Meet the cast of White Christmas!

Our production is headlined by Michael Gruber and Christina Saffron -- two incredible talents who have each graced our stage on several occasions, and who have frequently performed opposite one another here and on many other stages across the country.

Michael starred in The 5th Avenue productions of Singin’ In The Rain, Anything Goes, and our 2006 production of White Christmas. His Broadway credits include A Chorus Line, Cats, Kiss Me Kate, The Wizard of Oz, Stairs to Paradise, Swing!, Miss Saigon, Laughing Room Only, and My Favorite Year. And his last appearance in Seattle was as “Zach” in the national tour of A Chorus Line at the Paramount Theatre, a role he also performed in the recent Broadway revival. In the grand tradition of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire I consider Michael to be one of the last of that rare breed of “song and dance men”. It is no accident that Michael is my go to guy for roles that require this rare mix of talent, skill and charm. There are really only a handful of people alive who can do what Michael can do and even fewer in the generation coming behind him. But luckily we don’t have to worry about that right now because we have Michael. I have had the pleasure of knowing Michael for many years and of working with him on several occasions. And I am certain that this will not be the last. Incredibly, in addition to his fantastic performance skills he is also a very fine composer and musical arranger. And it that were not enough he prior to starting his performing career he was a championship diver! And if we would let him he would sew his own costumes! He never ceases to amaze me.

Christina starred opposite Michael in our acclaimed production of Singin’ In The Rain where she first demonstrated to our audience that she is that rare and wonderful musical theatre creation -- a true triple threat. Her combination of creamy vocals, expert dancing, and charming acting is not easy to come by which is why she was first on our list to play “Betty” in White Christmas in 2006, and why we are thrilled to have her return this year. Christina appeared on Broadway in Singin’ In The Rain, A Chorus Line, Sophisticated Ladies, Drood, and The Music Man. She and Michael have played more than many performances together in many separate productions. You could say that they are a their own song and dance team like Fred and Ginger, or Judy Garland and Gene Kelly and all of that time together on stage adds immeasurably to their performance. We are very fortunate to have them with us for another holiday season.

Why I Love White Christmas

We are smack in the middle of our rehearsal period for White Christmas and every moment I spend working on this show is sheer joy.

First of all, I have the privilege of spending eight hours a day immersed in these incredible Irving Berlin songs. I grew up loving, and humming, and singing and dancing to these timeless gems, and I am certain I have heard many of them thousands of times over my lifetime, but I NEVER grow tired of them, even for a second. That is what makes something “classic” – the rare ability for us to experience it over and over – no matter whether it is in or out of fashion - and yet have it still feel fresh, and vital, and even hip.

Secondly, there is something about the story that is endlessly rewarding. On one hand it is a charming, but fairly standard, backstage romance about two army buddies turned star Broadway song-and-dance team who meet and fall in love with a “Sister Act”. Basically it is “boys meet girls, boys lose girls, boys get girls” just like in so many other stage and film musicals of the period. But in this case the love plots are secondary to the main storyline in which the army buddies try to help out their beloved former Commander who is now a bit down on his luck. It is this plot that I believe has made White Christmas an enduring holiday classic. As in O’Henry’s The Gift Of The Magi or the final sequence of A Christmas Carol, this story is all about performing a selfless act of kindness for someone you love. We respond because our heroes are able to give to the General the kind of acknowledgment and recognition that we all long to see given to our loved ones as well as ourselves. The resolution of this storyline never fails to move me and it is a gift to have the opportunity to be charged with the task of helping to convey that story to the thousands of people who will see this show.

However, the most significant pleasure I get from working on this show is the chance to work with our amazing cast – many of whom are old and dear friends and colleagues whom I have had the joy of working with on many previous productions. Over the next few weeks I will post individual profiles of this amazing group of artists here because they too deserve all of the recognition and acknowledgment they can possibly receive. There are very few people in the world who can do what they do so expertly – sing, and dance and act -- play comedy and drama -- and perhaps most significantly, hold the entire audience of a two thousand-seat theatre in the palm of their hands in moments both intimate and hugely theatrical. And even though accomplishing this requires the energy, training and stamina of an Olympic athlete they make it look effortless – as if anyone could do it. Those have always been the kinds of performers I love and admire most and it makes my day – everyday – to have the privilege of working with them.

