BROADWAY BEARS.

INTERVIEW WITH CB AT FORBIDDEN BROADWAY.

LEGENDS!

What becomes LEGENDS! most?
Another Legend!


FRAN LEBOWITZ
TO JOIN
CHARLES BUSCH WHOOPI GOLDBERG LYPSINKA
IN THE ONE NIGHT ONLY
STAGED READING OF THE TRULY LEGENDARY PLAY
LEGENDS!
BY JAMES KIRKWOOD
ALSO STARRING “MAD MEN” STAR BRYAN BATT
ADAPTED FOR THIS READING BY JOHN EPPERSON
DIRECTED BY MARK WALDROP
AS A BENEFIT FOR FRIENDS IN DEED
AT TOWN HALL MONDAY EVENING, MARCH 23

Box Office opens Monday, March 2


New York – Friends In Deed has announced that famed author Fran Lebowitz has joined the upcoming One Night Only staged reading benefit of the infamous Broadway-play-that-wasn’t, LEGENDS!. She will take the stage with fellow legends Charles Busch, Whoopi Goldberg and Lypsinka in the first-ever New York presentation of the play by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner James Kirkwood (A Chorus Line), which will be presented on Monday evening, March 23 at 8PM at Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street). Directed by Mark Waldrop, the presentation will feature a script that has been adapted for this reading by John Epperson. Also starring Bryan Batt (“Mad Men”) with additional casting to be announced, the special event is a benefit for Friends In Deed - The Crisis Center for Life-Threatening Illness™.

Ms. Lebowitz will serve as the evening’s narrator.

In additional LEGENDS! news, the Town Hall Box Office opens Monday, March 2 at 12 Noon.

A hilarious comedy about two glamorous, Hollywood has-beens and arch-rivals forced to consider working together on a new project to resuscitate their careers, LEGENDS! is one of the most notorious theatrical properties ever written – notably for what happened behind-the-scenes.

Originally presented in a 1986 year-long, pre-Broadway tour starring Carol Channing and Mary Martin, it closed on the road before making it to New York. The juicy on and off-stage antics were chronicled and immortalized in playwright James Kirkwood’s own non-fiction account, Diary of a Mad Playwright: Perilous Adventures on the Road with Mary Martin and Carol Channing. In 2007, the play was again presented as a pre-Broadway national tour, this time helmed by “Dynasty” co-stars Joan Collins and Linda Evans. Also failing to make it to New York, the production had its backstage wars chronicled in lurid detail by Ms. Collins in a two-part series in London’s Daily Mail.

Fran Lebowitz first hit the New York literary scene in the early 1970s when Andy Warhol hired her to write a column for Interview. Almost immediately, she became a mainstay in the magazine world. As a regular contributor to both Interview and Mademoiselle, she soon became a name associated with irreverent humor and urban wit, often cited as a modern-day Dorothy Parker. In 1978, she published a book of essays entitled Metropolitan Life. She followed this with a second book, in 1981, of equally sardonic essays, Social Studies. Both books were New York Times best-sellers. The two titles were reissued in the single volume The Fran Lebowitz Reader and she is also the author of a children’s book, Mr. Chas and Lisa Sue Meet the Pandas. A regular guest on late night talk shows, she has also appeared in the semi-recurring role of Judge Janice Goldberg on “Law & Order.”

Tony-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning actor, writer, director and drag legend Charles Busch (star of the film adaptation of his play Die Mommie Die and author of Broadway’s The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife) will take on the role of former film fatale, Sylvia Glenn.

Award-winning actor, writer, fashionista and lip-synching pioneer who defies categorization Lypsinka (I Could Go On Lip-Synching!, The Passion of the Crawford, his recent Medea-based play My Deah) will sink her claws into the part of the seemingly-saintly Leatrice Monsee.

Rounding out the trio is Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning icon Whoopi Goldberg (star of Ghost, producer of Thoroughly Modern Millie, host of AMC’s “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel” and the album Whoopi Goldberg; plus current moderator of ABC’s “The View”), who will essay the role of the quick-witted servant Aretha.

“Mad Men” series regular Bryan Batt (as closeted art director Salvatore Romano) will play Martin Klemmer, the producer scheming to get the two film stars to work together. No stranger to the stage, he’s been featured in nearly a dozen Broadway shows (La Cage aux Folles, Sunset Boulevard, Beauty & the Beast) and created the role of Darius in the stage and film versions of Jeffrey.

LEGENDS! is being directed by Mark Waldrop, whose credits include Bea Arthur on Broadway and the Drama Desk Award-winning Off-Broadway revue When Pigs Fly, for which he also provided book and lyrics. As a lyricist, he is the recipient of the prestigious Edward Kleban Award.

Set Designer is three-time Emmy Award winner Ray Klausen, Costume Designer is Fabio Toblini and Lighting & Sound Designer and Production Manager is Matt Berman. Choreography is by Josh Rhodes. Costumes will be made by Eric Winterling, Inc., Euroco Costumes, Inc., Studio Rouge and Tricorne, Inc. Hairstyles are by Katherine Carr and Gerard Kelly.

Additional casting will be announced in the coming weeks, and the evening will also feature some onstage surprises.

Tickets ($100, $75 and $60) are currently available through TicketMaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or (212) 307-4100. $250 VIP Seating, which will include admission to an after-party, is currently available by calling (800) 996-5433. Beginning Monday, March 2, Town Hall box office hours will be Monday through Saturday, 12 Noon – 6PM.

Founded by Mike Nichols and Cynthia O’Neal in 1991, Friends In Deed – The Crisis Center for Life-Threatening Illness™ – has helped transform many thousands of lives through a wide array of free programs and services. It provides emotional and spiritual support for anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening physical illnesses. Support is also available for family, friends, and caregivers of those who are ill, and anyone dealing with grief and bereavement. Friends In Deed also runs an HIV prevention program for teens in NYC public schools, having already reached over 100,000 at-risk students. All services are free of charge. For more information, visit http://www.friendsindeed.org/ or call (212) 925-2009.

For more information and updates, visit http://www.friendsindeed.org/.

THERE IS NO BROADWAY LIKE FORBIDDEN BROADWAY!

