• Home
  • About
  • Biography
  • Calendar
  • Discography
  • UNICEF
  • Photos
    • Professional
    • Candid
    • Events
    • TV
    • Bubel/Aiken Foundation
    • UNICEF
  • Videos
    • American Idol Performances
    • Bringing Broadway Home
    • Interviews
    • Montage Video Players
    • Talk Shows
    • Tours
    • UNICEF
  • Celebrity Apprentice
  • Blog Watch
  • Archive
Layout Image
Official NIP banner

Clay Aiken – Broadway Talent

By musicfan123 · Comments 10025(5)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2010%2F09%2F18%2Fclay-aiken-broadway-talent%2FClay+Aiken+-+Broadway+Talent2010-09-18+20%3A12%3A46musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D10025
Saturday, September 18th, 2010

When Clay Aiken was starring on Broadway, he had many cast mates who were stars in their own right.  It has been fun following their career choices and seeing what they are doing now.

The following are the answers to the match-up in the previous blog.  I hope you enjoyed the puzzle.

David Hibbard is a member of the 2nd National Tour of Billy Elliot.  The tour will hit North Carolina two times.  They will be in Durham from 10/30 to 11/14 and in Charlotte from 1/12 to 1/30.


Wally Dunn was in the movie, The Bounty Hunter.  He was also seen on Law and Order during the 2010 season.

Rick Holmes traveled to San Diego during the summer to portray the role of P.J. Sullivan in the new musical Robin and The Seven Hoods. The musical score is based on the music of the original “Rat Pack.”  The producers are working to get the show on Broadway.

The city of Chicago is home to Matthew Crowle. He seems to have a busy theatre career in his hometown.  Besides the varied roles he plays in the theatre productions, he teachers dance at “Dance S.P.A. in Wicker Park.  He is considered a very talented dancer and his specialty is tap.  I wonder if he will see Clay in October when he is in Chicago.  Maybe they can have lunch before Matt goes off to perform in 7 Brides For 7 Brothers.

The talented Chris Sieber will be playing the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. He will be in New Jersey at the famous Paper Mill Playhouse.  Chris is a versatile performer who seems to love playing fun characters.  He had rave reviews for his role in Shrek.

Bradley Dean has been a part of the musical, A Little Night Music since this production opened.  He was the understudy for Aaron Lazar who just left the show at the end of August. Dean took over the prominent role of Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm at that time.  Playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre, the musical is full of beautiful and melodic songs.

The funny and talented Tom Deckman will be playing the role of Bud Frump in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at the Goodspeed Opera House in Ct. The musical will be there for 2 months.  Tom performed on September 12th at a preview for the New York Musical Theatre Festival in Going Down Swingin’. I read that Tom is also featured in a commercial on TV.  Good for Tom.  I would love to see him in another role on Broadway.

Starring as Reverend Samuel Gardner, Michael Siberry will be in the play Mrs. Warrens’ Profession, a serious play by George Bernard Shaw that was written in 1893.  Mrs. Warren is a prostitute  who has a “prudish” daughter who cannot understand her mother.  There is no music in this play!

Hannah Waddingham appeared as the witch in Sondheim’s Into The Woods at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London.  The theatre is a popular summer venue and is famous for its productions of Shakespeare plays.  It is very close to the London Zoo.  Hannah will likely play the Wicked Witch of the East next year in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz. The play will be opening at the London Palladium next March.  What a great opportunity for the talented Ms. Waddingham.

I found some more information about two more cast mates this morning.

Brad Oscar participated in the New York Musical Theatre Festival Preview on September 12th.  He was featured in Such Good Friends.

Jenny Hill was in the ensemble of Spamalot and also did background vocals for On My Way Here. Jenny will be in the holiday musical, Elf. The Broadway show will run in November and December.

Comments 10025(5)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2010%2F09%2F18%2Fclay-aiken-broadway-talent%2FClay+Aiken+-+Broadway+Talent2010-09-18+20%3A12%3A46musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D10025
Categories : Clay News
Tags : A Little Night Music, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Billy Elliot, Brad Oscar, Bradley Dean, Chris Sieber, Clay Aiken, Dance SPA, David Hibbard, Decca Records, Elf the Musiscal, George Bernard Shaw, Goodspeed Opera House, Hairspray, Hannah Waddingham, How To Succeed In Business without Really Trying, Into The Woods, Jenny Hill, Law and Order, Matthew Crowle, Mrs Warrens' Profession, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Rat Pack, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Rick Holmes, Robin and The Seven Hoods, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Shrek, Spamalot, The Bounty Hunter, The wizard of Oz, Tom Deckman, Tried & True, Wally Dunn, Walter Kerr Theatre

Clay Aiken – Who Plays Who??

