Broadway Under the Stars Interviews Danny Gurwin

Chris Isaacson Presents has announced a one-night-only concert event at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 16 at 8pm. Broadway Under the Stars will star Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday and will also feature (in alphabetical order) Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys, stage and film), Rogelio Douglas, Jr. (In the Heights), Danny Gurwin (Little Women) and Tony Award-nominee Chad Kimball (Memphis) David Galligan will direct, and the music director is Gerald Sternbach.

Danny Gurwin was among four of the performers who sat down to chat about his participation in this evening and about his 
career.

Gurwin’s Broadway credits include Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kismet, and A Little Night Music at the New York City Opera. He repeated his acclaimed performance in that production at the Los Angeles Opera and the Kennedy Center.  (www.dannygurwin.com) 

What are you singing in Broadway Under the Stars?

I'm going to do a medley of songs from Little Women, something that David (Galligan) wanted, and a song from Once and a one from Aladdin. So it's a combo of stuff I've done and then a couple of numbers from more recent Broadway shows. I may also do a song from Les Mis. 

Any plans for your wonderful cabaret show that you performed last November?

Because of my schedule with teaching at Arizona State and with John Randall's limited availability, it's been difficult to set anything up, but I'm looking at hopefully Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal next year.

What is your favorite show that you've done?

I loved doing The Scarlet Pimpernel, which was my Broadway debut. I loved the people and the whole process. I also really loved A New Brain. I stood by for Malcolm Gets. There's just something about being at Lincoln Center and watching Graciela Daniele work every day. As a young actor, it left such an impression on me... and it was a brand new Bill Finn show, so it was really amazing to be a part of it.

How does teaching and directing musical theatre full time at Arizona State work in with your career?

The school is very supportive of my professional work, which is nice. They're doing their best to let me travel when I need to and perform when I get to. It's been OK, and my agents have been amazing about stuff, so I will go in for big projects, and if something comes up, then I guess I'll deal with it then. It's a big balance, and I'm trying to move forward and still keep everything sort of in the air and move it along. So far so good. This kind of event is amazing to be a part of, and a week later I put my professor hat on again...

You seem excited about Broadway Under the Stars.

Gerry's (Sternbach) working really hard arranging. We're going to do a number with Obba Babatunde. I'm looking forward to working with both of them, Obba and Jennifer Holliday. I've watched them for years. It's really exciting.

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Broadway Under the Stars is at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, in Hollywood, for one performance only on Saturday, August 16 at 8pm. Tickets are $40, $55, and $95; for students and children, tickets are $20. VIP packages are available (includes premium seating and a post-show reception with the artists). Purchase by August 2 and save $5! Discount tickets are available at FordTheatres.org or by calling 323-461-3673. To learn about discounts for groups of eight or more, call 323-769-2147.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that helps everyone — performers and those behind the scenes — who works in performing arts and entertainment, serving more than 17,000 people annually. Programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services.  www.actorsfund.org.