Damon Kirsche: actor • singer: Fred Barton

Showing posts with label Fred Barton. Show all posts

Feb 29, 2016

Mar. 4 & 5: American Showstoppers: An Evening with Cole Porter, featuring The Fred Barton Orchestra

American SHOWSTOPPERS:

An Evening with COLE PORTER

featuring
THE FRED BARTON ORCHESTRA

Friday, March 4 at 7:30 PM

The Schimmel Center for the Arts at PACE
3 Spruce Street, New York, NY 10038
Box Office: 212.346.1715

Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 PM
Leon M. Goldstein Center for the Arts
2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11235-2398
Box Office: 718.368.5596

Following last season’s tremendous Evening with Irving Berlin and Evening with Johnny Mercer Fred Barton and his 14-piece Orchestra, headlined by a cast of Broadway’s best, will present a collection of Cole Porter’s most distinctive showstoppers. From Broadway to Hollywood, memorable numbers such as "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "Too Darn Hot," "I’ve Got You Under My Skin," "Night And Day," and "Let’s Do It" will be featured alongside hidden gems and numbers that haven’t been heard with Broadway-style orchestration since their debuts up to 90 years ago.

A TIME OUT Critic’s Pick!

The cast includes:

Tony Award©-winner Beth Leavel (Baby, It’s You, Mamma Mia!, 42nd Street);

Karen Murphy (A Little Night Music, Titanic, Les Miserables);

John Bolton (Dames At Sea, Curtains, Spamalot);

Sean McGibbon (Million Dollar Quartet, The Buddy Holly Story);

Lisa Howard (It Shoulda Been You, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee);

Damon Kirsche (On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, Strike Up The Band, Paradise Lost);

Jesse Luttrell (Bawdy, Meet Me In St. Louis);

Paula Leggett Chase (On The Twentieth Century, Bye Bye Birdie, Curtains, The Sound of Music live NBC broadcast).

Scott Thompson directs and choreographs, incorporating his sensational Broadway dancers.

This evening promises to be a song and dance extravaganza in celebration of one of the all-time greatest American songwriters!

“Mr. Barton raised the level of the evening from mere entertainment to great entertainment…this evening was a great success!” – TheaterPizzazz.com

“Absolutely spine-tingling!” – Times Square Chronicles

Highlights from “American Showstoppers: An Evening with Irving Berlin"

Fred Barton (Wikipedia)

FRED BARTON is a musical director, orchestrator, and conductor whose credits include the Broadway production of Cabaret (with Joel Grey), Camelot (with Robert Goulet), Zorba (with Anthony Quinn), Carnegie Hall, and The New York, Boston, and California Pops Orchestras. Previous “Showstoppers” performers include Tony Award©-winners Beth Leavel, Karen Ziemba and Lauren Worsham, Tony Award©-nominees Brent Barrett and Lee Roy Reams and Drama Desk Award-winner Toni DiBuono.

Sep 30, 2015

Oct. 9 & 10: American Showstoppers: An Evening of Johnny Mercer with the Fred Barton Orchestra

American

SHOWSTOPPERS:

An Evening of

JOHNNY MERCER

Discount: Save 10% with discount code: FRIENDS

Goldstar.com members save up to 50%

Friday, October 9 at 7:30 PM

The Schimmel Center for the Arts
Pace University, 3 Spruce Street, New York, NY 10038
Box Office: 212.346.1715

Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 PM

Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre,
Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ 07652 2001
BUY TICKETS

“Damon Kirsche, Lee Roy Reams, Vivian Reed and More Slated for ‘AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS’ at Schimmel Center This Fall” Read more at BroadwayWorld.com.

Join Broadway's Fred Barton, his 14-piece orchestra, and a fleet of first-rate Broadway performers in a tribute to the celebrated lyricist, Johnny Mercer whose lyrics provided commentary on American life through much of the 20th century. His songbook includes such indelible standards as “Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home,” “Hooray for Hollywood,” and the Oscar award winning best song, “Moon River.” His scores for the Broadway stage include LI’L ABNER, ST. LOUIS WOMAN, TOP BANANA and the MGM musical picture "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

Damon Kirsche and Vivian Reed (Photo: Kevin Yatarola)

The cast of 16 Broadway singers and dancers, with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson, is headlined by Damon Kirsche, Tony nominee Lee Roy Reams, two time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Nick Spangler, Tony Nominee Lauren Worsham, and Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba. The cast also features Jesse Luttrell, Sean McGibbon and Molly Pope.

