Brian McKnight LIVE at State Theatre in NJ May 13, 2012

The State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ is bringing you a treat this Mother’s Day! On Sunday, May 13, 2012 R&B singer – songwriter will be hypnotizing the crowd with his intimate and soulful hits including “Back at One,” “One Last Cry,” “My Kind of Girl, and “Let Me Love You.” Brian will be giving a solo acoustic performance on piano and guitar. With 13 albums to date including his most recent, “Just Me,” overall he has sold nearly 20 million copies making this smooth singer a megahit. A native New Yorker, Brian started out his musical career in the church and a bandleader for his high school. By age 19, he signed his first recording contract and his musical journey began. If you are looking for a dynamic and mesmerizing performance, be sure to purchase your tickets, ranging from only $30 up to $75.

For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm; Saturday 1pm to 5pm; and at least one hour prior to curtain on performance dates. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517.

Tracy Turnblad opens "Hairspray" at WBT

On May 4, 2012 we attended Press Night of “Hairspray” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre.  Set in the 1960’s when integration of the races was not permitted in social settings, Hairspray brings music dancing and comedy to bring this era to life.  You can’t help but be taken in by the vibrant colors of the set and the soulful sounds.
Tracy Turnblad played by Erin McCracken, a bigger boned girl has dreams of dancing on the “Corny Collins Show.”  She yearns to meet the dreamy Link Larkin played by Tripp Hampton.  In a turn of events, Tracy is chosen to be on the Corny Collins Show.  Her spitfire personality shakes everything up as she brings integration to the Corny Collins Show.  Instead of having “Negro Day” one day per month, Tracy makes it that way everyday.
Another actor who stood out to us on the stage was “Seaweed” played by Elgin Giles.  He brought some quick moves, a nice voice, and great energy to the stage.
Hairspray is a lot of fun.  Families can bring their teens to watch and enjoy the music, plus enjoy a nice dinner we had and recommend the eggplant.  Hairspray will be at the Westchester Broadway Theatre until June 3rd.  Call (914) 592-2222 for tickets.

Debby Boone and Steve Tyrell

Debby Boone and Steve Tyrell are coming to New Jersey for a Pre-Mother’s Day concert.  This show is sure to touch the heart with a mix of smooth jazz favorites and classic pop standards.  Debby Boone will be performing music from her very popular and loved singer mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney.  Steve Tyrell is recognized from his performances in Father of the Bride I and II.  Be sure to enjoy this show this Saturday evening, May 12th at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.  The show is set to begin at 8pm and tickets start at $42.  Call the box office at 973-539-800 to purchase your tickets!

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Well I was born in Scottsdale, Arizona and lived there for a couple years before moving to Plano, Texas. When I’m not acting, I like hanging out with family and friends. I’m pretty low key! One of my favorite ways to unwind is playing video games with my best friend, Lauren. We get really into it! My older brother, Chase, got me into video games at an early age and it’s remained a favorite hobby of mine. I also love to read! I recently got a Kindle and I’ve been making good use of it!

Photo Credit: Sierra Prescott

2. How did you find out about the auditions for Shake it Up?
My manager actually got me the audition while I was in Texas. She told me they were looking for someone to play Deuce’s love interest in the episode “Match it Up!” I was so excited! It seemed like a really fun role. I flew out to LA the next day for the audition. The callback was the day after, and I found out that night that I booked it!

3. Did you originally audition for the role of Dina?
Yes! They were looking for someone who resembled Adam Irigoyen because they really wanted Dina to be the “girl version” of him.

4. We heard that your character, “Dina” was supposed to only be a guest starring role at the time but the public loved you so much that they kept you on. How do you feel about that?

I was thrilled when I found out I booked it when I thought it was just one episode; so when they kept bringing me back, I couldn’t even believe it! It’s been so much fun getting to work on the show, and I feel really lucky. I’m so glad that the audience has responded to my character in a positive way. I have so much fun playing Dina, so it makes me really happy when I hear that people like the character! I’m just so thankful to the fans of the show; it’s been an incredible experience!

5. Would you say your personality and style are similar to Dina’s or different?
There are definitely some similarities as well as differences! Dina’s more of a tomboy, while I’m more of a girly girl. Dina’s also a little more outgoing than I am! But we’re both very loyal to our friends, and have a sarcastic sense of humor. I’d say her style is a bit more tomboyish than mine, but we both love cute graphic tees!

6. What is your favorite type of music and who is your favorite artist right now?
I listen to mostly indie and pop! I like a lot of 80’s music too. Every couple of weeks or so, I always end up finding a song or two that I can’t stop listening to! Right now, it’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order, and “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette.

