Christina Bianco, Michael West, John Walton West, Christine Pedi: Photo: Barry GordinRick Crom’s lively constantly evolving satirical revue of pop culture and politics opened last night at Theater Row’s Kirk Theatre, where the musical is returning to the Off-Broadway scene for a long run. This new incarnation puts a fresh spin on the previous Forbidden Broadway shows that have been a fixture on the theater scene for several years.  NEWSical The Musical is a charming delight, poking fun at some of the most recent topical events from television and the press. Billed as The End of the World edition the recent installation is an up to the minute spoof of real people and events performed by a talented cast of four that includes Christina Bianco, Christine Pedi, John Walton West, and Michael West. PC

Tony DeSare, Jamie deRoy, Karen Akers, Kevin Meaney, Heather Mac RaeJamie de Roy & friends held court at the Friars Club on Wednesday evening January 18, 2012. The Friars presentation of Jamie and her talented friends began with dinner in the main floor dining room and was followed by a fun filled show of laughs and music on the second floor, where Jamie and her talented friends kept the surprises coming. Everyone had a moment to shine in the spotlight and showcase their gifts.

Nick Starr, Mark Cajigao, Drew Hirshfield, Rachel Cornish, Estelle Bajou, Malinda Sorci: Photo: Barry GordinThe world premiere engagement of a new play by Nick Starr, One Thousand Blinks, opened January 17, 2012 at 59E59 Theaters. The drama directed by Malinda Sorci is billed as a Sci-Fi thriller, but comes off as a thought provoking enigma instead. Starr is a prolific writer, who was an Artist in Residence at The Center Theatre Group in Los Angles, and his new play raises provocative issues about survival and control.
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Charles Busch      Charles Busch as Katherine Hepburn
Four Things Productions (David Youse) presented a very special one-night-only staged reading of Matthew Lombardo’s (High, Looped) one-woman show, Tea at Five, starring the one and only Charles Busch (The Divine Sister, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife) as Katharine Hepburn.  The delightful evening, directed by Rob Ruggiero (High, Looped) benefitted The Ali Forney Center.  Carl Siciliano (Executive Director, The Ali Forney Center)  gave a very moving speech and introduced the event.

Kenny Leon, Leslie (Hoban) Blake, Samuel Jackson, Randy GenerThe Drama Desk hosted a panel discussion moderated by Randy Gener, the George Jean Nathan Award winning editor/critic, and Drama Desk Vice President Leslie Hoban Blake about the remarkable breakthrough productions and performances taking place on the New York stage this season.
  Photography: Barry Gordin

Barry Kleinbort, Jamie deRoy, Johnny RodgersJamie de Roy & friends performed  at The Metropolitan Room in NYC to celebrate Jamie's birthday with comedy song and magic. Johnny Rodgers did a wonderful rendition of Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World" and then doned a blonde wig, glasses and a large green ring to host a sing along with the audience of a new song from a show he is working on about Liberace. Scott Blakeman had the audience roaring with his political humor, comedian Cory Kahaney kept the laughs coming and Benjamin Levy wowed the crowd with magic. Jennifer Sheehan performed a beautiful rendition of  Alan & Marilyn Bergman's "What are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life".

Michael Putman Estwanik, Josh Gladstone, Dr. Ruth Appelhof, Jim LawsonThe American Songbook Project honored composer Jerry Herman at their annual costume gala NAME THAT TUNE, on November 4, 2011 at the historic Hudson Theater. East Hampton’s Guild Hall was honored as well for 80 years of presenting the American Songbook and fostering its artists.

Photography: Barry Gordin

Lisa Lampanelli, Friar Randie Levine-Miller, Karen OberlinThe Friars Club presented a sold out musical evening produced and hosted by Friar Randie Levine-Miller called DIVA SHOWSTOPPERS!! on Monday September 12, 2011. Lisa Lampanelli made her singing debut and Barbara Minkus stepped in for Friar Julie Budd. The marvelous evening with musical direction by Paul Chamlin also featured Carolyn Amaradio, Angela Bacari, Christina Bianco, Karen Oberlin, Jill O’Hara, and Nicholas King, the only male on the bill with these extraordinary ladies. A highlight of this special musical evening was Jill O’Hara, the original star of PROMISES PROMISES, performing several of her show stopping songs from that show.
Photography: Barry Gordin
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Monte Lapka, Cheyenne Jackson: Photo: Barry Gordin
At a live concert  presented by Guild Hall in East Hampton Cheyenne Jackson announced his recent nuptials to his long time companion Monte Lapka. The revelation came mid point  of his intimate concert at the John Drew Theater, where Mr. Jackson gave us a peek into what must be his treasure trove of memories.

Vered, Kai Kalb
VERED GALLERY hosted an opening reception of A STITCH in JEWISH TIME, an exhibition of many outstanding artists delving into the various aspects of the Holocaust, war, patriotism, celebration, prayer, feminism, and sexuality, challenging our perception of contemporary art, while enhancing our knowledge of Jewish history and their experience. Individually, the artists address memory and reflection, interpretations of history and ritual as links between the past and present. The exhibition will be on view at VERED GALLERY, 68 Park Place Passage, across  from the movie theater in East Hampton, until Oct 3.