My favorite gang celebrate my websites anniversary.
Photo by Robert Blume

At The opening of the 25th Year! (Mike Portantiere)

The Ethel Merman Bear.

I am sad. You may ask, why are you sad, Corine? Well, I am sad because when I was a teen, my Dad took me to Forbidden Broadway. We went a few times a year. It was our thing. When he passed away in 2000, I made a promise that I would continue that tradition and went to Forbidden Broadway for us.

It has been a journey. Forbidden Broadway is very special to me. I vowed that I would go for him since he could no longer attend with me. Since 2000, I have done a talkback series at Forbidden Broadway, I have interviewed Gerard on the stage. I interviewed Gerard on video for this site and for other sites. I have interviewed: Valerie Fagan, John Freedson, James Donegan, Jared Bradshaw,Christine Pedi, Jennifer Simard, Ed studmuffin(Our joke) Megan and soon, Michael West and the very talented Christina Bianco. Every cast member is incredible and I thank all of you.

I also thank Gerard, Philip George, Adam, Ryan, Glenna, Merri, Ellen and all the wonderful casts of Forbidden Broadway for 27 years of laughs, cries, and love. I thank you all for the incredible talent. I especially thank Michael West for making me cry from laughing so hard all these years!

I love your Sammy, Harvey Fierstein, Carol Channing and Doing Time At Betty Ford. I love you all. Thanks for making me laugh for 27 wonderful years.

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY it is the 27th year and this Sunday I will have seen the show 65 times. Please don't stay away for long. I HATE BREAKING A TRADITION.

Some of my favorite numbers over the years:

1. CHITA/RITA.

2. The Spring Awakening number.

3. On my phone.

4. Defying Chenoweth.

5. Man In Chair.

6. You Can't Stop The Camp!

7. Please Don't Monkee With Old Broadway.

8. Everything's Coming Up Patti (For me and for me!)(GINA, YOU ARE BRILLIANT!)

9. Valerie doing Merman!

10. Christina doing Chenoweth.

11. Jared doing the monster and every other role. (My favorite is his Spring number!)

12. Donna English as Julie Andrews.

13. Simard doing Bernadette Peters.

14. Pedi doing Liza and Merman.

15. James doing Raul.

Thank you all for 27 years of brilliance.

Corine Cohen- Forbidden Broadway's number one fan.

BABY. BABY. BABY!

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN.
Corine age 4.

A friend from High School sent me this picture of me that was in my yearbook. I don't know where the time went. I still have this little girl inside of me. I have not seen this photo in years. I don't have it anymore it got lost but lucky for me, it was in my high school year book.

Time goes so fast. Hope you have a nice day.

Corine

Did You Ever Have One Of Those Days?

On my radio show today I was supposed to interview Marylouise Burke, one of my favorite performers of all time. Well, things can go wrong! Terribly wrong! The technology gremlins were giving me problems. Blogtalk radio had something wrong with their network and as I interviewed Marylouise my show repeated after we talked and we had to abort. It was a tech nightmare and I apologize to Marylouise Burke for this issue as it has not happened before.

I do have to tell you all to see a fantastic play she is in with Dana Ivey at Playwrights Horizons.
It is a show about religion that is not to be missed and the entire cast work well together to make you question some things.

Well, you got to have faith, faith faith. I hope to bring Marylouise Burke back again because you got to have faith, faith faith.

In the meantime go and see The SAVANNAH DISPUTATION at Playwrights Horizons. This day made me believe that there are technical ghosts and spirits out there.

Corine Cohen
The Savannah Disputation is playing at PLAYWRIGHTS HORIZONS. Get tickets by calling:
Ticket Central.
(212) 279-4200Noon - 8PM Daily

BROADWAY BY THE YEAR PHOTO COVERAGE PART 1!

Ryan Sullivan, Sarah Jane McMahon, Marc Kudisch, Erin Denman and Kevin Worley.


Last night, Town Hall started the ninth season of Broadway By The Year. Hope you enjoy these photos by Maryann Lopinto.




Marc Kudisch, Sarah Jane McMahon, Erin Denman and Kevin Worley.


The show opened with "The Drinking Song" from The Student Prince. It was hysterical and Marc Kudisch was very funny. (I love when Marc Kudisch is hammy!) When he opened the show he announced the show after this song which was one of the funniest moments in the show!


(Marc opened the show with an announcer voice made for a sporting event let's get ready to rumble! It was cute!)










Sarah Jane McMahon






















Talented opera star Sarah Jane McMahon was a huge high point. I love her voice and chatted with her at the after party. She will be a guest on my radio show soon!














































Jason Graae who stole the show many times with his hysterical performance.






























He is very funny and quite the show stealer. He is a ham and I love it!






























































































Melinda Sullivan and Kevin Worley

Jeffrey Denman

INTERVIEW WITH KENDRICK JONES DANCING STAR!

Tonight I saw the first Broadway By The Year of the season and got to interview, BROADWAY BY THE YEARS incredible dance star, KENDRICK JONES. He is a star. Hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed interviewing him and watching him dance. He is always the high point of every show he stars in!

Corine Cohen

INTERVIEW WITH BRANDON RUCKDASHEL!

If you are free at 7pm tonight listen in to my interview with Brandon Ruckdashel. Star of theater, film and a new TV show that will air on HBO. If you can't listen in live the show will archive and will be up on the blog and homepage.

Brandon was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grew up in Chanhassen. His interest in theatre started early and was sparked by the Minneapolis Children's Theatre, where Brandon's grandmother had season tickets. Brandon's family moved to Utah as he was starting highschool and then to Virginia where Brandon graduated from the EC Glass School. While at EC Glass Brandon acted in many of the schools productions including his mainstage debut as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar.

After spending a summer at North Carolina School of the arts Brandon decided to attend East Carolina University and enrolled in the fall as a Musical Theatre Major. Brandon debuted on the ECU mainstage as Alan in Picnic and went on to appear in numerous student productions in the blackbox theatre. As his tenure concluded at ECU, Brandon packed his bags and moved to New York where he started working as a waiter in a local french restaurant.

