Top 5 Most Viewed Posts of 2012

It's that time of year to share the top five most viewed stories on theaterinthenow.com! It's been an exciting year here, having our first birthday and passing the coveted 100,000 hit mark! And these stories sure did help!

1. Pamela Anderson to Broadway? 

2. Spotlight On...Randy Harrison

3. Magic Mike...the Musical

4. Les Mis Picture Update: Aaron Tveit and Eddie Redmayne

5. Broadway's Newest Toga Party?

What were your favorites of this year? As we ring in 2013, I want to thank you for keeping theaterinthenow.com going!

The Best of 2012

2012 provided a very interesting year of theater. On the Broadway front, musicals and plays that transferred over seemed to have the best success (Peter and the Starcatcher, Once, Newsies, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, etc.). While new pieces seemed to falter. Meanwhile Off-Broadway, heavy hitting dramas of all sorts (Tribes, A Map of Virtue, Uncle Vanya, etc.) were highly praised. But here's my list of five of the best productions of the year.

1. Cock (The Duke)
If you read Mike Bartlett's "dirty" titled play about love, sexuality, and the human relationship, you can imagine an elaborate production with multi-location sets and an abundance of costumes. But when you see this production, you don't get that. Instead you get a brilliant production where there is nothing but you (sitting in stadium seating in the round) and the actors reciting words via acting exercises where you get the privilege to hear Bartlett's biting and smart script. Cory Michael Smith offers one of the best performances of the year as John, the man at the center of the drama.



2. Clybourne Park (Broadway)

Clybourne Park has a very special place in my heart as I was a part of the original Off-Broadway production at Playwrights Horizons. And when I got to see the Broadway production, I realized how lucky I was. Bruce Norris's Pulitzer Winner deserved all the accolades it received. Pam MacKinnon, who is set to be one of the premiere directors in America, guided a fabulous ensemble, all of whom gave spectacular performances.

3. Restoration Comedy (The Flea)
Theater as a social event is back! And all thanks to Ed Sylvanus Iskandar and the talented company of Restoration Comedy. The play about love and sexiness was the season's best party (or Kiki as the kids say), brought to life in full-force with a perfect blend of period and modern-day design complimented by the most heart you'll find from any ensemble in New York.





4. P.S. Jones and the Frozen City (terraNOVA Collective)
 Ever wonder what a comic book that was brought to life would really look like? Robert Askins' clever and smart P.S. Jones and the Frozen City follows the journey of a young kid looking for hope in a new world. With the aid of a great cast and some amazing puppetry, a new form of theater is surely on the rise.






 
5. In Masks Outrageous and Austere (The Culture Project)
Didn't see that one coming, did ya? In a year that has brought us an abundance of Tennessee Williams comes his last, uncompleted play that is his answer to absurdism and existentialism. Filled with a bizarre love triangle, an almost robotic security team, and the most outrageous neighbors you could find, In Masks Outrageous and Austere was an underrated play with a top-notch design and experience like none other.

Photo Diary: Backstage at Restoration Comedy with Alex Mandell

We gave Restoration Comedy's Alex Mandell a camera to snap a few shots of what exactly happens behind the scenes at the greatest Kiki in New York! Take a look, if you dare, at all the scandalous images and what Alex had to say!

"I'm Italian!"

"We pretend to hate each other on stage, but in real life we're actually friends!"

A scene from their pre-show ritual

Alex the rabbler still trying to figure out how to work the "light box."

Amour

Clothes strewn about backstage...not an unfamiliar sight

Eloise sneakin' a snack backstage

Give me coy realness HUNTY!

Guys, his name is Finnian. FINNIAN. Could he get any cooler?

He works hard for it, honey.

JEN TSAY!

James having a minor existential crisis

Jen gets meta

Justin Bieber rabbler gives me LIFE

Justin cozies up with a nice book and a...Gatorade

Liz helpin' a sistah out

MEN

My son just died from dysentery!

Our fearless Loveless

Our resident model

Self portrait

Serving up some rabble realness

Sorry ladies, he's taken.

Stop don't take a picture of me stop please I hate the camera ok fine just one no from this angle yes yes DO IT...

That's a real bird

The wigs have minds of their own. One seems to be consuming another here...

Thoughtful. Serene. Cherubic.

What's the tea?

The Best of 2012: Fan Vote

It's time to kick off the annual Theater Year in Review at Theater in the Now! Here are the top shows suggested by the readers and the amazing Spotlight interviewees! What do you think? Did they miss anything?

