Something New - a musical theatre podcast: Recent Episodes
Joel B. New
Named one of 2014's Top 20 Podcasts for Theatre Lovers by BroadwayWorld.com, "Something New" is award-winning writer Joel B. New’s chance to host the savviest professionals in the theatre industry, hear their stories, premiere brand new original songs, and get to the heart of what makes them the working, multifaceted artists they have come to be.
Each week leading up to the October 6th concert premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, I'm releasing a brand new episode of Something New: A Musical Theatre Podcast, featuring interviews with the cast and songs from the show. Fun!
While you're enjoying this episode, get your tickets to the premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! before we sell out! Do it! Do it, I say!
Episode 605: Chatting and Singing with MTU cast member Charles Sanchez (Merce, The Series)!
Each week leading up to the October 6th concert premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, I'm releasing a brand new episode of Something New: A Musical Theatre Podcast, featuring interviews with the cast and songs from the show. Fun!
While you're enjoying this episode, get your tickets to the premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! before we sell out! Do it! Do it, I say!
Episode 604: Chatting and Singing with MTU cast member Andrew Cristi (A Christmas Story, The Musical on Broadway)!
Each week leading up to the October 6th concert premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, I'm releasing a brand new episode of Something New: A Musical Theatre Podcast, featuring interviews with the cast and songs from the show. Fun!
While you're enjoying this episode, get your tickets to the premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! before we sell out! Do it! Do it, I say!
Episode 603: Chatting and Singing with MTU cast member Leigh Ellen Caudill (IFC's The Onion News Network)!
Each week leading up to the October 6th concert premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, I'm releasing a brand new episode of Something New: A Musical Theatre Podcast, featuring interviews with the cast and songs from the show. Fun!
While you're enjoying this episode, get your tickets to the premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! before we sell out! Do it! Do it, I say!
Episode 602: Originally from McAllen, Texas, Ernie Pruneda holds a Bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University. In New York City, he is trained by the world-renowned Brad Calcaterra at The Studio. His ability to flip from unconventional leading man to extreme character actor has allowed him to play a broad range of roles. With a soaring tenor and an articulate rapping talent, he has the ability to tell stories that showcase his huge heart and demonstrate human growth and creativity. With a career spanning from Broadway, National Tours and Regional Theaters all over the U.S. he continues to bring stories to audiences all over the country. For more info, please visit erniepruneda.com.
We're back, dear listeners! (For five episodes. But still!) Each Monday leading up to the October 6th concert premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, I'm releasing a brand new episode of Something New: A Musical Theatre Podcast, featuring interviews with the cast and songs from the show.
Get your tickets to the premiere of Monkey Trouble Unleashed! before we sell out! Do it! Do it, I say!
Episode 601: Amy Jo Jackson is an actor/singer/kabarettist and glitter alien based in New York City. The recipient of the 2019 Denovan Fellowship in Cabaret, Amy Jo has sung at many venues in NYC and across the country, most notably Feinstein's/54 Below (where she's performed several solo concerts as well as produced and hosted such events as The Broadway Villains Party and 54 Sings Annie Lennox), Joe's Pub, the Bell House, the Green Room 42, the Knitting Factory, The Duplex, the Slipper Room, Caveat, the Laurie Beechman, Union Hall, the Metropolitan Room, and Boston's Club Café. Selected acting credits include Alison in FUN HOME (SpeakEasy Stage - IRNE nom), Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID (Arkansas Rep), Almira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West in THE WIZARD OF OZ (Syracuse Stage), and multiple shows with Exit, Pursued by a Bear. Visit amyjojackson.com for additional information.
Hello, dear listeners! This Labor Day, “Something New” returns for a limited five-week engagement! Featuring interviews and performances by the cast and creative team of my brand new musical comedy, MONKEY TROUBLE UNLEASHED! All leading up to a world premiere concert on October 6th at the Duplex! Don’t monkey around and miss out! Get your tickets now!
The musical theatre podcast Something New premiered on January 14th, 2013. To commemorate the five-year anniversary, producer and host Joel B. New has released highlights from the series finale, which took place in concert on September 30th, 2017 at the Duplex in New York City. Ticket sales supported the Dramatists Guild Foundation.The performer lineup consisted entirely of previous guests from the show, spanning all five seasons: Bill Coyne, Liz Asti, Jen Waldman, Liz Ulmer, Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Robbie Rozelle, Joshua Hinck, Kate Steinberg, Lauren Ruff, Ryan Bauer Walsh, Dan Radzikowski, Michael Kushner, and Gay Marshall. Featuring Daniel Kim on guitar, Jess Winderweedle on percussion, and Mr. New on piano and ukulele.
In anticipation of the #SomethingNewFinale, Joel hopped on the phone with Tessa Raden, Program Manager for the Dramatists Guild Foundation (www.dgf.org). "Something New" will conclude its fifth and final season live onstage at the Duplex on Saturday 9/30/17 at 6:30PM, with 100% of ticket sales going to support the DGF.
Every season, I celebrate all the guests and all the songs in the form of a live concert. And Season Five will be no exception! On September 30th at 6:30pm, please join me and performers from all five seasons at the Duplex! We’ll definitely laugh, we’ll possibly cry, and, most important, we’ll sing. A lot.http://www.purplepass.com/new930
JBN sat down with Stanley Martin from Broadway's ALADDIN, whose cabaret "Smoke & Mirrors" is happening on Monday, August 28th at the Metropolitan Room in NYC. For tickets, visit http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=256069.Song Premiere: "Handbasket" by Joel B. New (www.joelbnew.com)This episode was recorded live in the Mary Rodgers Room at the Dramatists Guild (www.dramatistsguild.com)
Amy Oestreicher is a PTSD peer-to-peer specialist, artist, author, writer for The Huffington Post, speaker for TEDx and RAINN, health advocate, award-winning actress, and playwright. As a survivor and “thriver” of multiple traumas, Amy eagerly shares the gifts of life’s “beautiful detours” her educational programming, writing, mixed media art, performance and inspirational speaking. www.amyoes.comSong Premiere: "Hot AF (Acoustic Version)" by Joel B. New. Featuring Mike Pettry on guitar. www.joelbnew.com
JBN sat down with Nadia Quinn, who pretty much does all the things. She's been on Broadway, she's got a thriving photography business, and so much more. Halfway through the interview, we were kicked out of our rehearsal room and so we finished recording in the hallways of Ripley-Grier. You're welcome. Song premiere: "I Play With Words, Not Guns" by Joel B. New. Recorded live on Tuesday, June 20th, 2017. Tickets to see JBN perform on MikeyPod Live on 6/26: http://bit.ly/MPodTix
That's right, y'all. This conversation was so much fun, JBN had no choice but to share more of it with you. Right here, right now. Enjoy and see you at Robbie Rozelle's "Songs From Inside My Locker" at Feinstein's 54 Below on Friday, June 9th at 9:30pm! #SomethingNewPodcast
JBN sat down with performer/writer/director/producer/designer Robbie Rozelle (www.robbierozelle.com) to discuss "Songs From Inside My Locker," his upcoming solo cabaret debut at Feinstein's 54 Below in NYC on Friday, June 9th @ 9:30pm. Visit www.54below.com for tickets! #SomethingNewPodcast
JBN sat down with Michael Kushner, a performer, photographer, makeup artist and Founding Member of Musical Theatre Factory (mtf.nyc). Song Premiere: "Other Plans" from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com). michaelkushnerphotography.com, michaelkushneronline.com, @michaelkushnerphotography, @thedressingroomproject. Recorded live on Monday, May 15th, 2017 at the Dramatists Guild in NYC.
In Episode 507 of the Something New podcast, award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Louisa Proske, Founding Co-Artistic Director of Heartbeat Opera.Now entering its third season, Heartbeat Opera transforms great works of the operatic canon through visionary adaptations, radical arrangements for chamber ensembles, and intimate, visceral productions that put the singers and the instrumentalists at the center of the work. Heartbeat distills opera to its essence, and cultivates new audiences for the art form.Heartbeat Opera's Spring Festival runs May 20-28 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center in New York, featuring two fully produced, premiere adaptations of opera in repertory: Bizet's Carmen (directed by Proske) and Puccini's Madama Butterfly (directed by fellow Founding Co-Artistic Director Ethan Heard). For tickets, visit heartbeatopera.org.For the live song portion of the episode, Joel revisits his musical setting of Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem, "Travel." Performed by Joshua Hinck, Charlie Levy, and Allison Mickelson. Originally aired on the web series "New Works Wednesdays" in March 2015.This interview was recorded live at Pearl Studios in NYC.
JBN sat down with Katie Lynch, creator and host of the BroadwayWorld web series, "Backstage Bite." Song Premiere: "A Sometimes Food." Music and lyrics by Joel B. New. This episode was recorded live at Ripley-Grier Studios in NYC on 4/22/17. @backstagebite #SomethingNewPodcast
JBN shares his "Podcasting Theatrically" session with you, recorded live on March 25, 2017 at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program (NYU Tisch). #SomethingNewPodcast
JBN sat down with Ben Coleman, the Literary Supervisor for Samuel French, Inc. Song Premiere: "Getting Lost In Brooklyn," music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Recorded live in the Mary Rodgers Room at the Dramatists Guild. For more info, visit joelbnew.com #SomethingNewPodcast
JBN sat down with Sas Goldberg and Luke Smith, two cast members of Joshua Harmon's terrific SIGNIFICANT OTHER, now playing on Broadway at the Booth Theatre. Song Premiere: "Crazy Song," music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Performed by Jason Pintar, featuring Mike Pettry on piano. For tickets to SIGNIFICANT OTHER, visit telecharge.com! #SomethingNewPodcast
JBN hangs out with Kate Lumpkin, a fabulous casting director and professional fairy godmother. Song premiere: "Bibbidi" with music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Performed by Miss Lumpkin featuring Gillian Berkowitz on piano.