Brandon performed, during his first year in New York, as Hot Dog in SURF'S UP!, starred in his first feature film (Virgil), and recieved his first NY Times review for his performance as Lorenzo in Ascension at the Lion Theatre.

As Ascension drew to a close, Brandon, moved to Hollywood to star in the Los Angeles Debut of TWIST. While working on Twist, Brandon was cast in the HERE! Network original series THE LAIR, launching his television career. Between television projects he flew to New York to star in George Carr's stage adaptation of A Body Without a Head (wardrobe provided by Calvin Klein).

Flying back to Los Angeles, Brandon, launched into a pilot directed by Jerry Zucker, a staged musical (THE NEXT BIG THING), and rounded out his summer starring in the hit HBO/Cinemax show COED CONFIDENTIAL

THE TRIBUTE CONTINUES ALL WEEK.

Find more videos like this on BroadwaySpace

BROADWAY BEARS PART 4.

BROADWAY BEARS

VIDEO PART 4.

Shot and edited by Corine Cohen

http://www.broadwaycares.org

THE OPENING OF SPRING AWAKENING IN BUDAPEST-

Thought you might enjoy seeing the pictures of the Budapest opening of " Spring".

It was a real trip hearing the show in Hungarian! They are much more Germanic, very rough & physical. It's very melodramatic and heavy - Like the city of Budapest! The cast is excellent. The set are the sheets and some plastic type boxes they move around - very primitive _ but it works! The seats are hard as nails. They had a lovely reception in the lobby after with Hungarian potato salad, hot dogs, sausages of all sorts...there can't be an unclogged artery in the entire country!
The audience had very little expression on their faces during the show. I thought we had it till at the end they all clapped, in unisence, for about 15 minutes. They have signs all over the city and as you see me kneeling down - they are even in the subways.

London was a gorgeous production and the casting was amazing. I'm sure Ira, Tom , Steven and Duncan - and of course the amazing Michael Mayer - had a great deal to do with the production. Each person in the cast was hand-picked, the set was our set exactly as well as the lighting, costumes etc.

Enjoy! Judy

This will be a new segment on the site called PRODUCERS CORNER. Up next, an interview on the radio show with Ken Davenport.

IT'S JUST CHEESY... PASS THE HAMBURGER HELPER.

I must admit that THE VIEW is my favorite watch of the day but sometimes, it's kind of cheesy. Having JOY do a segment plugging Hamburger Helper was a bit much. Maybe, KRAFT is next.

Hey, I understand the idea of product placement but it is just cheesy. I am singing the cheesy song from an old FORBIDDEN BROADWAY in it's honor.

TAKE A MOMENT and ponder that and more hot topics.

FLASH BACK- CORINESCORNER VIDEO!

Find more videos like this on BroadwaySpace

AMTRAK HAS NEW PROGRAM WITH THE LEAGUE! ALL ABOARD!

Amtrak guest rewards® and Broadway’s official loyalty program join forces Partnership Offers Amtrak Travelers and Theater Fans Exciting New BenefitsWASHINGTON – Amtrak Guest Rewards and Audience Rewards, the Official Loyalty Program of Broadway, announced an exciting new marketing partnership designed to promote and make theatre more accessible to Amtrak Guest Rewards members. Starting today, members of Amtrak’s program can transfer their points into Audience Rewards ShowPoints and Audience Rewards members can convert their ShowPoints to Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

"Amtrak is a critical marketing partner for Broadway given the access and reach it provides to potential theatre goers from major markets such at Boston, Providence, New Haven, Philadelphia, and the Washington D.C. area. We believe this partnership will create exciting marketing opportunities for producers to reach new customers and for loyal Amtrak users to experience the magic of Broadway through special offers, ticket awards using their Amtrak points, and truly unique theatre experiences,” said Josh Lesnick, CEO and President of Audience Rewards. Partnership Details ·

Membership in both programs is required for members to exchange their points. · Points can be exchanged between programs on a one-to-one ratio. · Audience Rewards’ free ticket awards start at 2,800 points. Amtrak free ticket awards start at 1,000 points. · Amtrak Guest Rewards members will be offered opportunities to experience unique access to “behind the scenes”

Broadway events, previews, and special Amtrak-only award redemption options. · Audience Rewards members will receive special offers from Amtrak that deliver value and savings for people who want to visit New York City and see a show.

"Amtrak Guest Rewards has been looking for a way to work more closely with Broadway. Through our partnership with Audience Rewards, we believe we now have a way to deliver a unique level of access to Broadway theatre and the arts for our customers," said Michael Blakey, Sr. Director of Loyalty Marketing at Amtrak. "Over time we will expand the program to theatre in other markets we serve, and our shared customers will benefit from the valuable offers and rewards from both programs." In 2008, the Broadway League named Audience Rewards its Official Loyalty Program. “We know theatre-goers are an enormously loyal group of customers who make a tremendous impact on local economies both at home and when they travel. The Audience Rewards program gives Broadway and national tour presenters a powerful new platform to work more closely with corporate partners such as Amtrak. The ability to drive audience development and recognize loyal theatre fans has been a priority of The Broadway League, producers, and theatre owners for a long time,” said Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League. For more information contact Susan Lee at 212-840-5577 ext 124. About Amtrak Guest Rewards.

Amtrak Guest Rewards is the official rewards program for Amtrak. The program allows members to earn points when they purchase tickets on Amtrak, when using their Amtrak Guest Rewards® World MasterCard®, and by earning points with program partners. Members may redeem for free Amtrak travel starting at 1000 points or, free hotel nights and car rentals, gift certificates to national retailers, restaurants and now theatre tickets. About Audience Rewards Audience Rewards is the official loyalty program of Broadway and provides benefits and rewards for fans of the performing arts. The program represents a first-of–its-kind marketing alliance between key theatre owners and national tour presenters. Membership is free and fans can earn points when they purchase tickets and through program partners that can be used for free tickets, theatre collectibles, unique experiences, and more. Members also benefit from ticket pre-sales and VIP access to shows and events.

Consumers can enroll at the official site, www.audiencerewards.com. About The Broadway League The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 600-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, 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. Visit www.BroadwayLeague.com. About Amtrak Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.

BROADWAY BEARS!

