Have You Seen Godspell On Broadway Yet? @MamaDramaNY #BWAYGODSPELL

November 7, 2011 by 12 Comments

I love Godspell, I always have. I think most of you know I love the theater in general, but Godspell is one of my all time favorites. Confession- I have been in 4 productions of this show myself 😛 Local only of course, but I love, love, love this show- it is fun, eclectic, energetic, and it modernizes with the current times. I am NOT a child of the 70’s, but I loved the movie, and I own the original cast CD, and my son knew most of the songs long before this play hit the stage for a revival. (The new cast recording will soon be available!)

As soon as the cast hit the stage, even before the first song, I knew we were going to be in for a great night- because these “philosophers” came in with their briefcases and blackberries attached to their heads, texting and checking onto Facebook 🙂 Nothing quite like a modern day Socrates checking their status and quoting great works, LOL. And when the first notes of “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” were sung- the audience was ready to dance along as well. I don’t think you can have a pulse and NOT want to dance when Godspell is in front of you!

The cast is vibrant, young, and exuberant, with members from hit shows like “Glee” and is directed by Daniel Goldstein and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Gattelli. While this show has not been on the “main” stage for more then 40 years, you won’t know it- all the references are current and the show could not be funnier. The lines are all Biblical and the parables come straight from the Bible, the speech can seem old fashioned- but it is so well preformed that it won’t be strange or boring- it only adds to the show in every way. Hey- any show that can be all about the Bible while also references Donald Trump and iPhones has to be worth seeing!

The cast was amazing- my personal favorites were Julia Mattison (who sang “Turn Back, O Man” and was delightful and funny throughout the show, adding lots of what my daughter calls “glitter”), Uzo Aduba who was the first philosopher and broke my heart with her “By My Side”. She was a super [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, theater

Madagascar LIVE- so super fabulous!

April 22, 2011 by 9 Comments


 OUT OF THE ZOO AND ONTO THE STAGE!  OUT OF THE ZOO AND ONTO THE STAGE!!!


“All of your favorite crack-a-lackin friends from Madagascar are out of the zoo and onto the stage in Madagascar Live – a wild new musical adventure based on the blockbuster DreamWorks film. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they escape from their home at New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This celebration of friendship is brought vividly to life by imaginative sets and costumes, action-packed adventure and spectacular new songs that will inspire you to MOVE IT MOVE IT in the aisles. Get ready to go wile at MADAGASCAR LIVE!”


My Little Man is such a fan of this movie, and now after seeing it LIVE at Radio City Music Hall in NYC, I am too!  I am sitting here, bouncing and singing “I like to move it, move it”, and my preschoolers have been dancing around with us since we got home!  Everybody up!  Everybody down!  LOL…. it’s stuck in my head!  AHHHHH!!!!!
I had high expectations going in, and boy, let me tell you, they were met! 
Little Man is in love with Gloria, the hippo, above all others.  And seeing her dance and sing right before his eyes was just the bees knees!

The sets were awesome, I loved the subway scene!  Perfect.  And the boat scenes were done really well- super cute.  Poor Melman!  The whole thing was too just much for that poor giraffe, LOL.  Those Penguins were up to their usual tricks, but found out that there is no place like home- and set out to find all their former zoo-mates.  Alex the Lion and Marty the Zebra are best friends, but will they stay that way once they realize how the Food Chain works?  Let me tell you, also- Maurice?  That lemur can really bust a move (and was so amazing vocally- James Brown!  Woot!)  King Julian is my personal favorite, and it was so much fun to watch him live.  We also got the chance to meet him backstage!  Little was so excited- look at his cheesecake face, lol. 

Before the show started, we got to see the Radio City Stage Door Tour,and it was on that tour that we were able to meet King Julian.  We also met an actual Rockette! (Little Man informed me “Mom- she got big tall legs!”)   Yep, thanks darling!

It was also a lot of fun to hear about the design of Radio City Music Hall, see costumes, statues, and photos of the Rockettes from their start (NOT in NYC, believe it or not!) in 1932 all the way until today.  This is also where we got to meet the Rockette pictured above!  
Seeting King Julian in person was the most fun for most of the kids (and me!) and he was really nice, friendly, and funny!  He gave the kids little penguins, and had them answer questions.  He also taught them the “Move it, Movie it” dance, and told them not to “be snooty with the booty”, LOL…I laughed harder then Little did  🙂
The whole team at Radio City was sweet, friendly, helpful, and kind to the kids.  They gave them bags with snacks, juice, toys (Little got GLORIA!!!) and King Julian signed a poster for him!  Could they have been any sweeter?   They were also super energetic, God bless them, haha.  In fact, they were so thoughtful- THEY EVEN SCHEDULED A BATHROOM BREAK!!!!   How awesome, right?  This way, no one missed anything due to a Captain Pee-Pee Pants, LOL.

