v o c a l c o a c h i n g
a u d i t i o n s
a u d i t i o n p r e p
t r a n s p o s i t i o n s
t r a n s c r i p t i o n s
c o m p o s e r
p l a y w r i g h t
d i r e c t o r
a c t o r / s i n g e r
m u s i c d i r e c t o r
"Working with David is a phenomenal experience. His knowledge and creativity infects everything he touches. From his arrangements, which are extraordinary, to his coaching in both interpretation of a song and the technical side of the vocal spectrum, David is an amazing teacher and talent."
B R I A N C H I L D E R S , a c t o r / s i n g e r / d a n c e r / c o m e d i a n
Helen Hayes Award-winner, numerous Off-Broadway/Regional Credits
LET IT SNOW: A Holiday New Work Compilation
The Beautiful City Project - Understudy Cafe & Bookstore
(founder/artistic director/writer)
A new undertaking from The Beautiful City Project, LET IT SNOW centered around The Understudy Bookstore staying open late for Andersonvillains as a blizzard sets down upon Chicago. With 10 different characters, and 10 different scenes to accompany their entrances and exits, TBCP engaged 10 different writing teams to handle each scene - providing a script, music and lyrics.
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New work was heard from writers like Michael Mahler, Rob Lindley, David H. Bell, Ira Antellis, Cory Goodrich, Paul Oakley Stovall and more. Proceeds went to Season of Concern.
SINGALONG AT THE BEAN
The Beautiful City Project - Cloud Gate (DCASE)
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arranger)
The Beautiful City Project was contacted by the City of Chicago to take one of the 3 Friday night Singalong events at Cloud Gate, affectionately known as "The Bean". With a 35-person choir, TBCP led a mighty audience in song, amidst the freezing temperatures, with classic tunes like "Frosty the Snowman", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Silent Night", "Last Christmas", and many more.
PORCHLIGHT SINGS THE SEASON
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Rhapsody Theatre
(music director/orchestrator/arranger/pianist)
Porchlight's first holiday offering, PORCHLIGHT SINGS THE SEASON, was a beautiful holiday show for the whole family - replete with some of your favorite songs of the season, as well as a weaving narrative, exploring how it came to be that we celebrate the holidays the way that we do, and sing the songs that we sing.
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With Adrian Aguilar, Neala Barron, George Keating & Sharriese Hamilton, as well as Justin Kono on drums and Kara Olander on Bass, the night was a terrific reminder about what makes this time of year the joyous collective experience that it is. Directed by Michael Weber & Brenda Didier.
LOVE'S RECOVERY
The Beautiful City Project - Trifecta Dance Collective
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist/performer)
Hearkening back to it's choreographic storytelling roots from the full-length feature dance film INTERSECT, The Beautiful City Project partnered with Krissie Odegard Geye and her Trifecta Dance Collective to tell a beautiful story through dance, set to the music of The Indigo Girls, played and sung by a live band consisting of David, Maddison Denault, Lillian Urresti, Sarah Fiorello, Kelan M. Snith, Kara Olander, Ben Heppner & Hillary Bayley. Proceeds went to The Grace Network.
SISTER ACT
Drury Lane Theatre
(music director)
David made his Drury Lane music directing debut with the musical SISTER ACT, starring Rae Davenport (Off-Broadway's TITANIQUE), Michelle Duffy (original cast of HEATHERS Off-Broadway, LEAP OF FAITH on Broadway), Lawrence Flowers, Amanda Walker, Lorenzo Rush, Jr, & Kelvin Roston, Jr,
Directed by E. Faye Butler & Choreographed by Kenny Ingram.
MAKING MARILYN MILLER
Porchlight Music Theatre - Off the Porch Workshop
(music director/arranger/pianist/actor)
David H. Bell & Ira Antellis wrote an incredibly fascinating piece, an immersive musical that deals with 3 girls auditioning to play the same role in a bio-musical about 1920's actress Marilyn Miller. David worked for a year or so in the recording studio, doing arrangements and demos, and then working with the cast - as well as playing a significant role in the piece as Rob.
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Featuring songs like "Dawn", "For Frank", "When We Started", "Hollywood", "I Want", "Ghostlight", and "Goo Goo Eyes", the score was especially praise-worthy.
IMMERSION
The Beautiful City Project - Jaffe Home
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/writer)
TBCP continues to create events not typically seen in the Chicagoland area, and this one was no different - a murder mystery concept, with a full accompanying culinary experience, starring Lorenzo Rush, Jr as a Detective solving a real-time murder.
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With 5 different rooms hosting scenes that are meant to be scrutinized for clues, the audience would shift from room to room, trying to help solve the mystery. It was a smashing success, and calls for a second edition were immediate.
INTO THE WOODS
The International Lyric Academy - Vicenza, Italy
(teacher/director/music director/conductor/pianist)
Back at it in Vicenza, Italy - David would stage a unique production of INTO THE WOODS, set inside a school on lockdown from a deadly pathogen. With a group of students from all over the country, this production of INTO THE WOODS won rave reviews across the board, and featured an incredible cast of folks at all different levels.
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Featuring Lillian Urresti, Brianna Johnson, Lauren Rogers, Quint Hill, Kate Schiliro, Lin Gilbertz, Demie Anderson, Bella Branshaw and Aidan Folvag, this was David's 5th year with The International Lyric Academy.
CAMP ROCK: THE MUSICAL
The Beautiful City Project - McGrath Family Theatre Center
(founder/artistic director/director/music director)
TBCP's production of CAMP ROCK: THE MUSICAL was one for the books. With choreography by Aurora Boe & Harmony Rose Nielsen, the show featured Harmony, Tyler Ehrenberg, Bella Blackshaw, Jacob Merschell, Kelan M. Smith, Joey Faggion, Cat Kennedy and more.
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There were even some CAMP ROCK fanatics that came out and supported the show, which was a wild experience for all involved. Another successful TBCP show in the books.
CHICAGO SINGS: 30th ANNIVERSARY
Porchlight Music Theatre - House of Blues Chicago
(music director/orchestrator/arranger/pianist)
Another year, another incredible Porchlight CHICAGO SINGS fundraiser. This time it was honoring the 30th Anniversary of Porchlight. Songs were selected from 30 year's worth of productions over the years, and featuring some of Porchlight audience's favorite singers.
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The Guy Adkins Award recipient was the great Heidi Kettenring.
RENT
Columbia College Chicago - The Courtyard Theatre
(music director/pianist/recording engineer)
David was back at it for Columbia College Chicago, this time music directing again for their spring semester production of RENT, directed by Daryl Brooks.
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With a mighty band playing the original orchestrations, the cast was led by Thomas Toohill, Johnny Webster, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Addie Reynoso, Mark Bonney, Brennan Lockwood, Jordan Thompson & Lillian Urresti.
PURE IMAGINATION (Hosted by Stephen Schellhardt)
The Beautiful City Project - Genevieve Thiers' Home
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
TBCP's second collaboration at the home of Genevieve Thiers & Dan Ratner was another massive success - an evening of songs themed around sweets, hosted by Paramount Theatre's recent Wonka himself, Stephen Schellhardt.
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With performers like Emily Rohm, Lydia Burke, Justine Cameron, Henry Lombardo, Kelly Felthous, Jacquelyne Jones, Amanda Walker, and more - songs like "Vanilla Ice Cream", "The Candy Man", "Hard Candy Christmas", "Sweet, Sweet, Sweet" and more filled the air. Proceeds to Cake 4 Kids.
SPONGEBOB: THE MUSICAL
Dominican University
(music director/recording engineer)
David and Krista were at it again, this time with SPONGEBOB: THE MUSICAL at Dominican. Featuring wonderful students from DU's theatre program, alongside heavy hitters like Maddison Denault, Chris Talia, Abby Denault, Jake Gartung, Ben Paynic, Catherine Kennedy, Sterlin Johnson and more, Bikini Bottom came to magical life.