4000 Miles (Lincoln Center)
Bring It On (Broadway)
Clybourne Park (Broadway)
Death of a Salesman (Broadway)
Dogfight (2econd Stage)
Gatz (Public Theater)
Hurt Village (Signature Theater Company)
Magic Trick (Fringe NYC)
My Children! My Africa! (Signature Theater Company)
Newsies (Broadway)




Once (Broadway)
One Man, Two Guvnors (Broadway)
Peter and the Starcatcher (Broadway)
The Bad and the Better (The Amoralists)
The Big Meal (Playwrights Horizons)
The Caretaker (BAM)
The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (Broadway)
These Seven Sicknesses (The Flea)
Tribes (Barrow Street Theater)
Uncle Vanya (Soho Rep)
Yosemite (Rattlestick)

Kiki Time with...Greg Engbrecht

Name: Greg Engbrecht

Hometown: San Giovanni di Polcenigo, Italia

Education: Just enough

What is a kiki?: The greener grass of gossip I will never be able to partake in.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: ResCom is an immersion into a tawdry, ludicrous, poignant, and delectable world.  We are having SO MUCH FUN...

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: Tasty.  Absurd.  Essential.

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: The Tailor and a confused rabbler.

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: Definitely the Tailor.  It's the first costume I've had where I want absolutely NO ONE to see it until I come out on stage.  Loren Shaw (costume designer) has been unbelievably kind to each and every one of us.

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: um...heh...me?  I fear I make people uncomfortable....

Sexiest?: Emily FOX-in-SOX Brown

Most likely to deceive?: Seth...he is a wilely one...

What is your signature dance move?: Backspin, WATCH OUT!

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "Filthy/Gorgeous' (You'll see...)

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: You like to have fun, don't you?....oh my god, don't you?

photo courtesy of Aaron Zebrock

Kiki Time with...Kara Kaufman and Joey Stamp

Name: Kara Kaufman

Hometown: New York City

Education: BA in Literature from Harvard University

What is a kiki?: A restorative tete-a-tete, complete with fancy drinks and salacious gossip

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: It is the party of the season! In the play itself, bawdiness and wit collide in an homage to the genre of Restoration Comedy; and social intermissions with stunning vocal performances, a bottomless punch bowl, and time to get to know the very attractive and fascinating company members keep the festive atmosphere going all the way through to the culminating dance party.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: delightful, hilarious, sexy

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: I'm the stage manager

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: I don't have a costume, much to everyone's dismay. At one point, I wore the blue and white corset and white skirt of Amanda's maids, but it was cut in the interest of practicality (the booth is up a very narrow, very twisty spiral staircase...)

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Naomi Bland. When she looks at you through those long white eyelash extensions, there's always a naughty twinkle in her eye.

Sexiest?: Eloise Eonnet. She's beautiful, French, and has the voice of an angel. Sexiness incarnate.

Most likely to deceive?: Greg Engbrecht. He's got charm for days (when he wants to), a wicked sense of humor, and a mustache.

What is your signature dance move?: The good old step-touch to keep time as I'm calling cues during dance numbers. Sometimes I get fancy and add claps or snaps.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "Night Work." Self explanatory :)

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: You'll fall in love with the play, the people, and the whole experience. Don't miss out!

* * *

Name: Joey Stamp

Hometown: Waterloo, Iowa

Education: BA in Technical Theatre from Clarke University

What is a kiki?: A kiki is a party, for calming ALL your nerves.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: Restoration Comedy is a highly energetic story about breaking through the boundaries that have been placed on love and its many varieties.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: Pure Joy-filled Bliss

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: I am the Assistant Stage Manager.

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: Sadly, I don't get a fun costume. Not yet anyways...

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Its a tie between Ivano and Jaspal.

Sexiest?: Its a tie between Ivano and Jaspal.

Most likely to deceive?: Gotta keep and eye on that Brantley ;)

What is your signature dance move?: The backstage shuffle.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "Fire with Fire"

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: Because the totally immersive experience will touch your soul and literally change who you think you are.

Kiki Time with...Eloïse Eonnet

Name: Eloïse Eonnet

Hometown: Paris, France

Education: BA in Psychology from Barnard College

What is a kiki?: A night where girls and boys alike keep their heals on till dawn, looking fabulous. And then make love.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: ResCom is a party that excites all our senses. By the end of the night, everyone in the room frees up, interacting differently than when they entered the theater. It is an enthralling theatrical experience that never ceases to surprise... and ignite.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: Liberating reckless abandon.

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: A variety of characters, including Lady Tattletongue

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: A lacy set of glow in the dark lingerie, long orange hair and a glowing antelope mask!

