Z2 Comics Captures the Historical PMRC Hearings with Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It

Rolling Stone full story

COURTESY OF Z2 COMICS

More than 35 years ago, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider marched into the United States Senate’s Committee on Commerce in a jean jacket and tank top to confront a band of concerned Washington housewives hellbent on silencing the howl of metal and beyond. Co-founded by Tipper Gore, a committee of politicians’ spouses labeling themselves the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) had lobbied to plaster “Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics” labels on any music that conformed to their definition of sexual, violent, or drug-endorsing. Partnering with Z2 Comics, Snider’s war to preserve the First Amendment will be immortalized in He’s Not Gonna Take It, a graphic novel charting the rocker’s passionate battle against censorship alongside writer Frank Marraffino (Marvel Zombies) and artist Steve Kurth (Avengers, X-Force). Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It will be available at retailers everywhere on November 21, 2023.

This new graphic novel will follow the impact of Dee’s battle for freedom of expression in the arts throughout his life. From a childhood where he was frequently silenced, through the early efforts to stifle his band’s music, to the open warfare of the PMRC hearings in Washington DC, and his current efforts on social media. He’s Not Gonna Take It tells the story of why free speech is so important to this man who has fought for it…even when it endangered everything that was important to him.

Z2 Comics and Dee Snider present He’s Not Gonna Take It featuring cover art by Erik Rodriguez and Josh Bernstein. Deluxe editions include retro-comic art prints from Roy Burdine, Javier Aranda, and Carlos Olivares. DEE SNIDER: He’s Not Gonna Take It will be available as a Deluxe Edition for a list price of $99.99 (includes Deluxe Edition Graphic Novel Oversized HC with Slipcase, Signed by Dee Snider, Commemorative Coin, and three Retro Dee Snider Commemorative Art Prints), hardcover for a list price of $29.99, and paperback for a list price of $24.99 (ISBN: 979-8-88656-030-5) – available at retailers everywhere on November 21, 2023. Preorder link.

About Dee Snider
Dee Snider was ranked as one of the top 100 metal vocalists of all time by the magazine Hit Parader. His 1984 album with Twisted Sister, Stay Hungry, sold 3 million copies in the United States and around 8 million copies worldwide, with lead single “We’re Not Gonna Take It” eliciting ire from the PMRC. Snider would go on to co-found the ‘90s metal band Widowmaker before writing and starring in the cult horror film Strangeland in 1998. Snider has been the host of The House of Hair radio show since 1997, curating heavy metal, glam, and hard rock primarily rooted in the ‘80s and ‘90s and syndicated over 200 markets.

About Z2 Comics
Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 Comics has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-winning Z2 Comics has produced 50-plus unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow us on Instagram (@z2comics) and Twitter/X (@z2comics).

 

• JAGGED LITTLE PILL: the MUSICAL
• Starlight Theater,  Kansas City, Missouri  
• August 1, 2023

 

 

Reviewed by J. R. Deeter

 

 

It has been nearly 30 years since Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” album was released.  30 holds a strange mental impact on most people….you dread the fact when you turn 30…you’re now old.  The Mom & Dad kind of old, not elderly, but not a young person either.

 

I remember thinking when I first heard Morissette’s Grammy award winning songs that they were the stories of someone who had been hurt, deeply, and I couldn’t quite understand how someone so young could relate to the things I was hearing.   The musical “Jagged Little Pill” has put it all into a perspective that I never thought of.   The experience can relate to anyone, of any age.

 

I liked the fact that the show’s book, connecting Morisette’s songs, was written by Diablo Cody (2020 Tony award winner) and overall, it did flow easily.  What I didn’t care for was the cliché of the family members – mom is a drug addict, dad is a workaholic, the son is a pressured overachiever and the daughter is confused sexually.  That is not to lessen the impact of the subject matter and issues address by the story, they are legit and continue to be but it just seemed too forced on the viewer.

 

Another “get off my lawn” moment for me was the choreography of the supporting cast.  Why does everyone have to always be all herky-jerky in their movements ?  The one bright, shining moment was the number “Smiling” as mother Mary Jane, (Heidi Blickenstaff) suffers through searching for her drug fix, then progressing through her day, when suddenly everything flows intricately slowly in reverse, back to the house where it started.   That segment is the highlight of the show.

 

The remaining family cast members performed admirably, but the show stealer was Jade McLeod in the roll of Jo.

 

“Jagged Little Pill: the Musical” receives a total of three out of five stars. 

 

“Jagged Little Pill” plays at Starlight through Sunday.  For tickets to see this or future shows, please click HERE. 