Season 5 Premiere! JBN sits down with the hilarious and talented Marcus Monroe (twitter.com/marcusmonroe). Song premiere: a setting of Maya Angelou's "On the Pulse of Morning" from President Bill Clinton's 1993 Inauguration; performed by Ernie Pruneda with Gillian Berkowitz. To watch the song on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JQ7i35F2NII #SomethingNewPodcast
The Season 4 finale of Joel B. New's musical theatre podcast "Something New" took to the stage in the form of a livestream concert on Saturday, October 8th. An audio recording of the event has been exclusively released to Broadway World on October 24th and will be available on all podcast platforms starting October 31st.The concert's lineup of singers included Tim Eliot, Devin Ilaw (Les Miserable, upcoming Miss Saigon), Amy Jo Jackson, Garth Kravits (The Drowsy Chaperone), Katharine Pettit, Lauren Ruff, Bailie Slevin, Lauren Sowa, and Gabe Violett (Spring Awakening, current season of NBC's "The Voice"). Accompanied by Gillian Berkowitz (Jersey Boys). The online audience enjoyed many of Joel's original songs that premiered on the podcast this season, including a few from his upcoming EP "Cabot Cove".Presented by Howl Round TV, the concert was recorded live from the Dramatists Guild Fund's Music Hall, a space provided as a free resource for writers. A video of the concert in its entirety is available on YouTube.The fifth season of "Something New" is expected to premiere in February 2017.
Joel reads aloud the latest entry from his artist blog, "Confessions of a Banter Writer." To subscribe and read more, visit https://www.tumblr.com/blog/confessionsofabanterwriter. Also be sure to tune into howlround.tv on Saturday, October 8th at 7pm EST for the Season 4 Livestream Concert Finale!
Joel reads aloud the latest entry from his artist blog, "Confessions of a Banter Writer." To subscribe and read more, visit https://www.tumblr.com/blog/confessionsofabanterwriter.
In Episode 417, Joel B. New sat down with the Founders of Motivated Movers, Elise Hearden and Jesse Palmer. Song Premiere: "Sexy Hallway" featuring KC Comeaux. Follow me and my guests! MotivatedMoversNYC.com | facebook.com/MotivatedMoversNYC | twitter.com/MotivatedNYC | instagram.com/motivatedmoversnyc | twitter.com/comsdevice | instagram.com/kckc1980 | joelbnew.com | facebook.com/joelbnewsongs | twitter.com/joelbnew | instagram.com/joelbnew
BAILIE SLEVIN is the founder of Entertaining Finance, a business management and financial consulting firm geared specifically towards creatives. Bailie is the perfect combination of finance ninja and theater nerd. With 10 years of experience as a financial adviser and a hefty resume in theater, she is redefining planning for artists and entrepreneurs. She’s worked with Certified Financial Services and Forest Hills Financial Group in finance and teaches Financial Literacy and Well-being workshops and speaks throughout the region on the specifics of Financial Management for Artists. As a stage manager, general manager, and producer on Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway, Tony Awards, Drama Desk, OBIE Awards, and IT Awards pepper Bailie’s resume. Some of her favorite projects include The Norman Conquests, Altar Boyz, Naked Boys Singing!, Pursuit of Persephone, A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant, and Popesical in Concert at Joe’s Pub. She currently serves as a board member for The Tank NYC, a non-profit Arts presenter for emerging artists engaged in the pursuit of new forms of expression, and Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU), a training ground for tomorrow's theatrical producers. Visit www.EntertainingFinance.com to learn more and start “adulting”! Song Premiere: "Sorry Song", music and lyrics by Joel B. New (www.joelbnew.com).
Devin Ilaw is a performer, musician, music director, and vocal coach. He can currently be seen making his Broadway debut in LES MISERABLES, now playing through September 4th. Favorite credits include the 25th anniversary tour of LES MISERABLES, MISS SAIGON, BERNSTEIN’S MASS, WEARING BLACK, and THE KING AND I. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon. | For the live song portion of the episode, Mr. Ilaw performs "Quiet Girl", an brand new exploratory song from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New, inspired by Langston Hughes' poem of the same name.
Michael Cassara (michaelcassara.net) is a Casting Director and Educator based in New York City, dedicated to developing and fostering the growth of new musicals, plays, and film projects. He has worked with many of the nation’s top theatres including Gulfshore Playhouse, the Denver Center, the Old Globe, Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, The Hangar Theatre, and more. | Since 2007, Cassara has served as the resident casting director of the New York Musical Festival, where he has cast over 70 individual projects. In 2013, he became the Casting Director for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), and casts their annual Festival of New Musicals each October. Feature film credits include Grantham & Rose, Contest, and Clear Blue Tuesday. Additionally, he has cast a number of high-profile short films including Alienated and The Hyperglot. | Originally a performer, Michael is a native Clevelander and a BFA graduate of the musical theatre program at Otterbein. He regularly teaches and lectures on musical theatre and the entertainment industry, in New York City and throughout the world. | For the live song portion of the episode, Mr. Cassara performs the brand new song, "You Just Ain't My Type". Music and lyrics by Joel B. New. | This episode was recorded at the Music Hall provided by the Dramatists Guild Fund (dgfund.org).
In honor of Pride, I'm reposting the behind-the-scenes look and live performance of my original radio musical "RSVP," which premiered on this podcast back in Season One! "RSVP" - a chamber musical. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joel B. New. Directed by Lori Wolter Hudson. Cast: Greg Etling as "Michael Walker", Jenny Neale as "Susan", Scott Guthrie as "The Stranger". "RSVP" was recorded live at Ripley-Grier Studios in NYC on 3/16/13 (www.ripleygrier.com). Sound design by Emily Auciello. About The Piece: "RSVP" takes place in Middle America in the early 1970’s. To be specific, this is the morning of Michael and Susan’s wedding. Michael is a nonfiction writer by trade, but on this morning – when he should be getting ready for the ceremony – he finds himself fixated on his first attempt at fiction. Writing what he knows, Michael creates the protagonist in his own image. However, when his fictional self is confronted with a familiar stranger from the future, the real Michael is unprepared to face some facts.
In Episode 412 of "Something New" -- a musical theatre podcast that interviews diverse artists and premieres original songs -- award-winning songwriter Joel B. New went to Paris, France and sat down with Lisandro Nesis, the artistic director of Broadway au Carré, which produces a monthly series of concerts and open mics that showcase American contemporary musical theatre.For the live song portion of the episode, Lisandro performs "Better than Fine" from New's song cycle STANDALONE, and a duet entitled "The Ballad of the Cluck Cluck Sisters" is premiered by Jessica Gabrielle and Lily Kerhoas. Featuring Joel at the piano and Vincent Gilliéron on egg shaker. Both performances were recorded live from Joel's recent Broadway au Carré concert on Friday, June 10th, 2016."Something New" is available on iTunes, Stitcher, and TuneIn.Joel B. New is the recipient of an American Theatre Wing Jonathan Larson Grant for his music and lyrics. His stage projects include TO HELL AND BACK, MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY, AWAKENING (book: Jenny Stafford, music: J. Oconer Navarro), STANDALONE, AGATHA IN THE ATTIC, and RSVP. Joel’s work has been seen and developed at Ars Nova, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, New York Theatre Barn, Prospect Theater Company, Musical Theatre Factory, and the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival. He is currently in production for his solo EP Cabot Cove, a collection of songs inspired by book titles referenced to in the TV series Murder, She Wrote, starring Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury. For more info, visit joelbnew.com.
