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Renowned Broadway producer Ken Davenport talks Tony Awards, Hollywood, and ‘Gettin’ the Band Back Together’

Posted on May 31, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

Ambitious Tony award-winning Broadway and off-Broadway theatre producer and writer Ken Davenport has had a passion for theatre his entire life. He has produced renowned musicals from Godspell to Kinky Boots to this year’s Tony-nominated Once on This Island and helms the North American activity for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. Dedicated to bridge the gap between the stage and its audience, he is also behind an interactive theatre app, Didhelikeit as well as the hit board game, Be a Broadway Star.

Ken Davenport Photo courtesy of Ken Davenport

Ken talked to Sleepless Critic about when he first discovered the theatre, Hollywood and the Tony Awards, and his upcoming musical comedy, Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Click here for more on Ken Davenport and see who the the big winners are on the 72nd annual Tony Awards on Sunday June 10.

Hosts Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles Photo credit: Cliff_Lipson-CBS

Sleepless Critic: What awakened your interest in theatre and how did the opportunity to become a Broadway producer come about?

Ken Davenport: My mom told me I first kicked when she was watching a production of Godspell, so I think I’ve always wanted to be part of the theatre. I produced the first revival of Godspell on Broadway in 2011.

Being a producer is like starting your own business. Opportunities don’t come about. You have to make them happen.

SC: What do you like most about producing and what production did you find to be the most challenging?

KD: I love watching the audience’s expressions on their faces at the end of the show whether they are laughing, crying, or cheering. We’ve affected them and that’s a joy to watch.

The most challenging part of producing is getting everyone on the same page. It’s like getting ten people to paint the Mona Lisa.

SC: Is there a show you turned down that you ended up wishing you were a part of?

KD: Nah, I have no regrets. I’ve passed on shows that have gone on to be hits, but they weren’t me. They still wouldn’t be me, even if I had a few more bucks in my pocket. I’d much rather stay true to what I want to do.

SC: The musical, Mean Girls is one of the big Tony nominees this year and it is one of many Hollywood to Broadway musical crossovers. From Pretty Woman to Heathers, do you think that this method has been an effective way to draw a wider audience to Broadway? From what I’ve seen of Mean Girls and having recently seen Waitress, it seems to be working well.

KD: Movies have become a common source for adaptations in the last ten years, but it doesn’t guarantee success. I think the adaptations that work best are the ones that don’t have super popular source material. It’s like when a movie is made from a book. Most people think the book is better. That happens a lot when popular movies are made into musicals. It’s a very high hurdle to jump over.

SC: What has been your favorite Hollywood to Broadway crossover musical so far?

KD: Kinky Boots because I am one of the producers.

SC: From classic musicals like Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel to Spongebob Squarepants, what nominations most surprised you and which did you think should have been nominated?

KD: I think my choreographer from Once on this Island, Camille A. Brown should have been nominated as well as Alex Newell.

SC: Which do you predict will be the standout production to win? I’m sure you were thrilled when Once on This Island was nominated, a show you have produced.

KD: I think the awards this year will be spread out amongst several shows rather than one big winner taking home multiple awards.

SC: You work to make Broadway a more interactive experience. Please tell me about the apps you promote.

KD: We have an app for our website, Didhelikeit.com that gives you a snapshot of show reviews and focuses on the New York Times.

‘Gettin’ the Band Back Together’ premieres on July 19.

SC: Just a few of the productions you have worked on is Groundhog Day, Spring Awakening, and The Play That Goes Wrong. The musical comedy, Getting the Band Back Together is coming up.

KD: I’m super excited about Gettin’ the Band Back Together, which starts performances on July 19. It’s such a fun show to be a part of and totally original. It has an original story, music, etc. It’s going to be a blast so come see it!

Click here for more information on Ken Davenport and here for more on Ken’s current project, Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Hosted by Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles, find out who wins on CBS for the 72^nd annual Tony Awards on Sunday June 10 at 8 p.m. Follow The Tony Awards on Facebook.

For Performing Arts news, interviews, reviews, and much more in Boston and beyond, follow us on Facebook @sleeplesscritic and subscribe.

REVIEW: Lexus Broadway in Boston’s ‘Waitress the Musical’ proves the best things in life come from the kitchen

Posted on March 18, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

Lexus Broadway in Boston’s heartwarming and meaningful musical, Waitress the Musical, shows that life’s most important answers can be found in a pie. Currently on a national tour, Waitress, with book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and featuring an all female production team, oozes with southern charm as baker Jenna, portrayed passionately by Desi Oakley, finds herself pregnant and falling in love with her doctor.

