(above) The 2008 Cast with Guest Star Jane Summerhays
Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic of 2010
 click image above for full flyer with details | Back by popular demand (really!), Mark York Productions and the Ziegfeld Society will be re-staging their stunningly successful Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic at the Gotham Comedy Club. |
The HIT musical revue returns to the stage at Gotham Comedy Club on the Main Stage April 18 - May 3. Celebrating the magnificence of Broadway, this fast-paced evening, a collection of popular Ziegfeld hits, represents the diversity, wit, and extravagance of Ziegfeld’s original roof-top Frolic productions. Guest stars include Anita Gillette, Jane Summerhays and Sarah Rice!.
See below for information and reviews about this "non-stop delight" of a show during its last run in 2008!
Dates:
Sunday Matinees 3pm and Monday Eves 7pm
April 18-19
April 25-26
May 2-3
The Main Stage @ the Broadway Comedy Club
318 West 53rd St (btw 8th & 9th Ave)
Tickets: $25 Cover + 2 drink min. - food available
For reservations call 212-362-7233 or e-mail ziegfeldsociety@aol.com
or tix now available online @ brownpapertickets.com
Reviews of Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2008
@ Dillon’s Reprise Room
"A non-stop delight, first-rate on every level. These classic songs have lasted so many decades because they are so damned good, and while I wasn't around to see them in their original settings, it is hard to imagine them better realized. With the exception of Candide and possibly South Pacific, this is the best score currently on display in New York."-Roy Sander, critic & columnist
"Director Mark York and Choreographer David Auxier ... have done a handsome job mounting the show ... Even if you’re not a musical theater history buff, this is a show to see." - Peter Leavy, Cabaret Scenes
CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL REVIEW IN CABARET SCENES!
Rob Lester of TheatreScene.net calls it a "delightful production – a real banquet of song and the banquet has a really pleasing dessert. Yes, good things come to those who wait, as they pull out all the stops for the finale when the ladies come out one by one in the fanciest of costumes and those feathered headdresses we have all been waiting for. A pretty girl IS like a melody, and the melodies are very pretty ..."
With spectacular costumes by George Halley, make-up and hair designs by Margret Fiedler, musical direction by Aaron Gandy, and elegant, creative choreography by David Auxier, this evening is a ‘value-for-money’ experience not to be missed!
Performers include (see bios below): Richard Barclay, Scott Gofta, Merrill Grant, Chris-Ian Sanchez, Jeffrey Stevens, Chris White, Kristin Marie, Erica Hartono, Suzanne Scott (Producer), Jamie Buxton, with Mark York(Executive Producer) at the piano.
Featured Performers
Anita Gillette - (Guest Star) studied at the Peabody Conservatory and came to Broadway when she was still a teen, making her debut in GYPSY. She went on to star in CHAPTER TWO, garnering a Tony nomination and L.A Drama Critics Award, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, JIMMY, CABARET, DON'T DRINK THE WATER, KELLY, MR. PRESIDENT, ALL AMERICAN, THE GAY LIFE, CARNIVAL, GYPSY, POCAHANTAS (London's West End) and SWEET BIRD OF YOUTHat the Royal Alex in Toronto with Joanne Woodward. Her Off Broadway, regional theatre and stock credits include hundreds of musicals, Chekhov and Shakespeare.
Movie audiences remember her best as Mona in MOONSTRUCK. She was Jennifer Anniston's mother in SHE'S THE ONE, Mary Louise Parker's mother in BOYS ON THE SIDE, Bll Murray's mother in LARGER THAN LIFE, Jack Black's mother in BOB Roberts, and the mother of Bobby Cannavale's love interest in THE GURU. On television, she played Quincy's bride, John Goodman's mother in NORMAL OHIO, David Chase's ALMOST GROWN, and the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, THE SUMMER OF BEN TYLER with James Woods, and A CHRISTMAS MEMORY with Patty Duke. She appeared on many game shows, musical specials and was a regular on THE TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson.
