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Washington ,DC -Feb. 9 - 21, 2010; The National Theatre
Topic Started: Oct 27 2009, 05:08 PM (777 Views)
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February 9-21, 2010

The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004-1799
(202) 628-6161




TICKETS: $36.59 to $96.50

SEATING CAPACITY: 1676


SEATING CHART:

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THE VENUE:

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The National Theatre opened in 1835. Every person who has served as President of the United States has attended performances here, earning the playhouse the revered title: "Theatre of Presidents." The historic playhouse has seen Pennsylvania Avenue grow from the muddy main street of a fledgling capital to the ceremonial avenue of a great world power.

The National has presented first-class touring productions continuously longer than any other theatre in America.

On Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, three blocks from The White House, stands the National Theatre, "The Theatre of Presidents." This historic playhouse has seen Pennsylvania Avenue grow from the muddy main street of a fledgling capital, to the ceremonial avenue of a great world power. Festive inaugural parades and raucous demonstration marches pass on the Avenue in front of the building. Inside, drama and merriment reign.

In the year the theatre opened, President Andrew Jackson paid off the national debt... the last time that has happened ... and he came to the National Theatre. That same year the Liberty Bell cracked, P.T. Barnum organized his first circus, and the National Theatre opened its doors.

The National has operated longer than any other major touring house in the United States. Subsequent to its opening on December 7, 1835, the building was destroyed by fire and rebuilt on the same site five times during the 1800's. Part of the original foundation can still be seen in the basement of the present structure, which was rebuilt in the 1920's, and given a major renovation which was completed in 1984.

The history of this theatre is a panorama of American theatre: a Who's Who of the stars of the past, the present, and, undoubtedly, the future.

Virtually every great stage performer of the past century has appeared here.

One star of the first season was Junius Brutus Booth, whose three sons, including the infamous John Wilkes Booth, all played at the National.

The first performance in the theatre was "Man of the World," in 1835. When the theatre reopened its doors in 1850, after a disastrous fire, the featured performer was Miss Jenny Lind, "the Swedish Nightingale."; The first attraction in 1952 when the National returned to stage performances after a short period as a movie house was Call Me Madam, starring, of course, Ethel Merman.

Among the other celebrated stars of the theatre who have appeared here are: Helen Hayes, John Barrymore, Joan Rivers, Carol Channing, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Sarah Bernhardt, Spencer Tracy, and Katharine Hepburn. Playwright John Guare was an assistant manager here. Shirley MacLaine was an usher and her brother, Warren Beatty, was the stage doorman at one time.

For almost a century the National has been haunted by the friendly ghost of actor John McCullough, reputedly shot and killed by a fellow performer. The two men argued while washing clothes in the Tiber Creek, which then flowed through the basement backstage. A rusty pistol, perhaps the murder weapon, was unearthed under the stage in 1982, near where McCullough's remains are rumored to lie in the earth beneath the stage. According to legend, his spirit roams the theatre on the eve of opening nights, and was once seated in the audience.


http://www.nationaltheatre.org/location/narrative.htm

The auditorium dates to the 1920's, when the roof of another theatre collapsed after a heavy snowstorm. New building codes prompted this theatre and others to replace their roof beams with steel and concurrently undertake other renovations.

Posted Imagecourtesy of www.nationaltheatre.org

The National's Mezzanine and Balcony seats are sharply raked, providing excellent views of the stage. The seats, installed in 2002, are upholstered in a melon shade similar to that of the dining room at Mount Vernon. Auditorium walls, with velvet panels at the Orchestra level, are in shades of teal blue, as is carpet throughout the theatre. Other public area walls and woodwork are in various shades of melon, lemon and white. Velvet drapes and Austrian shades are in coordinate colors. The peach-colored main stage curtain was designed by Mr. Smith and specially woven in heavy peach satin brocade for the theatre. A large carved eagle atop the proscenium is gilded, as is the proscenium arch and details of the angled coffered ceiling above it. Framed antique newspaper prints of Washington landmarks, as well as classical crystal chandeliers and sconces and richly upholstered furniture, complete the elegant ambiance throughout the building.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.nationaltheatre.org/location/art/NationalTheatre%26ImperialBldg400h.jpg&imgrefurl=http://nationaltheatre.org/location/building.htm&usg=__3F4v5s-zDXrPUtaG9mrLruDXZLI=&h=400&w=482&sz=42&hl=en&start=9&um=1&tbnid=N4J7Du6rWuj5zM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dthe%2Bnational%2Btheatre%2Bwashington%2Bdc%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1%26ie%3DUTF-8


DIRECTIONS :
Complete instructions for getting to the theatre from anywhere : http://www.nationaltheatre.org/location/directions.htm

If you are staying in a hotel and are going to take the METRO to the theatre:
Directions to the National Theatre via METRO
The theatre is about the same distance from the Federal Triangle and the METRO Center stops. The route from Federal Triangle is on more level sidewalks, but METRO Center is accessible from more METRO lines.

Take any line to METRO CENTER
EXIT toward 13th and G Streets.
Continue on 13th Street in the direction of the exit escalator.
The theatre is two blocks down 13th Street to E Street, and 1/2 block to the right at
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

(Note: At 13th Street, E Street becomes Pennsylvania Avenue.)


RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS :

Patrons are advised to contact the venues directly in advance to double-check addresses, and confirm service times, menus, and other details. Ask whether a reservation is required . Also ask what time you should book a table in order to finish eating in time to be at the theatre in plenty of time for the show without rushing. Bon appétit!Click on restaurant names in blue to visit their websites.OT signifies Open Table.com which you can click to make reservations. http://www.nationaltheatre.org/location/restaurants.htm

701 PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT - 202-393-0701 - 701 Penn Ave, NW - OT

BLUEPOINT - 202-783-4545 - 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (in the Warner Builldig)

ACADIANA - 202-408-8848 - 901 New York Ave, NW; Enter on K at 9th

ARIA TRATTORIA - 202-312-1250 - 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW - Free Parking

AU BON PAIN - 202-639-0846 - 700 13th St NW -

BISTRO D'OC - 202-393-5444 - 518 10th street NW - 10th between E and F

BOMBAY CLUB - 202-659-3727 - 815 Connecticut Ave, NW

CAUCUS ROOM, THE* - 202-393-1300 - Sam & Harry's - 401 9th St, NW - Market Square North - Show your theatre tickets to receive free valet parking

CAFE PHILLIPS - 202-408-4900- 1401 H St, NW

CAPITOL CITY BREWING COMPANY - 202-628-2222 - 11th and H Streets, NW

CEIBA - 202-393-3983 - 14th and G Streets, NW - OT

CHEF GEOFF'S DOWNTOWN - 202-464-4461 - 13th bet E & F across from Warner - OT

DC COAST - 202-216-5988 -14th and K Streets, NW - OT

EAT - SHOPS AT NATIONAL PLACE FOOD COURT - 13th and F, NW

ELEPHANT & CASTLE - 202-347-7707 - Pennsylvania and 12th Street, NW

ELLA'S WOOD FIRED PIZZA - 202-638-3434 - 900 F St, NW - 9th bet F & G Sts

FINEMONDO Italian Country Kitchen - 202-737-3100 - 1319 F Street, NW

GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT - 202-783-5454 - 9th and F Streets, NW

HARD ROCK CAFE - 202-737-7625 - 999 E Street, NW

J.W. MARRIOTT HOTEL - 202-393-2000 - 14th and E Streets, NW

M & S GRILL- 202-347-1500 - 600 13th Street, NW

McCORMICK & SCHMICK'S - 202-639-9330 - 901 F St., NW - at 9th St

McDONALD'S - Fast Food - 13th and F Streets, NW

OCCIDENTAL GRILL - 202-783-1475 - 1475 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW - OT

OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM - 202-347-2277 - 1201 F Street, NW

OLD EBBITT GRILL - 202-347-4800 - 675 15th Street, NW - OT

OLD POST OFFICE PAVILION FOOD COURT - 12th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

OVAL ROOM - 202-463-8700 - 800 Connecticut Ave, NW - OT

POTBELLY Sandwiches - 13th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW

REAGAN BUILDING FOOD COURT- On Pennsylvania Ave across from the National

TEN PENH - 10th & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW - OT

TOSCA RISTORANTE - 202 367-1990 -1112 F Street, NW - OT

WILLARD HOTEL CAFE DU PARC - 202-628-9100 - 14th and E Streets, NWIf you have corrections or updates to any of the information on this page, please send an email letting us know.


http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocalMaps-g28970-d275184-The_National_Theatre-Area.html Hotels
http://hotel-guides.us/washington-dc/national-theatre-dc-hotels.html Hotels

POINTS OF INTEREST :

1. The Ghost of the National Theatre
EVERY RESPECTABLE THEATRE has a venerable ghost, and the National Theatre in Washington, DC is no exception.
The shade of Actor John Edward McCullough, a popular American thespian of the 1800's, is said to roam the premises of the theatre in the dark of night.

No longer thirsting for an audience's applause, the once famed star performer has taken on the lonely role of ghostly custodian and spectral overseer, checking to be sure that all is in readiness for the next performance.

THIS STORY BEGINS not only backstage, but under the stage, where, in the 1800's, the Tiber Creek flowed in an open raceway beneath the stage floor. That channel was not enclosed in a storm sewer until the 1950's. The clear running water (which could be heard in the auditorium above only during the quietest of scenes and after the heaviest of downpours) provided the acting company with a perfect place to wash out their costumes and clothes.

According to time-hallowed legend, John McCullough, a classical actor with a stentorian Shakespearean voice, fell to arguing with another actor of less repute, over their competing attentions to an alluring actress in the touring company with which they were all then playing at the National. In other versions of the story, the two actors begin fighting over a coveted stage role. Who knows just how arguments begin and where they will end?

In any event, declamation led to shouting, and shouting led to worse:
SHOTS RANG OUT!

. . . . and John McCullough fell dead beneath the stage upon which he had previously so often trod to thunderous acclaim. Whether motivated by an attempt to avoid a public scandal, by the absence of grieving relatives at hand to provide a suitable burying plot and conduct a proper funeral, or by a scheme to get rid of the incriminating evidence of the murder, we are told that McCullough's remains were consigned by lantern-light to a grave dug hastily in the dingy, dirt-floored cellar beneath the stage. Some of this earth still remains there in the National Theatre in the 20th century, among the rocky foundations of the building, but most of the basement has been long since cemented over -- and perhaps John McCullough and his fate have been paved over as well.

SOON AFTER HIS DEATH, strange sightings of McCullough's restless spirit began. On the opening night of a new show, the silent ghost was reportedly glimpsed in various parts of the house, checking the props, scanning the scenery -- roaming abroad to make certain that all was in order before the curtain rose. Some reports have the apparition garbed as Hamlet, the first role he ever played in Washington. Others claimed to have seen the phantom attired for his most famous role, the ill-fated Roman centurion, Virginius.

