My Tawny Valentine: Heart Full of Fun

On Friday, February 17, 2012, I attended OBIE Award Winner David Drake's new one-man show "My Tawny Valentine" at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC. Performing as his alter ego, Tawny Heatherton, "My Tawny Valentine" takes the audience on the wild ride that is Tawny's life. From her humble beginnings on Long Island to becoming an international one-hit-wonder to finding love, Tawny's roller coaster life is played out perfectly by David! What makes David such a remarkable writer and performer is that he KNOWS his craft. He effortlessly entices the audience with his words. In this particular show, I quickly forgot David was performing and just focused on Tawny. I felt as though Tawny Heatherton was a real person and not a character created by David.

In "My Tawny Valentine," David brings Tawny to life. With a mixture of song, multi-media, and scripted text, Tawny highlights her life. While most of the show is scripted, I felt as though some parts of the show were improvised, especially when Tawny interacts with the audience. (That is one more reason David is a genius writer, because I couldn't fully tell if the parts I felt were improvised were or if they were part of the script). One thing that made Tawny so real to me was the display of her vulnerability. The excitement of her rise in the music world is quite evident, but it was the tough moments, the heartache, Tawny has suffered throughout her life that really made me feel for her. Without giving too much away, there are a few heavy moments amist the humor and fun. I like that a lot! I feel it reflects the way someone's life really is.

David Drake as Tawny HeathertonA quality writer and performer truly knows how to make the audience believe what is being shown before them. David Drake is of that high quality because he has created a show that demonstrates this sentiment. He really knows how to write a show with a lot of humor and pure heart!

"My Tawny Valentine" plays the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC (407 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenue) every Friday at 7:30pm through March 2, with an added performance on Thursday, February 23 and March 1. Click here for tickets!

Will and Anthony Nunziata Debut CD: Make Someone Happy

With a modern sound, twin brothers Will and Anthony Nunziata's debut CD, "Make Someone Happy," is a delightful preservation of music. From the Great American Songbook to Broadway classics to contemporary hits, "Make Someone Happy," will light up any room with it's warmth, good feelings, and strong output. Click here for my "Make Someone Happy" interview with Will and Anthony.

Will and Anthony's voices blend perfectly together from beginning to end. Dividing the album between duets and solo numbers, every song displays their talent. My favorite solo numbers are Anthony's "Ray of Hope" and Will's "When I Fall In Love." I really think these two songs showcase them very well. Together, I also love "Everybody Says Don't," "Smile," "The Prayer," and "Funiculi Funicula." "Everybody Says Don't" is a very inspiring song reminding me to listen to myself over others because nobody knows me like I do. "Funiculi Funicula" is just a really fun song to listen to. "Smile" and "The Prayer" are beautiful renditions that just allow me to be with my thoughts. One of my other favorite aspects of this album is the way Will and Anthony have incorporated their Italian herritage to some of the songs. It really adds an initmacy to the album.

Will Nunziata, Adam Rothenberg, Anthony NunziataI've seen Will and Anthony perform live twice in NYC, last summer at Feinstein's at Loews Regency and this month at Barnes and Noble. On stage, they have great banter and chemistry together and luckily, this charm, has transferred wonderfully to their debut CD "Make Someone Happy."

If you are looking for an album to brighten your day, make you smile with joy, and move the time along, then I highly suggest picking up Will and Anthony Nunziata's debut CD "Make Someone Happy." Click here to purchase!

Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy

Alec Mapa and Adam RothenbergWith a smile on my face as loud laughter emerged from my mouth, I spent the evening of Friday, February 12, 2012, attending Alec Mapa's "Baby Daddy" at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC. Best known for his starring role on "Ugly Betty" as fashion reporter "Suzuki St. Pierre" and guest appearances on "Desperate Housewives" as "Vern," "Gabriel Solis'" personal shopper, Alec Mapa brought his new one man show to life in a big way!

In "Baby Daddy," Alec talks about going from party boy to parenthood. With much humor and the perfect amount of heart, Alec's story is one that everyone can identify with. For me, a gay guy who's not sure where he stands on having children of his own, I could still relate to Alec's journey, because as we all get older our lives and responsibilities change, whether children are involved or not. Like Alec, I have gone from a care-free 20something to a 30something who's found his footing.

The comedic style in which Alec has structured "Baby Daddy" was beyond brilliant. As the show goes from his early days of being a young child watching the Tony Awards to his more wild days on the party scene, Alec's comedy style shifts as well. Moving into the days of becoming a daddy, Alec's comedic genius continues to evolve. I think that was one of my favorite things about this show, was not only watching Alec grow, but watching his craft move at the same rate.

Alec recounts so many hilarious moments from his life. Just as I was doubling over with laughter, Alec found a way to bring heart to some of the craziest moments. Alec talked a lot about how he has so much love to give to his son, even when he thinks he's given all he's got, Alec always finds a way to give that much more. When I came to the show tonight, I just expected to laugh, but I found out that I did more than just laugh. I was moved, inspired, and energized to keep striving to be the best that I can be and love as big as I can. I left this show feeling happy. Happy for Alec that he had this incredible journey. Happy that he has found a creative way to tell his story. Happy that I attended.

