This is most definitely a hot weekend for theater! On Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m., MCC Theater’s annual fundraiser, Miscast21 will premiere on their YouTube Channel. “Un-Block The Music” discovered this amazing fundraiser a few years back when one of my favorite performers, Aaron Tveit, sang “Take Me Or Leave Me” with Gavin Creel... Continue Reading →
“Ratatouielle” Composer Dan Mertzlufft Wants You To “Breathe” This Weekend
Who ever heard of a Tik Tok Influencer before March of 2020? Well, “Un-Block The Music” now has met one of the top influencers, Dan Mertzlufft who was the composer/music arranger for Ratatouielle, the Tik Tok musical based on the Disney movie that took the virtual world by storm in December. Now, he is proud... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: Composer Zina Goldrich “Sings Her Own Songs” With Partner Marcy Heisler
Do you want to be a theater actor? Are you a triple threat? Or a quadruple threat? “Un-Block The Music” has written more than once about the torture of auditions. Composer Zina Goldrich’s audition stories are not much better. Zina is perhaps best known for her work with lyricist Marcy Heisler. However, her work is... Continue Reading →
“Don’t Stop Believin”: Live Music To Comeback As “Rock Of Ages” Music Director Jacob Yates Talks Career & Virtual Concert
We need Rock of Ages, the musical about love and a rock-star dreams offering up a host of beloved 1970s and ’80s hits, including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” Styx’s “Renegade” and Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” And, we are going to get that dose of much needed music on April 24 with a one-night-only... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: “Bring It On’s” Amanda Green Becomes First Woman President Of The Dramatists Guild
“Un-Block The Music” wants to shout out Congratulations to lyricist-composer Amanda Green for being elected the first woman president of The Dramatists Guild, the national, professional membership trade association of theatre writers, including playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists. If you don’t recognize Amanda’s name, you don’t know what you are missing! “Un-Block The Music” profiled... Continue Reading →
“Emergency’s” Jacob Foy Offers Talk On Preparing Music For The Stage; The Fabulous Foys Are Featured On WFYL 1180’s From Bullets To Broadway
Long before I started writing about music and theater as a career or even thought about “Un-Block The Music,” I took my dad to see his first Broadway musical. While he has since become a huge fan of musicals, he wasn’t so sure he liked it at first. “(In West Side Story) Why are Tony... Continue Reading →
Amidst Egg Coloring & Food Prep,Don’t Forget Saturday’s “From Bullets To Broadway” At Noon On WFYL 1180 AM
Are you are coloring eggs and preparing holiday dinners this week during a pandemic???? Ugh… you probably need a break and maybe a little laughter. “Un-Block The Music” just wants to remind you to listen today to “From Bullets To Broadway, Anatomy of a Show, Featuring Emergency The Musical” on WFYL, 11AM at noon Eastern... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: “Tina’s” Leandra Ellis-Gaston Says Producing Will Ensure Black Artists’ Voice In Broadway’s Future
If I have written this before, forgive me for repeating myself, but it is something I believe so strongly. If you always want to be working, create your own work! “Un-Block The Music” had the pleasure of speaking with Leandra Ellis-Gaston who is the Swing/Dance captain for Tina: The Tina Tuner Musical on Broadway. But,... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: Know Her From TV? Gabrielle Ruiz Talks About Dance Roots, Upcoming Bite-Sized Broadway & What It Means To Be Latina In Theater
While it seems that live theater is making rumbles with New York Mayor DeBlasio saying Fall could be a real re-opening date, Bite Sized Broadway forges ahead with original mini musicals. “Un-Block The Music” has been patiently awaiting the April 5th premiere of MTA which stars today’s “Woman Wonders” subject the multi-talented Gabrielle Ruiz. While... Continue Reading →
Foys Talk Rewards & Challenges Of Creating Virtual Show For Front Row Fringe Festival: Hear “Z Team” Cast On “From Bullets To Broadway” Rebroadcast 3/27/21
As you all know, “Un-Block The Music” is focused on music…hence the title of the blog! On this past weekend’s broadcast of WFYL 1180 AM’s “From Bullets To Broadway, Anatomy of A Show,” (FBTB) show host Sgt. Dan McCaughan focused on the Foys’ comedy, Z Team, which had its premiere during the Front Row Fringe... Continue Reading →