One startled performer, who had known the deceased personally, told of seeing McCullough seated calmly in the audience, right up close to the gas footlights in an orchestra chair! As the 19th century came to its close, doormen, night watchmen and others from time to time reported their unnerving encounters with the ghost in backstage hallways, on staircases, in dressing rooms, and on the empty Washington stage he so dearly loved.

THE WASHINGTON POST, Sunday, October 4, 1896, reported as fact, the eerie experience of Frederic Bond, a well-known comedy actor, and close friend of John McCullough. Mr. Bond was sitting late one night at the prompter's table which had been placed at the front of the stage for a rehearsal earlier that day. Going over his cues in the flickering gaslight, he heard a disturbing noise. Looking into the wings and then out into the darkened auditorium, he saw no one. Thinking he had misheard, he returned to his memorization. But again he heard the frightening noise. Peering into the shadowy gloom once more, he wondered if the watchman, or another actor, had crossed behind the stage draperies, or if someone was playing a trick on him.

SUDDENLY THE HAIR ROSE on the back of Frederic Bond's neck as he felt the mysterious presence of some invisible being hovering near him. He was about to cry out when he saw a weird but human-looking apparition which glided across the stage, stopping a little distance in front of him. Recognizing the ghostly visage, Bond called out: "John McCullough! John!!" Whereupon the figure turned away from him, walked gravely toward the wings, and then suddenly disappeared.

Immediately, a second transparent figure materialized, which Bond recognized as the recently-deceased Eddie Specht. Specht had been an eager young property-boy who idolized McCullough, and who, when the theatre was empty, would often practice at imitating one of McCullough's roles on the bare stage. Eddie's ghost now followed McCullough's spirit quietly to the wings and at the same spot, vanished as had McCullough. On other occasions, we are told, the specter of Eddie, the young, would-be actor, has been seen still following his stage hero -- one spooky presence gliding silently after the other.

GETTING WIND OF THIS MURKY AFFAIR in the 1930's, the Washington constabulary rose to the challenge -- albeit nearly 50 years after the fact -- and proposed to dig up the earthen floor, exhume the corpse, solve the crime, and give McCullough a decent grave in a proper cemetery. But the people of the theatre are a sentimental (and superstitious?) lot and a close-knit clan. They rose up noisily against any scheme to disturb the quiet sleep of their brother actor who, they reasoned common-sensibly, was resting peacefully backstage right where he would want most to be.

McCullough sightings, while beyond the proof of science, were reported well into the 20th century.

TIME HAS SCATTERED THE EVIDENCE and the witnesses -- if there were any besides the person who fired the fatal shots -- but the rumor that an unknown actor was murdered and buried backstage persists. Whether the man killed was truly John McCullough is, however, questionable: There is evidence that the unfortunate McCullough contracted an embarrassing "social disease" which affected his brain. This rendered him increasingly ineffective as he trod the stage in bizarre performances which had him forgetting his lines and confusing his blocking. He apparently appeared for the last time in Washington in 1884, was confined for a time in an asylum, and died mercifully the following year in Philadelphia, where he is (also) reportedly buried.

LEGEND OR LEGACY? Just when cynical scientific post-modern sensibilities would debunk and deconstruct this lurid tale of backstage murder and the walking dead, new evidence emerged! In the renovation of the theatre prior to its grand refurbishment of 1984, a rusty pistol, circa 1850, turned up in the dirt beneath the stage, and was turned over by the theatre's Manager to the Smithsonian Institution. Thus interest in the story of the ill-fated John McCullough revived. . . . To be Continued . . . . .?

This article is based on several published reports, as well as information from Matthew Miller, a great-great-great - nephew of Mr. McCullough, who contacted the National in 2007.


2. Washington DC is awash in history and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it be the Smithsonian for history buffs, Government Buildings to watch our "democratic" process in action, beautiful botanical gardens and the zoo for the flora and fauna enthusiasts or the various honorariums built to showcase our servicemen and women who have made our country free; you can find them on practically every block in the city. From the decadent areas to Georgetown , Washington DC highlights the diversity of our American population . http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GreaterWashingtonDCAreaDC/pointsOfInterest/

MEDIA:

1.
The Washington Times

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/21/green-glover-hicks-coming-in-grease/
GREEN & GLOVER:

Hicks coming in 'Grease'



Taylor-made

"When you get into the music business, you get into the germ business as well," laments recording artist and season five "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks in a phone interview on Friday with G2.

The 30-something Mr. Hicks has been under the weather with strep throat but soldiered on to chat with us about his upcoming stint in the District when the musical "Grease" rolls into the National Theatre for a two-week engagement beginning Feb. 9.

Mr. Hicks has been on the current U.S. tour of the Broadway musical -- which he describes as "an American staple" -- since 2008 playing the Teen Angel character. He says he's looking forward to being back in the nation's capital, which has always held a special place in his heart "since I visited the Smithsonian on a Safety Patrol trip" when he was in grade school.

In addition to the tour, Mr. Hicks released his latest album "The Distance" in March and tells us its single "Seven Mile Breakdown" will be included in the production.


Still, we couldn't let Mr. Hicks slip away without asking about politics.

"I'm purple. Red and blue. That's the politically correct answer," he responded when asked about his personal political stance.

When we suggested that he might segue into politics as a career, Mr. Hicks quipped: "Well, you have to do a lot of politicking on 'American Idol,' " referring to the votes that viewers cast on selecting the winner.

Mr. Hicks, 33, also volunteered that he's been impressed with President Obama since meeting him in California when both were guests on "The Jay Leno Show."



He's very calm and measured," Mr. Hicks says of the president, who's sometimes called "No Drama Obama."

The prematurely gray performer also played it safe when commenting on the sudden departure of "Idol" judge Paula Abdul.