Desi Oakley as Jenna in the national tour of Waitress, photo by Joan Marcus and courtesy of Broadway in Boston

With a cast of colorful and comical characters and based on the 2007 film of the same name starring Keri Russell, Waitress served its best in Boston from February 20 through March 4 at the Boston Opera House. Click here to see where Waitress will be taking the stage next and here for more on Lexus Broadway in Boston.

From a bright neon sign and red chrome booths to clever choreography that gives diner dancing a fresh, new meaning, the majority of Waitress is set inside the vintage and picturesque Joe’s Pie Diner. Impressive songs range from catchy to reflective and numbers like When He Sees Me and Opening Up are sure to stay with the audience long after the show is over.

Full of heart, what Waitress the Musical achieves is a delicate balance of the sweetness and realism of life, delving into the lives of a group of dynamic characters who dream of a better life. Jenna expresses her thoughts on life through the humorous titles she deems to Joe’s Diner Pie of the Day.

Nick Bailey & Desi Oakley in the national tour of Waitress, photo by Joan Marcus and Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Broadway in Boston

Desi Oakley delivers a powerful, inspiring performance as Jenna. She depicts Jenna’s complex web of emotions with a blend of dark humor and a note of hope. Her voice is as versatile as the pies she bakes and her intense rendition of She Used to Be Mine is one of the show’s greatest highlights. Her irresistible chemistry and beautiful harmony with compassionate and mysterious Bryan Fenkart as Dr. Pomatter are engaging in the playful Bad Idea and the tender You Matter to Me. Dressed in a plaid shirt, worn jeans, and tied back hair, Nick Bailey as Earl is manipulative and gruff with a rich, rock n roll voice.

Maiesha McQueen, Desi Oakley & Bryan Fenkart in the national tour of Waitress, photo by Joan Marcus and Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Broadway in Boston

With big earrings and wild hair, Charity Angel Dawson offers a great deal of comic relief as outspoken and wise cracking waitress Becky. Passionate and direct, Becky is captivating in the number, I Didn’t Plan It and her onstage charisma will have the audience hanging on her every word.

Charity Angel Dawson, Desi Oakley & Lenne Klingaman in the national tour of Waitress, photo by Joan Marcus and Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Broadway in Boston

In bright, red glasses, Lenne Klingaman portrays Dawn with her own, magnetic, comedic timing. Dreamy and shy, Dawn calls herself “a woman of many passions.” She is unforgettable singing the yearning number, When He Sees Me. With Jeremy Morse as scene stealing Ogie, they are a comedic force to be reckoned with. Gleeful and goofy with a habit of over sharing, Jeremy Morse has even the cast trying to keep a straight face. Morse’s comic timing is a bungle of flawless, unsuppressed energy.

Lenne Klingaman & Jeremy Morse in the national tour of Waitress, photo by Joan Marcus and Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Broadway in Boston

Larry Marshall, with a wonderful laugh and a curmudgeonly personality, portrays difficult customer and diner owner, Joe. A complicated storyteller with more insight than he seems, his conversations with Jenna is full of humor and openness. Speaking to the uplifting spirit of this charming show, Joe proclaims, “Baking a pie is a magical experience.”

Desi Oakley & Larry Marshall in the national tour of Waitress, photo by Joan Marcus and Matthew Murphy and courtesy of Broadway in Boston

Click here to see where Waitress the Musical arrives next. Lexus Broadway in Boston announces their new season on Monday, March 18 and is just getting started with popular musicals, On Your Feet, Disney’s Aladdin, Hamilton, and more. Click here for more information, tickets, and upcoming news. Follow Lexus Broadway in Boston on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

For Performing Arts news, interviews, reviews, and much more in Boston and beyond, follow us on Facebook @sleeplesscritic and subscribe.

Cohasset Dramatic Club proudly presents the enchanting musical comedy, ‘The Wedding Singer the Musical’

Posted on July 24, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

In a way, the 80s are back. Popular Netflix series Stranger Things and GLOW represent a hankering for 80s nostalgia, and arguably one of the few hit films that delightfully represent the 80s so well is the comedy, The Wedding Singer, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Boasting Miami Vice flair, neon legwarmers, frills, and hit 80s music galore, The Wedding Singer is a sweet romantic comedy set in 1985 about shy waitress Julia Sullivan and Robbie Hart, a wannabe rock star turned wedding singer. Adapted into a musical in 2006, Cohasset Dramatic Club presents The Wedding Singer the Musical for one weekend only from Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 31 at Cohasset Town Hall in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Click here for tickets and more information.

