Patti Russo's New Show
 

Patti Russo will be appearing at the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey on May 15. For US fans, this is a great cause with some big-hearted stars devoting their time and talent. This show benefits the homeless teens of Covenant House. For UK fans, let's hope for more Patti appearances this summer!;)

I'm becoming jealous quite quickly :lol:

I wish I lived in the US at times!

Apparently, this is a Night of Broadway concert which will also feature Rob Evan (from TranSiberian Orchestra, Jim Steinman's "Over the Top", "The Twelve" with Patti) among others. There is also a VIP "Meet the Stars" dessert reception after the show.

Thanks for all the info, Steingirl..........and welcome to the forum, too :D

Looks like you can buy tickets to the Borgata event in the back half of the house through The Borgata's website. The VIP tickets, which are a bit more expensive and offer sponsorship options at various levels, can be obtained from Covenant House's Website.A Night of Broadway Stars

If you're feeling particularly generous and have considerably deeper pockets, I just spoke with someone at Covenant House who said two more events that week will feature the same performance by the same artists. May 14 in Newark and May 13 in, of all places, Philadelphia ;). However, the least expensive ticket for both of these events is.............well........let's just say it's cheaper to fly to the UK :lol:

All dates are listed here:
Neil Berg's Website

Don't forget the camera Steph :lol:

This sounds very cool :cool:

Thanks Steingirl and Steph

Deb

Thanks for welcoming me. It's great to join such a nice community. I have been a Meat, Jim, Patti, NLE fan since 1993. Can't wait for the new tour and album! :D

It sounds like one hell of a night! How i'd love to be there!!
Welcome Steingirl. Cool name!!

Thanks, belladonna! Love your name too 'beautiful lady'. When I was a little girl, that was my first album ever, Stevie Nicks "Bella Donna". Anyway, nice to "meat" ya and all the wonderful fans here.

Yep, I love Stevie too. She's got magic, just like Meat.
Bat out of Hell was my first ever album, closely followed by Queen, Night at the Opera. Discovered Stevie a couple of years later. And Kate Bush too.:D

This is fantastic, I wish I could be there !!

Thanks for the information Steingirl.
I'd love to see it, but unfortunately I have to work and wouldn't be able to make it there in time.

Vicki

Thats a shame Vicki, I was hoping you'd get to this one so we could have pics and stories lol. Sorry you cant go

Deb

Yea Deb ,would have been nice to have some pics and review etc...

Hi, Deb! Your website rocks! Some of my friends wanted to sign your BBP Guestbook, but the page couldn't be displayed.

Thanks Steingirl. It's back up now. There was a few technical difficulties but theyre sorted now :cool:

Deb

<<<resists temptation to make up a load of names!!!!

I just found a bit more information about the Covenant House Charity. Neil Berg has been doing this for about six years now. Thanks to the preview of The Twelve with Patti I was lucky enough to see in January, I think I'm one of his newest fans. I wondered if the performances would be mostly from his own body of work or selections from any Broadway show. For those interested, this is a really moving article from Broadway World describing last year's fundraiser concert in Philadelphia. What a neat project for Patti to be contributing her talents to this year.........I KNEW there was a reason I'm such a big fan of hers!
Steph

Here's the article. Full text and photos can be found here


Sunday, April 1, 2007; Posted: 11:56 AM - by Pati Buehler

Since 1999, the Mission of Covenant House is to service homeless, runaway and "at risk" youth. "We do this through a continuous service that includes street outreach as Covenant House staff go out on the street with the goal of contacting homeless youth and offering a way off the street, "according to Executive Director Jerome Kilbane.

On Thursday, March 29th the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts became a house filled with generous supporters from the staff and board members of this amazing organization to the wonderful entertainers and theater patrons who came out to show their love for this worthy cause. "This is the fifth year Neil Berg has brought his talented troupe to not only perform for our kids, but with our kids", says Kilbane.

The cast included Rita Harvey (Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof), Danny Zolli (Jesus Christ Superstar), husband and wife actors, director and dancers Kirby and Beverly Ward, Craig Schulman (Les Miserables, Jekyll & Hyde, Phantom of the Opera), Capathia Jenkins (Martin Short's Fame Becomes Me, Caroline or Change), comedy actor, singer Jeff Gardner (Scarlet Pimpernel, Wild Party, Carter Calvert (It Ain't Nothing But The Blues) and Lawrence Clayton (Bells Are Ringing, Dreamgirls).

