The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html Sterling Price-McKinney: News Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:10:48 -0700 Valentine's Day Ball at The National Arts Club http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#18
Sterling Price-McKinney joins forces with Joel Vig, Frans Bloem, Patty Lombard and Erin Slaver to entertain partygoers at "The Red Ball", a ballroom themed Valentine's Day at The National Arts Club. Entitled "Dancing With the Stars", the program highlights the effects of dancing on romancing, with special appearances by 22 year old British violin sensation Charles Siem and Miss Sinthea Starr (stage and screen legend of indeterminable age). Cocktails are at 6pm, Dinner is at 7pm, with entertainment to follow. Dancing continues into the night with prizes for couples doing the best fox-trot, waltz and tango. The National Arts Club is located at 15 Gramercy Park South (between Gramercy Park West and Irving Place). You may call (212) 475-3424 for more information, or visit the club online by going to www.nationalartsclub.org. ( left to right below - Patty Lombard, Frans Bloem and Miss Sinthea Starr - photos by Ben Gabbe)
]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#18 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News "Stories of Life" at Broadway Baby Bistro http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#19 Sterling Price-McKinney directs "Stories of Life" starring Dutch Chansonnier Frans Bloem. Recipient of a Backstage Bistro Award, he's been hailed by critics as one of today's finest international cabaret artists.

Opening February 2nd at the Broadway Baby Bistro, the program includes classic mid-century cabaret songs in English, French and German. With Guus Westdorp at the piano (in from Holland especially for this event), it promises to be a series of international evenings to remember. The Broadway Baby Bistro is located inside the popular Broadway Comedy Club at 318 West 53rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues). For more information please call (212) 757-5808 or visit online at www.broadwaybabybistro.com.
]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#19 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News A Fond Farewell: Karen Kuykendall 1937-2007 http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#14

At 11:30pm Halloween night in 2007, Sterling's 25 year long friendship and collaboration with legendary Texas personality Karen Kuykendall came to a close when she died after a year-long battle with lung and spinal cancer. More than an actress, more than a chanteuse, she embodied the word powerhouse in almost everything she did; whether as a performing artist, real estate mogul, or longtime friend and confidante to some of Texas' wealthiest and most powerful individuals.

Good naturedly self-described as "Playmates of the Rich and Famous", Karen and Sterling cut a wide swath of society entertaining from San Miguel Allende, Mexico to New York City and beyond. Their beloved Texas figured prominently in their schedules since 1983, often at the behest of former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson. Although their appearances together grew more sporadic after his move to New York City in 1998, they still managed occasional reunion performances. They made two recordings together: "Music From the 90th Floor" in the early 1990's (now out of print), and "Cafe Manhattan: Unreleased" from 2004 (available at cdbaby.com and downloadable at itunes and other online locations).


Many honors were bestowed on Karen this last year, not the least of which is a new theater to be named for her at the Zachary Scott Theatre Center in Austin. Within the past few months she has also been honored by organizations like the Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Circle of Theaters, and Ballet Austin for her unwavering support of the arts in virtually every discipline. To her, art was not a quality of life issue; it was life itself. She was unquestionably the "Hostess With the Mostess On the Ball" while managing to balance the demands of remaining a serious artist herself.

Sterling spent many months of the last year at her side in Austin, which led to multiple cancellations and rescheduling of many commitments. He would like to thank everyone involved for their understanding and flexibility during this difficult time.

You can read more about Karen online, in publications like the Austin Chronicle, Austin-American Statesman and Austin Woman magazine, which devoted many pages to her passing. She is gone now, but will never be forgotten by those who benefitted from her hospitality, indomitable spirit and most importantly in this case, her love and friendship.

Like Haley's Comet and other things that one is lucky to experience once-in-a-lifetime, we will not see the likes of her again. Now she belongs to the ages. (photos by Nancy Scanlan)]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#14 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News Announcement: The Karen Kuykendall Stage http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#16 In celebration of the extraordinary life and work of Karen Kuykendall, Zachary Scott Theatre Center of Austin will name it's new theater stage after Austin's beloved actress and community treasure.

On September 9th, friends and family gathered to launch the Kuykendall Stage campaign at legendary Austin restaurant Green Pastures, once Karen's childhood home. The names of Lead Donors were announced along with the news that half a million dollars has already been raised for this worthwhile effort. Members of Karen's "Celebrity Fan Club" were also announced at that time. The list included Liz Carpenter, Vartan Gregorian, Rue McClanahan, Joe Sears, Anna Deaver Smith, Liz Smith, Lily Tomlin, Michael Tracy, Jane Wagner and Jaston Williams (pictured below on right).