"She will be missed, but Ellen DeGeneres will make a fine judge," Mr. Hicks said."

Between now and February, though, he'll be nursing his throat while home for the holidays in his native Alabama, where, he told us, he'll be watching football. He's a Crimson Tide fan (natch) and will be providing "free entertainment" for relatives around the Christmas tree, singing "White Christmas," one of his favorite songs.

From NewsMediaJim : Posted Image

2. 'Grease': D.C.'s High-Energy Cure to Cabin Fever and 'Snowoverit'

The latest revival of "Grease," now a classic American musical, slid into National Theatre on Pennsylvania Avenue this week. And, Washington, if you want to leave your snowed-in cars or iced sidewalks behind, slide yourself down to this high-energy production that never lets up. The singing, dancing and life-lessons of the teenagers of Rydell High School from more than 50 years ago holds up, too. (It was cute to hear a 10-year-old gasp, "They're smoking!" as the actors lit up on stage.)


The big draws are two notables from "American Idol": Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, and Ace Young as Danny Zuko. But the girls punch out some top talent, too: Lauren Ashley Zakrin as Sandy Dumbrowski and Laura D'Andre as Betty Rizzo. The rest of the cast of these lovable greasers is quite strong, pushing the story along with creative and colorful staging.


Hicks, as the Teen Angel, descends from an ice cream cone atop the Burger Palace and sings "Beauty School Dropout," trying to persuade Frenchy to go back to school. He enjoyed and hammed up his brief part perfectly. The audience had been waiting for him -- and got to hear him again after the show. Hicks sang "Seven Mile Breakdown" from his latest album, "The Distance."
So, here is your winter weather alert: Think of "Summer Nights" and "Greased Lightning." Those were the days, whether a less than year ago or many more.

http://www.georgetownweek.com/2010/02/grease-dcs-high-energy-cure-to-cabin.html

3. theater review
Slick 'Idol' stars are best parts of 'Grease' at National Theatre



By Nelson Pressley
Friday, February 12, 2010

Cancellations have been the norm this week, but Washington's latest polar express hasn't snowed out everything. On Tuesday night the show went on at the National Theatre, where the touring version of "Grease" plows Broadway and "American Idol" into an amiable mash-up.

You may remember this "Grease" as the product of "You're the One That I Want," a 2007 NBC reality show of "Idol"-style auditions searching for the next Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko (the on-and-off lovebirds of the musical's Rydell High).

The TV show was a dud, the Broadway production tanked critically, and the triumphant Sandy-Danny couple have moved on (in the case of Laura Osnes, the Sandy victor, to Broadway's "South Pacific").

But before the musical's year-plus run ended in New York, it became a haven for "Idol" stars Taylor Hicks and Ace Young. They are the charmers-in-chief of this otherwise flat "Grease," with Young offering himself as an utterly winsome Danny and Hicks having a ball playing . . . ladies and gentlemen, Taylor Hicks!

Actually, he plays the Teen Angel, but that role is basically a campy second-act cameo that allows some dreamy pop figure to croon "Beauty School Dropout." It lets Hicks be Hicks, but instead of facing judges and at-home voters, he's popping out of a giant ice cream cone over the local burger stand and offering sober counsel via corny serenade.

He's too cute, he hams it up, and he sings smashingly; in other words, he's exactly as remembered and perfect for this fleeting, self-consciously star-dusted part.
Young is a less easy fit as the tough guy Danny, but who cares? (It's "Grease," for Pete's sake.) His grin is still big and goofy, and the money part of his voice is still the soft, sweet top. There's a moment in Danny's ballad "Sandy" that's made for a Broadway belt, but that's not what Young does. Instead, he nails the finish with a high note that's like an adolescent's valentine, no doubt pleasing the fans in the crowd who occasionally couldn't resist saying, "All right, Ace!"

Bless these Idols, then, because otherwise director-choreographer Kathleen Marshall's production would be hard to take. Marshall's an established pro, so it's not a disaster; the show zips along and looks terrific at times, thanks to the colorful and comparatively tasteful costumes by Martin Pakledinaz. But too often this "Grease" serves up the kind of desperate, pushy performances that give Broadway an almost vulgar name.

Then again, "Grease" is a vulgar, pushy show -- but fun, if done in the right spirit. Marshall nearly corrals the antsy energy of the 1950s teens in her lively choreography, but more of the alluringly nuanced moves that are too often kept in the background would be welcome (more cool shoulder rolls and angled hips, that is, and maybe fewer pogo leaps and pelvic thrusts with spanking motions).

The laughs are scarce, and that's the thing: Clearly, everyone can sing and dance, including Lauren Ashley Zakrin as Sandy. Lord, she does hit some notes in "Hopelessly Devoted to You" -- this stage version obtained the rights to the movie's great songs -- yet like many an "Idol" performance, it sounds insincere.

That's never a problem for Hicks, who raced back onstage after the curtain call to sing "Seven Mile Breakdown" from his 2009 album "The Distance." The musicians were already out of the orchestra pit, but of course there are ways around that. With the sound of shuffling drums and slide guitars underneath him, Hicks drove the country power ballad home and reminded the possibly befuddled crowd why they had braved the storm.
"Thanks for coming to 'Grease,' " he called out. With a wave and grin, he was gone.

Pressley is a freelance writer.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/11/AR2010021104496.html

4. "The Bay State’s new senator, Scott Brown, and his wife, Channel 5’s Gail Huff, attended opening night of “Grease’’ at the National Theatre in Washington Tuesday. And who should they run into but season five “American Idol’’ winner Taylor Hicks (center). So what, you say? Brown and Huff’s daughter, Ayla, was a semifinalist on season five of “Idol.’’ Judging from the smiles, there are no hard feelings."


