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The Kennedy Center's Broadway Center Stage Production of "Schmigadoon!"

2024-11-18

In a remarkable theatrical event, the Kennedy Center is set to present the Broadway Center Stage concert production of the new musical "Schmigadoon!". This production, written by Cinco Paul and directed/choreographed by Christopehr Gattelli, with Lorne Michaels as the producer, is set to captivate audiences. The inspiration for this musical comes from Paul's AppleTV+ series, and it stars Alex Brightman and Sara Chase as Josh and Melissa, a couple who find themselves trapped in a magical town that brings the Golden Age of Broadway to life. They are joined by an ensemble of talented actors including Kevin Del Aguila as Reverend Layton, Ann Harada reprising her role from the series as Florence Menlove, McKenzie Kurtz as Betsy, Isabelle McCalla as Emma, Javier Muńoz as Doc Lopez, Brad Oscar as Mayor Menlove, Emily Skinner as Mildred, and Ryan Vasquez as Danny. The score of this production will feature beloved hits from the show like "Corn Puddin'" along with new music. Steven Malone serves as the musical director, Doug Besterman is the orchestrator, and David Chase is the music supervisor. Paul has penned the book, music, and lyrics. Gattelli's creative team includes Scott Pask for the sets, Jen Schriever for the lighting, and Haley Parcher for the sound. The production runs from January 31 to February 9, promising a week-long immersive experience that will transport audiences to a world of musical magic.

Experience the Magical Broadway Town with "Schmigadoon!"

Starring Alex Brightman and Sara Chase

Alex Brightman and Sara Chase bring to life the central characters of Josh and Melissa in "Schmigadoon!". Their performances are expected to be nothing short of extraordinary as they navigate the magical world of the Golden Age Broadway town. Their chemistry on stage is sure to draw the audience in and make them feel every emotion of the story. Brightman's vocal range and stage presence add a dynamic element to the production, while Chase's portrayal of Melissa brings a touch of charm and vulnerability that will resonate with the viewers.

Their ability to convey the essence of the characters and the story through their acting is a testament to their talent. They have become the heart and soul of "Schmigadoon!", and their performances are a must-see for any theater enthusiast. Whether it's their comedic timing or their emotional depth, they leave a lasting impression on the audience.

The Ensemble Cast

The ensemble cast of "Schmigadoon!" plays a crucial role in bringing the magical town to life. Each actor brings their own unique talent and personality to the stage, adding depth and color to the production. Kevin Del Aguila as Reverend Layton brings a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role, while Ann Harada's reprisal of her series role as Florence Menlove adds a touch of familiarity and nostalgia. McKenzie Kurtz as Betsy, Isabelle McCalla as Emma, Javier Muńoz as Doc Lopez, Brad Oscar as Mayor Menlove, Emily Skinner as Mildred, and Ryan Vasquez as Danny all contribute to the overall magic of the show.

Their collective performances create a vibrant and diverse community within the magical town. They interact with the lead characters in ways that add to the story and make the audience feel like they are part of the world. Whether it's a comedic scene or a heartfelt moment, the ensemble's chemistry is palpable and adds to the overall enjoyment of the production.

The Musical Elements

The musical aspect of "Schmigadoon!" is a major highlight of the production. The score features a mix of beloved hits from the show and new music written by Cinco Paul. The arrangements by Doug Besterman and the musical direction by Steven Malone bring out the best in the songs, creating a rich and immersive musical experience. The use of different musical styles and genres adds to the charm and uniqueness of the production.

From the energetic numbers to the more emotional ballads, the music of "Schmigadoon!" takes the audience on a journey. It enhances the story and helps to create the magical atmosphere of the Golden Age Broadway town. The attention to detail in the musical arrangements and the performances of the musicians add another layer of depth to the production, making it a truly unforgettable musical experience.

The Creative Team

Gattelli's creative team is instrumental in bringing "Schmigadoon!" to life. Scott Pask's sets create a visually stunning backdrop that transports the audience to the Golden Age of Broadway. The lighting design by Jen Schriever adds depth and atmosphere to the scenes, enhancing the mood and emotion of each moment. Haley Parcher's sound design brings the music and the voices to life, creating a seamless auditory experience.

The collaboration between the creative team and the actors is seamless, resulting in a production that is visually and aurally captivating. Each element of the design works together to create a cohesive and immersive world that the audience can lose themselves in. The attention to detail and the creativity of the team are evident in every aspect of the production.

Taylor Lindsey's appointment as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville marks a significant milestone. With a rich background and extensive experience in the music industry, she is set to lead the company into a new era. This transition comes as Randy Goodman prepares to retire after a decade of service. Additionally, Ken Robold has been named president and chief operating officer, strengthening the leadership team.

Commitment to Collaboration and Community

In a statement, Lindsey expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. "Along with Ken and the incredible SMN team, we are committed to fostering collaboration with our artists, creators and fans. We will create a vibrant community that not only honors our rich heritage in storytelling but also redefines the sound of country music for generations." This commitment is at the core of her leadership approach, aiming to build strong relationships and drive innovation.

