Opening night at the Walnut Street Theatre was an absolute thrill, kicking off their 218th season in true, spooktacular fashion. I have never been disappointed by a Walnut Street Theatre production, and their run of The Addams Family: The Musical triumphantly continues that streak.
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If you know me, you know my complicated, obsessive love affair with the SAW franchise. I’ve seen every single movie multiple times. I rewatch them, analyze them, and unabashedly adore them—even though they remain the only horror movies on the planet that genuinely make me want to cover my eyes because of how stomach-churningly grotesque some of the traps and deaths are (a fact I reflected on when revisiting the original film).
Naturally, when I heard about SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw at the Walnut Street Theatre, I had to go. However, what I wasn’t prepared for was to walk out of the theater with a gigantic smile on my face, covered in stage blood, and completely blown away by this incredible show.
It is, without exaggeration, one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
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I always enjoy seeing and spending time with John Waite. He’s an incredible musician I’m happy to call a friend. Last night, at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA, he gave an electric performance that mixed hits and deep cuts from his time with The Babys, Bad English, and his solo career. I made new friends before the show and hung out with John and the band afterward. Below are videos, highlights, stories, and photos from this memorable evening.
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On July 1, I attended my 13th Barry Manilow concert. This one was in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and it was one to remember. Barry’s voice was strong and spectacular, and I got to spend quality time with friends old and new. It was a night of beautiful music and memories. Below are photos and videos from this wonderful experience.
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Last night, in Reading, Pennsylvania, I attended my 12th Barry Manilow concert. It was his final performance in this town, one I had never been to. When I bought my ticket for the show several months ago, I had no idea what I was in for, but I’m sure glad I decided to go because it was a night filled with magical moments, serendipitous opportunities, and unforgettable music.
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It has been nearly 15 years since the world received a brand-new studio album of original material from music icon Barry Manilow. The wait is finally over with the release of What A Time. After diving deep into an advance copy of the record (including the three bonus tracks), it’s clear that Barry has delivered a masterpiece that seamlessly honors his legendary pop instincts while fearlessly exploring mature, fresh sonic territories.
Anchored by brilliant production work from long-time collaborators like Michael Lloyd, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Demonte Posey, and Dave Cobb, What A Time is a powerful reminder of why Manilow remains one of the greatest showmen, musicians, and composers of our time.
Here is a track-by-track breakdown of this spectacular new release, featuring insights into the creators of this brilliant music and Barry’s own thoughts on the material.
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On May 1, the Sellersville Theater played host to an evening that was nothing short of magical. Although I have seen Melissa Manchester perform numerous times over the years, her Fifty Threads show was, without a doubt, the best concert of hers I have ever witnessed. It was a beautifully intimate performance, set in a fantastic venue packed to the rafters with adoring fans.
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I had the pleasure of heading over to the Walnut Street Theatre this past Friday to see 1776 The Musical. With the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth approaching, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate, especially while standing right in the heart of Philadelphia, just steps from where the original story took place. The production is a key part of the city’s commemorations for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the atmosphere in the theatre was truly electric.
Continue readingIt’s been nearly 15 years since we’ve had a brand-new studio album from Barry Manilow, but the wait is finally coming to an end. Barry has officially announced his latest project, What a Time, set to release on June 5, and the excitement is palpable.
The journey to this album has been in the making for a while now. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve listened to “Once Before I Go” since it was first released—it’s easily been hundreds of times. That song set a high bar, but waking up this morning to the new single, “Sun Shine,” was the perfect surprise.
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There are few names in rock history as synonymous with the “power ballad” and anthemic songwriting as Jonathan Cain. As a long-standing member of Journey and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Cain has provided the soundtrack to our lives for decades. But while many know him for the soaring synths of “Separate Ways” or the timeless piano of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” his solo work has been quietly building a legacy of its own.
On February 27, Cain added another chapter to that story with the release of his new EP, Only A Prayer Away, available now through The Fuel Music.
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