BrokeHorrorFan.com‘s Alex DiVincenzo & James Cilano are the guys behind the company Witter Entertainment, who has been putting out recent and upcoming movies on VHS format for us hardcore collector’s. Some of their titles are TERRIFIER 1 & 2, MANDY, PSYCHO GOREMAN and many more. The company just celebrated its 5th anniversary and has many big things planned for the rest of 2023!!! Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Alex and James to discuss their role in keeping VHS alive!

 

• RAIN – A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES
• STARLIGHT THEATER – KANSAS CITH, MISSOURI
• JULY 21, 2023

 

I was 9 years old when the Beatles broke up, almost four years after the band stopped touring so I never had the opportunity to see them perform live.  As a child of the 1960s, I was swept up in Beatlemania.  The very first record I ever bought with my own money was the “Hello Goodbye” 45 single.  I have a couple of older friends that did see the band live, one of which grew up in Liverpool and had the band play his school dance, back when the lineup included Pete Best and Stu Sutcliffe.  I’ve seen Paul McCartney live many times, and it’s always great to hear him do a Beatles song, but I always thought that was the closest I’d ever come to seeing the band on stage.  I was wrong!

 

A musical/multimedia celebration, RAIN is a two hour journey through the adventures of the Fab Four, from their appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show’ to their final roof top concert.  Each song is performed flawlessly, both musically and vocally.  The show consists of four featured mjsicians – Steve Landes on vocals/rhythm guitar, Paul Curatolo (vocals/bas), Aaron Chazza (drums) and Alastar Mcneil (vocals/lead guitar).  Landes and Curatolo also handle piano duties.  They are joined by a very talented Mark Beyer, who handles the background instruments, including piano, strings and horns.    I look at him like Billy Preston.

 

If you are wondering why I don’t list Mr. Landes as John, Mr. Curatolo as Paul, etc it’s because that is not how they are identified in the program.  I know from doing research on a Beatles themed book that the lads are very protective of everything of theirs, including their names.  Over newsreel footage from the past, familiar quotes by the lads are heard, but they are recreated comments.  The boys are even protective of their voices.

 

Each member is outstanding on their instruments, with Mr. Chazza providing a perfect backbeat.  Mr. McNeil had the licks down perfectly, but was indeed playing the “quiet” Beatle as none of Harrison’s songs were performed.  I do see that a couple of Harrison’s songs are noted In the program, so maybe the set lists change nightly.  One thing that did catch my attention was that, even though “Paul” was playing bass left handed, when he brought out the acoustic guitar to solo on “Yesterday,” he was playing right handed.  Which to me, someone who plays guitar, is an amazing feat!  I’ve never heard of an ambidextrous musician before, but Mr. Curatolo excelled on both instruments.

 

RAIN runs through July 23^rd at Starlight Theater.  For tickets to these or future shows, please click HERE.

 

RAIN receives five out of a total of five stars!   

Finding a silver lining can sometimes be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. In the case of touring Broadway musical “Legally Blonde,” currently playing at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, the vein of silver comes in the form of actress Carrie St. Louis who plays the lead, Elle Woods. A tremendous onstage talent with a powerful vocal range, St. Louis was joy to watch on opening night (July 7th). However, everything else about the production was plagued by flubs with dialogue, occasionally disjointed choreography, and an overall storyline that frequently broke away from its original core anthem of female empowerment.

 

Loosely based upon the 2001 novel of the same name by American author Amanda Brown, “Legally Blonde” was adapted for the silver screen that same year starring Reese Witherspoon, who reprised the role in 2003’s “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.” It was later adapted again in 2007 as a Broadway musical and received seven Tony nominations, although it did not win any.

 

Elle Woods (St. Louis) is a 4.0 GPA student at UCLA and a member of the Delta Nu sorority. She is giddy at the prospect of being proposed to by her longtime boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Luke Hamilton). To her great disappointment, Warner dumps her and announces he is heading to Harvard Law School. Determined in an obsessed, borderline restraining order type of way, Elle follows Warner by managing to get into Harvard Law as well. From there, Elle must traverse the challenges of being a fish-out-of-water and overcoming the stigma of being a stereotypical California blonde.

 

The whole purpose of “Legally Blonde” was to promote a sense of empowerment. To show that women can do anything they set their mind too and shatter any glass ceilings in their way. The musical, though, often diverges from this inspirational legacy crafted by Brown. One such example, punctuated by a song called “Snap and Bend” does the opposite by presenting women as sexual objects who should use their sexuality to get what they want rather than their brains. Overall, the theme of female empowerment, which is so powerful in the film version, is derailed in the musical production by so many distractions that it becomes lost in the forest.

