Friday, June 11, 2010

Last Chance to Purchase tickets to "They Changed Broadway" at the Metuchen Forum Theatre

You've seen it in the Sentinel.
You've seen it in the New Jersey Jewish News.
You've seen it in the Jewish State.
You've seen it in the New Jersey Home News Tribune.
And You've seen it in the New Jersey Star Ledger.

Now, You can Actually See It!

"They Changed Broadway" is on stage this weekend, Sunday June 13th at 4:00 P.M. at the Forum Theatre...

Pre-performance priced tickets can be purchased by 2:00pm Friday at 732-548-2238 ext. 24

Tickets can also be purchased the day of the performance at the Forum Theater
beginning at 3:00 P.M.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

"They Changed Broadway" Rehearsals Going Great!

Hi. It's Michael Colby. Just wanted to let you know how incredible rehearsals for THEY CHANGED BROADWAY have been. Neva Small is recreating songs she did in the film FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and the musical PRINCE OF GRAND STREET. Jonathan C. Kaplan is recreating "Everyone Hates His Parents" opposite Stuart Zagnit (Jonathan received a Tony nomination playing "Jason" in FALSETTOS and Stuart played "Mendel" in the national company). Leah Horowitz (LES MISERABLES, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE) lends her beautiful voice to songs including "All the Things You Are," "Come Rain or Come Shine," and "People." And Ben Rauch (of TV's "Gossip Girl") does a riotous "Tschaikowsky" (the song that launched Danny Kaye). I couldn't have a better director than Sara Louise Lazarus, or musical director than Michael Lavine.
New Yorkers can also get home in time for the Tonys (After the show, Michael Lavine is actually covering the Tonys for Japanese TV).

Tickets are going fast!

You can make reservations @ (732) 548-2238 #24.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Ben Rauch Making Special Appearance in “They Changed Broadway”

Ben Rauch, a recurring favorite on television’s Gossip Girls and familiar face from Burger King’s Bobby Brown and Sprint’s ‘Wheel of Adjectives’ commercial is making a special appearance in Neve Shalom’s ‘They Changed Broadway’ this June 13th at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen.


“They Changed Broadway” writer and co-producer Michael Colby announces today that Ben Rauch, familiar to audiences from numerous appearances on television, film and stage has agreed to lend his voice for a particularly difficult song in the one-night only revue.

“I am very happy to be part of the revue working alongside Michael Colby, Michael Goldfried, Leah Horowitz, Jonathan C. Kaplan, Michael Lavine, Neva Small, Stuart Zagnit and Sara Louise Lazarus,” says Mr. Rauch.

Mr. Rauch adds, “A revue based on the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical makes for a show with a lot of very rich entertainment for people of all ages and backgrounds. The audience will have a fantastic time.”

Ben Rauch last worked with Michael Colby in Michael’s acclaimed “Meester Amerika” and with Michael Colby, Michael Lavine and Sara Louise Lazarus as Ludlow Ladd in ‘Ludlow Ladd’, featuring Kristen Chenoweth.

The Jewish contribution to the American musical goes beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known, sought after and award-winning Actor’s Equity performers.

“We can’t be happier to have Ben Rauch available to make a special appearance in ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising vice-president. “He’s a talented and memorable actor who will add a lot.”

“They Changed Broadway” gives Middlesex County residences a chance to see very talented professional actors in their own backyard at the historic and intimate 500-seat Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey.

Proceeds from the June 13th revue benefit Neve Shalom Youth and Elderly social and educational program, Meals on Wheels, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

Tickets for “They Changed Broadway” are on sale now with advance purchase discounts available. Call (732) 548- 2238.

About Ben Rauch

Ben Rauch (www.benrauchsite.com) appears regularly on CW’s “Gossip Girl”, PBS’s “Nate the Great”, and Comedy Central’s “Strangers with Candy”. Ben’s film credits include Sam (The Nice Guy) with Russell Crowe in Tenderness directed by John Polson, Tony in “5G” directed by Alex Tanaka, Eddie in “Last Day” directed by Charlie Zinn, and Phil in “Nomi’s Bat Mitzvah” directed Jessica Scharzer.

On stage, Ben Rauch has been seen as Sam Weinberg in “A Few Good Men” with Lou Diamond Phillips at the Casa Manana Theatre, as Shorty in “People Are Living there” at the Signature Theatre, as Jay in “Lost in Yonkers” at the Theatre Virginia, and as Sage in “Black Out Blues” at the NY Fringe Festival.

Among his many other commercial, voice-over and stage credits, Ben Rauch has excited audiences as Linus in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, Shloyme in “Meester Amerika” by Michael Colby, and as Ludlow Ladd in the show of the same name, “Ludlow Ladd” directed by Sara Louise Lazarus and featuring Kristen Chenoweth.

You can see samples of Ben’s work on YouTube or on his website: www.benrauchsite.com.

About Michael Colby
Michael Colby (www.michaelcolby.com) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as “Charlotte Sweet” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Tales Of Tinseltown, North Atlantic” (Show Business Award), “Slay It With Music”, “Mrs. McThing”, “They Chose Me!”, and “Ludlow Ladd”. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Michael’s “Meester Amerika” was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

About The Forum
The Forum Theatre Arts Center (www.forumtheatrearts.com) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts.

The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom
For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (www.neveshalom.net) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership. Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

For tickets, requests for interviews or more information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Sara Louise Lazarus to Direct the One Night Only Performance: “They Changed Broadway”

“They Changed Broadway” producer Neve Shalom announces today that award-winning theatre and cabaret director Sara Louise Lazarus has joined the one-night only production.

This week, Sara Louise Lazarus, well-known director on and off-Broadway and in New Jersey theatre circles enthusiastically agreed to direct the “They Changed Broadway” June 13 benefit production.

“I’m delighted to be working again with Michael Colby and Michael Lavine. The last time the three of us worked together was on ‘Ludlow Ladd’, featuring Kristen Chenoweth. I am looking forward to working with this all-star cast of actors,” says Ms. Lazarus.

Ms. Lazarus adds, “A benefit revue featuring the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical is a wonderful idea made even more special as it is produced, written, directed and performed all by people who identify themselves as Jewish. The audience will have a great time.”

Sara may best be known to local New Jersey audiences for producing and directing “Stars Over Millburn,” a benefit for Paper Mill Playhouse, and is on the staff of Paper Mill's Summer Conservatory, where she teaches and has co-directed the New Voices concerts, “Paper Mill Goes Platinum,” and “Thoroughly Modern Musicals.”