* * *

"Absolutely spine-tingling" - Times Square Chronicles

"One show-stopping number after another. Sensational!" - TheaterPizzazz.com

Clockwise from upper left: Fred Barton / Brent Barrett, Lee Roy Reams, Karen Ziemba /
Bruce Landry, David Elder, Damon Kirsche, Karen Murphy, Jesse Luttrell / The Schimmel Center audience and Company a standing ovation / Natasha Yvette Williams / Damon Kirsche (Photos: Kevin Yatarola / Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts.)

Fred Barton (Wikipedia)

FRED BARTON is a musical director, orchestrator, and conductor whose credits include the Broadway production of Cabaret (with Joel Grey), Camelot (with Robert Goulet), Zorba (with Anthony Quinn), Carnegie Hall, and The New York, Boston, and California Pops Orchestras. Previous “Showstoppers” performers include Tony Award©-winner Beth Leavel, Tony-nominee Lee Roy Reams, and Drama Desk Award-winner Toni DiBuono.

Sep 27, 2014

Oct 18 : American Showstoppers: An Evening of Cy Coleman

American Showstoppers
Featuring The Fred Barton Orchestra
AN EVENING OF CY COLEMAN
Saturday, October 18th at 7:30 PM
Schimmel Center at Pace University | 3 Spruce Street | New York, NY 10038

Broadway composer Cy Coleman once summed up his show business philosophy in a conversation with conductor-arranger Fred Barton: “I like to entertain.”And entertain he did, in a prolific series of the most high-octane, brassy Broadway scores ever written, including SWEET CHARITY, SEESAW, LITTLE ME, BARNUM, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, and Broadway’s ultimate big-band swing show, CITY OF ANGELS. His shelf was lined with Tony Awards and his songs set millions of toes tapping throughout his over 40-year career.

Joshua Henry, David Elder, Tari Kelly, Jeffry Denman and Damon Kirsche
in the American Showstoppers series at the Schimmel Center for the Arts. Photo: Kevin Yatarola

Featuring stars from Coleman’s musicals Sam Harris (THE LIFE) and Terri White (BARNUM and WELCOME TO THE CLUB), as well as Kevin Earley, Deidre Goodwin, Damon Kirsche, Jesse Luttrell, Karen Murphy, Lindsay Roginski, and Leslie Stevens.

Fred Barton, collaborator with Cy Coleman on three of his productions, now brings the powerful pulse of Coleman’s Broadway sound back where it belongs, front and center, with a hot swing orchestra and a cast of Broadway singers and dancers.

Buy Tickets online

or call the box office at (212) 346-1715 (Ticket Prices: $49 | $39 | $29) For more information, visit:

Feb 21, 2014

Mar 1: American Showstoppers: AN EVENING OF JERRY HERMAN, featuring the Fred Barton Orchestra

On Saturday evening, March 1st at 7:30pm Pace University will present American Showstoppers, with the 13 piece Fred Barton Orchestra, AN EVENING OF JERRY HERMAN. The evening is directed and choreographed by Scott Thompson and produced, orchestrated and hosted by Fred Barton. Herman’s epic contributions to Broadway and Hollywood will be celebrated in an evening exploring his career from his early revue days to his heyday of mega-musicals such as HELLO DOLLY!, MAME, DEAR WORLD, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MACK AND MABEL, and many more.

Klea Blackhurst, Toni DiBuono, Jeffry Denman, Tari Kelly, Damon Kirsche, Beth Leavel, Karen Murphy and the inimitable Lee Roy Reams lead the cast which features Lianne Marie Dobbs, AJ Hunsucker, Jesse Luttrell and the Scott Thompson dancers.

