Hot Summer Nights At The Kennedy

"Seth Rudetsky's Big Fat Broadway Show" and Master Class June 13 at Hot Summer Nights

2011-03-11T11:51:00.001-08:00

This summer at Hot Summer Nights we are happy to announce "Seth Rudetsky's Big Fat Broadway Show"! Seth will be performing his one-man show on June 13th at 8pm at The Kennedy Theater and will be teaching a master class earlier in the day. There are only 24 spots for SETH RUDETSKY'S MasterClass on June 13th at 3:30.

WHERE:
The Kennedy Theatre
at The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts
2 E South Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
The Kennedy Theatre entrance is located on Salisbury Street around the back of PEC.
Email your name, email address to Rhapset@aol.com

BRING SHEET MUSIC (audition songs…) and something to record with!

Cost: $100… payable in advance…right on Seth's blog!

If you want to audit the class or see his one man show "Seth Rudetsky's Big Fat Broadway Show", go the www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org to purchase those tix. For any additional information visit Seth's Blog www.sethrudetsky.com

Lance Horne NYC Concert to feature Lauren Kennedy with Cheyenne Jackson, Rebecca Luker, Ricki Lake, Alan Cumming

2011-01-13T10:49:00.001-08:00

Lance Horne NYC Concert to Feature Cheyenne Jackson, Rebecca Luker, Ricki Lake, Alan Cumming

By Andrew Gans www.playbill.com
06 Jan 2011


Cheyenne Jackson
Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN

The 2011 American Songbook series, which is held at the Allen Room in Manhattan, will present an evening with theatre composer and arranger Lance Horne Jan. 14 at 8:30 and 10:30 PM.

Entitled First Things Last, the concerts will celebrate the release of Horne's debut recording of the same name.

Joining the composer will be a mix of Broadway and West End performers, including Alan Cumming, Lea DeLaria, Cheyenne Jackson, Lauren Kennedy, Ricki Lake, Rebecca Luker, Meow Meow, Daphne Rubin-Vega (10:30 PM show only), Julie Atherton, Alexandra Silber and Paul Spicer.

Daisy Prince will direct the evening, which will feature backup vocals by Julie Garnye, Marty Thomas and Tori Allen-Martin.

Lance Horne provided vocal arrangements for Little Women on Broadway. He has penned songs for Gypsy of the Year, the Actors Fund benefits and contributed to the Off-Broadway song cycle Songs From an Unmade Bed (for which Mark Campbell penned lyrics) as well as Three Lost Chords and The $trip. He co-produced Alan Cumming's album "I Bought a Blue Car Today." His work has been presented at Joe's Pub, New York Theatre Workshop, The Juilliard School and Lincoln Center. Horne is a graduate of the Juilliard School.

For tickets visit AmericanSongbook or phone (212) 721-6500.

Tickets are also available at the Frederick P. Rose Hall box office, which is located at Broadway at 60th

Synergy Spa offers $25 credit with ACS ticket stub!

2010-12-07T14:40:00.000-08:00

Synergy Spa is proud to sponsor this year's production of A Christmas Story at the PECPA in Downtown Raleigh, December 7-24. Bring in your ticket stub and we will give you a $25 credit to use towards your purchase of any holiday spa gift certificate as our way of thanking you for supporting your local performing arts!
Click here to buy tickets!
(Offer valid through 12/24/10.)

Raleigh Winterfest Kicks off December 4th; A Christmas Story to open December 7th

2010-11-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

Raleigh Winterfest 2010 kicks off on December 4th with A Christmas Story to open on December 7th at the Fletcher Theater in the Progress Energy Center.

Broadway Series South in association with Hot Summer Nights present the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Story, December 7 – 24, 2010 in A.J. Fletcher Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts; General Managed by North Carolina Theatre. Tickets are on sale now!! The presenting sponsor of this production is Barton College.

Written by Jean Shepherd and adapted by Philip Grecian, A Christmas Story follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Goldblatt’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the wet tongue on a cold lamppost experiment; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a fishnet stocking and much, much more. This beloved holiday movie seen by millions is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial here in the Triangle for years to come!

TICKET INFORMATION

A Christmas Story will play A.J. Fletcher Theater December 7 – 24. Show times are Tuesday – Friday, 7p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 2 & 7p.m. Tickets will range from $26 - $46 and are on sale at the Progress Energy Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Purchase by phone at 1-800-982-ARTS. Tickets for groups of 10 or more, please call (919) 857.4565 for group information.

For more information log on to www.broadwayseriessouth.com, www.nctheatre.com or www.hotsummernightatthekennedy.org.

BARTON COLLEGE

Barton College is located in Wilson, North Carolina, Barton College is an academic community of approximately 1,130 students and 200 faculty and staff. Nationally recognized for its programs in education, deaf education, nursing and social work, its championship men's athletics teams, and most recently, its outstanding contributions to theatre and the performing arts of the region, the school maintains a close-knit atmosphere and emphasizes individual attention and engaged learning. Their 65- acre campus is home to Barton Bulldogs varsity athletics and boasts five residence halls, the W.N.Hackney Library, the Kennedy Recreation & Intramural Center, the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre, and many other state-of-the-art facilities. President Norval Kneten expressed "Barton College is committed to supporting the performing arts in this region and we're proud to sponsor this outstanding production that will launch an exciting new holiday tradition for the community!"