 

“Legally Blonde” will run through July 13 at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City.  For ticket information, click HERE

 

 

• JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – 50^th Anniversary Tour
• Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO  
• June 20th, 2023

 

Review by J.R. Deeter

 

 

What’s the Buzz?   A Superstar for the 21^st Century

 

2023 marks the 50^th Anniversary of touring productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and the current version presented at Starlight Theatre is a worthy take on the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ and his final week on earth as a man.

 

The talented cast, including Jack Hopewell as Jesus and Faith Jones as Mary, were very good, but in my opinion the two best performances were delivered by Elvie Ellis in the role of Judas, who gives an animated and passionate portrayal of the quintessential betrayer, and Grant Hodges booming voice as Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest.

 

Musically, the well-known Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice score and songs flow, featuring a heavy emphasis on electric guitar over the lyrics which sometimes  made it difficult to hear the words at times, the exception being during Jones’ acceptable performance of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”  Unfortunately, Jones’ version pales in comparison with Yvonne Elliman’s emotion-packed rendition on the original soundtrack album, though to be fair,  no one ever will.

 

With a run time of just over 90 minutes, the pace is very quick as the story moves from one scene into another.  The choreography is excellent, with the ensemble cast moving fluidly about the stage with moves that gave the audience an exhaustive workout just watching.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Jesus Christ Superstar” receives four stars. 

 

 

More Than 60 Cities Will Have the Chance to See the Academy Award®-Winning Film Featuring The Broadway Sinfonietta – an All-Women Live Orchestra

Groundbreaking Soundtrack’s Incredible Fusion of Orchestra, Turntables, Scratch DJ and Electronics Performed Live

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 13, 2023 – An all-new national tour launching August 27 in Jacksonville, Florida will bring fans in more than 60 cities a whole new way to experience their favorite box office hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The Academy Award-winning film from Sony Pictures Animation will be accompanied by a live orchestra, band and turntables with a scratch DJ playing music from the score and soundtrack. Joining the tour is The Broadway Sinfonietta, an all-women and majority women-of-color orchestra. Emily Marshall will serve as the tour’s conductor. Today’s tour announcement comes on the heels of the show’s sold-out world premiere at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn this past March. Now, the concert tour will spin and weave its way through the U.S. Preview the event here.

The film’s music score was composed by Academy Award® nominee, multiple Golden Globe®-nominee and Emmy-winning composer Daniel Pemberton, known for his work on movies such as The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Oceans 8, Enola Holmes, The Bad Guys and Steve Jobs.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favorite scores I’ve ever written,” said Pemberton. “Utilizing a full orchestra, crazy electronics and unbelievable turntable scratching techniques amongst a million other things is so technically complex, I never thought we’d ever be able to actually reproduce it in a live setting; but somehow, we have. I am ridiculously excited for fans around the country to see their very first Spider-Verse concert later this year.”

The hip-hop infused film score contains original music showcasing elements of heroism, resilience and is complemented by song contributions from industry greats Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and Nicki Minaj.

Set in New York City, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseintroduces Brooklyn teen, Miles Morales, who after being bitten by a radioactive spider gains Spider-Man like powers. The film was directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, screenplay by Phil Lord and Rothman with a story by Lord based on the Marvel Comics,and produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Lord, Christopher Miller, and Christina Steinberg.It features an accomplished and diverse cast including Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacy / Spider-Gwen), Jake Johnson (Peter B. Parker), Chris Pine (Peter Parker), and Mahershala Ali (Aaron Davis / Prowler). The film received widespread praise from critics for its groundbreaking visual style, characters, story, voice acting, and soundtrack. The highly anticipated sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse made its worldwide theatrical debut on May 30 – June 2 in the US – and became a box office sensation, opening to #1 around the globe. Currently playing in theaters, the film has grossed over $390 million at the global box office.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse Live in Concert is produced by London-based promoter and production company, Senbla.   For tickets and more information about Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert please visit www.spiderverseinconcert.com. Follow on social at Facebook: @SpiderVerseMovie, Twitter: @SpiderVerse,  Instagram: @SpiderVerseMovie, TikTok: @SpiderVerseMovie

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse tour dates (subject to change):

August 26   Columbus, GA *  RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

August 27   Jacksonville, FL  Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

August 29   Clearwater, FL   Ruth Eckerd Hall

August 30   Orlando, FL   Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center