Fred Barton's orchestrations are played regularly at Carnegie Hall and by symphony orchestras around the country and Canada. He's conducted Broadway and national tour productions of City of Angels, Hal Prince's Cabaret, Zorba with Anthony Quinn, and Camelot with Robert Goulet. He was co-creator of the original Forbidden Broadway, and for television co-composed "The Magic Schoolbus," orchestrated and conducted "Wonder Pets!," and music-supervised "HBO's Cathouse: The Musical" and the children's show "Olivia."

March 1st at 7:30pm
AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS:
An Evening of Jerry Herman

FEATURING THE FRED BARTON ORCHESTRA

TICKETS: $25 | $35 | $45
3 Spruce Street New York, NY 10038 | (212) 346-1715
Map and Directions | More details at BroadwayWorld.com.

Oct 7, 2013

10/12: American Showstoppers: An Evening with Richard Rodgers, featuring the Fred Barton Orchestra

On October 12, I return to the "American Showstoppers" series at Pace University to celebrate the music of Richard Rodgers:

"Fred Barton, his 12-piece orchestra and star-studded cast of performers are back to celebrate the legendary Richard Rodgers! The extraordinary icon’s career spanned six decades, during which he composed 40 Broadway musicals. Fred’s tribute to the versatility of Richard Rodgers will prove a revelation to those familiar with his biggest hits: Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel, and The Sound of Music. You’ll hear Richard Rodgers from his razz-ma-tazz roots to his later masterworks, created with a number of star lyricists. Join us as we journey from Broadway to Hollywood and back, celebrating the incredible music and tales of Richard Rodgers!"

Pace Presents: AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS

An Evening with Richard Rodgers

FEATURING THE FRED BARTON ORCHESTRA

$45 | $35 | $25

Starring: Nora Mae Lyng, Tari Kelly, Anastasia Barzee, Karen Murphy, Damon Kirsche, David Elder, Joshua Henry, Jeffry Denman, and Jesse Luttrell. Directed and Choreographed by Scott Thompson.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Schimmel Center site or call toll-free (866) 811-4111. Visit Facebook, BroadwayWorld.com and Playbill.com for more details.

Here's an excerpt from a previous American Showstoppers concert, celebrating the music of Harold Arlen, "That Old Black Magic," in a duet with Anastasia Barzee.

"Be My Host" from NO STRINGS; Joshua Henry, David Elder, Tari Kelly, Jeffry Denman, and Damon Kirsche (Photo: Kevin Yatarola)

Fred Barton and company at the American Showstoppers tribute to Richard Rodgers. (Photo: Kevin Yatarola)

Mar 8, 2013

Mar. 9: American Showstoppers: An Evening with Jule Styne

This Saturday, I return to the "American Showstoppers" series at Pace University, this time presenting the music of Jule Styne. Noted arranger and producer Fred Barton conducts his orchestrations of Styne's Broadway and popular songs, and featuring singers Patrick Boyd, Tari Kelly, Damon Kirsche, Jesse Luttrell, Nora Mae Lyng, Karen Murphy, Pamela Myers and Vivian Reed.

Pace Presents: AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS

An Evening with Jule Styne

Featuring The Fred Barton Orchestra

Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 PM

Tickets: $30 to $55

Student rush tickets are available on the day of the performance after 12pm with a valid student ID or use discount code "Friends" for $20 tickets.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Schimmel Center site or call toll-free (866) 811-4111. More details at BroadwayWorld.com and Playbill.com.

UPDATE: Tony Award-winning writer/director Gerard Alessandrini gives the concert a glowing review; Photos from the evening:

Oct 27, 2012

10/26: LA Stage Times Feature

Damon Kirsche as Julian Marsh in Musical Theatre West's 42nd Street (Photo: Alysa Brennan)

I was recently interviewed by Samantha Mehlinger for a feature article in the LA Stage Times ("Kirsche Kicks Off MTW’s 6-0 Party With 42nd Street"), in which we discuss Musical Theatre West's current production of 42nd Street, my recent work in Scott Thompson and Fred Barton's new Harold Arlen musical One for My Baby, and my regular appearances with Dean Mora and his Orchestra.