THE GOSPEL TRUTH: SECOND EDITION
The Beautiful City Project - Chicago Theater Works
(founder/artistic director/director/music director)
The second edition of the wildly popular THE GOSPEL TRUTH was indeed another smash hit - this time hosted by Matthew Hunter, and featuring Tony-nominee Felicia P. Fields. With Maulty Jewell, IV behind the keys, and with stellar performances by Sharriese Hamilton, Robin DaSilva, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Marta Bady, Eric Lewis and more, the evening raised funds for Sunshine Gospel Ministries.
WE WILL ROCK YOU in Concert
The Beautiful City Project - McGrath Family Theatre Center
(founder/artistic director/director/music director)
TBCP's next concert offering was the Queen musical WE WILL ROCK YOU, starring Nick Druzbanski, Carisa Gonzalez, Maddison Denault, and featuring Teddy Gales, Bella Blackshaw, Max DeTogne and Tyler Ehrenberg.
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With a live onstage band, and proceeds from a Silent Auction going to the fabulous folks at Season of Concern, the night was a massive success.
HAIR
Columbia College Chicago - The Courtyard Theatre
(director)
David returned to Directing to helm the Fall 2024 production of HAIR at Columbia College Chicago - a show that wildly resonated as it opened 2 days after the 2024 election.
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With a framing of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and the Grant Park police actions against the protestors, the action took place in that very park, with the famous horse statue as the backdrop.
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With all student designers, the show won high recognition and awards with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
THAT'S WHAT SHE SANG (Hosted by Maddison Denault)
The Beautiful City Project - The Den Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with proceeds going to Gilda's Club Chicago, TBCP presented a night of all-femme comedy songs from the world of musical theatre, hosted by Maddison Denault. With performances from Leah Morrow, Emily Goldberg, Cynthia F Carter, Chamaya Moody, Cassie Slater, Ann Delaney and more, the night was a runaway success.
LES MISERABLES in Concert
The International Lyric Academy
Vicenza, Italy
(teacher/director/music director/pianist/choreographer)
Another summer in Italy, another fantastic experience. This year's offering was LES MISERABLES in Concert, with a cast of nearly 50 and chamber orchestra, as well as 2 Musical Theatre Showcases - plus workshops and master classes. With a cast of future superstars, the production was nothing short of memorable.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Concert
The Beautiful City Project - McGrath Family Center
(founder/artistic director/director/music director)
TBCP's second concert outing was a semi-staged version of the classic JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, staged with a post-apocalyptic baseball theme, starring David Moreland and Jesus and Juwon Tyrel Perry as Judas. Featuring Marta Bady as Mary, Trevor Vanderzee as Pilate, Reggie Hemphill as Caiaphas, Maddison Denault as Simon and Tommy Thurston as Peter, with Luke Nowakowski as Herod.
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Choreographed by Morgan DiFonzo. Proceeds to Intentional Sports.
A SECRET GARDEN PARTY (Hosted by Justin Brill)
The Beautiful City Project - Genevieve Thiers' Home
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
TBCP's first collaboration at the home of Genevieve Thiers & Dan Ratner was a massive success - an evening of songs themed around gardens and parties, hosted by Broadway veteran Justin Brill.
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With performers like Jacquelyne Jones, Gabriel Mudd, George Keating, Tiffany Taylor, and more - songs like "The Rose", "Flowers", "I Won't Send Roses", "Honeysuckle Rose", "My Party Dress" and more filled the air.
NEXT TO NORMAL
Pop-Up Productions - South Asia Institute
(music director)
What a joy it was for David to work with Director (and TBCP Volunteer, Fiorello Studios member) Hershey Suri on a production of NEXT TO NORMAL, the inaugural production for new theatre company Pop-Up Productions.
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Fusing the main family's South Asian heritage with the beautiful script and score made for an incredibly rich, ground-breaking production that soon became a very well-reviewed talk of the town.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE in Concert
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Studebaker Theatre
(music director/pianist/conductor)
David was fortunate enough to have ANOTHER go around with this gorgeous Sondheim score, this time alongside perennial Broadway veterans Sean Allan Krill & Kathy Voytko. Using the original orchestrations, and with a cast stacked with some the best Chicago has to offer, this was certainly another night to remember.
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The cast included Cory Goodrich, Devin DeSantis, Veronica Garza, Cecilia Iole, Daniel de Cranie-Pierre, David Moreland, Chris Khoshaba, Chamaya Moody, Iris Lieberman, and more.
CHICAGO SINGS: BROADWAY POP
Porchlight Music Theatre - House of Blues Chicago
(music director/orchestrator/arranger/pianist)
Another year, another incredible Porchlight CHICAGO SINGS fundraiser. This time it was honoring Broadway Pop II - whether it be songs that were pop songs that ended up in musicals, songs from musicals that crossed over to the pop charts, or pop composers writing for the stage - there were performances from many of Porchlight's favorites.
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Performers included Billy Rude, Darilyn Burtley, Aeriel Williams, Devin DeSantis, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Kelly Felthous, Neala Barron, and more.
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The Guy Adkins Award recipient was Roberta Duchak.
ONCE: THE MUSICAL
Loyola University
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
David served as Music Director, Arranger, Orchestrator and Pianist for the Loyola University Chicago production of ONCE: THE MUSICAL, his first collaboration at the school in Rogers Park. With a stellar cast of actor musicians, and a very fine creative team and technical staff, the kids put together a beautiful production, full of life and promise. Professional photos from Joe Mazza.
Filming CHRISTMAS IN CHICAGO
Role of Office Mikey - 3 LIFETIMES MEDIA
(actor)
A filmmaker/writer friend of David's did a pretty incredible thing - made a movie. Shot here in Chicago, much of it around Lincoln Square, it's a beautiful story that David was thrilled to play a small role in.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE (Hosted by Christopher
Pazdernik)
The Beautiful City Project - Venus Cabaret Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/pianist)
TBCP's CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE was a wholly unique concept: 30+ performers came in ready to do 3 different 60-second cuts of a song, never rehearsed with David behind the piano - and the audience, using an app designed for the event, would vote for the song they wanted to hear when each performer hit the stage. In an instant, there'd be a clear winner, and while the performer gave instructions to David behind the piano, Chris would opine about the history of the song and the show. It was a delightfully interactive evening, to say the least. Funds and awareness were raised for the fantastic folks at Chicago Voyagers.
MICKEY'S JAZZ CLUB (Hosted by Lydia Burke)
The Beautiful City Project - Venus Cabaret Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
TBCP brought songs from the Mouse's catalogue to life again, this time in sultry jazz tones. Featuring songs with new arrangements, the evening scratched every proverbial musical itch. With songs like 'Reflection", "Almost There", "I See The Light", "Boogie Oogie Man", "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat", "I Wanna Be Like You", and more, a good time was had by all, with funds raised for The Make A Wish Foundation, with Disney's ethos all about wishing, specifically upon stars.
CHICAGO THEATRE SINGS SCHWARTZ
The Arcada Theatre
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
David served as Music Director, Arranger, Orchestrator and Pianist for this event featuring some of Stephen Schwartz's greatest hits from his numerous shows, featuing songs from PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, WICKED, GODSPELL, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE BAKER'S WIFE, RAGS, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT and more, held at the beautiful Arcada Theatre.
THE PROM
Dominican University
(music director)
Dominican University and Director Krista Hansen were back at it, this time with a production of the musical THE PROM, set in an Indiana high school. With a delightful book and score, this musical was a huge crowd pleaser, and as usual with Dominican University, had a great mix of students and professional actors.​
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A handful of actors from this production would go on to do Beautiful City Project shows, and Krista would have to jump into the lead role after Opening Night, as COVID sadly reared its ugly head.
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY in Concert
The Beautiful City Project - The Den Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/pianist)
TBCP's first musical in concert raised funds for Season of Concern, and was a massive hit with the audience. Starring Luke Nowakowski as Jamie, along with Missy Wise, Marta Bady, David Moreland, Max DeTogne, & Katherine Abel, the show's infectious rock score was the perfect first offering from TBCP.
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The pit band featured Kelan M. Smith, Kara Olander, Eion Meldrum & Sachio Nang alongside David on Keys. Held at the beautiful Den Theatre in Wicker Park, it would be the first of many concerts to come.