August 31   Atlanta, GA   Atlanta Symphony Hall

September 1   Charlotte, NC   Belk Theater

September 2   Nashville, TN   Tennessee Performing Arts Center

September 5   Colorado Springs, CO  Pikes Peak Center

September 10   Austin, TX   The Long Center

September 12   San Antonio, TX  Majestic Theatre

September 13   Dallas, TX   Majestic Theatre

September 15   Sugar Land, TX   Smart Financial Centre

September 16   New Orleans, LA  Mahalia Jackson Theater

September 21   Oklahoma City, OK  Civic Center Music Hall

September 22   Overland Park, KS  Yardley Hall at the Midwest Trust Center

September 23   Chicago, IL   Cadillac Palace Theatre

September 24   Detroit, MI   Fisher Theatre

September 26   Richmond, VA   Altria Theater

September 27   North Charleston, SC  North Charleston Performing Arts Center

September 28   Greensboro, NC  Tanger Center

September 29   Norfolk, VA   Chrysler Hall

September 30   Washington, DC  The National Theatre

October 1   Wallingford, CT  Toyota Oakdale Theatre

October 3   Indianapolis, IN  Clowes Memorial Hall

October 4   Madison, WI   Overture Center for the Arts

October 6   Newark, NJ   New Jersey Performing Arts Center

October 7   Boston, MA   Emerson Colonial Theatre

October 8   Hershey, PA   Hershey Theatre

October 10   Champaign, IL   State Farm Center

October 12   Rochester, NY   Auditorium Theatre

October 13   New Brunswick, NJ  State Theatre New Jersey

October 14   Providence, RI   Providence Performing Arts Center

October 20   Louisville, KY   Brown Theatre

October 21   Cleveland, OH   KeyBank State Theatre

October 22   West Lafayette, IN  Elliott Hall of Music

October 24   Philadelphia, PA  Kimmel Cultural Campus

October 29   Lincoln, NE   Lied Center for Performing Arts

November 1   Phoenix, AZ   Orpheum Theatre

November 2   San Diego, CA   San Diego Civic Theatre

November 3 & 4  Los Angeles, CA  The Hollywood Pantages Theatre

November 5   Tucson, AZ   Fox Tucson Theatre

November 7   Denver, CO   Paramount Theatre

November 10   San Francisco, CA  Golden Gate Theatre

November 11   Eugene, OR   Hult Center for the Performing Arts

November 13   San Jose, CA   San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

November 16   Boise, ID   Velma V. Morrison Center

November 17   Seattle, WA   Paramount Theatre

November 18   Bellingham, WA  Mount Baker Theatre

*Preview 

###  

About Senbla

Founded by Ollie Rosenblatt in 2011, Senbla is a London-based concert promoter and production company that operates both nationally and internationally. With an acute focus on delivering a bespoke, tailor-made approach to all our shows and artists we work with, Senbla has become known for its creative input and output. Senbla works across multiple forms of live entertainment from artist touring, one off specially produced shows, performing arts, outdoor concerts, family entertainment, sports, theatre and experiential. In July 2019, Sony Music Entertainment acquired a majority stake in Senbla.

 

• TOOTSIE – the Musical
• Starlight Theater
• Kansas City, Missouri

 

While men often played female characters in the time of Shakespeare, it didn’thappen a lot in the late 20th Century.  Then came the 1982 film “Tootsie” which is often regarded as one of the funniest films ever.   The story:  Michael Dorsey is an actor who overthinks everything, from the smallest stage direction to the back story he has created for a character.  His reputation is such that he can’t find a job.  Until one day he puts on a dress and some makeup and is hired as an actress.   The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

 

Michael Dorsey (an excellent Drew Becker) is celebrating his 40th birthday with his two closest friends, former girlfriend Sandy (Payton Reilly) and his roommate Jeff (Jared David Michael Grant).  He is also celebrating his being fired from another show.  As he works with Sandy for an upcoming audition she has, he bemoans the fact that people don’t understand his talents.  When his agent tells him that no one will hire “him” he auditions for the role Sandy was up for and gets the job.  And the fireworks begin.

 

It’s had to believe that four decades after it premiered the ordeals of women working in male dominated roles continue.  As newly cast Dorothy Michaels, Michael has to deal with the sexism that exists in pretty much every aspect of his chosen profession.  However, that doesn’t stop “Dorothy” from interjecting her ideas into the new show – a musical based on the story of Romeo and Juliet, with Juliet survivng and falling for Romeo’s brother, Craig – from updating the time period to changing the costumes.  However, where Michael’s input would be seen as meddling, “Dorothy” has the support of the show’s femiale producer and soon the show is built around her.

 

“Tootsie – the Musical” won the Tony Award for its book, and deservedly so.  The story is altered enough from the film that it seems fresh, combining the best jokes from the film with some hilarious new bits.  The songs are well constructed and move the story along.

