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/.

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/.

“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/.

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/.

“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.