OSCAR NIGHT (Hosted by Devin DeSantis & Stephen Schellhardt)
The Beautiful City Project - The Athenaeum Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
TBCP's biggest show to date, David orchestrated for a 12-piece orchestra, and selected songs that had won the Academy Award for best song. With a 16-person choir, and a history-of-the-organization to go with it, it was a night to remember.
JAZZIN' WITH THE VILLAGE
Porchlight Music Theatre
Chicago History Museum & Navy Pier
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
David's second year doing Porchlight's performance for The Village, this year focused on jazz - and with Evan Tyrone Martin, David Robbins and Erica Stephan singing (and backed by David, Marcel Bonfim, Robert Reddrick & Josh Rzepka), the audience was treated to some standards like "My Funny Valentine", "Now You Has Jazz", "I Got Rhythm", "Day In and Day Out", and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If You Ain't Got That Swing)".
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It was first performed at the Chicago History Museum, and then later as an Encore at Navy Pier for Chicago Live!
AIDS RUN/WALK CHICAGO AWARENESS MONTH
The Beautiful City Project - Online Offering
In Partnership with Season of Concern
(founder/artistic director/director/music director)
In partnership with Season of Concern, TBCP raised funds and awareness for the 2023 AIDS RUN/WALK of Chicago by having its team of volunteers interface in their areas of expertise - from Hershey Suri (currently in Law School at University of Chicago) talking about the landmark cases in the history of the epidemic, to Dr. Stephanie C. Clerge speaking about the medical history and common "fact or fiction" surrounding the oft-maligned persons who suffered in the early years, to performances and history from others like Bella Blackshaw, Emily Holland, Ben Weiss, Shea Hopkins, and Katherine Abel
WITH A SONG IN MY HEART: THE ROMANCE OF RICHARD RODGERS
The International Lyric Academy
Charlotte, NC & Vicenza, Italy
(teacher/director/music director/pianist/guitarist)
David's 3rd year with The International Lyric Academy was an exciting one, featuring 10 students from his studio and other Chicagoland theatrical pursuits. He revamped a show he created, alongside Dominic Missimi, while at Northwestern University - a 3-Act tale that takes place in 3 different eras, with 3 different soundscapes: A contemporary Upper-West Side dinner party, a southern church picnic, and a World War II army base USO-style show.
90s SUMMER BLOCK PARTY (Hosted by Missy & Trevor V)
The Beautiful City Project - Venus Cabaret Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
TBCP raised funds for the organization Guitars Over Guns, and brought some 90s music to bring the audience back to life during a hot summer. Featuring songs by Whitney Houston, All-4-One, Boyz II Men, Bryan Adams, Rod Steward, Sting, Sixpence None the Richer, Melissa Etheridge, you name it.
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Hosted by Trevor & Missy Wise Vanderzee, the evening brought together folks like Jacquelyne Jones, Erica Stephan, Bethany Thomas, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Aeriel Williams, Darilyn Burtley, Luke Nowakowski and many more.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
Columbia College Chicago
(music director/pianist)
David was able to work on his favorite Sondheim show, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Columbia College Chicago. With a terrific cast of students in the cast, as well as students designing the show, the production goes down in history as being the college production to perform the show in closest proximity to where the painting currently hangs (in the Art Institute of Chicago).
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Starring Aurora Boe as Dot and Peyton Knowski as George, it would go down as a highlight of the year.
BUT IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!: College Edition (Roosevelt)
The Beautiful City Project (Hosted by Sawyer Smith)
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
TBCP's BUT IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT! was a journey through some of the musicals (and musical theatre songs) that deal with school, highlighting songs from HEATHERS, BARE: A POP OPERA, FAME, SMILE, FOOTLOOSE, NEXT TO NORMA, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, 13, and many more. Henry Lombardo also appeared as a Guest Artist.
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This was the second College Edition, where the cast was comprised of students from Roosevelt University (also known as the Chicago College of Performing Arts), as well as some students from our charity, Downstage Arts.
TO BE
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre - Online Offering
(music director/arrangements/pianist)
When Chicago Shakes comes calling, David likes to answer - this time it was the online presentation of TO BE, and David prepared 2 songs for broadcast - "What a Piece of Work is Man/The Flesh Failures" from HAIR, and "Astonishing" from LITTLE WOMEN.
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Cherise Thomas, Juwon Tyrel Perry & Luke Nowakowski lent their voices to the HAIR piece, with Neala Barron singing from LITTLE WOMEN.
RETROSPECTIVE
Dominican University
(music director/orchestrator/pianist)
Dominican University looked back at decades of producing theatre, and fearless leader Krista Hansen put together a RETROSPECTIVE, bringing back alum from the program and performances throughout the years to perform.
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Representing shows like THE WIZ, LEGALLY BLONDE, MUSICAL OF MUSICALS THE MUSICAL, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, MAMMA MIA, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, PIPPIN, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and many, many more, the evening served as a musical stroll down memory lane
CHICAGO SINGS: BROADWAY POP
Porchlight Music Theatre - House of Blues Chicago
(music director/orchestrator/arranger/pianist)
Another year, another incredible Porchlight CHICAGO SINGS fundraiser. This time it was honoring Broadway Pop - whether it be songs that were pop songs that ended up in musicals, songs from musicals that crossed over to the pop charts, or pop composers writing for the stage - there were performances from many of Porchlight's favorites.
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Shows represented were CHESS, THE BODYGUARD, 9 TO 5, ONCE, MOVIN' OUT, & JULIET, MOULIN ROUGE, PROMISES PROMISES, and more.
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The Guy Adkins Award recipient was Chicago Shakespeare's Rick Boynton.
THE GOSPEL TRUTH: Black History Month Edition
The Beautiful City Project - Venus Cabaret Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director)
TBCP takes diversity very seriously, and as February approached, a decision was made to honor Black History Month with an all-Black cast performing some of the Gospel catalogue's best songs. Curated along with Aeriel Williams & Producer Stephanie C. Clerge, David and company set out to create an evening that would feed the soul.
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With a stellar lineup including Eric Lewis, Evan Tyrone Martin, Robin DaSilva, Cynthia F. Carter, Ricky Harris, Jerica Exum, Aalon Smith, Ariana Burks, Juwon Tyrel Perry and more, the night was backed by a band of Chicago Gospel legends as well, featuring Maulty Jewell, IV on keys.
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Proceeds went to the organization Urban Reformers.
RENASCENCE
North Central College
(music director/pianist)
The college premiere of the new musical RENASCENCE was at North Central College, and David - who had been a fan of the show since it's debut - was delighted to take on music director duties, after an enjoyable first outing with NCC and their production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY.
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With two stellar casts, a handful of these students would go on to join David at the International Lyric Academy that summer, and many joined the ranks of The Beautiful City Project volunteer staff.
NEW FACES SING BROADWAY: 1951
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Arts Club/SPACE
(director)
David moved from Music Director to Director for this edition of NEW FACES SING BROADWAY, celebrating the 1951 season. Working alongside Music Director Michael McBride, the host for this production was the terrific David Girolmo.
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With songs from GUYS & DOLLS, SOUTH PACIFIC, TOP BANANA, PETER PAN (Bernstein), LOST IN THE STARS, TWO ON THE AISLE, THE KING AND I and more, it was one of the best since the series began.
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The cast featured Abbey Loria, Daryn Alexus, Caroline Lyell, Ziare Paul-Emile, Alix Rhode, Daniel de Cranie-Pierre, Luke Nowakowski, Nick Johnson, Nolan Robinson and Jerod Turner.
A NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT
The Beautiful City Project - Floating World Gallery
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
As TBCP ended a year that saw theatre come back in-person, the idea was to throw a party for anyone in the industry, make it as affordable as possible to attend ($10), and treat folks do a jazzy celebration of the holidays. With an 8-piece Jazz combo, a choir, dancers and singers, the evening was a joyous evening of overcoming.
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With proceeds going to Season of Concern, the cast was a monster one, including Lorenzo Rush, Jr, Michael Mahler, Alex Goodrich, Carson Stewart, Shanna VanDerwerker, Kelly Felthous, and many more.