 

The show is well cast, with Mr. Becker pulling double duty as Michael/Dorothy.  Not only does he have to speak as both characters, but he has to sing also.  He is able to make both characters come to life as if you are watching two different performers.  Comedically the standouts were Mr. Grant as Jeff and Adam Du Plessis as Ron, the show director.

“Tootise – the Musical” continues in Kansas City through Sunday, May 21.  For tickets to these performances, or future shows on the tour, please click HERE.

 

• LES MISERABLES
• Music Hall, Kansas City, Missouri
• May 2, 2023

 

It is often referred to as one of the world’s most popular musicals.  And it is, with good reason.  In 1985, “Les Misérables,” a musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, premiered.  Full of brilliant music, amazing production design and a cast for the ages, the show became a phenomenon wherever it played.  That includes the current National Tour, which opened in Kansas City this week.

 

After 19-years of hard labor, Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell) is released from prison.  His crime?  He stole a loaf of bread to feed the hungry children in his family.  Free, but on parole, he clashes with one of his guards, the strict Javert (Preston Truman Boyd).  Once released, Valjean quickly steals again, but an act of kindness leads him to change his life.  And his name.  He becomes a prosperous businessman, but soon finds he will never escape the vengeful Javert.

 

Javert (Preston Truman Boyd) confronts Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell) (photo by Johan Perrson)

 

I’ve seen the show a few times, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to review it.  And where do I start?  From a fan’s perspective, it is pretty much the perfect musical.  Not a false note – no pun intended.  The show is scaled back some from previous tours, but it is still a spectacle in every sense of the word.

 

The show is carried by the performances and amazing voices of it’s two leading men.  Both Mr. Cartell and Mr. Boyd put their own touch on roles that have been played the world over, taking the familiar and making it their own.  They successfully mix raw emotions and musical skills in two extraordinary performances.  Other stand outs include Haley Dortch as Fantine, Christine Heesun Hwang as Eponine and audience favorites Christina Rose Hall and Matt Crowle as Madame Thenardier and her crooked husband.

 

To sum it up, this production of “Les Misérables” is an amazing night at the theater, one that you will never forget.  

“Les Miserables” receives a score of 5 out of 5 stars.

 

To read my conversation with actor Preston Truman Boyd, please click HERE.

 

“Les MIserables” continues in Kansas City through Sunday, May 7th.  For informtion and tickets for this and future shows, please click HERE.  

Tim Jacobus is responsible for well over 100 pieces of art. Best known for his cover art work on the R. L. Stine Goosebumps series, Tim is responsible for creating the iconic 62 original series covers, followed by the Goosebumps series 2000, special edition books, calendars and other GBs promotional art.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Tim about the legacy of his work creating covers for the Goosebumps series, his favorite covers and how it feels to give tons of kids nightmares from just covers alone!!!

Click below to purchase official signed art by Tim: https://jacobusstudios.com/

 

• ANNIE
• Kauffman Center, Kansas City, Missouri
• April 18, 2023

The first professional musical I saw was the first National Tour which came to Kansas City in 1981.  Reid Shelton, who had originated the role of Oliver Warbucks on Broadway, was in the cast along with future Tony Award winner Gary Beach, who played Rooster.  I had played the album endlessly for years so it was an amazing opportunity to see the show live.  42-years later, the show returned to Kansas City and I made sure I was there!

If you are not aware of the show “Annie” or the song “Tomorrow,” you definitely were not around in the late 1970s.  The show took the world by storm, running for an amazing 2,377 shows and was so popular that the name of the Alvin Theater, where the show ran, was temporarily changed to the ANNIE.  For those not familiar with the show, it tells the story of Annie, an orphan in depression-era New York City who lives in an orphanage with other parentless children.  The place is overseen by Miss Hanigan, a woman who really has no reason to be raising children.  When billionaire Oliver Warbucks decides to have an orphan spend Christmas with him, Annie is chosen.  The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

Like any musical, the show is only as good as the people in it, and here “Annie” did not disappoint.  From the ragtag orphans to FDR, they did not miss a beat.  As someone that knows the score by heart, I was pleased at how the performers made the songs their own, adding an additional pause or small nuance to familiar songs, giving the show a new, but familiar, feel. 

 

Among the standouts – Christopher Swan as Warbucks, Stefanie Londino as Miss Hannigan, Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace Farrell and, of course, Ellie Pulsifer, who plays Annie with a little more street smarts then usual.  I also enjoyed the comic performance of Aidan Ziegler-Hansen, who played radio host Bert Healey. At least I hope it was Mr. Ziegler-Hansen.  On the cast board it was noted that the role of Bert Healey was being played by a different actor.  I didn’t write the name down becuase I expected a little note to be inserted in the Playbill.  Unfortunately, non-of the Playbills had one and by the time the show let out the board had been taken down.  Mr. Ziegler-Hansen is listed as the understudy for the role so that is who I’m tipping my hat too.