The creative team for “MADAGASCAR LIVE” includes: director, Gip Hoppe; assistant director and choreographer, Jenn Rapp; writer, Kevin Del Aguila and music/lyrics, Joel Someillan and George Noriega. The performers include Nigel Jamaal Clark (“Marty”), Rob Marnell (“Alex”), David Perlman (“Melman”), Aurelia Williams (“Gloria”), Drew Hirschfield, (“King Julian”), and Darren Lorenzo (“Maurice”). Assistant Director & Choreographer

“MADAGASCAR LIVE” will be performing 18 shows at Radio City Music Hall beginning April 15 through April 24. Tickets for the general public are on sale now by calling 866.858.0008, online or in-person at the Radio City Music Hall box office. For groups, please call 212.465.6080. 

For more information about “MADAGASCAR LIVE,” visit www.madlive.com or on Facebook .
You can find more information about Radio City Music Hall on Facebook or Twitter, and make sure to check out their website!  ( A few more Twitter Handles you may like!  @MadagascarLive @MSGEconcerts @MSGnyc )

Disclosure- we received tickets to review the show, as well as the tour described- all opinions are my own  🙂   

Filed Under: family, kids, review, theater

The Time Machine- Live Show Review

December 18, 2010 by 1 Comment
Yesterday, we saw a “Radio Theater” performance of H. G. Well’s classic “The Time Machine”, directed by Dan Bianchi. Preformed at The Red Room (85 East 4th Street), December 14-19, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 at 8pm with matinee performances December 12 & 19 at 3pm. Tickets ($20/$15 students & seniors) are available by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.horseTRADE.info.

This was an interesting piece, reminiscent of the days where one got their entertainment gathered around the family radio set, rather then the TV or computer. In in intimate setting, we were treated to a reading of one of the most famous pieces of Science fiction ever written. Called “Radio Theater” because of it’s likening to the performances on the radio (complete with audio effects like walking across the leaves, etc) but without the visual of the actual person producing the effects. Preformed by two actors, FRANK ZILINYI and KATE SIEPERT who acted as the genius gentlemen traveller and his wife. The genius gentleman has created a machine in which he is able to transport himself through time- he goes to the far distant future. He experiences a variety of situations which he relates to his wife in a single conversation between them
This was modified for the stage performance from the original “Time Machine”, where the time traveler accounts his adventures to a group of weekly dinner guests.

PRESENTS

RADIOTHEATRE

IN

H.G. WELLS’ THE TIME MACHINE

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY DAN BIANCHI
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!
DECEMBER 12-29 @ THE RED ROOM
Blast off with the Drama Desk nominated Radiotheatre and their new live stage version of the most influential science fiction story of all time…H.G.Wells’ THE TIME MACHINE! Complete with a great cast of storytellers, an elaborate soundscape, and an original orchestral score!

“IN SHORT, IF YOU LOVE WELLS, SCI-FI and HORROR genres, this dramatization will prove enjoyable…so program your time machines and BLAST OFF for an evening!” Off Off Online
“STUNNING!” Sci Fi Channel
“Brings to mind Vincent Price and Victorian Era Full moons!” New York Times
“Spooky, Shocking, Horrific!” Time Out NY
“A Sound Extravaganza!” Variety
“Elegant and Vivid Storytelling” nytheatre.com
“A Ton of Fun!” The Villager
“Dan Bianchi’s sound design is Marvelous!” The Village Voice
“Ominous, Eerie, Monster Movie sound effects!” Backstage
“Radiotheatre is a vibrant force for NYC stage shows!” Hy Reviews
“Creepy!” American Theatre Magazine
“Horrific! Evocative! Rousing! Engaging! Chilling!” Off Off Online
“A Sound Spectacular! A real Gem!” NYC.Com
“An evening of spine chilling, goose bump rising, fun filled entertainment!” Retrovision [Read more…]
Filed Under: review, theater

NY sesame Street Live Reveiw and Giveaway!

November 13, 2010 by 66 Comments

Who wants to see Sesame Street LIVE???  (I do, I do!!)  A fun and fantasic way to spend some quality family time together!

