<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Smash Archives - Cultural Attaché</title> <atom:link href="https://culturalattache.co/tag/smash/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://culturalattache.co/tag/smash/</link> <description>The Guide to Arts and Culture events in and around Los Angeles</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 01:01:33 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <item> <title>BEST BETS: FEBRUARY 3rd – FEBRUARY 9th</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/03/best-bets-february-3rd-february-9th/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/03/best-bets-february-3rd-february-9th/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[What's Hot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andy Blankenbuehler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bob Martin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cristian Mǎcelaru]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Custom of the Coast]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Duke Ellington]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Geffen Playhouse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Guggenheim Museum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jason Moran]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeremy O'Harris]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joshua Bergasse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marc Shaiman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MASS MoCA]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Michael Frayn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[National Sawdust]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Never Alone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Noises Off]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Randall Goosby]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rick Elice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Scott Wittman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Smash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Susan Stroman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Great Yes The Great No]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Wallis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[William Kentridge]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Works & Process]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=21148</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Jason Moran plays Duke Ellington, Noises Off and previews of upcoming works top this week's list.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/03/best-bets-february-3rd-february-9th/">BEST BETS: FEBRUARY 3rd – FEBRUARY 9th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Here are Cultural Attaché’s <em>Best Bets: February 3<sup>rd</sup> – February 9<sup>th</sup></em></p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21153" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Andy-Blankenbuehler-Courtesy-Works-Process.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Andy Blankenbuehler (Courtesy Works & Process)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>WORKS & PROCESS</em></strong> – Guggenheim Museum – New York, NY; National Sawdust – Brooklyn, NY and MASS MoCA – North Adams, MA – February 3<sup>rd</sup> – February 9<sup>th</sup></p> <p>If you’re a fan of the performing arts on the East Coast, you’ll want to be at The Guggenheim Museum and National Sawdust this week. If you can’t make it to New York, but are in the Boston area, one of this week’s events is also taking place at MASS MoCA.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/guggenheim/3515/event/1407538">SMASH</a></em> (February 3<sup>rd</sup>) The creators of the new musical inspired by the television show of the same name will discuss the show. Cast members will also perform excerpts from the musical. That team includes composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (who wrote songs for the television show); book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin; choreographer Joshua Bergasse and director <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2016/01/15/susan-stroman-took-a-few-bullets-for-putting-woody-allen-on-broadway/">Susan Stroman</a>. </p> <p><em><a href="https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/guggenheim/3515/event/1407539"></a><a href="https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/guggenheim/3515/event/1407539">NEVER ALONE</a> </em>(February 7<sup>th</sup>) Director/choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (<em>Hamilton</em>) collaborates with writer Kate Quinn on this new dance piece. It tells the story of a British naval officer and a woman who excels art breaking codes who have an unlikely relationship during World War II. Blankenbuehler will discuss the show and highlights will be performed.</p> <p><em>WILLIAMSTOWN THEATER FESTIVAL: JEREMY O’HARRIS</em> (<a href="https://massmoca.org/event/wtf-jeremy-o-harris/">February 7<sup>th</sup> at MASS MoCA</a> / <a href="https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/guggenheim/3515/event/1407540">February 9<sup>th</sup> at Guggenheim Museum</a>)Harris, the playwright who challenged theatergoers with his highly-acclaimed <em>Slave Play</em>, will discuss his way of working in advance of the world premiere later this year at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Excerpts from the play will also be performed. This is, in my humble opinion, a must-see event that takes place at both venues.