In 1993 I caught an early performance of the short-lived “Annie Warbucks,” a sequel to the original show, with a cast that included Donna McKechnie, the original Cassie in “A Chorus Line.”  Though well received, the show never made it to Broadway.  Oh well.  Maybe Tomorrow…it is only a day away!

I give “Annie” 5 stars out of 5.  A fun night at the theater for young and old!

 

“Annie” runs in Kansas City through April 23rd.  For tickets to this or future shows, click HERE.

“Annie” plays kc through.  buy tix here.

(NEW YORK) – You can’t keep a good show (in The Upside) Down! Once again extended, by popular demand, Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical will now run through August 13 at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s (308 W. 46th Street). To purchase tickets or for further information, visit StrangerSings.com.

In celebration of the newly announced extension, Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical has released an exclusive look into the hit show. Captured in 4K video, live on stage during a recent performance at Playhouse 46, fans can now view SLee as Barb performing her showstopping 11 o’clock number, “Barb’s Turn.” SLee’s performance is both a fan and critic’s favorite. Forbes raved “SLee as Barb is one of the standout performances. Barb, following the particularly robust ‘Barb’s Turn,’ becomes the true audience favorite.” The New Yorker writes “the frumpy best friend role [is] hammed to perfection by SLee, as the dutiful turned divalicious Barb.”

Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is the hit Off-Broadway musical that brings everyone’s favorite streaming series to hilariously-twisted life on stage. With book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Hogue, Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is a wild and irreverent send-up of the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” and all its campy ’80s glory. Take a trip back to Hawkins, Indiana, 1983: when times were simpler, hair was bigger, and unsupervised children were getting snatched by inter-dimensional creatures. Join Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Dustin, and the whole Hawkins gang for a night of adventure, thrills, pubescent angst, heavy synth, poor parenting, convoluted love triangles, cheap effects, dancing monsters, and maybe, just maybe… justice for everyone’s favorite missing ginger, Barb Holland.

“Stranger Things are indeed happening at Playhouse 46,” say Stranger Sings! creator Jonathan Hogue and director Nick Flatto. “After an overwhelming response from our fans, we extended our initial 16-week engagement through the winter. We extended again through the spring. Audiences continue to come back for more, so now, the residents of Hawkins, Indiana have decided, once again, to keep the portal open, this time until August 13! We could not be more excited to have #JusticeForBarb into the summertime and we are stoked to celebrate with the release of “Barb’s Turn,” one of the many hysterical moments the cast brings eight shows a week. We hope that fans will enjoy SLee’s belt-astic performance, and those who have yet to visit our special show will enjoy this glimpse into Stranger Sings! and then come to Playhouse 46 to experience that magic in person.”

Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical currently features Jamir Brown as Lucas, Nickolaus Colon as Hopper, Jeremiah Garcia as Dustin, Caroline Huerta as Joyce/Will, Nicolas Hermick as Mike, Kyle Mangold as Steve/Jonathan, Harley Seger as Eleven / Nancy, SLee as Barb, and swings Jean Christian Barry, Dashiell Gregory and Hannah Clarke Levine.

The creative team includes direction by Nick Flatto, choreography by Ashley Marinelli, musical supervision, arrangements & orchestrations by Michael Kaish, a scenic design by Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award nominee Walt Spangler, costume design by Matthew Solomon, lighting design by Drama Desk nominee Jamie Roderick, sound design by Germán Martínez & Cosette Pin, puppet design by Matt Anderson, and props by Brendan McCann. Alex Dash is Production Stage Manager, and Kaitlyn Merriam and Lara Sato are Assistant Stage Managers. Casting is by Zachary Spiegel, CSA; general management by Visceral Entertainment, advertising & marketing by Leanne Schanzer Promotions, digital marketing by Super Awesome Friends, and the production counsel is Feldshon Law, PLLC – Lee Adhemar G. Feldshon, Esq.

Stranger Sings! is produced by Sue Gilad, Larry Rogowsky, Nick Flatto, and Jonathan Hogue. Co-Producers include Catherine Schreiber, Bard Theatricals, Miranda Farag, Inbal & Ron Gonen, Xin Wen, and Jason Turchin / Jim Kierstead. Joseph Longthorne is an Associate Producer.