PORCHLIGHT REVISITS: THE APPLE TREE
Porchlight Music Theatre - Ruth Page Center
(music director/orchestrator/pianist)
Porchight Revisits' production of THE APPLE TREE was several years in the making, having been on the books before Covid hit. So David was brought on to see this project to fruition. A delightful Bock & Harnick score (the team that brought you SHE LOVES ME & FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), this production featured 3 different vignettes with 3 different directors: Frankie Leo Bennett, Jamal Howard, and Laura Savage.
AFTER THE 10TH - Sizzle Reel
Written by Mark Nathan & David Fiorello, Dr. Mark Nathan
3 Lifetimes Media
(writer/actor)
David and Mark simultaneously had separate but similar ideas for a series, and wildly their plans connected and converged. What followed was a 10-episode teleplay that was in need of a trailer or sizzle reel. David would help cast the sizzle, as well as appear in it, and a new series began to create some buzz, and with it some traction.
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Appearances are made by several musical theatre performers in Chicagoland, among them Christopher Kale Jones, Mark David Kaplan, Jenna Coker Jones, Callan Roberts & Peyton Knowski.
PROJECT MOONFALL (Hosted by Sawyer Smith)
The Beautiful City Project - Venus Cabaret Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/orchestrator/arranger)
TBCP took to the night, and in raising money for The Night Ministry, provided a night of songs themed around darkness. With songs from shows like INTO THE WOODS, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, TABOO, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, JEKYLL & HYDE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, WICKED and more.
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Performers included Nissi Shalome, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Maddison Denault, Tommy Thurston, Laura Sportiello, Lydia Burke, Clare McLaughlin Kennedy, and many more.
2022 EQUITY JEFF AWARDS
Drury Lane Theatre
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist/recipient)
A wild night for sure, David's first time Music Directing the Equity Jeff Awards was certainly a mammoth task - but he also walked away a winner in Music Direction for his work on Porchlight Music Theatre's BLUES IN THE NIGHT.
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David handled performances from all the nominated musicals of the season, plus an original arrangement of "How Could I Ever Know?" from THE SECRET GARDEN for the In Memoriam section. Scored for Drums, Bass/Guitar & Trumpet, the evening also featured Justin Kono, Kelan M. Smith and Greg Strauss, respectively.
SEX AFTER 70: A NEW MUSICAL by David H. Bell, Ira Antellis & Jake Curtis
A Reading at Windy City Playhouse
(music director, arranger, pianist)
David H. Bell, Ira Antellis and Jake Curtis came to David with a draft of a musical that they wanted to get into reading shape. David helped cast the show, did all the arrangements, and a reading happened. Full of tremendous songs, the show had multiple producers and industry folk singing its praises.
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Featuring Cory Goodrich, Stef Tovar, Robin DaSilva, Cheryl Coons, George Keating, Jason Richards, Anne Sheridan Smith & Clare Kennedy McLaughlin.
JONATHAN SCHWART: AMERICAN DREAMER
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret
(music director, arranger, orchestrator, pianist)
One of the smartest performers in the city, Jonathan Schwart took his ideas and design to David to partner on a solo show at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret that would look at the American experience, and his own interfacing with the realities of it.
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With special guest Ann Delaney, the evening featured Kelan M. Smith on guitars, Marcel Bonfim on Bass, and Hillary Stevens on Violin.
YOURS, STEPHEN SONDHEIM: HIS LETTERS, MENTORSHIP AND MUSIC
Chicago Live, Navy Pier
(music director/arrangements)
Originally presented at the world-renown Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Rob Lindley's curated YOURS, STEPHEN SONDHEIM: HIS LETTER, MENTORSHIP AND MUSIC was asked to perform at the first annual Chicao Live weekend, held at Navy Pier.
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Along with Rob reading excerpts of letters from the master, performances of "See What it Gets You" from ANYONE CAN WHISTLE and "Move On" from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE were performed exquisitely by Bethany Thomas & Paul Jordan Jansen.
A CELEBRATION OF ROBERT FALLS
The Goodman Theatre
(music director, pianist)
When the legendary Bob Falls chose to retire as head of The Goodman Theatre, one of the most prestigious regional theatres in America, David was asked to helm the musical portions of the evening, sandwiching speeches from Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones, Nathan Lane, Mary Zimmerman, and of course, Bob himself.
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The evening featured performers E. Faye Butler, Cindy Gold, Ariana Burks, Danielle Davis, Jonathan Schwart & Stef Tovar, with E. Faye singing from BRUCE, and the whole crew singing the poignant "Something to Point To" from WORKING.
BALL NIGHT (Hosted by John Vincent)
The Beautiful City Project - Rizzo's Bar & Inn, Wrigleyville
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arrangements)
TBCP's BALL NIGHT was a fundraiser for the amazing folks at Special Olympics Illinois. The show's content was sports-themed, and included numbers from THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE GAME, CITY OF ANGELS, JOHN & JEN, ROCKY, WONDERFUL TOWN, PROMISES PROMISES, and of course some non-MT tunes like "One Moment in Time", "Sweet Caroline", "One Shining Moment" and "The Power Of the Dream".
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Hosted by Cubs Anthem singer John Vincent, the show took place at Rizzo's Bar & Inn, right across the street from Wrigley Field, and featured performers like Justin Brill, Stef Tovar, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, Wesly Anthony Clerge, Ian Custer, Brandon Dahlquist, Cecilia Iole, Justine Cameron and more.
FROM BROADWAY, WITH LOVE
The International Lyric Academy
Vicenza, Italy
(teacher, director, music director, pianist)
After the program took a 2 year pause for Covid, The International Lyric Academy was back at it, and this time David and Lisa Kay Fletcher would forge their own review, featuring songs like "The Rainbow Connection", "Avalanche", "Freedom", "She Used to Be Mine", and many more, bringing together a mighty group of singers from Texas and Illinois.
SUMMER ART PROJECT (Hosted by Paul Jordan Jansen)
The Beautiful City Project
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arrangements)
TBCP's SUMMER ART PROJECT was a fundraiser for the amazing folks at Project Onward, a non-profit art studio and gallery supporting artists with mental and developmental disabilities. The show's content was art-themed, and included numbers from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, A CLASS ACT, IT'S ONLY LIFE, PAINTED ALICE, EDGES, ROAD SHOW, AMOUR, THE HIGHEST YELLOW, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE and more.
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Featuring Christopher Kale Jones, Rob Lindley, Stef Tovar, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, and more, this was a night to remember.
CHICAGO SINGS: SONDHEIM
Porchlight Music Theatre - Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist/performer)
Chicago Sings returned in-person with a bang, an evening of Sondheim from Chicago's best known house for it. David helped design the evening as well as MD, Arrange and Orchestrate it, with Act 1 serving as "Theme", and Act 2 "Variation". All of the numbers in the first act would be presented more or less as they appeared in their original productions - whereas the numbers in the second act would be reinterpretations.
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With a lineup of Chicago heavy-hitters, the show dealt with all of the songs and shows in chronological order, and was the most successful Chicago Sings to date.
FIORELLO STUDIOS: UNIQUE CABARET EXPERIENCES (Part 2)
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret
(music director/director/writer/coach/pianist/performer)
Picking up where the series left off in 2019, these unique 60-80 minute shows featured an original script, and used the music of popular artists serving as book songs. Featuring a member of Fiorello Studios, and always featuring David behind the piano and playing a role (with occasional additional artists appearing), the UCE forged on, with 5 more offerings.​
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These next 5 featured Maddison Denault singing Aerosmith, Melissa Harrison singing Taylor Swift, Bella Blackshaw returning with her Sara Bareilles show, Mackenzie Maples singing Celine Dion, and Rebecca Prescott singing James Taylor.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
North Central College
(music director)
David's first collaboration with North Central College in Naperville was Andrew Lippa's THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a hilarious romp featuring the characters audience have come to love.
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Directed by Mitzi Smith, the show would feature some folks who would go on to become Beautiful City Project interns and performers - Shea Hopkins & Benjamin Weiss.
