Theater has finally begun to heat up. Despite CO-VID stops and starts, artists forge ahead and seem to generally be playing to strong houses. If you want attendance statistics, go to https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/. However, in addition to Broadway shows which grab the headlines, there are lots of off-Broadway and regional theaters ramping up as well. “Un-Block... Continue Reading →
Jimmy “J. Keys” Talks About Sound Design, Hip Hop, “Confederates” & The New Broadway
When I secured the interview with Jimmy Keys for “Un-Block The Music,” I had a flashback to the days working at Billboard. At that time, did I ever expect to interview a rapper for a Broadway show story? I didn’t! But, “Un-Block The Music” is so excited to be on the front lines as theater... Continue Reading →
Tony Winning Sound Designer Rob Kaplowitz Talks About Bringing A Car Factory To Life
It always surprises me to find that so many “behind the scenes” theater artists start out in acting and later find their true passion is in other areas of creation. Case in point….Tony Award winning sound designer Rob Kaplowitz. “Un-Block The Music” got the chance to speak with Rob when he was working on Skeleton... Continue Reading →
Enjoy More “Women Wonders” In “Un-Block The Music’s” Upcoming Book
Happy New Year!!! I am always the optimist. While Co-vid rages through New York AGAIN, “Un-Block The Music” stands with those that say, it’s not the same unknown hysteria that we experienced two years ago. We have treatments, we have vaccines and we have theater! While theater might be a bit limited right now…it’s here.... Continue Reading →
“Safe & Sound”: These Broadway World Nominees Invite You To A Fundraiser Cabaret December 11 In NYC
Theater is back! Thank the Good Lord! The world without theater is like a day without sunshine. (Un-Block The Music steals the quote from an orange juice commercial back from when I was a kid!) Anyway, with theater back, there is so much to write about and talk about. I am thrilled to report that... Continue Reading →
“Girl From North Country’s” Dean Sharenow’s Career From Baez To Broadway
Photo by Susan Stava Nothing excites “Un-Block The Music” more than when my pop music past collides with my new found love of theater. And…that exciting mash up happened recently when I met Dean Sharenow, the music coordinator for Girl From North Country. If you don’t know…it is the play by Conor McPherson with music... Continue Reading →
Macy Gray To Mentor: Joe Solo Offers “Sound” Advice On Breaking Into Music
How do you break into songwriting and producing? “Un-Block The Music” has been fortunate enough to hear a lot of amazing stories over the last two years. Songwriter/Producer, Joe Solo is the latest to share his journey and advice. What I love about Joe is his honesty. He won’t promise to make you a star,... Continue Reading →
Previously Unheard Music Comes From “Rent’s” Late Composer Jonathan Larson
At last, Ghostlight Records will release previously unheard music from “Rent” Composer, Jonathan Larson! “Rent” is tied for first in terms of “Un-Block The Music’s” favorite musicals of all time! Of course, I watched the quasi-live broadcast of “Rent” Sunday night on Fox. In case, you weren’t watching, one of the leads, Brennin Hunt, broke... Continue Reading →
What Could “Anastasia” & James Taylor Have In Common?…Frank Filipetti
What could Foreigner, James Taylor, Broadway’s “Anastasia” and “Wicked” have in common? Grammy-winning music producer, engineer and mixer Frank Filipetti. “Un-Block The Music” had the pleasure of chatting with him recently about the many stages of his career and why he was one of the first big name producers to embrace digital technology. Franks’ early... Continue Reading →
Random Farms Kids Theater Started By Anya Wallach At 16, Offers More Than Acting
What do Next To Normal’s Jennifer Damiano and Dear Evan Hansen’s Noah Galvin have in common? Random Farms Kids Theater in Elmsford, NY. What “Un-Block The Music” loves about Random Farms Kids Theater is a theme of empowerment for all. While the group’s fabulous productions of of A Chorus Line, Les Miserables, and Urinetown are... Continue Reading →