"Forbidden Broadway has been a whirl wind of an experience," says Ellis. "First of all it's my first 'high profile' job in the city, and now I'm part of a huge institution. I've always loved comedy but I have never done anything like this."
"Rehearsals and previews were crazy. New numbers and impersonations every day and [we were] being thrown in front of an audience not knowing if it was funny or 'rehearsal funny.' Nothing prepared me for this, and it has changed the way that I work and look at material now. Just go for it!"
"I have an amazing job. I get to go onstage, have fun and make a fool of myself, sing amazing songs, impersonate Broadway idols and make people laugh. I'm a very lucky girl!"
[flipbook]
*
The new edition of Gerard Alessandrini's Forbidden Broadway, which officially opened Sept. 6 following previews that began July 24, has extended its run at the 47th Street Theatre.
Forbidden Broadway: Alive and Kicking, which marks the long-running revue's 30th anniversary, had originally been scheduled to continue through Jan. 6, 2013. The production will now run through April 28, 2013.
The cast features Jenny Lee Stern (Jersey Boys tour), Natalie Charle Ellis, Scott Richard Foster (Brooklyn, the Musical) and Marcus Stevens with David Caldwell on piano.
Attendees can expect to enjoy spoofs of Porgy and Bess, Once, Evita, Anything Goes, Follies, Spider-Man, Newsies, Book of Mormon, Nice Work if You Can Get It and Death of a Salesman, among others.
In a previous statement Alessandrini said, "Over the past three years, I sat through show after show, with no outlet at all. Finally, I couldn't take it any more. Now I have three years' worth of pent-up parodies, and am blessed with a season that has practically written itself. We were able to get our favorite Forbidden Broadway theatre again, but only for a limited chunk of time. But that should more than long enough to say everything we have to say, and then come back to New York again, from time to time."
This edition is created and written by Alessandrini and directed by Alessandrini and Phillip George, with musical direction by David Caldwell. Costumes are designed by Philip Heckman with set design by Jesse Poleshuck, lighting design by Mark T. Simpson and wig design by Bobbie Cliffton Zlotnik.
Read a recent interview with creator-director Alessandrini here.
The show is produced by John Freedson, Harriet Yellin and Paul Bartz, in association with Paul G. Rice, Carol Ostrow, Paxton Quigley, Robert Driemeyer, Jamie DeRoy, Lawrence Poster and Tweiss Productions.
Show times are Tuesday-Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 7:30 PM and Wednesday and Saturday at 2 PM.
Tickets are $29-$79 with premium tickets available for $110. Tickets can be purchased by calling Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or by visiting telecharge.com. For more information visit forbiddenbroadway.com.
Well, here I am. Sleeping peacefully. Dreaming. So comfy in my brand new bed (that I just got an AMAZING deal on btw.) All snuggly in my covers...and then...
Natalie Charlé Ellis
THE ALARM GOES OFF!!!!!!!! Never really happy the first time it goes off. And I'll be honest… I hit snooze probably twice and stare at the ceiling for a bit. I know you all do that too!!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
This little guy, Oliver, does not let me snooze for very long. He's quite the pest. He will smother you with cuddles!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
This creepy dude just happened to be staring at me. I have finally gotten rid of all of my stuffed animals but can't quite get rid of this one. My dad bought it for me when I was 10 at Universal Studios and I know they're not made anymore.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
HYDRATION TIME! Some water with our fancy new Britta that we just purchased from across the bridge at the Bronx Terminal. (We just moved into this place, and there are TONS of perks living up near the Bronx. SHOPPING is one!)
Natalie Charlé Ellis
I have an audience!!!!! This is my roommate Peter's amazing dog, Gunnar. Such a cutie patutie. (Another amazing perk to this apartment. I gained a dog, without the responsibility! YESS!)
