Closer Than Ever, the Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire revue, would not claim that 20 years don't exert a toll. Dealing as it does with both the deaths of marriages, ideals, and dreams that characterize the dark side of middle age and the joys and accomplishments that accumulate then as they can't earlier in life, it knows that time is never on our side. But you would never know that from the spectacular production the show is receiving at the Queens Theatre in the Park, which doesn't just defy time, but practically reverses it.
On Sunday, January 10 at the China Club Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Robert Schenkkan, and composer/lyricist Neil Berg presented an industry showcase of their new musical THE 12. Produced by Adam Friedson and Left Feild Productions, this musical showcase is a preview to its premiere production at the Broward Center this upcoming spring. The showcase, part of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters conference, was directed by Richard Seyd.
A FEW MINUTES WITH: Neil Berg of 100 Years of Broadway at Meadow Brook Music Festival
One of the busiest guys in showbiz just might be Neil Berg. A lyricist, composer, accompanist, producer - Berg is coming to Meadow Brook Music Festival July 18 with his popular musical revue, 100 Years of Broadway. Berg recently talked with EncoreMichigan.com about his career, the criteria he used in deciding which shows to include (and exclude) from the show, and how fate intervened to prevent one less lawyer from coming into the world.
Neil Berg, a composer and entertainment producer, is a personable bundle of nervous energy, piano virtuosity and showbiz dish. His love for his work - profusely professed - was obvious as he offered anecdotal intros to the performers and the numbers they were to perform.
Photo Coverage: Neil Berg's "The Twelve" Debuts at The China Club
"The Twelve begins where Jesus Christ Superstar leaves off. In this high-energy rock show, each one of Christ's apostles is represented with a tribute to a different classic-rock icon such as: David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, U2, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin," explain press notes.
Clearly the most heart-warming, as well as heart-tugging, highlight of the evening was a chance to hear the personal stories of two former Covenant House members who rendered the crowd speechless and tearful with their bittersweet stories of neglect, abuse, rescue and redemption back into the world and a life that so many of us take for granted.
The performers were all top-rate professionals. The band was second to none. And Neil Berg is a tremendous piano player and host. The way in which he spoke to the audience and presented the forthcoming entertainment brought out his warmth and sincerity, his style and his eagerness to be a success and put forth the best show he could possibly deliver.
Leftfield Productions, Inc.
1 South Franklin Street, Nyack, NY 10960
For private engagements please call Joe D'Urso at 845-353-2407
or email at info@neilberg.com