“Play by Philip Grecian, based upon A Christmas Story, ©1983 Turner Entertainment Co., distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark and In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd.”

Lauren Kennedy to open [title of show] at George Street Playhouse on November 16!!!

2010-11-10T19:19:00.001-08:00

Musical comedy [title of show] next at George Street Playhouse

Rick Busciglio

Northern New Jersey Theater Examiner

George Street Playhouse's David Saint, Artistic Director, is set to premiere the theatre's second production of its 2010-11 season, OBIE award-winning musical comedy, [title of show] Tuesday November 16, 2010.

Musical theatre maven, musical director (he recently collaborated with Betty Buckley in a series of concerts), author and host of “Seth’s Big, Fat Broadway” on Sirius/XM radio Seth Rudetsky, will play the role of Jeff. Joining him in the role of Hunter, is Tyler Maynard from Altar Boyz, Broadway’s The Little Mermaid and the new off-Broadway musical The Kid. Lauren Kennedy, from Broadway’s Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard and Side Show, and Susan Mosher seen on Broadway in Hairspray and on television in a recurring role on The L Word, play two friends of the collaborators. Matt Lenz , who recently directed the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Hairspray, and also served as the Broadway production’s Associate Director, will helm [title of show]. Jesse Vargas will music direct and play the role of Larry, the music director.

“I am so thrilled to welcome this extraordinary group of artists, including my old friend Seth Rudetsky. As this season has come together, a theme has emerged common to all five plays: the importance of discovering one’s true self and what one truly desires as opposed to what the world tells us we should want,” said Artistic David Saint. “The other prevalent theme in [title of show] is relationships and how they evolve as life happens. The truly remarkable thing about this musical is how these very profound ideas are conveyed, and the show is truly hilarious and touching. This is a perfect show for our audiences.”

Creating the world of [title of show] are scenic designer R. Michael Miller; costume designerMichael MacDonald; lighting designer Phillip Rosenberg; sound designer, Walter Trarbach and projection designer Michael Clarke.

[title of show] is a musical comedy for anyone who has followed a dream. When two struggling writers, Jeff and Hunter, make a commitment to write something new in three weeks, they quickly find that writing a comedy about the process of writing is more interesting than anything else they could write. A show about four friends taking risks, creating art, killing Vampires (the dream-destroying kind, not the Dracula kind) – and how relationships change when life happens.

Tickets beginning at $25 as well as various flexible subscription packages are available. Performances run from Tuesday, November 16 to Sunday, December 12 and Opening Night set for Friday, November 19. To purchase, or for further information, contact the George Street Playhouse Box Office, 732-246-7717 or shop online at www.GSPonline.org. Groups of 10 or more are entitled to a discount; for further information contact the GSP Group Sales Department at 732-846-2895, ext.134.

George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick NJ, just steps away from public transportation and some of the area’s finest restaurants for every taste and budget. Ample parking is available, including on-street parking.

(left) Candid moment with cast members

during rehearsal.

(right) The fabulous Tyler Maynard

Photos : Lauren Kennedy

Submissions for pre-show entertainment... October 15th Deadline!!

2010-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

** Hurry!! Submissions are due on or before October 15th!! **

Got talent? Got holiday spirit?
A Christmas Story wants you as an opening act!

Broadway Series South in association with Hot Summer Nights presents the
beloved
holiday classic play, A Christmas Story, December 7 - 24, 2010 in A.J.
Fletcher Theater at the Progress
Energy Center for the Performing Arts; General Management by North Carolina
Theatre. Tickets are on sale now-
and your performing group can be part of the pre-show festivities!

We're looking for local singers, school choruses, acoustic musical groups,
handbell choirs, etc...to
perform ON STAGE 15 minutes prior to each of our 20 shows. What a fantastic
performance opportunity
for your group during this magical time of year!

There are 3 ways to audition:

* Email a performance clip (no longer than 3 minutes, please!) to
hotsummernights@me.com
* Upload a video to www.youTube.com and e-mail the link to us

All pre-show performances at A Christmas Story must have a holiday theme.
We will provide 2 microphones on stands.
Accompaniment must be recorded on a CD playable through the Fletcher
Auditorium sound system.
A cappella singing/acoustic instruments are also allowed.

Performances will begin 15 minutes prior to each show, and run no longer
than 10 minutes.

We look forward to seeing you on stage as we inaugurate this new, exciting
Holiday Tradition in Raleigh!

Presenting sponsor: Barton College

A sneak peek into "It Takes Two" starring Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell

2010-09-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek into "It Takes Two" with Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell

Click HERE for more info!!

