The Columnist

Margaret Colin and John Lithgow, Photo Credit: Joan Marcus"I don't need to be busy. I need to be necessary!" is one of the most powerful lines I have ever heard in a play. Brilliantly delivered by Margaret Colin, in Manhattan Theatre Club's production of David Auburn's "The Columnist," this show is definitely one worth taking in.

Starring John Lithgow, Margaret Colin, Boyd Gaines, Stephen Kunken, Marc Bonan, Grace Gummer, and Brian J. Smith, "The Columnist" tells the story of journalist "Joseph Alsop," equistiely performed by Tony and Emmy Award winner John Lithgow. "Joseph Alsop" was one of the most beloved, feared, and courted political journalists in Washington during the 1960s. As time went on and the climate changed, the political dramas "Joseph" talked about became very personal.

While "The Columnist" is about the life "Joseph Alsop" during the 60s, it really tells a story about self love, respect, and acceptance. One of the most interesting aspects of a period piece like "The Columnist" is getting to compare life today to life back then. There are so many timely issues in "The Columnist" that still resonate strongly today. "The Columnist touches on politics, war, homosexuality, love, sacrifice, parenting, blended families, and sibling relations.

Brian J. Smith, Photo Credit: Joan MarcusJohn Lithgow, Photo credit: Joan MarcusJohn Lithgow received a Tony nomination for his portrayal of "Joseph Alsop," and after seeing the show, I see exactly why he was so worthy of this honor. John's performance is mesmerizing and commanding. John has many emotional scenes throughout "The Columnist" which he performs wonderfully. I am able to feel the angst, sadness, and frustration which John emotes. Margaret Colin triumphantly portrays John's fiance "Susan Mary Alsop" who's self discovery is quite remarkable to watch, especially when she gets to "I don't want to be busy. I want to be necessary!" Margaret powerfully delivers this emotional moment. From that moment on, I feel a new woman is born. As "Andrei," Brian J. Smith is perfectly cast. More than just a pretty face, Brian's talent is noticeable from the start. Acting solely with John Lithgow, Brian stands on his own, making me focus equally on both actors. I have not seen an actor retain a character's accent as well as Brian in a long time. Grace Gummer did an excellent job as "Abigail," Margaret's daughter. This is the second show, I've seen Grace in, and once again, she is so enjoyable to watch, especially her very touching scene with John. Rounding out the cast are Boyd Gaines as "Stewart Alsop," John's brother, Stephen Kunken as "Halberstam," and Marc Bonan as "Philip" who all did a fine job.

John Lithgow and Grace Gummer, Photo Credit: Joan MarcusIf you are looking for a show to relate to, inspire you, or you just want to see good acting, then I suggest checking out "The Columnist" at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in NYC (261 West 47th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue). Click here for tickets!

John Lithgow and Adam RothenbergBrian J. Smith and Adam RothenbergGrace Gummer and Adam Rothenberg

The Music of Daniel Lincoln: 4 Scores and 7 Shows Ago

Adam Rothenberg and Daniel Lincoln"Happy Ever After" is exactly how I would describe my feelings after attending Daniel Lincoln's sold-out "4 Scores and 7 Shows Ago" on Monday, May 14, 2012 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC, a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Daniel Lincoln is a rising singer/songwriter who's music is introspective, humorous, and most of all, very well written!

This was my first introduction to Daniel's music and I am happy to say, he has my support! Not only did Daniel write the songs, but he sang quite a few of them along with the extrememly talented performers he assembled for this showcase!

Joining Daniel on stage were Brittany Marie Arnao, Madeline Bundy, Brian Cali, Lucia Spina (who filled in 48 hours before show time for Michelle Dowdy who lost her voice due to illness), Janara Kellerman, Dimitri Joseph Moise, Ryan Raftery, Ricky Schroeder, Sasha Weiss, and Jody Cole Wood. Each of these performers sang wonderfully with songs that really suited their voices! They performed several songs from Daniel's musicals in addition to some new songs. 

I really enjoyed all of the songs, but a few of my favorites were "Happy Ever After," "I'm Ready," "You Need Me," "Take You Down," "I'm More Than That," "Star Power," "Last Call," "Happy," and "No Shame." One of the things I love about Daniel's music is the way he's able to write a song that speaks to many different parts of me. One trait of a great songwriter, in my opinion, is that while some of these songs were written for a show, they are able to stand alone as well.

Daniel Lincoln is a successful singer/songwriter because he writes songs that many people can relate to, even when they are written for a specific character. Daniel also knows how to connect with his audience, which is what makes him an amazing performer. The next time Daniel Lincoln has a concert of his music, I would highly recommend attending!

For more on Daniel Lincoln visit http://www.danielmlincoln.com!

Nicky Silver's The Lyons

Cast of "The Lyons", Photo Credit: Carol RoseggAfter a successful sold-out, twice-extended run at The Vineyard Theatre, Nicky Silver is making his playwrighting Broadway debut with "The Lyons." This gem of a play is a laugh out loud experience. Nicky is a brilliant playwright because he has written a dark comedy that actually deals with many emotional topics: family relations, death, illness, homosexuality, sobriety, and loneliness.

"The Lyons" tells the story of "Rita Lyons," the indomitable matriarch of a dysfunctional family at a major crossroads. Her husband is dying, her son is in a dubious relationship, her daughter is barely holding it together. And worst of all, Rita can't figure out how to redesign her living room!