“We are thrilled to have someone of Ms. Lazarus' experience and stature to direct the production; and blessed that Ms. Lazarus’ schedule allows her to jump right in to direct the benefit,” says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom Board of Director and Fundraising VP.

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known performers.

Proceeds from the show will benefit Youth and Elderly educational, social and summer programs; Meals on Wheels, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

“They Changed Broadway” will be on stage 4:00 P.M. in Metuchen, New Jersey on June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre. Tickets are on sale now with discount for advance purchases. Call (732) 548-2238 or visit the ticket page on http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

About Sara Louise Lazarus
Sara Louise Lazarus is an award winning theatre and cabaret director. In New York, she directed Tovah Feldshuh's one-woman Off-Broadway show, “Tovah Out Of Her Mind,” the revival of “Babes In Arms” at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, the world premiere of Terrence McNally's “Plaisir D'Amour,” and “Ludlow Ladd” starring Kristen Chenoweth.

At the 92nd Street Y, Sara co-wrote and directed “The 1959 Broadway Songbook” for their Lyrics and Lyricists series. She staged two Harvard Hasty Pudding Shows, and “She Loves Me” at Yale.

Ms. Lazarus is currently on the faculty of Circle In The Square Theatre School, and holds her own private classes for Broadway actors in New York City. Sara has taught workshops for Yale, the University of New Hampshire, and Penn State.

About Michael Colby
Michael Colby (http://www.michaelcolby.com/) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as “Charlotte Sweet” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Tales Of Tinseltown, North Atlantic” (Show Business Award), “Slay It With Music”, “Mrs. McThing”, “They Chose Me!”, and “Ludlow Ladd”. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Michael’s “Meester Amerika” was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

About Michael Lavine
Michael Lavine (http://www.michaellavine.net/) has musically directed the Outer Critic's Circle Awards, Broadway Cares Teddy Bear Auction (as he's done the past 13 years) and the Astaire Awards earlier this year. He co-produced the American premiere recording of “Honk!” which he has musically directed twice. Michael musically directed the Comden and Green musical “Billion Dollar Baby” at the York Theatre in New York City starring Kristin Chenoweth, Marc Kudisch and Debbie Gravitte (cd available) and the Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical “Carmelina”, also at the York with Debbie Gravitte. He shared the stage with Mimi Hines and Peter Howard (his mentor) at the Kennedy Center in a Rodgers and Hart revue, “This Funny World”.

About The Forum
The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts.

The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom
For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership. Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

“They Changed Broadway’s” Musical Director, Michael Lavine is Japanese Television NHK'S Tony Broadcast Correspondent

“They Changed Broadway’s” Musical Director, Michael Lavine is Japanese Television NHK'S Tony Broadcast Correspondent

Michael Lavine, “They Changed Broadway’s” musical director is Japanese Television NHK’s Red Carpet correspondent for the June 13, 2010 Tony Broadcast.

“They Changed Broadway: From Berlin to Bernstein and Beyond” musical director and steward of the largest collection of Broadway musical sheet music Michael Lavine will be busy with more than “They Changed Broadway” the night of the show.

In addition to working with librettist/lyricist Michael Colby on the mix of songs for the revue, rehearsing with director Michael Goldfried and world-class performers Leah Horowitz, Jonathan C. Kaplan, Neva Small and Stuart Zagnit and providing accompaniment during the show, Michael Lavine is now also appearing on NHK Japanese Television as a Red Carpet correspondent.

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public broadcaster independent of government and private organizations operating five television channels and three radio services that provide a broad range of programming, including news, education, and family entertainment.

Sunday night, June 13th, NHK programming will include the Tony Awards with Michael Lavine, coming straight from the Forum Theatre “They Changed Broadway” performance as their Red Carpet correspondent.

Asked about whether he concerned there is a conflict in scheduling Mr. Lavine says, “There is plenty of time for both.” Mr. Lavine adds, “‘They Changed Broadway’ is approximately a two-hour show. Metuchen, New Jersey is a short ride from Manhattan and Broadway. The Tony’s start at 9:00 P.M. There is plenty of time to put on a great show and be the red carpet correspondent for NHK.”

“They Changed Broadway” is an original one-night only benefit revue about the Jewish contribution the American musical scheduled for a 4:00 P.M. performance the night of the Tony Awards at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey.

Tickets for “They Changed Broadway” are on sale now with discounts for advance purchases. Call (732) 548 – 2238 ext.24.

To learn more about NHK visit: http://www.nhk.or.jp/

About Michael Colby
Michael Colby (http://www.michaelcolby.com/) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as “Charlotte Sweet” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Tales Of Tinseltown, North Atlantic” (Show Business Award), “Slay It With Music”, “Mrs. McThing”, “They Chose Me!”, and “Ludlow Ladd”. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Michael’s “Meester Amerika” was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

About Jonathan C. Kaplan
Jonathan C. Kaplan (http://www.jonathanckaplan.com/) won The Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Tony® Award playing "Jason" in Falsettos. Other roles include Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (Broadway; starring Natalie Portman & Linda Lavin), Benjamin in The Graduate (National Tour), and Mitchell in The Loman Family Picnic (Manhattan Theatre Club). Films include Loving Leah and Life with Mikey. TV appearances include Law and Order: CI, Law and Order: SVU, and As the World Turns.

About Michael Lavine
Michael Lavine (http://www.michaellavine.net/) has musically directed the Outer Critic's Circle Awards, Broadway Cares Teddy Bear Auction (as he's done the past 13 years) and the Astaire Awards earlier this year. He co-produced the American premiere recording of “Honk!” which he has musically directed twice. Michael musically directed the Comden and Green musical “Billion Dollar Baby” at the York Theatre in New York City starring Kristin Chenoweth, Marc Kudisch and Debbie Gravitte (cd available) and the Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical “Carmelina”, also at the York with Debbie Gravitte. He shared the stage with Mimi Hines and Peter Howard (his mentor) at the Kennedy Center in a Rodgers and Hart revue, “This Funny World”.

About Neva Small
Neva Small (http://www.nevasmall.com/) has distinguished herself as a singer and actress in theaters, in concert halls across America, on film, and on television. Her signature role of Chava in the film version of “Fiddler on the Roof” remains a classic. Recently returning to the spotlight after raising a family, Neva starred with Michael Feinstein in “Michael Feinstein: Now & Then” at Carnegie Hall, released her best selling first solo CD, “Neva Small: My Place in the World”, and was a guest artist with the Walla Walla Symphony.

