Move into Avenue Q at 106.7's Broadway In Bryant Park

The sun was shining, it was a lovely day, a perfect morning for a kid to play, but you had lots of bills to pay. What can you do? You were working really hard, and the pay's real low, and every hour went oh so slow, and at the end of the day, you had nowhere to go but home to Avenue Q. Well on Thursday, you could have come see Darren Bluestone, Sala Iwamatsu, Jason Jacoby, Victoria Kuehn perform hits from their show. While they diddn't teach us what the internet was for, or what to do with a BA in English, they did talk to us about "The More You Luv Someone", " There's a Fine Fine Line" and talked to audiences about how it'd be ok "If You Were Gay." (Basically the more appropriate numbers.) And yes, there were puppets. 

I had the opportunity to see this hilarious puppet therapy session/sex party/life evaluation/mood booster/reality bringer/burst your seems laughing/musical of the century. From the time I met them backstage, as well as the time I got to interview them this Thursday, I could tell you, the sense of love and family you see on stage, comes through in the cast. They are just as funny off-stage, and definitely care for one another and those around them. The chemistry comes through to all those present, from age 5 to 498 (rumored to be the number of seats in the theater, I just couldn't resist) 

But truly the show and cast come together and bring a true spectacle that no audience member will forget (but I recommend over 13 to see the show because it does indeed have many mature references.) And for those who wonder, Lucy is anatomically correct, just incase the puppets weren't as much of a spectacle as they already are. 

While you won't get a "Mixtape" from the cast member that leaves you wondering how they feel, you will probably get a hug from a puppet (person? It's hard to verbalize,) and you will understand the love that they feed to everyone around them.

PRTC: Describe Avenue Q in 1 word.

Darren Buestone (Princeton/Rod): [Long Pause and laughter] Puppets!

Sala Iwamatsu (Christmas Eve): Difficult.

Jason Jacoby (Nicky/Trekkie Monster/Bear/Others): [Laughter] Hilarious.

Victoria Kuehn (Kate Monster/Lucy The Slut): Mnnnnnnnyyyyaaaaahhhh. True.

Mary Faber (Many Many characters): ahhH! oh god, I don't just want to say fun because that seems lame. Maybe, uh, irreverent. [Laughter]

PRTC: Describe your character(s) in 1 word.

Darren Buestone: For Princeton it would be Innocence and Rod would be closet-ed

Sala Iwamatsu: Fantastic! [Laughter]

Jason Jacoby:  Dirty

Victoria Kuehn: Heart and Sass

Mary Faber: Oh god I play a bunch, so I guess I'll say, mad-cap [Laughter]

PRTC: What is your favorite scene to perform?

Darren Buestone: Loud as the hell you want

Sala Iwamatsu: Hmmmm.... It's the therapy scene with Rod

Jason Jacoby: If You Were Gay

Victoria Kuehn: Right now, I really like doing Special in the Café with Lucy

Mary Faber: Right now, If You Were Gay. Changes though.

PRTC:  Funniest on-stage moment?

Darren Buestone: Uh, Loud as the hell you want. [More Laughter]

Sala Iwamatsu: It's only when someone messes up of course [Laughter]

Jason Jacoby: I get to point at someone in the audience during The Internet is For Porn and their reaction is always the best.

Victoria Kuehn: The other night there was this earthquake sort of sound cue that was going on for far too long so we sort of had to acknowledge it because the audience obviously knew something was going on, but everybody laughed

Mary Faber: Once, one of the Blue Bear's eyeballs fell off during a scene and it was very difficult not to laugh, in fact I did laugh during that.

PRTC: Favorite moment you've spent with your cast so far?

Darren Buestone: I feel like our tenth anniversary. It felt like another opening of the entire show, so it was cool! We had so many of the original people come back and original creative team come back, and had a great party so it really felt like we had 'opened' the show again.

Sala Iwamatsu: Uhm... Before the show we have a ritual where we all put our hands together and do one of those where you say a word or something like that and it's a bonding moment before we all sing together.

