Stars of ‘Chicago’ to meet Broadway Fantasy Campers During ‘All-Day Broadway: Chicago Session,’ April 13

 

Have an urge to see your name in lights on Broadway? Broadway Fantasy Camp is the ultimate experience for any adult looking to savor the spotlight down center or in the chorus, despite talent or experience level. At Broadway Fantasy Camp, theater lovers will experience the “Razzle Dazzle” as they spend a day immersed in the world of the Broadway musical © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Broadway favorite Amra-Faye Wright, now starring as “Velma Kelly” in CHICAGO at the Ambassador Theatre, will meet with Broadway Fantasy Camp participants during their All-Day Broadway: Chicago Session on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Manhattan.

 

Joining Wright is Gabriela Garcia, who has played “Hunyak” on Broadway. The Musical Director is Howard Levitsky, Associate Conductor for CHICAGO in North America and abroad.

 

Broadway Fantasy Camp is the ultimate experience for any adult looking to savor the spotlight down center or in the chorus, despite talent or experience level. At Broadway Fantasy Camp, theater lovers will experience the “Razzle Dazzle” as they spend a day immersed in the world of this infectious musical.

 

From the moment Broadway Fantasy Camp begins, the authenticity is apparent. Participants meet in a Broadway rehearsal studio just like they’ve seen on Smash!   Broadway Fantasy Camp‘s staff of Broadway professionals works with participants to create a customized presentation, to be presented for family and friends. As a bonus, professional headshots will be taken.

 

To understand the full breadth of the Broadway experience, participants will visit with Amra-Faye Wright, Gabriela Garcia, and additional behind-the-scenes talent who help stage Broadway musicals.

 

After the Broadway Fantasy Camp presentation is complete, participants will enjoy CHICAGO from their VIP seats, and the celebration continues at Broadway Fantasy Camp’s very own post-show champagne reception at Sardi’s.

 

Information regarding upcoming 2013 sessions, gift certificates, and booking information may be found at www.BroadwayFanCamp.com, by emailing joinus@broadwayfancamp.com, or calling 212-713-0366.

 

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Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan named Ambassadors for KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY; tickets now on sale

Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, hosts of “LIVE with Kelly and Michael” named National Ambassadors of Kids’ Night on Broadway. The event was a celebration of Kids Night on Broadway, which allows children to get free Broadway tickets from February 25th-March 3rd when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Cast members from Annie, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Newsies were in attendance to promote their shows as participants (photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Startraksphoto.com)

The Broadway League announced that Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, co-hosts of Emmy Award-winning talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael,” will serve as the 2013 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® National Ambassadors.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY is when kids ages 6 to 18 can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. A KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY ticket includes free pre-theatre parties, restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs, and more.

Tickets are now on sale at KidsNightonBroadway.com

Actress and popular television personality Kelly Ripa and legendary NFL star and sports broadcaster Michael Strahan are both huge Broadway fans and excited to be the National Ambassadors for this year’s KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY. KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY will also take place in multiple cities around the country, with different shows and venues putting their own spin on the event, on numerous dates throughout the year. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.

“Broadway has always been magical to me, and it was a joy to share that magic with my own kids,” said Kelly Ripa. “I’m thrilled to be part of a program that exposes children to all of the things that I love about the theatre.”

“I’m honored to serve with Kelly as this year’s Ambassadors for Kids’ Night on Broadway. I have huge respect for Broadway performers. In the theater, as in sports, the hard work, discipline and focus it takes to be a success are important fundamentals for kids to learn, and these actors and dancers are great role models for kids,” said Michael Strahan.

Kids’ Night on Broadway tickets available for participating shows on:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2013

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2013

Participating shows  (to date) include:

BROADWAY: Ann, Annie, Chicago, Hands on a Hardbody, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Newsies, Once, The Phantom of the Opera, Rock of Ages, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, Wicked.

OFF-BROADWAY: Avenue Q, Forever Dusty, The Gazillion Bubble Show, Stomp

(The list is subject to change and some shows are not available for all performances.)

Many Times Square-area eateries will offer specials for Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket-holders. Restaurant updates: www.kidsnightonbroadway.com/restaurants.php

Participating restaurants (to date) include:

Angus McIndoe, B. Smith’s, Blue Fin, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Casa Nonna, Ҫa Va Brasserie, Ceci Italian Restaurant, Cock & Bull, Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, Glass House Tavern, Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, Heartland Brewery & Chophouse, Little Town Restaurant Row, Matt’s Grill, Playwright Tavern, Ruby Foo’s, Ruby Tuesday, Schnipper’s, Tasti-D-Lite, Toloache, Tony’s DiNapoli, Trattoria Trecolori, and Virgil’s Real BBQ.

Kids Night on Broadway is presented by The Broadway League. Founded in 1930, The Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers who present in nearly 200 markets in North America, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. Download the free ILoveNYTheater app and free IBDB app for iPhone, iPad, and iTouch on iTunes.

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NYC’s Michelangelo Hotel has new ‘Best of Broadway’ Getaway that includes show tickets

Enjoy the "Best of Broadway" with new package deal from the Michelangelo Hotel, located amidst the bright lights of Manhattan's Theater District © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Every year, spring brings an increased buzz to Manhattan’s White Way with the announcement of the Tony nominees.  This year, The Michelangelo hotel is offering a way for guests to join in the excitement as theater aficionados across the country debate who should take home a coveted award on June 12, 2011.