DISNEY DEEP DIVE: College Edition (Columbia College Chi)
The Beautiful City Project (Hosted by Juwon Tyrel Perry)
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arrangements/performer)
TBCP's DISNEY DEEP DIVE was a journey through some of the deeper cuts in the Mouse's catalog, highlighting songs from ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE, TREASURE PLANET, LION KING 1 1/2, BROTHER BEAR 2, A GOOFY MOVIE, OLIVER & COMPANY, and many more.
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This was the first College Edition, where the cast was comprised of students from Columbia College Chicago, as well as teacher (and Broadway veteran) Justin Brill, and hosted by alumni Juwon Tyrel Perry. The show raised funds and awareness for Todd Rundgren's Spirit of Harmony.
BROADWAY BLUEGRASS
The Beautiful City Project - Venus Cabaret Theatre
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arrangements)
TBCP returned to live performances with BROADWAY BLUEGRASS, an evening that took beloved Broadway songs and gave it a little twang. With a band consisting of Kelan M. Smith on Guitar/Banjo/Mandolin, Hillary Bayley on Fiddle, and Marcel Bonfim on Bass, David played Piano & Guitar, and led the evening, along with Cory Goodrich & Johanna McKenzie Miller.
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Performers included Michael Mahler, Dara Cameron, Kelvin Roston, Jr, Alexis J. Roston, Lydia Burke, Jenna Coker Jones, Ariana Burks, Michael McBride, Laura Savage and many more.
BLUES IN THE NIGHT
Porchlight Music Theatre - Ruth Page Center for the Arts
(music director)
BLUES IN THE NIGHT is a jazz-filled revue of some of the best songs from the era, including the title song, "Lush Life", "Willow Weep For Me", "Baby Doll", "Take it Right Back", and many others. Starring Tony-nominee Felicia P. Fields, Donica Lynn, Clare McLaughlin Kennedy, Evan Tyrone Martin and Terrell Armstrong, the show was a big hit for Porchlight.
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David served as Music Director, with Maulty Jewell, IV as Associate MD, who would play the run of the show. The show was directed & choreographed by Kenny Ingram.
INTERSECT
The Beautiful City Project - Online Offering
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
The largest TBCP project to date, David served as Director, Cinematographer, Music Director and Arranger for this full length-feature dance film, raising funds and awareness for Silent Threat Dance Team, whose leader was tragically and senselessly murdered.
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A piece that told 4 different stories through dance, David worked with 4 different Chicago choreographers to bring it to light - Shanna Venderwerker, Christopher Chase Carter, Isaiah Silvia-Chandley & Ariel Triunfo.
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With the soundtrack of the film being 90s music sung by Chicago theatre's finest musical theatre artists, there were 8 featured dancers: Christopher Kelley, Shantel Cribbs, Ariel Dorsey, Gabriel Mudd, Nich O'Neil, Kyra Sorce, Marisa Fee & Taylor Lane.
MAMMA MIA!
Dominican University
(music director/recording engineer)
As musicals began to come back to in-person performances, MAMMA MIA was the choice for Krista Hansen and Dominican University. David's special affinity for Krista led to the most unlikely of collaborations. With a lovely cast of professionals joining current and former Dominican University students, this production of MAMMA MIA had the audience on their feet and dancing.
SAM BONZI CABARET
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret
(music director/pianist)
The wildly talented Samantha Bonzi, who starred as Eleanor in the World Premiere of ELEANOR'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH had a cabaret performed at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret, with David as Music Director and Pianist. Featuring songs like "In His Eyes" from JEKYLL & HYDE, "Funny" from DOGFIGHT, "I'm Not Afraid" from SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, Adele's "Easy on Me", and more.
HONORING ANDRE DE SHIELDS
The Sarah Siddons Society
(music director/arranger/pianist/director)
Sarah Siddons yearly award, now back in-person, was honoring the great Andre De Shields, with a musical program honoring his professional work, including songs from THE WIZ, HAIR, THE JUNGLE BOOK, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', THE FULL MONTY, HADESTOWN, and many others. Along with videos of congratulations from fellow thespians Joe Mantegna, Mary Zimmerman, and more.
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David directed and arranged the whole evening, featuring Chicagoland performers Gabriel Mudd, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Darilyn Burtley & Melanie Loren, with Kelan M. Smith on Guitar, Marcel Bonfim on Bass, and Justin Kono on Drums, along with Greg Strauss on Trumpet and Kimberly Lawson on Violin.
FIORELLO STUDIOS RECITAL 2
Online Offering
(director/music director/pianist/coach)
The second Studio Recital for Fiorello Studios was held online, like nearly every other offering at this time. Featuring songs from THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, LUNCH, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, ELEGIES FOR ANGELS, PUNKS & RAGING QUEENS, 13, THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM and more, this recital showcased just a handful of folks taking new ground with Fiorello Studios.
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Featuring Izzie Rose, Sarah Nandola, Devin Evans, Reggie Hemphill, Peter Merikoski, Morgan Schoenecker, Nick Schrier, Jordan Beyeler, Adam Goldstein, Bella Blackshaw, Josh Jaffe, Laura Sportiello & Jerod Turner.
SONDHEIM LOVE-FEST
The Beautiful City Project - Online Offering
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/arrangements)
For Valentine's Day, TBCP took some of the best songs written by the master himself, Steven Joshua Sondheim, and put together an online evening to benefit Humble Hearts. Featuring performances from Kathy Voytko, Brandon Springman, Andrew Mueller, Samantha Pauly, Michelle Lauto, Lucy Godinez, Gabriel Mudd, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, E. Faye Butler, and more, this fundraiser put TBCP audiences in the mood for love.
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PROJECT MISTLETOE
The Beautiful City Project - Online Offering
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer/composer/lyricist)
With the pandemic rearing its ugly head around the holidays, that time-honored tradition of Season of Concern collecting donations at the Chicagoland performances of holiday shows was ALSO on hold - and Season of Carols, the arm of SoC that would put together an album of artists singing holiday songs from the cast of open productions, wasn't an option. That's when David talked with Cory Goodrich and put something together to stand in the gap and raise funds.
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With an all-star cast featuring Broadway's Samantha Pauly, Nicole Lambert, Courtney Mack, Mallory Maedke, Paul Jordan Jansen, Kathy Voytko, and many others, Project Mistletoe took flight. The offering even included a 2 original compositions for the event, by David, and writing team Cory Goodrich & Roberta Duchak.
HONORING BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL
The Sarah Siddons Society - Online Offering
(music director/arranger/pianist/director)
Sarah Siddons yearly award, forced virtual by the pandemic, was honoring the great Brian Stokes Mitchell, with a musical program honoring his professional work, including songs from THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, RAGTIME, KISS ME KATE, MAN OF LA MANCHA, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, LUNCH, and many others. Along with videos of congratulations from fellow thespians Audra McDonald, Flaherty & Ahrens, Frank Galati, and more.
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David directed and arranged the whole evening, featuring Chicagoland performers Gabriel Mudd, Curtis Bannister, Lydia Burke & Aja Wiltshire, with special guest Paul Jordan Jansen.
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CHRISTMAS AGAIN?!
Disney Channel Original Feature Film
(performer)
The Disney Channel original film CHRISTMAS AGAIN was a fun project where David served as an actor in the piece, filming not only scenes but a music video featuring the title song.
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Shot in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, and featuring a cast that included Daniel Sunjata (Broadway's TAKE ME OUT, the film THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), Priscilla Lopez (Broadway's A CHORUS LINE, IN THE HEIGHTS
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THE JOHN VINCENT SHOW
(music director/arranger/pianist/orchestrator/performer)
John Vincent is known to many a Chicagoan as being the official National Anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs, as well as many other professional sports teams, having sung the anthem for the World Series, and other important games.
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A teddy bear of a human, John has a huge range, and an even bigger heart. During the COVID times, we worked on a show called The John Vincent Show, where he would sing a little, play games, and have guests - comedians, singers, television personalities, and occasional athletes like Brett Favre and Jim McMahan. David served as Music Director and pianist, also consulting on the show, and creating arrangements and orchestrations for special events.
NEW FACES SING BROADWAY: 1987 (Hosted by Larry Adams)
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Studebaker Theatre
(music director/arrangements/pianist)
Using the backdrop of the historic Studebaker Theatre in downtown Chicago at the Fine Arts Building, New Faces went with an online-only offering in the age of Covid, and the New Faces production was filmed throughout the theatre - on an empty stage, in the balcony, the boxes, backstage and in dressing rooms.