Oct 13, 2012

10/19: American Showstoppers at Pace University

This Friday night I'll appear in a concert of "American Showstoppers," part of Pace University's series of music of Broadway and the American Songbook. Noted arranger and producer Fred Barton brings the legendary Harold Arlen to the Schimmel stage backed by a full 12-piece orchestra. We'll be joined by two-time Tony Award nominee Vivian Reed, Luba Mason, Anastasia Barzee, Tari Kelly, Jesse Luttrell, Ryan Silverman and N'Kenge.
More details at Playbill.com.

Sep 20, 2012

10/10-10/12: ONE FOR MY BABY

I'm thrilled to be in a tremendously talented company as we prepare the pre-Broadway workshop of ONE FOR MY BABY, the new Harold Arlen musical, to premiere next month at The New 42nd Street Studios. Authored by Scott Thompson and Fred Barton, the musical presents a catalog of some of Arlen's best-known songs (and several rarities) in the fast-paced, film noir world of a fictional 40s nightclub, "Dreamland," run by proprietress "Panama Jones," played by two-time Tony Award nominee Vivian Reed. I play "Rick Anderson," an up-and-coming crooner caught in a intriguing love triangle between two hard-boiled dames, "'Torchy' Tess Fleming" (Luba Mason) and "Meredith Allen" (Anastasia Barzee). ONE FOR MY BABY also stars Jennifer Cody, Julie Tolivar, Stephen Bogardus, Robert Hartwell, Todd Lawson and Matt Loehr and will have five performances October 10-12.

More information at Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com.

Dec 22, 2011

1/15: The Metropolitan Room, New York

FRED BARTON PRESENTS—

AND THINKS YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!

UPDATE: BroadwayWorld.com's Michael Dale reviews the evening.

Fred Barton hosts, sings and plays once a month with his 9-piece Broadway Band, bringing back classic Broadway show music with some swing on the side. Fred's guest singers on January 15 are the incomparable ELENA BENNETT, and the dashing DAMON KIRSCHE in a rare New York appearance, with a special appearance by the legendary PAMELA MYERS. Fred's previous guest singers KAREN WILDER and JESSE LUTTRELL will also appear. Included will be songs from TENDERLOIN, LI'L ABNER, FADE OUT-FADE IN, SARATOGA, SUGAR, LIFE BEGINS AT 8:40, PLAIN AND FANCY, TWO ON THE AISLE, DO RE MI, SUPERMAN, HELLO DOLLY!, LITTLE ME, and a rare outtake from CHICAGO.

Fred: "Classic show music has fallen into a bit of disrepute and disuse around town. I just don't hear enough of it to suit me, in the piano bars, the cabarets, and of course on Broadway. My friends know I've been bitching about this for a few years. I love show music. I love a good band. I love a great singer. And I especially love a great singer singing a great show song with a great band."

"I know a bunch of great old-time Broadway singers trapped like me in a rock-and-roll world. I know a bunch of great songs that aren't being heard. I know a bunch of show music fans like me, who are staying home on the internet. Tell you what. Why don't we all get together?"

"ELENA BENNETT has one of our time's uniquely powerful and rich voices, with a Broadway repertoire to match. DAMON KIRSCHE is the quintessential Broadway matinée idol with a voice for the ages and consummate taste. I can't wait to feature them with the Broadway Band."

"FRED BARTON PRESENTS – AND THINKS YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!" will be presented monthly throughout 2012, with a CD release in July.

The show's debut in September was a sell-out smash, with a line down the street, walkups turned away and a jam-packed room.

FRED BARTON is a performer, arranger, songwriter, conductor, and TV composer. His previous cabaret revues include FORBIDDEN BROADWAY (Drama Desk, Tony Award, 27-year run), MISS GULCH RETURNS! (Bistro Award), and WHOOP-DEE-DOO! (Drama Desk Award.) He's conducted numerous Broadway shows, composed numerous TV shows, and his symphonic orchestrations are played almost weekly by orchestras around the country. His symphonic pops arrangements were played in four different concerts at Carnegie Hall in 2011.

As Jerry Herman wrote: "There's just no tune as exciting as a show tune."

Fred Barton Presents – And Thinks You're Gonna Love It!

Sunday, Jan. 15 at 7PM
The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22nd St. (Between 5th and 6th Avenues)

New York, NY 10010

$20 cover, 2-drink minimum (food available)

For TICKETS, visit metropolitanroom.com
or call: 212.206.0440