It was an evening of tributes and fond recollections, at times funny, at times moving. At one point, with Sterling at the piano, the audience sat spellbound as Karen sang "I Like You, You're Nice" written by Blossom Dearie and Linda Albert. All in all, it was a memorable event for a great cause.

If you would like more information or would like to contribute to the Karen Kuykendall Stage, you may call the Zachary Scott Theatre Center at 512-476-0594, or you may visit the theater online at www.zachscott.com.]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#16 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News Cohan at Stoneham Theatre June 14th - July 1st http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#17
The Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham, Mass. presents " George M. Cohan Tonight! " a one-man show starring Jon Peterson as the legendary song-and-dance man. Written, Arranged and Directed by Chip Deffaa, it was originally produced Off-Broadway in 2006 and has since been very well received in Worcester, Mass., Waterbury, Connecticut, and Rochester, New York, and will soon be staged in the Far East for Korean audiences.

Peterson's dynamic non-stop 90 minute solo performance has garnered him the " Back Stage Bistro Award," a " Connecticut Critics' Circle Award, " as well as a N.Y. "Drama Desk" nomination. Born and raised in London, his portrayal of this legendary All-American showman continues to win unanimous praise. "Vibrantly accompanied by a small onstage ensemble Directed by Sterling Price-McKinney, Jon Peterson's vivid portrayal, involving his rousing, uplifting, energetic and engaging, acting, singing and dancing throughout the show, was most deserving of the capacity audience's thunderous standing approval at the evening's resounding conclusion." -Norm Gross, Metro South Daily News-]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#17 Sun, 20 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News The Dutch Festival at Hofstra University http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#15 Sterling Price-McKinney appears with Dutch Cabaret Singer Frans Bloem in "Dutch Treats", Sunday, May 6th at 2pm, on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Hofstra's "Dutch Festival" is an annual event timed to coincide with the blooming of thousands of tulip bulbs planted across the campus.

Frans and Sterling have appeared together numerous times at this Springtime event, sharing their mix of songs in English from the Great American Songbook and multi-lingual selections from the heyday of Classic European Cabaret. The "Tulip Stage" is al fresco, surrounded by the lush sculptured gardens of the university, dotted with purveyors of local handcrafted items and merchandise imorted from Holland. It is a lovely casual affair, enjoyed by young and old alike. You may call 516-463-6504 for more information on this event.]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#15 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News Jon Peterson in "George M. Cohan Tonight!" at Foothills Theatre in Worcester, Massachusetts http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#13 Sterling Price-McKinney is the musical director for "George M. Cohan Tonight!" October 26th through November 19th, at the Foothills Theatre in Worcester, Massachusetts. Jon Peterson shines once again in the epic one-man-show written by Chip Deffaa (pictured right).

Paul Kolas of the Worcester Telegram writes, "Sterling Price-McKinney keeps our Yankee Doodle Boy dancing at a lively pace." And Tony Annicone's review on theatermirror.com reports, "Jon is a triple threat performer who gives a tour-de-force performance in this role. The orchestra is splendid and is lead by Sterling Price-McKinney on the keyboards, Kevin Grudecki on bass and Pieter Struyck on percussion. So for a trip back to the late 19th century and early 20th century, be sure to catch this must see show of this fall season." Showtimes are 2pm and 8pm on Thursdays, 8pm on Fridays, 3pm and 8pm on Saturdays, and 2pm on Sunday. For more information, contact the Foothills Theatre at 508-754-3314.]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#13 Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0800 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News Summer 2006 at the Chautauqua Opera http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#12

The first scheduled revue is "Annie Get Your Best Little Whorehouse Out of Oklahoma and Paint Your Wagon", and contains selections drawn from the Broadway musicals referenced in it's tongue-in-cheek title. It is directed and choreographed by Ms. Teddy Kern. Featured performers include Jonathan Michie, Elizabeth Baldwin, Jeff Beruan, Renee Tatum, Daniel Shirley, Zechariah Baker, Nili Riemer and Afton Battle, all members of the 2006 Studio Artist Program. The first performance takes place Wednesday, July 26th at 8pm in Lenna Hall. It is followed by two more performances held on Saturday, July 29th at 10:30pm, and Thursday, August 3rd at 10:30pm.


