Billy Porter PBS Special and Billy on Tour

[broadwaysfguy]

Posted: 1/31/15 at 10:30am

Hi all

Saw Billy do his first cabaret show in almost five years in san francisco last night, and it was extraordinary!!!

He puts so much emotion and character into each song, and does unique arrangements and song choices of songs. Many songs that are traditionally performed by female leads. Billy's personality is ideally suited for a cabaret performance, he's a great storyteller and very funny and moving.

It was an extraordinary performance....

He has a CD from 2014 "Billy's Back on Broadway", that he performs many songs from. Some of setlist included
But the World Goes Round:
Everythings coming up roses
Don't Rain on my Parade
Not My Fathers Son
Step One (said it was first time he has performed it live)
Move On
Sunday


Billy said he just recorded a PBS special, and it will air on April 3rd, so put it on your calendars.

Catch this show live if you can at 54 under or wherever he is playing....you will be happy you did!

He is taking a break from Kinky Boots on Broadway, and talking to him sounds like he will be back. I would also guess he may open Kinky Boots in london when it arrives across the pond!

[indytallguy]

Posted: 1/31/15 at 11:24am

Nice review of his Appel Room American Songbook concert in the Times.
Stephen Holden NYT Review

[mike_ant]

Posted: 1/31/15 at 1:30pm

I was there too last night, and yes, it was magical night. It was so endearing how he dealt with the mic cable and the fire alarm, both of which could be very frustrating for a first night! He handled it very professionally and seemed to be unfazed by it.

Some other songs in the setlist last night:
"I Am Changing" from Dreamgirls
"Take The Moment" from Do I Hear a Waltz
"Let It Sing" from Violet (great, but hard to top Joshua Henry that I saw last summer)

I'm seriously thinking to go back seeing him again! :)

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 1/31/15 at 5:57pm

"He is taking a break from Kinky Boots on Broadway, and talking to him sounds like he will be back. I would also guess he may open Kinky Boots in London when it arrives across the pond!"

Billy is taking three months off but he signed a new contract to stay with KB Broadway until at least the end of the year. KB London after that - perhaps.

As noted previously, he is also joining the KB National tour for one week in August so he will be able to perform in Pittsburgh, his home town.

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 1/31/15 at 6:48pm

He strangely reminds me of Patti LuPone in the form of how passionate they are about what they do and how they act on stage. It's incredible to see people like that perform because it doesn't feel like "entertainment". It feels like you are watching someone do what they are meant to do in this world. I love him and I need to remind myself to DVR PBS!

[IloveBroadwAY3]

Posted: 1/31/15 at 7:51pm

BP Should do KB in London and get the Olivier

[Mike3]

Posted: 4/5/15 at 11:48am

BILLY PORTER LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER is available for viewing on the PBS website. 

 

If you are a fan, you will love this. He's having the time of his life. 

 

Much of the performance features music from Billy's Back on Broadway, but my favorite piece is "Time" from his album At the Corner of Broadway and Soul.

 

He wrote that song with Brian Steckler, and it really seems to capture the heart of what he most wants to share.

 

"We live, we learn, we love in time. We give, we yearn, we grow...in time."