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Now it's workout time! I'm gonna go for a jog around the hood. But I had to show you this tank top. It's from my very first "professional theatre" director, Kathy Conry. Anywhoo...I love it. And I love her, and I love my agents. BOOM
Natalie Charlé Ellis
I have to find ways to motivate myself. (Or have someone tell me what to do). So I found this app to train for a 5K. I thought why not? Today is my first day!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
WARNING CREEPY MANNEQUINS IN WINDOW! I had to stop for two seconds to show you this. Creeps me out everytime! Mind you, I will not lie. I love having an Applebee's nearby.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Aaaaaaannnnndddd Run Complete! Now back home to make some breakfast.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Decided to make some eggs this morning and I broke the yolk.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I can't believe I'm putting this picture on Playbill...but, you're getting the REAL life in the day with Natalie Charle Ellis. And funny faces is what I do for a living right now.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
There's my roomie having a quick steam before his long day of auditions and rehearsals. Yes, that is a cooler we are using as a coffee table. We are still unpacking and buying some furniture.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And then I do the dishes! What am I? THE BEST ROOMMATE EVER! I just don't like coming home to a mess. Especially on a two-show day.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Fresh breath...just for you! =)
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Then my favorite time of day. My girlfriend Ray and I have our morning date. I always smile when my phone rings and it's her!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
We have a morning ritual that we've started, because we're doing long distance and you have to find ways to still be "together". So we do the AM crossword and have Starbucks and I sit at my favorite park in my neighborhood.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Now, i jump on the 3 train and head into midtown to go to work. I get to have some reading time on my kindle.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Here's my stop. Sometimes I still have stop and smile (until I get run over by a tourist) and think how cool it is that I am a working actor in NYC. I always dreamed to work in Times Square...and I am. Pretty cool.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Had to make a couple stops on the way to work... I needed some lip liner... and I decided on some WET AND WILD! Cause I'm a Wild girl (and it's the cheapest.)
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And here's the theatre. Right beside the Econolodge. A lot classier then the Marriott and Evita right?!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Just a quick look at the Blarney Stone across the street. We have many a "Forbidden Outing" there.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
I get to look at this every time I walk into the theatre. Ben Brantley's RAVE review of our show. I can vividly picture our producer John reading it aloud to us at the opening night party and me almost in tears. This show is a dream come true.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Look at these lovely faces I get to walk in and see every day! That's David, my stage manager, and Jeff our company manager.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Our "Stage Door"
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Here's my station. Yes i know it's a bit cluttered but it makes me smile everyday I come in. Pictures of people and funny notes and cards from opening. My favorite is the "Don't hate me/I'm sorry" tag from my costume designer Phillip.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Speaking of things that didn't last in the show, here's Audra's first baby that only lasted one night. Guess we went a little too far! However, she will always have a place in my heart!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
David and one of my cast mates Scott just stopping in to say hello. Scott doesn't know how to take a serious photo.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Here is our costume graveyard. Some never made it on, others only lasted a show or six. BUT, you never know with this show, so there they remain.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And here is the wig graveyard. Some gray fros, leafy Donna Murphys, Old Annies, Jan Maxwell etc. They live here.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Now I head upstairs to warm up. Here is David and our Assistant Stage manager Kate putting up "Brigadoon." Scott is most likely saying something ridiculous here.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
While I'm on the ground stretching and doing some abs and arms. For this show, I show a lot of skin... but at least it's keeping me in shape), there's Scott tuning his guitar and telling some story.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Pre-set time! This is backstage. We have a lot of Wigs. Kinda creepy and reminds me of "Return to Oz"
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Marcus and his Sondheim Beard.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Kate and our freshly sanitized wigs. THANK YOU KATE!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Jenny Lee Stern (known in some reviews as the small one, and I am the tall one) pre-setting and having to use a chair to reach her wigs.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And here's my preset for act one. 8 costumes on that chair, 8 wigs stacked and 2 pairs of shoes. Gooood times!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Now a nice steam...lubricate those chords! I sing all over the place in this show, from Idina, to Audra, to Katharine McPhee...so I gots to take care of myself!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Jenny strikes a pose! She's covering up her tattoos. It's amazing, you would never know that she has them!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Now, please hold while I warm up in the bathroom.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Yup...right now I am in there singing..."go-go-go-go-go-go-goooooo" Gotta get that mix warmed up (Thank you Matt Farnsworth) By the way, you like the sign on the door? What else would be jam it with?