BROADWAY BEARS XII

RAISES $152,116

FOR BC/EFA



Broadway lovers and teddy bear collectors came together on Sunday, February 15, at the BROADWAY BEARS XII auction, which raised a grand total of $152,116! The event was hosted by Bryan Batt with Lorna Kelly reprising her role as auctioneer. Forty specially made BROADWAY BEARS – each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing the theater’s most legendary characters - were auctioned to the highest bidder in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Last year’s BROADWAY BEARS raised $130,878 and the grand total for all 12 Broadway Bears auctions is $1,644,077.18 with over 500 bears auctioned.



Top ten winning bids for bears were:

$16,000 – Sir Robin from Spamalot, designed by JoAnna Cayot and signed by Clay Aiken.
$10,000 – Alan Strang with Nugget from Equus, designed by Nicolas Putvinski and signed by Daniel Radcliffe, RIchard Griffiths and Lorenzo Pisoni.
$7,000 – Glinda from Wicked, designed by John Henson and signed by Kristin Chenoweth and Kendra Kassebaum.
$5,500 – Growltiger from Cats, designed by Therese Stadelmeier-Tresco and signed by Betty Buckley and Stephen Hanan
$4,000 – Billy Elliot(s) from Billy Elliot,designed by Jessica Scoblick and signed by David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik.
$4,000 – Tommy Walker from The Who's Tommy, designed by Andy Wallach and signed by Michael Cerveris.
$3,800 – Ashley from Starlight Express, designed by Andy Wallach and signed by Andrea McArdle.
$3,700 – Betty Haynes from Irving Berlin's White Christmas, designed by the show's original designer Carrie Robbins and signed by Kerry O'Malley, Stephen Bogardus, Jeffry Denman and Meredith Patterson.
$3,600 – Shrek from Shrek The Musical, designed by Tricorn Inc. & Lynne Mackey Studios and signed by Brian d’Arcy James.
$3,400 – Local 1/I.A.T.S.E. Brother Bear designed by Carol A. Ingram.
Several Broadway stars dropped by to lend their support to the event including Bernadette Peters (Gypsy), Christopher Sieber (Shrek The Musical), Michael Cerveris (Road Show & Sweeney Todd), Kerry O’Malley (White Christmas), David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish (Billy Elliot), Kate Shindle (Legally Blonde), Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific), Michael Berresse (A Chorus Line), Blake Daniels (Spring Awakening), Kerry Butler (Xanadu), Jennifer Smith (The Drowsy Chaperone), West Side Story original cast members Jaime Sanchez and George Marcy, Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway), Kris Koop (The Phantom of the Opera), Ann Harada (Avenue Q).



Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grants making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses.



BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors’ Fund – including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic at The Aurora in NYC, The Dancers’ Resource and two supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations yearly.



The Broadway Bears XII is sponsored by

The New York Times, Continental Airlines, North American Bear Co., Inc



For more information, please visit the BC/EFA website at www.BroadwayCares.org

NEXT TO NORMAL COMING TO BROADWAY!!!!!!!

AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL
NEXT TO NORMAL
TO OPEN AT BROADWAY'S LONGACRE THEATRE
DIRECT FROM ITS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ENGAGEMENT AT
WASHINGTON D.C.'S ARENA STAGE

MUSIC BY TOM KITT
BOOK AND LYRICS BY BRIAN YORKEY
DIRECTED BY TWO-TIME TONY AWARD NOMINEE MICHAEL GREIF
* * * * * * * *
STARRING
ALICE RIPLEY, J. ROBERT SPENCER,
AARON TVEIT, JENNIFER DAMIANO,
ADAM CHANLER-BERAT AND LOUIS HOBSON

PREVIEWS BEGIN FRIDAY, MARCH 27
OPENING NIGHT IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

* * * * * * * *

Producers David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, and Second Stage Theatre have announced that the original musical, NEXT TO NORMAL, will come to Broadway this spring, direct from its critically-acclaimed engagement at Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage, beginning preview performances at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) on Friday, March 27th and officially opening on Wednesday, April 15.

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's musical, NEXT TO NORMAL, directed by Michael Greif (Rent, Grey Gardens), opened at Off-Broadway's Second Stage Theatre on February 13, 2008 and was significantly reworked in a subsequent out-of-town run at Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage, where it opened on December 10, 2008. The musical's unusual trajectory from a New York Off-Broadway premiere to an out-of-town regional theatre engagement and then back to Broadway is unprecedented.

"Anyone who has been involved with the creation of an original musical knows that much of the work happens in the rewriting," says producer David Stone. "From the day after NEXT TO NORMAL opened off-Broadway through opening night at Arena Stage, Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey, and Michael Greif were committed to improving and rewriting this show with a level of dedication and focus I have seldom seen from a creative team. The path to Broadway for NEXT TO NORMAL has been highly unconventional and, in retrospect, the best thing that could have happened to this musical."

"A second chance is something you rarely get as a writer," explains composer Tom Kitt. "While the critical response to NEXT TO NORMAL at Second Stage was encouraging, we knew there were major changes we had to make to the show. Brian and I really listened to the critical response and the audience reaction and were fortunate to have the chance to keep working. We've written five new songs and cut substantial material that was not landing. The result is the musical that Brian and I always wanted it to be."

In his review of the Arena Stage production, Peter Marks of The Washington Post, wrote, "NEXT TO NORMAL is a moving, blisteringly honest, and inordinately powerful new musical, sung with a wallop by a six-member cast that includes the astonishing Alice Ripley, and dexterously directed by Michael Greif. Writers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey have stocked the musical with beautiful songs that get to the heart of the story- and simply get to the heart." And Jayne Blanchard in The Washington Times called the show, "A transcendent production of a powerful new American musical with a bristling, contemporary rock score, smart lyrics and raw energy. "

NEXT TO NORMAL is a contemporary musical that explores how one suburban household copes with crisis. With provocative lyrics and an electrifying score of more than 30 original songs, NEXT TO NORMAL shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family's world intact.

In order to maintain the necessary intimacy for this six-person musical, the second balcony of the Longacre Theatre will be closed for the entire run of NEXT TO NORMAL, providing an intimate setting of 820 seats.

