Category Archives: Live! On Stage

Live performances / a life in the theater

The SEVEN HOS are now WICKED ADDICTED!

Posted on June 17, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Last June I posted an impressed and irreverent report of of  “Snow White and the Seven Hos“, a Disney parody musical benefit for SCA (Sexual Compulsives Anonymous).  SCA supports gay and bisexual men with sex addiction issues.  Every year they … Continue reading →

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The Best Hamilton Anecdote Ever (well, surely one of the best)

Posted on June 13, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

The actor Rob McClure (currently performing in Something Rotten) just posted the following anecdote about Hamilton on his Facebook page.  It’s going viral, as they say nowadays.  Read it to see why:   “Hamilton deserved every Tony. Here’s one of … Continue reading →

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ANTOINETTE LOVES ALEXANDER – 11 Tonys for Hamilton

Posted on June 12, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

To no one’s surprise, the musical Hamilton dominated the Tony awards show tonight, winning a near record 11 Tonys (after racking up a record breaking 16 nominations). But beyond the electric charge and grace not only exhibited by Hamilton, but … Continue reading →

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SPEAKEASY – Douglas McDonnell sings “Dance into the Light”

Posted on May 31, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

The tenor Douglas McDonnell sang two songs from Speakeasy at last weekend’s Lower East Side festival at the Theater for the New City: “Dance into the Light” and “All You Are”.  Unfortunately technical difficulties got in the way of recording … Continue reading →

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Cast Picture

Posted on March 17, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

  Jonathan Fox Powers (music director), Anne Bragg, Allie Radice, Amanda Thomas, Zachary Martin, Kristen Quinn, Rita McCann, Larry Johnson, Rebecca Marquardt, Brendan Mellette, Camille Atkinson, Tim Connell, Matias Polar, Darcy Dunn, Kayleigh Shuler, Brian Henry, Bri Molloy, Sebastian McCracken, … Continue reading →

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Contemplation before the show

Posted on March 13, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

  My husband Ed took this pic of me in the lobby of Theater for the New City sitting at our concession stand by the entrance into the Johnson Theater.  Speakeasy would be performing in about 40 minutes that Saturday … Continue reading →

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FINAL SPEAKEASY PERFORMANCES – Dance into the Light tonight, let Love have her way

Posted on March 11, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Tonight and tomorrow, 8pm Final Performance Sunday, March 13, 3pm Theater for the New City, 155 1st Avenue Thank you to all, contributors, performers, production team, audiences, who have helped make this workshop production of Speakeasy possible.  May we all … Continue reading →

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“SPARKLING MOMENTS OF MUSICAL THEATER” – OffOffOnline’s Speakeasy Review

Posted on March 7, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

OffOffOnline posted their Speakeasy review.  Here a few highlights: “Kayleigh Shuler as Jane and Matias Polar as John are the heartbeat of the show; they are the flawless young lovers, never missing a note or a cue.” “As Jane’s best … Continue reading →

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6 SPEAKEASY PERFORMANCES LEFT! – (plus James Rado from Hair drops by) (and a personal recommendation)

Posted on March 6, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

3pm Matinee today! Wed 8pm!   Thur 8pm!   Fri 8pm!   Sat 8pm! Final performance Sunday March 13 3pm! Get your SPEAKEASY tickets here! Also… Last night the legendary James Rado, co-writer of the musical Hair, attended the performance.  Afterwards he shook … Continue reading →

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SPEAKEASY PRODUCTION PHOTOS #2

Posted on February 25, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

    “An offbeat, mind-blowing fantasia on identity, taboo romance, and queer culture circa 1930.” Gay City News       “The lyrics, melodies, and orchestrations are surprisingly rich and sophisticated.” Gay City News  

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SPEAKEASY PRODUCTION PHOTOS #1

Posted on February 23, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

  “One of the most wildly ambitious, inspired theatrical endeavors I’ve seen on an Off Off Broadway stage. Bursting with an excess of ideas and passion” Gay City News       “Director Lissa Moira, choreographer J. Alan Hanna, and … Continue reading →

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Gay City News Review for Speakeasy

Posted on February 21, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

“An offbeat, mind-blowing fantasia on identity, taboo romance, and queer culture circa 1930.” “One of the most wildly ambitious, inspired theatrical endeavors I’ve seen on an Off Off Broadway stage.  Bursting with an excess of ideas and passion.” “The score … Continue reading →

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ANOTHER OPENING OF ANOTHER SHOW!

Posted on February 19, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

SPEAKEASY  John and Jane’s Adventures in the Wonderland is now in previews! Grand Opening Night Saturday 8pm! Theater for the New City – 155 1st avenue   I think Cole Porter had something to say about this: Another Op’nin, Another … Continue reading →

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BROADWAY BULLET PODCAST INTERVIEWS DANNY ASHKENASI ABOUT SPEAKEASY

Posted on February 16, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

  Broadway Bullet’s Michael Gilboe interviewed me back in December for his seventh season of Broadway Bullet podcasts.  Episode 703 includes that interview.  It begins on the 37 min 24 second mark. Michael Gilboe always provides unedited full length versions … Continue reading →

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Speakeasy Drag Make-Up Workshop

Posted on February 14, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Last Saturday we held a drag make up workshop, specifically focused on drag make up styles of the 1920’s and 1930’s.  Veteran drag artist Terry Lee King and his colleague Cesar Castillo explained the finer points of drag make-up while … Continue reading →

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SPEAKEASY performances start 2/18 – OPENING NIGHT 2/20

Posted on February 12, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

  SPEAKEASY PREVIEW PERFORMANCES START THURSDAY OPENING NIGHT SATURDAY FEB 20, 8PM FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 13 WEDNESDAY – SATURDAYS 8PM SUNDAYS 3PM   Theater for the New City – 155 1st Avenue – Smarttix 212 868 4444 – Tickets … Continue reading →

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