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.nationalsawdust.org/event/works-process-and-experiments-in-opera-present-custom-of-the-coast-concert-performance">CUSTOM OF THE COAST</a></em> (February 9<sup>th</sup>) This event at National Sawdust in Brooklyn will offer modern opera lovers the first look at a new opera by composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Paul Muldoon. Their opera combines two stories of very different folks from Ireland: Anne Bonny, an 18<sup>th</sup> century pirate and Savita Halapannavar, a dentist who died in 2012 after being refused an abortion. There will be a conversation with the creators after the performance.</p> <p>Quick tip: Next Monday there will be a <em>Works & Process at the Guggenheim</em> for the new musical <em><a href="https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/guggenheim/3515/event/1407541">Boop! The Betty Boop Musical</a></em> with Jerry Mitchell.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21152" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MIchael-Frayn-Photo-by-Geraint-Lewis-Courtesy-Geffen-Playhouse.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Michael Frayn at The Edinburgh International Book Festival, Scotland, Britain – 2010 (Photo by Geraint Lewis/Shutterstock (1895927me) – Courtesy Geffen Playhouse)<br></figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>NOISES OFF</em></strong> – Geffen Playhouse – Westwood, CA – Now – March 2<sup>nd</sup></p> <p>This production of Michael Frayn’s madcap comedy from the 1980s began its life at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. The cast has made its way west to entertain audience with the high-octane laughs in this story of a theater company that can’t seem to get things right. (<em>Noises Off</em> can be considered the godfather of <em>The Play That Goes Wrong</em>).</p> <p>Director Anna D. Shapiro, who won a Tony Award for her work on <em>August: Osage County</em>, directs this production.</p> <p>Given everything Los Angeles has been dealing with so far this year, two and a half hours of laughs is certainly welcome. Complimentary tickets are available for patrons impacted by the LA wildfires.</p> <p>For tickets and more information, please go <a href="https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/shows/noises-off/">HERE</a>.</p> <p><strong><em>THE GREAT YES, THE GREAT NO</em></strong><em><u> </u></em>– The Wallis – Beverly Hills, CA – February 5<sup>th</sup> – February 8<sup>th</sup></p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="The Great Yes, The Great No @ The Wallis" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QwKgylg_g7k?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>Here’s a fascinating combination of personalities, artists and genres: André Breton, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Wifredo Lam, Victor Serge, Anna Seghers (all depicted in this work); theater maker Phala Ookeditse Phala, dancer/choral conductor Nhlanhla Mahlangu<em> </em>and artist William Kentridge (they create this) in a work that is described as “part play, part Greek choir, part chamber opera.”</p> <p>Whatever the end results, this is bound to be fascinating. </p> <p>For tickets and more information, please go <a href="https://thewallis.org/show-details/the-great-yes-the-great-no">HERE</a>.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21151" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jason-Moran-Courtesy-SF-JAZZ.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jason Moran/Courtesy SF JAZZ)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>JASON MORAN PLAYS DUKE ELLINGTON</em></strong> – Multiple Venues – February 6th – April 11th</p> <p>The music of Duke Ellington will be celebrated by pianist/composer <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/01/30/jason-moran-has-a-reason-to-believe/">Moran</a> in several concerts: some of them solo piano performances and others with local jazz or big bands.</p> <p>The schedule is:</p> <p><a href="https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/jason-moran-w-marcus-shelby-new-orchestra/">SF JAZZ</a> – San Francisco (February 6<sup>th</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup>) with the Marcus Shelby New Orchestra. The February 7<sup>th</sup> performance will be available <a href="https://www.sfjazz.org/athome/fridays-live/jason-moran-duke-ellington/">for streaming</a> at 7:30 PM PT</p> <p><a href="https://thesoraya.org/whats-on/en/jason-moran/">THE SORAYA</a> – Northridge, CA (February 13<sup>th</sup>– with the CSUN Jazz “A” Band</p> <p><a href="https://gmc.sonoma.edu/jason-moran/">GREEN MUSIC CENTER</a> – Sonoma, CA (February 15<sup>th</sup>) This is his solo recital entitled <em>Duke Ellington: My Heart Sings</em></p> <p><em><a href="https://pac.uga.edu/event/jason-moran/">HODGSON CONCERT HALL</a> </em>– Athens, GA – February 27<sup>th</sup> – also <em>My Heart Sings</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.berklee.edu/BPC/events/jason-moran-duke-ellington-my-heart-sings">BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER</a> – Boston, MA – March 1<sup>st</sup> – also <em>My Heart Sings</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.arshtcenter.org/tickets/2024-2025/jazz-roots/jason-moran/">ADRIENNE ARTSH CENTER</a> – Miami, Fl – March 21<sup>st</sup> – also <em>My Heart Sings</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.apollotheater.org/event/ellington-in-focus">THE APOLLO</a> – New York, NY – April 11<sup>th</sup> – <em>Ellington in Focus</em> which finds Moran collaborating with the incredible photography of Gordon Parks.</p> <p>Click on each venue name for tickets and more information.