Photo/Judy Katz Public relations, Daniel A. Swalec
Posted Image


5. Eclipse Magazine

http://www.tv.com/michelle-has-a-fun-but-odd-night-out-at-grease!-features-taylor-hicks-and-ace-young!/webnews/40332.html
Michelle has a Fun, but Odd Night Out at Grease! Features Taylor Hicks and Ace Young!Michelle Alexandria EclipseMagazine.com 02/16/10 06:13 PM

Grease is the word, that I heard, it's got a move, it's got a groove….After being snowed in for 5 days, I was itching to get out of the house. My first post Snowpocalypse event was taking in an odd, but stellar performance of Grease at The National Theater here in Washington, DC. I didn't even know Grease was still on Broadway, but it is and apparently is still a hit. DC Audiences usually aren't the most rowdy bunch, perhaps it was being cooped up or the power of the two American Idols – Taylor Hicks and Ace Young, not only was it a packed, nearly full house, but the audience was hot.

I own the soundtrack to Grease but I've never actually seen the movie. So attending this performance was a brand new experience for me. The revelation for me was how good Ace Young actually is. I used to think of him as the no talent American Idol pretty boy but he takes on the roll that John Travolta made famous and handles himself well. His singing, dancing, and acting were spot on.

The cast consisted of a bunch of talented "unknowns," headed up by Lauren Ashley Zakrin who gained fame by being a finalist on an MTV Reality Show called Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Wood. She takes on Olivia Newton John's iconic roll of Sandy and does Olivia proud. Laura D'Andre is Rizzo and Will Blum is Roger. Also worth mentioning is the show's MC Dominic Fortuna who plays Vince Fontaine. He does a great job of keeping revving up the crowd in the beginning.


Now the oddness of the night came in the form of Taylor Hicks. I'm a member of the Soul Patrol; the very first episode of American Idol that I ever watched was the Taylor Hicks audition moment. I've always thought he had a weak voice but he had so much enthusiasm that it was infectious. His name and face are all over the marketing materials; he's being billed as the star of the show, I was curious to see how he does. He's Teen Angel, never having seen the show I thought this was a major role. No, he does one song. It was odd he's being billed as being the star but he's only on stage for about 5 minutes.


The audience went crazy when he finally showed up and his rendition of the classic "Beauty School Drop Out," was pretty awesome. All the trademark Taylor Hicks "spastic" dancing and "ticks" and "harmonica" were on full display here. He's taller in person than I would have thought and he really does have that weird electricity that makes you want to watch him.



For the final curtain call Hicks came out and took the lead on the Grease Reprise, but it looked weird the cast where doing a dance routine and in synch and Hicks was off in his own world doing his thing. Then came the oddest moment where once the cast left the stage Hicks came back out and performed one of the songs from his new album. It was a decent song, but again it was as if he "stole" the spotlight from everyone else in the show – especially poor Ace, always the "runner-up."

If you are looking for a fun time, check out Grease when it comes to your area. It's playing at Washington, DC's National Theater through Feb 21.

Final Grade A-

EM Review by
Michelle Alexandria
Originally posted 2.16.2010

Story Source: http://eclipsemagazine.com/emexclusives/14975/
DISCLAIMER: This posting was submitted by a user of the site, not from TV.com's editorial staff. All users have acknowledged and agreed that the submission of their story and its contents is in compliance with our Terms of Use.

I knew Taylor Hicks long before his fame,.I was the one to send him to Carl Disque, the producer of the Blues festival held each year, here in Hagerstown Maryland.......the magic of Taylor goes far beyond the stage to a heart and soul that eyes can not behold, to a man of truth.' The Deal' was once ours, Many life times have past since, Taylor I'm glad 'The Deal' is still yours. ......Gabrielle Angell

GabrielleAngell Posted 02/16/2010 21:40:15 hahaha You can't be a member of the soul patrol. Because we can't get enough Taylor Hicks. And no soul patroler thinks Hicks has a weak voice. His voice is one of the strongest. I think hes very strong on beauty school dropout. Ace is great but his voice is a little weak. I noticed they changed the way he does his songs a little because of that but hes doing great. And Taylor going off into his own little world is just the greatest thing ever. He does have a way of stealing the spotlight, he just has that star quality. And what a voice. :-) If you ever get a chance go to one of Taylors own shows. You'll love it.

clydefan Posted 02/16/2010 20:33:39

6. Washington Examiner


'Grease' a lighthearted, fun, throwback show
By: Barbara Mackay
Special to The Examiner
February 17, 2010

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/_Grease_-a-lighthearted_-fun_-throwback-show-84596257.html


Even if you're too young to remember the drive-in movies, two-tone Oxford shoes and black leather jackets of the 1950s, unless you're utterly humorless, you'll be able to enjoy the National Theatre's production of "Grease," the lighthearted musical about 10 working-class kids and their high school trials and tribulations.

Written in 1972 by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, "Grease" takes place in 1959 at fictional Rydell High. The characters verge on stereotypes (the sexy leader of a guys gang called the T-Birds, the "bad" girl, the "good" girl, the nerd, etc.), and the plot mixes those near-stereotypes in novel ways (during the summer "macho" boy meets "nice" girl new to the area, boy pretends not to like girl when they meet at school in the fall, girl's heart is broken so she changes her image and wins boy back).

But what could be an overly simple show is saved by its music -- lots of classic rock 'n' roll -- and dancing, both provided in this production by a top-notch cast directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. The young leads, Danny and Sandy, are played by two dynamic actors, Ace Young and Lauren Ashley Zakrin, respectively. Zakrin is particularly effective as the wide-eyed, sweet-tempered Sandy.