David Auxier- (Choreographer) David has been making up dances since he was just a little “dance boy” at Patti Herzog’s Dance Studio in Omaha, NE. He continued his dance training at Oklahoma City University where he was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company. Along with countless benefits and revues, he has been choreographer for productions of South Pacific, Hello, Dolly!, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anything Goes and Mark York’s The Porker Sisters. Most recently he choreographed the all new production of Ruddigore at City Center for the NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP). As A performer, David did a run at City Center with NYGASP as the Sergeant in Pirates of Penzance (a role he's also done at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, on tour with the all over NC & GA, in concert in Brooklyn, and even in Sydney, Australia in their National Tour) and has been performing in I've Got a Little Twist, the NYGASP cabaret which he directed, wrote and won a special 2010 Bistro Award. He is also a MAC-nominated songwriter. David is looking forward to being back performing in New York in ...Twist this summer (dates TBA). Click here for more info on I've Got a Little Twist!
Richard Barclay- (Performer) singer, actor, film producer – Richard’s career has embraced everything from performing in night clubs with Mitzi Gaynor and Lisa Kirk to a successful run on Broadway in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Tryingopposite Rudy Vallee and Michelle Lee, which was preceded by playing Paul Berthalet in Carnival,Albert Peterson in Bye, Bye Birdieopposite Chita Rivera and Brenda Lee, Tony in West Side Storyand Billy Early in No, No, Nannetteopposite Nanette Fabray. He was featured on the CBS-TV Series, CPW opposite Raquel Welch and Gerald McRaney in the recurring role of the CEO. Richard has recently returned to the stage with his cabaret act to the delight of the public and the critics. He is the proud recipient of the Academy Award for his film:"Norman Rockwell's World...An American Dream“ and three Emmys for the television special: "The American Woman..Portraits of Courage" hosted by Patricia Neal.
Scott Gofta- (Performer) is thrilled once again to be a part of Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic with this great cast! Most recently he performed at the Library of Congress in a revival of Harold Arlen's Broadway score Life Begins at 8:40, which will be recorded and released in July 2010 on PS Classics. Other concerts include: Oh What A Night! A Tribute to the Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Get Happy - Harold Arlen Centennial starring Montego Glover and Christine Ebersole (Chicago Symphony Hall), 'Swonderful starring Audra McDonald (Warner Theatre - Washington DC), The Johnny Rodgers Band (Birdland, The Jazz Standard). Recordings: Fine and Dandy, Through the Years (both original cast recordings on PS Classics) and The Musicality of Vincent Youmans (Jay Records). Recent NYC appearances include Sherlock Holmes: The Early Years, Fine And Dandy (Casey Nicholaw, dir.) and Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic, in which he sang the songs of Eddie Cantor. Regional credits: How to Succeed... (Finch), Joseph...Dreamcoat (Benjamin), Cabaret (Emcee), Once Upon a Mattress (Minstrel), Mousetrap (Christopher Wren), Baby (Danny), Gypsy (Tulsa), Phantom, Secret Garden. BFA Graduate, Tarkio College, Missouri.
Chris-Ian Sanchez - (Performer) Awaiting Bio.
Jeffrey Stevens- (Performer) Awaiting Bio.
Chris White - (Performer) is delighted to be part of this joyful production! He received his BFA in musical theater at Webster Conservatory in St. Louis. He was recently a featured soloist in "The Best of Lerner & Loewe" at Carnegie Hall, presented by the NY Pops and The Clurman Singers. Chris is a new company member with New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, and had the honor of performing their latest productions of The Mikado and Ruddigore at City Center. Regional credits include everything from Sondheim to Shakespeare; among his favorites are Putting It Together (Booth Playhouse), The Music Man, The Odd Couple (both at The Fireside Theater), and Love's Labour's Lost (Milwaukee Shakespeare). Chris thanks David and Mark for this great opportunity, the cast for helping him have fun, and Jesus for being the balance of his life.