Jason Jacoby: I think the anniversary last year, the 10 year anniversary

Victoria Kuehn: The 10th anniversary last year was pretty special. It was amazing to be part of the show and then all the alumni were coming to visit and so, ya know, it's pretty cool

Mary Faber: I think singing For Now with them because it's such a great song and it's a great moment for us all to connect.

PRTC: What do you think makes this show a hit?

Darren Buestone: It's so remarkably well written that every moment you're like "That's so true! That's absolutely my life!

Sala Iwamatsu: The heart.....and the puppets.

Jason Jacoby: It's relevant, and accesible and really really well written and unbelievably funny.

Victoria Kuehn: The amount of heart that matches the humor. Obviously it's very funny, but every subject they're talking about is so true and heartfelt that everyone can relate to it.

Mary Faber: I think it's not just a dirty, funny puppet show, it actually has great heart, and all the songs and lessons you learn from it actually apply to everyone, so I think it's really a brilliantly written show. 

PRTC: What is your favorite scene in the show?

Darren Buestone: For Now. I think that's the most poignant and it really ties the whole show together and it's my favorite one to do. I think that audiences, after seeing hysterical puppets for 2 hours,they're all of a sudden like "Oh wow, this has heart."

Sala Iwamatsu: It's one I'm not in, it's Purpose.

Jason Jacoby:  I must say If you Were Gay, the first scene I did with Nikky and Rod.

Victoria Kuehn: I always cry at For Now. I love For Now. It's definitely tiring because it's the final song in the show but it really hits home for us.

Mary Faber: I think Purpose.

Again I hope to get to see you all TOMORROW at Broadway In Bryant Park! 

The Phantom Of The Opera attends the Masquerade at 106.7 LITES FM's Broadway In Bryant Park 2014 and 15 Things The Musical Taught Us All

On Thursday, the audience was also able to witness another timeless classic.

The Phantom Of The Opera

Anyone who knows me knows that Phantom has been one of my all time favorite shows since age 5. I grew up listening to it, singing it, and adoring it. It is simply one of the most entrancing shows to ever come to Broadway. 

Externally a show about a man who falls in love with a young, beautiful chorus girl, the show has come to teach us all many things.

1. To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world

2. Sometimes you have to break down someone's walls and take off their mask to see who they truly are

3. Listen to the Music of the Night

4. Those who speak of what they know, find too late that prudent silence is wise.

5. Always leave Box 5 open

6. Don't believe the voice coming from behind your mirror when he tells you he's an angel

7. Let daylight dry your tears

8. Outcasts need love too

9. We're past the point of no return

10. When attracted to darkness, the senses abandon their defenses

11. Be wary of falling chandeliers

12. Someone who may seem cruel, and a monster, may just be dying for the smallest bit of sympathy and love

13. Keep your hand at the level of your eyes

14. After too many years fighting back tears, sometimes the past won't die

15. The Phantom Of The Opera is there inside my mind

Some people tend to believe that you can just watch the movie and appreciate the show entirely, and to this I strongly disagree. If you physically cannot get to see the show, you can find the 25th Anniversary with Sierra which is positively fantastic.

Phantom is by far one of the intricate shows on Broadway right now (and is also the longest running show on broadway). Some people fail to realize that Mr. Webber wrote the show around a book from all the way back by Leroux called  Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, which was written about the strange events that came to pass in the Paris Opera house in the 1880s (which in itself is a maze of passageways.)

I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Jeremy Stolle (Who performed as The Phantom, and is typically Passarino, as well as the u/s for Raoul, Phantom AND Piangi), Jeremy Hays (who performed as Raoul) and Mary Michaela Patterson (Christine) before they performed the hits "The Phantom Of The Opera," "All I Ask Of You," and "Music Of The Night." (Which just so happen to be my favorite songs from the show.)

PRTC: Describe your overall experience working on Phantom.

Mary Patterson: Amazing. It's been one of the greatest years of my life.

Jeremy Stolle: [Laughter] Epic. It's hard. It's a dream. It's really cool to do every night. 

Jeremy Hays: Ah! It has been absolutely fantastic. It is a building full of very talented people and we have a great time every night.