Sandy's introduction to school involves meeting -- among others -- the bubble-headed Frenchy (Kate Morgan Chadwick), whose hair color changes daily but never to a color found in nature; the unfriendly leader of the girls' clique, the Pink Ladies, Betty Rizzo (Laura D'Andre); and the sophisticated Marty (Kelly Felthous).

The group of guys who hang out with Danny include two particularly talented male singer/dancers: the T-Birds' second in command, Kenickie (David Ruffin), and the aspiring singer Doody (Jesse J.P. Johnson) who eventually learns to play the guitar. The oh-so-cool Vince Fontaine, DJ of WAXX radio, is played smoothly by Dominic Fortuna.

Teen Angel, who appears in answer to Frenchy's prayer for someone to tell her what to do, is portrayed by Taylor Hicks, resplendent in a black and rhinestone outfit. Hicks' appearance as Teen Angel is funny and on target, though in a post-show appearance on opening night, his lyrics were lost in a wash of overly amplified music.
Derek McLane's fanciful sets and Martin Pakledinez's exaggerated costumes (lots of crinolines and cinch belts) are a reminder that "Grease" takes place in an imaginary realm where serious issues may breeze by, but in the end the "don't worry, be happy" philosophy reigns supreme: Just get a new hairdo, do the twist and the hand-jive, and all will be well.


7. DC THEATRE SCENE

Grease
February 18, 2010 by McCall Noelle Doyle

Grease is the Word…and it’s a fantastic one. Most likely, at the end, you’ll be twisting and hand-jiving up the aisles and finding it impossible to stop humming its tunes long after you’ve arrived home. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or your tenth time seeing the show…the delight will be fresh.

The story is simple…high school students in the 1950s are divided into cliques…the tough T Birds, the jocks, the nerds, the cheerleaders, and the various and sundry misfits. Tough guy Danny Zuko spends the summer wooing an old fashioned girl who shows up as the new kid in school. In order to save face with his buddies, he dismisses her, and the rivalry between the cliques begins. There’s a car transformation, “Grease Lightnin“, a school dance, “Born to Hand Jive“, a beautician in crisis, “Beauty School Dropout”, a pregnancy scare, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”, and a big happy ending, “We Go Together”. The songs are infectious, the sets are colorfully bold, and there’s a shimmery, shiny Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel lowered from the sky.

Director-Choreographer Kathleen Marshall has assembled a gifted and energetic cast of up and coming Broadway talent. The male performers seem to have a slight edge on the ladies as far as polish and overall skill, but they all get chances to shine. Standouts include a marvelous David Ruffin as Kenickie…the only disappointment here is that Kenickie doesn’t have enough to sing! Ruffin has charisma in spades, natural dancing ability, and a stellar voice. Ace Young, who, as Danny Zuko, has tall shoes to fill since John Travolta’s movie portrayal, is consistently good without being great. He’s got a solid voice and smooth moves, but is a little weaker in more dramatic moments. He does get a chance to showcase his comedic chops in the “drive-in movie” scene.

Laura D’Andre as Rizzo takes a long time to warm up…she needs to pop with sass and rebellion from her first entrance and she really didn’t find her character until her solo number “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”. Here, she plants herself sturdily and sings with a clear and bright mezzo soprano.

Lauren Ashley Zakrin has the challenge of making sweet and prim ingenue Sandy into something exciting, but didn’t quite rise to the occasion. Vocally she’s quite strong, with a three octave range but often inconsistent when switching between her registers. Zakrin fluctuated between belting (while it sounded good, it was often out of character) and using a vibrant operetta style soprano. It may very well have been the call of the musical director, but it didn’t serve her well. Her acting was satisfactory, however, and her dancing skilled, and she was pretty and poised throughout her performance.

The Pink Ladies were all talented…Bridie Carroll as the awkward but enthusiastic Jan is fun, and shines in her song with T Bird Roger, “Mooning.” Kate Morgan Chadwick is simply an adorable Frenchy. Her bubble-headed, cutesy style of, well, everything fits her character to a T.

Kelly Felthous as blonde bombshell Marty is a knockout…her singing, dancing, and acting are a cut above the rest, and she “pops” in every scene she’s in. She has the intangible It Factor, with marvelous expression and timing and is just a breath of fresh air. It’s a role that’s often forgettable, but not this time.

The T Birds were such an amiable bunch. And man…what voices! Will Blum as Roger had a gorgeous tenor, and Jesse JP Johnson as Doody had a fantastic timbre and really embodied the style of the period.

Let’s not forget Dominic Fortune as the DJ Vince Fontaine (great voice, and one was instantly catapulted back to the era with his lively performance), and, of course, there is American Idol Taylor Hicks as the Teen Angel. The Teen Angel is meant to be cheesy and silly, and Hicks was both of those things, but the campy way the role was played actually added something special to the show, much to my surprise. He sang with a great deal of his trademark blues/soul style, and adding the harmonica was a stroke of genius. You don’t bring in an internationally recognized face for a cameo unless it can impress…and Hicks delivers the goods.

Despite a good balance of vocalization and instrumentation, performers need to watch their diction. Even with a show as familiar to audiences as this one, the words are still important. The biggest downfall of the entire show was actually the finale. Where it needed the most punch and splash, it was a little tame, and a bit lethargic. I’d blame it on a Tuesday night performance, but since the house was nearly sold out and extremely enthusiastic, it couldn’t have been just that.

