Review by Dave Chung

..> ..>

..> ..>

Philip Deyesso in Idol: The Musical.
photo by Carol Rosegg

America didn't get the chance to vote, but the entire cast of Idol: The Musical — based on the fan worship of former "American Idol" contestant Clay Aiken — has gone home. Producers announced Aug. 3 that the entire cast was replaced prior to the show's official opening.

Idol began previews at the 45th Street Theatre July 5 and will officially open Aug. 12. Directed by Daniel Tursi, the original company featured Babs Rubenstein as Adrienne, the musical's bad guy; Jennie Riverso as Alex, a brutally combative diamond-in-the-rough who fights all of her battles with her two fists; Nikita Richards as Cass, a Goth-chick whose voodoo doll is named Willard; Courtney Ellis as Cicaida, a child prodigy with an encyclopedic knowledge of the world; Jon Balcourt as Connor, the home-schooled kid; Ryan Sprague as Duncan, a loveable goofball obsessed with Western apparel; Joella Burt as Emily, the alpha-misfit; Joe Walker as J.D., the basketball phenom who longs to be a Chippendale dancer; and Roy George-Thiemann as Kodi, a self-appointed celebrity waiting to happen.

The company now features Katy Reinsel as Adrienne, Jillian Giacchi as Alex, Kierstyn Sharrow as Cass, Kaitlin Mercurio as Cicaida, Philip Deyesso as Connor, Saum Eskandani as Duncan, Stephanie Robinson as Emily, Joe Walker as J.D., Shadae Smith as Kodi and Dawn Barry as Midge.

Idol: The Musical, according to press notes, is "a satirical musical comedy that focuses on the outrageous and delusional fan base of the hit television show. The musical takes place in Steubenville, Ohio where a group of misfit students are preparing for their high school graduation after which they are determined to drag themselves out of the dregs of the middle-of-nowhere. There are nine of them; all belonging to the same cult-like club that meets daily in a garage that doubles as a shrine to Clay Aiken. They are viciously ridiculed by the rest of Steubenville; a humiliating situation that doesn't deter their quest for all things Clay. They are victims of A.D.D., Ritalin, their misguided obsessions and their innocent longing for their elusive '15 minutes.' One of them pumps gas. One of them is home-schooled. One of them is a walking encyclopedia. And one of them is a basketball phenom who would rather be a Chippendale dancer. The other five have equally bizarre back-stories too complicated to tell here; but suffice it to know that the real bad-guy of the piece is a total harpy, prima donna named Adrienne. She gives new meaning to the word villain. The story heats up when the mid-American leg of the 'Idol Tour,' starring Clay Aiken, is announced to be playing Chicago, Memphis, Louisville, Scranton, Charleston, Greensboro, Roanoke and Steubenville. Steubenville! Let the worship begin."

The musical, based on a concept by Todd Ellis, features music and lyrics by Jon Balcourt with a book and lyrics by Bill Boland. Choreographers are Joe Walker and Jason Bumpus.

The design team comprises Brian Howard (scenic), Charles Shatzkin (lighting) and Keith Axton (costume).

Song titles include "Idolize," "Small Town Blues," "Fifteen Minutes," "Discipline," "Chip & Dale Days," "Prima Donna Fabulous," "Quakin' for Aiken," "Burnin' Hunk of Clay," "Simon Says," "Distance," "Family of Misfits" and "Realize."

Show times are Wednesdays at 3:15 PM and 8:15 PM, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:15 PM, Saturdays at 3:15 PM and 8:15 PM and Sundays at 3:15 PM and 8:15 PM.

The 45th Street Theatre is located in Manhattan at 354 West 45th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Tickets, priced $60 (general admission) and $25 (student rush), are available by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting www.smarttix.com.

..> ..>

(l.-r.) Philip Deyesso, Shadae Smith, Stephanie Robinson, Jillian Giacchi, Joe Walker, Dawn Barry, Kierstyn Sharrow, Katy Reinsel, Saum Eskandani and Kaitlin Mercurio in Idol: The Musical.
photo by Carol Rosegg

Playbill.com

Summary: The Greek Theatre is proud to host an evening with multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken. Presented by KOST FM.