Following its world premiere at Feinstein’s/54 Below in 2018, Stranger Sings!, The Parody Musical launched a hit Off-Broadway run at The Players Theatre in Summer 2021, winning seven 2021 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards including ‘Best New Musical.’ In addition to the Off-Broadway production,Stranger Sings!, The Parody Musical recently launched all-new productions in London, within a maze of disused railway arches underneath Waterloo Station; and Australia, bringing the The Upside Down to Down Under.

The Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording of Stranger Sings!, The Parody Musical, is now available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and all major platforms.

LISTINGS INFORMATION: Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical plays through August 13, 2023 at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s (308 W. 46th Street). Tickets are $49-$99 for all performances. A limited amount of VIP Bean Bag chairs are available for $149. All prices included $1.50 facility fee. To purchase tickets or for further information, visit StrangerSings.com. Weekly performance schedules vary; see the calendar below or visit StrangerSings.com.

I have attended MEGACON nearly every year since 2010. It is literally one of the biggest fan conventions out there. They cover everything from comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, animation, gaming, & more. It is truly one of my favorite events each year. This year the show took place on Thursday March 30th and ran through Sunday April 2nd. My favorite day to go was Friday, it was busy but also not insane like Saturday usually is. This year, the wife and I even dressed up as a steampunk version of Disney’s Figment and his Dreamfinder. We ended up taking over 35 photos with other fans that stopped us along the way. It was a ton of fun. I have never dressed up for a convention before and it will not be the last time.

The highlight of the convention had to be some of the special events that took place including the Studio Ghibli VIP experience with Hirokatsu Kihara, former Chief Production Officer at Studio Ghibli, who was there to show key pieces of his collection and also to celebrate 35th anniversary this year: My Neighbor Totoro. This was a rare U.S. appearance and one not to miss. If you are a comic fan, Saturday was lit with the 25th anniversary of 300, featuring the man himself Frank Miller, doing a special panel as he discusses the ideas, art, and history that inspired the legendary comic, 300.

Friday was on fire with the following celebrity talent: Cerina Vincent (POWER RANGERS: LOST GALAXY, CABIN FEVER), Greg Sestero (THE ROOM), Sam Raimi (DIRECTOR OF EVIL DEAD AND SPIDER-MAN TRILOGIES), Anthony Michael Hall (JOHN HUGHES’ FILMS, THE DEAD ZONE), Carl Weathers (THE MANDALORIAN, ROCKY), Mercedes Varnado (THE MANDALORIAN, WWE’s SASHA BANKS), Sonequa Martin-Green (STAR TREK: DISCOVERY), COBRA KAI was represented with Ralph Macchio, William Zabka and Martin Kove and more, Henry Winkler (HAPPY DAYS), Tara Strong (TEEN TITANS GO!, MY LITTLE PONY) and Charles Martinet (VOICE OF MARIO)

Saturday brought some overwelming talent including Hayden Christensen (STAR WARS), Rosario Dawson (CLERKS II, AHSOKA), James McAvoy (X-MEN), Chevy Chase (NATIONAL LAMPOON SERIES), John Cleese (MONTY PYTHON), Zachary Levi (SHAZAM), Charlie Cox (DAREDEVIL), Steve Burns (BLUES CLUES), SCREAM cast includes Skeet Ulrich, Jamie Kennedy, Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, Mark-Paul Gosselaar (SAVED BY THE BELL), Giancarlo Esposito (THE MANDALORIAN, BREAKING BAD) and Vincent D’Onofrio (FULL METAL JACKET, DAREDEVIL)

If you were a anime fan, MEGACON, hooked you up solid with an outrageous guest list including
Christopher Sabat (DRAGON BALL Z, MY HERO ACADEMIA), Zach Aguilar (DEMON SLAYER), Aleks Le (DEMON SLAYER), Abby Trott (DEMON SLAYER), Justin Briner (MY HERO ACADEMIA) and Colleen Clinkenbeard (ONE PIECE, MY HERO ACADEMIA).

Besides just celebrities signing, there is SO MUCH MORE to the convention including a cosplay competition and endless supply of panels and workshops. There is a row of tattoo artists doing their thing as well as Artist Alley featuring Comic Legends, Pro Comic Book artists, and writers. Are you a video game fan? They have a tournament to battle it out and test your skills against other fans. If you are a D&D fan, you can roll for initiative and take part in play sessions.

Honestly, one of the best parts are MEGACON is that it is a family convention. They have activities and attractions for the whole family. I loved walking around and see groups of families all dressed up in costumes. There is so much for a family to do at a show like this. They even have an opportunity to take part in workshops & panels just for kids. Not to mention there is ten of thousands of square feet of shopping for the whole family.