Lauren Kennedy to star in [title of show] at George Street Playhouse

2010-09-25T12:16:00.001-07:00

By Andrew Gans www.playbill.com

Casting has been announced for the George Street Playhouse's upcoming production of of [title of show], the four-person Broadway musical that chronicles the creation of that musical.Directed by Matt Lenz, performances will begin Nov. 16 at the New Jersey venue with an official opening scheduled for Nov. 19. The production will continue through Dec. 12.The cast will feature actor, musician and Playbill.com columnist Seth Rudetsky as Jeff, Tyler Maynard as Hunter, Lauren Kennedy as Heidi and Susan Mosher as Susan. Jesse Vargas will music direct and play the role of Larry, the music director."I am so thrilled to welcome this extraordinary group of artists, including my old friend Seth Rudetsky. As this season has come together, a theme has emerged common to all five plays: the importance of discovering one’s true self and what one truly desires as opposed to what the world tells us we should want," stated artistic director David Saint. "The other prevalent theme in [title of show] is relationships and how they evolve as life happens. The truly remarkable thing about this musical is how these very profound ideas are conveyed, and the show is truly hilarious and touching. This is a perfect show for our audiences."The design team comprises scenic designer R. Michael Miller, costume designer Michael MacDonald, lighting designer Phillip Rosenberg, sound designer Walter Trarback and projection designer Michael Clarke.[title of show], according to the George Street Playhouse, is a "musical comedy for anyone who has followed a dream. When two struggling writers, Jeff and Hunter, make a commitment to write something new in three weeks, they quickly find that writing a comedy about the process of writing is more interesting than anything else they could write. A show about four friends taking risks, creating art, killing Vampires (the dream-destroying kind, not the Dracula kind) – and how relationships change when life happens."[title of show] — the new musical that, according to a fan-favorite song in the show, would rather be nine people's favorite thing than 100 people's ninth favorite thing — played its final performance at the Lyceum Theatre Oct. 12, 2008. Following runs at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2004 and the Vineyard Theatre in 2006, the entire original cast — including co-creators Jeff Bowen (score) and Hunter Bell (book) as well as co-stars Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff — made the leap to the Broadway stage. A Chorus Line's Michael Berresse, who helmed the acclaimed Off-Broadway run, also directed the Broadway version, which featured musical director-arranger Larry Pressgrove onstage playing the electric keyboard. The musical was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (Bell).For tickets visit www.GSPonline.org. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ.

It Takes Two : An Evening with Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell at the Davis Theater in Concord, NC

2010-09-20T14:25:00.001-07:00

A sizzling evening of music performed by two Broadway and television stars will open the 2010-2011 season of On Stage at the Davis Saturday, September 25.

It Takes Two: An Evening with Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell includes showstoppers from Broadway, standards from the Great American Songbook, swing numbers, country classics and rock and roll. The show will be at 8 p.m. in the theatre in Cabarrus County’s historic courthouse. Tickets are $42 and available online at www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org and at the Davis Theatre Box Office, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 704-920-2753.

Individually, Kennedy and Campbell are respected, much admired and sought-after Broadway, theatre, recording film and television artists. When they are on stage together, the audience is treated to a rich and joyous duet of music and laughter – a magical evening from start to finish.

Here’s what reviewers are saying about them:

“From the bravura opening number to their charming encore, Campbell and Kennedy have personality plus and know how to project it.” (ClassicalVoiceofNC.com)

“The couple’s combined Broadway experience translates into bang-up, class A entertainment.” (Raleigh News and Observer)

“Alan Campbell is a charismatic golden boy with a voice to match” (Wall Street Journal)

“Kennedy gives a star-making performance. Her singing rings out as clear as a fingernail flick on a crystal champagne glass. Intoxicating.” (New Jersey Star Ledger)

North Carolina native Kennedy has appeared on Broadway as Fantine in Les Miserables, Lady of the Lake in Monty Python’s Spamalot, Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard and Daisy Hilton in Side Show. Her regional theatre credits include Nefertari in The Ten Commandments with Val Kilmer at the Kodak Theatre.

Florida native Campbell received a Tony Award nomination for the role of Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard opposite Glenn Close, Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige. He starred in Susan Stroman’s 2000 Tony Award winning musical Contact at Lincoln Center. His film credits include Weekend Warriors, Bump in the Night, Simple Wish and Tom, Dick and Harry. On television, he co-starred onJake and the Fatman, Three’s a Crowd, Another World and All My Children.

Read more about these wonderful performers at www.goingbarefoot.com.

AUDITIONS FOR 'A CHRISTMAS STORY' PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT

2010-09-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Got talent? Got holiday spirit?
A Christmas Story wants you as an opening act!

Broadway Series South in association with Hot Summer Nights presents the
beloved
holiday classic play, A Christmas Story, December 7 - 24, 2010 in A.J.
Fletcher Theater at the Progress
Energy Center for the Performing Arts; General Management by North Carolina
Theatre. Tickets are on sale now-
and your performing group can be part of the pre-show festivities!

We're looking for local singers, school choruses, acoustic musical groups,
handbell choirs, etc...to
perform ON STAGE 15 minutes prior to each of our 20 shows. What a fantastic
performance opportunity
for your group during this magical time of year!