Located in the heart of the Theater District steps from the Hirschfeld, Winter Garden, Gershwin and more, the hotel has become an ambassador to the performing arts for its guests.  This year, it augments its offerings with “The Best of Broadway” package. The new two-night getaway has been constructed to ensure the stage is the focus of the stay.  Components include:

•    Two tickets to a Broadway show of guest’s choice (you have to provide a selection in order of preference at time of booking; tickets are subject to availability)
•    Access to expert advice from a former stage veteran, Concierge James Jolis, in selecting the perfect play for the stay
•    Accommodations in one of The Michelangelo’s spacious guestrooms with Italian-inspired décor and Etro amenities
•    A sweet welcome treat of Godiva chocolates and nightly turndown service
•    Breakfast for two in-room, served at guests’ leisure

And for those keen to discover New York’s professional theater scene, but can’t make it to the Big Apple prior to the June awards, The Best of Broadway package will be available until November 30, 2011.  The extended availability offers travelers the chance to see if the award-winning productions truly deserved their trophies.

Rates for The Best of Broadway package begin at $550.00 per night, based on double occupancy, and exclusive of taxes and gratuities.  Two night minimum required.  Guests must call the hotel directly at (212) 765 – 1900 to book.

Located amidst the bright lights of Manhattan’s Theater District and steps from Rockefeller Center, the boutiques of Fifth and Madison Avenues, and the buzz of Times Square, The Michelangelo exudes the old world charm of an Italian Grande Dame hotel and features all the modern touches that today’s urban travelers have come to expect.  It is part of the Italian based Starhotels group and is the brand’s first luxury property in the United States.

AT THE BOOTH App Brings Theater Ticket Discounts to Your Phone

Tony-Nominated® Producer and author of the popular blog, TheProducersPerspective.com, Ken Davenport makes sure that Broadway buffs, musical mavens and gadget geeks have insider access to information on all the best shows with his AT THE BOOTH™ App, now available on Android in addition to an updated version now available on for iPhone users.

As featured in Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List,” AT THE BOOTH™ lists all the Broadway and Off-Broadway shows available at the TKTS® booth every day and at what price (50%, 40%, etc.). For 99 cents, AT THE BOOTH™ saves theatergoers time, money and frustration that are usually associated with waiting in those long ticket lines.

In addition to keeping theater-goers savvy with ticket-buying tips, AT THE BOOTH™ is also a complete Broadway and Off-Broadway directory. With info on EVERY Broadway and Off-Broadway show, along with reviews, cast photos, videos, synopses, performance schedules, running times, cast lists, recent headlines, opening and closing dates, full and group-price ticket information, and a full directory of Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters – including maps to help you get there – AT THE BOOTH™ even tells you how long the lines are!

The updated version of the AT THE BOOTH™ iPhone App, which will be the same version debuting on the Android Market, will feature the following additions:

• Lottery/Rush info for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows
• Info on nearby restaurants
• Portrait/landscape viewing
• Facebook or Tweet about the show you’re seeing directly from the show page

In addition to the latest updates from the TKTS® discount booth in Times Square, AT THE BOOTH™ provides the information to help you decide which show to see and how to save the most money on your ticket.

“My Wonderful Day” in NYC Theater

British Playwright Alan Ayckbourn in NYC for his play "My Wonderful Day." © 2009 Karen Rubin/News&PhotoFeatures

“My Wonderful Day” in NYC Theater has inspired me to travel to Yorkshire, England.

 What is the connection, you might wonder?

 “My Wonderful Day” is a play written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn, who comes from Yorkshire, England. He came to the 59E59 Theater in mid-Manhattan, where the play is being staged through Dec. 13, to participate in a fascinating “Conversation with Alan Ayckbourn.”  The be-knighted playwright discussed his inspirations, his technique for playwriting and directing.

 He is also an unofficial Ambassador for his hometown of Scarborough in Yorkshire, England, and the Yorkshire Travel Bureau used the occasion to invite travel press. Over lunch, I became intrigued to experience the landscape, coastline, people, history, art and culture. The region is about 2 hours by train north of London, half-way to Edinburgh (www.yorkshire.com).

 I became most intrigued to experience Harewood, Yorkshire’s visitor attraction of the year, which celebrated its 250^th anniversary this year. Harewood House, in Leeds, is a fabulous mansion home built in 1759, which offers tours of its state rooms, its “below stairs” experience, gardens, an Adventure Playground and planetarium, art exhibits and theater, cultural events and festivals (the VW Festival in August offers caravan and camping); http://www.harewood.org.

 In the interim, to get a British fix here in the Big Apple, a number of English themed properties that have opened recently in NYC; Crosby Street Hotel in Soho – Firmdale Hotels (www.firmdalehotels.com) first property outside of London, Brit-owned new restaurant Le Caprice at the Pierre Hotel, The Spotted Pig’s Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield’s new restaurant Breslin at the Ace Hotel (http://thebreslin.com), The Clerkenwell in the Lower East Side – named after London’s Clerkenwell (where the first gastropub appeared) and Brinkley’s, recently opened gastropub in Soho (http://brinkleysnyc.com.) New York Magazine ran a piece just last week on the rise of the English breakfast (http://nymag.com/restaurants/features/61830/) and traditional English afternoon tea has long been a trend in NYC. Other English exports include Tea & Sympathy (www.teaandsympathynewyork.com/restaurant.php), the “quintessential corner of England in the heart of Greenwich Village” and Myers of Keswick (www.myersofkeswick.com) traditional English shop on Hudson Street, and of course the theatre – “Brits off Broadway” (which runs until January 3, 2010) and Sienna Miller is currently staring in After Miss Julie on Broadway while Jude Law is in Hamlet.

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