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by Michael Portantiere

Broadway al Fresco

  • BROADWAY AL FRESCO

    The 16th annual Broadway on Broadway concert was held smack dab in the middle of Times Square on Sunday, September 16, with performers from 20 main stem musicals performing numbers from their shows. Tens of thousands of fans gathered to enjoy the festivities, and some of them went so far as to dress as their favorite Broadway character in order to gain access to a VIP viewing area. What they did for love, indeed!

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Chang chang, chang-itty-chang she-bop! Here are Laura Osnes (left) and Max Crumm (right), chosen by America for the roles of Sandy and Danny in Grease, with Ryan Haddad from Cleveland, who won the title of "Broadway's Biggest Fan" in an online contest.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    The concert was hosted by former 'N Sync heartthrob Lance Bass, who is currently appearing on Broadway as Corny Collins in the long-running hit Hairspray.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Lea Salonga, who created the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, is now playing Fantine in Les Misérables.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Carolee Carmello, the current star of Mamma Mia!, posed with fellow cast member Frankie James Grande, who won the title "Mr. Broadway" in a beauty/talent pageant held earlier this year.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Here are Ashley Brown (left) and Gavin Lee (right), a.k.a. Mary and Bert in Mary Poppins, with Janelle Robinson, who's featured in the "Super-cali-fragi-listic-expi-ali-docious" number.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Julia Murney gave a powerhouse performance of "The Wizard and I" from the smash hit Wicked.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Avenue Q's Howie Michael Smith made the scene with his pal Rod, who was very miffed that he didn't win the title of "Broadway's Biggest Fan."

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Looking cuter than ever, here are Andy Karl and Orfeh, a couple both onstage (in Legally Blonde) and off.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Tamyra Gray warmed up a somewhat chilly morning/afternoon with her hot-hot-hot rendition of "Out Tonight" from Rent.

    Photo by Michael Portantiere

    This parting shot is of Jeffrey Schecter, a.k.a. Mike in A Chorus Line, who showed the audience that he ain't kidding when he boasts, "I Can Do That."


    Published on Monday, September 17, 2007


    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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