NEXT TO NORMAL recently received five Helen Hayes Award nominations for its Arena Stage engagement, including Outstanding Non-Resident Production, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non-Resident Production (Alice Ripley), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Non-Resident Production (J. Robert Spencer), and Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Non-Resident Production (Aaron Tveit and Jennifer Damiano).

For its sold-out Second Stage Theatre engagement, NEXT TO NORMAL won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score and also received the following accolades: Lucille Lortel Award nominations for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Featured Actor (Aaron Tveit), and Outstanding Lighting Design (Kevin Adams); Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Alice Ripley) and Outstanding Music; Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical and Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Alice Ripley); and a Drama League nomination for Outstanding Musical, among others.

The Broadway production will feature the entire Arena Stage cast: Alice Ripley, J. Robert Spencer, Aaron Tveit, Jennifer Damiano, Adam Chanler-Berat, and Louis Hobson. Ripley, Tveit, Damiano, and Chanler-Berat were also in the Second Stage Theatre production.

NEXT TO NORMAL features set design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Jeff Mahshie, lighting design by Kevin Adams, and sound design by Brian Ronan. Musical staging is by Sergio Trujillo and musical direction by Charlie Alterman. Orchestrations are by Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt and vocal arrangements by AnnMarie Milazzo.

SCHEDULE AND PRICING

NEXT TO NORMAL will be performed at the Longacre Theatre (222 West 48th street) on the following schedule: Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm & 7:30pm. Tickets, priced $25.00 - $115.00, are available now and can be purchased at www.Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200. The box office will officially open on March 2.

To download production photography please visit www.barlowhartman.com.For more information please visit www.NextToNormal.com.



BIOGRAPHIES

ALICE RIPLEY received Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk award nominations for her performance in the Second Stage Theatre premiere production of Next to Normal. Her original Broadway cast credits include King David (Disney), Side Show (Tony, Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress in a Musical), The Rocky Horror Show, James Joyce's The Dead, Sunset Boulevard and The Who's Tommy. Off-Broadway and regional: Tell Me on a Sunday (Kennedy Center, Helen Hayes Award nomination), Company (Kennedy Center, Helen Hayes Award nomination), Shakespeare in Hollywood (Arena Stage, Helen Hayes Award nomination), Five Flights (Rattlestick Playwrights Theater), The Vagina Monologues, Li'l Abner (Encores!), Cather County (Playwrights Horizons), Rock Shore (O'Neill Theatre Center) and The Baker's Wife (Paper Mill Playhouse). With her band Ripley (www.myspace.com/ripleytheband) she has recorded Everything's Fine (2001, Sh-K-Boom Records), Ripley EP (2003) and Outtasite (2006).

J. ROBERT SPENCER was in the original cast of Jersey Boys as Nick Massi, and also appeared on Broadway in Side Show. He has toured in Heartland, Cats, Finian's Rainbow and Tommy. Off-Broadway: Weird Romance; God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Regional: Jersey Boys (La Jolla), Lucky Duck (Old Globe), Romeo and Juliet (Ordway). TV: All My Children, Girls Behaving Badly. Animated films: Grave of the Fireflies, Nightmare Campus. Independent films: starred in Night of the Dog, (Audience Award, Palm Beach Festival; Audience Award, Best Supporting Actor, SMMASH Festival). In 2004, Mr. Spencer began an independent film company, 7 Spencer Productions. His feature film Farm Girl in New York-which he wrote, produced, directed and starred in-will be released on DVD/cable in January of 2009. His second feature, Heterosexuals, wrapped in the summer of 2008. He also recently performed with the Boston Pops for Handel's Messiah Rocks, which recently aired on PBS. www.bobbyspencer.com

AARON TVEIT received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for his performance in the Second Stage Theatre premiere production of Next to Normal. He is currently performing on Broadway in Wicked (Fiyero), adding to his other Broadway credit as Link Larkin in Hairspray. Mr. Tveit has toured nationally with Hairspray and Rent. Off- Broadway and Regional: Saved (Playwrights Horizons), Three Musketeers (NSMT), Calvin Berger (Barrington Stage). Pre-Broadway Workshop: Catch Me If You Can. Film: Ghost Town. TV: The Verdict (Lifetime).

JENNIFER DAMIANO started performing at the age of 10 in community theatre in Westchester, NY. Regional: Oliver! (Bet, WBT). She began working professionally in NYC when she was 12 performing in The American Girl Revue (original cast) and numerous national commercials/voiceovers. Ms. Damiano made her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening as the youngest member of the original cast at the age of 15 (Ensemble/Swing: Ilse, Martha, Thea, Anna).

ADAM CHANLER-BERAT appeared on Broadway in the final performance of Les Misérables. Recent workshops include A Civil War Christmas (dir. Tina Landau), Calvin Berger (Manhattan Theatre Club) and Dani Girl (dir. John Carrafa). Regional credits include Mae West at Club El Fae; Honk; Pippin; You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Lord of the Flies. TV/film: Law & Order, The Life Before Her Eyes.

LOUIS HOBSON made his East Coast stage debut with the Arena Stage production of Next to Normal. Regional: Cabaret (Cliff), Evita (Che, Footlight Award), West Side Story (Tony, Footlight Award), Miss Saigon (Chris), HAIR (Claude, Footlight Award), Pippin (Pippin), Assassins (Czolgosz), Stupid Kids (Neechee, Footlight Award), Songs for a New World, Rocky Horror (Brad) and Gentlemen Prefer Blonds (Henry, with Faith Prince and Lucy Lawless).

TOM KITT is the composer and co-orchestrator of High Fidelity (Broadway) and Next to Normal, which received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Score, as well as Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Drama League nominations. He composed the original music for From Up Here (MTC), and his songs with the Tom Kitt Band (www.Tomkittband.com) have been featured in film and TV. As musical director, conductor and arranger, Mr. Kitt has worked on several Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including 13, Laugh Whore, Urban Cowboy, and Debbie Does Dallas. He recently did the orchestrations for Pippin at Mark Taper Forum.