There are 3 ways to audition:

* Email a performance clip (no longer than 3 minutes, please!) to
hotsummernights@me.com
* Upload a video to www.youTube.com and e-mail the link to us
* Attend our open audition during theatreSPARK September 18th from
11-12pm on Lichtin Plaza
outside Raleigh's Progress Energy Center for the Performing
Arts. Please email your contact info to
pre-register for the audition.

All pre-show performances at A Christmas Story must have a holiday theme.
We will provide 2 microphones on stands.
Accompaniment must be recorded on a CD playable through the Fletcher
Auditorium sound system.
A cappella singing/acoustic instruments are also allowed.

Ghostlight Records Releases Cast Recording of GOOD OL' GIRLS starring LAUREN KENNEDY, 8/31

2010-08-31T10:34:00.001-07:00

Ghostlight Records in association with White Sand Entertainment and Ken Denison, Executive Producer, will release the cast recording of the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical GOOD OL' GIRLS on Tuesday, August 31st. Produced by Keith Levenson, the CD features the original cast, which includes Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot), Sally Mayes (She Loves Me), Teri Ralston (Company), Gina Stewart (Dawson's Creek) and Liza Vann (Machiavelli), with music by Nashville hit-makers Marshall Chapman (Jimmy Buffett, Wynonna, Olivia Newton-John) and Matraca Berg (Reba McEntire, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill). The new CD will be available at Amazon, iTunes, Sh-K-Boom (link) and wherever music is sold.

GOOD OL' GIRLS played Off-Broadway, at The Black Box Theatre at The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre earlier this year. Paul Ferguson wrote and adapted the musical from the works of two prominent Southern authors, Lee Smith (author of 12 novels including her newest, Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger) and Jill McCorkle (author of 8 books including Going Away Shoes), GOOD OL' GIRLS was directed by Randal Myler (It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues; Hank Williams: The Lost Highway; Love, Janis).

Two of Nashville's leading singer/songwriters redefine the modern Southern woman in GOOD OL' GIRLS, a musical about love, loss and laughter. Through the language of five unique southerners, GOOD OL' GIRLS celebrates childhood through old age, with big hair and bigger hearts. Official website is at www.goodolgirls.com.

Classical Voice of North Carolina "Lauren Kennedy plays 'Tell Me On a Sunday' to Packed House, Standing Ovation"

2010-08-23T17:45:00.001-07:00

Another rave review for "Tell Me On a Sunday" at Hot Summer Nights!!

Classical Voice of North Carolina review by Alan R. Hall

August 20, 2010, Raleigh, NC: Raleigh’s Lauren Kennedy is a Broadway actress who spends her summers at “Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy,” a summer series that plays in the Kennedy Theater, downstairs at the Progress Energy Performance Center in Raleigh. Kennedy, the Producing Artistic Director, and shares the reins with her husband, Managing Director Alan Campbell. But for this season she is also performing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one-woman tour-de-force Tell Me on a Sunday. Friday’s show was a sell-out, and Kennedy’s stunner of a performance received a standing ovation.

If the show is not familiar to you, this may help: Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote Tell Me on a Sunday as the first of two acts under the title Song and Dance. The second act of this show is a ballet, performed to “Variations on a Theme by Paganini,” which Webber wrote for his brother, Julian, a cellist. But the work is seldom performed as a complete show sinceTell Me on a Sunday is compact and produceable on a less-than-grand scale, while a full-scale ballet is not.

Kennedy’s show is backdropped by a video screen, which helps us keep up with changes in scene, letters her character sends home, and the various boyfriends who make up the tally in “Emma’s” romantic misadventures. While Webber wrote the work for a young Cockney Londoner who moves to New York City to make it big, Kennedy plays her instead as a hayseed from North Carolina who makes the same trip, to be with her first misadventure, “Chuck,” a musician. Emma arrives in the Big Apple complete with a thick Southern accent, which all her New York friends call “adorable.” Emma manages to lose her accent pretty quickly, after her second misadventure, Tyler King, flies her out to L.A. to star in films he is producing. “Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad” is the musical number that seems to sum up her L.A. adventure, but not before she levels a scathing accusation at King, in “You Made Me Think You Were In Love.”

After she realizes that King is not her white knight, Emma returns to New York, where she meets Joe, a Nebraskan she describes as “Metro-sexual.” Joe turns out to be her longest relationship, eliciting the most songs: “An Unexpected Song,” “Come Back With That Same Look in Your Eyes,” and the central song of the work, “Take That Look Off Your Face,” which reprises several times during the show.

Throughout the work, Kennedy is dead-on, covering a gamut of emotion from scared and vulnerable to confident and defiant. She handles several on-stage costume changes with aplomb, never dropping a note. And her technique is flawless, handling a soft, tender torch song one minute and belting out a showstopper the next.

Interestingly enough, Emma actually gets her first big break on the same night that she breaks up with Paul, her latest fling and a married man. She finishes on a high note with a final rendition of “Take That Look Off Your Face,” indicating that, like her new career, the right man will come along as long as she keeps trying. The final note brought the crowd to its feet, and cheers rang the room for several minutes.

