RICK'S CABARET INVADES NYC'S TIMES SQUARE

The Girls Of Rick's

Rick's Cabaret New York Girls wore skimpy bikini bottoms, cut-off baby tee-shirts, and high heels as "Round Card Girls" at the "Broadway Boxing" show held at BB King's in Times Square in front of a packed house of celebrities, VIPs and fans of prizefighting.

Rick's Cabaret Girl Brielle purred, " '50 Cent' was one of the stars in the audience--he loves boxing, and I know he was checking me out--that's cool cause I love his music!"

The DiBella Entertainment "Broadway Boxing" event featured an exciting eight bout card. "The matches were great," gushed Rick's Cabaret Girl Kelsey. "Lou DiBella knows how to please boxing fans."

The official After-Party was held at Rick's Cabaret NYC, where the boxing fans got to meet the Round Card Girls and over 100 other sexy Rick's Girls. "They whistled and cheered for us at the matches, explained Rick's Cabaret Girl Madison, "And at the club they got to see us do a few more of our moves up close, haha!"

Rick's Cabaret New York is well known for its beautiful showgirls, luxurious setting, gourmet restaurant, and warm hospitality. It is a favorite with businessmen, celebrities, tourists, and pro athletes.

THE 2013 DRAMA DESK AWARDS AT TOWN HALL

****

WALTER MCBRIDE

ON

BROADWAY

****

Tommy Tune

Terrence McNally With Thomas Kirdahy

Michael Urie

Justin Paul

Judith Light

John Lloyd Young

John Cullum

Jay O. Sanders

Jayne Houdyshell

Jamie DeRoy

Holland Taylor

Dale Badway

David Byrne

Eve Plumb

Cicely Tyson

Billy Porter

Andrew Keenan-Bolger

Annaleigh Ashford

The 2013 Drama Desk Awards were held at Town Hall in New York City last night. The stars of Broadway came out to celebrate.

Photos By: Walter Mcbride / Retna Ltd.

IVY BAR & GRILL OPEN FOR LUNCH AND BRUNCH

****

Ivy Bar & Grill

944 8th Avenue @ 56th St.

New York City

212.459.9444

****

Ivy Bar & Grill

Ivy Bar & Grill, New York’s newest destination for dinner and drinks is now also open for brunch and lunch. With its menu of expertly crafted dishes, extensive drink list and sophisticated look, Ivy has established itself as one of Hell’s Kitchen’s most sough-after spots for an after work drink, intimate dinner or night out with friends. The recently unveiled brunch menu and extended hours, has taken this chic restaurant and bar from night into day.

With innovative dishes inspired by Executive Chef Jim Hanley, Ivy’s brunch menu is in a league of its own. Ivy’s prix fix brunch features entrées including the Red Velvet Pancakes, with a sweet cream cheese drizzle; Grand French Toast, thick cut Challah bread, chocolate Nutella® sauce and chopped hazelnuts; or homemade Waffles, cognac glazed pears and cinnamon spiced whipped cream. For $30, guests will enjoy a choice of an entrée, along with unlimited Red and Yellow Bloody Marys, Mimosas or Belinis.

NEW YORK TO PROTEST BARACK OBAMA TONIGHT

****

IN THE PIPELINE

****

President Barack Obama

This evening, hundreds of New Yorkers will march to a rally outside President Obama's fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on 49th and Park to protest the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. Activists from CREDO, 350.org, the Sierra Club and others are demanding that the president reject the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and other oil pipelines that will accelerate the climate crisis.

CREDO recently launched a campaign calling on activists to pledge to risk arrest if President Obama moves forward with a plan to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Nearly 60,000 people who have signed the pledge to risk arrest in peaceful dignified civil disobedience in their local communities, in front of OFA meetings, State Department offices, TransCanada's corporate lobbies, banks that are financing tar sands oil development, areas ravaged by Hurricane Sandy and along the pipeline route.

Read more about CREDO's pledge HERE:

Photo By: RD/Kabik/Retna

BEHIND THE SCENES ON NEW YORK'S BROADWAY

****

THE BOOK OF ALL BROADWAY BOOKS!

****

BEATING BROADWAY

Steve Cuden’s new book BEATING BROADWAY: How to Create Stories for Musicals That Get Standing Ovations is a comprehensive guide that expertly breaks down musical storytelling into its basic components and explains how stories for hit musicals are created. It is now available on amazon.com. This how-to book by veteran storyteller and successful creator of musicals, Steve Cuden, is for both amateurs and professionals trying to create successful musicals. In addition to practical advice on what makes a good book for a musical, Steve breaks down 40 popular musical plays and films into beats, explaining what works and why.