Neva Small’s cabaret show “Not Quite An Ingenue” is so successful it transferred to an Off-Broadway theater where it is currently being performed. Neva has appeared on television in Law & Order, Law & Order Criminal Intent, the TV movie “Hijacking of the Achille Lauro” and is an accomplished writer, producer and performer of children's educational programs.

About Stuart Zagnit
On Broadway, Stuart created the roles of The Mayor of Whoville in “Seussical” and Goldberg in “The Wild Party” (original cast recordings as well). He was Bela Zangler in the National Tour of “Crazy for You”, Buzz Richards in the revival of “Applause” with Stefanie Powers, Mendel in “Falsettos”, the Baker in “Into the Woods” and Charlie in “Tintypes”.

Stuart Zagnit’s off-Broadway credits include Seymour in the original “Little Shop Of Horrors”, “A Dybbuk” at The Public Theatre, “Lucky Stiff”, “All In The Timing”, “The Grand Tour”, and “The Majestic Kid”. Stuart also received critical acclaim for his performance as the title character in “Kuni-Leml”.

Regional audiences have seen Stuart in “Windy City” at the Walnut St. Theatre in Philadelphia, “Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do” (the Neil Sedaka Musical) in Albany and Florida, “Enter Laughing” at Berkshire Theatre Festival, “The Sound Of Music” at Sacramento Music Circus, to name a few.

On television, Stuart has been featured on all three of the “Law & Order” programs, “All My Children”, “One Life To Live”, and can be seen in the independent feature film, “Christmas Present”.

For several years Stuart was Dentist #4 in the hilarious Trident Gum 'Four out of five dentists' commercials, and frequently lends his voice to animated cartoons and commercial tags. He lives in New York with his wife, composer and author Carolyn Sloan and son Sam.

About The Forum
The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts.

The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom
For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership. Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Stuart Zagnit, The Original Mayor of Whoville Joins the Cast of “They Changed Broadway”

The Original Mayor of Whoville Joins the Cast of “They Changed Broadway”


Stuart Zagnit, who created such memorable characters on stage such as The Mayor of Whoville in “Seussical” and Goldberg in “The Wild Party” joins the cast of “They Changed Broadway: From Berlin to Bernstein and Beyond”, a one-night only revue at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010 benefiting Congregation Neve Shalom.

“I am excited to be part of the revue working alongside Michael Colby, Michael Goldfried, Leah Horowitz, Jonathan C. Kaplan, Michael Lavine and Neva Small,” says Mr. Zagnit.

Mr. Zagnit adds, “A revue featuring the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical is a wonderful idea with a very broad appeal and Michael Colby really knows how to put together a great show. I know the audience will have a fantastic time.”

The Jewish contribution to the American musical goes beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known, sought after and award-winning Actor’s Equity performers.

“We can’t be happier to have Stuart Zagnit agree to perform in ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising vice-president. “He’s a wonderful actor who brings a lot to the show.”

“They Changed Broadway” gives Middlesex County residences a chance to see veteran Broadway performers in their own backyard at the historic and intimate 500 seat Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey.

From a fundraising perspective, the revue reaches an audience beyond Congregation Neve Shalom’s 500-family membership creatively expanding its ability to raise funds to benefit the Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

Tickets for “They Changed Broadway” are on sale now with advance purchase discounts available. Call (732) 548- 2238.

About Stuart Zagnit
On Broadway, Stuart created the roles of The Mayor of Whoville in “Seussical” and Goldberg in “The Wild Party” (original cast recordings as well). He was Bela Zangler in the National Tour of “Crazy for You”, Buzz Richards in the revival of “Applause” with Stefanie Powers, Mendel in “Falsettos”, the Baker in “Into the Woods” and Charlie in “Tintypes”.
Stuart Zagnit’s off-Broadway credits include Seymour in the original “Little Shop Of Horrors”, “A Dybbuk” at The Public Theatre, “Lucky Stiff”, “All In The Timing”, “The Grand Tour”, and “The Majestic Kid”. Stuart also received critical acclaim for his performance as the title character in “Kuni-Leml”.

Regional audiences have seen Stuart in “Windy City” at the Walnut St. Theatre in Philadelphia, “Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do” (the Neil Sedaka Musical) in Albany and Florida, “Enter Laughing” at Berkshire Theatre Festival, “The Sound Of Music” at Sacramento Music Circus, to name a few.

On television, Stuart has been featured on all three of the “Law & Order” programs, “All My Children”, “One Life To Live”, and can be seen in the independent feature film, “Christmas Present”.
For several years Stuart was Dentist #4 in the hilarious Trident Gum 'Four out of five dentists' commercials, and frequently lends his voice to animated cartoons and commercial tags. He lives in New York with his wife, composer and author Carolyn Sloan and son Sam.

About Michael Colby
Michael Colby (www.michaelcolby.com) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as “Charlotte Sweet” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Tales Of Tinseltown, North Atlantic” (Show Business Award), “Slay It With Music”, “Mrs. McThing”, “They Chose Me!”, and “Ludlow Ladd”. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Michael’s “Meester Amerika” was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

About Michael Goldfried
Michael Goldfried (www.MichaelGoldfried.com) is a sought-after New York City-based director and a current recipient of the prestigious NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors. His work in New York includes “Novel and Gardening Leave” (Summer Play Festival) “Shangri La” (Queens Theater in the Park); Charles Ludlam’s “Stage Blood” (KGB) and “Something Wonderful Right Away” (HERE).

Recent work with the Drama League of New York includes “Mama’s Boy” (New Directors/New Works); “Kahn and Kant” (DirectorFest); “Living Purgatory” (New American Play Initiative with University of New Mexico) and “365 Plays” (Joe’s Pub/Public Theater). New play development includes the Public Theater; the New York Theater Workshop; Youngblood/E.S.T; Dramatists Guild; Freedom Train Productions and Ars Nova.

Michael has adapted and directed numerous comedies including “Twelfth Night”, “Tartuffe”, “The Imaginary Invalid” and “The Rover”. Michael has also directed numerous plays as Associate Artist in the 2010 Take 10 New Plays festival in Aspen, CO.
Michael is on the directing faculty at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), visiting faculty/guest director at Brown University, NYU, Fordham University at Lincoln Center and S.U.N.Y. Brockport and is a founding member of the League of Independent Theaters (LITNY).
About Leah Horowitz
Leah Horowitz (www.leahhorowitz.com) has Broadway credits including Les Miserable (Cosette), The Woman in White, Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, La Cage Aux Folles, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Regional credits include Meet Me in St Louis (Rose), West Side Story (Maria), and Marry Me a Little. Leah does extensive work on jingles and has recorded demos for Barbie, Zest, Visa, NY Lotto. You might recognize her voice singing “Mm, mm, good!” on Campbell’s Soup TV spots.