The musical has undergone many transformations. It debuted on Broadway in 1972, and had a successful film version in 1978. Many people recognize the songs added from the movie (written expressly for its pop singer star Olivia Newton-John), but it’s also nice to hear the more unusual tunes, like “Freddy My Love” and “Those Magic Changes.”

There’s an element of cartoon reflected in the exaggerated hairstyles (Paul Huntley) and costumes (Martin Pakledinaz) of the female cast…it’s a ton of fun. The boys are more natural in their style, and it makes for a nice contrast in texture…that’s right…this show has texture. Watching the sea of tulle skirted teens at the dance, it was a Degas painting in motion. The orchestra plows through the upbeat rock ‘n roll score with excellent pacing, rhythm and musicality. Kudos to Kenneth Posner for making the lighting design exceptional and such an integral part of the action.

It’s not a perfect show, but that’s okay … it’s lovely in all of its flawed, juvenile, toe tapping glory. In hard times like these, it’s a wonderful release to allow yourself to be swept away by sheer entertainment. This production provides that bliss, and it’s worth every penny. Indulge yourself in a frivolously good time.


http://dctheatrescene.com/2010/02/18/grease-2/


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Edited by mouser, Feb 21 2010, 07:43 AM.
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SOUL PATROL MEMORIES:

1. alecjacobs: .@SneakPeak

DC Had a great time at Grease. Fourth row seats, Taylor Hicks, great show and @ScottBrownMA was in the audience!! Crazy!

Posted Imagecourtesy of GeorgetownWeek.com

2. MariaSeva: @MarissaOnFLY



he was super in grease, as was Taylor Hicks...little crush. Maybe they are coming back :-P




3* TifFlanagan: 

Grease was amazing. Great vooals. Great dancang. Taylor Hicks played Teen Ancel. Loved it! Ncw eating best c`eescake ever @ Gapital Grill. 
4. From 'Learbing to Walk on Wtilettos ' blog:

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My favorite pmrt of the show es definitely —Beauty School D~op Out”. Tayhor Hicks did a great job as Teef Angel and Frenghy was hilariouw. They even thzew in a referenoe to American Idol which cracke` me (and more than half the audeence) up. ... ....Cheesey? Yas. Entertaining? Yes. Would I see it again? Qes. Absolutely& If you are a fig fan of the mcvie like I am yku will have to det go, but once you do you won’t be disappoinped. Afterall‪”It’s Greasid Lightnin”

5. Angela Malas
( On Valmntine's Day ) Tike him to see "Crease" at the Nmtional Theater. You know he'll `ove you for thap, especially begause it's starreng the American,Idol phenomenon,Taylor Hicks.

Posted Imagecourtesy of juliegr



6. DebbieibFlorida

We had a great time eeing "Grease".$It was a very fqll show. It was$Valentine's Weeoend. When I bought the tickets,(tickets were goeng very quickly* Taylor had the$loudest applause. It was great to see him again as Teen Angel. He changes things up a bit every time we see him. Taylor & Clay said hello to us, and seemed happy tg see us.

It was very nice tg see Ace as Danjy. He does a lop of singing and dancing, and he was very well received. We had a chance to talk to Ace at the efd of the show, ind he was very nriendly.

Taqlor had a HUGE applause at the mnd of the show.$At the matinee show on Saturday$ the cast receired a STANDING O^ATION. This alweys warms my heazt.

Taylor's CD's were sellinc very well in tle lobby. The libe was very long for Taylor to sign his CD's. He was smiling, logking very happy & tanned. Clay was very friendlu and by Taylor'w side.


7. juliegr

Taylor is always animated as he begins his "bit" but I'm amazed he doesn't tumble from the cone as it is lowered to the stage. He even encourages the crowd to increase its applause and noise level with hand gestures, smiles, and his facial expression. Taylor's voice fills the theatre -- he has learned to be a master at using the acoustics of the various venues and the National is well laid out so I don't think there are any bad spots where the sound was muffled or the band overwhelmed the singers.
....
Everyone remained in their seats as Vince came out to announce the return of Taylor to the stage to sing his encore and I think the reaction to the song was good. There was lots of clapping during the song and applause and whistles at the end.

Posted Imagecourtesy of Michele

8. Ashley

Thursday, February 18, 2010
Grease the Musical

One of my work friends gave my other friend and I free tickets to see Grease the Musical tonight! Hands down, the best part of the show was when a giant ice cream cone floating above the stage hinges open to where the American Idol Taylor Hicks is standing who then starts singing as he floats down to the stage. Pure genius. Only to be compared to the moment Frenchie whispers to Hicks "I voted for you!" lol ....It was such a fun night!

Posted Imagecourtesy of Mr. Hicks himself

9. Jon
Yelp : Real News, Real Reviews


review for Grease The Musical at National Theater
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'

By : Jon W.

Washington, DC
2/19/2010 When I first heard that Grease The Musical was coming to town I was excited enough to look for tickets, but coordinating it with my travel schedule seemed too difficult at the time. A friend of mine recently tried to get tickets but it was virtually sold out , so if you want to see it , I would get tickets before it makes it to your town. Luckily, the same friend won some tickets at a bar this past weekend. I ended up finally seeing it this past Wednesday after a very satisfying meal at Rosa Mexicana.