With the popularity of musicals at an all-time high around the world, there is a yearning for new musicals. In this comprehensive guide, readers learn how the plots and stories behind musicals are developed and honed. With his breezy, lighthearted approach, Cuden give creators at all levels valuable advice for building winning musical stories.

Steve Cuden co-created the Broadway and international hit musical JEKYLL & HYDE with noted composer Frank Wildhorn. He teamed with Wildhorn again to co-conceive the international hit musical RUDOLF, AFFAIRE MAYERLING which has been produced in Europe, Japan and Korea. Cuden, who has successfully written for theatre, TV and film, offers writers the know-how and encouragement to construct brilliant, attention-grabbing musical storylines.

BEATING BROADWAY examines the structure of 35 beloved Broadway musicals and 5 evergreen musical films to show how strong, well-crafted stories strengthen and support successful musicals (from SOUTH PACIFIC and MY FAIR LADY to AVENUE Q and WICKED). Cuden breaks down each musical into key narrative beats and plot points to give readers practical, down-to-earth advice for crafting successful musical theater stories that will touch audiences.

- - - - - - - - - -

“BEATING BROADWAY is a take-you-by-the-hand guided tutorial written by a seasoned professional who really knows his stuff. This book feeds your mind with how stories for musicals are made. If you are interested in creating or producing a musical, Steve’s insights will be helpful and inspiring to you.”

--Jeff Marx, TONY Award-winning composer/lyricist of AVENUE Q

“BEATING BROADWAY digs deep to the core of how stories for successful musicals are created. This is a must-have book for anyone who wants to write exceptional musicals or is just a fan.”

--Scott Wittman, TONY Award-winning lyricist of HAIRSPRAY and co-lyricist and Executive Producer for the hit TV Series, SMASH.

“Beat-by-beat, Steve Cuden breaks down story, structure, and song spotting so you can beat the Broadway musical before it beats you!” 

--Cheri Steinkellner, Emmy-winning Writer/Producer of CHEERS and TEACHER’S PET, TONY-nominated writer of SISTER ACT.

RIHANNA SHOPS TILL SHE DROPS AT ATRIUM SOHO

****

SIGHTINGS

****

Rihanna

Last night Rihanna stopped in Atrium Soho located on 644 Broadway (at Bleecker) to shop for a few hours. Accompanying Rihanna was best friend Melissa Ford and brother Rajad Fenty. The store closed at 8 pm that night out of courtesy for the customer. 

Photo By: Sara De Boer/Retna

BEYONCE STUNS METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Beyonce

We must say, Beyonce stunned them at the Costume Institute Gala for the 'PUNK: Chaos to Couture' exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art the other night in the Big Apple.

Photo By: Corredor99 / MediaPunch Inc.

NEW YORK CITY WELCOMES YOU WITH OPEN ARMS

****

Fast Times in the Greatest City in the World

Story By: Brian Woodward

****

The Statue Of Liberty

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” - Hunter S. Thompson

The first time one flies into Laguardia International Airport and the plane wraps around the city and its unmatched skyline one is overwhelmed with awe. The height and the density of buildings that represent the heart of America leave one with a symphony playing in the mind that one prays the adjacent passenger will not interrupt. The Liberty Bell may be in Philadelphia, the White House in D.C., the Pilgrims may have landed in Plymouth, Boston was host to the tea party, but the beacon of freedom stands high across the New York skyline, the Statue of Liberty.

As one steps out of the airport and into a cab headed to the desired destination one shivers with excitement. As one makes it into the heart of Manhattan with the sea of people swimming through sidewalks, its is clear one has arrived. Manhattan, at least the majority of the borough is comprised of the wealthy and the even wealthier. The 10065 zip code on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is the most prominent area in the United States according to a September article by Forbes, putting the median price of a home at 6.5 million dollars. It represents capitalism and all the evils that could ever be associated with it. Hedge fund phenoms are driven around in Rolls Royce's. They dine in the finest restaurants racking up bills in one night, equivalent to a month’s rent in the Midwest. At night they go back to their luxury apartment and are greeted by a white gloved concierge who opens the door and bids them a good night.

Regardless of one’s opinion on high society, the city becomes an intrinsic part of the individual. It really is the greatest city in the world. No place carries with it such style, wit, and charm. If one desires, life can become a motion picture that outperforms one’s wildest dreams.

THE OFF BROADWAY ALLIANCE 2013 NOMINEES

****

THE BEST OF OFF BROADWAY

****

Sigourney Weaver

The Off Broadway Alliance, the organization of Off Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents and marketing professionals, has announced the nominees for the 3rd Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2012-2013 season.