Kristen Marie - (Performer) is honored to be involved with “Frolic” and The Ziegfeld Society! She has recently been seen touring as Nellie Cohan in George M! and as the Rosie cover in Bye Bye Birdie. Favorite Regional credits include: Lucille in No, No Nanette and Donna in Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding. Kristen was a USO Liberty Bell in 2008 which inspired her to help start her own music group called, The Manhattan Dolls, which is beginning to take off! www.themanhattandolls.com . She also spent many years on the high seas as a featured lead singer/dancer on Holland America Line. Kristen would like to thank Mark York for this wonderful opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show! www.kristenmarie.net
Chris-Ian Sanchez- (Performer) is excited to be a part of this fantastic production! He recently finished a run of Miss Saigonas Thuy at Virginia Music Theatre. Other credits include Passin’ It On with the Len Cariou at Coconut Playhouse, Thoroughly Modern Mille (Ching Ho), Aida (Mereb), Grease!(Roger), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Judah) and Annie Get You Gun(Tommy Keeler) at Surflight Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar(James, the Elder) at K.C. Starlight and of course performing most of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire with the reputable New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center. Mr. Sanchez has also performed as soloist/ensemble in Broadway Backwards! benefiting the Gay Men’s Community Center at the American Airlines Theatre. He is a graduate of the Mannes School of Music with a Master’s in Vocal Performance.
Suzanne Scott - (Producer-Performer) Regional credits include: Mame (Mame), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Fiddler on the Roof(Tzeitel), Godspell (Robin), Mack & Mabel(Lottie), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum(Phyllia), & many others. Most recently Suzanne played Everybody #4 in the August reading of Mark York's The Porker Sistersand was featured in the title role in a reading of another Mark York musical Apple Anniewith lyrics and libretto by Don Loftus. This past spring, she appeared in George White’s Scandals with Helen Gallagher, Julie Wilson, Penny Fuller and Joel Higgins. After a nearly 15-year hiatus from show business, Suzanne is thankful for the opportunity to get her ‘chops’ back.
Production Staff
Celebrating the magnificence of Broadway, this fast-paced evening, a collection of popular Ziegfeld hits, represents the diversity, wit and extravagance of Ziegfeld's original roof-top Frolic productions. Guest starts include Anita Gillette, Jane Summerhays and Sarah Rice. Kristen Marie - (Performer) is honored to be involved with “Frolic” and The Ziegfeld Society! She has recently been seen touring as Nellie Cohan in George M! and as the Rosie cover in Bye Bye Birdie. Favorite Regional credits include: Lucille in No, No Nanette and Donna in Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding. Kristen was a USO Liberty Bell in 2008 which inspired her to help start her own music group called, The Manhattan Dolls, which is beginning to take off! www.themanhattandolls.com . She also spent many years on the high seas as a featured lead singer/dancer on Holland America Line. Kristen would like to thank Mark York for this wonderful opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show! www.kristenmarie.net
Chris-Ian Sanchez- (Performer) is excited to be a part of this fantastic production! He recently finished a run of Miss Saigonas Thuy at Virginia Music Theatre. Other credits include Passin’ It On with the Len Cariou at Coconut Playhouse, Thoroughly Modern Mille (Ching Ho), Aida (Mereb), Grease!(Roger), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Judah) and Annie Get You Gun(Tommy Keeler) at Surflight Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar(James, the Elder) at K.C. Starlight and of course performing most of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire with the reputable New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players at City Center. Mr. Sanchez has also performed as soloist/ensemble in Broadway Backwards! benefiting the Gay Men’s Community Center at the American Airlines Theatre. He is a graduate of the Mannes School of Music with a Master’s in Vocal Performance.