About Jonathan C. Kaplan
Jonathan C. Kaplan (www.jonathanckaplan.com) won The Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Tony® Award playing "Jason" in Falsettos. Other roles include Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (Broadway; starring Natalie Portman & Linda Lavin), Benjamin in The Graduate (National Tour), and Mitchell in The Loman Family Picnic (Manhattan Theatre Club). Films include Loving Leah and Life with Mikey. TV appearances include Law and Order: CI, Law and Order: SVU, and As the World Turns.

About Michael Lavine
Michael Lavine (www.michaellavine.net) has musically directed the Outer Critic's Circle Awards, Broadway Cares Teddy Bear Auction (as he's done the past 13 years) and the Astaire Awards earlier this year. He co-produced the American premiere recording of “Honk!” which he has musically directed twice. Michael musically directed the Comden and Green musical “Billion Dollar Baby” at the York Theatre in New York City starring Kristin Chenoweth, Marc Kudisch and Debbie Gravitte (cd available) and the Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical “Carmelina”, also at the York with Debbie Gravitte. He shared the stage with Mimi Hines and Peter Howard (his mentor) at the Kennedy Center in a Rodgers and Hart revue, “This Funny World”.

About Neva Small
Neva Small (www.nevasmall.com) has distinguished herself as a singer and actress in theaters, in concert halls across America, on film, and on television. Her signature role of Chava in the film version of “Fiddler on the Roof” remains a classic. Recently returning to the spotlight after raising a family, Neva starred with Michael Feinstein in “Michael Feinstein: Now & Then” at Carnegie Hall, released her best selling first solo CD, “Neva Small: My Place in the World”, and was a guest artist with the Walla Walla Symphony.

Neva Small’s cabaret show “Not Quite An Ingenue” is so successful it transferred to an Off-Broadway theater where it is currently being performed. Neva has appeared on television in Law & Order, Law & Order Criminal Intent, the TV movie “Hijacking of the Achille Lauro” and is an accomplished writer, producer and performer of children's educational programs.

About The Forum
The Forum Theatre Arts Center (www.forumtheatrearts.com) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts.
The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600
About Congregation Neve Shalom
For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (www.neveshalom.net) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership. Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

For tickets, requests for interviews or more information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

“They Changed Broadway” Audience Gets More Exciting News

For Immediate Release
Contact: Hope Seratelli
Congregation Neve Shalom
Phone: (732) 548 – 2238 Ext. 24
email address: theychangedbroadway@gmail.com
Web site: http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/

“They Changed Broadway” Actor Equity performers Jonathan C. Kaplan and Neva Small agree to recreate show-stopping performances.

During the one-night only June 13 benefit performance, Jonathan C. Kaplan is singing "Everyone Hates His Parents" and "The Miracle of Judaism”- two songs that earned the respect of Broadway audiences and Jonathan’s Tony nomination for his role as ”Jason” in “Falsettos”.

Neva Small is recreating the classic song, "Matchmaker" she sang as “Chava” in the movie “Fiddler On The Roof” and the song "My Place in the World" she introduced as Robert Preston's leading lady in “Prince Of Grand Street”.

Additionally, “They Changed Broadway” librettist/lyricist Michael Colby and musical director Michael Lavine reveal more of the planned song list for the one-night only benefit production “They Changed Broadway” and offer this taste of the musical numbers in rehearsal for the June 13th revue at the Metuchen Forum Theatre.

“Tradition”, “Second Hand Rose”, “Cooking Breakfast for the One I Love”, “Hungry Women”, “If You Knew Susie”, “All the Things You Are”, “I Got Rhythm”, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime”, “June is Busting Out all Over”, “My Place in the World”, “In One Big Union”, “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Tonight”, “The Wizard and I”, “In My Own Lifetime”, “On Broadway”, “If They Could See Me Now”, “Children of the Wind”.

“They Changed Broadway” wants theatre-goers to understand that with any production script and songs are subject to change as the musical revue continues through rehearsal. And that audiences are sure to be pleased with the final production.

About Michael Colby
Michael Colby (http://www.michaelcolby.com/) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as “Charlotte Sweet” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Tales Of Tinseltown, North Atlantic” (Show Business Award), “Slay It With Music”, “Mrs. McThing”, “They Chose Me!”, and “Ludlow Ladd”. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Michael’s “Meester Amerika” was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

About Jonathan C. Kaplan
Jonathan C. Kaplan (http://www.jonathanckaplan.com/) won The Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Tony® Award playing "Jason" in Falsettos. Other roles include Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (Broadway; starring Natalie Portman & Linda Lavin), Benjamin in The Graduate (National Tour), and Mitchell in The Loman Family Picnic (Manhattan Theatre Club). Films include Loving Leah and Life with Mikey. TV appearances include Law and Order: CI, Law and Order: SVU, and As the World Turns.

About Michael Lavine
Michael Lavine (http://www.michaellavine.net/) has musically directed the Outer Critic's Circle Awards, Broadway Cares Teddy Bear Auction (as he's done the past 13 years) and the Astaire Awards earlier this year. He co-produced the American premiere recording of “Honk!” which he has musically directed twice. Michael musically directed the Comden and Green musical “Billion Dollar Baby” at the York Theatre in New York City starring Kristin Chenoweth, Marc Kudisch and Debbie Gravitte (cd available) and the Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical “Carmelina”, also at the York with Debbie Gravitte. He shared the stage with Mimi Hines and Peter Howard (his mentor) at the Kennedy Center in a Rodgers and Hart revue, “This Funny World”.

About Neva Small
Neva Small (http://www.nevasmall.com/) has distinguished herself as a singer and actress in theaters, in concert halls across America, on film, and on television. Her signature role of Chava in the film version of “Fiddler on the Roof” remains a classic. Recently returning to the spotlight after raising a family, Neva starred with Michael Feinstein in “Michael Feinstein: Now & Then” at Carnegie Hall, released her best selling first solo CD, “Neva Small: My Place in the World”, and was a guest artist with the Walla Walla Symphony.

Neva Small’s cabaret show “Not Quite An Ingenue” is so successful it transferred to an Off-Broadway theater where it is currently being performed. Neva has appeared on television in Law & Order, Law & Order Criminal Intent, the TV movie “Hijacking of the Achille Lauro” and is an accomplished writer, producer and performer of children's educational programs.

