Category Archives: Notes in the News

On current and historic events, likely with a musical angle

BUONA MUSICA; ON NUOVO INTRIGANTE MUSICAL – Mario Fratti reviews Speakeasy

Posted on April 17, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

The Italian playwright Mario Fratti, most famous for the musical “Nine”,  writes about New York Theater for the Italian publication OGGI.  And he included a nice little write up on Speakeasy in one of his recent articles.  A copy was … Continue reading →

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HERE BE GALLOWS’ HUMOR – Retreat ye who don’t care for that sort of thing

Posted on April 13, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Sunday April 3 my father’s memorial announcement was posted in the “Familienanzeige” section of the Tagesspiegel newspaper in Berlin.  Actually there were two announcements, the one my family arranged, and another purchased by close Berlin friends of Dad’s.  It was … Continue reading →

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KICKSTARTER REWARDS MAILING

Posted on March 24, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Yesterday Kelly Aliano and I got together to put together the mailing of Speakeasy Reward gifts (T-Shirts and Booklets and Posters, oh my!) to those Kickstarter contributors to the showcase production of Speakeasy who weren’t able to pick up their … 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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The Inspiration for SPEAKEASY’S DUCHESS BENTLEY – Part 2 of The Terrific, Transgressive and Tragic Tale of Gladys Bentley

Posted on March 4, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Gladys Bentley, the model for the character Duchess Bentley in Speakeasy, enjoyed a terrific career as deliberately outrageous Lesbian nightclub singer during the Roaring Twenties, but saw her prospects plummet during the far less permissive Great Depression.  Almost all homosexual … Continue reading →

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The Inspiration for SPEAKEASY’S DUCHESS BENTLEY – The Terrific, Trangressive and Tragic Tale of Gladys Bentley – Part 1

Posted on March 2, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

In the musical Speakeasy – John and Jane’s Adventures in the Wonderland, Jane Allison first meets Duchess Bentley, Harlem nightclub singer and unabashed lesbian, when she finds herself outside a door being angrily knocked upon by Minister Fish, who implores … 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 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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The BROADWAY BLOG spotlights SPEAKEASY

Posted on February 8, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

The Broadway Blog has posted an article about Speakeasy.  Find it here or read the excerpt below: Opening — ‘Speakeasy: John and Jane’s Adventures in Wonderland’ February 8th, 2016 Matthew Wexler Before there was Hedwig and the Angry Inch, there … Continue reading →

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Adam Szymkowicz interviews Danny Ashkenasi

Posted on February 3, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

So there are two last names with lots of letters and lots of Eastern European heritage… Adam Szymkovicz posted his interview with me yesterday on his site.  You can go to it here or read the excerpt below. Those looking … Continue reading →

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AXS INTERVIEW

Posted on February 2, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

The on-line magazine AXS has published an interview with yours truly.  The questions delve into the evolution of Speakeasy as well as musical influences in my childhood and advice to aspiring playwrights and composers. The article is excerpted below: Interview … Continue reading →

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THEATER IN THE NOW SPOTLIGHT ON … Danny Ashkenasi

Posted on January 29, 2016 by dannyashkenasi

Michael Block from Theater in the Now has posted his interview with me.  Click here to read it. Here some excerpts: Why theater?: I’ve loved performing and music since before I can remember.  It’s always been who I am.  I … Continue reading →

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