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="169" src="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-300x169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21150" srcset="https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-300x169.jpg 300w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-768x432.jpg 768w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-696x392.jpg 696w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists-747x420.jpg 747w, https://culturalattache.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cristian-Macelaru-Photo-©Cristina-Tanase-Courtesy-Primo-Artists.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cristian Mǎcelaru (Photo ©Cristina Tanase/Courtesy Primo Artists)</figcaption></figure></div> <p><strong><em>DVOŘÁK NEW WORLD SYMPHONY</em></strong> – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra – Cincinnati, OH – February 8<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup></p> <p>To be honest, this massive popular symphony is not amongst my favorites. But this concert has other reasons to be on this week’s Best Bets. It marks the return of Cristian Mǎcelaru to CSO for the first time since he was named the next Music Director. He begins his tenure during the 2025-2026 season.</p> <p>Also on the program is <em>Southwestern Shakedown</em> from Wynton Marsalis’ <em>Blues Symphony</em>; Chausson’s <em>Po</em><em>è</em><em>me</em> and Florence Price’s <em>Violin Concerto No. 2</em> with soloist Randall Goosby.</p> <p>The performance on February 9<sup>th</sup> will be livestreamed on CSO’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbtB0MlnsG8">YouTube channel</a> at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT.</p> <p>For tickets and more information, please go <a href="https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/buy-tickets/cso/2425-cso-season/dvorak-new-world-symphony/">HERE</a>.</p> <p>That’s it for Best Bets: February 3rd – February 9th.</p> <p>Enjoy your week and go see a show!</p> <p>Main Photo: Jeremy O’Harris and Raphael Picciarelli (Photo by Matthew Leifheit-Courtesy Works & Process)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/03/best-bets-february-3rd-february-9th/">BEST BETS: FEBRUARY 3rd – FEBRUARY 9th</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2025/02/03/best-bets-february-3rd-february-9th/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Bombshell in Concert</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2020/05/19/bombshell-in-concert/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2020/05/19/bombshell-in-concert/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2020 16:56:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Musicals: 5-6-7-8]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Streaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andy Mientus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ann Harada]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bombshell in Concert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brian d'Arcy James]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christian Borle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Debra Messing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jack Davenport]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jaime Cepero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeremy Jordan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Julia Klausner]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Katharine McPhee]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Krysta Rodriguez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Leslie Odom Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marc Shaiman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Megan Hilty]]></category> <category><![CDATA[People]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Raza Jeffrey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Renée Zellweger]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Scott Wittman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Smash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Actors Fund]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wesley Taylor]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Will Chase]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=9108</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>People.com<br /> <br /> People's Facebook Page & Twitter Feed<br /> <br /> May 20th </p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/05/19/bombshell-in-concert/">Bombshell in Concert</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>There were only 32 episodes of the 2012-2013 NBC series, <em>Smash</em>, but from those episodes came a devoted following. The fans weren’t just excited that half of Broadway made appearances in the show, it was the music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman for the fictional musical <em>Bombshell</em> that captured their hearts. </p> <p>The cast of <em>Smash</em> will reunite on Wednesday, May 20th for <em>Bombshell in Concert</em>. They will participate in conversations and interviews before, during and after the 2015 event at the Minskoff Theatre is screened for the first time.</p> <p>The cast members participating in <em>Bombshell in Concert</em> are: Christian Borle (Tom Levitt), Jaime Cepero (Ellis Boyd), Will Chase (Michael Swift), Brian d’Arcy James (Frank Houston), Jack Davenport (Derek Wills), Ann Harada (Linda), Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn), Raza Jaffrey (Dev Sundaram), <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/02/supergirls-jeremy-jordan-sings-oscar-winning-songs-with-the-pasadena-pops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jeremy Jordan (opens in a new tab)">Jeremy Jordan </a>(Jimmy Collins), Katharine McPhee (Karen Cartwright), Andy Mientus (Kyle Bishop), Debra Messing (Julia Houston), Leslie Odom, Jr. (Sam Strickland), Krysta Rodriguez (Ana Vargas) and Wesley Taylor (Bobby).