By DAVID GRAVES
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/03/2007

Clay Aiken is a riot. There's something genuinely comedic about the singer, care-free and, well, likable.

The Season 2 "American Idol" runner-up to the Velvet Teddy Bear Ruben Studdard has sold more records than any other "American Idol" alum besides Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. And this guy's tours sell out around the country.

So, yeah, consider him likable.

Now, the crooner's latest tour brings Aiken back to the ATL, where he first auditioned for "Idol" back in 2003. He'll be backed by the ASO at Chastain and will include cuts off his CD releases "Measure of a Man" and his latest, "A Thousand Different Ways."

We caught up with Aiken recently during a tour stop in San Diego.

You dyed you hair. What's up with that?

 
It started on "American Idol" and they wanted to change my image. I don't even know what color it is now. We just try everything — it could be beach blond next!

What can we expect from the tour?

People around me love Lenox. I love Fogo de Chao ... I always have to get back to the corner on Spring Street where I spent the night for my ["American Idol"] auditions at Merchandise Mart. So I'll try to get back over there.

Access Atlanta

Whatever happened to Justin Guarini? When was the last time you heard what Ruben Studdard was up to?

But mention Clay Aiken and most people have at least some idea of who you're talking about.

The most popular of the "American Idol" runners-up is on his way to the Coachella Valley for a concert Sunday in the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

(snip)

Aiken's schedule has been really tight on this tour. He rolls into a town and has to rehearse with each pick-up band, leaving little time for live interviews.

We did take advantage of his offer to do an e-mail interview, however, and here are the results:

THE DESERT SUN: Rather than use your own band, you're using a local orchestra in each city. What are the advantages/disadvantages of this kind of set for you as a performer? Do you think it keeps you more on top of your game to have to adjust to each band rather than becoming settled with your own band?

CLAY AIKEN: We carry our own pianist and drummer with us. We are playing with local symphony orchestras. These are amazingly talented people. It's great to be able to work with new people because it does keep the show fresh. And, it's great to see how much talent there is throughout America.

TDS: How has your outlook on performing changed in the past five years?

AIKEN: I think I appreciate the opportunity to do it now. It's so much fun to put a new show together. Still, it's more exciting for me to sort of present that to fans. I imagine I have gotten far more comfortable over the years too.

TDS: If Paula, Randy or Simon dropped out as an "A.I." judge and you were asked to fill the vacancy, would you? What about being a coach for another "Idol" hopeful?

AIKEN: Oh, I'd love to be a judge. I think they should consider adding a former contestant - someone who knows what it is like to be on that very stage.

TDS: What's next for you? A new CD? Are you interested in doing stage or film work? More guest co-hosting on "Live With Regis and Kelly?"

AIKEN: I like to remain open to any opportunities. Pretty much everything positive that has come my way has happened when I "let go and let God." So I don't predict too much. I know we will begin to work on the next CD in the next several months. And anything else that presents itself I hope that I am able to approach it with an open and willing mind.

Desert Sun

In June, Nederlander Concerts announced plans to create a series of concerts and special offers at The Greek Theatre benefiting the Griffith Park Recovery Fund (GPRF) which supports the reforestation efforts needed after more than 800 acres were scorched in the May fires.

Saturday (Aug. 4) - Multi-platinum recording artist Clay Aiken has
donated autographed merchandise which will be available during a silent
auction prior to his performance beginning at 7 p.m. Items range from
a limited-edition poster, to an autographed book, t-shirt, CDs and
much more and will be available for bids in The Greek Theatre plaza
beginning at 7 p.m. In addition, the winner of this exclusive package
will receive hospitality passes to The Greek Theatre's VIP Deck after
the show.

Vinyl Word

We don't normally publish fan posts, but this one was especially cute. From Clay fan stripedshirts:

I cannot believe my luck tonight.

I went to see IDOL THE MUSICAL.....and guess who shows up? CLAY!!! He brought the posse w/ him - Angela, Quiana, Mary, Jerome, Jamie, plus the girl who we lovingly dub 'Sweater Girl' & an unidentified male (I think it's Sweater Girl's date) I cannot believe of all nights I wound buying a tkt to the show, that he would come finally come & see it for himself.