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Featuring music from the 1987 season like Les Miserables, Into the Woods, Me and My Girl, Rags, Smile, Starlight Express and more. Performers featured were Taylor DiTola, Anna Marie Abbate, Isabella Andrews, Cierra Dawn, Devon Hayakawa, Kelan M. Smith, Tim Foscz, Garrett Griffin, Parker Guidry & Cameron Goode.
THE TOP 100 PROJECT
The Beautiful City Project - Online Offering
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
As COVID began to drag on longer than most had anticipated at the outset, TBCP decided to engage over 275 unique performers & musicians for mammoth project: a daily video series of the Top 100 Songs in musical theatre.
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100 songs - never repeating a show, and proceeds would go to a different Chicago non-profit or charity each week, with folks donating daily. Organizations included One Tail at a Time, Chicago Urban League, Healthy Hood, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, My Block, My Hood, My City, and countless others.
FIORELLO STUDIOS: MT CLASSROOM
Online Offerings
(Teacher/Director/Music Director)
As COVID's presence was being felt all across the Chicagoland musical theatre community, Fiorello Studios pivoted to online offerings unique to the studio - a trio of classes offerered on a weekly basis:
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--MT History
--Acting the Song
--Audition Central
--MT Self Tape
SoC TELETHON (Hosted by Lorenzo Rush, Jr.)
The Beautiful City Project - Online Offering
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
Serving as the first AEA Artist-involved fundraiser for musical theatre in the nation, this Covid Telethon was put together in a flash, and raised funds for Season of Concern, an organization that raises funds for artists in need in Chicagoland, which was obviously instrumental in helping folks during this incredible time.
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Featuring a cavalcade of artists who wanted to thelp the cause, it was headlined by Broadway actors (and American Idol alums) Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, and included folks like James Earl Jones II, Katherine Bourne, Will Skrip, Erica Evans, Jacquelyne Jones, Lucy Godinez, and many more, with the artists talking a little before their songs, talking about how the song has such meaning for them in these difficult new times being faced.
BROADWAY DATE NIGHT
The Beautiful City Project - Chicago Theater Works (founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
The third show in it's third month, Broadway Date Night was full of some of the greatest love duets in musical theatre. Starring heavy-hitters like Adrian Aguilar & Brianna Borger, Sawyer Smith & Mark David Kaplan, Heidi Kettenring & David Girolmo, Lorenzo Rush, Jr & Donica Lynn, Jermaine Hill & Justin Brill, Nicole Michelle Haskins & Nissi Shalome, the list goes on and on.
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Featuring songs from A NEW BRAIN, CLOSER THAN EVER, THE COLOR PURPLE, SECRET OF MY SUCCESS, TITANIC, FOLLIES, ONCE, ALL SHOOK UP and many others.
OPEN BOOKS (Hosted by Brianna Borger)
The Beautiful City Project - Davenport's Cabaret & Piano Bar (founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
The second cabaret from TBCP was another rousing success. Open Books, an organization that brings the power of literacy and reading to the underprivileged of Chicago, was a wonderful charitable partner, and the show's songs were all about literature and books.
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Featuring an all-star cast including Justin Brill, Evan Tyrone Martin, Brianna Borger, Leryn Turlington, Cassie Slater, Angela Ingersoll, and more, the night was another sold-out experience for the 2 show-old TBCP.
THE ANTI-CRUELTY SOCIETY (Hosted by Paul Lisnek)
The Beautiful City Project - Davenport's Cabaret & Piano Bar (founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
The first offering from TBCP was a fundraiser for the fantastic folks at the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago, specializing in the rescuing and re-homing of Chicago's cats and dogs. A truly worthy organization to begin the journey, an all-star cast was assembled, featuring Matt Crowle, Heidi Kettenring, David Girolmo, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Neala Barron and many more.
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Featuing songs about (and sometimes sung by) cats and dogs from the musical theatre a film canon, the night was a sold-out success, and the start of something much larger to come.
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY PROJECT
Launch of a New Theatre Company
(founder/artistic director/director/music director/performer)
It might be said that Chicagoland musical theatre changed for the better when David and company launched The Beautiful City Project, an organization that uses the tools of musical theatre to raise funds and awareness for hyper-local Chicago charities & non-profits in need. With a sterling Board of Advisors, and a top-notch team of volunteers, along Co-Founder Jessica Needham, this organization was off and running, with it's first production in January of 2020.
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Original Volunteers, called Warriors, were the Fab 5: Katie Luchtenberg, Erica Simone, Devin Evans, Bella Blackshaw & Maddison Denault
ELEANOR'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH
Written by Denise McGowan Tracy & Kathleen Butler-Duplessis
(music director/arranger/pianist)
David jumped on board of this new musical, and took beautiful tunes, and through the power of arrangements, made it into a shimmering score and piece of theatre. Premiering at the Greenhouse Theatre in Chicago, this World Premiere would go on to span other productions as well, including a production at Citadel Theatre.
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Featuring a lovely cast, including Emily Rohm, Erin Parker, Claire Latrourette, Cara Chumbley, LJ Bullen, David Turrentine, Scott Gryder & more, it was a holiday hit.
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE
Columbia College Chicago
(music director/pianist)
When Jermaine Hill asked for a Music Director he could trust for HIS first time Directing, David was more than happy to oblige. One of musical theatre's most underrated scores, and a Terrance McNally script, Flaherty & Ahrens score shines through with beautiful Irish orchestrations.
CHICAGO SINGS: 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Porchlight Music Theatre - Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
As Porchlight celebrated it's 25th year, Chicago Sings was an all-out affair, highlighting songs and shows from 25 years of Chicago excellence. It also reunited performers with that material that they performed in its original inception.
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Songs from shows like CHILDREN OF EDEN, PROMISES PROMISES, COMPANY, ASSASSINS, INTO THE WOODS, CLOSER THAN EVER, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', and many, many more.
AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND - Kander & Ebb
THE INTERNATIONAL LYRIC ACADEMY: MUSIC THEATRE PROGRAM
Vicenza, Italy
(music director/director/teacher/arranger/pianist/performer)
David would begin his partnership with The International Lyric Academy in 2019, starting with a production AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND. The program featured students from NYU, Boston Conservatory, Elon University and others - and there workshops, masterclasses, fantastic food, and beautiful sights. Teaching alongside Karla Kash and Jodi Jinks, David would make The International Lyric Academy his professional summer home in July.
PORCHLIGHT 25TH ANNIVERSARY GARDEN PARTY
AT METTAWA
Porchlight Music Theatre - Bill Kurtis' Estate
(music director/arranger/pianist)
At the beautiful home of Bill Kurtis, and his lush gardens, David put together some lovely arrangements of songs from shows that would be featured in the upcoming season, such as SOPHISTICATED LADIES, SUNSET BOULEVARD, NEW FACES, and more.
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Featuring Donica Lynn, Emily Goldberg and Yando Lopez.
FIORELLO STUDIOS: 2019 UNIQUE CABARET EXPERIENCE
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret
(music director/director/writer/coach/pianist/performer)
A new series began in 2019, with the writing of unique 60-80 minute shows with an original script, but featuring the music of popular artists serving as book songs. Featuring a member of Fiorello Studios, and always featuring David behind the piano and playing a role (with occasional additional artists appearing), the UCE became a cult favorite, and would lead to another series of them down the line.
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The first 5 featured Jessica Needham singing Female Artists of the 90s, Bella Blackshaw singing Sara Bareilles, Sarah Fiorello singing Eva Cassidy, Erica Blanco singing Kelly Clarkson, and Taylor Lane singing Jason Mraz.
SOUNDTRACK
Netflix Original Series
(vocal coach/piano coach/actor)
David served as Vocal Coach and Piano coach to lead actor Paul James in the Netflix series SOUNDTRACK (originally titled MIXTAPE). He also appeared in the show. Long hours were spent with the lovely Paul, teaching him how to play piano from scratch.