BRIAN YORKEY's theatre credits include Making Tracks, which has played off-Broadway and regionally; the musical adaptation of Ang Lee's The Wedding Banquet; and the country musical Play It By Heart. Film and TV include the feature Time After Time, which is currently in development at Universal; Love Undercover for Overture; and is co-creator of "Bears," a new series for the Logo Network. Brian has directed off-Broadway and regionally, and for seven years was Associate Artistic Director at Village Theatre in Washington state. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the WGA.

MICHAEL GREIF was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for both Rent and Grey Gardens. Other Broadway: Never Gonna Dance. Recent: Three Sisters (Williamstown), Boys' Life (Second Stage), Romeo and Juliet (NYSF), Courtney Baron's A Very Common Procedure (MCC), Diana Son's Satellites (Public), John Guare's Landscape of the Body (Signature), Noah Haidle's Mr. Marmalade (Roundabout), Nilo Cruz's Beauty of the Father (MTC). NYSF: Suzan-Lori Parks' Fucking A, Jessica Hagedorn's Dogeaters (Obie), Jose Rivera's Marisol, Pericles, Connie Congdon's Casanova, Tony Kushner's A Bright Room Called Day, Sophie Treadwell's Machinal (Obie). NYTW (Artistic Associate): Kate Ryan's adaptation of Cavedweller; Paul Scott Goodman's Bright Lights, Big City; Rent (Obie). Other Off-Broadway: Neal Bell's Spatter Pattern (Playwrights Horizons), LaBute's The Distance From Here (MCC), Betty Rules (Zipper), Guare's A Few Stout Individuals (Signature), Bell's Monster (CSC). Selected regional: La Jolla Playhouse (Artistic Director 1995-1999): Our Town, Sweet Bird of Youth, Son's Boy, Randy Newman's Faust (also Goodman), Kushner's Slavs (also Taper), Bell's Therese Raquin. Williamstown: Kaufman and Hart's Once in a Lifetime, Rice's Street Scene, Coward's Tonight at 8:30, Chekhov's The Seagull and The Cherry Orchard. This spring, Michael will direct the world premiere of Tony Kushner's new work, The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures at the Guthrie Theatre.

JAMES BARBOUR AT SARDIS. LISTEN TO OUR RADIO INTERVIEW FOR A SPECIAL DISCOUNT RATE!

(CORINE'S CORNER RADIO LISTENERS LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH JAMES BARBOUR for a special discount code for his shows at Sardi's)

HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM
PAIGE DAVIS & PATRICK PAGE
will join
LAURA OSNES
AS
A SPECIAL GUEST ARTISTS
AT
JAMES BARBOUR’S NEW CONCERT SERIES

“LOVE SONGS”
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Due to the overwhelming audience and critical response
Sardi’s management has scheduled additional Saturday evening concerts
with Broadway star and vocal power house,
JAMES BARBOUR.

The new concert series, entitled “LOVE SONGS” will premiere on Saturday, January 31st
and continue through Saturday, February 28th at Broadway’s premiere destination,
SARDI’S (234 West 44th Street – between Broadway & Eighth Avenue).

Musical Direction is by Jeremy Roberts.

PAIGE DAVIS and PATRICK PAGE will join LAURA OSNES as Special Guest Artists on Saturday, February 21.


ABOUT PAIGE DAVIS

Paige Davis was most recently seen on Broadway as Gloria in the highly acclaimed and absolutely hilarious Boeing-Boeing. She is best known as the effervescent star of Trading Spaces, TV’s groundbreaking design-reality show. During her first season on the show her wedding to actor Patrick Page was featured in a prime-time episode of TLC’s A Wedding Story, and became one of the highest rated cable shows of the season. Ms. Davis’ book, Paige by Paige, A Year of Trading Spaces, spent several weeks at the top of the New York Times Bestseller list. Her true love, however, is theatre and dance. She recently starred in the national touring company of Broadway’s Sweet Charity. She starred on Broadway as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. She also performed in the U.S. national tour, and the Las Vegas and Portugal productions. Before Chicago, Paige played Babette in the first national tour of Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast. She also enjoyed a stint in the national tour of the Vagina Monologues. Regionally she has appeared as Maria in The Sound of Music at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Val in A Chorus Line at the Austin Musical Theatre, April in Company at the Missouri Repertory Theatre, Irene in Hello, Dolly! and Katherine in Pippin. She has even toured as a dancer with The Beach Boys! She recently debuted her solo cabaret act, Taking a Chance. Paige has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, The View, The Dr. Phil Show, The Martha Stewart Show, Gameshow Marathon, and many others. Daytime viewers remember when Oprah turned the tables on Paige, giving designer Nate Berkus free-reign to renovate and redecorate Paige’s Manhattan apartment. Paige is also in frequent demand as a celebrity spokesperson. Some of her more visible campaigns include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fifth Third Bank, and Kodak. Paige devotes much of her time to her favorite charities. She is an official spokesperson for Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack and a frequent emcee and performer for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, among many others.

ABOUT PATRICK PAGE

Broadway: The Grinch in How The Grinch Stole Christmas; Scar in The Lion King; Henry VIII in A Man For All Seasons, Decius Brutus in Julius Caesar; Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast; Scrooge (standby) in A Christmas Carol; The Kentucky Cycle. Off-Broadway: Claudius in Hamlet, Henry VIII in Rex; Richard II. Regional: Macbeth in Macbeth and Iago in Othello (Helen Hayes Award) at The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC; Sergius in Arms and the Man at Long Wharf; Jeffery Cordova in The Bandwagon (San Diego Critics Award) at Old Globe; Cyrano, Henry V, Richard III at Pioneer Theatre Company; plus leading roles (Hamlet, Brutus, Mercutio, Benedick, Dracula, Antony, etc.) at Seattle, Indiana & Missouri Reps, ACT, Cincinnati Playhouse, Arizona Theatre Company, Oregon, New York, Utah, Alabama Shakespeare Festivals, and many more. Playwright: Swansong (Off-Broadway, Kennedy Center, Seattle, etc) TV and Film: Law & Order SVU, One Life to Live, All My Children, The Substance of Fire. Favorite role: husband to Paige Davis.


