly of the people of corn, who were presumptuous so that they got shat on by the bird gods, Jesusa painted her feet as she climbed the stairs to the next level, where on an enourmous piece of paper that covered the whole stage she created a giant circular códice of footsteps en forma de caracol, which then transformed into a colonial santísima virgen's robes when she went under the paper and emerged through, making a hole in the middle, and let us behold her in her grandeur, spinning.

[googlevideo=http://video.google.es/videoplay?docid=3719434619570528560&hl=es]

Después, entangled in a fibrous fishing net, which turned her into some kind of sea-street creature, she pelted the audience with a political rant on the transgenic corn disaster which had befallen us, the people of the corn.  Al final, remataron with a Popocatepetl/Iztaccihuatl rap song.  We were all stunned. And as encore "Nos tienen miedo porque no tenemos miedo."  The photo below is of the couple during the Q & A session after their performance.  Afterwards when I went to congratulate Jesusa on her performance, she told me to come with her while she scrubbed off the pigment with alternate buckets of boiling and cold water, as the showers didn't yet have hot water.  So there I was, chatting with beautiful Jesusa while she bathes, when Liliana walks in on us, probably wondering what I'm doing there! 

Not every club out there fits into a bad category,

This club in particular supports a much better story.

You have ladies being friendly, and not being trashy,

Who can prove to care more about you rather than your money.

The atmosphere is nice and clean,

Their new bar is sharp looking and very keen.

But it is the friendly atmosphere that makes me want to go back for more.

Especially now they eliminated an expensive fee just to walk through the front door.

This club is definitely happening,

The ladies make this a very awesome place.

Every seat is now comfortable,

And the club has plenty of space.

The music is guarantee to be rockin’

Even gets me into the groove and be boopin’

With some fabulous women for everyone who you want to see,

Heck, I was even given the nick name Rockin’ B.

Got to be a regular to a certain degree,

And even have a couple of favorites who I always want to see.

I may even clap alone when the room is full of drunken duds.

They can always rely on me putting gentleman back into gentleman’s club.

If this lousy world would let me,

I would guarantee the daily outing to see me.

I practically demand boat loads of spending money,

So I can spread the wealth out to everybody.

And even though I can’t always befriend everyone,

Someone in this club always comes to my side and makes my welcome fun.

There are even those who work here who just respect my presence,

Which that alone brings a warm smile to my positive essence.

So to those who enjoy me and appreciate my company,

I toast to you all for being the greatest club ever, even if it’s just me

Who thinks this way.

There is always someone working here that makes me want to stay.

Even in my darkest of times, someone here will make my spirits soar.

That alone brings me back, wanting to be with my favorites even more.

The Algonquin is delighted that double Grammy Award winning vocalist Jack Jones has selected the Oak Room to celebrate his landmark 50th anniversary in show business. In a limited exclusive engagement September 9-20, for ten shows only-at 9 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays-Jack will offer classic renditions of the timeless standards that have made him an international superstar in the age of rock and hip-hop.

Musical Director/Pianist is Jeff Colella, with Chris Colangelo on bass and Kendall Kay on drums. There is a $75 cover charge per person plus a $30 minimum or $70 prix fixe dinner (dinner is required Thursday-Saturday, with seating 7-7:30). Reservations: (212) 419-9331 or bmcgurn@algonquinhotel.com.

Born in Hollywood to singer/movie star Allan Jones and actress Irene Hervey, Jack attended University High School in Los Angeles while also studying drama and voice privately. When his friend Nancy Sinatra invited her father to sing in the school's auditorium, the experience left an indelible mark that helped shape Jack's career. He made his professional debut at 19 as part of his father's Las Vegas act and soon hereafter signed a recording contract that produced his first hit, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big." His two Grammys were for the singles "Lollipops and Roses " and "Wives and Lovers." With more than 50 recorded albums, 17 of which made Billboard's Top 20, Jack's credits include guest performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the White House, as well as international tours. His musical theatre work includes starring roles in "Guys and Dolls," "South Pacific," "Pajama Game" and "Man of La Mancha." He recorded the theme songs for the film Love With A Proper Stranger and the hit TV show, "The Love Boat."

Born in Hollywood to singer/movie star Allan Jones and actress Irene Hervey, Jack attended University High School in Los Angeles while also studying drama and voice privately. When his friend Nancy Sinatra invited her father to sing in the school's auditorium, the experience left an indelible mark that helped shape Jack's career. He made his professional debut at 19 as part of his father's Las Vegas act and soon hereafter signed a recording contract that produced his first hit, "This Could Be The Start of Something Big." His two Grammys were for the singles "Lollipops and Roses " and "Wives and Lovers." With more than 50 recorded albums, 17 of which made Billboard's Top 20, Jack's credits include guest performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the White House, as well as international tours. His musical theatre work includes starring roles in "Guys and Dolls," "South Pacific," "Pajama Game" and "Man of La Mancha." He recorded the theme songs for the film Love With A Proper Stranger and the hit TV show, "The Love Boat."