Featuring a cast ages 14-21 and starring Jordan Robie as Robbie Hart and Madison Pratt as Julia Sullivan, The Wedding Singer the Musical is a lighthearted comedy sure to lift the spirit. This enchanting musical comedy features a mix of upbeat and touching original songs including It’s Your Wedding Day, Someday, If I Told You, and I Wanna Grow Old with You.

With a colorful, lively cast that includes a bitter brother, a kindly but sassy old neighbor, a rich, charismatic suitor, and even an appearance by Billy Idol and other 80s icons, Cohasset Dramatic Club proudly presents The Wedding Singer the Musical from Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. One Sunday matinee will take place on Sunday, July 31 at 2 p.m.

Performances will be held at Cohasset Town Hall, 41 Highland Ave in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets. Follow Cohasset Dramatic Club on Facebook for upcoming events and more.

Lexus Broadway in Boston boasts sizzling season including ‘Hamilton,’ ‘Waitress,’ Disney’s ‘Aladdin,’ and more

Posted on April 18, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I’ continues through April 23. Jose Llana as The King of Siam & Laura Michelle Kelly as Anna Leonowens Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy

‘Wicked’ returns June 7 through July 23. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

‘Finding Neverland’ debuts at Boston Opera House August 8 through 20. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

The magic of Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ debuts July 3 through August 18, 2018. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

Tony award-winning ‘Fun Home’ debuts October 17 and continues through October 29. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

The highly-anticipated ‘Hamilton’ debuts September 18 and continues through November 18. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

Phantom of the Opera’s sequel, ‘Love Never Dies’ debuts January 30 and continues through February 11, 2018. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

‘On Your Feet’ debuts April 17 and continues through April 29. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ returns September 13 through October 1. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

‘Waitress’ debuts February 20 and continues through March 4, 2018. Photo courtesy of Broadway in Boston

As the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical The King and I hits the Boston Opera House stage, Lexus Broadway in Boston recently offered a peek into its upcoming 2017-18 season. From Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece and its stirring sequel to arguably the most sought after show in the world right now, Lexus Broadway in Boston has a phenomenal season ahead full of magic, family connections, unstoppable dance, and topping it off a serving of delicious pie. All productions take place at the Boston Opera House in Boston, Massachusetts. Subscriptions for the upcoming season are available now. Click here for tickets and more information.

The magic begins this summer with the return to Oz and Neverland. Get an inside look of how Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West became two of the most iconic characters in literary history. Visually-stunning with a rich, inventive story line that integrates some of Oz’s most memorable characters, see the spectacular musical, Wicked from June 7 through July 23. Behold the extraordinary story behind J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan and the family that inspired that magical vision. Integrating Peter Pan’s beloved characters in a unique way, seek Finding Neverland for a limited time from August 7 through 20.

A promising talent, a veteran singer, a ghost dwelling in an opera house, and two bewildered businessmen are part of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting and phenomenally-successful musical, Phantom of the Opera, returns from September 13 through October 1. Also arriving in Boston is Andrew Lloyd’s Webber’s Love Never Dies, the highly-anticipated sequel to Phantom of the Opera from January 30 through February 11.

A number of productions are making their debut in Boston. Topping off the list is arguably the most sought after tickets in the world right now. Hamilton is a contemporary retelling of America’s history arriving at the Boston Opera House September 18 through November 18, 2018.

Take a look inside Fun Home, 2015’s Tony award-winning Best Picture musical. Fun Home is an auto-biographical tale about the joy and challenges of growing up. Not recommended for children under 13, Fun Home debuts in Boston from October 17 through October 29.

Also making its Boston debut is On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, a meaningful and uplifting musical about the extraordinary life of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. On Your Feet is filled with lively music which includes an array of hits songs from the title track, Get On Your Feet to Coming Out of the Dark. On Your Feet! debuts on April 17, 2018 to Sunday, April 29, 2018.

Waitress is saving the best for last. Currently on Broadway starring Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles who also wrote Waitress’s music and lyrics, Waitress is a romantic comedy musical about a waitress gifted at baking pies. She is unhappy in her small town existence until a surprise helps her to put her life into perspective. Waitress serves up its own delights from February 20 through March 4.

All musicals take place at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for the full list and for tickets. Follow Lexus Broadway in Boston on Facebook and Twitter.