About The Forum Theatre
The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts.

The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom
For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership. Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Tickets are on sale now with discounts for advance purchases.
Advertising and Sponsorship deadline is May 21 for playbill printing purposes.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Michael Colby, Michael Lavine and Neva Small Are Available for Interviews

Michael Lavine and Michael Colby are two Jewish men located in the New York metropolitan area. They live musical theatre history and apply what they know to every show.

Michael Lavine is an aggressively sought-after Broadway and Off-Broadway musical director and coach who just happens to be the custodian of the world’s largest collection of musical theatre sheet music.

Michael Colby is an acclaimed lyricist/librettist, musical theatre historian, and performer who, as a young boy, grew up skittering about at knee-level of the iconic authors, songwriters, playwrights, directors and actors that met regularly at his grandparent’s New York hotel--the Algonquin.

But that’s not the whole story.

The story is how these two men connected. How each carved out a successful niche in modern musical theatre. And, how they have come together, again, to pull together the script, music and actors--including Tony nominated Jonathan C. Kaplan and Neva Small, “Chava” from the original film version of “Fiddler on the Roof” among others- to perform in “They Changed Broadway: From Berlin to Bernstein and Beyond”, a one-night only June 13th Tony Award night performance at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen.

For more information about the show visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/  or call (732) 548-2238.

To schedule interviews with Michael Colby, Michael Lavine, and Neva Small contact Michael Colby at 732-494-2659; Ludlow29@aol.com ; or http://www.michaelcolby.com/.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Neve Shalom's "They Changed Broadway" Seating Chart Revised

A big apology to everyone spent time scratching his or her head while looking at the previously posted Forum Theatre Seating chart for the one-night only performance of "They Changed Broadway: From Berlin to Bernstein and Beyond- The Jewish Contribution to the American Musical". 

Yup, I got it wrong.  There was a mix up on the row sequencing.  But it is corrected now!  (Yes.  The left side seating really does go from 'A' to 'P' then 'R', then 'Q'. 

Anyway, you should have no worries now about ordering tickets for the revue and finding someone else sitting in your seat!

Buy your tickets now and receive an advance ticket purchase discount, then enjoy this professionally written, directed and acted revue June 13th, 4:00 P.M. at the Forum Theatre (314 Main Street, Metuchen).

See you there!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Meet the Modern Day Male Yenta of Musical Theatre

Meet the Modern Day Male Yenta of Musical Theatre

Ever wonder why “Fiddler on the Roof” is one of the most frequently revived Broadway musicals even though it was not considered a hit during the original tryout? Maybe you’re wondering what Chava is up to now? Ask Michael Colby.

Do you have a song stuck in your head from that ride up the elevator to your morning meeting that you know comes from a classic Broadway musical but you can just barely see the face of the actor as she crosses the stage and can’t remember the name of the play, the song or the actor? Ask Michael.

Want to know what the young, handsome, talented Tony nominated boy from “Falsettos” is up to these days? Ask Michael.

In the “Fiddler on the Roof” script, Yenta is the old-world Eastern European match-maker who makes it her business to know everyone else’s business. In 2010, that might be Michael Colby’s job albeit in a less intrusive way-- at least when it comes to Jews in musical theatre.

You see, Michael is a musical theatre historian, librettist/lyricist and performer; and he knows what everyone in musical theatre is up to. His Facebook® friend list includes around 1,000 people--more than half of whom are plugged in to musical theatre.

Sit down with Michael and you will learn that “West Side Story”, the classic play and movie about a forbidden love between a Puerto Rican Girl and a tough white kid from the streets of New York was originally written about a Jewish boy’s tragically fated romance with a Catholic girl.

Spend a little more time and you learn that Nora Bayes who sang and wrote “Shine On Harvest Moon” was born Dora Goldberg; or that Ed Wynn--especially remembered for his role in the 1956 "Playhouse 90" television drama "Requiem for a Heavyweight" and his role as “Uncle Albert” in the film “Mary Poppins”--was born Edwin Leopold.

The Jewish contribution to the American Musical goes well-beyond turn of the century Yiddish Theatre--revolutionizing the writing and acting in such memorable shows as “Show Boat,” “Pal Joey,” “Oklahoma!”, “Carousel”, and even “Cocoanuts” starring the Marx Brothers.

And Michael Colby can tell you all about it. So, it seemed natural to ask Michael to help put together a musical revue of the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical for a one-night only June 13th fund-raising event to benefit the social and educational services provided to the Middlesex County, New Jersey area by Congregation Neve Shalom.

Michael has woven 100+ years of stage and screen musical theatre into a truly unique 2 hour experience; and pulled together a small, dedicated and truly talented group of Jewish acting professionals including Leah Horowitz (“Les Miserable”, “La Cage Aux Folles”), Jonathan C. Kaplan (Tony nominated for “Falsettos”) and Neva Small (“The Impossible Years”, “Something’s Afoot”, and Chava in the film version “Fiddler on the Roof”) to help bring the experience to life.

The performance is scheduled for 4:00PM, June 13th at the Forum Theatre on Main Street in Metuchen, New Jersey- a quick walk from the Metuchen Train Station.

Seating is limited. Tickets are on sale now.

To schedule interviews with Michael Colby, Michael Lavine (musical director), and Neva Small contact Michael Colby at 732-494-2659; Ludlow29@aol.com; or www.MichaelColby.com

For more information about the show visit www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com or call (732) 548-2238.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Planning Something Special For the Tony's

Traffic.  Noise.  Tolls.  Parking.

It's not a haiku.  (Come on... the syllables don't even line up correctly!)

It's the trade-off you make when you live in the New York City Metro area and want to do something different for the Tony's.  Sure.  You can just hang out in front of the T.V. 

Or...You can see an original show, featuring Broadway actors, meet the stars, and have a terrific dinner without leaving Middlesex County, New Jersey.

Spotlights.  Red Carpet.  Stars.

"They Changed Broadway" is shaping up to be the Metuchen, New Jersey event of 2010.

Browse around and read about the fantastic cast lined up for this one-night only performance:  Leah Horowitz, Jonathan C. Kaplan and Neva Small- all appearing courtesy of the Actors Equity Association- with stage and musical direction by Michael Goldfried and Michael Lavine based on Michael Colby's script documenting the Jewish contribution to the American Musical in way you've never seen before.

There are Limited Seats and Tickets are on Sale NOW!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

More Exciting Developments for "They Changed Broadway"

As we approach Passover (Pesach), it's very cool that we can take time out from the frantic cleaning and shopping to continue to work on producing this A+ Broadway all-star quality revue, "They Changed Broadway" . 