Hot Summer Nights closes this season with another week of Tell Me on a Sunday, but if you wish to see this short but powerful stunner, call right away for reservations. This one is going to sell out.

Tell Me on a Sunday continues through August 29 in Raleigh and then plays in Wilson from September 1-5. For details, see our calendar.

To read view on Classical Voice of North Carolina site click HERE

NEWS & OBSERVER REVIEW: "Kennedy adds warmth to 'Tell Me On a Sunday"

2010-08-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

News & Observer Review- Roy C. Dicks

Most people know of Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage-filling extravaganzas "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera." But he also can be intimate, as in "Tell Me on a Sunday," a one-woman one-act musical being staged by Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy with Raleigh's own Broadway star, Lauren Kennedy.

The hour-long piece has a varied history. It started as a 1979 British concept album, and then became one-half of the 1982 musical "Song and Dance." The story of a young English woman finding love and adventure in New York City was substantially revised for its 1985 Broadway run and reworked again for its 2003 and 2010 versions.

Although the show has some of Lloyd Webber's catchiest songs, critics have faulted the shallow plot that concentrates on Emma's series of failed relationships and complained about her unsympathetic, self-centered character.

The right performer can sway reactions to the show, however, and Lauren Kennedy proves it with a warmly charming interpretation. It helps that the script has been completely Americanized and fitted to Kennedy's persona, turning Emma into an optimistic innocent from North Carolina gone to the Big Apple to seek her fortune in the theater.

The show's clever structure has Emma singing not only to herself, but also to unseen boyfriends, best pal Viv and her mother back home. Kennedy makes Emma's hurt when she finds her new boyfriend is unfaithful readily believable. When Emma follows a film producer to Hollywood, Kennedy astutely projects her initial star-struck awe and eventual boredom. After Emma returns, Kennedy knowingly charts her relationships' progressive sophistication and coldness, eventually leading Emma to realize she has changed too much.

Kennedy confidently sings Lloyd Webber's range of styles, making the several versions of "Take That Look Off Your Face" full of conflicting emotions and the title song appropriately soaring. Kennedy impresses with her stamina and charisma throughout, deftly guided by director Matthew-Jason Willis.

This is the company's most technically accomplished production this season. A simple brick wall on which appropriate photos and videos are projected backs minimal furnishings. Chris Bernier's lighting design adds intriguing color and movement. Julie Florin's five-piece band (placed high above the action to one side) supplies mellow accompaniment in beautifully balanced sound, Kennedy's lyrics and quiet moments coming through clearly. However, tempo choices sometimes seem more relaxed than necessary, allowing the pace to sag in places.

Musical fans should take this rare opportunity to experience Lloyd Webber in miniature and Lauren Kennedy up close and personal.

Lauren Kennedy in 'Tell Me On a Sunday' opens TOMORROW NIGHT August 18th, and watch Lauren today on News 14 Carolina!!

2010-08-17T09:01:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone!! Lauren is so excited to be opening Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Tell Me On A Sunday" TOMORROW NIGHT at Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy! Lauren and director Matthew-Jason Willis have been having such an amazing collaborative experience and they can't wait for all of you to see it!! Get your tickets NOW they are going fast!! Call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org Adults $22 and Student ID/Military/Senior $18.

ALSO, if you're near a tv today turn your sets over to News 14 Carolina to watch Lauren Kennedy's interview with anchor Tracey Early that will be airing throughout the day! Lauren will be sharing more about "Tell Me On a Sunday" at Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy which opens TOMORROW!! Don't miss the interview or the show!!

Lauren Kennedy Headlines TELL ME ON SUNDAY at The Kennedy

2010-08-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Artistic Director. Producer. Director. Actress. Lauren Kennedy (SPAMALOT, SUNSET BOULEVARD, LES MISERABLES) just about does it all when it comes to theatre; especially with her own
company Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy. This year is no different at The Kennedy Theatre in Raleigh, NC. Kennedy will make a return to the stage as "Emma" in Tell Me on a Sunday. The show will not only hit the Raleigh stage but also play a limited engagement at the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College in Wilson, NC, which officially opened last September.

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy has been opened since 2005. During the first season, Kennedy
and her husband, Tony Award Nominated actor Alan Campbell (SUNSET BOULEVARD, CONTACT) performed their own concert Beyond Broadway for Raleigh audiences. Since then, Kennedy has taken a back seat to performing at the intimate 120-seat theatre to help the company grow. Last year, she added Artistic Director and Producer to her title and decided after a solid two seasons, she was ready to come back and perform at the theatre her father K.D. Kennedy, Jr. and brother Michael started.

"I jumped at the chance when director Matthew-Jason Willis and I discussed this show because it is
a score I've been desperate to tackle and I adore working with him! He had some fascinating and fresh ideas on the show that really excite me," says Kennedy.

With music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black, TELL ME ON SUNDAY is a one-act
musical that tells the story of an ordinary girl, played by Kennedy, and her romantic misadventures in search of love.

"This show has a long history of reinterpretation, way back to 1979 and I don't think any commercial production ever produced has been the same," says Kennedy, who added, "So, we too have our own unique spin on this modern tale of an ordinary gal setting out to find true love and accomplish her dreams in New York City!"

