The Media Whore: March 2011

The stars were out in full force for Speakeasy Moderne, a tribute to acclaimed Broadway director/choreographer Larry Fuller, presented by the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation. Larry Fuller is a living legend on the Broadway scene, having choreographed such epic shows such as Evita, Sweeny Todd and Merrily We Roll Along.

The Swiss Global Artistic Foundation, founded in London in 1999, has assisted the careers of a great number of talented musical artists from over eighteen countries by hosting events such as Speakeasy Moderne, and by collaborating with distinguished individuals, embassies and cultural funding institutions.

The evening's performances were a mix of cabaret, jazz and American musical theatre featuring stars from Broadway's greatest shows, hosted by Official Hank http://www.officialhank.com/. The performers were outfitted from Richie Rich's Villionaire collection, which debuted this past Fashion Week. If you missed the show, not only did you miss all the glamorous fun and craziness that surrounds a Richie Rich show, you also missed a
performance by Official Hank! Be sure to check out
Richie and Hank's song on itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/official-hank/id352262239

True to its name, the event had a sophisticated 1920's speakeasy ambiance where guests were transported back to one of the private, elegant shows of the era. Dressing in 20's, 30's and 40's glam attire was encouraged.

After an introduction to the Foundation, the first round of performances were from emerging artists from the Foundation's amazing talent roster. The set list was (in order) Hallelujah by Amanda Barise, a guitar solo of That Song by Max Zuckerman, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone by Amanda Barise, Siena by Thana Pavelic, Something to Believe In by Paget Knebel, and original songs High and Outtamyhead performed by Jamar Rogers. Jamar's style reminded me of a mix of Usher, Bruno Mars with a side of street cred.

Jamar Rogers

After a brief intermission and mingling session, the second half of the performances honored Larry Fuller's extensive work on Broadway. Our host of the night, Official Hank, opened the set with Willkommen from Cabaret, followed by Official Hank's original song Gonna Get Better wrote in support of the "It Gets Better" campaign. His performance was truly heartfelt and helped bring to life a cause that many of us in the artistic community hold true and dear to our hearts.

Official Hank

The set list continued with Dreams of Candlelight by Dina Fanai, If I Can't Love Her by Keith Miller, I'm The Greatest Star by Kathy Voytko, Maria from West Side Story by Omar Lopez-Cepero currently on Broadway in American Idiot, Pretty Women and Not A Day Goes By sang by Jim Walton who was in the original Broadway cast of Sweeny Todd, and Don't Cry For Me Argentina from Evita and Rainbow High sang by Donna Marie Asbury currently on Broadway in Chicago. All of the performers were breathtaking. Consummate performers of their craft.

Dina Fanai

Larry Fuller was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his long-term relationship with the Great White Way and the evening's finale by a musical/dance number just for Mr. Fuller.