Musical Highlights included a tribute to Judy Garland performed by Rita Harvey and Carter Calvert, selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, sung by Danny Zolli, "Phantom of the Opera," sung by Craig Schulman and Rita Harvey and "Jesus Christ Superstar," sung by Lawrence Clayton.

Solo highlights included Billy Joel's "Songs From An Italian Restaurant" performed by the always popular Danny Zolli, accompanied by Neil and his extraordinary band, as well as Les Miserables star Craig Schulman's soaring one of a kind rendition of "Bring Him Home." Capathia Jenkins clearly brought down the house with her performance of "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. These last two songs took on a new meaning in light of the purpose of this event, and the audience response to both was sheer appreciation.

Joseph C. Swift, Chairman of the Board of Covenant House Pennsylvania was present and simply overjoyed by the entire evening. The Covenant House concept differs from other youth programs in that they employ a Rights of Passage: a transitional living program that provides long term housing and teaches youth independent living skills.

"Our goal is to treat our kids with "unconditional love and absolute respect". We allow youth as many chances as is needed to reach their goals, even if that means coming in and out of the program many times. Second, we are the only program that has a policy of "open intake". This means we often have youth that have been in many other programs, we turn no youth away", as Kilbane explains. " We welcome any group that wants to be involved within our Mission. We have great relationships with a number of volunteer groups, schools and businesses.

"Our short term goals are to increase the amount of funding that Covenant House raises to allow us to increase the quality and quantity of support services we can offer (hence the reason for our "Night of Broadway Stars" event). Our long term goal is to renovate 20,000 sg ft in Kensington to expand our current ROP program from 8 beds to 18 apartments that will provide transitional housing and services to 20 individuals and 8 mothers with children".

Clearly the most heart-warming, as well as heart-tugging, highlight of the evening was a chance to hear the personal stories of two former Covenant House members who rendered the crowd speechless and tearful with their bittersweet stories of neglect, abuse, rescue and redemption back into the world and a life that so many of us take for granted.

Prior to the evening's event, Neil Berg and company spent some time with the residents of Covenant house encouraging them and offering a handful of young people a unique opportunity - to rehearse and perform a song on stage. The finished product - six beautifully dressed young men and ladies that brought the audience to their feet with their newfound confidence and talent. They were then joined by the Broadway cast for a final song from Dreamgirls, "Family", which finished the evening with an overwhelming ovation and a feeling of compassion and appreciation for all involved in this amazing life-saving work that takes place 24 hours a day every day at the Covenant House.

The dedicated fine people of these programs welcome and encourage everyone to reach out and support a Covenant House near you. Visit their website at www.covenanthousepa.org.

The Covenant House presents "A Night of Broadway Stars" was held at the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater, Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA on March 29, 2007.

Thanks for finding that Steph :cool:

So my dear friend will you be going and taking your camera with you :lol:

I suppose I am feeling a bit charitable. However, I think it's actually easier to beat the Borgata on their slots than to take pictures or video during one of their performances. If only the UK members of Patti's film and camera crew could be there. I hear they do fantastic work!! :-P

If you could go and win on the slots before the show, I'm sure we could fund enough to get 'them' there lol. I know you can do it, i've seen you on them machines :lol: You're Jake's hero :cool:

lol have fun Steph, it all sounds very cool. Enjoyed your vids and review from the twelve so i am eagerly awaiting this one too :))

You make it sound like I've corrupted a minor!! :oops: Unfortunately, I don't think any of the airlines accept arcade game tickets.......although times ARE tough for them. Let's see, in an ideal world 100 tickets could buy a rubber eraser, a bouncing ball, a plastic truck, or a roundtrip ticket to the UK in June. If I were really any good at gambling, Deb, I'd have a front row ticket for Plymouth right now ;)


Thanks, Anji. However, I have no idea where my seats even are for these shows. Apparently the front row goes for about $100,000. I'm somewhere up in the "cheap" seats :-P It's highly unlikely even ticket specialist Deb could find a way to get up front this time around. But to borrow the phrase quid pro quo.....I'll see what I can do if you all PROMISE to try and capture that moment when Patti joins the Neverland Express on stage again. It's going to be a VERY miserable day for me over here............

Deal ;) there will b a few of us there with our camera's at the ready!!!