Under the direction of Willis is a stellar production team that includes Christine Rapp (Production
Stage Manager), Chris Bernier (Technical/Set/Lighting Designer), Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer)
and Leanne Norton-Heintz (Properties Mistress), Chris Wallen (Assistant Stage Manager), Jesse
Jones (Running Crew) and Jensen Davis (Spot Light Operator). Kennedy and Willis are also
sharing Costume Designer duties with some wardrobe provided by Hot Summer Nights' long time
sponsor, CT Weekends. Musical Director/Pianist Julie Florin returns with a talented band comprised
of Drew Lile (Guitar), John Simonetti (Bass), Les Webster (Percussion) and Joan Beck (Violin).

TELL ME ON SUNDAY will run at The Kennedy Theatre in Raleigh Aug 18-29 and at The Kennedy
Campbell Theatre at Barton College in Wilson Sept 1-5. Shows are at 8PM Wednesday-Saturday
and Sundays at 3PM. Tickets are $22.00 for general admission and $18 for senior adults and
students. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy website
www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.

Snapshots of Broadway star Lauren Kennedy in rehearsal for 'Tell Me On A Sunday'

2010-08-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

LAUREN KENNEDY ENDS HOT SUMMER NIGHTS SUMMER SEASON IN 'TELL ME ON A SUNDAY'

2010-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

BROADWAY STAR RETURNS HOME FOR SEASON ENDER

LAUREN KENNEDY STARS IN TELL ME ON A SUNDAY AT HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

RALEIGH - Artistic Director. Producer. Director. Actress. Lauren Kennedy(Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables) just about does it all when it comes to theatre; especially with her own company Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy. This year is no different at The Kennedy Theatre in Raleigh, NC.Kennedy will make a return to the stage as “Emma” in Tell Me on a Sunday. The show will not only hit the Raleigh stage but also play a limited engagement at the new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre at Barton College in Wilson, NC, which officially opened last September.

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy has been opened since 2005. During the first season, Kennedy and her husband, Tony Award Nominated actor Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard, Contact) performed their own concert Beyond Broadway for Raleigh audiences. Since then, Kennedy has taken a back seat to performing at the intimate 120-seat theatre to help the company grow. Last year, she added Artistic Director and Producer to her title and decided after a solid two seasons, she was ready to come back and perform at the theatre her father K.D. Kennedy, Jr. and brother Michael started.

“I jumped at the chance when director Matthew-Jason Willis and I discussed this show because it is a score I've been desperate to tackle and I adore working with him! He had some fascinating and fresh ideas on the show that really excite me,” says Kennedy. With music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black, Tell me on a Sunday is a one-act musical that tells the story of an ordinary girl, played by Kennedy, and her romantic misadventures in search of love.

“This show has a long history of reinterpretation, way back to 1979 and I don't think any commercial production ever produced has been the same,” saysKennedy, who added, “So, we too have our own unique spin on this modern tale of an ordinary gal setting out to find true love and accomplish her dreams in New York City!"

Under the direction of Willis is a stellar production team that includes Christine Rapp (Production Stage Manager), Chris Bernier (Technical/Set/Lighting Designer), Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer) and Leanne Norton-Heintz(Properties Mistress), Chris Wallen (Assistant Stage Manager), Jesse Jones(Running Crew) and Jensen Davis (Spot Light Operator). Kennedy and Willis are also sharing Costume Designer duties with some wardrobe provided by Hot Summer Nights’ long time sponsor, CT Weekends. Musical Director/PianistJulie Florin returns with a talented band comprised of Drew Lile (Guitar), John Simonetti (Bass), Les Webster (Percussion) and Joan Beck (Violin).

Tell Me on a Sunday will run at The Kennedy Theatre in Raleigh Aug 18-29 and at The Kennedy Campbell Theatre at Barton College in Wilson Sept 1-5. Shows are at 8PM Wednesday-Saturday and Sundays at 3PM. With the exception of Saturday, August 21st which will be at 7PM. Tickets are $22.00 for general admission and $18 for senior adults and students. For Barton tickets, visithttp://www.barton.edu/theatre. For tickets to The Kennedy, call 866-811-4111 or visit the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy websitewww.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.

Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell on BlazinRy Blog Talk Radio

2010-08-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Did you miss today's BlazinRy Radio Blog interview with Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell? Don't worry! You can catch the full (uninterrupted) interview by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/blazinry !! You can also download the interview by searching "blazinry" on iTunes!!

Another rave review for Hot Summer Nights' DEATH AND THE MAIDEN

2010-08-03T14:48:00.001-07:00

TRIANGLE ARTS ENTERTAINMENDEATH AND THE MAIDEN

Review by SUSIE POTTER

THE TENSION IN “DEATH AND THE MAIDEN” IS PALPABLE, ARIEL DORFMAN’S PLAY IS DRAMA AT ITS MOST INTENSE

Alan Campbell & Benji Taylor Jones. Photos by Katherine Kennedy.