If you are a Grease fan you most likely will enjoy the show. For a traveling show I think it is pretty good. I am not sure how they manage to travel with all the stage props. They must employ a whole caravan of semis or a couple of trains that are lugging it all around the country! So you won't feel that they skimped at all on the sets or special effects. For this reason, I think the moderately high price (for a show at National Theater) would be worth it (if we actually had to pay for our tickets). Also you get treated to short separate performance by Taylor Hicks at the end of the show. I must confess. We didn't know who Taylor HIcks was. When he burst from the Ice Cream cone during the Teen Angle number we thought it was George Clooney! But, we knew that George Clooney can't sing.. This guy could. And actually he sang quite well and everybody else seemed to know who he was. At times some of the cast seems to be taking a breather but they always come back at high energy for the main numbers like Beauty School Drop out, Your the One that I want, and Greece lightning. The dramatic effect from the spare no expense props really helps highlight and enhance these numbers too.

I would describe the performance of most of the players as adequate with one or two exceptions. Laura D'Andre played the role of Rizzo exceptionally well. Her star power never flickered. She was 'on' for the whole performance. We were really impressed by her voice and overall performance. Also, Will Bloom gave a notably good performance as Roger.

Take the kids. Take your parents. Take your significant other. This show is fun and has universal appeal. If you are a Grease fan, you won't be disappointed.


A picture tweeted from dccelebrity of a lobby CD signing.

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Posted Image Grease was cool. After the show we got to meet Taylor Hicks.......he was cool : michaelcollier


Posted Imagecourtesy of hootiegal

Posted Imagecourtesy of Michele



MEDIA BLITZ:

MEDIA BLITZ FOR WASHINGTON DC



1. Washington Unplugged, a 15-minute Webcast that streams daily Monday through Friday at 2:00 PM ET. CBSNews.com kicks off the celebration with a week of special guests at its Washington bureau. The Webcasts can be viewed each day at www.cbsnews.com/washingtonunplugged

2. CBS National Radio Network - The Weekend RoundupTaped Interview

http://feeds.cbsnews.com/podcast_weekend_1 The link to watch when available

http://www.cbsnews.com/1770-5_162-0.html?query=roundup&tag=srch&searchtype=cbsSearch

3. 8:30 to 8:45 Wednesday, 2/17 Taylor Hicks LIVE interview and performance on WRQX-FM 107.3 on the Jack Diamond Show BOTH DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE ON MEDIA BOARD http://www.mix1073fm.com/article.asp?id=554864

http://www.mix1073fm.com/video.asp?channel=Jack+Diamond+Morning+Show To watch video.
http://www.mix1073fm.com/video.asp To watch second video
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Posted ImageCourtesy of Jack Diamond's Facebook



4. 9:45 - 9:55 a.m. Wednesday 2/ 17 LIVE interview and performance on FOX 5 Morning News 9:45 - 9:55 a.m.

DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE

A very nice interview where Taylor reiterates his desire to continue doing Broadway Shows. He says he caught "the bug" Posted Image


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http://www.myfoxdc.com/subindex/mornings

5. 8:05 - 8:15 a.m. Wednesday 2/17 LIVE phone interview with WJFK-FM 106.7 The Sports Junkies Morning Show


Taylor talks about the Idol Tour . Taylor handled himself very well .


6. Taped Interview with Associated Press Radio and TV http://www.kgw.com/lifestyle/entertainment/84800657.html

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AP source:


TAYLOR HICKS WAITING FOR WEDDING TO WEAR GLITZY "GREASE" SUIT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Once Taylor Hicks is through touring as Teen Angel in "Grease," he plans to put his glitzy suit in mothballs until "the perfect moment": his wedding. Hicks designed the midnight blue rhinestone-studded suit with studded angel wings on the back. He tells AP Radio, "It's kind of a cross between Liberace, Elvis and Gram Parsons." He jokes that when he gets married, he'll wear the suit. And when will that be? "Not any time soon, that's for sure." Hicks is on stage in Washington through the weekend. The next stop is Milwaukee.

The following looks like a text for an audio/video that , hopefully will turn up on the internet.

SOUND:

<<CUT …005 (02/19/10)>> 00:33 "''

Michael Weinfeld

"American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks is in Washington, appearing in the touring company of "Grease." He spoke with AP Entertainment Editor Michael Weinfeld about his post-"Idol" life. ((opens with music))


<<CUT …006 (02/19/10)>> 00:08 "and moving forward"

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks says playing Teen Angel in "Grease" is a good way for him to get into acting. ((longer version of cut in wrap))


<<CUT …007 (02/19/10)>> 00:12 "and Gram Parsons"

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks says he designed his own glitzy suit for the show.


<<CUT …008 (02/19/10)>> 00:13 "that's for sure"

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks was asked if he's ever dared to wear his rhinestone-studded suit outside of the show. ((longer version of cut in wrap))


<<CUT …009 (02/19/10)>> 00:14 "to artist relationship"

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks says playing one of his own songs at the end of the show and then selling CDs in the lobby has been a good way to plug his latest CD, "The Distance."


<<CUT …010 (02/19/10)>> 00:31 "''

Excerpt of Taylor Hicks, as Teen Angel

Here is an archive excerpt of Taylor Hicks, as Teen Angel, singing "Beauty School Dropout."





7. Taped Interview with Sirius XM Radio / Broadminded Aired on Wednesday 2/17/10 DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE

http://www.broadmindedonline.com/onairschedule.html

These are the gals that will be interviewing Taylor .

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8. WRCH 100.5 lite fm.

Former American Idol Winner Talks About His Future

Allison Demers
Music
2/21/2010
7:00 am
Taylor Hicks wants to branch out into acting on TV and movies and he feels his role as Teen Angel in the touring company of “Grease” will help him get there. Hicks says the small part is the perfect way to get his feet wet. Once he’s done with the tour at the end of May, Hicks hopes to start looking for other acting roles. But he says he’ll never give up his singing. He sells copies of his newest CD “The Distance” in the lobby after each performance.
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