In Episode 411 of "Something New" -- a musical theatre podcast that interviews artists and premieres original songs -- award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Tim Eliot and Lauren Sowa, a real-life couple with an enormous bag of theatrical skills between them.Tim Eliot met Lauren while doing Cymbeline in Maine. He has been featured on Boardwalk Empire, in Christina Kallas’s The Rainbow Experiment and Keith Boynton’s Seven Lovers, and on the webseries The 3Bits, duder, and Pride. A veteran of classical and downtown theater, Tim played MacBeth and Hamlet with Everett Quinton and many Sleep No More alums. He has also directed NYC productions of Much Ado About Nothing, Erdman’s Suicide!?, and Romeo and Juliet. Tim recently finished his second year of study with William Esper and holds an MFA from the ART/MXAT Institute and a BA from Yale. www.timeliot.comLauren Sowa is thrilled to be taking part in this podcast! Lauren is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she received her BFA in Drama. She is a big-time animal lover, and has yet to meet a pretzel she doesn't like. When not acting, you can find her reading a good book, catching up on old films, doing yoga, and watching soccer (Tim’s influence). Recent credits include: Harvey and Private Lives (Walnut Street Theatre), the title character in Jane Austen’s Emma for the Lantern Theater Co. in Philadelphia. Other credits include: Imogen in Cymbeline (Opera House Arts), Othello and Much Ado About Nothing in repertory (The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre), Juliet in the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival’s production of Romeo & Juliet, We’re Drunk/This is the End at The Old Vic as part of the TS Eliot US/UK Exchange (Kevin Spacey’s program for emerging theatrical talent), and All’s Well that Ends Well and Hamlet at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival! www.laurensowa.comFor the live song portion of the episode, Lauren and Tim premiered "A Duet", music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Tim also performed "Omission" from New's chamber musical, RSVP. Accompanied by Justin Brown on piano (www.justineliottbrown.com). These performance will also be available on SoundCloud and YouTube."Something New" is available on iTunes, Stitcher, and TuneIn.Joel B. New is the recipient of an American Theatre Wing Jonathan Larson Grant for his music and lyrics. His stage projects include TO HELL AND BACK, MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY, AWAKENING (book: Jenny Stafford, music: J. Oconer Navarro), STANDALONE, AGATHA IN THE ATTIC, and RSVP. Joel’s work has been seen and developed at Ars Nova, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, New York Theatre Barn, Prospect Theater Company, Musical Theatre Factory, and the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival. He is currently in pre-production for his solo EP Cabot Cove, a collection of songs inspired by book titles referenced to in the TV series Murder, She Wrote, starring Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury. For more info, visit joelbnew.com.
We've reached the mid point of Season 4! Enjoy highlights from last month's concert, "Cabot Cove Or Bust", featuring performances and original songs by Emily Prime (https://soundcloud.com/emilyprime), Jennifer Sanchez (https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.sanchez.1614460?fref=ts), David Alan Thornton: http://www.davidalanthornton.com/) and me (www.joelbnew.com) Recorded live on Sunday, April 24th, 2016 at the Bowery Poetry Club in NYC.
Originally from Oregon, LAUREN RUFF (www.laurenruff.com) received her BFA in Musical Theater from The New School by way of AMDA NY. She’s performed Off Broadway in Shout The Mod Musical, Passion, Stop The World, The Boyfriend among other plays, musicals and workshops. Her work can also be seen on screen, in a few stints on SNL, in several short films and her Web Series, Big City, (a featured selection at NYTVF) which she wrote, produced and starred in. Two of her projects, Callie Wants a Solo and Boys and Other Distractions, have gone on to win audience choice at several film festivals in the greater New York area. Lauren is also a professional Voice Over artist having voiced various commercials for TV, Radio and Internet as well as cartoons! She has been a teaching artist for the past six years and her spirit animal is a Golden Retriever. She also loves a Rosé, sunsets and hugs in no particular order. Song Premiere: "Fading Hipster," music and lyrics by Joel B. New (www.joelbnew.com). Featuring JBN on ukulele. Recorded live at the Dramatists Guild Fund (www.dgfund.org) on May 1st, 2016.
In prep for their upcoming 4/24 concert at the Bowery Poetry Club, JBN revisits interviews with Jennifer Sanchez, Kate Steinberg (aka Emily Prime), and David Alan Thornton. Song Premiere: Longfellow's poem "Snowflakes," performed by Carver Duncan (www.carverduncan.com) $15 tix to "Cabot Cove Or Bust" available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2471399
Farah Alvin’s Broadway credits include: It Shoulda Been You, Nine, The Look of Love, Saturday Night Fever, Grease!, A Christmas Carol. Off-Broadway credits and Original Cast Recordings include: The Last Smoker In America, The Marvelous Wonderettes (Drama Desk Nomination), I Love You Because, and many more. She is also a Certified Holistic Health Counselor, a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and SUNY Purchase and is AADP certified. Her private nutrition practice works with individuals to find health and balance in their life through better eating and lifestyle. She’s also a songwriter and a sometimes blogger. Visit her at www.farahalvin.com and on all social media. | Song Premiere: "Tell Me A Story" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY | accompanied by Josh Kight.
Garth Kravits is an actor, singer, musician and composer and award winning film maker.He made his Broadway debut in the musical The Drowsy Chaperone.Kravits has appeared in the Off-Broadway productions of Old Jews Telling Jokes and Toxic Audio Loudmouth; regionally in Gettin’ The Band Back Together, Meet Me in St. Louis: A Live Radio Play, and It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, (Bucks County Playhouse); The Producers (Gateway Playhouse) and Happy Days: A New Musical (Goodspeed Opera House); and as Benny Southstreet in the regional tour of Guys and Dolls.On television, Kravits has guest starred on 30 Rock, The Blacklist, Nurse Jackie, Hostages, Tin Man and The Carrie Diaries www.garthkravits.com. Song Premiere: "The Night Cafe" by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com), inspired by the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh, accompanied by Josh Kight (joshkight.com). To pledge to Joel's album Kickstarter campaign thru 4/6, please click here: bit.ly/1LPzB35
JBN concludes his unedited conversation with Season One's Billy Bustamante, Christine Schneider (nee Paterson), Gay Marshall, and Chris York. Recorded live on Friday, February 26th, 2016. Hosted by the Dramatists Guild Fund, Inc. (dgfund.org) Song Premiere: "Dirge For A Dead Dachshund" from the Cabot Cove EP. Performed by Charlie Johnson with Josh Kight on piano. A Kickstarter campaign to produce the Cabot Cove EP is running through 4/6/16. To make a pledge and be part of this artistic endeavor, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1319958753/lets-commit-to-a-murder-she-wrote-album-of-pop-son
Four seasons later, JBN caught up with four of the most downloaded episodes from his premiere season: Billy Bustamante, Gay Marshall, Christine Schneider (nee Paterson), and Chris York. Song Premiere: "The Dead Must Sing" from the Cabot Cove EP. Performed by Amy Jo Jackson, accompanied by Josh Kight. www.joelbnew.com
Marion Abbott is a graduate of Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College and was named one of the Twenty Most Successful Graduates of the program. She also holds her Grade Ten Voice and A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2014, she created The Confidential Musical Theatre Project, which had its debut in Toronto and expanded to 8 cities by the end of its first year. There are now franchises in 14 cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago. She is looking forward to working as Musical Director for Drayton Entertainment's summer pantomime Aladdin and is preparing to produce a theatre festival that celebrates Women In Musical Theatre. Song Premiere: "Murder In A Minor Key" from Joel B. New's upcoming Cabot Cove EP, inspired by MURDER, SHE WROTE book titles. www.confidentialmusicaltheatreproject.com, www.joelbnew.com
Katharine Pettit served as Susan Stroman's SDC Observer on BULLETS OVER BROADWAY on Broadway. Recent Works include: PUMPED!(Dir.) TRU musical voices reading series, ANGEL IN MY HEART (Dir.) Fresh Fruit Festival 2014 Best New Musical & The York Developmental Reading Series, DAY OF WRATH (Dir.) NYMF 2015, YOUR NAME ON MY LIPS (Dir./Choreo.) Theater for the New City Dream Up 2015. Katharine is on the Tap Dance Faculty at Peridance Capezio Center and was featured in DANCE TEACHER MAGAZINE November 2015. I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE..., conceived and choreographed by Katharine, is a new dance theater piece exploring the struggles of addiction. The next incarnation of this new work will be presented as part of Green Space's Take Root Initiative, February 2016. Follow her on Instagram: @icouldneverloveanyone. katharinepettit.com. | Song Premiere: "Goodbye, Charlie" from Joel B. New's upcoming CABOT COVE EP. To watch the video of this performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry5tZGkLBM8 | $17 Tix to I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE, Feb 19/20: http://www.greenspacestudio.org/Tickets.html
JBN had the chance to chat with two very cool dudes recently. Why not combine them into one super special episode? Michael Gilboe is the creator, producer, and host of Broadway Bullet, your theatre podcast ticket to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and beyond! (http://www.broadwaybullet.com) James Ludwig is a Broadway vet (SPAMALOT) and creator, producer, and host of The Happy Hour Guys. (http://www.thehappyhourguys.com). JBN plugs Becca Ayers' newest collaborative album SPAZCANDY (soooo good). And we end the episode with James Ludwig's performance of "Cabot Cove," the title song from Joel's upcoming EP. (www.joelbnew.com) Thanks for dropping by for Something New!
