By Andrew Gans
22 Jan 2010

One of the highlights of the first half of the current theatre season was the emotion and vocal prowess that Chad Kimball brought to the David Bryan-Joe DiPietro ballad "Memphis Lives in Me," which is performed near the end of the new musical Memphis, which plays Broadway's Shubert Theatre. The original cast recording of the musical offers a special treat: Not only does Kimball get to preserve his wonderful rendition of the aforementioned "Memphis Lives in Me," but founding Bon Jovi member/keyboardist Bryan also offers his own version of the tune. The 19-track disc, now available on the Delray Records Inc. label, also boasts the equally gifted Montego Glover, who portrays a black singer in the segregated South of the '50s, whose life is forever changed by a white DJ named Huey Calhoun (Kimball). The powerful rock and gospel-tinged score allows Kimball and Montego to shine throughout; especially memorable are Glover's "Colored Woman" and Kimball's "The Music of My Soul."

DIVA TIDBITS
A host of theatre artists — including several Tony winners — will join forces Jan. 31 for Just a Piano Open Mic Launch: A Benefit for Haiti. The 7:30 PM concert will boast the talents of Tony winners Adriane Lenox, LaChanze and Lillias White as well as Kecia Lewis-Evans, Tituss Burgess, Todd Hunter, Kevin Anthony, Kenny Williams, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Bobby Daye, Connie Pachl and Jim Conant , and singer/songwriters Crystal Joy, Joseph P. Murray and Tahraqa Patterson . Lee Summers will co-host the evening with motivational speaker Shaun Derik. Zane Mark will be featured on the piano. Proceeds will go to The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and The American Red Cross. There is a $10 suggested donation and a one-drink minimum. For reservations go to www.triadnyc.com or call (212) 362-2590. The Triad Theatre is located at 158 West 72nd Street (between Broadway & Columbus).

	Maria Friedman
	photo by Alastair Muir

Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman will release her latest solo recording in April. Friedman, who made her Broadway bow in The Woman in White, has recorded a new disc based on a concert act that she debuted in February 2009 at London's Shaw Theatre. Entitled "Maria Friedman Celebrates the Great British Songbook," the recording is due April 13. Musical director for the CD is Jason Carr. Friedman will celebrate the release of her new disc at the London showbiz shop Dress Circle April 10. The award-winning actress will autograph copies of the recording beginning at 1 PM London time. The complete track listing for "Maria Friedman Celebrates the Great British Songbook" follows:

Opening Medley: Spread A Little Happiness/Smile/If I Ruled The World
I Sit In The Sun
Georgy Girl/Downtown
As If We Never Said Goodbye
Alone Again Naturally
The Boy In The Gallery/Mad About The Boy
Norwegian Wood/Eleanor Rigby
A Garden
Nina
If Love Were All
War Medley: Part 1: It's A Long Way To Tipperary/Sister Susie's Sewing Shirts For Soldiers
Part 2: The White Cliffs Of Dover/Dido's Lament
What Kind Of Fool Am I
We'll Meet Again
Diamonds Are Forever (Bonus Hidden Track)

Tony Award winner Judy Kaye , who will be seen in the Old Globe production of Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers, will offer a solo concert in the Globe's new Hattox Hall next month. The acclaimed singing actress will play the San Diego venue Feb. 8 at 8 PM. David Green will direct the evening with music direction by Dennis Buck. Cabaretgoers can expect to hear songs by Harold Arlen and other tunes from the Great American Songbook. Tickets to the performance are $30 each and are available online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.

Tony Award winner Lillias White, back on Broadway in the new musical Fela, will offer a Valentine's Day concert at the Iridium Jazz Club in Manhattan. The midnight concert on Feb. 14 will be "all about love – the good, the bad and the ugly," according to press notes. White will be backed by a six-piece band that includes Miles Dalto on piano and Patience Higgins on saxophone and flute. The Iridium Jazz Club is located at 1650 Broadway (corner of 51st). Tickets are $25 with a $10 food and beverage minimum. For tickets go to www.ticketweb.com. Visit www.iridiumjazzclub.com or call (212) 582-2121 for more information.

Well, that's all for now. Happy diva-watching! E-mail questions or comments to agans@playbill.com.