The fun doesn’t end when the convention is over though, they have a ton of great after hours content to enjoy for those visiting. First up there was Karaoke with Emily Swallow (THE MANDALORIAN) kicking off things on Friday night. Also on Friday there was a special, interactive screening of THE ROOM, the best bad movie ever made with Greg Sestero, the actor who plays Mark, doing a live Q&A. That’s just the beginning with Anime After Dark featuring special Cosplay guests, amazing DJs like DJ Awesomeus Prime and DJ Kino, plus Anime, electronic, and hip-hop music all night.

Overall, I think it was a solid weekend, jam packed with tons of great content for everyone. MEGACON definitely stepped it up this year. Everything was easily down from the parking, which they handled very well to the registration, which was incredibly easy. I cannot wait till next year on February 1st through the 4th for the 2024 MEGACON convention! I will be first in line for sure!

Ro Malaga is Head of Business Development for the Tampa Bay Comic Convention as well as part of the marketing team. We got a chance to chat with him to discuss the plans for this year’s show and the already impressive guest line-up so far!

The Tampa Bay Comic Convention takes place on July 28-30, 2023 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. The first round of celebrity guest attendees include Giancarlo Esposito, Jim Cummings, Pauly Shore, Steve Downes and Jen Taylor.

Click here for the official website and to purchase tickets now while they are on-sale!

TAMPA BAY – March 17, 2023 – Tampa Bay Comic Convention (https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/) announced today its first round of celebrity guest attendees, including Giancarlo Esposito, Jim Cummings, Pauly Shore, Steve Downes and Jen Taylor for the 2023 show on July 28-30, 2023 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. 

“Our first round of celebrity guest announcements is a huge win for fans as Ginacarlo, Jim, Pauly, Steve and Jen are five of our most requested guests from our fans” said Dan Farr, Tampa Bay Comic Convention Show Producer. “This is a great start to the show in July and it’s just the tip of the iceberg as we’re pulling out all the stops to make this our biggest and most epic show ever.”

Esposito is currently starring as Moff Gideon in Disney’s Mandalorian. Over the course of his career, he also played Gus Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Mike Giardello in Homicide: LIfe on the Streets, Sidney Glass/Magic Mirror in ABC’s Once Upon a Time and Amazon Prime’s The Boys and The Boys Presents: Diabolical. He’s a three-time nominee for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.

Cummings is best known for his many voice roles on Disney movies such as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, Razoul and Farouk on Aladdin, Ed and Scar’s singing voice on The Lion King, Pete on A Goofy Movie and Chief Powhatan and the singing voice of Kekata on Pocahontas as well as the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Toons.

Shore is a comedian, actor and filmmaker who rose to fame in the 1990 through a series of comedy films, most notably in Encino Man, Son in Law,  Bio-Dome and Pauly Shore Is Dead. In addition to acting, he’s lent his voice to a number of voice roles including, A Goofy Movie and An Extremely Goofy Movie.  

Downes was a radio disc jockey (DJ) for 44 years. In 1990 he started voice acting in 1990 and in 1999 he voiced his first role in a video game when he played Gunnar in Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator. That role opened the door for him to play Master Chief in Halo: Combat Evolved and he’s voiced that role ever since.

Taylor is a voice actress best known for her role as Crotana in the Halo video games. In addition to Halo, she’s voiced characters in a number of other video games including Princess Peach, Toad and Toadette in Mario games and Salem in RWBY. She’s also a prolific narrator for audio books, narrating more than 25 audiobooks.

Tampa Bay Comic Convention will feature the best in geek and pop culture, including movies, TV shows from network TV, streaming services and other online sources, cosplay, gaming, books, comic creators, artists, vendors and many more. Attendees can meet all their favorite celebrities from fandoms such as Marvel, DC, Disney, Star Wars, 90s Sitcoms, Cartoons as well as artists, author and comic creators and attend panels where they can hear about their careers and current projects.

More celebrity guests will be announced leading up to the convention in July. To stay up to date on Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2023, visit the website, Tampa Bay Comic Convention Social Media, and subscribe to the Tampa Bay Comic Convention Newsletter for all the latest Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2023 Promotions and Guest Announcements.

For more information about Tampa Bay Comic Convention or to purchase tickets now, visit  https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/. 

ABOUT TAMPA BAY COMIC CONVENTION:

Tampa Bay Comic Convention is a comic pop culture convention located in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay Comic Convention is Tampa’s largest, true comic convention. Featured are exhibitors that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches and apparel. In addition, a roster of comic industry professionals, and comicdom-related celebrities are in attendance for attendees to meet and greet. As admission is kept reasonable for adults and FREE for children 10 and under, the Tampa Bay Comic Convention is a family-friendly convention. Find out more at: https://tampabaycomicconvention.com/.