</p> <p>When I interviewed <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hilty in 2015 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/18/smashs-megan-hilty-tackles-classic-roles-in-her-stage-career/" target="_blank">Hilty in 2015</a>, she was effusive in her praise of the songs in <em>Smash</em>.</p> <p>“I would love to sing Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman songs for the rest of my life. That’s what I do in my shows. I’m so glad it will have a life after <em>Smash. </em>What that would be, I’d have to be a part of it.”</p> <p>Introducing this concert is this year’s Oscar winner for Best Actress, Renée Zellweger. Julia Klausner of <em>Difficult People</em> will host a reunion during intermission with the cast members. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Show Clips: BOMBSHELL Reunion Concert, Starring Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee & Jeremy Jordan" width="696" height="392" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dqB31qvP5_M?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The 2015 concert was a fundraiser for The Actors Fund as is this one-night only event. You can catch <em>Bombshell in Concert</em> on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="People.com (opens in a new tab)" href="https://people.com" target="_blank">People.com</a>, PeopleTV and on People’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Facebook (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/peoplemag" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Page and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Twitter (opens in a new tab)" href="https://twitter.com/people" target="_blank">Twitter</a> Feed. The program stars at 8 PM EDT/5 PM PDT.</p> <p>The Actors Fund, as you may already know, has set up a Covid-19 fund. So far they have distributed in excess of $10 million to over 8500 people. This already represents five times the amount they normally provide in a year.</p> <p>Keep in mind that Broadway shows usually offer Actors Fund performances during their runs. With Broadway closed for the foreseeable future, events like <em>Bombshell in Concert</em> become that much more important.</p> <p>It doesn’t cost anything to watch the event on Wednesday. Of course, donations are encouraged and more importantly, appreciated.</p> <p><em>Update: This post originally indicated this was a live-streaming “new” concert. Rather, it is the 2015 Actors Fund Benefit concert with new interviews, introductions and conversations added to it. We regret the error.</em></p> <p>Artwork courtesy of The Actors Fund.</p> <p><br></p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2020/05/19/bombshell-in-concert/">Bombshell in Concert</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2020/05/19/bombshell-in-concert/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Megan Hilty in Concert</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2019/05/22/megan-hilty-in-concert/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2019/05/22/megan-hilty-in-concert/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2019 19:00:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Cinema Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Streaming]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brian Gallagher]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brownstone]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Cheyenne Jackson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[City Winery]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Live from Lincoln Center]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Megan Hilty]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Megan Hilty in Concert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nine to Five]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Noises Off]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NSO Pops]]></category> <category><![CDATA[PBS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Segerstrom Center for the Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Smash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wicked]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=5598</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>PBS Stations<br /> <br /> May 24th</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2019/05/22/megan-hilty-in-concert/">Megan Hilty in Concert</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Live at Lincoln Center continues its series of Broadway’s best performers in concert with <em>Megan Hilty in Concert</em> on Friday night on PBS.</p> <p>Megan Hilty is best-known for her role as Ivy Lynn on <em>Smash</em>. She was one of two actresses hoping to get cast in a new musical about Marilyn Monroe on the short-lived series. On Broadway she’s appeared as Glinda in <em>Wicked</em>, as Doralee Rhodes in the musical <em>Nine to Five </em>(the Dolly Parton role) and in the most recent revival of the play <em>Noises Off</em>. She received a Tony nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for <em>Noises Off</em>.</p> <p>Other significant roles for her were in limited run productions of <em>Gentlemen Prefer Blondes</em>, <em>Annie Get Your Gun</em> and a one-night only presentation of <em>Bombshell</em> (the musical being put together on <em>Smash</em>) on stage.