Season 4 Premiere! Michael Arden is a performer and director. He recently directed Deaf West’s production of SPRING AWAKENING at both the Wallis and Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles, which has subsequently become that musical’s first Broadway revival, now playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre thru January 24th. Other directing credits include L.A. RONDE and FOR THE RECORD: JOHN HUGHES. As an actor, he has appeared in Deaf West’s BIG RIVER and PIPPIN, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’, BARE, and ASPECTS OF LOVE. His film and TV credits include SOURCE CODE, BRIDE WARS, THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN and ANGER MANAGEMENT on FX. He is a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and is artistic director of the LA-based, site-specific theatre company, The Forest of Arden.Song Premiere - "The Corpse Danced at Midnight" from JBN's upcoming Cabot Cove EP. Performed by Gabe Violett (Spring Awakening). To watch this performance on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoSBvV-HXFMMore original songs at www.joelbnew.com.This interview was recorded at the Music Hall, furnished by the Dramatists Guild Fund (dgfund.org, twitter.com/dgfund).Follow us!Michael Arden - twitter.com/michaelardenJoel B. New - twitter.com/joelbnewGabe Violett - twitter.com/vampirepopeTickets to SPRING AWAKENING (now thru 1/24 on Broadway) - http://www.ticketmaster.com/Spring-Awakening-NY-tickets/artist/2139383?tm_link=edp_Artist_NameList of Equity Theatres - https://www.actorsequity.org/docs/emc/emc_theatres.pdfDeaf West Theatre - www.deafwest.org
Season Three of Joel B. New's "Something New" podcast concludes in concert form as part of New York Theatre Barn's New Works Series on July 20th, 2015. New's set list is highlights from MACKENZIE AND THE MISSING BOY, an original musical that has been developed on "Something New" throughout Season Three. The songs feature performances by artists who have previously appeared on the podcast, including Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Ep 208),Tiffan Borelli (Ep 215), Joshua Hinck (Ep 313), Caroline Selia (Ep 307), and Chris York (Ep 114), as well as Kendal Hartse (Cinderella), Gregory Haney (Bring It On), Will Mann (Memphis), James Burgin, and Ethan Riordan. Musical direction by Gillian Berkowitz. With Greg Germann on drums, Lloyd Kikoler on upright bass, and Berkowitz on piano. Directed by Laura Brandel."Set in the post-Jazz Age of 1930's New York, MACKENZIE AND THE MISSING BOY is a noir musical melodrama about an impoverished flapper with a knack for spinning elaborate lies. Mackenzie wants nothing more than to reunite with her orphaned son, but in order for them to live happily ever after, she has one more tall tale to tell." For more info, visit www.joelbnew.com.
JBN talks to you about his upcoming NY Theatre Barn concert while he walks his dog, he has a loopy catchup session with his star Nikka Graff Lanzarone, he chats with "Mackenzie" director Laura Brandel and music director Gillian Berkowitz as they walk through Times Square, he treats his cast to a Buzzfeed Quiz on the subway, and he stands in for a singer at the sitzprobe. Enjoy and come to the concert tonight! Monday, July 20th @ 7:30PM @ the D Lounge, produced by New York Theatre Barn. Visit nytheatrebarn.org for tix and more info.
Shakina Nayfack is the Founding Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Factory and the first transwoman to be honored with a Lilly Award recognizing the remarkable contributions to the American Theatre made by women. Her autobiographical ONE WOMAN SHOW has played Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, Sophie’s, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Barrington Stage Company, and was the flagship project of her groundbreaking KickStartHer campaign to crowdsource funds for her gender confirmation. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Community Studies, a Minor and a Graduate Certificate in Theatre Arts from the University of California Santa Cruz, as well as an MFA in Experimental Choreography and a PhD in Critical Dance Studies from UC Riverside. Shakina is a proud alumna of the Drama League Directors Project and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers union. Her writings on theatre and dance have been published in The Drama Review and the anthology Dancing Across Borders. Her first book Butoh Ritual Mexicano - Alchemy is Dancing is really good but no one buys it because it was published by an obscure academic press in Germany and it's really expensive, so if you want to read it email her and she'll send you a PDF. Song Presentation: "Your Baby Better Covers His Tracks" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Recorded live at Musical Theatre Factory (mtf.nyc).
JBN plays eight selections from his album musical TO HELL AND BACK that were performed over the past three seasons of the "Something New" podcast. Featuring the vocal stylings of Joel B. New, Jennifer Sanchez, Nathan Siler, Ben Cameron, Stephanie Joiner, Drew Gasparini, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Matt Wilson, and many more. TO HELL AND BACK is being performed in concert for one night only on Tuesday, July 7th at 6PM at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York as an official selection of the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival. To purchase tickets, go to nymf.org/tohellandback.
JEN BENDER is a director and producer working in theater and live events. She is the Director of Programming and Artists Services for New York Musical Theatre Festival, and Associate Director of the recent Broadway musical Honeymoon in Vegas by Jason Robert Brown and Andrew Bergman. Other Broadway credits include The Lion King (Resident Director), The Wedding Singer, Steel Magnolias, and Avenue Q (Assistant Director). She spent the past three years touring North America, Asia, and Australia as the Assistant Artistic Director of Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo. From its creation in 2008, she was the Artistic Director of Broadway in South Africa, a non-profit organization that aims to develop a cross-cultural exchange between youth in need and artists who seek to use their change for good. She is also a co-founder of New Voices Collective, a concert series of art songs by contemporary American composers. A passionate supporter of new works, she directed the premieres of Like You Like it and Trails at NYMF, as well as numerous concerts and readings at Lincoln Center, Birdland, Hammerstein Ballroom, Ars Nova, Hudson Theatre, and Joe’s Pub.
CHARLIE JOHNSON is an artist living in New York. He is currently directing HeadVoice for NYMF. As an actor, Mr. Johnson has been seen in venues across the nation like Paper Mill Playhouse and the 5th Avenue Theatre. As a cabaret artist, he recently debuted his club act, CHARLIE! Anything but Basic, at the Metropolitan Room to rave reviews. He is reprising his performance this September at 54Below. Upcoming projects include participation in the 5th Avenue’s NextFest and assistant directing Into the Woods for North Carolina Theatre. BFA: Elon University. @chipper_charles / www.charliejohnsononeline.com. Song Presentation: "Henry's Other Golden Rule" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Accompanied by Mike Pettry on piano. Recorded live on 6/18/15 @ Michiko Rehearsal Studios in NYC.
JBN selects highlights from three songwriting women interviewed earlier this season: Grace McLean, Janet Krupin, and Kate Steinberg. Song Presentation: "How To Sleep Alone", music by Joel B. New, lyrics by Heidi Heilig, performed by Visha Vaidya.
Kate Steinberg is a New York City-based performer, composer, songwriter, and session vocalist. In New York, she has been seen in Ludo's Broken Bride (at Ars Nova and The Cutting Room), concerts at Joe's Pub, The Laurie Beechman, The Bitter End, Piano's, 54 Below, Subculture, and Rockwood Music Hall. Her arrangements, vocals, and compositions have been featured in artist recordings, jingles, film, television shows, video games, and advertisements for clients such as Hefty, Oreo, Marvel, Coors Light, Brother, UPS, McDonald's, and KFC. She has also written music and lyrics for a family-friendly musical selected for NYMF and The NYCT Festival. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music and is currently recording her debut EP. Song Presentation: "Apples" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE AND THE MISSING BOY. Accompanied by Gillian Berkowitz. Recorded live at Ripley-Grier Studios.
Joshua Hinck (joshuahinck.com) is a human who was born in the land o' lakes. As an actor, he has worked with Nylon Fusion, the history theatre, Nautilus Music-Theatre, MN Opera, Ordway Center, toured North America with Barney the dinosaur, and spent over a year singing at the mouse kingdom in Tokyo. He's currently working on Mess, his third cabaret in the city, which will be performed on May 16th at 54 Below. He is the creator and producer of New Work Wednesdays, an interview web series that celebrates and showcases individuals who write new musical theatre (newworkwednesdays.com).
On Friday, April 24th, 2015, musical theatre writer Joel B. New made his New York solo concert debut on the Duplex Cabaret Theatre stage. Directed by Bistro Award winner Justin Daniel, "Joel B. New In Concert" features New behind the piano, playing and singing a variety of selections from his musical projects. Guest performers included Charlie Levy, Jenny Neale, Dan Radzikowski, and Christine Schneider. The concert also marks the 50th episode of "Something New".
In anticipation of his own upcoming solo concert debut, award-winning musical theatre writer Joel B. New sat down with three respected artists in the cabaret world to ask them about the impetus for getting into cabaret, what they’ve learned, and what inspires them. Nikki MacCallum is an actress, writer, and cabaret artist living in New York City. She’s originally from the Boston area and holds a BM from NYU. As a cabaret artist she’s performed at venues throughout NYC including 54 Below, The Metropolitan Room and Lincoln Center. Last fall, Nikki was a featured artist at Birdland along side Donna McKechnie and Jerry Mitchell. She recently attended the Eugene O’Neill Cabaret Conference directed by John McDaniel where she started developing “Familiar Things,” her most recent cabaret, which earned her second MAC nomination.Melanie Kann earned her BFA in Drama at NYU'S Tisch School of the Arts where she concentrated in Musical Theatre at CAP 21 Conservatory, and also double majored in Broadcast Journalism. When she isn't singing a showtune, odds are she is either out running an inappropriate amount of miles in prep for her next marathon, coaching young runners with Run4Fun youth running club, or slingin' sneakers at Jack Rabbit Sports in Park Slope. Her show “Songs for Square Pegs” just enjoyed its second incarnation at the Metropolitan Room.A jack-of-all trades theatre person, Thomas Honeck built sets for HBO, earned his Equity card playing Harry McAfee in “Bye, Bye Birdie, " designed lights for various theatres throughout the city, taught at the Yale Cabaret Conference, and toured the country with The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Thomas made his cabaret debut in 2004 with “Going On Faith… ” for which he was nominated for a MAC Award. He won two years later for his follow-up show “Dreaming Wide Awake.” Thomas has been an integral part at the Duplex for 19 years and has been the proud Program Director for its Cabaret Theatre since 2006. He has recently collaborated with his creative partner & director, Lisa Moss, on their 3rd show together, “Dancing With Death,” which can be seen at the Duplex on May 27th & July 12th at 7pm. All proceeds go to the ALS Association and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).For the song portion of the episode, Joel performs "Somebody Else" at Actoria In The Astor Room, a new weekly musical theatre series in Astoria Queens, created by Josh Bardier and David Bryant Johnson."Joel B. New In Concert" is on Friday, April 24th at 9:30PM at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre in New York. Directed by Justin Daniel. Tickets are $12 in advance ($15 at the door) plus a 2-drink minimum. To purchase tickets, visit purplepass.com/joelbnew.