James Rocco on Irving Berlin

Here is a terrific video of our White Christmas Co-Director and Choreographer James Rocco talking about the life and songs of Irving Berlin. It is sort of a mini- spotlight night and features a performance by Irving himself. Enjoy!

Cheyenne Jackson’s Star Continues To Rise!

5th Avenue favorite Cheyenne Jackson (HAIR, The Most Happy Fella) can be seen and heard this week on Broadway, on a new CD, and in several appearances on television.
Cheyenne is currently starring in the acclaimed Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow. Both he and the show have received rave reviews (link). I had the pleasure of seeing the show a few weeks ago and I can confirm that it is a delight. This rarely produced show features one of the most delightful collections of songs ever created for a musical (including “How Are Things In Glocca Mora?”, “Look To The Rainbow”, “Old Devil Moon”) and a top notch cast.
But you don’t have to go to New York to see Cheyenne since he will make several notable TV appearances this week:

On Nov. 11, Cheyenne and his Rainbow co-star Kate Baldwin will entertain the women of The View with a song from the show.

On Nov. 12 Jackson will begin a new recurring role on the hit Emmy Award-winning NBC series 30 Rock.

And that same day, on NBC’s The Today Show, Cheyenne and Michael Feinstein will perform a selection from their new duets recording, “The Power Of Two.”

You can read a Wall Street Journal interview with Cheyenne about his latest ventures here and find even more info at LATimes and BroadwayWorld.

But remember you saw him first at The 5th!

Seattle Celebrates Bernstein!

An unprecedented consortium of the Puget Sound’s arts organizations announce the formation of Seattle Celebrates Bernstein, a regional Arts Festival to be held from April through June of 2010. During the three months, participating groups range in size from major to small, from established to fledgling, and include musical ensembles, dance companies, film presenters, theater companies and educational institutions. The Festival will focus on the multi-faceted genius of Leonard Bernstein – one of the few composers who has worked successfully and brilliantly in nearly all of the performing arts including theatre, opera, film and every manner of instrumental and vocal music.

Participating organizations will present a calendar full of events throughout the spring and early summer of 2010. At press time groups and events include:

• The 5th Avenue Theatre presenting fully staged productions of Bernstein’s Broadway musicals On the Town (in collaboration with Spectrum Dance Theater) and Candide.
• The Seattle Symphony presenting several events including their Season Finale: A Bernstein Celebration conducted by Gerard Schwarz and featuring pianist Misha Dichtor with the Seattle Symphony Chorale, and A Bernstein Young People’s Concert with the Cascade Youth Orchestra. Both events will take place at Benaroya Hall.
• The Seattle International Film Festival will screen a trilogy of Bernstein-scored movies: On the Waterfront, On the Town, and West Side Story.
• The Seattle Men’s Chorus and The Seattle Women’s Chorus will combine forces for Glitter and Be Gay -- a concert of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s collaborative and individual musical works at McCaw Hall.
• Seattle Opera will present a panel discussion entitled Collaborating with Bernstein featuring artists who worked directly with Leonard Bernstein.
• Seattle Jewish Chorale will perform selections of Bernstein's Jewish-themed at Town Hall.
• The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs will present two Bernstein events as part of Seattle Presents, the free lunchtime concert series at City Hall.
• The Lake Union Civic Orchestra will perform three dance episodes from On the Town as part of its spring concert at Town Hall.
• Showtunes! Theatre Company and Seattle Theatre Group and present West Side Story Stories: “Memories of Lenny” featuring music and remembrances by original West Side cast member Martin Charnin.
• Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers will perform music from Bernstein’s The Lark in concert at the First Free Methodist Church.