Suzanne Scott - (Producer-Performer) Regional credits include: Mame (Mame), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Fiddler on the Roof(Tzeitel), Godspell (Robin), Mack & Mabel(Lottie), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum(Phyllia), & many others. Most recently Suzanne played Everybody #4 in the August reading of Mark York's The Porker Sistersand was featured in the title role in a reading of another Mark York musical Apple Anniewith lyrics and libretto by Don Loftus. This past spring, she appeared in George White’s Scandals with Helen Gallagher, Julie Wilson, Penny Fuller and Joel Higgins. After a nearly 15-year hiatus from show business, Suzanne is thankful for the opportunity to get her ‘chops’ back.
Midnight Frolic Showgirls
Merrill Grant- (Showgirl) debuted this month at Avery Fisher Hall as a soloist with the Little Orchestra Society. Previous roles include Louisa (The Fantastiks), Maria, (West Side Story), Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Yum-Yum (Mikado), Maggie (A Chorus Line), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Chava (Fiddler On The Roof), Despina (Cosi Fan Tutte), and Anne Marie in Disney Dreams. She originated the role of Donna in The Brain from Planet X in L.A. and repeated the role at the 2007 New York Musical Theatre Festival. She also originated the lead role of Tabitha in the new musical Slammer. She is thrilled to be performing songs and dances from this glamorous era she grew up adoring!
Jamie Buxton - (Showgirl) is excited to be a part of the Frolic! Tours: A Chorus Line (Val), Hair, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Mrs. Claus u/s). Regional: 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie), Gypsy (June), Hairspray (NSMT), Tommy (Sally Simpson). Jamie played the female lead in the film Rainbow Around the Sun and also performed in the live stage version with the New York Music Theatre Festival. Native Oklahoman; UCO graduate. Jamie resides in Brooklyn with her husband Nathan. www.jamiebuxton.net !
Jamie Buxton - (Showgirl) is excited to be a part of the Frolic! Tours: A Chorus Line (Val), Hair, Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Mrs. Claus u/s). Regional: 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie), Gypsy (June), Hairspray (NSMT), Tommy (Sally Simpson). Jamie played the female lead in the film Rainbow Around the Sun and also performed in the live stage version with the New York Music Theatre Festival. Native Oklahoman; UCO graduate. Jamie resides in Brooklyn with her husband Nathan. www.jamiebuxton.net !
Erica Hartono- (Showgirl) Erica is so excited to join the Midnight Frolic cast! Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Erica has performed with and choreographed for the Oakland Ballet, Peninsula Ballet Theater, San Francisco Ballet, Dance Through Time, Run For Your Life! and Woodminster Theater. In 2000 she co-founded the contemporary dance company COUNTERPOINTe which fosters collaboration on new works between local professional SF Bay Area choreographers, composers and dancers. National tours, regional theater and cabaret credits since her move to New York City include the 40th Anniversary Tour of Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Wonderful Town (1st National), CATS (Rumpleteaser), On The Town, Music Man, Gigi, Anthony Santelmos Jr. Sings Wintersongs, Brandon Cutrell and Cohorts, 30 is the New 20 and Awkward Moments. Erica received her early training at The San Francisco Ballet School, Berkeley Ballet Theater and Ballet Arts while spending summers at the schools of Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Richmond Ballet. She graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in ballet. Erica is and has been on the faculty of The Harkness Dance Center (NY), CAP 21 (NY), Tisch High School Program (NY), The Sandra Cameron Dance Center (NY), Berkeley Ballet Theater (CA), The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (CA), Ballet Arts (CA), Art of Dance (NJ) and Balletschulle Gassman (Germany).
Erica is forever grateful for her supportive family, loving husband and beautiful son, Orion.