Awards will be presented in five competitive categories: Best New Musical, Best New Play, Best Musical Revival, Best Play Revival, and Best Unique Theatrical Experience. Winners in all categories will be selected by secret ballot by members of the awards committee of the Off Broadway Alliance.

In addition to the competitive awards, six Off Broadway Alliance Legend of Off Broadway Awards are being presented for sustained achievement in the world of Off Broadway. The 2013 Legend of Off Broadway recipients are Christopher Durang, A.R. Gurney, Kristine Nielsen, Daryl Roth, Stomp, and Sigourney Weaver.

Winners will be announced on May 21st. A complete list of nominees follows.

Nominees and Honorary Award Recipients

2013 Off Broadway Alliance Awards

Best New Musical

o F#%king Up Everything

o Here Lies Love

o Murder Ballad

o Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

o The Other Josh Cohen

Best New Play

o Cock

o Disgraced

o Finks

o My Name is Asher Lev

o Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Best Musical Revival

o Closer Than Ever

o The Good Person of Szechwan

o The Last Five Years

o New Girl In Town

o Passion

JENNIFER LOPEZ STOPS BY ELVIS DURAN SHOW

****

ON THE RADIO

****

Jennifer Lopez Visits Elvis Duran

Jennifer Lopez stopped by the morning show this morning to world premiere her new song “Live It Up” featuring Pitbull. The song is now on iTunes and is the first single off of her 10th album. “You grow up listening to radio and you hear songs and its just one of those magical things…its something you never even thought would happen one time”, Lopez explains what it’s like hearing your single on the radio for the first time.” However, Lopez prefers to “let there be a demand for the album by actually putting out some good music first” and plans on releasing a few more singles before she decides when the album will come out. 

In addition to her new song, upcoming 3D concert movie, Lopez will also be performing on American Idol before the season in over. Which prompted Elvis to ask the question on everyone’s mind, “Are you going go back as a judge?” Lopez coyly replied “I have no announcements to make right now…I love the show and everybody over there.”

One last message from Elvis “Go download the song, it’s great!”

DONALD AND IVANKA TRUMP AT FUND ANYTHING

 ****

INSIDE NEW YORK CITY

****

Donald And Ivanka Trump

Celeste Buckingham

Donald Trump promoted FundAnything.com during a press conference at Trump Tower in New York City this afternoon.

Photo By: Corredor99 / MediaPunch Inc. 

THE NEW MUSICAL COMEDY BEND IN THE ROAD

****
OFF BROADWAY
****

Alison Woods

BEND IN THE ROAD, a new musical comedy, is an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's (NYMF) 2013 Next Link Project.

BEND IN THE ROAD is based on the classic novel ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and centers on young Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Although they had hoped for a boy to help with their Avonlea farm, Anne’s joyous, intelligent and vivacious spirit changes the lives of all those around her, including Matthew, Marilla and nosy town gossip Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Anne finds fast friendships at school, while her rivalry with handsome classmate Gilbert Blythe changes unexpectedly as they enter adulthood.

BEND IN THE ROAD received unanimous rave reviews in its 2012 premiere at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse. Written by Benita Scheckel (book & lyrics) and Michael Upward (music & lyrics), BEND IN THE ROAD will play five performances only beginning July 18th through the 28th at PTC Performance Space, 555 West 42nd Street (between Tenth & Eleventh Ave.) The cast of BEND IN THE ROAD will be headed by Alison Woods as Anne Shirley, under the direction of Benjamin Endsley Klein. The entire 17-member cast and performance schedule will be announced soon.

Making her New York stage debut, Alison Woods was selected by director Jason Alexander to play the leading role of Luisa in his all-star production of THE FANTASTICKS at Reprise with Eric McCormack and Lucas Grabeel. Alison’s film and TV credits include “Big Love,” “CSI: NY,” “90210,” “Safe Harbor,” and DETENTION. For Walt Disney Pictures, she was the animation reference for Rapunzel in the hit movie TANGLED. BEND IN THE ROAD director Benjamin Endsley Klein is currently represented on Broadway by the critically acclaimed play ANN starring Holland Taylor (2013 Tony nominee, Best Actress). Benjamin also served as Associate Director for the entire COAST OF UTOPIA trilogy, and he was Resident Director for the Tony-winning Best Play WAR HORSE.

Since publication, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES has sold over 50 million copies and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Numerous best-selling sequels followed by author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The original book is taught to students around the world.

BEND IN THE ROAD is presented by the New York Musical Theatre Festival and 134 West - produced by Susan Lambert, co-produced by Sarahbeth Grossman. For more information, visit www.BendInTheRoadMusical.com.