By musicfan123 · Comments 10024(17)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2010%2F09%2F17%2Fclay-aiken-who-plays-who%2FClay+Aiken+-++Who+Plays+Who%3F%3F2010-09-17+07%3A32%3A13musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D10024
Friday, September 17th, 2010

When Clay Aiken was starring in Spamalot at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway, it was fun to meet and follow the actors that shared the stage with Clay.  Some of the cast mates were veteran Broadway performers and some were just getting a start on the Great White Way.

During the past week, I took a bit of time each day to check what some of the Spamalot Cast are doing at this time.  BUT…to make it more interesting, lets see if you can figure out who fits each role.

Roles

  • Member of the 2nd National Tour of Billy Elliot (rehearsals started on 9/7/10)
  • Filmed the movie The Bounty Hunter starring Jennifer Aniston
  • Played P.J. Sullivan in the musical Robin and The Seven Hoods at Old Globe Theatre in San Diego  (7-30 to 8-29)
  • Starred as Cornelius Hackle in Hello Dolly in summer.  Will be in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, opening 10/14 at Drury Lane Oakbrook (Chicago).
  • Starring as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey from September 22 to October 24.
  • Playing the role of Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm in A Little Night Music at the Walter Kerr Theatre (Broadway).
  • In How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying as Bud Frump from 9-24 to 11-28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Ct.
  • Starring as Reverend Samuel Gardner in Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession at the American Airlines Theatre in New York.  Previews started on 9-3…will run until 11-21.
  • Starred as the Witch in Into The Woods at the Regent’s Open Air Theatre in London – summer 2010.

Actors

  1. Matthew Crowle – dancing nun-understudy for Tom Deckman
  2. Bradley Dean – Galahad, Black Knight (2nd run)
  3. Tom Deckman – Prince Herbert, Historian, Not Dead Fred
  4. Wally Dunn – Bedevere, Mother of Dennis
  5. David Hibbard – Patsy
  6. Rick Holmes – Lancelot, Tim, French Taunter, Knight of Ni
  7. Michael Siberry – King (2nd run)
  8. Christopher Sieber – Galahad, Black Knight
  9. Hannah Waddingham – Lady of The Lake

How did you do??  Some of the roles will be easy to figure out, but I think there are some surprises.  I tried to find information about Merle Dandridge, Jonathan Hadary, and Brad Oscar, but I was unsuccessful.  If you know what they are currently doing, let us know.

I hope you have fun with this and let us know how you successful you were in figuring this out!  Did you see Clay in Spamalot?  Maybe this video will remind you of how good he was as Sir Robin.

Comments 10024(17)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2010%2F09%2F17%2Fclay-aiken-who-plays-who%2FClay+Aiken+-++Who+Plays+Who%3F%3F2010-09-17+07%3A32%3A13musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D10024
Categories : Clay News
Tags : Brad Oscar, Bradley Dean, Chris Sieber, Clay Aiken, David Hibbard, Decca Records, Great White Way, Hannah Waddingham, Jonathan Hadary, Matthew Crowle, Merle Dandridge, Michael Siberry, Rick Holmes, Shubert Theatre, Spamalot, Tom Deckman, Tried & True, Wally Dunn

Clay Aiken – “It Was Incredible…Really Great!”

By musicfan123 · Comments 7033(14)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2009%2F11%2F14%2Fclay-aiken-it-was-incredible-really-great%2FClay+Aiken+-+%22It+Was+Incredible...Really+Great%21%222009-11-14+09%3A07%3A08musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D7033
Saturday, November 14th, 2009

On November 12th, Clay Aiken wrote a long and exciting blog on his Official Fan Club Board.  He discussed this and that including some news about his next album and even some snippets on some political thoughts.

One of the things he mentioned caught my eye.  He wrote:

“While in London last time I went, with Hannah, to see Sister Act: the Musical. I went because I thought it would be a disaster and I wanted to see how bad it would be. I was SOOO WRONG. It was incredible. REALLY great. The sets were some of the most amazing I have EVER seen on a stage and the music was SPECTACULAR. Alan Menken, who wrote Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast and MUCH more, wrote the music for this… it was SOOO good. Makes me REALLY want to do hunchback of Notre Dame (which he also wrote) on Broadway. Anyone know anyone at Disney Theatricals? Wanna pull some strings? ;-)

I thought it would be interesting to learn more about this show.