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy’s DEATH AND THE MAIDEN is pure, intense drama at its finest. The show, which opened on Wednesday, July 28th, tells the story of Paulina (Benji Taylor Jones), a woman who was abducted, raped, and tortured by the minions of a military dictatorship in an unnamed South American country. One fateful night, 15 years after her release, her attorney husband, Gerardo (Alan Campbell), welcomes a helpful stranger, Dr. Roberto Miranda (David McClutchey), into his home and invites him to spend the night. Paulina becomes convinced that Dr. Miranda is one of the men who held her captive and brutalized her all those years ago.

Later, unbeknownst to her husband, she knocks out Miranda; drags him into the living room; ties and gags him; and appoints herself judge, jury, and executioner in a makeshift trial. Once her husband reluctantly joins in on the action, the lines of truth and reality begin to blur, leaving the viewer hanging on to every word.

Alan Campbell & David McClutchey. Photos by Katherine Kennedy

The tension that exists on stage is palpable, and each character is brought to full and vibrant life by the three gifted actors. Jones’ Paulina is disturbed, plotting and, in her own way, entirely sympathetic, whereas McClutchey’s Dr. Miranda is just slimy enough that the viewer will have doubts about his innocence. Most impressive here is Alan Campbell’s multilayered portrayal of Gerardo, a man whose loyalties are split between his belief in democratic institutions and judicial fairness and his touching love and empathy for his wife.

Scenic and lighting designer Chris Bernier’s subtle lighting, used only to take the scene from day to night or to highlight the most dramatic of moments, works well here, as does Bernier’s set design. A few quick changes to the set take the audience from the inside of the couple’s home to their private moments on the front porch, still allowing the viewer to witness the bound Dr. Miranda.

Paulina’s haunting words about having to listen to Schubert’s “Death and The Maiden” as she lay terrified in the dark in prison, deprived of her sight and her dignity, are immediately followed by fitting blackness and then Dr. Miranda’s chilling confession. The catch here is that audience members are left to draw their own conclusions about the validity of that confession. All of this leads up to an edge-of-your-seat climax and an eerie, unsettling conclusion.

Even those viewers who do not have a solid understanding of the political situation in Southern American countries, such as Chile, which playwright Ariel Dorfman fled after the 1973 coup d’étatled by army general Augusto Pinochet, will be able to empathize with each character and find themselves thinking about the very definitions of right and wrong and questioning whether vigilante justice is appropriate when a newly elected democratic government refuses to right the monstrous wrongs perpetuated by a brutal military dictator and his henchmen. This is, quite simply, the stuff that real theater is made of.

DEATH AND THE MAIDEN will continue its run through Sunday, August 8th. Tickets can be purchased by visiting http://www.hotsumemrnightsatthekennedy.org.

Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell to appear on BlazinRy's Blog Talk Radio

2010-08-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell to appear on BlazinRy's Blog Talk Radio show this Thursday at 1pm. (Eastern Standard Time)

BlazinRy Radio Blog welcomes the uber-talented husband and wife team of Lauren Kennedy & Alan Campbell. Having starred in "Spamalot," "Sunset Boulevard," and "Les Miserables," Barrymore Award nominee Lauren Kennedy is a Broadway veteran. Alan Campbell was nominated for a Best Actor Tony and won the Drama-League Award for his portrayal of Joe Gillis in "Sunset Boulevard." He starred in the CBS series "Jake and the Fat Man" .

The brand spankin' new BlazinRy Radio Blog is an entertainment show powered by Blog Talk Radio. The episodes begin by covering the hot topics of the day in show business, news, and sports. BlazinRy host Ryan Holmes then interviews the hottest, most interesting, and funniest artists and entertainers of today. Former guests include slasher movie star and Playboy cover girl America Olivo, stage and screen actor Christian Campbell, advertising mogul Tom Messner, and MAC Award-Winner Cait Doyle. In its first few weeks, the show has already been featured several times on the blogtalkradio.com homepage. It has garnered the coveted "Today's Top Picks" slot twice and is currently listed on the top of the homepage as "Featured Internet Radio." Due to the comedic background of producer Zach Messner and the unique interviewing style of Holmes, the episodes are zany, hilarious, and ridiculously fun. The show's ratings have sky-rocketed since the first episode. Upcoming guests include television actor Mike Lowry, Broadway veteran Greg Reuter, and ESPN's Jesse Ullmann. The BlazinRy Radio Blog is also currently podcasting on the extremely popular iTunes and Blubrry Networks. Here is a link to the homepage:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blazinry

Listen to internet radio with BlazinRy Radio Blog on Blog Talk Radio

2010-08-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

The reviews are in for Hot Summer Nights production of Death and the Maiden and we couldn't be happier!!

Robert McDowell of Triangle Arts and Entertainment says

"...Campbell is the unheeded voice of reason, and McClutchey is a squirming victim or victimizer (take your choice). But it is also undeniable that this trio of terrific performers create three unforgettable characters that are the stuff that nightmares are made of...."

To read more of Robert McDowell's review click HERE

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Roy C. Dicks of the News & Observer praises Death and the Maiden!!

"....the production delivers gripping, edge-of-your-seat entertainment, along with thought-provoking questions about justice and forgiveness."

