Moritz, Broadway aid Orlando
Some of Broadway’s biggest stars have united in song to support for the victims of the June 12 tragedy at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in which a gunman killed 49 people.
Broadway for Orlando, a group of all-stars of the New York stage, recorded Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now,” and all proceeds from its sale will benefit the GLBT Center of Central Florida.
The single was recorded and produced last week in New York by Michael J. Moritz Jr., a Mahoning Valley native. It can be downloaded at BroadwayRecords.com.
Moritz was a key part of the Valley’s theater scene as a music director (he has a recording studio in Boardman) before he moved to New York several years ago. He has since become part of the Broadway world as a show producer (“Beautiful – the Carole King Musical,” “Big Fish”) and a record producer.
The Broadway effort to raise money for Orlando was spearheaded by Broadway Records President Van Dean, musical director/media personality Seth Rudetsky, and producer James Wesley.
In a statement, Rudetsky said they had no trouble getting actors and musicians to donate their time and talent to making the recording.
The long list of singers includes Sara Bareilles, Kristen Bell, Wayne Brady, Matthew Broderick, Fran Drescher, Gloria Estefan, Whoopi Goldberg, Joel Grey, Carole King, Nathan Lane, Jennifer Lewis, Audra McDonald, Idina Menzel, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rosie O’Donnell, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Perez, Bernadette Peters, Billy Porter, Alice Ripley, Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune.
Rudestsky, accompanying on piano, conducted the 22-piece orchestra.
ACTOR FROM CANFIELD WILL APPEAR IN ‘FENCES’
Christopher Mele of Canfield has got a few new roles in the works.
The 55-year-old actor got into the film acting about eight years ago, and has amassed quite a few minor roles in major movies, including “Draft Day,” the 2014 drama starring Kevin Costner.
Up next for Mele is the film “Marshall,” about the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
It is being shot this month in Buffalo, N.Y.
Mele plays a judge in the film.
“Marshall” stars Chadwick Boseman (“42”) and Josh Gad (“Frozen,” “Angry Birds”).
Other recent film work by Mele includes “Fences,” starring Denzel Washington, who also directed and produced. “Fences,” which was shot in Pittsburgh, is an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning play, in which Washington also starred.
Mele also will appear in “Madtown,” which was shot in California and stars Milo Ventimiglia.
He also was seen in a short-lived Samsung TV commercial starring Lebron James. Mele was a construction worker in the ad, which aired around Christmas time.
Meanwhile, Mele is hoping to get back on the WGN America TV series “The Outsiders.” He appeared in season one as a store manager.
BALLET WESTERN RESERVE WILL SWITCH IT UP THIS YEAR
For the first time in a while, Ballet Western Reserve will not do “The Nutcracker” as its annual holiday performance.
Instead, it will present “The Wizard of Oz.”
The reason for the switch is because Moscow Ballet’s annual tour will bring it back to Powers Auditorium this year, where it will present its “Great Russian Nutcracker” on Nov. 26.
Tickets for the Moscow Ballet are on sale now at the DeYor Performing Arts Center box office, online at youngstownsymphony.com and by phone at 330-744-0264.
ANGIE DENICHOLAS RELEASES ALBUM WITH CEDARS SHOW
Youngstown-based singer-songwriter Angie DeNicholas will release her new EP, “Gracious Hum,” this week, with a show at Cedars West End, 706 Steel St.
Also performing will be Bernadette and Third Class (solo).
DeNicholas has been performing in the area for 10 years, and is backed by a full band on her new release. The five songs are moody and deep, and showcase her evocative vocal style, as well as her obvious skill as a song writer and arranger.
After the Cedars West End show, DeNicholas will head west for a handful of shows in Fort Wayne, Ind.; Chicago and Charleston, Ill.,; Nashville, Tenn.; and Columbus.
JOHNSON’S SONG TIPS HAT TO LEBRON AND THE CAVS
Always ready to offer his take on current events, Gregory Johnson of Youngstown’s Total Package Band has posted his latest song, “Yeah I’m Ballin’ Like Lebron,” on YouTube. The song celebrates the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA championship.
Johnson, who is also a DJ and show promoter, has rushed out funky R&B takes on political and other stories in the past.