CLAIRE KARPEN is an actor, writer, and director. Her performing credits include David Ives's The Heir Apparent, directed by John Rando @ CSC; Into the Woods at the Old Globe, McCarter, and Fiasco; The 60's Project @ Goodspeed; The Last Five Years @ Stamford Center for the Arts; Richard III, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, and Comedy of Errors @ Trinity Rep. She co-wrote Hardcore West Virginia, with my friend of many years Mike Pettry, which was part of a 2012 ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop. As a director, she has had a hand in The Woodsman @ 59E59; Henry IV Part I, Trelawny of the Wells, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune and A Little Night Music, all @ Juilliard; and Voices in My Head @ Ars Nova. She received her training at Juilliard and Brown University. She can currently be seen as Cinderella and Granny in Fiasco Theater’s critically-acclaimed revival of INTO THE WOODS, now playing at The Laura Pels Theatre in New York, as part of Roundabout Theatre Company’s current season.JAMES ORTIZ is a NYC based actor, director, writer, puppet designer, and co-artistic director of Strangemen & Co. Acting credits include The Woodsman (59e59) El Gato Con Botas (Tectonic Theatre Co.), On the Head of a Pin (Strangemen) , and Rhinoceros (UglyRhino). Design/directorial credits (puppet or otherwise) include: the Tempest (D.C. Shakespeare) King Lear (Public Theatre and Theatre for a New Audience) Midsummer Night’s Dream (New Place Players) Miss Lilly Gets Bones (Studio 42) My Base and Scurvy Heart (Studio 42) The Little Mermaid (Glass Bandits), and The Woodsman (Ars Nova.) Recipient of the 2013 Jim Henson Foundation Grant. Song Presentation: Jenny Neale performs "The Fort" from The Songs of Joel B. New, Volume I, now available for purchase on Repertwa.com.
Shayla Benoit is an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, producer, and Star Wars enthusiast who currently resides in NYC (shaylabenoit.com). She has appeared in regional theatres across the country, at Radio City Music Hall, in concerts at 54 Below, and can be seen and heard on television, radio, and film. Shayla holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Florida State University. She is also the co-founder of Shady Theatrics, a creative video production company that has produced works for The Tony Awards for the past three years including collaborations with Chita Rivera, Carol Channing, Peter Scolari, and Tom Hanks (shadytheatrics.com). Song Presentation: "Twisted Beginning" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY (joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Daniel Kim on guitar. Recorded live on Sunday, February 15th, 2015 at TruVoice Studios NYC (truvoicestudiosnyc.com).
Janet Krupin is a vocalist and writer for the EDM duo Trillium, whose Aurora EP is now available on iTunes. She’s been on Broadway in Bring It On (Kylar), If/Then (Swing), and Hands on A Hardbody (Dance Capt). Janet has also been awarded LA's Next Great Stage Star and StagesceneLA's Breakout Star. In film, she appeared in "HITS" directed by David Cross. Ms. Krupin holds a BA from USC Cinematic Arts, double minor in musical theatre and philosophy. She’s the host and writer for the popular YouTube series "The Click Clique” and a five-time gold medalist at the Northwest Music Festival. Born and raised in Washington State, Janet likes nachos and doing impossible things (janetkrupin.com, trilliumtribe.com). Song Presentation: "Riding For A Fall" from Joel B. New's TO HELL AND BACK (joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Daniel Kim on guitar, Jessica Winderweedle on cajon, and New on piano. Recorded live on Monday, February 16th, 2015 at TruVoice Studios NYC (truvoicestudiosnyc.com).
Tom Morin is originally from Portsmouth, New Hampshire and holds a B.A. in Theatre and Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and a M.F.A. in Acting from Ohio University. Off Broadway/NYC credits: The Rivals (Pearl Theatre Company), A Christmas Carol (Titan Theatre Company), That Lady from Maxim's (2013 NY Innovative Award for Outstanding Musical). Regional credits: the title role in The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Liar (Centenary Stage); Twelfth Night, Macbeth (Great River Shakespeare); The Winter’s Tale, Marriage of Figaro (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey); Guys and Dolls, Scapino (Monomoy). Caroline Selia is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she also completed her B.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University. She completed her M.M. degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her most recent musical theatre credits include "Claire" in Class: a New Musical directed by Tony nominee Jerry Dixon. She has sung extensively throughout Europe, winning awards in Austria & Germany. She also sings the National Anthem for the NY Knicks NBA. As a singing teacher/coach, she has taught for over 12 years, her clients are starring in broadway productions, national tours, and film/TV programs. Together, they founded Polish Your Passion, which features the MomentB4 Video Feedback Service. (www.pypnyc.com) Song Presentation: "Courtesy Is Contagious," music and lyrics by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Gillian Berkowitz on piano. An in demand pianist and music director, Gillian has performed piano, keyboard, accordion, and vocals in over 25 Broadway and Off Broadway shows. She can currently be seen and heard in Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Wicked, Motown, and Avenue Q. Gillian has music directed dozens of new works throughout her career, and has worked with such notables as Jason Alexander, Joe Jackson, Eartha Kitt, Vincent Piazza, Ann Hampton Callaway, Daniel Radcliffe, and Mickey Dolenz. Frequently she is featured both as a soloist and collaborator playing jazz, classical, theatre, world, and contemporary music in venues across New York City such as 54 Below, Birdland, Merkin Hall, City Winery, and Le Poisson Rouge. Recent projects include Vanishing Point: (www.vanishingpointthemusical.com/Home.html). Gillian also composes and performs with the Sheba Ensemble, promoting Jewish music with a unique contemporary twist (www.shebaensemble.com). This episode was recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC (truvoicestudiosnyc.com) on Saturday, February 14th, 2015.
Ryan Bauer-Walsh has appeared in the International Tour of ZORRO the musical, the 10-time Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, BILLY ELLIOT (both Chicago and the First National Tour), as well as playing the lead in HOMO The Musical at The Wild Project. Other credits include MISS SAIGON, LES MISERABLES, BYE BYE BIRDIE, SIDE SHOW, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, GIRL CRAZY, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, SEVEN BRIDES..., and many more. In addition to performing, Ryan is an author, artist, and community activist. His illustrative work and paintings have been used as set projections at The New York City Opera, the Coterie Opera, and are in private collections. He is also a voice-over artist and an associate casting director with Alison Franck Casting. Song Presentation: "The Long Voyage," poem by Malcolm Cowley, music by Joel B. New. Accompanied by Gillian Berkowitz. Recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC on Saturday, January 31st, 2015.
JBN sits down with actor/producer Bill Coyne (billcoyneonlinecom). Off-Broadway: THE BRIGHTNESS OF HEAVEN at The Cherry Lane, GREED: A Musical For Our Times at New World Stages, LI'L ABNER, FADE OUT/FADE IN. Bassanio in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE with The Shakespeare Forum. Other NYC: Soho Playhouse, NYMF, Ars Nova. Bill created the role of Supernova in Superhero Celebrity Rehab, 2012 Best of DC Capital Fringe. Recent workshops include: BE MORE CHILL and ANNIE GOLDEN, BOUNTY HUNTER YO! by Joe Iconis for Two River Theatre and Cap21, I SPY A SPY by SooHee Youn and Jamie Jackson at The Playroom. Bill is an actor-vist and producer of MuseMatch, a not-for-profit concert series that has created 45 collaborations and raised thousands of dollars for charity. Song Presentation: "Strong, Silent Type" from THE SONGS OF JOEL B. NEW, VOLUME I (now available on Noisetrade). Recorded live on January 17th, 2015 at TruVoice Studios NYC.
Called “electrifying” by The Huffington Post and “spectacular” by the New York Times, Grace McLean (gracemclean.com) is a multi-hyphenate actress-composer-singer-writer-teacher on the rise. In addition to performing in Off-Broadway hits like NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 and BEDBUGS!!!, Grace also makes time for her acclaimed original music, both as a solo artist and with her band, Grace McLean & Them Apples. Manhattan User's Guide writes, "this pop and jazz singer writes seriously infectious melodies with seriously antic lyrics. Her voice can raise the roof, or she can slide off a note and break your heart." In 2015, she will be performing in the world premiere of the Michael Mayer-helmed musical BROOKLYNITE at The Vineyard Theater, and her band will open the Lincoln Center American Songbook series with a free concert on January 21st, 2015. Song Presentation: "My Breadline Christmas Song" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY (joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Daniel Kim on guitar. Recorded live at Michiko Studios in New York on 12/15/14.
JBN sits down with the ever so charming Freddie Kimmel. Freddie's favorite theatrical credits include: Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID (Scuttle) @ NSMT, BILLY ELLIOT (Tony u/s) National Tour, SUERPFLY (Ralphie) Broadway Workshop, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Marley) @ NSMT, ON THE TOWN (Chip) @ Lucille Lortelle, RAGTIME (Houdini) @ Milwaukee Rep, White Christmas (Phil) @ Virginia Repertory Theater, LES MISERABLES (Feuilly) @ P.C.L.O. Television: "Forever" on ABC. In addition to performing, Mr. Kimmel is also a health coach, wellness advocate, and runs the site freddiesetgo.com, giving you weekly doses of inspiration, healthy tips, and food recipes. Proud cancer survivor! Song Presentation: "Somebody Else's" from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com). Interview recorded via Skype on Saturday, December 20th, 2014.