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_PfDf-yzmmw" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>The show will undoubtedly feature songs from <em>Smash</em> (“Let Me Be Your Star” is in the promo above) and her Broadway musicals, but you should also expect songs she enjoys that are not from the stage, but run the gamut from pop songs to the Great American Songbook.</p> <p>On May 28th, Hilty will be performing at City Winery in New York with her husband, Brian Gallagher. They are performing a new musical called <em>Brownstone</em>, based on his concept album released earlier this year.</p> <p>Cheyenne Jackson and Hilty will be performing together in January at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills and at the NSO Pops at The Kennedy Center in February.</p> <p>In April she will return to Southern California for three concerts at the <a href="https://www.scfta.org/events/2020/megan-hilty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Samueli Theatre</a> at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts.</p> <p>Photo by Jenny Anderson/Courtesy of PBS</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2019/05/22/megan-hilty-in-concert/">Megan Hilty in Concert</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2019/05/22/megan-hilty-in-concert/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Leslie Odom, Jr.</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2017/12/04/leslie-odom-jr/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2017/12/04/leslie-odom-jr/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2017 11:32:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Come to the Cabaret]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hamilton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenneth Branagh]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LA Philharmonic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Leslie Odom Jr.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Murder on the Orient Express]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Simply Christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Smash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Walt Disney Concert Hall]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://culturalattache.co/?p=1570</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Walt Disney Concert Hall<br /> <br /> December 8</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2017/12/04/leslie-odom-jr/">Leslie Odom, Jr.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Leslie Odom, Jr. won a Tony Award for his role as Aaron Burr in <em>Hamilton</em>. He was also on the widely-debated television series <em>Smash</em>. He is currently on the big screen in Kenneth Branagh’s new film of Agatha Christie’s <em>Murder on the Orient Express</em>. And he recently released a self-titled CD that was financed through a crowd-funding . Now you can see him, backed by a four-piece combo, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Friday night as part of the LA Philharmonic’s <em>Songbook</em> series.</p> <p>Odom will be showcasing material from his solo cd and also his newly expanded <i>Simply Christmas </i>recording. So expect a mix of songs that might include <em>The Party’s Over</em>, <em>Autumn Leaves</em>, <em>Look for the Silver Lining</em>, <em>Please Come Home for Christmas</em>, <em>Winter Song</em> and more.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVJAc3nxhqY?rel=0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2017/12/04/leslie-odom-jr/">Leslie Odom, Jr.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2017/12/04/leslie-odom-jr/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Smash’s Megan Hilty Tackles Classic Roles In Her Stage Career</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/18/smashs-megan-hilty-tackles-classic-roles-in-her-stage-career/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/18/smashs-megan-hilty-tackles-classic-roles-in-her-stage-career/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2015 17:08:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Come to the Cabaret]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Performers: Close-Up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Annie Get Your Gun]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bombshell]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Carol Channing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Lorelei]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marc Shaiman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Marilyn Monroe]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Megan Hilty]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Megan Hilty in Concert]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Noises Off]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Scott Wittman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Smash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wicked]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=9113</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Hilty performs at VPAC on September 24, 2015</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/18/smashs-megan-hilty-tackles-classic-roles-in-her-stage-career/">Smash’s Megan Hilty Tackles Classic Roles In Her Stage Career</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>You have to be awfully ambitious—or just plain talented—to tackle classic stage roles once played by Marilyn Monroe, Carol Channing, Dolly Parton, and Kristin Chenoweth. It’s also pretty gutsy to play the legendary Monroe in a fictional musical about her life. But Megan Hilty, best known for her role on the short-lived NBC series <em>Smash</em>, has done exactly that to great critical and commercial success. When she and her band perform Thursday, September 24 at the Valley Performing Arts Center, she will showcase all these roles and more. Here Hilty talks about the music that moves her, the roles that inspire her, and how she chooses her projects.