On  Tuesday, November 24, 2009, The Westchester Broadway Theatre hosted the Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards. The recipients are recognized for their body of work, dedication and contribution to some aspect of the performing arts in Westchester County.

Honorees: Dr. Donald Antonecchia, Pat Shaw, Cagle & John McDonald

On  Tuesday , November 24, 2009, The Westchester Broadway Theatre will be hosting the Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards.  Cab Calloway was a resident of Elmsford, N.Y. for approximately 34 years. His career spanned over six decades and was highlighted by his work on stage, film, television and in the recording industry. The Cab Calloway Lifetime Achievement Awards are meant to honor his commitment to excellence in the performing arts as well as his dedication and support for young, rising talent. The recipients are recognized for their body of work, dedication and contribution to some aspect of the performing arts in Westchester County. The awards were established by George Puello in 2001.  The special guest presenter will be Cecelia (Ce Ce) Calloway.  Guest appearances by; Dancing sensation, Lisa LaTouche, Christine DiTota, The PMT Divas: Jeanne McCabe, Paulette Oliva, Elise Godfrey, and Chris Jamison. The Pleasantville High School Jazz Band, The Clock Tower Players, The Lighthouse Youth Ensemble and much more. Also featuring selections from George Puello’s new musical,  Cleopatra. The Musical director is George Croom.  A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the Cab Calloway Foundation, which is currently in negotiations to purchase  back Cab Calloway’s house in Elmsford, and restore the house to have it serve as a point of interest in NY complete with an educational and research center.  It is rich in History and served as the "beehive" of creativity for such musical luminaries as Count Basie.  As well, some proceeds will benefit individual charities chosen by each recipient. 

A Thanksgiving Feast & A Broadway Treat!

It’s raining men!
A cast of sexy Aussies removing their clothes, one item at a time.
Cheesy? Check!
Hot bodies? Check!
Loads of screaming women? Check!
Lip syncing & choreographed dances? Check!
Props, like pirate wear & ladders? Check!
It all adds up to a fun night.
Ladies! Forget your inhibitions, just go for it!

THUNDER FROM… DOWN UNDER
-Forbes Traveler named Thunder one of sexiest reviews in Las Vegas.
-Winner: Best of Las Vegas - 4 years in a row!
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17 & 18. $75. for Dinner & show.

Tom Galantich as Julian Marsh, the driven Director who makes Peggy Sawyer a star!

. 

    I grew up primarily on Long Island. But I also lived in Ohio and Maine. It was a pretty typical upbringing. Nothing unusual or earth shattering. I grew up at a time when TV was becoming mainstream in homes so I watched the old movies that were being shown and that may have gotten me thinking about acting. I’m a huge fan of Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, and Jack Lemmon. Their styles were ones that I identified with.  

    I had a mentor of sorts when I started out in Chicago by the name of Jim Sudik. A brilliant actor. I don’t know where he is now, but he had a huge affect on me.

     I like intelligent shows like CITY OF ANGELS and 1776. I like to be challenged as a performer and theater goer. I don’t know if I have a dream role. I usually enjoy what ever role I’m playing at the time.

    My favorite moment in 42^Nd Street is my last when I sing the reprise of 42ND ST and get to express the feelings that Julian has about it and what it means to him. It’s the release of all that stress leading up to the opening of the fictional PRETTY LADY. All the hard work and pain being rewarded with a hit show. It’s what he lives for. He’s back on top and flying high. My favorite moment to watch in the show is the number GO INTO YOUR DANCE because the tapping is so wonderful and Shannon, Jenna, Jennifer, Ashley and Derek, who do it, are amazing to watch.

    I’m a sports fan, so I watch a lot of that. I’m a Mets fan, so I’ve been in a lot of pain this year. I also like the Giants, Knicks and Rangers. However, that doesn’t mean I dislike the Yankees, Jets, Nets and Devils. I root for all the local teams. My favorite activity is golfing. I also enjoy working on my house.

    I Pod?  I only have a shuffle. I haven’t invested in a bigger one. It seems to hold all the music I need so far. On it I have classic easy listening mostly. Billy Joel, The Beatles, Sinatra, The Beach Boys, mixed with lots of 70’s standards. But lately, I’m becoming more interested in newer artists.

An incredible night of entertainment that will rock rock your soul! November 3rd.

Rick, is a phenomenal performer . An absolute must see for any Rod Stewart fan..Rick pays tribute to Rod’s entire career with the same style, humor, and showmanship that has made Mr. Stewart a true musical icon. A great show indeed!!

Shannon M. O’Bryan                                            I grew up in Louisville, KY. Started dancing at a very young age and fell in love! I have an unbelievably supportive family. My parents, Bill and Linda, my brother, Jeramie and his wife, Melinda and their amazing children, Conor and Riley along with my fiance, Brian, are my rocks.