With just 1 performance left, tomorrow, Saturday (Feb. 11) at 7:30pm, I highly suggest getting a ticket, if you can, to Alec Mapa's "Baby Daddy." It's an evening I will never forget and one I hope you'll get to remember forever! Click here for tickets!

Freckleface The Musical: Great Family Show

On Saturday, February 4, 2012, I attended the very family-friendly show "Freckleface the Musical" based upon the children's book, "Freckleface Strawberry" by Julianne Moore. Written by Rose Caiola and Gary Kupper, with music and lyrics by Kupper as well, "Freckleface the Musical" connects the dots perfectly!

Enticing children and adults alike, "Freckleface the Musical" really shows the audience that it's okay to be different and everyone has something unique about them. Bringing the book and music to life is a wonderful cast of young performers: Francesca McGrory ("Freckleface Strawberry"), Bridget Riley ("Ballet Girl"), Matthew Hooper ("Jake"/"Fredo"), Sarah Haines ("Mother"/"Teacher"/"Jane"), Ashley Tobias ("Emily"), Wesley Tunison ("Danny"), and William Bailey ("Harry"/"Don Fontaine").

Each one of them shined brightly throughout the show. One of my favorite scenes in the show was where most of the cast jumped roped while singing. In addition the a well written book, the music wonderfully helped move the story along. Some of my favorite numbers were "Perfect," "Lonely Girl," "We Wanna Be Like Them," "Be Yourself," "When You Got Friends," and "Different." Each of these songs added to the emotion of the scenes.

"Freckleface The Musical" is a great way to introduce kids to live theatre. It's colorful, engaging, and full of songs they will sing for hours on end. It's also a wonderful show because it lets kids (and adults) know it's okay to be who they are and to celebrate their differences. "Freckleface The Musical" plays every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 3pm at MMAC Theater at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center in NYC (248 West 60th Street). Click here for tickets! Click here for the original cast recording.

Sister Act The Musical: Still Fabulous Baby!

Tom Greenwald, Carolee Carmello, and MeFabulous baby, is still how I would describe "Sister Act: The Musical" on Broadway, which I saw for the 3rd time on Monday, January 30, 2012. What brought me back to this show, in addition to its feel good vibe, is the fact that one of my favorite performers, Carolee Carmello, is now in the role of "Mother Superior." Thanks to my friend Tom Greenwald, I was able to enjoy this wonderful show again (and a delightful dinner afterwards with him and Carolee)!

Patina Miller and Marla Mindelle, Photo Credit: Joan MarcusCompany of "Sister Act", Photo Credit: Joan MarcusIf you have never seen "Siter Act: The Musical," now is a great time to go and if you have seen it, now is a great time to return! The show is still as fresh as when I saw it almost a year ago. Everyone looks as if they are having a fun time! Based upon the blockbuster hit movie that starred Whoopi Goldberg, "Sister Act: The Musical" follows the same story line, but contains all new original music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Patina Miller, who leads the cast as "Deloris Van Cartier" (the role Whoopi Goldberg played in the movie) continued to hit all the right notes! Marla Mindelle still shined brightly as "Sister Mary Robert," everytime she was on stage, but when she belted her beautifully powerful voice in "Raise Your Voice" and her big solo number "The Life I Never Led," it was simply divine! Chester Gregory continued to be a joy to watch in the role of "Eddie Souther," especially during his solo "I Could Be That Guy." John Treacy Egan ("Joey"), Demond Green ("TJ"), and Ceasar Samayoa ("Pablo") all were still dynomite as the evil henchmen. They really got to show off their talents during their song medly and while Demond does have some terrific additional comedic moments throughout the show which he delivers equisitely. All the women who played the "Sisters" continued to be full of energy, spunk, and harmony. When they sang together, it was gorgeous sound in the air!

Carolee Carmello, Photo Credit: Joan MarcusCast of "Sister Act", Photo Credit: Joan MarcusThis review would not be complete without a paragraph dedicated to Carolee Carmello, who has taken over the role of "Mother Superior." Carolee is simply perfect! Carolee brings a fresh take to the role, not only with her acting, but with her angelic vocals that really took me to heaven, especially on "Here With In These Walls" and "Haven't Got A Prayer," her two big numbers. One of my favorite new moments in the show is right before Carolee sings "Haven't Got A Prayer," she removes her habit, which shows a real vulnerability to "Mother Superior." Carolee nailed that moment, adding much more depth and emotion to that song!

If you're looking for a fabulous show that will take you to heaven, then I highly suggest checking out "Sister Act: The Musical" at the Broadway Theatre in NYC (1681 Broadway, between 52nd and 53rd Street). Click here for tickets!