I think there's a challenge there Deb!!! Sort that ticket out lmao ;)

I'm sure wherever you are, you will hav a great time Steph, if the good seats are going for that much, they must be expecting one hell of a show, and any glimpse of it will be greatly appreciated by a few of us here :))

Yes, Anji. It should be a great show. In fact, here's a local article about tonight's concert if anyone's interested.
Covenant House Pennsylvania Hosts Night of Broadway Stars

Sounds like you're at least spending you money on something useful Steph :-) have fun tonight and hurry home to tell me all about it :cool:

I keep telling myself I have to draw the line somewhere. Then I think I do, but I must be using some sort of invisible ink and then I forget where that line is ;) I justified this one because of the incredible need this charity struggles to fulfill.............but in all honesty, I really wanted to see the show. This one was so close I could even walk home. No tolls, no airlines, no passport woes or customs officials. It was a rare opportunity I couldn't pass up!

Rob Evan opened the show with the song, "Oh What A Night," and was joined on stage one by one by each of the performers. The show included songs from Jersey Boys, Les Mis, Jekyll and Hyde, Wcked, Sound of Music, and Phantom of the Opera. Patti sang two numbers. She had the opportunity to sing the song "No Fence Around My Heart" again, which she sang at the China Club for the preview of Neil Berg's newest production, The Twelve. The audience loved it. There's a youtube version floating around and I thought THAT was good (the performance, not the camera work :oops:). Tonight's performance of that song was even more outstanding and people couldn't seem to say enough how much they loved it. Rob Evan sang "This is the Moment," from Jekyll and Hyde. I have seen a few versions of this one, as well, but nothing compared to what I had the pleasure of hearing from him or really any of these performers tonight. He also sang a duet with Danny Zolli of the Simon and Garfunkel song, "Bridge Over Troubled Water." That was spectacular!

And now for Patti's other song :lol:

Are you sure you want this????

Don't continue unless you're sure.



Ready??????????????????




So Patti sings Steinman and she was there.............

And Rob Evan has been known to sing a little Steinman, too. And he was there.............

Put 'em together and what do you get??????

No, not alchemy (wrong show :D)

I guess what you have are the makings for a fine Steinman duet. There are so many to choose from. But that Neil Berg, he just couldn't resist.

That's right, they did it.........

THEY SANG PARADISE BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just to put everyone's mind at ease, she hasn't forgotten how to sing it.

Sounds like it was well worth going, glad you had such a good time and thanks for sharing!!!

As if Patti would forget lol

Sounds like a really great show,thanks for posting,glad you enjoyed yourself..

OMG lol that would have been well worth my airfare :-) My invisible line vanished LONG ago lol.

You couldnt not go to this one Steph :-) It'd be like them playing Knewbworth and me not going :-P

Did you manage to use the camera :??:

I wonder if all 3 shows will be the same or if they'll do another Steinman duet lol

:faint:

Will be any kind of records available?

Sounds awesome, Steph. I love "No Fence Around My Heart" and it would definitely be interesting to see the staging of Paradise. How did Rob sound singing that song? Any photos?

How did I miss this? Thanks for the review Steph! Sounds like an awesome show!

:pics: !!

Okay, a bit delayed, but here it is (still trying to track down some pics):

Setlist from Broadway Night of Stars 2008 benefit for Covenant House PA, May 13 and Covenant House NJ, May 14 and May 15.


December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)
From Jersey Boys
Rob Evan joined by all performers

This Is the Moment
From Jekyll & Hyde
Rob Evan

The Point of No Return
From Phantom of the Opera
Rita Harvey

I Dreamed a Dream
From Les Miserables
Andrea Rivette

Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
From Movin’ Out
Danny Zolli

I Am Changing
From Dreamgirls
Capathia Jenkins

Unchained Melody
Paul Hill

Paradise By the Dashboard Light
Jim Steinman
Patti Russo and Rob Evan

Tap performance and variation on My Favorite Things
From Sound of Music
Ted Levy

Far From the Home I Love
From Fiddler On the Roof
Rita Harvey

The Wizard and I
From Wicked
Andrea Rivette

Cabaret
From Cabaret
Capathia Jenkins

Believe
Written and performed by Paul Hill (this moving song can be heard on Paul’s myspace page. Go here to listen: http://www.myspace.com/paulhillsings )

No Fence Around My Heart
From The Twelve
Patti Russo (slowed it down a bit and this version was magnificent!)