Sister Act The Musical is a new musical comedy based on the international hit movie of the same name. The show is currently at the London Palladium and opened on June 2,  2009. The show is produced by Whoopi Goldberg who starred in the Sister Act movies.

I am sure you all remember the story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who witnesses a murder. She is put in protective custody in the one place the police are sure she won’t be found – a convent!

When she turns her attention to the convent’s off-key choir, she tries to help the nuns find their true voices and breathe new life into the rundown neighborhood. This is good for the convent, but bad for Deloris as her cover could be blown for good.

Sister Act features a score by Alan Menken, who is an eight-time Oscar winner and the man behind many songs from the Disney movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted. The Sister Act musical lyrics are by Alan’s long-time collaborator, Glenn Slater.

The book is by the award-winning team, Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, whose writing credits include the classic television comedy Cheers. The production is directed by Peter Schneider.

Whoopi Goldberg is producing this musical version of Sister Act. One of the best-known performers in the world, Whoopi Goldberg’s career spans from film and television, to stage and recording, to radio host and best-selling author. She is one of the few people who has won an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, an Emmy and a Tony Award.

The Telegraph is the largest selling British “quality” paper in the United Kingdom.  Their review of Sister Act follows:

A production of Sister Act at the London Palladium proves more enjoyable on stage than on film

I caught the show at the final preview with an audience of regular punters rather than the usual first-night rent-a-mob, and the cheers and standing ovation at the end were both genuine and deserved. The book, by Cheers writers Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, is strong, funny and touching. And the disco-inspired score by Disney favourite Alan Menken, with neat lyrics by Glenn Slater, is a cracker. Frankly, what’s not to like, especially when you’ve got a chorus line of jiving nuns singing their hearts out ecstatically?

Clay Aiken seems to have great taste in his picks of musical stage productions.  Sister Act, the Musical seems to be a show that should be seen.  And, how nice that Clay got to spend some time with his good friend, Hannah Waddingham.

I have included a couple of videos that feature the cast of Sister Act, The Musical.  I hope you enjoy them.



httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHVqAgllDBQ

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTnPt2QuGQ4


Comments 7033(14)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2009%2F11%2F14%2Fclay-aiken-it-was-incredible-really-great%2FClay+Aiken+-+%22It+Was+Incredible...Really+Great%21%222009-11-14+09%3A07%3A08musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D7033
Categories : Clay News
Tags : Alan Menken, Clay Aiken, Glenn Slater, Hannah Waddingham, Sister Act The Musical, The Daily Telegraph, Whoopi Goldberg

Clay Aiken Sings The Prayer

By musicfan123 · Comments 4066(8)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2009%2F04%2F29%2Fclay-aiken-sings-the-prayer%2FClay+Aiken+Sings+The+Prayer2009-04-29+16%3A54%3A25musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D4066
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Sponsored by BroadwayCares/Equity Fights Aids, the 22nd Annual Easter Bonnet Competition was held on Tuesday, April 29, at the Minskoff Theatre.  The performance was the culmination of a 6 week fundraiser that pitted the different stage productions against each other to raise money for the charity.

Spamalot had only participated for 2 weeks, but the cast and crew worked hard by posing for pictures, giving backstage tours and auctioning off bits of costumes and stage props.  Clay Aiken spent hours leading the way and encouraging his fans to help out.

Many of the participating shows participated in the April 29th event by presenting an ornate “Easter Bonnet”, accompanied by a short skit.  Clay Aiken and Hannah Waddingham sang a serious and beautiful rendition of “The Prayer.”  But, because it was Spamalot, there had to be a twist.  Just as the audience was enjoying the beautiful song, the nun from Spamalot made an appearance…..on roller skates.  How did Clay and Hannah keep a straight face as they continued to sing?

At the end of the show, it was announced that the Broadway musical “Rent” won the top prize in the competition by raising a record $277,740.  “Spamalot” was the runner-up with a total of $264,900 raised.    The grand total for the fundraiser was $3,734,129.  This total proved that all of the Broadway community were winners that day.

The following is a video of the performance of the Spamalot cast, featuring Clay and Hannah singing The Prayer.