THE LOVE SONGS CONCERT song list will include:
Loving You Keeps Me Alive, If Ever I would Leave You,
If I Loved You, If I Can’t Love Her, If Dreams Come True, My Funny Valentine, Embraceable You,
On The Street Where You Live, Unexpected Song and Autumn Leaves
among others.


THE LOVE SONGS CONCERT playing schedule is as follows:
Saturday, February 21
Saturday, February 28

CONCERT TIME is at 9:30pm DINNER SEATING is at 8:30pm



CONCERT TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT:
www.SmartTix.com 212-868-4444
$60 (Premium Seating), $45, $25
(There is a $25per person food/drink minimum)

BROADWAY BY THE YEAR FEBRUARY 23RD.

THE TOWN HALL PRESENTS BROADWAY BY THE YEAR ™

Tale of Two Cities'
James Barbour

and

White Christmas's
Kerry O'Malley

JOIN THE CAST OF
BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1924

DIRECTED BY JEFFRY DENMAN

JOINING THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED MARC KUDISCH, SARAH JANE McMAHON, JEFFRY DENMAN, KENDRICK JONES, MELINDA SULLIVAN, ERIN DENMAN, JASON GRAAE, KEVIN WORLEY & MORE

WITH SPECIAL GUEST STAR
THE HOWARD FISHMAN QUARTET

MONDAY, FEBRURAY 23RD AT 8PM

James Barbour (Tale of Two Cities) and Kerry O'Malley (White Christmas) will join the cast of Broadway Musicals of 1924 on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd. The Town Hall (Executive and Artistic Director Lawrence Zucker) is pleased to kick off the ninth season Broadway By The Year™, known for great singing and spectacular Broadway dancing. The series is created, written and hosted by Scott Siegel for The Town Hall. Broadway Musicals of 1924 will be directed by Jeffry Denman and will also star previously announced Broadway by the Year™ favorites Marc Kudisch and Sarah Jane McMahon. They will be joined by the show's director/choreographer, Jeffry Denman, who will also star, as well as exciting talents Kendrick Jones, Melinda Sullivan, Erin Denman, Jason Graae, Kevin Worley, special guest The Howard Fishman Quartet and more to be announced.

This edition of the critically acclaimed series will mark the earliest year ever covered, and will include such famous shows as The Student Prince, Rose-Marie, Lady Be Good, Charlot's Revue, I'll Say She Is, The Music Box Revue of 1924, The Grand Street Follies, and more.

"I am thrilled that we have Jeffry Denman to direct, choreograph and star in our opening show of the season," said Broadway by the Year™ creator/writer/host Scott Siegel. “He directed our opening show last season, The Broadway Musicals of 1947, which was one of our most popular to date. As we did with 1947, it looks like we’ll once again be going with a lot of Broadway dance for this edition, which we’re all very excited about. And, as usual, we have a great cast and we’re adding more by the moment.”

The Broadway by the Year concerts have become, in the words of Variety critic Robert L. Daniels, "a proverbial hot ticket." Scott Siegel, the writer and host of The Town Hall program, takes the audience on a musical travelogue, exploring the history of the Great White Way and showcasing the beloved hits and lesser-known gems from yesteryear, starring today's great Broadway talent.

Built in 1921 by a group of suffragettes, The Town Hall began as a lecture hall and public forum for debates. Over the decades, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Sanger, Billie Holiday, Igor Stravinsky, Bob Dylan and Miles Davis have graced the stage. Today the hall flourishes as a popular, affordable venue, boasting the hottest acts in rock, pop, folk, cabaret, world music, comedy and dance, including Billy Joel, Blondie, Elvis Costello, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, Liza Minnelli, Cyndi Lauper, Norah Jones, Andre Watts, Henry Rollins, Joe Jackson, Pink Martini, Regina Spector, Brian Adams, Aimee Mann and Dawn Upshaw. For over a decade, The Town Hall has hosted live broadcasts of Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion. Over the past two-and-a-half decades, The Town Hall has produced a number of new and critically acclaimed musical series, which include The Century of Change, Not Just Jazz, Broadway by the Year® and The Broadway Cabaret Festival.

Scott Siegel has created three acclaimed and popular series for The Town Hall: the critically acclaimed Broadway By the Year, now beginning its ninth season, the Broadway Cabaret Festival, and the Broadway Summer Festival. Mr. Siegel also conceived and produces both Broadway Unplugged and The Nightlife Awards at The Town Hall. Scott and his wife Barbara are authors (47 books, including The Encyclopedia of Hollywood) and critics ("The Siegel Column" and "The Two of Clubs" on Talkin’ Broadway).

Tickets are $50 & $45 and are on sale now through TicketMaster, 212-307-4100, www.ticketmaster.com, The Town Hall Box Office between noon and 6 PM (except Sundays) at 123 West 43rd Street, 212-840-2824. For more information: www.the-townhall-nyc.org.


Broadway By The Year is generously funded by Bank of America and the Edythe Kenner Foundation.


www.the-townhall-nyc.org

CHRISTINA BIANCO'S SEE ME ON A MONDAY AS BERNADETTE PETER'S!

BROADWAY BEARS PART 3!

BROADWAY BEARS PHOTO COVERAGE.

Mad Men and Forbidden Broadway star Bryan Batt!

The kids from Spring Awakening pose with the Wendla Bear!

Theatre legend Bernadette Peters and her adorable bear.

Hairspray's Mary Bond Davis poses with the BIG BLONDE AND BEAUTIFUL EDNA TURNBLAD. AKA Harvey Fierstein Bear. A show that is missed every single day.

Christine Pedi and Bryan Batt pose with the Forbidden Broadway Ethel/Annie Bear. Gerard Alessandrini's trademark in most of the 27 years! Forbidden Broadway is open till March 1st and you need to go before it closes.

Ann Harada poses with her adorable bear.

Ann Harada kisses Bryan Batt in front of the Ann Harada

Christmas Eve Broadway Bear. How adorable. Christmas Eve's dress lights up and is beautiful. One of the greatest bears of the night. One of many beautiful bears!

Tommy's Donnie Kehr.

Kate Shindle from Legally Blonde and the Legally Blonde bear.

Elle Woods Bear.

Chris Seiber and Shrek

Chris Seiber with the adorable Shrek Bear.