Background and Achievements

Lindsey has been deeply involved with Sony Music Nashville since 2021. She started as head of A&R and most recently served as vice president. During this time, she has worked closely with renowned Sony artists such as Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Maren Morris, and Mitchell Tenpenny. Her expertise in artist development and A&R has played a crucial role in the success of these artists.Before joining SMN in 2013, Lindsey was featured on Billboard's Women in Music and Country Power Players lists. She worked in A&R at BMG Music Publishing, where she represented Grammy-award winning songwriters like Hillary Lindsey and Tony Lane. This diverse experience has equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to lead Sony Music Nashville.

New Leadership Team

Ken Robold's appointment as president and chief operating officer is a significant addition to the leadership team. He has also been on Billboard's Country Power Players list and joined SMN in 2015 as executive vice president and COO. Previously, he was president of Zac Brown's Southern Ground Artists and spent 22 years at Universal Music Group. His extensive experience and leadership skills will complement Lindsey's and help build a new era for Sony Music Nashville.

Impact on the Nashville Music Scene

The news of Lindsey and Robold's appointments means that all three major labels in Nashville are now headed or co-headed by women. Cindy Mabe is chair/CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville, and Cris Lacy is co-chair/co-president of Warner Music Nashville alongside Gregg Nadel. This shift in leadership highlights the growing presence and influence of women in the Nashville music scene.It also means that the heads of the three Nashville majors have changed hands over the past two years. Lacy and Ben Kline replaced chairman/CEO John Esposito at Warner at the end of 2022, while UMGN chairman/CEO Mike Dungan left his post in 2023, with Mabe officially taking over in April 2023. This period of transition has paved the way for new leadership and fresh perspectives.Lindsey and Robold's leadership is expected to have a profound impact on the Nashville music scene. They will work together to foster creativity, support artists, and drive the growth of the country music genre. With their combined expertise and vision, Sony Music Nashville is poised to continue its success and make significant contributions to the music industry.

Zo Harris, a highly accomplished musical director, composer, and educator, has made significant strides in the music world. His collaborations with renowned figures like rapper Pitbull and singer-songwriter H.E.R. have brought a new dimension to the musical landscape. Leslie La Barre's photos beautifully capture these moments.

Unlock the Musical Magic with Zo Harris

Musical Director Extraordinaire

Zo Harris is not just any ordinary musical director. With a background in creative music technology, he brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to his collaborations. His ability to work with big names in the music industry, such as rapper Pitbull and singer-songwriter H.E.R., showcases his versatility and talent. He has a deep understanding of different genres of music, including R&B, classical, rock, and traditional Indian music. This diverse range of knowledge allows him to create captivating musical experiences that resonate with audiences. 1: Zo Harris's journey as a musical director began with a passion for music. His dedication and hard work have led him to collaborate with some of the most influential artists in the industry. His work with Pitbull and H.E.R. has not only gained him recognition but has also inspired aspiring musicians around the world. His ability to bring out the best in each artist and create a harmonious musical synergy is truly remarkable. 2: In addition to his work as a musical director, Zo Harris is also a talented composer. His compositions are a fusion of different musical styles, creating a unique sound that is both captivating and memorable. His compositions have been featured in various music projects, showcasing his ability to create music that transcends boundaries and connects with people on a deep level.

Educator with a Vision

Zo Harris is not only a successful musician but also an excellent educator. He believes in the power of education and strives to share his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. His approach to teaching is unique, as he combines theory with practical experience, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of music. 1: Harris understands that music is not just about playing an instrument or composing a song. It is about understanding the various aspects of music and how they come together to create a beautiful sound. He encourages his students to explore different genres of music and learn from different musical traditions. This broadens their perspective and helps them develop their own unique musical style. 2: Through his teaching, Zo Harris has inspired many students to pursue a career in music. His students have gone on to achieve great success in the music industry, thanks to his guidance and support. His dedication to education is evident in the way he interacts with his students and the passion he brings to his teaching.

Olympic Anthem Arranger

One of Zo Harris's most notable achievements is being the first African American to arrange the national anthem for the Olympics. This is a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his musical prowess. 1: Arranging the national anthem is a challenging task that requires a deep understanding of music and a sense of patriotism. Zo Harris's arrangement of the national anthem was a masterpiece that captured the essence of the country and its people. His attention to detail and his ability to create a powerful musical statement made his arrangement stand out. 2: Harris's achievement as an Olympic anthem arranger has opened doors for other African American musicians and has paved the way for greater representation in the music industry. His success has inspired young musicians of color to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their craft.

Masterclass Series Impact

The Masterclass series hosted by Eckerd's music discipline has been a great success in informing students about the art of music. Through experts like Zo Harris, students have gained valuable insights and knowledge about the music industry. 1: The series has provided students with a platform to interact with industry professionals and learn from their experiences. Zo Harris's participation in the series has been a highlight, as his words of wisdom and practical advice have inspired students to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals. 2: The Masterclass series has also helped to build a community of music lovers and aspiring musicians at Eckerd College. Students have had the opportunity to network with each other and with industry professionals, which has opened up new opportunities for them.Eckerd's music discipline is committed to providing students with broad opportunities to interact with professionals in the industry. Through initiatives like the Masterclass series, students are able to gain valuable insights and connections that will help them in their future careers. Zo Harris's contributions to the music discipline have been invaluable, and his impact will be felt for years to come.