THE KICK OFF FOR YAHOO! ON THE ROAD TOUR

John Legend

DJ Johnny Famous

Craig Robinson

Ryan Leslie

Many stars performed at the kick off of the Yahoo! On The Road Tour at The United Palace in New York City the other day.

Photo By: MediaPunch Inc.

R5 PROMOTES AT NYC EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

****

MUSIC

****

R5

Ross Lynch, Riker Lynch, Rocky Lynch, Rydel Lynch and Ellington Ratliff of R5 promote their current North American Spring Tour at The Empire State Building Observatory in New York City

Photo By: Corredor99 / MediaPunch Inc.

PARIS HILTON HITS NEW YORK CITY TALK SHOWS

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton visited the 'Late Show With David Letterman' at the Ed Sullivan Theater yesterday, in New York City.

 

Photo By: Corredor99 / MediaPunh Inc.

STUNNING BETH HART'S INTIMATE PERFORMANCE

****

Gerald McCullouch's

'MY BI-LIFE'

****

Beth Hart With Gerald McCullouch

I recently caught the remarkable Beth Hart in an intimate performance in the basement of downtown NYC’s J&R Music Store promoting the US release of her new album, Bang Bang Boom Boom. 

I freakin’ love seeing live music. And getting amazing seats for live music makes the experience. Hart's appearance was standing room only, so seats weren’t an option, but her performance for the handful of guests was not to be missed.

Best known for her 1999 single “LA Song”, her journey actually began years prior on the "American Idol" precursor "Star Search". Over the past decade, I’ve consequently lucked out seeing her perform myriad of times and am always stupefied by her sexy, soulful and passionate artistry. If you don't know her music, um, change that. 

Watch Her Performance HERE.

Photo Courtesy Of: Derek Storm

BELLA THORNE AT THE MOVE YOUR BODY EVENT

Jacob Latimore

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne and others, were snapped at the Move Your Body 2013 at Avenues World School yesterday in New York City.

Photos By: Corredor99 / MediaPunch Inc. 

STARS COME OUT FOR WHITNEY MUSEUM FETE

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde looked stunning at the Whitney Museum Annual Art Party in New York City yesterday.

Photo By: Corredor99 / MediaPunch Inc.

THE 2013 TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS IN NYC

****

WALTER MCBRIDE

ON

BROADWAY

****

Cyndi Lauper At Nominations

Cyndi Lauper was snapped attending the 2013 Tony Awards Meet The Nominees Junket at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York yesterday.

Best Play

"The Assembled Parties"

"Lucky Guy"

"The Testament of Mary"

"Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Best Musical

"Bring it On: The Musical"

"A Christmas Story, The Musical"

"Kinky Boots"

"Matilda The Musical"

Best Revival of a Play

"Golden Boy"

"Orphans"

"The Trip to Bountiful"

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Best Revival of a Musical

"Annie"

"The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

"Pippin"

"Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Tom Hanks, "Lucky Guy"

Nathan Lane, "The Nance"

Tracy Letts, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

David Hyde Pierce, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

Tom Sturridge, "Orphans"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Laurie Metcalf, "The Other Place"

Amy Morton, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Kristine Nielson,"Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

Holland Taylor, "Ann"

Cicely Tyson, "The Trip to Bountiful"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Bertie Carvel, "Matilda"

Santino Fontana, "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"

Rob McClure, "Chaplin"

Billy Porter, "Kinky Boots"

Stark Sands, "Kinky Boots"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Stephanie J. Block, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

Carolee Carmello, "Scandalous"

Valisia LeKae, "Motown the Musical"

Patina Miller, "Pippin"

Laura Osnes, "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Danny Burstein, "Golden Boy"

Richard Kind, "The Big Knife"

Billy Magnussen, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

Tony Shalhoub, "Golden Boy"

Courtney B. Vance, "Lucky Guy"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Carrie Coon, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Shalita Grant, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike"

Judith Ivey, "The Heiress,"

Judith Light, "The Assembled Parties"

Condola Rashad, "The Trip to Bountiful"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Charl Brown, "Motown the Musical"

Keith Carradine, "Hands on a Hardbody"

Will Chase, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"

Gabriel Ebert, "Matilda the Musical"

Terrence Mann, "Pippin"

LORD & TAYLOR TO HOST IVANKA TRUMP PARFUM

Ivanka Trump

Lord & Taylor will host Ivanka Trump for the launch of her new fragrance Ivanka Trump on Thursday, May 9th at 6pm at the store's Fifth Avenue flagship. With the purchase of the Ivanka Trump Parfum Spray ($150) or Fragrance Set, which includes the Eau de Parfum and Body Lotion ($113), customers can meet Ivanka, have their bottle signed and have their photo taken with her.

Photo By: RD/Roe/Retna