This summer's Pops Concert collaboration between the Chautauqua Opera and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra celebrates the works of Frank Loesser (Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella) juxtaposed with the work of some of his musical protegees and counterparts from the 1950's, namely Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (Damn Yankees, Pajama Game), and includes Hoagy Carmichael's "Star Dust" sung by Alison Bates accompanied by Sterling Price-McKinney on solo piano. The evening is conducted by Timothy Muffitt at the podium, and showcases the rising talents of Chris Clayton, Alison Bates, Sarah Heltzel, Timothy McDevitt, Veronica McHale, Peder Rieff, Michael Ventura, Tamara Wapinsky, Michael Redding, Patrick Hogan and Phyllis Tritto, all members the opera's 2006 Apprentice Artist Program. Members of the Studio Artist Program perform in supporting roles. The concert takes place Saturday, August 5th at 8:15 pm in the amphitheatre.

The final revue of the summer entitled "Travel: Anything Cole" spotlights the timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter, and is directed and choreographed by Bill Fabris. Featured in the "casually elegant travelogue" are Ellen Wieser, Matthew Giebel, Sarah Williams, Natalie Kikkenborg, Daniela Mack, Adam Diegel, Ken Weber and Seth Carico, all members of the 2006 Studio Artist Program. Performances take place in Lenna Hall Tuesday, August 8th at 10:30pm, and Wednesday, August 16th at 10:30pm.

For further information about any of the above mentioned programs or details of others being offered by the opera this summer, please call 716-357-6286.

]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#12 Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News "George M. Cohan Tonight!" with Jon Peterson at the Irish Repertory Theatre http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#11

Sterling Price-McKinney is the musical director and pianist for "George M. Cohan Tonight!", Chip Deffaa's one-man-show about the life and music of irrepressible Broadway legend George M. Cohan. Jon Peterson stars in this production as the "all singing, all dancing" showman. Vince Giordano of "Vince Giordano's Nighthawks" fame plays the 6-string bass, and Rob Garcia, veteran of "Woody Allen's New Orleans Jazz Band" is on percussion, completing the trio led by Sterling Price-McKinney. Charlotte Moore acts as Co-Director with the playwright. Costumes are by David Toser, and the set is designed by James Morgan. Mary Jo Dondlinger is the Lighting Designer, and Ciaran O'Reilly is the Producer.

Previews begin Friday, March 3rd. Opening night is Thursday, March 9th, with the show running through Sunday, April 23rd. Performances are Tuesday through Staurday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. At the Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 West 23rd (between 6th and 7th Avenues). Call the box office at 212-727-2737 for further information.

(Update: The show is held over until May 14th, bringing the total number of performances for this off-Broadway run to 104. In addition, the official cast album recording for this show is scheduled for release June 16th by Ghostlight Records, and will be available on it's Sh-K-Boom label. See the STORE page for more details)
]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#11 Mon, 30 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News Premiere of a Lost Musical by Arnold Weinstein "Undercover Lover" at Medicine Show http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#10 Sterling Price-McKinney is the musical director and pianist for the Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble production of "Undercover Lover", the recently rediscovered unproduced 1961 musical comedy with book and lyrics by acclaimed playwright/lyricist Arnold Weinstein in collaboration with legendary poet Frank O'Hara. With music by John Gruen, arangements by William Bolcom and direction by Obie-Award winner Barbara Vann, the show will run from November 3rd-December 4th. Medicine Show Theatre (549 West 52nd St., 3rd Floor, between 10th and 11th Ave.).

Morton Banks, Sarah Engelke, Mark Dempsey, Diana Dunbar, Kirt Harding, Beth Griffith, Mike Still, Barbara Vann, Monrico Ward, David Weitzer and Andrew York are featured in the cast. The show features choreography by Ernesta Corvino and Jaime Galindo, and costumes by Uta Bekia.

Weinstein (1927-2005) is the playwright and librettist best known for his collaborations with composer William Bolcom, which produced the operas "A View From The Bridge", "McTeague", and "A Wedding", and the musical "Casino Paradise".

Composer Gruen and famed composer Virgil Thompson became heavily involved in avant-garde theatre in the 60s, and he and Gruen provided music for work at LaMaMa as well as Julie Bovasso’s productions of plays by Jean Genet and Michel de Ghelderode. He is the former music and art critic for the now-defunct New York Tribune, a cultural writer for the New York Times, and has written 14 books on the arts, including Radiant Baby, a biography of artist Keith Haring which was the basis for the musical of the same name at the Public Theatre in 2003.

The performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 and Sundays at 4:00. Tickets are $15 and are available from Smarttix at (212) 868-4444 or via the web at http://www.smarttix.com/. For more information, please log onto the company’s website at http://www.medicineshowtheatre.org. ]]> http://sterlingpricemckinney.com/news.html#10 Mon, 31 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0800 The Unexpurgated Sterling - Sterling Price-McKinney - News