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When it came time to record, they spent time in the studio, with Paul singing the gorgeous Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein, II song "The Folks Who Live On The Hill", a song he'd play and sing on screen. The version was the Gabriel Kahane version, who also consulted on the day of the recording.
FIORELLO STUDIOS RECITAL: 2019
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret
(music director/director/coach/pianist/performer)
In it's first ever incarnation, David's studio held it's first recital, and it was one for the ages. With Taylor DiTola, Laura Sportiello, Morgan Schoenecker, Isaiah Silvia-Chandley, Anna Marie Abbate, Claire McConnell, Devin Evans, Erica Blanco, Eilish Morse-O'Roarke, Mackenzie Maples, Alex Christ, Emma Hempen, Jessica Needham and Bella Blackshaw.
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With songs from RAGS, AMOUR, TABOO, SNOOPY, GRIND, ELEGIES, and from composers like Jason Robert Brown, John Mayer, The Beatles, The Indigo Girls, Michel Legrand and more, it was a sold-out, rousing first entry.
NEW FACES SING BROADWAY: NOW (Hosted by Lorenzo Rush, Jr.)
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Arts Club/SPACE
(music director/arrangements/pianist)
David music directed the last show in the season of Porchlight Music Theatre's NEW FACES SING BROADWAY series, with it's first incarnation of things currently on Broadway. Hosted by Jeff Award-winner Lorenzo Rush, Jr, the show celebrated songs from HAMILTON, THE PROM, MEAN GIRLS, FROZEN, COME FROM AWAY, WAITRESS, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and many more.
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Performers included Darilyn Burtley, Aeriel Williams, Cecilia Iole, Satya Chavez, Chloe Nadon-Enriquez, Trevor Vanderzee, Nick Durzbanski, Kaimana Neil, Drew Tanabe & Jerome Riley, Jr. ​Directed by Christopher Pazdernik.
MICHI-GIG: Matt Crowle Returns to Michigan
Franke Center For the Arts, MI
(music director/performer/arranger/pianist)
David served as MD for a lovely jaunt to Michigan with Matt Crowle, Erin Parker & Joe Capstick for a homecoming concert for Matt. Fantastic songs all evening, including "As Long As I'm Singing", "With a Little Bit of Luck", "Memories Are Made of These", "How Deep is the Ocean", "I Love a Piano", "Moses Supposes" and more.
TOONS: A Concert and Singalong
Misericordia, Heart of Mercy
(music director/arrangements/pianist/performer)
David lent his talents to an incredibly heart-warming event as Misericordia, an evening of cartoon songs from Disney and other animated franchises. Along with Devin DeSantis, Heidi Kettenring, Nancy Voigts and George Keating, songs were sung from ALADDIN, THE LION KING, THE LITTLE MERMAID and many others, alongside a choir from Misericordia themselves. Directed by Dominic Missimi.
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A crowd favorite was David & George's "Hakuna Matata". Directed and conceived by Dominic Missimi.
2019 ICONS GALA: Celebrating Jerome Robbins
Porchlight Music Theatre - Ritz Carlton, Chicago
(music director/performer/arranger/pianist)
The beautiful downtown Chicago Ritz-Carlton Hotel was the venue for this brunch celebrating Jerome Robbins. David MD'd and did arrangements an orchestrations for the evening, including a gorgeous 8-minute medley of songs from Robbins' greatest Broadway hits, featuring Neala Barron, Katherine Bourne, Yando Lopez and Mark David Kaplan, as well as Fiorello on vocals.
ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION: SPIRIT - A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
(music director/arrangements/pianist)
On March 11, 2019, David Music Directed SPIRIT: A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY, wherein Actors’ Equity awarded four recipients with its Kathryn V. Lamkey (“Kathy”) Awards. This honor takes place in Chicago and is presented by Equity’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committee in collaboration with Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
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The Kathy, named for former Central Regional Director Kathryn V. Lamkey, recognizes theatre companies, individuals, producers and organizations that provide ongoing opportunities for underrepresented members in the Central Region. This year’s event was hosted by Wydetta Carter, James Holbrook and Robert Schleifer, and Directed by E. Faye Butler.
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The evening featured the songs "I Never Has Seen Snow" from HOUSE OF FLOWERS, and the iconic "Why (The King of Love is Dead)", written in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. King.
NEW FACES SING BROADWAY: 1941 (Hosted by Matt Crowle)
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Arts Club/SPACE
(music director/arrangements/pianist)
David music directed the next show in Porchlight Music Theatre's NEW FACES SING BROADWAY series, with featuring the year 1941. Hosted by Jeff Award-winner Matt Crowle, the show celebrated songs from PAL JOEY, CABIN IN THE SKY, LADY IN THE DARK, BANJO EYES, PANAMA HATTIE, and many more.
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Performers included Tyler Symone, Nicole Michelle Haskins, Laura Brennan, Larissa Mae White, Ann Delaney, Marvin Malone II, J Bishop, Adam LaSalle, William Marquez and Juwon Tyrel Perry.​ Directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller.
NEW FACES SING BROADWAY: 1964 (Hosted by Paul Lisnek)
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Arts Club/Skokie Theat
(music director/arrangements/pianist)
David music directed the next season of Porchlight Music Theatre's NEW FACES SING BROADWAY series, with 1964 being the first up to bat. Hosted by WGN's Emmy-winning Paul Lisnek, the show celebrated songs from FUNNY GIRL, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, BEN FRANKLIN IN PARIS, 110 IN THE SHADE and many more.
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Performers included Aaron Choi, Max Cervantes, Billy Dawson, Chase Heinemann, Averis Anderson, Missy Wise, Leah Davis, Jenna Fawcett, Bridget Adams King & Claire Latourette.​ Directed by Keely Vasquez.
2018 EQUITY JEFF AWARDS
Drury Lane Theatre
(presenter for musical direction)
David was asked to present the award for Musical Direction at the Equity Jeff Awards at Drury Lane theatre. The winner would be the tremendous Tom Vendafreddo for Paramount Theatre's production of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET.
TV APPEARANCES: GYPSY
(music director/pianist)
David made the rounds on all of the Chicago television station with appearances to promote Porchlight's GYPSY, along with the lovely E. Faye Butler.
GYPSY
Porchlight Music Theatre - Ruth Page Center for the Arts
(music director/orchestrations/pianist/performer)
David returned to Porchlight Music Theatre to Music Direct their Fall production of GYPSY , starring the inimitable E. Faye Butler as Mama Rose. Featuring an all star cast including Daryn Whitney Harrell (Louise), Aalon Smith (Dainty June), Jose Antonio Garcia (Herbie), Honey West (Electra), Dawn Bless (Mazeppa), Melissa Young (Tessie Tura) and Marco Tzunux (Tulsa).
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"At long last, one of Chicago’s greatest diva’s will assume the role that has been called “The King Lear of music theatre,” when E. Faye Butler makes her Porchlight Music Theatre debut in the landmark musical, GYPSY . The heart-wrenching story of a mother who raises her daughters to assume the heights, whether they want to or not, features one of the gold-standard musical scores including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and others. This production promises to be one of the must-see events of the season."
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After a 4 (out of 4) Star rave from Chris Jones and other publications, E. Faye Butler would go on to win the Equity Jeff Award for Lead Performer in a Musical.
CHICAGO SINGS: MGM MUSICALS
Porchlight Music Theatre - Second City
(arranger/performer)
After Music Directing the previous year's CHICAGO SINGS: SINATRA AND THE RAT PACK , this year David was back as a guest performer, singing an original arrangement of an old MGM tune with the great Nancy Voigts.
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Featuring performances by Sean Blake, James Earl Jones II, Mark David Kaplan, Yando Lopez, Kelvin Roston, Jr., Lorenzo Rush, Jr., Stephen Schellhardt, Bethany Thomas, Michell Lauto, Jim DeSelm, Brandon Dahlquist, and many more.