And guess what? he liked it! Even though parts of the show were so cheesy & ridiculous, he liked it!

He did not boo, hiss or hurl things on the stage. When the show ended, he was the first to stand up & give a standing ovation, which the kids up there REALLY appreciated. The kids were on their full A Game tonight & acted very well, I was so proud of them. I don't know how many of you here have seen the musical - so you may not connect immediately to what I'm trying to say, especially the scenes I'm describing - but this is the best I can as far as connecting those moments to the looks on Clay's face.

Here are what I can gather:

Clay arrived quietly w/ his crew into the theatre around 8:20 - and there were some gasps in the audience when they realize he was inside - and I had a perfect view of him from where I sat, which was off the side, diagonal. Clay was sandwiched btwn Mary & Sweater Chick, Jamie sat w/ Jerome who took an aisle seat. Jerome was so big, his legs stuck out on the sides. I could've tapped him if I wanted but I kept quiet & observed Clay. Quiana & Angela sat one row behind them.

The minute they all seated, the lights dimmed & the 1st no. 'Idolize' started. The actors attacked it w/ so vigor & verocity that it was overwhelming to watch w/ Clay in the audience, & I had a difficult time trying to figure out who to keep my eyes on - him or the actors who were ripping into the no. My eyes were flipping backm & forth..... And Clay's reactions to this were priceless!!! Oh my god - it killed me not to be able to take a photo of his facial expressions when he was watching the 1st no. - he had the program book open, and up against his face, covering his mouth and nose - and when the Flat Clay was unveiled, he jerked in his seat, sending the program flying onto Mary's lap, which he quickly retrieved. Part of the time he was bending to whisper something into either Mary's ear or Sweater Girl's ear. The other times he watched w/ his finger to his lips, taking it all in, or cringing from some of the nos. making his chin disappear into his neck. Everyone around him were choking, they were laughing so hard, & it was real funny watching Jerome wipe his eyes. At one point Clay even yelped 'oh god!'

I can only remember bits & pieces of what I saw of Clay because there were moments I was watching the musical, which has improved some since the first time I saw it the first wk it opened; alot of subtle edits have been done, as well as additions. One of them, was the 'armrest' bit - the cowboy had his feet on the armrest of the couch, prompting the girl Alex, the grease faced gas station attendant, to shout "Get your foot off my armrest!" I missed Clay's reaction on that one, I don't know if audience caught that one, but I'm sure he must've snickered. I did not miss his reaction to the "I'm NOT Kelly Ripa" bit - he nodded his head & clapped his hands for that one.

And the far funniest moments was during the "Burning Hunk of Clay"/Claygasm no. when the actress was making out w/ the Clay bust, then started to remove her cardigan, skirt & pulled out the whip, screaming, "Oh Clay, OH CLAY" his eyes got so big I thought they were going to pop. Mary was shaking all over laughing.

The actors all had their eyes on the left side of the house where Clay sat during the finale, & when they all took a bow one by one, it was almost as if they were saluting Clay. It was a cool moment.

Later, Todd Ellis the producer came towards Clay as the audience filed out, & asked him to stick around so the actors could meet him. The doors closed shut as I stepped outside, but I sat on a stool & waited. Waiting w/ me were 2 others who knows the cast, so they were hanging around to get their loved ones. Behind the door, I could laugh applause, then laughter, then clapping, then Clay talking rapidly; I couldn't make out a word he said, it was too far & somewhat muffled. But they were all having a good time inside, & I felt so glad he made this musical; it turned out Todd went to the Syracuse concert just last wk. & his wife got to talk to Clay for a bit about coming to see the show. That paid off tonight when Clay brought his troop in.

10 minutes later, the doors swung open, & out walked Jerome, Quiana, Sweater Girl & then Clay - they all walked out, & there was a yellow cab outside which Jerome got Clay into. Clay didn't stop for pics or autographs & there were a small group of fans who stood out there. The cab sped West, towards Jersey. I'm willing to bet tomorrow night there may or may not be some mention about Idol The Musical at the Newark concert, but we'll see; if he does, it'd be a great plug for the show.