Keep checking back here... We are just days away from announcing our phone and online safe, secure and convenient ticket ordering partner.

If you are interested in being part of this historical event- we still have 1/4 page, 1/2, page and Full-page sponsor advertising space available... And all sponsors will noted with link on this site.  Send an e-mail to theychangedbroadway@gmail.com or call (732) 548-2238 x24. 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

They Changed Broadway Producers Keeping Busy!

If you've been checking in with us here, you know there is an amazing cast appearing courtesy of the Actors Equity Association slated to WOWcentral New Jersey on June 13th, 2010.

Here's some updates on the show status.
  • Rehearsal Locations and times are being scheduled.
  • Writer Michael Colby is branching out from script-writing into the world of creative PowerPoint for the show. (We all got a quick preview last night and it looks GREAT.  We'll try to post it here, too.)
  • Our great friends over at CDP marketing (http://www.cdpmarketing.com/) have been engaged for design and printing of the posters and playbill.
  • The seating and ticket pricing chart has been updated for easier understanding and placed on the TICKET tab.
  • We are researching online/ phone services for ticket orders.  (We'll have a decision on that soon so you can start purchasing tickets well-in advance of the show.)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Jonathan C. Kaplan Signs on for Benefit Revue “They Changed Broadway”

Metuchen, New Jersey – 03/11/2010 – Jonathan Kaplan joins the cast for the Neve Shalom benefit revue “They Changed Broadway” at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010.


“It’s a terrific opportunity to showcase the talents of a very good cast and I am very happy to be working with the other performers for this one-night benefit revue,” says Jonathan Kaplan.

Mr. Kaplan adds, “A revue featuring the Jewish contribution to the American Musical from Berlin to Bernstein and beyond is a wonderful idea with a very broad appeal and benefits a really good cause. Audience members of all backgrounds and different levels of exposure to musicals will have a great time.”

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes well beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night benefit revue featuring well-known performers.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Jonathan C. Kaplan’s talent agree to perform in ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Hope Seratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

THEY CHANGED BROADWAY will be on stage in Metuchen, New Jersey June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre. For ticket information visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

About Jonathan C. Kaplan

Jonathan C. Kaplan (http://www.jonathanckaplan.com/) won The Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Tony® Award playing "Jason" in Falsettos. Other roles include Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (Broadway; starring Natalie Portman & Linda Lavin), Benjamin in The Graduate (National Tour), and Mitchell in The Loman Family Picnic (Manhattan Theatre Club). Films include Loving Leah and Life with Mikey. TV appearances include Law and Order: CI, Law and Order: SVU, and As the World Turns.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Neva Small Slated for Neve Benefit Revue at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen

Metuchen, New Jersey – 03/09/2010 – Neva Small, currently performing off-Broadway in her cabaret show NOT QUITE AN INGENUE is slated to perform in the Neve Shalom benefit revue “They Changed Broadway” at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010.


“I am flattered Michael Colby asked me; happy that I am able to work this show into my calendar, and looking forward to working with Michael Lavine and the other performers,” says Neva Small.

Ms. Small adds, “A benefit revue featuring the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical from Berlin to Bernstein and beyond is a wonderful idea with a very broad appeal. I’m sure the audience will have a great time.”

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” features hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known performers.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Neva Small’s talent agree to perform in ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Hope Seratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

“They Changed Broadway” will be on stage in Metuchen, New Jersey June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre.

About Neva Small

Neva Small (http://www.nevasmall.com/) has distinguished herself as a singer and actress in theaters, in concert halls across America, on film, and on television. Her signature role of Chava in the film version of “Fiddler on the Roo”f remains a classic. Recently returning to the spotlight after raising a family, Neva starred with Michael Feinstein in “Michael Feinstein: Now & Then” at Carnegie Hall, released her best selling first solo CD, “Neva Small: My Place in the World”, and was a guest artist with the Walla Walla Symphony.

Her cabaret show “Not Quite An Ingenue” was so successful it was transferred to an Off-Broadway theater where it is currently being performed. The original cast recording is available on CD. Neva has appeared on television in Law & Order, Law & Order, Criminal Intent, and the TV movie “Hijacking of the Achille Lauro” and is an accomplished writer, producer and performer of children's educational programs.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Leah Horowitz Slated for Benefit Revue THEY CHANGED BROADWAY

Metuchen, New Jersey – 03/19/2010 – Leah Horowitz, last seen on Broadway during the holidays in Irving Berlin's White Christmas" is slated to perform in the Neve Shalom benefit revue “They Changed Broadway” at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010.


“I am very happy that I am able to work this benefit into my calendar, and I am looking forward to working with the other performers,” says Leah Horowitz.

Ms. Horowitz adds, “A benefit revue featuring the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical from Berlin to Bernstein and beyond is a wonderful idea with a very broad appeal. The audience will have a great time hearing songs they know.”

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes well beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” will feature hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known performers.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Leah Horowitz’s talent agree to perform in THEY CHANGED BROADWAY,” says Hope Seratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond Neve Shalom’s 500-family membership and expands its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

THEY CHANGED BROADWAY will be on stage in Metuchen, New Jersey June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre. For ticket information visit www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com.

About Leah Horowitz

Leah Horowitz (www.leahhorowitz.com) has Broadway credits including Les Miserable (Cosette), The Woman in White, Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, La Cage Aux Folles, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Regional credits include Meet Me in St Louis (Rose), West Side Story (Maria), and Marry Me a Little. Leah does extensive work on jingles and has recorded demos for Barbie, Zest, Visa, NY Lotto. You might recognize her voice singing “Mm, mm, good!” on Campbell’s Soup TV spots.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.org) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600
About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Monday, March 1, 2010

Michael Lavine Signs On As Musical Director For THEY CHANGED BROADWAY

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/25/2010 –  Michael Lavine, world-renowned musical director, pianist, and vocal coach agrees to be the musical director for the Neve Shalom’s June 13 performance of “They Changed Broadway”.

“Michael Colby approached me about my availability for the June 13, 2010 show, and I was happy to agree,“ says Michael Lavine. “This is a really wonderful idea for a benefit; and as a musical theatre historian and collector, I know exactly what Michael was thinking when he came up with the idea for ‘They Changed Broadway’.”

