Valisia LeKae (Best Actress in a Musical) and Charl Brown (Best Featured Actor in a Musical) received 2013 Tony nominations for their work in Berry Gordy's Motown: The Musical, a true-to-life account of the early days of the famous record label. The two stars met with Playbill to chat about the unforgettable music, working with Gordy and meeting Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson, the real-life icons they portray in the show.
Laura Osnes (nominated for Best Actress in a Musical) and Douglas Carter Beane (nominated for Best Book of a Musical) represented Cinderella at the 2013 Tony nominations media junket. Osnes spoke of high school theatre roles and her commitment to the Broadway stage; Beane spoke of an early-in-life connection to Cinderella, as well as his process for revamping the book of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Watch interviews with the Tony-nominated stars of Pippin.
In this latest episode of TDF's Theatre Dictionary video series, Chicago stars Cristy Candler and Michael Cusumano explain the meaning of the term "Kick Your Face." To see the ever-expanding theatre dictionary, visit www.theatredictionary.org. To watch the video definition of "Eleven O'Clock Number," click here.
Hosted by Paula Zahn and under the baton of music director Steven Reineke, the New York Pops celebrated their 30th anniversary with a gala performance featuring Broadway stars of today celebrating three Broadway icons of yesteryear — songwriters Frank Loesser and Jule Styne and actor Danny Kaye. Here, guest performers Laura Benanti, Leslie Uggams, Megan Hilty, Kelli O'Hara and 2013 Tony nominees Rob McClure and Stephanie J. Block run through tunes like "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Somebody, Somewhere" and "Don't Rain on My Parade." Watch Laura Osnes, Anthony Walrow, Will Chase and more in rehearsal for the performance.
Fans of Once will feel right at home when Steve Kazee performs at 54 Below (final performance is May 13). His acoustic tunes rife with heartbreak and longing — written while he was on a recent vocal rest — mine the emotional landscape that made Once such a hit on Broadway. Here, Kazee runs through "Another Me" and "On Your Way" and chats with Playbill about revealing his inner life in such personal and hearfelt songs. For details, visit 54Below.com. >