Sounds like a good time was had by all - including the actors.  Thanks for that recap stripedshirts!

The Meadowbrook website is featuring a gallery of wonderful photographs taken by Mark S. Johnson.  Here is a sample...

See the rest at Meadowbrook.net!

News & Observer Poster - How to Order 

The News & Observer will include a poster of Clay in their August 10th issue in order to highlight his appearance that night in Cary, NC. The poster features a timeline of Clay's career. The photos used on the poster were taken by Clay fan "jtgranny," and are used with her permission. Another fan reports that "this time (the N&O) have really created a much nicer poster than the last time."

The link to order can be found here.

Many "American Idol" alumni have recently performed on Broadway, but now the show has inspired a musical of its own. This week we talk to Idol the Musical's producer Todd Ellis, composer/lyricist/performer Jon Balcourt, and performers Babs Rubenstein, Jennie Riverso, Courtney Ellis, and Roy George. We also hear two songs from the show, "Prima Donna Fabulous" and "Simon Says". Based on the "American Idol" fanbase, the musical is a satire of the worship of recent "Idol" runner-up, Clay Aiken. It takes place in a small town in Ohio, where a group of quirky high school students who belong to a club in which they worship a shrine to Clay are getting ready for their graduation.

Read the interview by clicking here! 

Aiken's Appearance Thrills Female Crowd

"You don't even care what you're screaming at, do you?" Clay Aiken teasingly asked the squealing women scattered across the lawn of Chemical Abstracts Service last night.

"I could say anything." He paused. "Carburetor." Women whistled and cheered.

Aiken, the American Idol runner-up turned adult-pop star, headlined the Columbus Symphony Orchestra's Picnic with the Pops program last night.

His audience is mostly women; his singing is polished, and his attitude is upbeat. Every moment of his performance is safe and stylized. He exudes sincerity and earnestness, but, like so many pop singers, he lacks compelling originality.

Aiken specializes in adult-contemporary ballads as well as covers of hit soft-rock songs from the 1980s.

His current tour also features medleys of 1970s and '80s television themes and of "fast songs you can do with an orchestra," the latter of which included such silly gems as Sir Mix-A-Lot's Baby Got Back, Usher's Yeah, and Kenny Chesney's She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.

He also led a singalong of Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel, asking for help with the words (which were handed out in advance).

One of Aiken's endearing traits is his gently self-depreciating humor.

"We have more gentlemen in the audience than we usually have," he observed. "Either the women in Columbus are strong-willed, or the alcohol tab is very high for the men here."

Backup singers Angela Fisher and Quiana Parler, both accomplished musicians in their own right, made strong impressions with solo numbers. Fisher got a huge cheer for Listen from the movie Dreamgirls, while Parler ended the first half of the program with a stirring performance of Faith Hill's When the Lights Go Down.

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, unfortunately, seemed to be a minor player. The orchestral arrangements might or might not have been good, but they were drowned out in the front section of seating. Occasionally the brass or violins would cut through Aiken's band for a few moments, only to be obscured by the next crescendo.

Aiken's strongest moment was his performance of Lover All Alone, for which he wrote the lyrics. In spite of jarring intonation problems from his guitarist, he loosened his grip on the polished, practiced stage manner and truly connected with his own soul.

And for those few minutes, the squealing fans, the strong-willed women, the devoted husbands and the rest of the audience fell absolutely silent in appreciation.

Article by Lynn Green. Read it here: Columbus Dispatch.

Me: I understand there were lots of men there too, as well as teenagers, upper demographic folk, and everything in between.  Diversity - it's a good thing.

You want tour photos?  We have too many to put on MySpace, so to see what's up so far, please check out the gallery at Claymaniacs!

Select the tour album, then you can sort by venue if you like. 

If you register, you can leave comments and send e-cards as well.  More are added every day, so check back often.

Thanks to the generous photographers of Clay Nation for sharing their wonderful photographs! 

Click here! 

Clay will perform several holiday songs on the NBC special "Holiday Celebration on Ice," scheduled to air at 2:30 on Christmas Day.  The taping will be in November at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now!