Linda Lavin, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggDick Latessa and Brenda Pressley, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggHelping bring this show to life is a cast of extraordinary performers: Tony and Golden Globe Award winner Linda Lavin, as "Rita Lyons," Tony Award winner Dick Latessa as "Ben Lyons," Michael Esper as "Curtis Lyons," Kate Jennings Grant as "Lisa Lyons," Brenda Pressley as "A Nurse," and Gregory Wooddell as "Brian."

The whole cast deserves a standing ovation, even though Linda Lavin definitely leads the cast with her equisite acting skills, especially her facial expressions, which perfectly captures her thoughts (on a personal note, it was quite amazing to watch Linda last night belt out all the great songs from her debut CD "Possibilities" and then to see her tonight as "Rita Lyons." It's no wonder Linda received a Tony nomination for this role). Dick Latessa is well cast as "Ben Lyons," helping make the show very enjoyable. Michael Esper and Kate Jennings Grant are great as "Curtis and Lisa Lyons." Their performances are strong and emotional, making me feel as though they were real life siblings. Brenda brings a lot of heart as the "Nurse" to her scenes, especially in the second act, while Gregory did a wonderful job letting the audience in on many revelations about "The Lyons."

Kate Jennings Grant and Michael Esper, Photo Credit: Carol RoseggMichael Esper and Gregory Wooddell, Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg"The Lyons" is such a strong show, the time just flew by. Another reason Nicky and this cast should be applauded is because "The Lyons" allowed me laugh at difficult topics and really connect with each character. If you are looking for a moving show that will also lift your spirits, I would highly suggest spending time with "The Lyons" at the Cort Theatre in NYC (138 West 48th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenue). Click here for tickets!

Linda Lavin at The Metropolitan Room: Possibilities CD Release Party

Linda Lavin and Adam Rothenberg, Photo Credit: Chip DuckettTo get to hear Linda Lavin sing is a treat, but to get to see Linda Lavin sing live is a gift. That's exactly what I thought while attending her CD release party, at the Metropolitan Room in NYC, for her debut CD "Possibilities," released on the Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight record label.

On CD, I can tell Linda enjoys singing, but watching Linda perform these songs live, gave me the full view of just how much energy, love, and joy she gets from singing. Backed by her incredibly talented band, consisting of the legendary Billy Stritch who was her musical director in addition to pianist, Linda's talented husband Steve Bakunas on drums, and the amazing Steve Doyle on bass, it was great getting to hear Linda sing so many wonderful songs.

Linda Lavin "Possibilties" CD Release Party, Photo Credit: Stephen SorokoffLinda Lavin "Possibilties" CD Release Party, Photo Credit: Stephen SorokoffFrom the quiet moments on "Two For The Road" or "Corcovado (Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars)" to the upbeat tunes on "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" or "There's A Small Hotel" to her beautiful belt on "The Song Remembers When" or "You've Got Possibilties," Linda is in tune with her vocal power. She performed many of the songs from "Possibilities" as well as a few surprises such as the "Alice" theme song and "The Boy From..." which she sang in the original Off-Broadway production of "The Mad Show." 

The other great aspect of attending a live Linda Lavin show, which I'm glad this CD release party was a release concert, is the numerous stories she tells in between songs. Linda's a natural story teller. The stories flow out of her so effortlessly and made me feel like were just sitting around her living room talking. See, that is another key aspect to Linda's live shows, the way she makes everyone feel so comfortable and relaxed. One of my favorite stories was hearing Linda talk about her days singing in the "downstairs" of night clubs when she first came to NY as she was tyring to get theatre work. She jokes about how all the clubs she sang in were "downstairs," and now it means so much to perform street level now.

Linda has created an amazing career for herself. From TV to theatre to music, Linda can do it all. "Possibilities" is a strong debut and I hope it's just the beginning of a long recording career! Linda's singing voice needs to be heard and let's hope there will always be a live show to along with that singing.

"Possibilities" is available now through Amazon, iTunes, and Sh-K-Boom records. For more on Linda and "Possibilities" check out my interview with Linda, "Possibilites" review, and of course http://www.lindalavin.com or her Official Facebook Fan Page!

Linda Lavin's Debut CD: Possibilities

If you are looking for a CD to relax you after a long day or take with you on vacation, then I would highly recommend picking up Linda Lavin's debut CD "Possibilities." Inspired from Linda's nightclub act, with the title coming from "You've Got Possibilities," which Linda sang in the Broadway production of Hal Prince's "It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's Superman," Linda has recorded an album made for everyone.

From jazz and swing to the American Songbook, "Possibilities" takes you on a journey of love, hope, and reflection. Linda's voice is in fine form on "Possibilities!" She hits all the right notes on each and every song. A few of my favorite songs are "The Songs Remember When," "There's A Small Hotel," "Rhode Island Is Famous For You," and "You've Got Possibilities."

I love these particular songs because of their message of love and hope. "The Song Remembers When" is one of my all time favorite songs about looking back on lost love. Linda does a great job with this song. She really touches upon the emotional ties of the song. "There's A Small Hotel," "Rhode Island Is Famous For You," and "You've Got Possibilties" are three fun songs about one lover wanting to be with the other. All three songs talk about moving a relationship from one level to the next, in different ways. Linda's energy and upbeat vocals on these songs really show the strong feeling of love and hope.

"Possibilities" is a fun album that crosses many genres and styles. It's an album that will make you feel good! Linda is celebrating "Possibilities" with a release party at The Metropolitan Room in NYC (34 West 22nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenue) on Sunday, May 6 and Monday, May 7 at 9:30pm! Click here for tickets to an enjoyable evening of music by a talented singer!

For more on Linda be sure to visit http://www.lindalavin.com and on herOfficial Facebook Fan Page!