Back in 2012, I completed an interview for a Columbia University graduate student of journalism named Acacia Squires. She found me through a post I made on a website about single parenthood and thought I would be a good person to talk with about my experiences being a single father in New York City. I…
Read moreMemphis The Musical
It has been a long time since I’ve seen this. It was one of the best experiences of my life working on this show. I loved just about every minute while I was here. Enjoy:
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Get ready for tuneful Temps bio in ‘Ain’t Too Proud’
Keyboard player-conductor Kenny Seymour leads a great 12-piece band serving up soulful stage interpretations of the indelible crossover hits that have thrilled generations. Read the entire review HERE: http://www.sfexaminer.com/get-ready-tuneful-temps-bio-aint-proud/
Read moreNot just your imagination: ‘Temptations’ musical rocks
Berkeley Rep’s world premiere musical, which opened Thursday, Sept. 14, under the direction of Des McAnuff, makes songs resounding clarion calls from their opening beats — the teasing jazz piano riff of “I Can’t Get Next To You,” the ache-filled strings soaring over gentle guitar thrums in “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” Richly…
Read moreReview: New Temptations musical throbs to life at Berkeley Rep
A propulsive new musical driven by group founder Otis Williams’ life story, “Ain’t” is making its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre with its eyes on Broadway. Directed by a master of the genre, Des McAnuff, of “Jersey Boys” and “Tommy” fame, this ambitious Motown biography throbs with grit and groove. We learn the backstory…
Read moreOfficial trailer: Ain’t Too Proud
Working on this show has been such a great experience. The music is great, the musicians are amazing, the cast is fantastic and the creative team is top notch. This show is a must see! Book by Dominique Morisseau Music and Lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog Music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing Orchestrations…
Read moreWhy new Temptations play is NOT a ‘jukebox musical’
“People always say I make musicals for people who hate musicals and there is some truth to that.” – Des McAnuff True indeed! I never liked musicals. I think way too many of them are corny. I once saw a musical where a singer was at a train station , waiting on her train to…
Read moreLiving Legends – Otis, Shelly at Ain’t Too Proud
Smiles after the first two previews of “Ain’t Too Proud.” It’s great to have the legendary Otis Williams and longtime Temptations manager (since the 60’s) Shelly Berger watching a musical recreation of their life. Otis is the man in the cool ass black and white jacket. Shelly is the older gentleman in the middle…
Read moreNew Musical
One of the best things about my job is the creative process. Watching people create new songs, invent new choreography, direct lighting, etc…it’s fascinating. I just started working on a new project. The show is being produced in conjunction with the Berkeley Rep Theater and we are rehearsing here at Second Stage in Times Square…
Read moreA New Temptations Musical
It looks like I’ll be working on a new musical next month. The show is packed with some serious Broadway heavy hitters. I have a feeling that it will be pretty good. I can’t wait to get in on the ground floor of a new show. I love the process: http://www.playbill.com/article/jersey-boys-director-des-mcanuff-working-on-temptations-musical Tony Award-winning director…
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