"Tony nominee Alan Campbell proves his range as Gerardo, giving him a genuinely caring nature, torn by his wife’s need for revenge and his own wish to move forward. David McClutchey turns in a subtle performance as Roberto, lacing his protestations of innocence with just enough hesitation to instill doubt about their veracity."

"Benji Taylor Jones projects Paulina’s unhinged hysteria believably and is moving in her frank descriptions of the torture..."

"...Director Adam Twiss skillfully builds tension..."

To read the full review click HERE

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This just in.... another RAVE review from Jeffrey Rossman at Classical Voice North Carolina

"Nobody Does it Better: Death and the Maiden at Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy"

... "Benji Taylor Jones was Tony-award worthy as you never once doubted her emotional roller coaster ride as she fought with herself, her husband, and her captor as to what is the “right” thing to do. Alan Campbell as Gerardo beautifully portrayed the “voice of reason” – or was he merely a selfish coward protecting his new career? In addition to his superb acting, David McClutchey as Dr. Miranda had the unenviable task of being bound and gagged for lengthy periods of time. This was no stage trick. He was literally gagged with a cloth in his mouth and bound by several layers of duct tape."

"This has been placed near or at the top of my ten-best theatrical productions of 2010, so take a break from the summer fast food and go experience a nearly perfect theatrical event."

To read Jeffrey Rossman's full review click HERE

Buy your tickets today, they're going fast!!

www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org

2010-07-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

.............just catchin' you up on some videos and whatnot!

TRAILER PARK B-ROLL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHD7V8ZQOhs

TRAILER PARK TRAILER http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYgtP38BU-s

THE FREAKERS BALL AT JOE'S PUB http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC2GGk6lUjw

2010-06-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

Synergy Spa, one of Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy's

amazing sponsors is giving HSN theatre-goers

a little extra pampering this season!

Anyone who purchases a ticket to Hot Summer Nights will receive $22 off their total spa service at Synergy Spa. All you need to do is bring your ticket stub to Synergy Spa at the Shoppes in Glenwood Village when you come in for your appointment. That's like getting your theatre ticket for FREE!

Only one ticket per production. Can not be combined with other tickets. Must be used within 30 days of seeing the show.

So buy your tickets to Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy today by visitinghttp://www.hotsummernights atthekennedy.org/ and receive the royal treatment. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to enjoy great theatre and amazing spa treatments for less!

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at Synergy Spa. Join our Facebook Fan Page! Click here and select "become a fan"!

Hours of Operation
Mon: 11am-9pm
Tues - Wed: 9am-8pm
Thurs: 9am-9pm
Fri: 9am-8pm
Sat: 9am-7pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

2010-06-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

"Summertime, and the livin’ is easy. Take a break from the multitude of catastrophes going on in the world, don’t think so much and enjoy a well done comedic classic at Hot Summer Nights." Jeffrey Rossman - CVNC review for Barefoot In The Park

2010-06-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS.....

2010-05-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

2010-05-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

Win a Walk-On Role in "Barefoot in the Park"!!!

Show off your comedic acting chops with Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy and take a walk in the "Park"!

HSN kicks off their 2010 season with the Neil Simon classic comedy "Barefoot in the Park" and we are looking for 2 comedic men to show us they've got what it takes to take the stage. From now until May 31st, Hot Summer Nights will be accepting submissions via email to play the part of the Delivery Man.

To enter just send an email to hotsummernights@me.com with BAREFOOT WALK-ON ROLE in the Subject. In the email please include your name, contact information and why you think you would be a great Delivery Man.

We will pick two lucky winners to take the stage on Thursday June 10th and June 17th. You will also receive two tickets to your scheduled performance so that you can share your shining moment with a guest.

HSN ANNOUNCES 2010 SEASON AND AUDITIONS

2010-02-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy Announces Their 2010 Season and Auditions
The 2010 Season will include Barefoot in the Park (June 9-20), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (June 30-July 18), Death of a Maiden (July 28-Aug 8) and Tell Me on a Sunday (August 18-Sept 5). Auditions are being held for the first three shows of the season. To be considered for any show, all those auditioning must be available for both production and rehearsals dates (which run two weeks prior to each show's opening). No conflicts allowed. Auditions are scheduled for Saturday, March 6th from 12PM-6PM at the Kennedy Theatre in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. Those interested in auditioning will be given a total of five minutes and should prepare either two contrasting monologues or a monologue and song. Accompanist will be provided. To schedule an appointment please call Tiffany at 919-770-5892 (between 1PM-7PM ONLY). For more information about Hot Summer Nights, visit www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org

DRIFT WINS!!!

2010-02-02T06:24:00.001-08:00

"Drift" WINS! You voted and made "Drift" the Tops in the Triangle for Theatre for 2009! With 2917 people voting, "Drift" took home 576 in the Triangle Arts and Entertainment online magazine poll. Thanks to all who voted. Also on the list: "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" which was part of the top ten.

2010-01-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Hot Summer Nights At The Kennedy Blog! Keep checking here for all the exciting news about our upcoming 2010 season!