Mitchell Jarvis and Wesley Taylor's "It Could Be Worse": Episode 10 When Jacob (series co-creator Wesley Taylor) invites friends to a small gathering at his new apartment, he has no idea it will turn into a crazed party fueled by the drug-laced cake provided by his off-kilter co-star Veronica Bailey (Alison Fraser). Things become even more complicated and uncomfortable when Jacob's ex-boyfriend Phillip (Gideon Glick) arrives unexpectedly. Watch the series from Episode 1.
*Includes adult situations and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Term of the Month: Ave. Q Explains "Eleven O'Clock Number" In this latest episode of TDF's Theatre Dictionary video series, Off-Broadway's Avenue Q stars Nick Kohn and Veronica J. Kuehn (with help from puppet Lucy) explain the meaning and history of the term "Eleven O'Clock Number" as well as demonstrate using examples from Guys and Dolls and Gypsy. To see the ever-expanding dictionary, visit www.theatredictionary.org. Watch the video definition of "The Scottish Play."
Mitchell Jarvis and Wesley Taylor's "It Could Be Worse": Episode 9 Up-and-coming actor Jacob Gordon (series co-creator Wesley Taylor ) has lunch with his new boyfriend, television actor Ben (Adam Chanler-Berat). Seeing the end of his current apartment's sublet as an opportunity, Jacob suggests moving in together. This sets in motion a series of unfortunate events that ends with Jacob alone, apartment-hunting (with realtor Brian d'Arcy James) and eventually being coaxed into inviting diva Veronica Bailey (Alison Fraser) to a housewarming party at his new Harlem studio. Watch the series from Episode 1.
*Includes adult situations and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
EXCLUSIVE: "Hot Off the Ivories" Series Premieres With Joey Contreras' "Great, Cool" Composer-lyricist Joey Contreras' 2010 album "Love Me, Love Me Not: The Music of Joey Contreras" featured Jeremy Jordan, Marla Mindelle and Rachel Potter on 11 original tracks. Playbill now gets a first look at Contreras' new video series, "Hot Off the Ivories," a collection of contemporary musical theatre songs by the hottest up-and-coming composers (including his own new songs) to be sung by musical theatre's brightest young stars. In this first episode, Contreras is on piano for his tune "Great, Cool" in an intimate studio setting with Spring Awakening's Blake Daniel
and Newsies star Ben Fankhauser on vocals. For more on "Hot Off the Ivories," read the Playbill story. Look for more videos in this series in the future.
Mitchell Jarvis and Wesley Taylor's "It Could Be Worse": Episode 8 Up-and-coming actor Jacob Gordon (series co-creator Wesley Taylor) begins rehearsals for the new musical, The Ice Queen, but he can't help being preoccupied with how things are heating up between him and his new love interest Ben (Adam Chanler-Berat). Star Veronica Bailey (Alison Fraser) surprises Jacob with an odd introduction to her dog-toting and creepily tactile husband. Her later diva meltdown in rehearsal is calmed with the arrival of Jacob's father Leo (Richard Poe), who pops into the studio with a big announcement. Watch the series from Episode 1. *Includes adult situations and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
In Rehearsal With Choreographer Josh Bergasse, "The Flying Lings" and It's a Bird… It's a Plane… It's Superman Whether he's choreographing the musical numbers or acting in the show, Josh Bergasse's work is seen weekly on NBC's Broadway drama "Smash." In the City Center Encores! concert production of It's a Bird… It's a Plane… It's Superman, Bergasse is allowed to step outside of his normal bounds as choreographer. In addition to a more traditional approach for numbers like "You've Got Possibilites," "It's Superman" and "It's Super Nice," Bergasse takes on a martial arts based number that introduces a group of deadly acrobats known as The Flying Lings who prepare to battle Superman. Here, Playbill takes an exclusive peek at Bergasse and troupe as they run through the high-flying choreography featuring somersaults, kendo sticks, karate chops and sword thrusts aplenty. For a musical preview of the show, watch here.
Josh Young in Rehearsal For Broadway Backwards 8 Tony Award nominee Josh Young is one of many performers — including Estelle Parsons, Jan Maxwell, Victor Garber, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Stephanie J. Block, Kyle Dean Massey and Robert Creighton — who will perform at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS'Broadway Backwards concert. This annual celebration takes classic songs of the musical theatre and reinterprets them with an eye toward the LGBT experience. Here, Young readies for the big night, March 18, by running through "Bring On the Men," from Jekyll & Hyde. The performance benefits BC/EFA and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York City and will be directed and choreographed by Broadway Backwards founder Robert Bartley. For more on the performers and production, read the Playbill story.
