Broadway's Brightest Join Cast of Funny Girl Benefit

ReVision Announces Broadway Cast for Benefit Performance of

Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in

Funny Girl

at the Paramount Theatre on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park

Asbury Park, New Jersey – ReVision Theatre announces star studded cast for benefit performance of Funny Girl starring Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand with very special guest Lainie Kazan. The one night only event will be at the Paramount Theatre on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park on Saturday, July 11th, at 8 pm. The show will be directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher and music directed by John Fischer. Tickets are available online now at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling 732-455-3059. Premium Seats are still available and tickets are priced at $100, $50, and $25.

For the first time in history, Fanny Brice will be played by a male, a complete “revision” of Funny Girl. Steven Brinberg is the premier Barbra Streisand Impressionist, having performed his show, Simply Barbra, both on stage & screen. Steven accurately portrays Streisand physically and vocally. Joining Mr. Brinberg on stage will be Grant Norman (Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast) as Nicky Arnstein, Loni Ackerman (Evita, Cats) as Mrs. Brice, Nicola Blackman (West End’s Mutiny!, Destry Rides Again) as Mrs. Strakosh, Ivy Austin as Mrs. Meeker, Laura Jordan (Cry-Baby) as Mrs. O’Malley, Claybourne Elder (Road Show) as Eddie Ryan, Harvey Evans (Sunset Boulevard, Oklahoma) as Florenz Ziegfeld, Gene Castle (Original Broadway Productions of Gypsy and George M) as Mr. Keeney, and Bill Coyne as the Ziegfeld Tenor. ReVision’s Funny Girl will also feature a Broadway ensemble of dancers and singers. The creative team includes Dawn von Suskil (Scenic Design), Brian Tovar (Lighting Design), and David Withrow (Costume Design)

Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe Nominee Lainie Kazan will open the show with a few of her stories based on her experience with the original Broadway production of Funny Girl. Kazan at the time served as understudy to Barbra Streisand, finally getting to go on eighteen months into the run when the star became ill with a serious throat problem. On the Paramount Theatre stage, Ms. Kazan will perform “His is the Only Music that Makes Me Dance”.

With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill, Funny Girl has some of the most popular songs in the history of musical theatre including “I’m the Greatest Star”, “People”, “You are Woman, I am Man”, and “Don’t Rain on my Parade”. Funny Girl follows the career of Fanny Brice, one of the funniest women of early American musical theatre. Fanny Brice made her first appearance in Vaudeville in 1910 and became “The Greatest Star” when she was discovered by Florenz Ziegfield and performed as a headliner in the Ziegfeld Follies for the next 25 years. Funny Girl is the story of Fanny Brice’s rise to fame and her overcoming a variety of obstacles including her heart wrenching relationship with her husband, Nicky Arnstein.

The Broadway musical Funny Girl, starring Barbra Streisand, opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in March of 1964, and ran until July of 1967. Barbra Streisand went on to star, making her debut, in the 1968 film of Funny Girl opposite Omar Sharif. She was nominated and won an "Oscar" her first time out. The song "People", sung by Barbra Streisand, became a standard around the world. The score to Funny Girl and the song "People" both won Grammy Awards in 1965.

ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre’s Producing Artistic Directors, Thomas Morrissey, David E. Leidholdt, and Stephen Bishop Seely, produce reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions. ReVision Theatre’s 2008-2009 Season will end with the blockbuster musical, The Full Monty (August 12-September 6) at the Carousel Theatre on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for show calendars and more information.

Playbill Online: Simply Barbra Salutes the Oscars to Play Florida's Rising Action Theatre

Acclaimed Barbra Streisand impersonator Steven Brinberg will offer Simply Barbra Salutes the Oscars Feb. 19-March 15 at the Rising Action Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The evenings will feature Oscar-nominated and Oscar-winning tunes, including Streisand's "Evergreen," among others.

The Florida venue will also offer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's Say You Love Satan (Feb. 13-March 15) and Roger Bean's The Andrews Brothers (March 27-April 26).

Steven Brinberg has performed his Streisand impersonation on stages in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Houston and the U.K. He recently completed a sold-out tour of the U.K. and the West End, following record-breaking runs at London's Playhouse and Jermyn Street theatres. Brinberg is the winner of the MAC Award and the Bistro Award for his Simply Barbra performances. He also appeared in the workshops of Ken Page's musical Nightlife and can be heard on "Simply Barbra Duets."

Brinberg's upcoming appearances also include Brooklyn's BAM Cafe (March 20), New Orleans' Voila (March 26-27), the Adelaide Cabaret Festival (June) and the Revision Theatre Company's Funny Girl concert at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, NJ (July 12).

Rising Action Theatre Company is located at 840 East Oakland Park Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For tickets call (954) 561-2225 or visit www.risingactiontheatre.com.