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Kerry "Mama" Ipema

Sexiest?: Liz Tancredi, eternally.

Most likely to deceive?: Greg Engbrecht

What is your signature dance move?: The Pirate Chest Flash.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: “Kiss You Off”.  ‘Watch me start a fire in the middle of your shade’

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: It makes you free

What more Eloise? Check out...http://eloiseeonnet.com/

photo courtesy of Aaron Zebrock

What's the best of 2012?

It's been an exciting year in theater all over NYC! Did you have a show that moved you tears? A show that brought you excitement that you couldn't stop smiling for days? Maybe even a show that inspired you to do something! I'm looking for your input! What was the best theater in NYC? Broadway, Off Broadway, Off Off Broadway, Festivals, Showcases. You name it! Leave your thoughts in the comment section!

Kiki Time with...Chase Kinney

Name: Chase Kinney

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA

Education: B.A., Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts

What is a Kiki?: Circle time with an amazing iTunes playlist

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: Most likely a theatre experience you've never seen before, but the exact reason why you came to New York.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 Words: HA. HA. HA!

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: I am a man of many faces in the Dance Ensemble

What's the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: I rock a yellow speedo... nothing else.

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Don't get caught on stage next to Greg Engbrecht

Sexiest?: Again. Don't get caught on stage next to Greg Engbrecht

Most likely to deceive?: Mr. Engbrecht is the trifecta

What is your signature dance move?: Let's just say... can't touch this.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "Paul McCartney" could be my jam!

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: This show has something for EVERYBODY! I can't tell a lie.

Want more Chase? Check out http://www.chasekinney.com/

photo courtesy of Aaron Zebrock

Kiki Time with...Brantley Brice

Name: Brantley Brice

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Education: The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and The Upright Citizens Brigade.

What is a kiki?: An event that is greater than or equal to New Years Eve at Studio 54 (whatever that was like)! Or the name of an old lady who collects pill boxes and has a lot of cats.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: Restoration Comedy is by far the ultimate theater experience with not only a raunchy, funny, highly entertaining play with a great cast-but also a party within a play where the audience becomes part of the show. 

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: Ridiculous, slutty, and comical.

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: Lory

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: Between my rip off stripper pants, and my zombie apocalyptic get-up, I can't decide.

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Naomi-that girl loved rehearsing with me for the St. James Park number.

Sexiest?: Anthony. Especially when he is wearing that white shirt and black vest. And those eyes? I mean, dayum.

Most likely to deceive?: WHITNEY.

What is your signature dance move?: Thrusting my pelvis when I rip off my pants; although I probably look a lot cooler in my head than I actually do on stage.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: “Shady Love”. Unfortunately it’s not used in the show.

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: Because it's funny, because there are a lot of good looking people, because the costumes are sick, because the music is by the Scissor Sisters, and because there's free spiked punch and food.

Kiki Time with...Kelechi Ezie

Name: Kelechi Ezie

Hometown: Buffalo NY

Education: Princeton University, BA History/Theatre & Dance

What is a kiki?: A kiki is getting together to talk shit (excuse my French).

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: Restoration Comedy is a hilarious period comedy with anacrhonistic touches, with an un-subltle and timely message about Marriage Equality that I adore

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: Shocking, Fun, Fabulous

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: I play the role of Hillaria, best friend to heroine Amanda. I also sing in the baroque pre-show, the half-time girl group, and I'm a cowgirl hairdresser in the Hoyden Country Scenes.

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: During the Act II I look like a Niki Minaj impersonator

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Probably Naomi! We are neighbors in Harlem and love to kiki on the way to and from the show

Sexiest?: Hmmm I'd love to be in a man sandwich with Brantley and Anthony… I've made it very clear to them at this point. The ball is in their court should they decide to date women lol.

Most likely to deceive?: Hmmm….I don't know. Maybe I've been fooled for too long already.

What is your signature dance move?: Beyonce Booty Bounce.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "Keep Your Shoes" is a club banger I never tire of. Just makes me want to forget what I'm doing and dance. Well that is what I do backstage in-between scenes when it comes on!

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?:Thirty young multi-talented actors, singing, dancing, voguing, and dragging. It's truly unlike anything you'll see elsewhere in New York! Plus corsets and wigs. Woot!

Want more Kelechi? Check out http://www.kelechiezie.com/

photo courtesy of Aaron Zebrock

Kiki Time with...Ivano Pulito

Name: Ivano Pulito

Hometown: New York, NY

Education: BA Romance Languages, Bowdoin College. I've found that people sometimes laugh when I tell them of my studies, but by Romance Languages I mean languages derived from latin, although I'm not too bad at the language of romance either...