Mostly it's just a stream of consciousness with a bunch of camp comedy showtunes (Avenue Q, Spamalot...you get the idea)

We are motivated by the desire to candidly communicate our darkest desires and highest hopes with an audience who can recognise themselves in our experiences.

Shows include: Memories and Souvenirs, Laughing at YOUR Misfortune, Weimar Worship and now, The Men That Got Away: Music, Monologues, Men and More....

The Men That Got Away: Music, Monologues, Men and More....
A delicious assortment of jazz standards, camp comedy showtunes and a melange of monologues about modern life.

Watch as one man musically delves into open wounds and rubs lemon juice on scars left by bizarre encounters, crazy lovers and secret obsessions

Memories and Souvenirs:
A sentimental and bittersweet collection of songs and stories celebrating love and loss. Classic Jazz, French song and original music by Anna Blondsky & Jose Promis

Laughing at YOUR Misfortune:
Camp and Colourful Criticism of Contemporary Society....pop culture, cybersex, eating disorders and unrequited love with intelligent insight from Professor Otto Fellatio.

Weimar Worship:

Cleanse your filthy soul with a Spiritual Singalong.

FIND US AT:
http://www.myspace.com/thosehideouspeople
http://www. myspace. com/hideousgomphidius

Habrá muchas obras musicales. Se harán muchísimas más... Pero nada comparado con "CABARET". Es una leyenda desde los años sesenta hasta nuestros días. Bob Fosse la inmortalizó en la gran pantalla, convirtiéndose en uno de los músicales con más Oscars de la historia (8 nada menos, arrebatándole incluso el de Mejor Director a esa peliculita nada importante llamada "El Padrino". Ahí lo llevas)

A finales de los años 90, el director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) aportó su granito de arena, estrenando el "revival" teatral de Cabaret, dotándola de algunos cambios que no hacen sino mejorar aún más la fuerza de semejante obra... Esa es la obra que ahora mismo y desde 2003 se representa en España y que ha sido un exitazo de crítica y sobre todo(y más importante) público. Después de 40 años sigue con más fuerza que cuando se estrenó... Por algo será. Y para muestra... un botón.

You can buy any of the CDs on amazon by clicking on the link (and amazon will even pay me a few pence if you do actually buy anything!).

1. [Title of Show] - A brilliant new musical by 2 writers about 2 writers writing a show. You can find out more on the show's official site or its Wikipedia page, or you can become a fan on facebook. I'm gutted that I didn't manage to see it while I was in New York
2. A Chorus Line - Probably one of the greatest musicals ever written, this is the recording from the Broadway production that closed last week. I managed to see it in its final week, and you can find my thoughts here
3. And the World Goes Round - A revue show of the work of Kander & Ebb, which includes songs from all their hits (Chicago, Cabaret, The Rink). The CD is worth buying if only for the 1 track - the trio where the show's creators have weaved together 3 numbers from different shows and created a whole that is even more beautiful than the sum of the parts. Who would have thought that 'Isn't This Better', 'Maybe This Time' and 'We Can Make It' would work so well together?
4. Bounce - The latest show written by the greatest musical theatre coposer of all time, Stephen Sondheim. This CD was originally recorded back in 2003, and the show has been substantially reworked since then, but it's still well worth buying. The recently-renamed Road Show (its fourth title!) will be coming to New York (at the Public's Newman Theater) in October.
5. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - A brilliant musical adaptation of the classic Steve Martin film of the same name. This show was written by David Yazbek, and originally starred John Lithgow. Sadly now closed, but has long been rumoured to be coming to London - I'm still keeping my fingers crossed... 
6. High Fidelity - Another film adaptation, this time written by Tom Kitt. Unfortunately, the show didn't do so well on Broadway - I've written about this before, so if you want to know more, check out my post here
7. Wearing Someone Else's Clothes - Not quite a musical, but it is written by Jason Robert Brown, so I thought I could probably justify sneaking it in! A little more info can be found on his website here. My personal favourite on this one is called 'Nothing in Common', a song which JRB wrote for his brother's wedding (see this interview for confirmation)

If you are discovering any of these shows for the first time, trust me - they're worth a listen!

Thankfully normal service is resumed in the next couple of weeks, with tickets already booked to see They're Playing Our Song, Hairspray, Closer than Ever and Piaf...