Production Staff
Mark York - (Producer-Director-Pianist-Composer) is the Executive Producer for The Ziegfeld Club, the Music Coordinator for Jerry Herman and was the Musical Director for The Cy Coleman Estate from 1999-2006. Most recently, He produced/directed Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic of 2007 to a SRO audience. This production gave birth to tonight’s production. Also in 2007, Mark was the Arranger/Pianist for the sold out run of The Day Before Spring at the York Theatre (also featured as an Secondary Lead) and in 2006, Busker Alley Benefit Gala Concert for The York Theatre starring Jim Dale and Glenn Close. He will be Arranger/Supervisor when Busker Alley comes to Broadway in 2008. Summer 2008, Mark’s musical Alice In Wonderland will tour through Europe. He musically directed the George White Scandals for The Bandwagon Theatre Co. this past April starring Helen Gallagher, Penny Fuller, Jane Summerhays, Julie Wilson, Sarah Rice, Meg Bussert, Joel Higgins, Martin Vidnovic & Arlene Dahl. Mr. Auxier & Ms. Scott were featured in this star studded benefit. He is currently working on Apple Annie, a musical version of Lady For A Day with lyricist/librettist Don Loftus. The World Premier of his newest musical, Galveston! The Musical opened July 2003 and also starred in Jerry Herman On Broadway, at The Strand Theatre 2002. Mark started playing the piano in his father's church in Oklahoma at age 9. At age 23, he formed his own children’s musical theatre company, York Productions, producing over 50 shows in 6 years, one of his favorites being a six year series of Ziegfeld style revues called York’s Broadway Jubilee, featuring over 60 children. Mark has composed numerous musicals including Rest In Peace direct/choreographed by Baayork Lee, A Midsummer Night, The Porker Sisters and The Odd Ducklings and 11 children's musicals. His Broadway/New York/London credits include: Busker Alley (coming 2008), Sweet Charity 2005 Revival, In The Pocket by Cy Coleman, Cy's Pamela's First Musical starring Michele Lee & Tony Roberts, Jerry Herman’s Mack & Mabel In Concert starring Leslie Uggams, Donna McKechnie and Jerry Orbach, Jerry Herman At The Hollywood Bowl starring Carol Channing, Bea Authur and Rita Moreno, Cy Coleman at the New York Pops, Kenny Rogers: Christmas From The Heart, Broadway, Mack And Mabel, London West End (Music Coordinator).
Margret Fiedler- (Makeup & Hair) has been a makeup artist for 30 years. She started her career as a ballet dancer where she got her first training in applying makeup. In 1978 she was became a full time makeup artist going into print work, movies and stage where she did an off Broadway Production called World War Won or Thats the Wrong Way to Tickle Mary. In the 80's she worked with LifeTime television for 4 years and then finally settling into a long and wonderful career as a makeup artist with CNN Television. She is a member of The Ziegfeld Club.
George Halley- (Costumes) a winner of the 1968 Coty Award, is a designer in the grand manner. Yet he come from the kind of background one would judge least likely to produce a great couturier – a farm in Alliance, Ohio. And his arrival in New York was very much in the farm boy/big city tradition: he hitchhiked to get here. He was a display assistant at Lord & Taylor, then an associate of the Master Builder, Charles James, as well as with Samuel Winston, Jo Copeland and Jane Derby. It's been a long apprenticeship, but once installed in his own business, Mr. Halley was off like a rocket. (“Enormous talent,” “A magnificent collection” are among the quieter pronouncements on his clothes.) “Everything he makes is simply refreshingly beautiful. His fabrics are superb, as are his shapes, his details, his accessorizing.” “I like to see women dressed beautifully,” he says. “When they are, it’s often because they’re wearing a Halley.”
Aaron Gandy - (Musical Director) Broadway credits include Disney’s The Lion King, Urinetown, and Dora the Explorer Live! at Radio City Music Hall. He has concertized with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Chicago Humanities Festival, 42nd Street Moon, Cami Hall, San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon, The Museum of Television and Radio, Symphony Space, Tribeca Performing Arts Center and solo appearances with Davis Gaines, Leslie Uggams, Jerry Hadley, Patti LuPone, Lainie Kazan and Bette Midler. He has conducted three recordings for PS Classics, and the upcoming Busker Alley (with Mark York on piano) for Jay Records. A native of North Florida, Mr. Gandy is a graduate of Florida State University’s School of Music.
