It was only a matter of time before hip-hop made its way to Broadway. Many a musical act, from the Pet Shop Boys to ABBA, have translated their records from radio to stage. Run-DMC seem poised to follow with some big name Hollywood types getting behind the concept.
They have all the makings for a hit. Run-DMC’s back catalog is filled with hits and way-ahead-of-their-time productions. Their visual style, and the dancing of their era, would translate to stage. And the personal story of the band – one was shot and killed and another found God – has the highs and lows any good drama incorporates. But is a Hollywood producer best known for her work with, um, Tom Cruise, up for the challenge? We’ll have to wait and see. Developments are in the early stages.
Chita Rivera onstage at New York City’s Birdland Jazz Club – October 13, 2009.
Saxophone giant Charlie “Bird” Parker called it the “crossroads of the world.” New York City’s famed jazz club, Birdland, was just that on Tuesday for the launch of beloved Broadway star Chita Rivera’s new album, And Now I Swing.
Note the police officer who attempts to break up the faux flight until the singing begins!
Break Out In Song is an ambitious public arts project that pushes the boundaries of live theater as it dazzles unsuspecting audiences with free, spontaneous and fully staged Broadway musical numbers. The idea came to producer Ryan Mackey as he would listen to show tunes on his iPod, wishing that he could start singing and dancing. After seeing the viral video of about 200 dancers perform a song from THE SOUND OF MUSIC in a train station in Antwerp, Belgium, he decided he wanted to do something similar in New York.