PRTC: What has been your favorite moment spent with your cast mates?

Mary Patterson: I love our preshow. Jeremy always comes in to chat before the show to just catch up and be people off the stage and that's one of my favorite moments.

Jeremy Stolle: Definitely backstage, doing social media shenanigans, it's a sweet time.

Jeremy Hays: I would say every time we get together for a birthday or for someone... We always have a blast. It's always a good show

PRTC: What is your favorite scene to perform?

Mary Patterson: Right now it's Don Juan

Jeremy Stolle: Final Lair

Jeremy Hays: Final Lair is definitely my favorite scene

PRTC: What's the hardest song to perform?

Mary Patterson: Think Of Me

Jeremy Stolle:  Music Of The Night

Jeremy Hays: Oooo, the Final Lair

PRTC: Does Christine belong with Raoul or Erik?

Mary Patterson: She belongs with Raoul, because that's, ya know, the way it's written and that's the way it's supposed to be, but there would be an argument for her being with the Phantom

Jeremy Stolle: [Laughter] Ya know, Christine belongs by herself, she's got some more learning to do

Jeremy Hays: Raoul! Of course!

PRTC: Describe The Phantom Of The Opera in 1 word.

Mary Patterson: Timeless

Jeremy Stolle: Misunderstood.

Jeremy Hays: Love

PRTC: Describe your experience with your cast in 1 word

Mary Patterson: Hilarious [Laughter]

Jeremy Stolle: Epic.

Jeremy Hays: Wonderful

Jeremy also wants future audiences to know that "It's a love story, but it's a complicated love story."

PRTC was shocked to find that no one in the cast had seen Love Never Dies! If you haven't yet, we highly recommend it, seeing as it's a continuation of the classic with QUITE a twist, and takes place here in our beautiful New York!

I again hope to see all you lovelies next week in Bryant Park! If you see me, please swing by and say hello!

Cinderella attends the Ball at 106.7 LITE FM's Broadway In Bryant Park 2014

It's Thursday! You all know what that means! 106.7 LITE FM's Broadway in Bryant Park!

This week, one of the 5 shows to perform was Cinderella.

I had the opportunity to see this show during previews and I highly recommend it to everyone. Me being me, I wasn't initially COMPLETELY stoked for the show.

When you hear Cinderella, you instantaneously think of the very stereotypical original tale you grew up watching on VCR (Does anyone watch VCR's anymore? Anyway.) And when you hear Rodgers + Hammerstein, you think of Oklahoma, which takes quite a while to grow on everyone.

However, this Cinderella is for everyone. It's a completely new take on the timeless classic, and the cast executes it in a way you would think "Impossible," and your night in the theater is assured to be quite "A Lovely Night" for all ages. I happened to be sitting next to a young girl, about 7, who enjoyed the spectacle as much as me, my mother, and the couple behind us that appeared to be about 20. The songs are beautifully sang and choreographed and the show transports you back in time, while somehow managing to still be relatable.

Today, the roles of Ella, Topher, Gabrielle and Madame were played by their usual Cast. They held the audience with their talent and the music spoke for itself. Those in attendance were able to witness Jill Abramovitz (typically the Lady Of Ridicule and ensemble member) perform in place of Victoria Clark as Marie. I must honestly say, she is the youngest woman I have seen execute Impossible perfectly, and her voice is phenomenal. We also got to see Laura Irion perform in place of Ann HArada as Charlotte. I must say, while I adored Victoria and Ann in these roles, I really want to see these two fully perform the show because they perform the roles so perfectly.

It was a wonder to see Paige perform as Ella because she has a beautiful, strong glow to her that conveys Ella positively perfectly opposite Joe Carrol's Topher.

Overall, the cast is so kind and genuine, which is what makes Broadway in the Park such a wonderful thing, because at lunch you sit in this beautiful park, and you meet so many new people, and you get to meet and enjoy these Broadway performers, which isn't something you can get everywhere. 

They performed A Lovely Night, Impossible, and Loneliness of Evening (LINKS TO COME!)