Collette Black- (Lighting & Sound) has received numerous awards and citations for excellence in various fields of cabaret including The Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC), The Nightlife Award, Backstage Bistro Award, Cabaret Hotline, and Time Out New York. Her Off-Broadway directing credits include Take It Easy at The Judith Anderson Theatre, What in the World?: The Newsical Revue at The John Houseman Theatre, and Our Life & Times at Caroline's on Broadway. Other favorite directing credits include What's The Point? by Hector Coris and Alan Cancellino and Eadie Scott¹s Wished on the Moon: A Tribute to Dorothy Parker. Collette produced the 20th anniversary production of Eve Merriam's The Club and co-produced All the News Un-fit to Print at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. Collette serves as cabaret class instructor at the 92nd Street Y and is a technical director at Don't Tell Mama and The Reprise Room.
Margret Fiedler- (Makeup & Hair) has been a makeup artist for 30 years. She started her career as a ballet dancer where she got her first training in applying makeup. In 1978 she was became a full time makeup artist going into print work, movies and stage where she did an off Broadway Production called World War Won or Thats the Wrong Way to Tickle Mary. In the 80's she worked with LifeTime television for 4 years and then finally settling into a long and wonderful career as a makeup artist with CNN Television. She is a member of The Ziegfeld Club.
George Halley- (Costumes) a winner of the 1968 Coty Award, is a designer in the grand manner. Yet he come from the kind of background one would judge least likely to produce a great couturier – a farm in Alliance, Ohio. And his arrival in New York was very much in the farm boy/big city tradition: he hitchhiked to get here. He was a display assistant at Lord & Taylor, then an associate of the Master Builder, Charles James, as well as with Samuel Winston, Jo Copeland and Jane Derby. It's been a long apprenticeship, but once installed in his own business, Mr. Halley was off like a rocket. (“Enormous talent,” “A magnificent collection” are among the quieter pronouncements on his clothes.) “Everything he makes is simply refreshingly beautiful. His fabrics are superb, as are his shapes, his details, his accessorizing.” “I like to see women dressed beautifully,” he says. “When they are, it’s often because they’re wearing a Halley.”
Aaron Gandy - (Musical Director) Broadway credits include Disney’s The Lion King, Urinetown, and Dora the Explorer Live! at Radio City Music Hall. He has concertized with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Chicago Humanities Festival, 42nd Street Moon, Cami Hall, San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon, The Museum of Television and Radio, Symphony Space, Tribeca Performing Arts Center and solo appearances with Davis Gaines, Leslie Uggams, Jerry Hadley, Patti LuPone, Lainie Kazan and Bette Midler. He has conducted three recordings for PS Classics, and the upcoming Busker Alley (with Mark York on piano) for Jay Records. A native of North Florida, Mr. Gandy is a graduate of Florida State University’s School of Music.
Collette Black- (Lighting & Sound) has received numerous awards and citations for excellence in various fields of cabaret including The Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC), The Nightlife Award, Backstage Bistro Award, Cabaret Hotline, and Time Out New York. Her Off-Broadway directing credits include Take It Easy at The Judith Anderson Theatre, What in the World?: The Newsical Revue at The John Houseman Theatre, and Our Life & Times at Caroline's on Broadway. Other favorite directing credits include What's The Point? by Hector Coris and Alan Cancellino and Eadie Scott¹s Wished on the Moon: A Tribute to Dorothy Parker. Collette produced the 20th anniversary production of Eve Merriam's The Club and co-produced All the News Un-fit to Print at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. Collette serves as cabaret class instructor at the 92nd Street Y and is a technical director at Don't Tell Mama and The Reprise Room.