ReVision Theatre ReActs to Economic Recession: 3 shows for $92.50

January 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ReVision Theatre in Asbury Park Announces
WINTER SUBSCRIPTION SALE
THREE SHOWS FOR $92.50
50% OFF REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION PRICE
RVT HELPS PUT A FREEZE ON THE RECESSION
Limited Time Only!


Asbury Park, New Jersey – As a reaction to the state of the economy, ReVision Theatre announces their Winter Subscription Sale. New and current ReVision Theatre Members may purchase all three tickets to three great shows for only $92.50, which is 50% off the regular price. Winter Sale Subscribers will receive tickets to each of the remaining shows of the 2009 Season which includes the new hip hop rock musical, Kingdom (April 16-May 3), a one night only benefit performance of Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (July 11), and the blockbuster musical, The Full Monty (August 12-September 6). Subscriptions may be ordered online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling the ReVision Theatre Box office at 732-455-3059.

“We know that times are tough and we wanted to give people who have thought about coming to see a show the best opportunity to see all three of our exciting shows,” says Thomas Morrissey, one of the three Producing Artistic Directors (along with David E. Leidholdt and Stephen Bishop Seely). “This is a great deal! People can see all three shows and still pay less than a regular priced single ticket to our benefit performance of Funny Girl.”

A controversial new musical, Kingdom, is scheduled for ReVision Theatre’s next production this Spring. The music is by Ian Williams and the book and lyrics are by Aaron Jaferis. This hip hop rock musical is inspired by the true stories of current and former gang members of the Latin Kings. The show chronicles the journey of two kids from the barrio in a quest to belong and the power struggle that tears the two friends apart. The show will be performed April 16th through May 3rd at the VFW Theatre, 701 Lake Avenue in Asbury Park.

The Second Annual ReVision Theatre Benefit Concert is set for Saturday, July 11, 2009. This season, the one night only performance will star Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl with a full cast of Broadway actors, singers, and dancers and a full live on-stage orchestra. Steven Brinberg, the premiere Barbra Streisand impressionist, will star in the lead role of Fanny Brice. This will be the first time in history that a man will play the female lead. This special performance will be directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher and music directed by John Fischer.

The Broadway smash hit, The Full Monty will be the finale to ReVision Theatre’s season with performances August 12th through September 6th at the Historic Carousel House on the Boardwalk, 700 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park. The story of unemployed steel workers frustrated with life, women, and work decide that regardless of looks or ability they are going to be the best male strippers anyone has ever seen. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun. This show will be directed by one of ReVision Theatre’s Producing Artistic Directors, David E. Leidholdt.

ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions. ReVision Theatre’s 2008-2009 Season includes the new hip hop musical, Kingdom (April 16-May 3), a one night only benefit performance of Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl (July 11), and the blockbuster musical, The Full Monty (August 12-September 6).

Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for show calendars and more information.

CONTACT: Stephen Bishop Seely
Stephen@ReVisionTheatre.org
732-455-3059

ReVision Theatre Announces 2008-2009 Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

ReVision Theatre in Asbury Park Announces 

2008-2009 Premiere Season
4 MUSICALS --2 BRAND NEW AND 2 REVISIONED
A Christmas Family Musical Comedy, Scrooge in Rouge
Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl

 

Asbury Park, New Jersey – After a successful run of Hair at the Carousel House, ReVision Theatre announces their 2008-2009 Premiere Season.  
 
The 2008 – 2009 inaugural season begins with the east coast premiere of the family musical comedy, Scrooge in Rouge, an English Music Hall Christmas Carol (written by Ricky Graham, Jeffery Roberson, Yvette Hargis, and Jefferson Turner).  Set in a British Music Hall in the 1800s, three actors perform 23 characters in the musical version of the Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.  A mixture of Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Noises Off, this fast paced comedy will be performed at VFW Hall, 701 Lake Avenue, on December 4th through December 28th in Asbury Park.  The show will be directed by Michael Barakiva, choreographed by Mimi Quillin, and music directed by Justin Stoney.  The cast includes Linda Marie Larson (Broadway’s Jackie, Deuce, Morning’s at Seven), Katherin Pecevich (National Tour of Annie), and Doug Shapiro.
 
A controversial new musical, Kingdom, is scheduled for ReVision Theatre’s Spring slot.  The music is by Ian Williams and the book and lyrics are by Aaron Jaferis. This hip hop style musical is inspired by the true stories of current and former gang members of the Latin Kings.  The show chronicles the journey of two kids from the barrio in a quest to belong and the power struggle that tears the two friends apart.  The show will be performed April 16th through May 3rd at the VFW Hall, 701 Lake Avenue in Asbury Park.
 
The Second Annual ReVision Theatre Benefit Concert is set for Saturday, July 11, 2009.  This season, the one night only performance will star Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl.  Steven Brinberg, the premiere Barbra Streisand impressionist, will star in the lead role of Fanny Brice.  This will be the first time in history that a man will play the female lead.  This special performance will be directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher and music directed by John Fischer.
 