Before their performance, I got the opportunity to talk to the cast that was present, who were absolutely overjoyed to perform at 106.7's Broadway In Bryant Park.


PRTC: Cinderella is a timeless classic. What do you like about the different aspects that are in the musical that weren't in the original?

Joe Carroll (Prince Topher) (@Joe_Carrollmich):  "I like that they've made Prince Topher a bit clueless and goofy, you know he's not the sort of archetype of a handsome prince. That's my favorite part about my part in particular. I like that there are some redeeming qualities to Gabrielle, so that at least one of the step sisters isn't as awful as they normally are. And the comedy! I like that it's so much funnier than the original"

Paige Faure (Ella): "I like how Cinderella really takes control of her destiny and really shows that she learns that she has power. It's really inspirational for me and a lot of young girls to realize that they can be smart and talented and really own who they are"

Stephanie Gibson (Gabrielle): "I love that this one has a new spin on it. It still has the classic fairy tale everybody knows and loves, but it sort of keeps you guessing, it keeps you interested and excited and it's a fun new take. It's quirkier, especially the role I play. there's some new added characters and I just think it keeps it fun and keeps everybody on their toes."

Laura Irion (Ensemble, Performing as Charlotte): "The Rodgers + Hammerstein songs are just, so beautiful, with a wonderful orchestra, and the story itself is just more relatable to girls today."

Jill Abramovitz (Ensemble, performing as Marie)(Jillaonline.com): "I think there's an incredible humor in our version. It's very human, it's very quirky, just like humans are and I think the audience really enjoys it


PRTC: Describe your Character in one word.

Joe Carroll: "Clueless." 

Paige Faure: "Oh gosh, oh goodness! Open."

Stephanie Gibson: "Ooo! Ding-dong-brain! [laughter]"

Laura Irion: "I understudy Charlotte, so to describe her I guess I would need to use two words. She's A stinker."

Jill Abramovitz: "Well normally I'm part of the ensemble, so, the word I'd use for her is competitive."



PRTC: Are there any parallels between you and your character?

Joe Carroll: "Absolutely."

Paige Faure: "Definitely, I think I more so at the end of the play when she is confident and strong, but I think that I've gone through some of the growth she's gone through as well as a girl becoming a woman."

Stephanie Gibson: "Absolutely, almost too many! She's fun and spirited and full of life, and by the end she makes a major shift. By the end, its embracing herself, and this free spirit, and having fun, and being in love."

Laura Irion: "Oh absolutely, sometimes I'm a little sassy too."

Jill Abramovitz: "Sure, aren't we all competitive? Although, I most want to lay down in a corner and drink coffee. [Laughter]"


PRTC: Favorite scene to perform?

Joe Carroll: "I really like singing "Loneliness of Evening" with Paige, and the "Ten Minutes Ago" sequence when we see each other for the first time"

Paige Faure: "There's something about the song "He Was Tall" that there's a great freedom in it. It's just me on stage and there's sets moving behind me but it's really about reminiscing about what just happened and it's kind of creating these pictures of what just happened. It's my That Just Happened moment and there's something kind of beautiful about Living in that dream world that became a reality and making it real for yourself that I love just looking out to the darkness of the audience and performing that."

Stephanie Gibson: "The one with Jean-Michel where we kiss and fall in love for sure."

Laura Irion: "I love doing "A Lovely Night," but in my normal role, the waltz at ball is just a dream because I've done this show with my same partner for about 500 performances, and we've gotten it down, and it's just kind of lovely to relax and dance and trust your partner."

Jill Abramovitz: "I love the waltz. It's just beautiful and I love it. I love the chance I get to dance with a partner.


PRTC: Hardest scene to perform?

Joe Carroll: "The Ball. The whole ten minute dance number never gets easier."

Paige Faure: "The Hardest scenes to perform are definitely the moments before the transformations when I'm crossing my fingers, going 'Alright just one more time' because I want the magic to be there and everyone to have the best experience possible, so there's always a bit of nerves about 'Oh i hope everything deploys correctly [Laughter].