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The concert was held at the UP Comedy Club at Second City
PREVIEW IN THE PARK - A Sneak Peek At the Upcoming 2018 - 2019 Season
Porchlight Music Theatre - Washington Square Park
(music director/performer)
David served as Music Director for this exciting preview of some of the work you'd see in Porchlight's upcoming season. Featuring songs such as "Is Anybody There?" and "He Plays the Violin" from 1776, "Nothing", "What I Did For Love", and "I Can Do That" from A CHORUS LINE, "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "All I Need is the Girl" from GYPSY, "I Don't Know What I'd Do" from A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, "I Love Paris" from CAN CAN, "Mama, A Rainbow" from MINNIE'S BOYS, there's something special with every performer that comes up to bat.
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Plus, it's in a park in the beautiful Chicago summertime. A real must-see event featuring the fantastic James Earl Jones, II, Liam Quealy, Leah Davis and Michelle Lauto.
![Preview in the Park postcard [front].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc92a8_bae3350949e44f5fbae0256ec8a832a8~mv2_d_1875_1275_s_2.png/v1/fill/w_460,h_313,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Preview%20in%20the%20Park%20postcard%20%5Bfront%5D.png)
CHRIS & DAVID'S
TOP 40 SHOWTUNES
YOU'VE (PROBABLY)
NEVER HEARD
"Going It Alone" - THE LAST SESSION - Lewis Rawlinson
CHRIS & DAVID'S TOP 40 SHOWTUNES YOU'VE
(PROBABLY) NEVER HEARD
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret
(co-creator, performer, music director)
David and Chris created a truly unique event; a four-part cabaret series centering around songs from musicals that were either cut from shows, or have simply been forgotten. The series consisted of 4 separate evenings, featuring 12 songs per night, and each week had a completely different song-list, as well as completely different performers on the material. A veritable who's who of Chicago theatre joined the festivities to breathe life into these little-known gems.
Performers ranged from notable Jeff-Award-winners, to up-and-coming stars of the stage. Featuring the likes of Heidi Kettenring, Mark David Kaplan, Stef Tovar, Michelle Lauto, Jacquelyne Jones, Brandon Dahlquist, Keely Vasquez, Samantha Pauly, Emily Goldberg, Max DeTogne, Katherine Bourne, Carisa Gonzalez, Sarah Fiorello, Jeff Pierpoint, the list goes on and on.
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Structured so that David and Chris could share their considerable knowledge and expertise on the songs that they each chose, the evening featured a great musical theatre history component, as well as surprises at every turn, with songs that many in the audience had never heard performed before.
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A critical smash, the requests have been pouring in for a Volume 2. Stay tuned for a second round of this musical undertaking.
"Love Somebody Now" - ASPHALT BEACH - Heidi Kettenring
"I'm Not Alone" - CARRIE - Samantha Pauly
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
Porchlight Music Theatre - Ruth Page Center for the Arts
(Joe Josephson)
David makes a brief return to the stage to play the role originated by Jason Alexander in the Original Broadway company. Recently extended until March 17th at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, in Chicago's Gold Coast.
The reviews have been pouring in, with Amy Muncie from Picture This Post saying: "...David Fiorello, playing Joe Josephson...in one of the more endearing and excellent cameo moments of the evening..."
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The Chicago Sun-Times calls David "superb", and says "If you plan to see just one musical this winter - Merrily We Roll Along" is the one to choose."
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And Chicago on Stage notes "...the entire cast of this production is excellent, but I must also mention Keely Vasquez’s Gussie and David Fiorello’s Joe Josephson. Both actors take stereotypical roles and handle them beautifully. It would have been easy for either actor to treat the role as a one-note creation, but both lend their characters considerable life. "
PORCHLIGHT REVISITS: Do Re Mi
Porchlight Music Theatre - Ruth Page Center for the Arts
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
Porchlight Revisits "Do Re Mi," the final Porchlight Revisits production of the 2017 - 2018 season! May 22 - 24 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts!
Originally created for the comic style of the great Phil Silvers and Nancy Walker, it’s the story of “Hubie Cram,” a minor-league con man endlessly scheming to win big who, at the urging of his long-suffering wife, “Kay,” decides to go (somewhat) straight by moving into the jukebox and music promotion business as he concocts his biggest score ever. Featuring the hits: “Make Someone Happy,” “Fireworks” and “I Know About Love” with Direction and Choreography by Christopher Pazdernik and Music Direction by David Fiorello.
NEW FACES SING BROADWAY: 1939, 1959, 1975
Porchkight Music Theatre - The Arts Club/Uptown Underground
(music director/arranger/pianist)
Hosted by a popular Chicago music theatre “name” and featuring a company of ten up-and-coming local talents, the evening is a journey from the start to the finish of the 1932, 1959 and 1975 musical seasons on Broadway.
Peppered with visuals of the era in an exciting multimedia presentation, trivia games (with prizes!), sing-alongs and more, you’ll be treated to the very best music of the “hit and miss” productions that made up a musical season on the Great White Way presented in an intimate and elegant cabaret environment.
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Presented at The Skokie Theatre and the Arts Club of Chicago.
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Hosts:
1939 - Rob Lindley (Fun Home at Victory Gardens)
1959 - Gene Wegandt (Broadway's Wicked)
1975 - Donica Lynn (Jeff-Winner for Porchlight's Dreamgirls)
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PORCHLIGHT REVISITS: Merrily We Roll Along by Kaufman & Hart
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Ruth Page Center for the Arts
(lead performer)
In conjunction with the mainstage production of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, the Porchlight Revisits staged concert series presents the original 1934 Broadway play Merrily We Roll Along by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart that inspired the Stephen Sondheim musical. Written by the team that created You Can’t Take it With You, The Man Who Came to Dinner and Once in a Lifetime, and originally featuring a cast of over 90 actors, this is an extraordinary opportunity to experience this very rarely seen classic.
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In addition to taking on one of the lead roles, David also sings some beautiful 1920's/30's style arrangements of some classic Irving Berlin songs in between scenes.
CHICAGO SINGS: Sinatra and the Rat Pack
Porchlight Music Theatre - Second City
(music director/arranger/orchestrator/pianist)
Chicago Sings is a one-night-only fundraising celebration honoring artists whose music has changed the world, presented by a who’s-who roster of Chicago music theatre and cabaret favorites.
Featuring performances from E. Faye Butler, Hollis Resnick, Heidi Kettenring, Mark David Kaplan, Rob Lindley, Lucy Godinez, Eric Lewis, Rob Lindley, Yando Lopez, Christine Mild, Peggy Roeder, Andrew & Matthew Mueller and others to be announced! August 28!
2018 ICONS GALA: Celebrating Legendary Performer Fred Astaire
Porchlight Music Theatre - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
(music director/performer/arranger/pianist)
The beautiful downtown Chicago Ritz-Carlton Hotel was the venue for this brunch celebrating Fred Astaire, and presenting the Guy Atkins award to Director/Choreographer Brenda Didier. David sang from the piano with a 3-piece combo as some of Chicago's best hoofers took the stage to perform. Featuring the talents of Matt Crowle, Ja'Bowen Dixon, Joe Capstick, Michael Samarie George, Tedd Greenwood, James Earl Jones II, Tammy Mader and Steven Spanopolous, the event was a sure-fire hit, also raising thousands of dollars through both live and silent auctions.
PORCHLIGHT HOLIDAY PARTY
The Cliff Dwellers Club, Chicago
(music director/pianist)
Held at the beautiful Cliff Dwellers Club, high atop the Mag Mile in downtown Chicago, Porchlight's Holiday Party was a blast! Featuring performances from Neala Barron, Keely Vasquez and Yando Lopez, the classy affair was a hit for all attending.
PORCHLIGHT REVISITS: Woman of the Year
Porchlight Music Theatre (Ruth Page Center for the Arts)
(music director/arranger/pianist)
Porchlight Revisits "Woman Of The Year," the first Porchlight Revisits production of our 2017 - 2018 season! November 14 - 16 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts!
Based on the classic film starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, a television interviewer and a newspaper cartoonist get into a public battle over their respective professions, and, of course, fall in love, marry and experience more career conflicts. This Tony Award-winning musical starred Lauren Bacall in its original Broadway run. Book by Peter Stone. Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Direction by Artistic Direction by Michael Weber, Musical Direction by David Fiorello, Choreography by Florence Walker Harris.