          I attended the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville for High School. Danced several hours every day and thought that I would one day become a company dancer. My mentor, Gail Benedict, was a very successful Broadway actress and a Peggy Sawyer in the original version of ‘42nd Street‘ and nudged me towards musical theatre. She encouraged me to go to college for musical theatre and work more on singing and acting. Singing still makes me nervous to this day, but I love creating these amazing roles onstage. I grew up obsessed with the old movie musicals and by switching to theatre, I felt like I was getting a taste of what it was like to be Ginger Rogers, Eleanor Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Doris Day, Cyd Charisse, or even Judy Garland. Gail had such a huge influence on me though and I couldn’t thank her enough…for my very first audition in New York was for ‘42nd Street‘ and I got the job. That’s when I began my own Peggy journey.
       ‘42nd Street‘ definitely holds a huge spot in my heart. Peggy was always my dream role and remains a dream to perform every night. I also love ‘White Christmas’ (Judy Haynes). ‘West Side Story’ is such a dream to dance and be a part of. I am still hoping to one day do ‘Crazy For You’ (Polly Baker) and ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ (Kathy Seldon). 

         I love hanging out and hoofing with the girls and Andy Lee in ‘Go Into Your Dance’. It’s such a perfect little number. I also love all of the simple scenes between Peggy and Julian. They are so honest and surprisingly potent for this particular style of musical. In our world it is so easy to become bitter and angry, but Peggy breathes life back into Julian and is a charming, simple little reminder of what a beautiful thing we are a part of. In the toughest of times (like today) we have the power of bringing a glimpse of happiness to thousands of people’s lives. We can actually make people happy and forget about everything else for a couple of hours every day. That’s a power that’s worth remembering and fighting for. Peggy saves him by reminding him of why he has spent his life doing what he does.

              I am a tomboy at heart and a huge lover of the great outdoors. I play and watch any sport I possibly can, I love camping and traveling with my fiance. Right now, my favorite thing to do is plan my upcoming wedding and scream and yell at my T.V. for the Yankees.

 What’s on your Ipod? That’s a pretty loaded question! I have a bit of everything on my ipod… from Rock, to Jazz, to oldies, to classical, to musicals, to alternative, to old country and everything in between. Brian (my fiance) is a rock drummer and I’m a very different kind of musician, so we have a huge respect for almost every type of music. It’s the most amazing way to express yourself. Check out Brian’s band, ‘Voice of the Population’ and a couple of our friends ‘Mr. North’, Michael Brunnock, and Toby Lightman.

With Todd Lattimore in 42ND STREET

Ann-Ngaire Martin, who lives in Chappaqua, is one of our favorite Actresses! She has graced our stage several times as very different characters……She can do it all….we asked her to let us in on a few things!

       as Maggie Jones  in "Shuffle off to Buffalo "      as Maggie with co-star Jonathan Tomaselli.

I grew up in California and was studying to be a pianist which led to singing then dancing and the rest is history. I’m the youngest of 4 and had a wonderful childhood of 4th of July croquet games,camping trips and capture the flag with the entire neighborhood. I moved to New York to study acting when I was 18 with $200 in my pocket. Good thing I was young and didn’t know any better.

          I’d have to say one of my biggest influences/mentors was my high school boyfriend (as crazy as that sounds). He was an extremely talented musician at a young age and became a well known film composer.  His whole family was in the arts and their house was full of music. His love for music was contagious and he set very high standards for being an artist.

As a young performer my favorite role was Charity in ‘Sweet Charity’. I think one of my favorite shows is ‘Sweeney Todd’. I would have to say my dream roles would be Edie in ‘Grey Gardens‘ and Nellie Lovet in ‘Sweeney Todd’. Here’s hoping I get the opportunity someday!

          I would have to say one of the most memorable moments I had on stage was with Martha Raye in ‘Annie’. She was playing Hannigan and I was playing Lily St. Regis. We were in Los Angeles on tour and there was a stage hand strike. The substitute stage hands were doing their best but a piece of our set which was a huge hanging sign of smiling teeth fell loose on one end. It started to swing precariously to and fro and was difficult to ignore. Martha took out her false teeth, threw them into the set desk drawer and continued the scene. The audience loved it, of course.

          Favorite moment in ‘42nd Street‘? I’d have to say when the ensemble is tapping in the closing number and the band drops out for a few moments. Just the pounding of feet in time together.So pure. It goes right through ya. Wow, gets me every night.

          When I’m not on stage I love going to the theatre with my husband and children. They’re all in the arts in one form or another, so it makes for good discussions afterward. When we can’t afford to go to the theatre I like fixing things in my very old house and taking naps on the couch with my dog is pretty great too.

           My Ipod has mostly Musicals(surprise, surprise), John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, Betty Hutton, Gershwin and Judy Garland. 

Get a glimpse of some 42nd Street opening night excitement on the WBT stage! There’s alot more where this came from! Come experience "those Dancing Feet" for yourself through Feb 6, 2010. Some of the most dazzling dancing you will ever see!

I spoke with the fabulous Dorothy Stanley who plays Broadway diva, Dorothy Brock in 42ND STREET…..

"I was raised in West Hartford, CT and went to school at Ithaca College and Carnegie-Mellon U (my parents’ Alma Mater) where I got my BFA and MFA in Viola Performance and minored in Drama. While in Pittsburgh I auditioned for the Civic Light Opera and was cast in the chorus. After two summers (five shows each) I had my Equity card. I then moved to NYC to continue studying the Viola at Julliard, but also started auditioning for shows. I started playing in area orchestras, but got my first theatrical job 2 months after moving to NY. I juggled both orchestra gigs and shows for about a year, but I got more and more theatre offers. Since performing was what I really my dream, I put the viola on hold."

   Dorothy with Todd Lattimore (as Billy)                                  Dottie & co-star Millie the dog!