</p> <p><strong>When you are preparing a concert, how does the venue and its size impact the choices you make? Certainly a show that works in a cabaret doesn’t work the same way in a concert hall.<br></strong>You’re absolutely right. Every venue is so different, so we tailor our shows to the venue. This is going to be a really fun show. It’s longer than we normally do. They want two acts. Our material really varies from the American songbook to Broadway to jazz. And, of course, there’s a lot of <em>Smash </em>in there.</p> <p><strong><em>Smash</em> was such a love it or hate it show for so many people. Why do you think that was?<br></strong>It was kind of unfortunate—it seemed that the very people we were making the show for kind of hated it more than anything else. It was ironic and a little sad to see hate-watching coming from the people it was made for. What I loved about <em>Smash</em> is they did a great job of hiring people from our community. At the end of the day, we were part of something really special by bringing Broadway into people’s homes once a week and exposing them to musical theater performances. People still come up to me about that.</p> <p><strong>Earlier this year there was a one-night performance of <em>Bombshell</em>, the musical based on Marilyn Monroe’s life that served as a plotline in <em>Smash</em>. It was one of the toughest tickets in New York. Will there be other performances and would you be a part of them?<br></strong>I would love to sing Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman songs for the rest of my life. That’s what I do in my shows. I’m so glad it will have a life after <em>Smash. </em>What that would be, I’d have to be a part of it. The Hollywood Bowl would be a dream come true. It’s terrifying but exhilarating.</p> <p><strong>You played Monroe in <em>Bombshell,</em> and you tackled her role in the musical <em>Lorelei</em> (also closely identified with Carol Channing). <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/11/theater/reviews/gentlemen-prefer-blondes-with-megan-hilty-at-city-center.html?_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Brantley of the <em>New York Times</em></a> raved about your performance. Any future life for that show?<br></strong>Praise aside, that’s something we were planning as soon as it was done. Unfortunately I booked another job and had to move to Los Angeles. It was short-lived, but we’re still trying to figure out how to make it work and get everybody’s schedules together. It’s not as easy as it looks. I’m not done with it.</p> <p><strong>Later this year you’ll be tackling a role made famous by Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, and even Reba McEntire when you do a concert presentation of <em>Annie Get Your Gun</em>. Is this a way to explore potential future roles?<br></strong>This is just what I do. I started out taking on a role Kristen Chenoweth made iconic [Glinda in <em>Wicked</em>], then I went to a role Dolly Parton made famous [Doralee Rhodes in <em>9 to 5</em>]. Then Marilyn and Carol Channing. Who’s next? I try to take the most daunting roles.</p> <p><strong>You said that, “Even with all the stuff we had to do on <em>Smash</em>, nothing is as difficult as eight shows as week on Broadway.” You return to the Great White Way in <em>Noises Off</em> this season. What’s calling you back?<br></strong>I am so excited. When I said that it’s hard, I don’t mean that as a bad thing. I mean that as a deep respect for the work we do in the theater. It just takes a lot more stamina, I think. It’s the perfect comedy. They’ve revived it every 10 years, so I’m thrilled to be a part of one of those revivals. I can’t wait to get into rehearsals in November. I’m ready for it.</p> <p><strong>Do you still get nervous about shows and concerts?<br></strong>Of course! There’s always the fear that nobody is going to come. That’s what I’m always nervous about. I’ll find a million things to be nervous about, but I think that’s a good thing. Nothing good can come from, “Oh I got this,” or, “Oh I nailed that.” There’s always room for improvement.</p> <p style="font-size:10px">Originally published at LAMag.com on September 18, 2015</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/18/smashs-megan-hilty-tackles-classic-roles-in-her-stage-career/">Smash’s Megan Hilty Tackles Classic Roles In Her Stage Career</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/18/smashs-megan-hilty-tackles-classic-roles-in-her-stage-career/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Supergirl’s Jeremy Jordan Sings Oscar-Winning Songs with the Pasadena Pops</title> <link>https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/02/supergirls-jeremy-jordan-sings-oscar-winning-songs-with-the-pasadena-pops/</link> <comments>https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/02/supergirls-jeremy-jordan-sings-oscar-winning-songs-with-the-pasadena-pops/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Craig Byrd]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:43:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Come to the Cabaret]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Performers: Close-Up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bonnie and Clyde]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Finding Neverland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeremy Jordan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[LA Arboretum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Newsies: The Musical]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pasadena Pops]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Smash]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Supergirl]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Last Five Years]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://culturalattache.co/?p=8675</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>"Some people tend to say that some older songs feel trite and too old-fashioned. The truth is, they were, back in the day, incredibly innovative."