What is a kiki?: A kiki is a party for calming all your nerves.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: It's all play and all party.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: Sexy, sexy, sexy

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: Old Gardener

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: My pants. They are designed for a quick removal.

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: James Fouhey - just don't give him the opportunity.

Sexiest?: This is the sexiest group of people I have ever seen, in all seriousness - everyone is so damn sexy. Here are a few highlights: Steve Stout as Foppington, it's incredibly sexy to see how much he loves himself (and his clothes); Kerry Ipema - just watch her dance; Jennifer McCormick and that maid costume; Bonnie Milligan...Bonnie Milligan. The list just carries on and on. You have to see it to understand.

Most likely to deceive?: Rosa Gilmore as Berinthia is very sneaky.

What is your signature dance move?: The old man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WodDvMy6A4

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "Let's Have a Kiki" - I'm all about parties geared towards calming all your nerves, spilling tea, and dishing just desserts until the sun comes up.

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: The reasons are almost beyond words. You have to experience it for yourself. It's more than just a play - it is a party; it's an event. The cast immerses you  in the world and you will leave with many new friends. You will never experience anything like this anywhere else. Ed Iskandar is an artistic genius who is revolutionizing theater. So, come down and enjoy our interactive evening and then tell me why everyone you know should come see Restoration Comedy.

Kiki Time with...Alex Coelho

Name: Alex Coelho

Hometown: New York City

Education: Carnegie Mellon (B.S. Mechanical Engineering), AMDA and The Barrow Group (Drama)

What is a kiki?: Besides a party for calming all your nerves?  It is a reconnection to the inner part of you which is damn proud of who he is and is not ashamed to say it.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: Restoration Comedy is a terrific homage to Plays of the Restoration period with a modern twist which incorporates the audience into the play experience and appeals to both the sentimentalist and nihilist in us.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: A wonderful party.

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: I am Toby, Sir Novelty Fashion's right hand man.

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: Shoes and a bow tie.  You could also say I wear a book.

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: Greg. I haven't actually caught him being naughty, but I have my suspicions. 

Sexiest?: Steve. He always encompasses his character shamelessly . . . in a good way.

What is your signature dance move?: The strut.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: "I Don't Feel Like Dancing".  Usually applies to me on account of my terrible dancing skills.

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: There is no other theater experience like it in the city.  It's more of a celebration than a simple play experience.

Kiki Time with...Cleo Gray

Name: Cleo Gray

Hometown: Hightstown NJ

Education: BFA in acting from Montclair State University

What is a kiki?: A little tete a tete, makes you feel rejuvenated and better about life.

Tell us about Restoration Comedy: ResCom is this beautiful crazy celebration of life and love. It blends classic restoration style and themes with the modern in a fully immersive and dynamic way. It's sex and love and beauty.

Describe Restoration Comedy in 3 words: fashion, funny, f*cking

Who do you play in Restoration Comedy?: Fistula & Lady Lightfinger (both ladies are in Foppington's posse, although in my mind they are the same person.

What’s the most outrageous costume you wear in Restoration Comedy?: I love my Lady Lightfinger costume with the green wig, white face, sky high heels and cupcake dress, but the one everyone remarks on is the black skintight catsuit. I love it plus I have these amazing grey streaks in my hair and glasses. Part dominatrix part sexy librarian.

Which cast member is the naughtiest?: They're all a little naughty in their own way, so it'd be hard to pick. I mean that's why they're in this play to begin with.

Sexiest?: Steve Stout, but I'm biased cause he's my boyfriend.

Most likely to deceive?: I think everyone is deceiving themselves a bit and it's not until all the characters and honest about what thy want and who they are that things get resolved.

What is your signature dance move?: I don't do too much dancing as much as strike a pose and throw shade.

What Scissor Sisters song would best describe you?: I don't know if it describes me , but "Fire with Fire" is my favorite.

Why should we come see Restoration Comedy?: Its unlike any other theater experience happening in new York right now. The play is beautiful and funny and the characters real even in their most outrageous moments, You're not just coming to see a show. You're going to have a total experience and it'll be different for every person, but you'll be actively a part of an evening and a community if even just for a few hours. The costumes, music, drinks and food mixed with the interaction with actors and fellow audience members creates a really unique shared experience. And honestly it's just a lot of fun. The atmosphere of the evening really gives you license to just enjoy life and your time in the building with everyone. Theater like Ed Iskandar creates really doesn't happen anywhere else right now and I think it makes for a really special experience for actors and audience members alike.

Want more Cleo? Check out http://www.cleogray.com/