The Unauthorized Musicology of Ben Folds

Hey all,

First-time poster here. My name is Sarah, I'm a "fledgling" producer here in NYC and have been working on some great stuff lately. One of the things I've been doing more recently is working with the New York Musical Theatre Festival on their Spring Concert series, and our first show is fast approaching! This Monday, 3/26, we're bringing back "The Unauthorized Musicology of Ben Folds", at the Zipper Theatre, with an awesome cast. I'd love to see some of you there!

Best,
Sarah
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Monday, March 26, 2007 @ 7PM

The Zipper Theater
www.zippertheater.com
336 W. 37th Street
(between 8th and 9th Avenues)

From The New York Musical Theatre Festival - Broadway and Off-Broadway's best take on the songs of nerdy pop sensation Ben Folds, whose offbeat cast of characters, biting lyrics and hyper-intelligent melodies have rocked and touched the music world for over a decade. Back by popular demand after selling out its NYMF 2006 performance, with more great performers and twice as many songs, the concert will feature well-known Broadway talents Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd), Will Chase (High Fidelity), Lillias White (Tony winner for The Life), Euan Morton (Taboo), Greg Naughton (Alive in the World), Annie Golden (Assassins, The Full Monty), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q), Ashley Parker Angel (Hairspray), Lisa Howard (Spelling Bee), Stephen Bogardus (Falsettos), Kevyn Morrow (Ragtime), Bob Stillman (Grey Gardens), Michael Arden (The Times They Are A Changin'), J. Robert Spencer (Jersey Boys), Michael Winther (Mamma Mia!), Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot), Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard), and Liz McCartney (Taboo).

I love Ben's music, but sadly I'm on the wrong coast to see this.

Best of luck, and I hope all goes well.

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BUMP..just for the awesomeness that is Ben Folds songwriting and the fantastic performers who will be singing his music tonight!

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Wish I in the area and could go, but I hope those of you lucky enough to go will give us less fortunate a good recap!

Smoke is my favorite!

Does Arden do any work other that short stints?

Too old for Melchior?

I am so depressed that I wasn't in NYC to see this show!!! Ben Folds is one of my absolute favorite artists; sounds like it was an awesome time.

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lyric sheets??? was that a conceit of the concert? or because people were last-minute additions?? I mean I wouldn't mind paying money for a concert if someone legendary had to come out with a lyric sheet, but that's a bit disappointing if these performers couldn't remember their material. It's stressful, I know, to learn things at the last minute, but it's unfortunate for the audience. I think it can make an audience uncomfortable. Many of the performers are in shows every evening, but they do have their days free. If they accept a position in a concert, and many of them are repeatedly asked to do so, while others are never asked, they should make sure they have the time to prepare. It's fair to the producer, to the audience, and to themselves. :)

I'm really bummed I couldn't afford to go.

was it sold out?

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Stephanie did Alice Childress...i love her, but it seemed a little low for her. But she looked great. loved her shoes! :)

and i don't know if it was sold out...the house was pretty darn packed though. so they did well.

also, it was really great to see other Broadway performers there..supporting the cast. (Kelli O'Hara, Stephanie J. Block...) it made me happy :)

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Updated On: 3/27/07 at 12:03 PM

The only time the lyric sheets bothered me was when Annie Golden didn't have a music stand, and was reading them off of the floor...that made me tense, because I never would have been able to see them! Otherwise I don't mind if the performers have the lyrics with them, I'd rather that than for them to get flustered. (Although I was annoyed when I went to a Rob Halford concert once and he had to read the lyrics to Paranoid...I mean, really. I know it's Ozzy's song, but Rob Halford should know it!)

I'd like to add to matthius's list of highlights: Bob Stillman's performance of Selfless, Cold and Composed; J. Robert Spencer's Army; Mano Felciano's Song for the Dumped; and Stephen Bogardus's Carrying Cathy. (Also nice to see Dana Moore there in support!)

I have to admit I knew maybe four of the songs performed last night, but I am definitely going to seek out some more Ben Folds! I had a great time; nice job, SarahR!!

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She didn't perform...she wasn't in the program, either.

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I agree, toomey. That kinda sucks. Each performer had one song, right? It's not like they were asked to learn a whole score in five days, or something like that.

Not very professional for something like this, truthfully.

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