SESAME STREET LIVE
“Elmo’s Green Thumb”
New York City, NY; The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Thursday, February 17 – Monday, February 21, 2011

When Elmo’s sunflower, Sunny, outgrows his flower pot, Big Bird’s garden
seems to be the perfect place for Sunny to flourish. An excited Abby
Cadabby, Sesame Street’s fairy-in-training, casts a spell to make Sunny grow
faster. The spell does just the opposite and, instead of growing, Elmo and his
friends shrink! As Abby tries to reverse the spell, Elmo, Zoe, Telly and friends
explore Big Bird’s garden from a smaller perspective and learn some big
lessons about patience, overcoming fears and appreciation of nature. From
dancing ladybugs to grouchy beetles, get ready for a fresh, original Sesame
Street Live on a whole new scale!

Sesame Street Live is a larger-than-life, musical touring stage production
featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie…and more.
Each performance is 90 minutes of singing, dancing and audience
participation, including a 15-minute intermission. The perfect length for
very young children!  (No (getting the fidgets!)

There are thirteen delightful performances! Tickets go on-sale Sunday,
November 7, 2010 at the Garden Box Office, online at theateratmsg.com/sesame,
http://sesamestreetlive.com/, and through all Ticketmaster locations.
To charge by phone, call 866-858-0008.

Ticket information
• Ticket prices: $15, $25, $40, $60 (Prime), $75 (VIP) & $125 (Sunny Seats)
• Additional group discounts available. Groups 20+ call 212-465-6080.
• Get the ultimate fan experience with Sunny Seats!
The Sunny Seats Package includes a front row seat and a pre-show Meet
& Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live friends.
• Additional fees/surcharges may apply.

TM/© 2010 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. Photographs courtesy of VEE Corporation.Want to win a family four pack to see the show in NYC?
Here is how to enter!
Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

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+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription
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Please make sure you follow first!
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(you can tweet daily!)

– Leave me a comment on Facebook about what contests you are entering on Have Sippy Will Travel or would like to see!

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(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

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Yay, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law.  Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above.  Sponsor is responsible for providing and sending prize.  Ends  Dec 2, 2010.

Filed Under: theater

YO GABBA GABBA!!! IT WAS….

October 6, 2010 by 7 Comments

AAAWWWE-SOOOOME!!!!
OH MY GOSH it was so cool!!!!!
Guys, it was like being IN the show, like being sucked into the TV show.  CRAZY good!
So, we went to the Party in My City in September 28th show in Providence, RI.  (Ok, ok, so it’s not really our city, lol…again- Have Sippy Will Travel!)

(Sorry- no pic outside the theater- it was pouring!  So, you get a picture of us in the theater next to a picture of the theater, LOL…)

You walk in, and one of the sponsors for the show, Revolution Foods, is waiting to take your kid’s picture.  How cute!  (Free!) Love it!
Then go to your seat, and wait for the magic to begin…
When DJ Lance Rock came on to the stage, and spread his arms, and said the magic words- “YOOOOOO, GABBA GABBA!!!!”  The whole place went CRAZY!
(Go crazy, go crazy!  LOL, sorry, had to!)

Not allowed to take pictures of the actual show- sorry guys!  But there were balloons that fell from the ceiling, bubbles (the bubbles, the bubbles!), dancing veggies, you name it!  It was too cool.  And every nut-bag mommy was dancing and singing every word (and feeling no shame, thank you!) with the kiddos.  The hubs was looking at me like I was an alien!  Hehe…What does HE know!  (Even he had fun, Mr. accountant…hehe)We go to go to the Meet and Greet after the Party was over- I have to tell you, if you can swing it, GO!  The characters were super nice, patient, kind.  DJ Lance read a story to the kids (all of whom were up WAY past their bedtime), Biz Markie came to do a “beat of the day” with the kids, and there were coloring stations, food by Revolution Foods and Plum Organics, photo opportunities with official Yo Gabba Gabba and sponsor Kia backgrounds, you name it!

Side note- When Biz came in, a little girl started to cry.  (He’s a big guy!)  He sat on the floor, and quietly did the “beat” song with her, until she giggled and did it back.  How sweet is that???
OK, so…I had too many pictures, and I want to show you all of them!  I made a special “Yo Gabba Gabba” album on Photo Bucket- go check it out!
http://s1176.photobucket.com/albums/x329/kangabunnie/Yo%20Gabba%20Gabba/
And if you didn’t miss the Party In Your City– go!  It was super great.  Organized, fun, energetic, and just the right amount of time for kids.

Filed Under: theater