</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/02/supergirls-jeremy-jordan-sings-oscar-winning-songs-with-the-pasadena-pops/">Supergirl’s Jeremy Jordan Sings Oscar-Winning Songs with the Pasadena Pops</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>When Jeremy Jordan takes the stage at the L.A. Arboretum with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra on September 12th, he will be performing a medley of songs created by Oscar-winning composer and arranger Johnny Mandel for singer Andy Williams. The medley includes “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” “Mona Lisa,” “All the Way,” “Moon River,” and more.</p> <p>Jordan is best known for his role on <em>Smash</em> and his roles as Clyde Barrow in the musical <em>Bonnie and Clyde</em> and as newsboy Jack Kelly in <em>Newsies The Musical</em>. He received a Tony Award nomination for the latter. Earlier this year he starred opposite Anna Kendrick in the film version of <em>The Last Five Years</em>. This fall he will be seen in CBS’ highly anticipated new show <em>Supergirl</em>.</p> <p>We spoke with him about the concert, his career, and the heartbreak of not joining the musical <em>Finding Neverland</em> on Broadway after playing J.M. Barrie in the Boston tryout before New York.</p> <p><strong>The songs you’ll be doing with the Pops Orchestra are different than what audiences have heard you do before. What are the joys and challenges of doing this material?<br></strong>This is what I was trained in, and I’ve never really had the chance to sing like this much because of modern musical theatre and what I look like and what I can do with my voice that others can’t. This is the kind of music that a vocally well-trained person can dig into—it’s about opening up. When you listen to Andy Williams it’s so free. He can do whatever he wants. The challenge is doing the songs justice; These songs were created when people’s voices were different. It’s a fun challenge to find that place in your voice that can help transport people back to that time.</p> <p><strong>Fans of yours might dismiss this material as being before their time. Why should they care about these songs?<br></strong>There’s this sort of lush, romantic quality to this kind of music. These orchestral arrangements are what the top music producers were creating at the time. Some people tend to say that some older songs feel trite and too old-fashioned. The truth is, they were, back in the day, incredibly innovative.</p> <p><strong>Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Alan Cumming, and other Broadway stars have opted to do television. What is the allure of television for stage actors?<br></strong>There’s definitely an enticing money element. Sometimes the shows we really love to do are an out of town workshop, and they’re not going to pay very well. Why not step out and go and make a decent amount of money you can bank, and then you can come back and do something less rewarding monetarily? It’s a great way to get your name and face out there. You can go back [to Broadway] and do those things you love with a greater level of success. It’s also a different muscle, and we get sucked into the allure of flexing that muscle. That’s what I’m trying to do.</p> <p><strong>One of those out-of-town shows was <em>Finding Neverland</em>, which went to Broadway without you. How did you handle that?<br></strong>I ran the gamut of emotions on that one. I got very excited about the character and the role. I was playing older, and it was the challenge to lead a show for the first time since <em>Newsies</em>. As soon as we opened, I got a call from my manager: Matthew Morrison’s agents were trying to get him the offer for Broadway. He had done a previous workshop for the show. I struggled with it for a month and a half; every night I felt I had to prove myself and fight for my position. After the show closed it was another month and a half before I got the news. It was devastating. I knew the show would be a box office success, whether or not critics liked it.</p> <p><strong>What’s your long view of your career going forward?<br></strong>I hope that in 25 years I will have a few more Broadway shows under my belt. I think the first chance I get to go back I will probably take—as long as it is a good role. Even if something crazy happened and I became a big movie star and got a big franchise, I’d come back in a heartbeat. Nothing has been as gratifying as performing on Broadway. Nothing even comes close.</p> <p>This interview originally published at LAMag.com on September 2, 2015.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/02/supergirls-jeremy-jordan-sings-oscar-winning-songs-with-the-pasadena-pops/">Supergirl’s Jeremy Jordan Sings Oscar-Winning Songs with the Pasadena Pops</a> appeared first on <a href="https://culturalattache.co">Cultural Attaché</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://culturalattache.co/2015/09/02/supergirls-jeremy-jordan-sings-oscar-winning-songs-with-the-pasadena-pops/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>