Stephanie Gibson: "One day, chasing after Cinderella with a tea kettle, I tripped and I fell on my face. [Laughter] I literally tripped and fell and I jumped up and I was like 'I'm ok! I'm alright!' but it was one of those theater moments where you felt the support of the audience but you move through it, and you found out they were forgiving."

Laura Irion : "Perhaps [laughter] I guess when I'm on as Charlotte, it would be the scenes with a ton of people, because I feel like I get in people's way everyone once and a while, and I'm in such a big costume, I'm afraid of hitting someone in the face with my giant collar, so I guess it would be just manuevering through everyone's normal track, trying not to mess anything up."

Jill Abramovitz: "The waltz as well, [laughter]"


PRTC: Describe Cinderella in one word.

Joe Carroll: "Breathtaking."

Paige Faure: "Magical."

Stephanie Gibson: "Timeless."

Laura Irion: "Magical."

Jill Abramovitz: "Surprising."


PRTC: Favorite moment you've had with your cast mates since joining the show?

Joe Carroll: "OOO, my first performance, I felt like, because I, as you are a replacement you feel crazy overprepared but underrehearsed and everybody came together to support, and they were all just so incredible supportive so I think that really will go down as my favorite moment."

Paige Faure: "Any time when we are all on stage and I can look into everyone's eyes and connect because I'm so alone during this show. I'm in my own little corner so much and constantly changing clothes backstage so I don't get to be as social as I would like to be, so when we're on stage together and I can look at my fellow cast mates and really connect with them, that's my favorite thing."

Stephanie Gibson: "Our opening night was pretty unbelievable, and getting to step into the role the first night of that as well was just wonderful"

Laura Irion: "I do have to say, doing the Tony's was really incredible because we were all up at the crack of dawn, getting ready, putting on our ball gowns, it was just so exciting. I really loved that, and just getting to be with them on stage everyday is just a dream. We just kind of have to remind ourselves, 'Hey, we get payed to play around with each other, and it makes people feel good,' and I just love being around other people"

Jill Abramovitz: "Maybe performing on the Tony's, because I'm not traditionally a dancer, so for me to perform on live television was a big challenge and meant so much to me to be with our cast is so wonderful because they're my family and I love them"


PRTC: What's something you want audiences to know about Cinderella?

Joe Carroll: "I want them to know it's not the Cinderella you expect, but it's the Cinderella you know and love, so it's unexpected but really really wonderful"

Paige Faure: "That it is not just for kids. It really is so touching. I mean, people come on dates to see this show, adults, of all ages, and it's funny and it's not just my mom who cried. Everyone who I see at the stage door is just 'This is just a beautiful show,' so I would say this is for everyone. "

Stephanie Gibson: "I promise you'll never forget it."

Laura Irion: "Come see it!"

Jill Abramovitz: "How completely irreverent everyone is backstage and what an awesome show we come together to make."

Next Thursday, make sure to catch ROCK OF AGES, ONCE, HEATHERS and GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER as they take the stage for the FOURTH week of 106.7 LITE FM’s Broadway in Bryant Park next Thursday, July 31^st. And be sure to catch Cinderella at The Broadway Theater

UPDATE:

Loneliness of Evening
Impossible

I really liked this photo by Steve Prue for Clear Channel New York so I thought I would throw it in with the usual photos~

Cute Is What They Aimed For

They're back alright! (though if you didn't know that I don't know- Nevermind.) Anyway! Yes, this wonderful epitome of Pop Punk is back. Shaant Hacikyan has come full circle and is back on the music scene.

As most of you know, he is from my home, New York, though he is specifically from Buffalo.

Some of you may be wondering who they are. Well, in the off chance you have forgotten, they are the wonders who wrote none other than the hit Curse Of Curves.

Signed in fall of 2005 with Fueled By Ramen, the band was an almost instant hit with listeners everywhere, even after they parted ways with their label in April of 2009 after the release of Rotation in 2008.

However, I do commend Shaant to his reaction to reality. Rather than throwing a temper tantrum and going truly off the handle, he checked himself into rehab in October of 2009.