JBN sits down with Jeff Pew, a professional actor, singer, dancer, and pianist (jeffreypew.com). Jeff is currently performing in RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA on Broadway as a member of the Ensemble and an understudy for Prince Topher. In 2015, he will join the cast of the new musical FIRST WIVES CLUB as it heads to Chicago for its pre-Broadway run. As a pianist, Jeff works consistently as an accompanist for American Ballet Theatre and Mark Morris Dance Group. He also has his own YouTube channel with his best friend Luke Hawkins aptly called "The Luke and Jeff Show," which highlights their piano-playing, tap-dancing adventures. He is from San Jose, CA and holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from BYU. Song Presentation: "Go Easy On Me" from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com). Recorded live at TruVoice Studios in New York on Monday, December 1st, 2014.
In the Season Three premiere, JBN sits down with the one and only Ben Cameron (broadwaysessions.net). Ben has appeared on Broadway in Aida and the original casts of Footloose and Wicked. His touring credits include Sweet Charity (opposite Molly Ringwald), Footloose, Fame-The Musical, State Fair and Tommy. He has served on the faculties of NYU’s Cap 21 Studio and Wagner College and continues to teach theater, dance masterclasses and workshops across the country. He has danced for Dre.Dance, The Utah Contemporary Dance Theater (now called Odyssy), and on the ESPY awards. He has performed his one man show Different is Good in clubs around NYC. He has written and directed several cabaret/solo shows for numerous Broadway and cabaret stars, with scads of new projects in the works. He is one of NYC’s most sought after hosts with countless benefits and major theater industry events to his credit. He is currently the creator/host of “Broadway Sessions w/ Ben D” at The Laurie Beechman Theater. He also hosts Mostly Sondheim at The Duplex (for which he and his co-hosts were nominated for a 2011 MAC award), The Broken Leg Podcast and Onstage NY talent competitions. This week's performance: "Life Is A Bar" from TO HELL AND BACK by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com).
“Something New" went to 54 Below to wrap up its second season with a special live concert. Award-winning songwriter and host Joel B. New invited some of his favorite guests to join him and share some of their stories, take a Broadway quiz (with audience prizes!), and bring his songs to life onstage. Featuring the vocal stylings of Drew Gasparini, Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Amy Jo Jackson, Bill Coyne, Avital Asuleen, Dan Radzikowski, David Hudson, Hansel Tan, Jamie Buxton, Jenny Neale, Justin Daniel, Kate Steinberg, Mariand Torres, Matt Wilson, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, and Tiffan Borelli. With Daniel Kim on guitar, Jessica Winderweedle on drums, Joel B. New on piano, and Lloyd Kikoler on bass, Directed by Lori Wolter Hudson. Recorded live at 54 Below in NYC on Monday, August 25th, 2014.
JBN sits down with Caitlin D. Jones, an actor, writer, casting director, producer, and web content creator. Caitlin attended Nazareth College majoring in Music Theatre and Philosophy while also interning and later assisting at Liz Lewis Casting Partners. After casting numerous commercials, independent films, national tours, and voice overs, she founded SMAO Entertainment in January of 2011 to produce art that people can laugh at, or with, or both after producing her web series Caitlin Jones Saves the Day! She currently is a Casting Director for Liz Lewis Casting Partners in both New York and Los Angeles and has recently premiered her cooking show, In the Kitchen with Caitlin on Manhattan Neighborhood Network and on YouTube. Song Presentation: "I Can't Imagine" from Joel B. New's chamber musical, RSVP.
“Something New” presents the premiere studio recording of STANDALONE: A SONG CYCLE. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New. The four-member cast of STANDALONE is comprised of Bill Coyne as Man 2, Jenny Neale as Woman 1, Hansel Tan as Man 1, and Mariand Torres as Woman 2. Directed by Billy Bustamante. Additional vocals by Jennifer Anderson, Stephanie Joiner, Melanie Kann, Patrick Laslie, Dan Radzikowski, Sam Shull, and Lindsie VanWinkle. Featuring Daniel Kim on guitar, Sam Shull on piano, and Jessica Winderweedle on drums. This premiere is made possible by Samuel Christensen Law Firm PLLC and Listeners Like You. www.joelbnew.com
In the third and final "making of" minisode, award-winning musical theatre writer Joel B. New discusses the post-production side of his song cycle, STANDALONE. New waxes on mixing, last-minute rearrangements, and the addition of seven singers to round out the needs of the musical score. The premiere recording of STANDALONE is set to be released on Monday, July 21st. The minisode series and premiere of STANDALONE are made possible by Samuel Christensen Law Firm PLLC and Listeners Like You.
JBN updates his listeners on the progress of the premiere recording of his song cycle, STANDALONE. New went into Yellow Sound Lab (www.yellowsoundlab.com) on June 29th for principal vocalist recording with Bill Coyne, Hansel Tan, Mariand Torres, and Jenny Neale. Director Billy Bustamante has a quick chat with the original cast about their lives in New York, being a part of developing new work, and their favorite songs from the STANDALONE score.
JBN sits down with himself and chats about the development history of his song cycle, STANDALONE, which is due to premiere on "Something New" in July 2014. Cameo appearances by J. Oconer Navarro, Carrie Love, David Burnham, Rachel Louise Thomas, Tony Yazbeck, Dan Radzikowski, Roy Lightner, Shain Fike, Erin McCracken, and Nicole Wolf. This episode is brought to you by Samuel Christensen Law Firm PLLC (www.sclawnyc.com).
JBN sits down with Avital Asuleen, a director, choreographer, performer, and producer (www.asuleen.com). Avi is primarily interested in honoring musical theatre's past, while still finding new ways to challenge the medium. She has worked with Prospect Theater Comany, Theatreworks USA, Westchester Broadway Theatre, and Surflight Theatre. Last year, Ms. Asuleen launched The Choreography Lab, now in residence at the New York Theatre Barn, which works to develop the storytelling abilities of theater choreographers. She is currently creating "Ephemera", a piece of site specific dance theatre. Avi also writes the blog The Strategic Artist, a blog about time and money management for creative professionals. Song Presentation: "I've Only Moments to Spare" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE AND THE MISSING BOY. Accompanied by Josh Kight (www.joshkight.org). Recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC on 6/14/14.
JBN sat down with Tiffan Borelli, an actress, singer, teacher, and founding member of Core Artists Ensemble (www.tiffanborelli.com). Ms. Borelli's New York theatre credits include Two By Two at The York Theatre with Jason Alexander, Martin Charnin's Something Funny's Going On at 54 Below, (Kate) in Kiss Me Kate with The Staten Island Philharmonic, Emma:The Musical at NYMF, and as (Sondra Lee) in Far Out! at Minetta Lane. In other parts of the world, she’s been seen in the Asia Tour of The Sound Of Music, as well as productions with The Kennedy Center, Maine State Music Theatre, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, The River Valley Repertory Theatre, City Rep Theatre, & Theatre of New Canaan, where she earned a 2013 Broadway World Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Tiffan has soloed in concerts at Joe's Pub, Ars Nova and Lincoln Center Theatre. Founding member of Core Artists Ensemble, a New York based Theatre Company derived from her years at New York's Acting institute, The Barrow Group. Song Premiere: "Tavern", poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay and music by Joel B. New (www.joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Ivan Orellana on guitar. Recorded live at Ripley-Grier Voiceover Studios on 5/30/14.
JBN sat down with David Hudson, an actor, writer, producer, and voice-over artist. Mr. Hudson has worked extensively with the New Harmony Project, appeared on several web series of note, and perhaps most notably he makes up one third of the creators of THREE DAY HANGOVER (www.threedayhangover.com), a NYC theater company that produces fresh, unexpected, immersive, joyful productions of classic plays in bars. On the verge of its second season, 3DH’s raucous past season included R+J: STAR-CROSS’D DEATH MATCH and THE HAMLET PROJECT, in which David played the titular role to sold-out crowds and rave reviews in the NY Post, Broadway World, and the NY Times. Song Presentation: "Annabel Lee", music by Joel B. New (www.joelbnew.com), poem by Edgar Allan Poe.
JBN sat down with Matt Wilson, to whom James Lapine told he was 'suis generis'. It sounds like a hog call, but it's Latin and means 'of its own kind or class; not like anything else'. Matt applied to med school and clown college. He wanted to be a doctor. Or a clown, and chronicles his inner clown-flict in his neo-vaudevillian live solo theatrical spectacle 'Clown Baggage', where med school and clown college collide in a hilarious and virtuosic display of sideshow stunts, burlesque, circus feats, comedy and pathos (www.clownbaggage.com). From his Emmy award winning turn on the PBS Kids television favorite 'Cyberchase', to galavanting the globe with the Britney Spears 'Circus', to leading ninjas on the path towards health and hotness as a trainer at Mark Fisher Fitness in Hell's Kitchen, Matt inadvertently defies categorization. Song Presentation: "Sense of You" from Joel B. New's TO HELL AND BACK. Recorded @ TruVoice Studios on 5/4/14.