“We’re really very lucky and excited to have an accomplished musical director of Michael Lavine’s caliber and experience to help us with this benefit,” says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

Michael Lavine works regularly with Heather MacRae and her show about her father, Gordon. He has worked with Burton Lane on CARMELINA (York Theatre Company) is currently collaborating on Drama Desk nominee Jon Peterson's one-man show, SONG MAN, DANCE MAN, celebrating Astaire, Cohan, Gene Kelly, Anthony Newley and Bobby Darin. For 13th consecutive years—since its inception—Michael has musical directed “Broadway Bears,” a popular event where Broadway-themed teddy bears are auctioned to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This spring, he will again musically direct the Outer Critic's Circle Awards and the Astaire Awards (for the best in Broadway dance).

The appeal of this kind of fundraising event is that Neve Shalom can reach beyond its 500 family membership, giving local residents a valuable and unique Broadway experience without travelling into Manhattan.

Mr. Lavine and Mr. Colby are hand-picking songs from Broadway’s historic plays to weave into a two-hour, one-night program that will feature well-known performers.

Curtain goes up on THEY CHANGED BROADWAY 4PM, June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre, Metuchen, New Jersey.

About Michael Lavine

Michael Lavine (http://www.michaellavine.net/) has musically directed the Outer Critic's Circle Awards, Broadway Bears Teddy Bear Auction (as he's done the past 13 years) and the Astaire Awards earlier this year. He co-produced the American premiere recording of HONK! which he has musically directed twice. Michael musically directed the Comden and Green musical BILLION DOLLAR BABY at the York Theatre in New York City starring Kristin Chenoweth, Marc Kudisch and Debbie Gravitte (cd available) and the Burton Lane/Alan Jay Lerner musical CARMELINA, also at the York with Debbie Gravitte. He shared the stage with Mimi Hines and Peter Howard (his mentor) at the Kennedy Center in a Rodgers and Hart revue, THIS FUNNY WORLD.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Michael Goldfried Directs Benefit Revue THEY CHANGED BROADWAY

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/23/2010 – Michael Goldfried is directing the Neve Shalom benefit revue “They Changed Broadway” onstage at The Forum Theater Arts Center, June 13, 2010.

“I am flattered to be asked and I’m looking forward to working with all the very talented performers on this fantastic material,” says Michael Goldfried.

Mr. Goldfried adds, “A benefit revue featuring the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical from Berlin to Bernstein and beyond is a wonderful idea. Writing for the theater is one of the great contributions that Jews have made to 20th Century American culture. It’s an astounding array of great material and I know the audience will have a great time.”

The Jewish contribution to the musical goes well beyond hit songs and Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” will feature hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known performers.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Michael Goldfried’s talent agree to direct THEY CHANGED BROADWAY,” says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board of director and fundraising manager.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

THEY CHANGED BROADWAY will be on stage in Metuchen, New Jersey June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre.

About Michael Goldfried

Michael Goldfried (http://www.michaelgoldfried.com/) is a sought-after New York City-based director and a current recipient of the prestigious NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors. His work in New York includes Novel and Gardening Leave (Summer Play Festival) Shangri La (Queens Theater in the Park); Charles Ludlam’s Stage Blood (KGB) and Something Wonderful Right Away (HERE). Recent work with the Drama League of New York includes Mama’s Boy (New Directors/New Works); Kahn and Kant (DirectorFest); Living Purgatory (New American Play Initiative with University of New Mexico) and 365 Plays (Joe’s Pub/Public Theater). New play development includes: the Public Theater; the New York Theater Workshop; Youngblood/E.S.T; Dramatists Guild; Freedom Train Productions and Ars Nova. He has adapted and directed numerous comedies including Twelfth Night, Tartuffe, The Imaginary Invalid and The Rover. Directed numerous plays as Associate Artist in the 2010 Take 10 New Plays festival in Aspen, CO. Alum of the Drama League Director's Project, the Lincoln Center Director's Lab; Geva Theater Directing Fellowship; MTC Alper Directing Fellowship. Directing faculty at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). Visiting faculty/guest director: Brown University; NYU; Fordham University at Lincoln Center; S.U.N.Y. Brockport. Founding member of the League of Independent Theaters (LITNY). Assisted: Jerry Zaks (MTC/Broadway); Oskar Eustis (Trinity Rep, The Long Wharf); Les Waters (Berkeley Rep); Peter DuBois (The Public Theater). BA: Vassar College. MFA: Brown University/Trinity Rep Consortium.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Monday, February 22, 2010

Broadway Lyricist Explains June 13th , 2010 Benefit Revue Name: THEY CHANGED BROADWAY

Metuchen, New Jersey -02/22/2010 –Michael Colby, acclaimed award-winning librettist, lyricist, and performer, explains the name of Neve Shalom’s one-night only benefit revue planned for June 13, 2010 at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen.

“It’s the perfect name,” says Michael Colby, managing continuity for the benefit. “Neve Shalom wants a unique experience, and a unique experience deserves a compelling title that tells the story at a glance.” He adds that, “The Jewish contribution to the musical goes well-beyond hit songs and Jewish themes.”

Mr. Colby is hand-picking songs from Broadway’s historic plays to weave into a two-hour, one-night benefit that will feature well-known Broadway performers.

The approximately two-hour revue takes a Broadway Musical journey from Berlin to Bernstein and Beyond. Mr. Colby, a member of Congregation Neve Shalom, is no stranger to writing for benefits having written continuity for two benefits at the 92nd Street Y: STANDING OVATIONS (starring Carol Channing, Nell Carter, Elaine Stritch, Leslie Uggams, and other great ladies of the theatre) and THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW ON BROADWAY (a tribute to Maurice Levine, hosted by Angela Lansbury). He also wrote STEPHEN SCHWARTZ: A CELEBRATION, a benefit for the Directors Company, starring Betty Buckley, Paul Shaffer, Kathy Najimi, et al.

“Congregation Neve Shalom is extremely lucky and proud to have Michael and his family as members of the synagogue and doubly blessed to have him participating so actively in the planned June 13 production of THEY CHANGED BROADWAY, “ says Hope Seratelli, Neve Shalom board member and fundraising.

The appeal of a Broadway musical revue is that Neve Shalom is giving local residents a valuable and unique Broadway experience without travelling into Manhattan Proceeds from THEY CHANGED BROADWAY benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

THEY CHANGED BROADWAY is scheduled for 4PM, June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey.