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon and Garfunkel
Danny Zolli and Rob Evan

Personal stories shared by several former residents of Covenant House followed by musical and dance performances to the song “Stronger” by kids from all three Covenant Houses – Newark, Atlantic City, and Philadelphia

Love Changes Everything
From Aspects of Love
All performers


It was a moving night with brilliant performances and music chosen especially for its power to inspire. With the themes of hope, love, and home, several former residents of Covenant House shared their stories of how this special place and the people who work there brought those three things into their lives. The performers gave their all, many of them performing the showstopper songs for which they are best known, with a few old favorites thrown in. Neil Berg entertained the audience with stories and set up many of the songs with a synopsis of the emotional scene from which they were taken. He accompanied on piano for all songs, and was joined by Dan Walker on keyboard, Greg Lykins on guitar, Alan Greene on bass, and Roger Cohen on drums.

Thanks for that Steph :cool: I know you put a LOT of hard work into that setlist :D

Hope you track down the pics :-P

Funny how most of the other songs are from Broadway shows. How did they come up with Paradise lol.

Deb

sorry for the delay, didnt wanna post till i read everything, sounds like a really cool show Steph, dont think it wouldve matterered too much where you sat, just to be there mustve been cool.

Thanks, guys. Neil Berg introduced each performer and the show from which their song came, but never the song title. So yes, itunes and I spent a good bit of time trying to figure out song titles. Just wanted it to be accurate for ya, Deb! :-P

And as for where I sat, Anji, here's a funny twist. At the Borgata show, I was shown to my seat, a decent one somewhere in the 8th or 9th row. A very polite gentleman took the usher aside and a discussion occurred where clearly there was a problem with my seat. The usher took me to another empty seat and asked me to wait there for a few minutes while she sorted something out. She returned with the executive director of Covenant House NJ who asked me if I would mind switching my seat if she could find a better one for me? It was a charity event, so I assured her there was no problem and I could sit anywhere. Later I found out they needed my aisle seat for someone who was handicapped. But THAT is how I ended up in the front row trying to blend in with the other representatives of the big companies sponsoring the event :D

Not quite so lucky at the Philadelphia event, but the venue was much smaller and every seat had a perfect view. I was seated next to a woman who introduced herself as a member of the Order of St. Something or other. I had noticed there were, in fact, a large number of clergy present in the audience. I was having a lovely conversation with this Sister about many things, the mission of Covenant House, what it's like to be the principal of a Catholic School (her, not me :-P). Just general chit-chat before the show began. Of course all of these thoughts would cross my mind again as Neil Berg played the first notes of Paradise By the Dashboard Light and my entire body tensed up as the thought went through my mind, "Oh no they're not!!" So Deb, I assure you it was completely Neil Berg's decision to perform the song about hormone charged teenagers at this event and thankfully, the audience loved it!. Of course there weren't quite as many people singing along like there are at all the ML concerts. Also, much to my relief as I sat next to the Catholic school contingent, blessedly, they skipped the baseball part.

These are annual events and I hope Patti and Rob both return in the years to come. What would be really great is if they could tap into some of Jim's other songs that might even contribute to the themes of home and belonging. Anything from Whistle Down the Wind, in fact, would be incredible to hear. If Jim's spent his career writing songs about Lost Boys and Girls, I can assure you those are exactly the children this organization is trying to help. My vote's for Home By Now/No Matter What or The Vaults of Heaven!

What would've been fantastic is if The Dream Engine hadn't fallen flat on its ass and they did tours with special guest and Patti being one of those guests. Such is life I guess :roll:

Pud :twisted:

and someone who could add drama and passion??? unlike rob evan ;)

LOL that seating problem is the kind of things dreams are made of Steph :D

OMG you'd have had to cover that nuns eyes and ears if they'd done the make out scene. Although it would have gave Patti a bit of practice for the upcoming tour lol. Don't want her being rusty :lol:

Just wish I could have been there with you :(

Deb

but the question is, would patti want to make out with rob?
(i wouldnt lol)

I'm gonna refrain from answering that for obvious reasons lolol :twisted:

Your silence and self control speak volumes Des! :lmao:

:saint:

Sounds really cool Steph, yep that seating problem is way better than the ones experienced over here recently lolol