The Full Monty will be the finale to ReVision Theatre’s season with performances August 12th through September 6that the Carousel on the Boardwalk, 700 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.  The story of unemployed steel workers frustrated with life, women, and work decide that regardless of looks or ability they are going to be the best male strippers anyone has ever seen! In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun.
 
Single tickets and season subscriptions are available online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by phone 732-455-3059.
 
ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions.  
 
Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for show calendars and more information.
 

ReVISIONIST HISTORY IN THE MAKING

by Tom Chesek
Red Bank Orbit

Steven Brinberg brings his uncanny and un-campy Streisand characterization back to Asbury Park, when ReVision Theatre Company presents a special performance of FUNNY GIRL.

Red Bank has the Two River Theater Company and its gleaming, glass-facade showplace of a home stage. Long Branch boasts the New Jersey Repertory Company, which works some pretty potent magic in its converted downtown storefront while they preparing for an eventual move to new custom-made digs.

There’s a third professional stage company headquartered in this neck of Monmouth County, and if you haven’t quite processed the name ReVision Theatre Company, don’t sweat it. The based-in-Asbury Park troupe is still really getting itself established, having set up shop in Asbury’s historic VFW building with a busy slate of classes, workshops and readings.

And when we say it’s “based in Asbury,” we do mean that its members use the whole city as their canvas; inhabiting historic halls, rejuvenated business buildings and long-vacant boardwalk structures like a bunch of wondrous hermit crabs.

These are the guys, after all, who famously teamed with boardwalk developers Madison Marquette to convert the amazing Carousel building into a viable venue for live performance — something it had never managed to be in its long history — when they mounted their smash revival of Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical last summer. And to think they almost considered moving to Paducah.

An actual season’s worth of entertainments was always on the drawing board for ReVision’s triad of Producing Artistic Directors (Thomas Morrissey, David Leidholdt and Stephen Bishop Seely; all veterans of Manhattan’s Genesius Theatre), and this past Saturday night, the partners and board president Bob Angelini convened a special season announcement party at Mattison Park Restaurant, itself a re-visioned bank building. Red Bank oRBit, as you probably figured, was on the scene, working the room and knocking back rootbeer martinis.

The cast of ReVision Theatre’s HAIR posed with the groundbreaking show’s co-creator James Rado, when he took in one of their sold-out performances last August.

Cast members of Hair were on hand, performing numbers from the 1967 show as well as from a couple of the new projects announced onstage by the producing partners. As Liedholdt, Morrissey and Seely revealed to the packed house, the ReVision company’s inaugural season begins in earnest on December 4, with the East Coast premiere of Scrooge in Rouge, a “British music hall Christmas Carol” that puts a manic spin on the well-roasted holiday chestnut.

In the comic piece conceived and adapted by book writer and lyricist Ricky Graham, a circa-1900 theatrical troupe is in the midst of preparations for their Christmas Carol show when seventeen of the twenty actors take ill — leaving three intrepid players to perform 23 Dickensian characters in what can only be described as a tour de farce. Presented at Asbury’s VFW Post 1333 on Lake Avenue and Bond Street, the show offers sixteen performances through December 28.

ReVision returns in 2009 with Kingdom, a “Hip Hop musical” study of two friends from the barrio whose need to belong — in this case, to the Nation of the Latin Kings — tears them apart. Featuring a score by Aaron Jafferis and Ian Williams, the show runs from April 16 to May 3 at the VFW building.

Last summer, the ReVision crew presented a one-shot fundraiser event at the historic Paramount Theatre; a revival of Hello Dolly! starring Carol Channing tribute artist Richard Skipper in the role made famous by Channing herself. “In the spirit of Dolly,” ReVision takes over the Paramount once again on July 11 for a benefit performance of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill musical Funny Girl. Steven Brinberg, an actor-vocalist whose celebrated portrayal of Barbra Streisand has won him raves throughout the cabaret circuit (including Tim McLoone’s Supper Club) channels Babs as Fanny Brice in the show that made her a star.

Still coming together as we post this, ReVision’s summer-show production of The Full Monty comes to a location that’s yet to be determined, on the confirmed dates of August 12 through September 6. Acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally wrote the book to David Yazbek’s musicalization of the hit British film, in which a group of unemployed steelworkers find a new sense of purpose as male strippers. Doing this show in the round at the Carousel would make it the Full Monty and then some.

Info on single-ticket prices and subscription plans can be found right here. Watch Red Bank oRBit for updates; and we’ll let David Leidholdt have the last word.

“We have three specific challenges,” says the veteran director. “To find pieces that represent us, to develop shows that are able to be produced anywhere — and to get people off the beach and into the theatre!”