7. Do you have any funny stories from the set? Who is your best friend in the cast?
One thing that was really exciting for me was when I found out Maggie Wheeler would be playing my mom. She played Janice (Chandler’s girlfriend) on “Friends” which is one of my all time favorite shows. I watched it all the time growing up, so I couldn’t even believe that I was going to get to work with Maggie Wheeler! I was totally star struck but I tried my best not to show it. One day, she came to my dressing room to run lines with me so we could make sure our accents worked well together. After she left, my mom and I had a mini-freak out and were like “Ahh! Janice was in our dressing room!” Maggie is SO sweet and so much fun to work with. I really hope I get to do another episode with her!
As for the rest of the cast, everyone gets along really well and has been so sweet and welcoming! I knew Kenton from Dallas, so we definitely already had that Texas bond. I probably spend the most time with Adam on set since most of our scenes are together. He’s hilarious and a total blast to work with!

Ainsley and the cast of "Shake It Up"

8. Have you been acting for a long time? What other jobs have you had?
I’ve been acting ever since I was 10, but I only started seriously pursuing TV and film when I was about 17. I’ve worked on some commercials and short films, but “Shake it Up!” is the first television show I’ve worked on.

9. Is this your first time on Disney?
Yes, it’s been kind of surreal, actually! I grew up watching Disney and I have so many fond Disney-related memories from my childhood, so to actually be part of a Disney show is pretty much a dream come true! When I found out I’d gotten the part of Dina, I specifically remember telling my mom I felt a little bit like Cinderella! Cinderella has been one of my favorite Disney movies ever since I was little.

10. We hear there is a big milestone coming up for Dina and Deuce. What can we expect to see?
Yes! I think fans will really enjoy the episode “Wrestle it Up!” I think it’s an unexpected twist for Deuce and Dina; it definitely caught me off guard when I first read the script! There will be a new male guest star in it, and he was a lot of fun to work with! His character definitely brought about new sides of Deuce and Dina that we haven’t seen before.

Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan

Directed and Choreographed by Richard Stafford

Musical Direction by Leo P. Carusone

May 3 – June 3, 2012
Press Opening May 4, 2012

Starring Erin McCracken and Tad Wilson

Based on the film written and directed by John Waters, Hairspray is a musically rockin’ story which takes place in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, where the ’50s are out and change is in the air. Loveable, plump teenager, Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. But how can she hold her own with the cool, sleek girls on Corny’s show? Tracy is encouraged by her oversized mother, joke-shop-owning father, and dorky friend Penny, and inspired by the dancing of the black kids at her school. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She competes for Miss Teenage Hairspray and the love of heartthrob Link Larkin, beats out the preening princess, Amber Von Tussle, and succeeds in integrating the TV show’s dance floor. Let the civil rights revolution begin!

The Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hairspray features a heart pounding score of such favorites as “Welcome to the 60s,” “Good Morning, Baltimore,” “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

Starring Erin McCracken as the unstoppable Tracy and Tad Wilson, is donning his heels to play Edna Turnblad. Bruce Rebold is appearing as Wilbur, Kara Dombrowski as Amber, Ann Van Cleave as scheming villain, Velma Von Tussle, Pat McRoberts as Corny Collins, Stacie Gogo as Penny, Tripp Hampton as Link, Inga Ballard as Motormouth, Elgin Giles as Seaweed, and Sydni Beaudoin as Little Inez,

The Ensemble features: Tamala Baldwin, Dianna Barger, Sabrina Bradley, Scott Calagno, Fatye, Dana Glaus, Mia Michelle McClain, Joe Moeller, Nick Nelson,Terry Palasz, Paul Sabala, Madison Turner, Kistopher Stanley Ward, and Correy West.

The production is Directed and choreographed by WBT favorite, Richard Stafford, who had been at the helm for several WBT productions including Beauty & The Beast, Gypsy and Singin’ In The Rain. The Musical Director is Leo Carusone, the Associate Director/Choreographer is Jonathan Stahl, Set & Costumes designed and constructed by Michael Bottari and Ron Case. Set Coordinator is Steve Loftus, Costume Coordinator is Gail Baldoni, Hair/Wig Design is by Gerard Kelly, Lighting Design is by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Jonathan Hatton. Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas and the Assistant Stage Manager is Ron Rogell. Properties are by Grumpy’s Props.

Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $52.00 and $75.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the Website for On-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatreBlog.com.

Show Times: Wednesday & Thursday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30am &. Show: 1pm.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30pm. & Show: 8pm

Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12pm &. Show: 1:30pm.

Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30pm. & Show: 7pm

Reservations: Call (914)-592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call 592-2225.

Luxury Boxes: Call 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking. Additional cost, call for details.

WBT Mainstage:

George M. 6/7/12- 7/1/12

The Music Man 7/5/12 – 7/29/12

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 8/2/12 – 8/26/12

Can Can 8/30/12 – 10/7/12

Fiddler On The Roof 10/11/12 – 11/25/12

Check out our website: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

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