I had the privilege of seeing CIWWAF's set at the Wantagh date of Warped tour. Shaant was lively, and just as good as ever. Their set was by far one of the most enjoyable, speaking words of passion for music and life, encouraging musicians and anyone with a passion to pursue it. Thank goodness.

The problem with most bands is a loss for the care they once held for their hands, but I can confirm that is not the case here.
In an interview, he recently said "You can be that far down, but you can pick yourself back up. I want to make an impact. For a while I was scared to say that. I want to do to those who listen to the music I make what they have done for me, which is keep me alive. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that for anybody but it's my hope, and it's a big hope." 

Bands like this encourage listeners to keep supporting them. I leave below links to their website, facebook, and a top 5 of their songs.

Stay Wicked my lovelies, 
-Celeste

Facebook
Official website (With gnarly summer samples!)

Top songs:
Practice Makes Perfect
Loser
Newport Living
Curse of Curves
Lyrical Lies

Also definitely check out their latest single
A Closed My Mind WITH an Open Mouth

The Idea That Shook The World.

Summer is a great time for everyone to experience musical theater, and the next project i have to report is Atomic. It's a new off-Broadway rock musical that delves into, focusing on Leo Szilard who lies in-between ethics, progress, and love during The Manhattan Project

This musical being one of the many to appear at Broadway In The Park, has blown most "new musicals" out of the water, at least in the Punk Rock Theater Chick's mind.

The sample Park-goers were lucky enough to receive at Broadway In The Park was positively splendid. 

While there, I was able to meet the composer and actors, and I must say, if for little else but their personalities, this show will succeed. 

Broadway, unlike Television, is a place where while you pretend to be someone else in a dark theater for two hours, your true soul is bared to the audience, 100%, and your cast can make or break your show. If there isn't in-cast chemistry, or they detest the show, the audience can easily pick up on it. This cast is almost guaranteed to make this musical a success.

Though, I must say, the show speaks for its cast. It comes across an event that changed the world, while throwing in a spectacular, modern score that makes the show a complete seller to fans.

Danny Ginges, Gregory Bonisgnore and Philip Foxman managed to seamlessly weave together modern spectacle with a story of old that excites everyone from the "Rock On Teen" to the Theater Going Oldies. 

The cast is made up of such a positive energy that it's sure to be a hit with audiences everywhere.

Their performance, one of the most interesting I have seen, was done by Sarah Gettelfinger, Jonathon Hammond, Randy Harrison, Jeremy Kushnier and Grace stockdale. While I haven't found any copies of the show's performance online, I will be sure to update this article to share it with you if I'm able to come across it.

The cast and creative team include David Abeles, Alexis Fishman, Sara Gettelfinger, Ethan Hammond, Randy Harrison, Jeremy Kushnier, James David Larson, Euan Morton, Grace Stockdale, and the creavtive list goes on and on, as these 9 actors bring to life a story to shake the off-broadway world.

Plus, the punk-rock tunes make it ideal for those who read this blog!

This spectacle is only here for an 8 week run ending on August 16th, so if you only have one opportunity to see a show while you're here, I recommend it, as you won't have much of an chance to. Plus! big bonus! Tickets are only about 70$. 

You can catch it at The Acorn Theatre. I guarantee it leaves an impact on you.

Atomic's Website

Atomic's Facebook

Atomic Sizzle Reel

"Headlights" From Atomic (I recommend this song a lot, if only because it's so powerful and beautiful) 

Till next time, stay wicked

-Celeste

Wicked Through And Through

So, I thought I should start out with a little bit of the most stereotypical musical out there for new theater go-ers. WIcked!

I chose to start with Wicked for many reasons. Mostly because even though everyone has heard of it, people put it as far out of their reach as possible and don't think they can remotely fantasize about it.

Well, you can.

The show (and I'm not the one who told you this) can be found online. If you like it, try to support the show as much as possible! I know a lot of teens can't afford to go to the theater every chance they get, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the show AND support them!

Just last Thursday, July 10th, the cast of Wicked performed at Broadway In Bryant Park along with many others.