JBN sits down with Justin Daniel, a singer, actor, host, cabaret and teaching artist. A Bistro Award Winner, he has performed in theaters all around the world, appeared on various TV shows and films, and has written his own cabarets. Most recently, he has harnessed all of this eclectic experience into teaching artistry, where he gets to bring the gift of theatre into classrooms all over NYC through such organizations as The New Victory Theatre, Disney Theatricals, and more. He can currently be seen in his much anticipated return to the cabaret arena with OFFICIALLY ALIVE, running at the Duplex in NYC on 4/21 and 4/28 (www.justindaniel.net). Song Premiere: "Excel at Failing" from Joel B. New's STANDALONE, A SONG CYCLE. Performance recorded live at Ben Cameron's "Broadway Sessions" (www.broadwaysessions.net) by Justin Daniel and Ernie Pruneda. Accompanied by Joshua Stephen Kartes.
JBN sits down with Dan Radzikowski, a voice teacher/coach, performer and music director. As an actor, some of his favorite roles include Bobby in "Crazy For You," Charley in "Where's Charley?," Malcolm in "The Full Monty," Greg in "A Chorus Line” and Ernst in "Cabaret." He performed “Outgoing,” the song Joel wrote for him at the Lincoln Center Songbook Series, and at Joel's Jonathan Larson Award ceremony. Dan has also performed in and music directed, "Singin' In The Shower" at Birdland as part of the Broadway At Birdland Concert Series. Last May, Dan performed in and music directed Joel's concert, "Something New: The Concert." Carnegie Mellon, NYU grad. For more information, please visit www.DanRadzVoice.com and www.DanRadzikowski.com. Song Presentation: "Outgoing" from Joel B. New's STANDALONE: A SONG CYCLE. The song portion of this episode was recorded live at Broadway Sessions, hosted by Ben D @ The Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC (www.broadwaysessions.net).
JBN sits down with Rachel Louise Thomas, an actress/singer/dancer residing in Los Angeles, California. Some of Ms. Thomas' credits include performances at The Rockwell in Los Feliz, The Cupcake Theatre in Hollywood, and this past week an event for "Travel and Leisure" Magazine at The Pelican Hill Resort and Spa in Newport Beach. In February she was a featured soloist in Joel Rieke's "Apsis Requiem", an interactive opera exploring grief and community healing. Recently, she began a new adventure as a background actress on tv, film, and commercial. If you didn't blink, you may have seen her on CSI: Las Vegas or Greys Anatomy. She also takes great Joy in teaching dance to the cutest two year olds in "The Valley" at Creation Station Studio City; as well as working with the community in various service projects. In the Fall of 2011, she began performing with the BroadwayWorld Award winning "Transcendence Theatre Company" located in the beautiful Sonoma Valley of "wine country" at Jack London State Park (www.transcendencetheatre.org). Song Premiere: "Easier" from Joel B. New's TO HELL AND BACK (www.joelbnew.com)
JBN sits down with Edmund Bagnell, an accomplished vocalist, actor, and violinist. A member of the highly-acclaimed all-male string quartet, Well-Strung (well-strung.com), Edmund has performed to sold-out crowds at Joe’s Pub, Ars Nova, 54 Below, The Art House in Provincetown, the Leicester Square Theatre in London, House of Blues in New Orleans, Feinstein’s in San Francisco, and more. As a musical theatre performer, Mr. Bagnell impressive credits include playing Tobias in the first national tour of Sweeney Todd directed by John Doyle, Rich in The Last Cyclist (off-Broadway),Toby in Menotti's The Medium (off-Broadway), Charlie Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Charlie in The Big Holiday Broadcast of 1959, and Oramel Howland in The Great Unknown at NYMF. Song Premiere: "Scared to the Bone" from Joel B. New's SHIVER, A NEW MUSICAL (joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Ivan Orellana on guitar (nycguitarschool.com). Recorded live on 3/7/14 @ Ripley-Grier Studios (ripleygrier.com).
JBN sits down with Nikka Graff Lanzarone, a performer who has been seen on stages all over the country, most recently as a seven-foot-tall peacock in "The Jungle Book" at the Goodman and Huntington Theatres, and on Broadway in the shows "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" and "Chicago." In NYC, she was also seen as The Whore in the Transport Group's revival of Hello Again, with her family at 54 Below, and in her own solo show at Joe's Pub. She is also a renegade occasional stylist. When not doing any of those other things, she co-created and co-hosts a Broadway-themed podcast called The Ensemblist with her partner Mo Brady, which turns Broadway inside out (theensemblist.com, nikka-graff-lanzarone.com). Music and lyrics by Joel B. New, accompanied by Sam Shull. Recorded live @ TruVoice Studios NYC on Friday, February 21st, 2014.
JBN sits down with actor and playwright Matthew-Lee Erlbach (www.matthew-lee.com)! Matt's most recent credits include: Eager to Lose, a Burlesque Farce in Rhyming Verse which just ended an extended run Off-Bway at Ars Nova, his critically-acclaimed solo play Handbook for an American Revolutionary which ran Off-Bway at the Gym at Judson, and his much buzzed about dry comedy web series, ROGER, THE CHICKEN, co-produced with Emmy-winner Carrie Preston. He's also appeared on Comedy Central, in the Sundance hit Another Earth and has written for Nickelodeon and WWE. He was the host of MTV's Epic Fail until focus groups thought he was too "smart funny." He is a member of the 2014/15 Ars Nova Play Group. Song Premiere: "Tear Me To Pieces" from Joel B. New's TO HELL AND BACK. Accompanied by J. Oconer Navarro on piano and Tim Lykins on percussion. Recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC on 1/30/14.
JBN sits down with the one and only Marita Stryker, an entertainer, educator, and explorer. Ms. Stryker is an accomplished actress, vocalist, dancer, yoga instructor, and cellist. On land, her performing credits include the national tour of John Doyle’s production of SWEENEY TODD and numerous productions with Austin Musical Theatre and Music Theatre Wichita. Marita has performed in 32 states, 40 countries, and 5 continents. She is the founder of Live @ Sea, a sea of information about working as an entertainer on cruise ships, currently in development. (maritastryker.com, liveatsea.info) Song Premiere: "The Fort", music and lyrics by Joel B. New (joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Mike Pettry (mikepettry.com).
JBN sits down with actress and voice/text/dialect coach Amy Jo Jackson. Her bio is filled with an array of cool projects, most recently as the dialect coach on the Tony Award-winning musical KINKY BOOTS, and as an actor in Exit, Pursued by a Bear's DANI GIRL. Ms. Jackson is a 2013 IRNE and Elliot Norton nominee for her role as "Female Soloist" in Speakeasy Stage Company's production of BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, has collaborated with such respected theatre companies as The Flea, The Pearl, Prospect Theater, The Cell, and is the dialect coach on the new Maltby & Shire musical BEHIND THE PAINTING. Amy Jo can currently be seen in Empirical Rogue’s SUICIDE?!, and is the Voice & Text Director on the upcoming MYSTERIES at The Flea. (www.amyjojackson.com) Song Premiere: "Cute White Boy" from Joel B. New's STANDALONE: A SONG CYCLE. (www.joelbnew.com). Accompanied by Mike Pettry (www.mikepettry.com)
JBN sits down with esteemed colleague Nathan Siler (www.nathansiler.com), a composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist. Nathan's project, Portraiture, released their debut LP, "Real as Ritual", last year. In his vast career, he has supported, produced, and toured with renowned indies such as The Lovely Sparrows, Steve Burns and the Struggle, and Brothers NYC. As a classical singer, Mr. Siler has performed at Carnegie Hall with American Symphony Orchestra and the Collegiate Chorale, is a soloist in the acclaimed chamber choir Musica Viva of New York, and he fosters a close relationship with up and coming composers, singing for many premieres of music in the NYC Classical scene. Song Premiere: "Another Dead End" from TO HELL AND BACK, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Featuring Dan Radzikowski on piano.With Manna Nichols, Sam Simahk, Heather Corrigan, Christine Paterson, Jennifer Anderson, Marita Stryker, Jacob Schneider, Karl Michael Johnson, Patrick Laslie, and Leah Darby. Recorded live on 12/8/13 @ TruVoice Studios NYC (www.truvoicestudiosnyc.com).
JBN sits down with Justin Boccitto (justinboccitto.net), a producer, choreographer, director, educator, and performer. He currently serves as Executive Producer of The Group Theatre Too in Manhattan (grouptheatretoo.org). Since The Group’s creation in 2003, he has overseen and produced MAC Award-Winning cabaret artist, Alisa Schiff in Mama Said…The Songs of Cass Elliot as well as New York tap company, Generation Tap, who has performed in Tap City, Circle in the Square and the United Nations. As a director, he led the national tour of Dance/Speak: The Life of Agnes de Mille starring Patricia Conolly. He currently directs & choreographs for Circle in the Square Theatre School with credits including Lippa's Wild Party, Urinetown,The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Tenderloin. As a performer he went on to appear with The Metropolitan Opera, the Willow Cabin Theatre Company and the New York Theatre Ballet. Here currently teaches Tap and Theatre Dance at Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan. Song Premiere: "Overly Oofy" from Joel B. New's MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY. Accompanied by Gillian Berkowitz. Recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC on Sunday, 11/24/13.
