Coming Soon
Ben Vereen Brings Acclaimed One-Man Show To Schimmel Center
When one utters the name “Ben Vereen,” the image that pops into most theatre minds is of the coy, slick and cool Leading Player from Pippin for which Vereen won a 1973 Best Leading Actor in a Musical Tony Award for. The subtle tilt of the straw bowler hat, the mischievous grin, and the winning smile that invites those lucky enough to be in the performer’s presence know he has us in the palm of his hand.
At 68, Vereen is still as vibrant, energetic and entertaining as ever as he brings a lifetime of memories and stories to his buoyant one-man show for one night only to Pace University’s Schimmel Center. The show, Steppin’ Out, is one that Vereen has performed before but seems to put a new spin on it every time. Vereen does not disappoint and delivers songs from shows he’s previously starred in including Hair, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, and even Wicked as well as some standards. Previous venues for Steppin’ Out have included 54 Below (We Were There), Hartford Stage (where the show was recorded live for Sh-K-Boom Records), and as part of the 90th Anniversary Season at Town Hall. You won’t want to miss the performer that The New York Times hailed as “one of the last old-school vaudevillian troupers still standing, and an entertainer with a capital E.”
The legendary performer will be backed by a three piece band and show time is set for 7:30 p.m on May 30th, 2015 Tickets are priced at $69, $59, & $49 and can be purchased via the box office by calling (212) 346-1715 or online HERE.
Ben was recently featured in Top Five, by Chris Rock, which opened this past December. Later this year, he will be seen in the feature film, Time Out Of Mind, co-starring Richard Gere. We were also more than thrilled to have him as the first guest on Broadway Black Box.
Below is Mr. Ben Vereen as the Leading Player in Pippin singing “Glory”
Celebrity Takeover
Tituss Burgess Has New Music, A New Movie, & No Time For Mess + The Preacher’s Wife Musical Update
On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tituss Burgess gave us an update on his musical adaptation of the 1996 movie, The Preacher’s Wife – starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. On the late-night talk show, a viewer called in to ask if there had been any updates regarding the show and Burgess shared that:
“ We are very close to signing with a hot-shot producer in New York, which means that the show is closer to appearing in London or here. But there’s also a recent development which could delay it for the better. You’ll find out about it later”
So not only do we know that the musical is still on its way to bless us, but there is an announcement about the show on the way! If you ask me, this is incredibly exciting. Tituss Burgess’ career has gone from stage to screen, and his abilities as an actor and singer are undeniable. Knowing that we are closer to seeing his skills as a musical theatre composer is mad exciting. Watch a clip from the interview above.
While we wait for The Preacher’s Wife Musical, listen to Burgess’ newly released EP Saint Tituss. Burgess sings his face off as he skillfully talks about issues that are personal and political — all while wrapping things up with a joyous celebration of resilience as positivity. He also has two songs that feature Daniel J. Watts including the single 45
He also has a new movie on the way. “Dolemite Is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy along with Burgess, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, & more will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A national release date has not been set as of yet but is sure to be on its way.
While discussing the new movie during the same interview, Cohen asked Burgess about his relationship with Murphy. The way Cohen presented the question insinuates there might have been a problem between the two because of a ‘problematic past with the gays’ on Murphy’s part. The response given by Burgess is swift and loaded with “you tried it, but you won’t get me”:
“He wasn’t problematic for Tituss. We had a wonderful time. We talked about Dreamgirls and he should have won the Oscasr, I believe. He was great. Any troubles he may have had with gay people I guess are gone because he loved me.”
and this is why we live.
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