WOR Radio's "King of Late Night," Joey Reynolds, will lead the first talkback session with the audience on Nov. 25; others who will take part in subsequent talkbacks include singer/actress Kathie Lee Gifford, psychic and TV host John Edwards, celebrated author Gail Sheehy as well as composer David Friedman and Listen to My Heart cast members. Those audience members wishing to participate in the session should remain seated. The talkback will begin at approximately 9:30 PM.
In a statement, composer Friedman said, "After performances, audience members wait to talk to me and the cast about what these songs have made them feel and think. Launching a formal talk-back after performances seemed to be a natural way to extend the experience. I am thrilled that Joey, Kathie Lee, John and Gail have offered to share their perspectives in the discussion."
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Listen to My Heart officially opened Oct. 23 at Upstairs at Studio 54 after two weeks of previews. The show features a mix of familiar and new tunes by the acclaimed New York-based composer, whose works were championed by the late Nancy LaMott. Many of LaMott's signature tunes are included in the revue, including "We Can Be Kind," "Help Is on the Way" and the title tune.
Broadway favorite Alix Korey, a long-time friend and interpreter of Friedman's tunes, performs the bulk of the show's comic material — including "I'm Not My Mother" and "My Simple Wish" — and recently told Playbill On-Line, "I have a preference for great lyrics, that's all. As it happens, I think it's a lot harder to write a funny song, so I'm always impressed when it is actually [funny], when a funny lyric is funny as opposed to me having to kill myself to make it funny." The cast also includes Briner, Joe Cassidy, Michael Hunsaker and Anne Runolfsson; Mark Waldrop directs. Upstairs at Studio 54 is located in Manhattan at 254 West 54th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. The revue will play Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 PM, Saturdays at 7 and 10 PM with matinees on Wednesdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 3 PM.
Tickets are priced at $60, although $25 seats are available by calling (212) 947-8844 and mentioning the code LHDFEM9.