Natalie Charlé Ellis
This was made my Scott's daughter Allison, who is 3. So adorable!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
This is another favorite thing of mine...we have this lovely X right on the wall of the wing to remind us to not run into it! Makes me laugh everyday.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
PLACES!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Can you spot our musical director David? No? He's the one under the plastic! I get this view everyday before I enter and it cracks me up every time.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Scott getting into his "Stacee Jaxx" character in the wings.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Here's a little Kelli O'Hara lovin' for ya!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Catherine Zeta Jones lovin' the camera.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Hmmm... there's really no caption for this one. Marcus as the "Bearded Man" in the Once spoof.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Ricky Martin!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
After the Newsies sketch. How do you boys do it 8 times a week?!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Me as Mary Poppins backstage.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Coolest Elephant EVER!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Mary by Night? Half "Rock of Ages Skank," as we like to call her, and half Mary Poppins.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Do you know what she's supposed to be? A blade of grass!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
A little Katharine McPhee in "Smash."
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Idina lives on
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Bless you my child! Yes, I am Jesus. And yes, I wear 1 1/2 Black Capezio Character Heels while playing Jesus.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
You caught me on a busy day. In between shows I have a commercial audition! Auditioning for the role of "Mom." Still not crazy about that.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
I'M RUNNING LATE!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
While I was sitting in the waiting room this email came through! HOW EXCITING!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
After playing with my "fake family" in the audition, we decided to meet up at Dave and Busters
Natalie Charlé Ellis
It was Happy Hour. And Scott was not excited that we couldn't take advantage of it.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
However, we decided to stuff our faces! I figure running and abs and push-ups and 2 shows, I have EARNED sliders!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Then, we decided to shoot some stuff. Turns out I am not very good at this game. Which is kinda sad, because with two older brothers and years of being forced to play with them, I should be better!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
The boys decide to be rockstars on Guitar Hero. Scott is very focused, as you can see. Is that drool I see?
Natalie Charlé Ellis
That is Marcus on the right...
Natalie Charlé Ellis
They had 3-person Air Hockey! Scott and Marcus kinda teamed up on me! NOT FAIR!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
YAY DAVE AND BUSTERS! (I love taking these kinda photos.)
Natalie Charlé Ellis
It was very hard to drag Scott away.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Back to work!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And this is my warm up for the second show.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Now i get to eat the last pumpkin cookie Ray sent me for Halloween! YUMMY!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
You don't even want to know what these boys are talking about. Jenny, Kate and I just tune them out most of the time.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And now for show 2. "Accordion Lady" in Once! Anne L. Nathan for those of you who know her. She got to see the show and LOVED it.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
MY WIG FELL OFF ONSTAGE! During my interpretive dance, it fell off, and I decided to incorporate it in my routine. Scott almost lost it.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Well, we learned our lesson. Don't eat that much in between shows! uuuggghhhh!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Anjelica Huston, Matt Stone and Katharine McPhee just hanging out.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
We open Act 2 with Lion King, and every day before Marcus enters I tell him "BE FUNNY!" This was his response to me today!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
That's how we feel about Spider-Man
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Half Anjelica, Half Mormon.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Jesus and Basic Girl prepping for the finale!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
So, we got a little goofy during the show and the boys got in trouble with David. Not really. But David did notice that we were all having a little too much fun tonight.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
The after-show cocktail in the girls room. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Sometimes the MTA makes me mad. The 3 train isn't running so I had to take the A. But, doesn't really matter, because I'm so close to putting on my pjs and having a snack.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
HOME SWEET HOME!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
I have to climb 5 flights of these. It's good for the glutes!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
Right where I left him! Talkin' about our day!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
I eat some yumminess that I made. I love Trader Joe's.
Natalie Charlé Ellis
And now, the end of my day... Gunnar's got the right idea. I'm off to bed! GOODNIGHT PLAYBILL! Thanks for joining me for my two-show day! SEE YA SOON!
Natalie Charlé Ellis