On February 15th, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS held the 12th annual Broadway Bears.

Fun was had by all.

Photos by Maryann Lopinto.

BROADWAY BEARS BB KINGS 2/15/09

BROADWAY BEARS THE ETHEL BEAR FROM FORBIDDEN BROADWAY.

At Broadway Bears last night they created the first Forbidden Broadway Bear for BC/EFA.

It meant a lot as this year, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY ran 27 years and will take a short hiatus for a year or two. We hope to see you on that zany street FORBIDDEN BROADWAY.

The event took place at BB KINGS on February 15 from 6-10.

Photos and more videos coming later.

video shot and edited by Corine Cohen for http://www.corinescorner.com/

video can not be used without permission from the site.

To make donations to BC/EFA go here: http://www.broadwaycares.org/

We will miss you Forbidden Broadway I will call March 2 the ides of March.

ARTIST CORNER.

COMFORT FOOD CORNER- EISENBERG'S SANDWICH SHOP!

Photos by Corine Cohen
Eisenberg's is a must if you like going back into time when NYC was a lot less complicated.
Comfort food rules!

That brisket sandwich looked divine and deadly. I need to try it the next time!

I plan on going often. Robert is holding the famous brisket on rye.

Time warp back to NYC in 1929. The prices are a tad higher but that is the only thing that has changed. I love charming unique places. This place is a must if you love old diners. This one is probably one of the oldest still open in the City. My friend is really into old historic diners and this was a treat. The food is great and the prices are affordable. You can't go wrong at Eisenberg's!

Well, these might not be a healthy choice but they are the best onion rings I have ever tasted in this price range. A must. Diet another day.

My favorite thing at Eisenberg's.

Eisenberg's famous tuna salad on rye. It was exceptional and filling!

No filler, just a good old fashioned sandwich on rye.

A Corine's Pick. The onion rings really stood out and deserve an award.

The bacon cheeseburger- my friend thought the half pound burger was excellent.

Eisenberg's was written up as having the best tuna sandwich in NYC. I have always wanted to try it and today I did. During these uncertain times nothing comforts me like good old comfort food. Eisenberg's sandwich shop takes you back to simple times when food was affordable and tasty. It's nothing fancy but it is the best comfort food in Chelsea.

The onion rings are the best I have tasted.

CORINE'S CORNER FOOD CORNER.

Photo of pizza by Corine Cohen
Hello all.

If you love thin crust pizza I have to tell you about Don Giovanni. The thin crust brick oven pizza is among my favorites in the city. Don't go for the wine. Don't go for the salad but don't miss the pizza. It is incredible. We had a thin crust, onion, meatball and pepperoni pie and it was perfection.

http://www.dongiovanni-ny.com/restaurant_menu.htm

The pizza is a Corine's Pick. The wine was not.

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL SIZES. WELL, IN THIS CASE!

Christina is back for three final performances of her debut show, Small Wonders, reminding us that good things come in small packages.

Take a breath to appreciate the "little things!
Featuring an exciting assortment of music from Broadway, pop and contemporary songwriters including: William Finn, John Bucchino, Christine Lavin, Maltby & Shire, Marvin Fisher, and Stephen Sondheim. A few famous diva's might show up too!

Some of the greatest things in life are often so small, we barely take notice. Join Christina in Small Wonders, as she takes us in search of those special moments, when the ordinary becomes remarkable.

Directed by 2008 MAC Award Winner, Miles Phillips. Musical direction by Liz Nantais.

Wednesday, March 4 - 7pm
Wednesday, April 15th - 7pm
Saturday, April 18th - 7pm

Call For Reservations - 212-695-6909
$15 Cover + $15 Food/Bev Minimum (trust me, the food is excellent!)

FETZER PINOT NOIR A CORINE'S PICK!

Fetzer Debuts Valley Oaks Pinot Noir
Sourced Principally From The Languedoc-Roussillon

Hopland, Mendocino County, Calif. — Fetzer Vineyards is introducing a new Valley Oaks Pinot Noir sourced principally from the Languedoc-Roussillon growing region in France, priced at $8.99 per 750ml and available now in national release.

Winemaker Dennis Martin calls the wine a bit of a hybrid “sourced in a legendary French growing region, but managed with care to final bottling at our home winery in Mendocino.” While sourcing the wine, Martin found similarities with Mendocino. “The Languedoc is known as the land of the proud farmer, and we can relate,” he said. Growers in both locations give careful, loving attention to the vines, said Martin.

The new Pinot Noir features the traditional Valley Oaks label and trade dress, matching the balance of the Valley Oaks line, with the back label declaring “Pinot Noir Vin De Pays D’ Oc”. The wine is also offered in a 1.5L magnum bottle.

John Tichenor, Group Brand Director at Brown-Forman, says sourcing the Pinot Noir from France allows Fetzer to meet a “seemingly insatiable demand for this varietal” with high quality wine offering a consistent, long-term supply. Fetzer drinkers, he notes are “uncommonly loyal to the brand” and expect to find a quality wine in the bottle “no matter the varietal or sourcing, and this Pinot Noir won’t disappoint.”

Fetzer Vineyards produces earth-friendly wines from California and the world’s great wine-growing regions while emphasizing a sustainable approach in both winegrowing and business operations. A new promotional effort reminds consumers that Fetzer is Recognized To Be As Good For The Planet As For The Palate. Discover more about Fetzer wines and Fetzer’s sustainable practices at
http://www.fetzer.com.

FETZER is a Corine's Pick for affordable Pinot Noir.

Corine adores FETZER Pinot Noir.

VIDEO OF THE DAY.

Take a look at some of his videos here: http://www.michaelwest.net.
The man is a genius and one of my favorite performers of all time. It will be an honor interviewing him.

MORE VIDEOS COMING SOON.

Hey guys,

Stay tuned for great video coverage of NYC. Next up, I will be on a cruise ship around NYC and great places to dine coming next week.

We are not just a Broadway site! We cover everything on the pulse of Manhattan.

Hope you got to listen to my last four interviews on Blogtalk radio. If you have not heard them they are on every page of the site.

Best,
Corine Cohen
www.corinescorner.com
The City is my passion. I LOVE NY!