JBN sits down with Sheri Sanders! A musical theatre actress insisting on her own diversity, and pliability, Ms. Sanders tapped into the ever changing state of Musical Theatre, realized that her greatest love was finding its way onto the Broadway stage, film and television, and now pioneers as the only person to bridge those gaps. She piloted her masterclass, ROCK THE AUDITION, at Pace University, and since then has taught all across America, and is a Rock Musical Repertoire Coach and private audition coach in NYC. Backstage paid a visit to her rock class, wrote an article about her leading a revolution, and the next thing you know, she was asked to create the pilot episode of the reality television show MY TIME on The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). She was then immediately invited by Hal Leonard books to be the first person to ever write a book on auditioning for rock musicals. In the history of the world. Song Premiere: "Beautiful, Sleeping Giant" from STANDALONE: A SONG CYCLE. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC (www.truvoicestudiosnyc.com).
JBN sits down with acclaimed musical theatre performer and songwriter Drew Gasparini. Drew's musicals include "Above My Pay Grade", “Make Me Bad”, "Circles", "Inappropriate Stories Told At a Bar", and “Crazy, Just Like Me,” which is about to receive an industry reading here in the city. He has also released three albums of his own work, including the recently released “I Could Use A Drink," and his song "Good For You" was featured in the NBC musical series "Smash.” Song Premiere: "Let Her Go" from TO HELL AND BACK, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Logan Culwell on piano. Backup vocalists: Jamie Buxton, Ian Gibb, Joe Hager, Joanne Javian, Shane Saldivar, Jaclyn Stapp, Jessica Swersey, and Liz Ulmer. Recorded live at TruVoice Studios NYC on Sunday, November 3rd, 2013.
In this super special season finale, JBN sits down with the world-renowned Gay Marshall (www.gaymarshall.com). In the world of musical theatre, her extensive credits include the original French production of CATS (playing Grizabella) and the recent Capital Rep revival of JACQUE BREL. She is also one of the most respected interpreters of the Edith Piaf catalog, having written a one-woman show and recorded a full-length album of her work. Song Premiere: "Button In My Pocket," music and lyrics by Joel B. New. This episode was recorded on Sunday, July 14th, 2013.
JBN sits down with singer-songwriter David Alan Thornton (www.davidalanthornton.com). A frequenter of the Path Café and Rockwood Music Hall, Mr. Thornton has produced, written for, and performed in concerts all over New York City, from the Laurie Beechman to Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. Song Premiere: "Drip" from STANDALONE, A SONG CYCLE. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Also featuring Dan Radzikowski, Lindsie VanWinkle, and Stephanie Joiner. This episode was recorded on Sunday, June 23rd, 2013.
JBN sits down with special guest artist Christine Paterson, who specializes in massage therapy for vocal health and TMJ therapy. She is part of a network of Speech Pathologists, Otolaryngologists, and Psychotherapists that provide care for people with Vocal Trauma. Her technique is a mixture of Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, and Deep Tissue massage. (www.lifelightmassage.com, www.christinepaterson.com) Song Premiere: "Paisley" (Female Version) from STANDALONE, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. This episode was recorded on Sunday, June 23rd, 2013.
JBN sits down with Chris York, a New York City-based voice teacher. Mr. York's clients -- ranging in ages from six to adult -- can currently be seen on Broadway, National Tours and regionally (www.chrisyorkvoicestudio.com). Song Premiere: "Maybe Later" from STANDALONE: A SONG CYCLE. Music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Episode recorded on 6/22/13.
JBN sits down with musical theatre performer and Pilates instructor Stephanie Joiner (www.pilatesnyc.com, www.stephaniejoiner.com) to discuss how being kind to your body is key to a happy life as a person and artist. Song Premiere: "Another Mouth to Feed" from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Episode recorded on 6/8/13.
An evening of songs from the hit iTunes podcast. Music and Lyrics by JOEL B. NEW. All proceeds to benefit the Human Rights Campaign. In honor of Kathy New. Produced by Liz Ulmer. Directed by Lori Steinberg. Musical Direction by Dan Radzikowski. Featuring the vocal stylings of: LIZ ASTI, EDMUND BAGNELL, GREG ETLING, SCOTT GUTHRIE, LESLIE HENSTOCK, STEPHANIE JOINER, MELANIE KANN, CHARLIE LEVY, MELISSA McKAMIE, JENNY NEALE, CHRISTINE PATERSON, DAN RADZIKOWSKI, NATHAN SILER, STEPHANIE SINE, DAVID ALAN THORNTON, LIZ ULMER, LINDSIE VANWINKLE, and CHRIS YORK. With Jessica Winderweedle on percussion, Dan Radzikowski on piano, Edmund Bagnell on violin, Nathan Siler on guitar, and Joel B. New guitar. Recorded live on Monday, May 20th, 2013 @ 7PM, Stage 72 @ The Triad in New York.
JBN sits down with musical theatre performer and Weight Watchers Ambassador Melanie Kann (www.melaniekann.com) to discuss success, both on and off the stage -- as well as on and off the scale. Song premiere: "Must Be Nice" from STANDALONE, A SONG CYCLE (music and lyrics by Joel B. New). Episode recorded on March 24th, 2013.
JBN sits down with Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina, aka The Skivvies, an award-winning NYC musical duo that does stripped down versions of eclectic covers and eccentric originals. Not only are the arrangements stripped down - cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica - but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform (www.theskivviesnyc.com). Song Premiere: "Time Killers" from Joel B. New's TO HELL AND BACK. This episode was recorded on March 9th, 2013.
JBN sits down with award-winning choreographer Roy Lightner (www.facebook.com/roylightner.choreographer). Song Premiere: "Hold," a trunk song from an earlier conceptualization of TO HELL AND BACK. Episode recorded on March 13th, 2013.
JBN sits down with Liz Ulmer, a champion and producer of new work (www.ulmertheatricals). Song Premiere: "I Pass A Sign (Guitar Arrangement)" from STANDALONE: A SONG CYCLE, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Interview recording date: 3/3/13. Song recorded live on 3/30/13 at the Queens Guitar School (queensguitarschool.com), with Joel B. New and Ivan Orellana on guitar.
"RSVP" - a chamber musical.Book, Music, and Lyrics by Joel B. New.Directed by Lori Wolter Hudson.Cast:Greg Etling as "Michael Walker",Jenny Neale as "Susan",Scott Guthrie as "The Stranger"."RSVP" was recorded live at Ripley-Grier Studios in NYC on 3/16/13 (www.ripleygrier.com). Sound design by Emily Auciello.About The Piece: "RSVP" takes place in Middle America in the early 1970’s. To be specific, this is the morning of Michael and Susan’s wedding. Michael is a nonfiction writer by trade, but on this morning – when he should be getting ready for the ceremony – he finds himself fixated on his first attempt at fiction. Writing what he knows, Michael creates the protagonist in his own image. However, when his fictional self is confronted with a familiar stranger from the future, the real Michael is unprepared to face some facts.For more info, please visit www.joelbnew.com.
JBN sits down with director Lori Wolter Hudson to discuss the developmental process of his 20-minute musical radio play, "RSVP". The episode includes sneak peaks from the score, performed by Greg Etling, Jenny Neale, and Scott Guthrie. "RSVP" will premiere in its entirety on SOMETHING NEW on April 1st, 2013. (Interview Recording Date: 3/24/13; mixed and edited by Emily Auciello)
JBN sits down with musical theatre performer, director, and circus artist extraordinaire Stephanie Sine (www.youtube.com/StephSineWilson). Song Premiere: "You Break It, You Buy It" from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Recorded on 12/4/12.
JBN sits down with Matt Castle (2006 Broadway revival of COMPANY), whose creative hats impressively include actor, music director, arranger, orchestrator, and vocal coach (http://www.mattcastle.com/). Song Premiere: "Omission" from RSVP, music and lyrics by Joel B. New. Recorded on 1/20/13.
JBN sits down with Broadway's Jen Waldman, founder of the Jen Waldman Studio (jenwaldmanstudio.com) and co-artistic director of Breaking Bread Theatre (breakingbreadtheatre.com/). Song Premiere: "I Can't Imagine" from RSVP, music and lyrics by Joel B. New (Recording date: 12/9/12)
JBN sits down with actress/coach/producer Leslie Henstock to talk about her popular concert series, "People You May Know", now in its fourth rendition (http://peopleyoumayknowcabaret.com). Song Premiere: "You Know Where to Find Me!" from MACKENZIE & THE MISSING BOY (music and lyrics by Joel B. New, book by Cara Winter). Recording date: 1/20/13.
JBN sits down with Billy Bustamante, who is thriving in the fields of acting, choreography, photography, and directing. (www.billybphotography.com) Song Premiere: "Something Needs to Happen" from Joel's short-length musical, RSVP, which is having its world premiere in Spring 2013.
JBN sits down with friend, budding songwriter, and fellow OCU alum Jennifer Sanchez, currently understudying in "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" on Broadway. (jensanchez.weebly.com) Song Premiere: "What's A God to Do?" from Joel's album musical, TO HELL AND BACK.
Joel B. New sits down with Liz Asti, founder of Let's Start At the Very Beginning, an amazing music theory educational series for adults. (www.letsstartwithlizasti.com) Song Premiere: "Limited" (music by Joel B. New, poem by Carl Sandburg).