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by Michael Portantiere

The Best of Times is Now -- So Rock On!

  • The Best of Times is Now -- So Rock On!

    Theater photographers were kept hopping last night (Tuesday, April 6) as two major photo ops took place a few blocks from each other in midtown: The first preview performance of the new revival of La Cage aux Folles at the Longacre was celebrated with a reception at Hurley's, just down the block from the theater; and the first anniversary of the Broadway opening of Rock of Ages was marked with a party at Tony's DiNapoli, during which one of the show's stars, Constantine Maroulis, was presented with a painting of him that will now join the restaurant's Wall of Fame. Here are my pix of these events.

    Grammer.jpg

    At Hurley's: Kelsey Grammer, beloved as TV's Frasier and now treading the boards as Georges in La Cage.

    Hodge-Weissler.jpg

    Douglas Hodge, who plays Albin, with producer Fran Weissler.

    Cox.jpg

    Veanne Cox, fresh from playing Jocasta in Blind at the Rattlestick, now assuming the very different role of Mme. Dindon in La Cage.

    De Jesus-Adams.jpg

    Robin De Jesús (Jacob) and Nick Adams (one of the fabulous Cagelles).

    Shively-Shaddow.jpg

    A.J. Shively and Elena Shaddow, who play the lovers Jean-Michel and Anne.

    Andreas-Silvestri.jpg

    The ever-beautiful Christine Andreas (Jacqueline) with her fella, Martin Silvestri.

    Maroulis.jpg

    At Tony's Di Napoli: The man of the hour, Constantine Maroulis.

    Carpinello-&-cake.jpg

    James Carpinello, who plays Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages, with the show's first anniversary cake.

    Jarvis.jpg

    Mitchell Jarvis, a.k.a. Lonny in ROA.

    Molina.jpg

    Two of the show's lovely ladies: Lauren Molina (Regina, Candi)...

    Reed.jpg

    ...and Angel Reed (Young Groupie, Ensemble).

    Ruckdashel-Woodard.jpg

    Jeremy Woodard (right), who plays multiple roles in ROA, with actor Brandon Ruckdashel, his former schoolmate at East Carolina University.

    Bleu-Maroulis.jpg

    Among the folks who stopped by to congratulate Maroulis was High School Musical alumnus Corbin Bleu, now starring on Broadway as Usnavi in In the Heights.

    Maroulis-portrait.jpg

    And here is the Maroulis portrait, by artist Dan May.


    Published on Wednesday, April 7, 2010


    Michael Portantiere has more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has interviewed theater notables for NPR.org, PLAYBILL, STAGEBILL, and OPERA NEWS, and has written notes for several cast albums. Michael is co-author of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MYLAR CURTAIN, published in 2008 by Hal Leonard/Applause. Additionally, he is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several major websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.) He can be reached at [email protected]


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