IN THE SPOTLIGHT, a Newsletter
3 Great Holiday Treats!!

Forbidden Broadway: Holiday Edition
producer John Freedson, on the festive take of New York City’s favorite raucous compilation which arrives at Gateway on December 29

Interview conducted and compiled by Don Rebar

Company members Kristen Mengelkoch, Craig Laurie, and Jeanne Montano from Forbidden Broadway - Holiday Edition


Can you tell us about Forbidden Broadway’s (FB) phenomenal growth through the years, from the original edition to the multiple variations that have played worldwide?

When I first began, FB was mostly a New York thing. I compiled some material from the FB catalogue that I thought would be timeless and ‘user friendly’, regardless of the location. I discussed it with (FB creator) Gerard Alessandrini and, since then, we’ve done shows in diverse places like Singapore and London and have received equal amounts of laughs ever since.

Can you tell us a little bit about how FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: HOLIDAY EDITION (FBHE) came about? How did you choose the material?

For FBHE, we were drawn to the 1960’s to 1980’s because this was when most of the big television specials were produced, from Charlie Brown and the Grinch, to Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra. We all had warm memories of these shows.

Our show, in a way, is a valentine to an era gone by. Today, Hugh Jackman comes to mind as one of these few stars who can hold an audience solely through their personality and voice.

What should Gateway audiences expect?

Although FBHE is very irreverent and fun, the goal is, of course, not to make fun of the Holidays themselves. We chose to focus the show on those people who have ‘built a name’ around the season, such as Celene Dion and Liza Minnelli. In essence, the commercialization of it all. The same holds true for our treatment of Broadway stars.  

We’ve mixed in some ‘old hits’ from the original FB show, such as the popular Les Mis scene. We also have added some new material since our last visit a few years ago, such as our Mary Poppins number.

What about the cast?

Gina Kreiezmar, Craig Laurie, Kevin B. McGlynn and Jeanne Montano are all FB all-stars, some of the best from our New York company. Gateway audiences are lucky.  We don’t currently have a FB playing in the city, otherwise they probably wouldn’t be available. Plus, Gateway’s so close to New York, so it all made sense.

How would you describe a FB actor? What traits do you look for?

It goes without saying that they have to be great actors and comedians. It’s important that they add their own brand of humor to their roles. These characters are more than mimicked, Vegas-style imitations. The actors need to suggest their characters, capture their ‘magic.’

A great musical ear is essential, alongside the ability to hear and capture the vocal quality of a character. We look for people with spectacular voices... big and belty voices with personalities to match. They are, after all, playing the biggest stars in Broadway and entertainment.

With the Forbidden Broadway franchise, John Freedson has produced shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, Detroit, Denver, London, Sidney, Tokoyo and New York, received Chicago’s  Joseph Jefferson Award as Best Director for Forbidden Hollywood, and was a performer in the Boston and New York companies. Current projects include adaptations of The Nutcracker at The George Street Playhouse and the 1960’s film Madame X at the 2011 New York Musical Theatre Festival, both with Gerard Alessandrini.
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Forbidden Broadway-Holiday Edition runs Dec 29-Jan1 at
The Patchogue Theater

Cirque Le Masque's NOEL


The Cirque Le Masque Company

Gateway is proud to debut international troupe Cirque Le Masque’s newest extravaganza – NOEL. This never-before seen balance of theatrical wizardry, comic audience interactions and holiday cheer will set your yuletide spirit ablaze. Every conceivable emotion will be on display as spellbinding aerialists, contortionists, strong men, gymnasts, and jugglers perform their truly human art.

Cirque Le Masque brings together a multicultural group of entertainers from all corners of the globe. In 2009, the company received the Best Modern Circus Award at the International Festival of Circus Arts in Bucharest, Romania. Their performers have reached countless audiences through their appearance on NBC’s “Live at Five,” and through their sold out shows in venues worldwide, including headlining performances in Atlantic City, in Las Vegas and at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Some have described their work as “tight, theatrical and intimate… touches all the emotions.” For others, “grace and beauty are the hallmarks of the show,” as the skill of the performers can be seen through their quick reflexes and impeccable timing.

Cirque Noel runs December 15-19 at The Patchogue Theater.

In this issue:

• Forbidden Broadway-Holiday Edition!
• Cirque Le Masque Noel
• The Gateway on Facebook
• The Holiday Hop on NYE!
• Acting School Workshop
• Become a member!
• Chilren's Theater Series


  
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