Although the Festival won’t officially begin until March the Pacific Northwest Ballet is excited to offer a special “pre-Festival event” -- Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite as part of it Director’s Choice program opening November 5.

Seattle Celebrates Bernstein will have its official kick-off on Monday, March 22nd at The 5th Avenue Theatre with an event in the theatre’s popular Spotlight Night series that will serve as both an introduction and preview of the upcoming Festival.

Join us over three months and across the region for a series of concerts, theatre, performances, lectures, film screenings and other events that celebrate Leonard Bernstein in grand style! To check for ongoing updates visit seattlecelebratesbernstein.org.

Check out these rave reviews for MEMPHIS on Broadway

Pictured: David Armstrong and Marilynn Sheldon in front of the Memphis Theatre in New York (above) with a close up of the 5th's producing credit on the marquee. (below)
AP

"THE EXHILARATING NEW MUSICAL SHAKING THE SHUBERT THEATRE IS THE VERY ESSENCE OF WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE. MEMPHIS is SENSUOUS, SOULFUL, TUNEFUL & THEATRICAL, EXPERTLY CAST & SUPERBLY SUNG," -Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press

The New York Post

"A really good, zippy, exuberant musical with steadfastly classic values: catchy songs, heaping spoonfuls of inspirational rnoments and gifted performers at the top of their game. Its embrace of old-fashioned pleasures is IMMENSELY GRATIFYING. OF SUCH THRILLS, BROADWAY IS MADE."
- Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Post

Rueters

"'MEMPHIS' is a top notch Broadway destination!"

NY Daily News

"NICE TO KNOW A NEW MUSICAL CAN ACTUALLY SURPRISE YOU I 'MEMPHIS' WINS YOU OVER with its sheer enthusiasm and exuberant performances. IT BLASTS YOU OUT THE DOOR HUMMING, BOPPING AND HAPPY AS ALL, WELL, HOCKADOO!" -Joe Dziemianowicz, Daily News

News Day

"EXTROARDINARY! This INVENTIVE production has NONSTOP TALENT, REMARKABLE SONGS & VOCAL PYROTECHNICS. It's ORIGINAL and AUTHENTIC. MONTEGO GLOVER isA REVALATION OF INTELLIGENT SENSUALITY." -Linda Winer, Newsday

Bloomberg

"'MEMPHIS' ARRIVES ON BROADWAY TRIUMPHANT! I GUARANTEE YOU A RAMBUNCTIOUS GOOD TIME HIGHLIGHTED BY ROUSING MUSIC-AND SINGING,SPECTACULAR DANCING, A WITTY, MOVING STORY and FIRST-RATE PERFORMANCES FROM A FLAWLESS CAST. CHAD KIMBALL is SO PERFECT that not for a moment do you believe that is only acting. This is a performance hewn out of flesh and blood. The ENCHANTINGL MONTEGO GLOVER is a thrilling singer and commanding actress. IT'S MAGIC!" -John Simon, Bloomberg

WOR Radio

"THE BIGGEST HIT ON BROADWAY THIS YEAR OR ANY OTHER YEAR! MEMPHIS IS TOTALLY OFF THE CHARTS! It is truly overwhelming. The entire audience, including me, shot to their feet. JUST SUPER! Memphis is a musical you have to see even if you have to bribe somebody to get tickets." -David Richardson, WOR Radio

amNY

"PURE FUN! 'Memphis' is IRRESISTIBLE and INVIGORATING, with A PULSATING NEW SCORE!"

-Matt Windman, amNY

Also be sure to check out The New Jersey Newsroom and the video at NY 1 reviews.

Jenifer Lewis in Benefit Concert!

The Public Theater presented COURAGE IN CONCERT, a one-night-only benefit concert reuniting Jenifer Lewis (who delighted 5th audiences as the title role in last year's Hello, Dolly!), Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline for an evening of songs from the 2006 Shakespeare in the Park production of Brecht's masterpiece, Mother Courage and Her Children. For full coverage check out Broadwayworld.com.