I was able to meet the cast personally and it was positively WONDERFUL! Those who work to run Broadway in the Park do a fantastic job, and I hope to get a closer look at the end of this year or next.

Anyway, the entire cast of Wicked were absolute sweethearts. Performing were Christine Dwyer, Jenni Barber, and Justin Guarini.

AND HERE COMES THE PUNK ROCK ASPECT OF MUSICAL THEATER!
As many of you know, in February 2011, Justin was Will in American Idiot on Broadway. He also was the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson in the first season of American Idol in 2002.

Anyway, they were all complete dolls, and completely talented! Jenni Barber brought a whole new style into the voice of Glinda during one of the most Popular songs, Popular!

I have heard the song performed many different ways. Every actress brings something new to it, and though no two versions are truly comparable, Jenni has definitely performed my favorite rendition of Popular. On top of this, she is an absolute doll. THe entire cast is so down to earth. Jenni made her Broadway debut in The 25th annual Putnam County spelling Bee in 2007. Since, she has acted in From Up Here, As You Like It, Cactus Flower, The Performers, The Nance, AND NOW PERFORMS SPECTACULARLY AS GLINDA.

She stopped and took photos and spoke to every fan individually, and formed connections with Broadway IN The Park go-ers that almost guaranteed that if they hadn't planned on it before, they are almost sure to see it now, if only to support such a wonderful woman.

In addition to Popular, the second solo performed was performed by Christine Dwyer. A perfect match to Justin in As Long As You're Mine, she excellently executed The Wizard And I. Like Jenni, she brings a new level to the role. It was also wonderful to watch her meet Jackie Burns, a previous Elphaba. She is absurdly full of love and talent. She is the kind of star you could picture having coffee with, or having a night in watching movies. She is completely down to earth and completely lovable. She has a wonderful aura that inflicts positive vibes around her, and it is evident to see when she was having such a lovely time with her cast mates, the cast of other shows, and her fans. Christine has also played Maureen in the RENT National Tour, as well as in Open For Me, New Hopeville Comics, and Gypsy.

It's casts like these that make you want to see these shows. Your cast can make or break your show. Even if you have seen it already, I recommend seeing it with this wonderful cast. I have a couple links of the performance below, as well as photos that these three lovely people took with me.

I hope to inform you guys more about Broadway In The Park as it comes up, assuring you guys a post every Thursday.

Anyway, the show has won over 50 major awards, including a Grammy and 3 Tony awards. "WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good." To see it on broadway, you can see it at the Gershwin Theatre. It's recommended for kids over 8.

This show has definitely changed my life, personally. In a busy world with everything going on, you can go to the Gershwin, sit in the dark for a little over 2 hours, and become a child again. You can enjoy yourself and forget the world. It's raw, it's enchanting, it's the most personal, and the most ornate show I have had the pleasure of watching in a long time. It stays with every little girl and grown women. It leaves a mark on every little boy, and every man. I have yet to meet someone who can't enjoy it's awe and wonder. If you could only see one show, I would recommend seeing this one. Don't live in New York? No problem! It's on a tour across America. CLick HERE to find the one nearest you. 

Most importantly, they give back. That's what's truly important to me at least. The organizations they're included with are Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids,  Broadway Green Alliance (get it? Green! *Ba dum tiss!*), Bully Bust, NRDC, The Trevor Project, and VDAY!

Stay Wicked My Loves,
-Celeste.

Jenni Barber Performing Popular
Christine Dwyer Performing The Wizard And I
Christine Dwyer and Justin Guarini Performing As Long As You're Mine

Note- I did not film or post these. I am merely sharing them for your viewing pleasure.

What The Hell Is A Punk Rock Theater Chick?

Hello all! So
Welcome to Punk Rock Theater Chick!
Total purpose? To combine my two favorite things. Musical theater and Rock Music. (Punk Rock Theater Chick just sounds better. You know it, I know it. We all know it.)
SO!
For the first two weeks there is going to be a bit of spam as I try to cover as much as I can in here to really show off my base and I hope you stick around for this.
Stay Wicked!
-Celeste