Click here to see video: Read More→

Comments 4066(8)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2009%2F04%2F29%2Fclay-aiken-sings-the-prayer%2FClay+Aiken+Sings+The+Prayer2009-04-29+16%3A54%3A25musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D4066
Categories : Clay News
Tags : Broadway Cares, Clay Aiken, Easter Bonnet, Hannah Waddingham, Rent, Spamalot

Clay Aiken’s Broadway Friends

By musicfan123 · Comments 3524(9)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fclay-aikens-broadway-friends%2FClay+Aiken%27s+Broadway+Friends2009-04-07+16%3A42%3A07musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D3524
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009


Sir Robin - Clay Aiken

Sir Robin - Clay Aiken

While Clay Aiken was on Broadway, starring in Spamalot, he was surrounded by many talented actors.  Since the January closing, most of those talented people have been busy working in their chosen career.  It is interesting to see what they have been up to the last few months.

Tom Deckman played multiple roles in Spamalot, but was best known for his role as the historian and Prince Herbert.

Tom’s latest project was a concert performance of “Extraordinary.”   The March 30th performance was held at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater.  “Extraordinary” is, according to the New York Times, a musical that “teaches the importance of accepting differences without being saccharine or sanctimonious.”

This performance was presented by the Theresa Foundation.  This foundation just formed the THERESA ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS. This family-centered organization will give children with special needs the opportunity to explore creative movement, drama, art and music.

David Hibbard starred as Patsy in Spamalot.  This past February, he performed in THE ROAD TO QATAR.  This production was by the York Theatre Company.  This company is the only theatre in New York City dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals.  Each year, the company presents between 30 to 40 readings and workshops.

During Clay’s first run of  Spamalot, Hannah Waddingham was the Lady of the Lake.  Today, Hannah is starring in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.  The production has been so successful that the company is moving to a larger theater and is booked until July 25th.  Hannah stars as Desiree.

Bradley Dean will always be known as the handsome Sir Galahad in Spamalot. But, at this time, he is playing the role of El Gallo in the Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks. This musical is a romantic comedy about a boy and girl who fall in and out of love because of the meddling of their fathers.  El Gallo is the narrator who creates a world of moonlight and magic until the boy and girl find their way back to one another.

Rick Holmes

Rick Holmes

Starting on April 7th, Rick Holmes will be joining the cast of Distracted.  This comedy is about parenting in the age of Ritalin and the Internet.  Distracted stars Cynthia Nixon as a contemporary American mom.  Rick will play the role of the Dad.  It is scheduled to play until May 17th.

Christopher Sieber, the original Sir Galahad, is continuing in his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, the Musical.  He is also very involved in BroadwayCares/ Equity Fights Aids.

Continuing in the role of The Lady of the Lake, Merle Dandridge is touring throughout the United States in Spamalot.

Congratulations to each of these talented people.  It is wonderful that they can continue to perform and entertain in their chosen careers.

Comments 3524(9)http%3A%2F%2Fclaynewsnetwork.com%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fclay-aikens-broadway-friends%2FClay+Aiken%27s+Broadway+Friends2009-04-07+16%3A42%3A07musicfan123http%3A%2F%2Fwww.claynewsnetwork.com%2F%3Fp%3D3524
Categories : Editorial
Tags : Bradley Dean, Chris Sieber, Clay Aiken, David Hibbard, Hannah Waddingham, Merle Dandridge, Rick Holmes, Spamalot, Tom Deckman
« Previous Page

Celebrity Apprentice: Clay’s Presentation

Chat

chatbox popout

Follow Us!

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on RSS

Search

Quote of the Day

It is not always about performance art, but about receiving positive energy from people with positive spirits. Sometimes we can see someone's spirit, and those are the people with great energy. Those are the people that get me through the day, especially on Broadway. -Clay Aiken

Subscribe To Clay Aiken News Network


Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Upcoming Events

    There are no events.
More » « Previous     Next »

CANN Radio

Clay's Websites

  • Clay Aiken Fan Club
  • Clay Aiken iLike Page
  • Clay Aiken Myspace
  • Clay Aiken on Facebook
  • Clay Aiken YouTube Channel
  • National Inclusion Project
GoodSearch
& GoodShop
YOU SEARCH OR SHOP
WE GIVE!
Search the Web now Free coupons at top stores
Raise money for National Inclusion Project - Bubel Aiken Foundation - BAF  just by searching the web and shopping online!
Search the Web now
Search the web now!
Free coupons at top stores
Free coupons at top stores!
Add GoodSearch and GoodShop to your site Add to your site

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

Visitor Map

Locations of visitors to this page
Clay Aiken News Network
Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved
iThemes Builder by iThemes
Powered by WordPress