About Michael Colby

Michael Colby (http://www.michaelcolby.com/) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as CHARLOTTE SWEET (Drama Desk Award nomination), TALES OF TINSELTOWN, NORTH ATLANTIC (Show Business Award), SLAY IT WITH MUSIC, MRS. McTHING, THEY CHOSE ME!, and LUDLOW LADD. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

Michael’s MEESTER AMERIKA, was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.
About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Forum Theatre Arts Center to Host June 13, 2010 Broadway Revue: “They Changed Broadway”

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/16/2010 –The Forum Theater Arts Center, Central New Jersey’s Cultural Arts Center agrees to host the exclusive one-time benefit revue “They Changed Broadway.”

“This is a natural fit for Neve Shalom’s 13, 2010 performance of ‘They Changed Broadway’,” says Forum Producing Artistic Director Peter Loewy.

Mr. Loewy adds, “The Forum Theatre has been the Cultural Arts Center of Central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house. At the height of its success, The Forum Theatre was a thriving regional theater, presenting hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre. There is no better place to bring Broadway performers for THEY CHANGED BROADWAY.”

“We’re thrilled to have the show at the Forum Theatre,” says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board of director, and fundraising manager, “and very excited to be able to offer a venue that has been the stage for Theodore Bikel, Robert Klein, and recently Jackie Mason for the Broadway talent involved in this benefit production.”

The broad appeal of musical film and theater is something that Hollywood and Broadway agree upon. And, the Jewish Contribution to the musical goes well beyond Jewish themes. “They Changed Broadway” will feature hand-picked songs from Broadway’s iconic musicals woven into a two-hour, one-night program featuring well-known performers. The appeal of such a fundraiser is that it gives local residents a valuable and unique Broadway experience without travelling into Manhattan.

THEY CHANGED BROADWAY is scheduled for 4PM, June 13th, 2010 at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey.

About The Forum

The Forum Theatre Arts Center (http://www.forumtheatrearts.com/) is a nonprofit performing arts organization and has been the Cultural Arts Center of central New Jersey since 1928, when it was built as a theatre and vaudeville tryout house, then soon after as a neighborhood movie house. The Forum Theatre has presented hundreds of American and World Premieres with an emphasis on musical theatre, as well as numerous A-list concerts. The Forum Theatre is located at 314 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 5600

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Friday, February 19, 2010

Acclaimed Broadway Librettist and Lyricist Writes Broadway Benefit Revue

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/19/2010 –Michael Colby, acclaimed award-winning librettist, lyricist, and performer writes the continuity for Neve Shalom’s Broadway Benefit Revue, THEY CHANGED BROADWAY, scheduled for 4PM, June 13th, 2010.

“Congregation Neve Shalom is extremely lucky and proud to have Michael and his family as members of the synagogue and doubly blessed to have him participating so actively in the planned June 13 production of THEY CHANGED BROADWAY, “says Hope Serratelli, Neve Shalom board member, fundraising manager.

Mr. Colby adds, “This is really exciting. The American Musical is one of the world’s unique art forms and the Jewish Contribution to the American Musical beyond Yiddish Theater is staggering. This is the kind of revue that anyone who watches musical films and stage plays will enjoy… and it’s for a great cause.”

Non-profit organizations provide crucial services to the Middlesex County, New Jersey area residents and face stiff competition when asking for donations. Neve Shalom fund-raising activities benefit the Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large. The appeal of such a fundraising concept is that Neve Shalom is reaching beyond it’s 500-family membership, giving a valuable and unique Broadway experience open to everyone.

Neve Shalom plans to bring starring performers of film and Broadway to Metuchen, New Jersey for the June 13th 4PM revue and is in talks now with local theaters and Broadway performers.

About Michael Colby

Michael Colby (http://www.michaelcolby.com/) is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as CHARLOTTE SWEET (Drama Desk Award nomination), TALES OF TINSELTOWN, NORTH ATLANTIC (Show Business Award), SLAY IT WITH MUSIC, MRS. McTHING, THEY CHOSE ME!, and LUDLOW LADD. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind. Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson. Michael’s MEESTER AMERIKA, was acclaimed as “Best Score [of the New Jersey theatre season]” and “A superb celebration of Yiddish Theatre… Show music of the highest order,” by Peter Filichia, The Star-Ledger.

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/.

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Synagogue Schedules Broadway Revue Benefit Afternoon of Tony Awards

Metuchen, New Jersey – 02/16/2010 - Congregation Neve Shalom, the leading Jewish Conservative Egalitarian synagogue in Middlesex County, New Jersey announces plans to bring Broadway starring performers to Metuchen, New Jersey for a June 13th, 2010 4PM benefit fundraiser, THEY CHANGED BROADWAY.

The revue offers something of unique value to an audience that reaches beyond its 500-family membership expanding its fund-raising activities that benefit Youth and Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Save the World Committee, and the Edison-Metuchen-Colonia-Woodbridge and surrounding Middlesex County, NJ community at large.

"Based on the sold-out benefit performance success of Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah that Neve Shalom performed several years ago, the idea of putting together a one-night show using professional actors and directors with a Jewish theme is very exciting," says Hope Serratelli, Board Member and Fundraising Chairperson.

Mrs. Serratelli adds, "The idea of a revue about the Jewish contributions to the Broadway musical is appealing to a wide audience. Many may know about the Yiddish Contribution in Broadway's early history, and of course iconic shows like Fiddler on the Roof, but not be aware of the more mainstream contribution Jewish writers have had on many of the most famous and beloved musicals, like West Side Story, Wicked, or Rent."

Fund-raising is difficult even in the best of economic times, and while there is mixed messages about the improvements in the economy, New Jersey is still a long way off from a sustained full recovery. Secular and non-secular non-profit organizations like Congregation Neve Shalom provide crucial services to the Middlesex County, New Jersey area residents and face stiff competition when asking for donations.

The appeal of such a fundraising concept is that Neve Shalom is giving the local residents a valuable and unique Broadway experience in Metuchen without having to travel into Manhattan.

Neve Shalom plans to bring starring performers of film and Broadway to Metuchen, New Jersey for a June 13th, 4PM performance.

About Congregation Neve Shalom

For 75 years, Congregation Neve Shalom (http://www.neveshalom.net/) has been providing religious services and Jewish Education for its Conservative Egalitarian members at 250 Grove Avenue, Metuchen, NJ. Neve Shalom maintains a vibrantly active and welcoming community with educational programs, religious services and lay leadership.

Neve Shalom's annual Suzy Schwartz Concert, and Book and Author Events are well-known to surrounding residents for their ability to draw well-known and famous performers, authors, and lecturers.

For More information about “They Changed Broadway” call (732) 548-2238 EXT. 24 or visit http://www.theychangedbroadway.blogspot.com/

Congregation Neve Shalom is located at 250 Grove Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Phone: (732) 548- 2238