Friday, March 11, 2011

Hofstra Happenings: Cabaret, Followed by a Tribute to Joel Grey, Spices Up the Hofstra Stage

“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!” was the call from the Hofstra stage
this past fall as Hofstra presented two productions pleasing to fans of Broadway musicals, as well as fans
of theater and film great Joel Grey. October 22 to 31, 2010, the Department of Drama and Dance presented Cabaret at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse.  This production was followed shortly thereafter by the world premiere of Shades of Grey – A Musical Tribute to Joel Grey, conceived, directed and performed by Bob Spiotto, November 5 to 7, 2010, at The Helene Fortunoff Theater at Monroe Lecture Center.

Bob Spiotto ‘84, Hofstra’s artistic director of community arts programs and executive producer of Hofstra Entertainment, has long  felt a connection to the work of Joel Grey. Spiotto has played the “Emcee” in Cabaret a number of times, but most notably to local acclaim in the 1998 Hofstra Entertainment production of the musical. Grey’s work in George M! and 1776 have also been mirrored in Spiotto’s stage experiences.

In Shades of Grey, Spiotto took to the boards again, in both story and song, to educate and entertain while paying tribute to Joel Grey. With musical direction by Stephen C. Pagano, Shades of Grey featured songs from Cabaret, Chicago, Wicked, George M!, The Fantasticks, The Grand Tour, and more.
For information on future productions by Hofstra’s Department of Drama and Dance, visit hofstra.edu/drama-dance. For more information on Hofstra Entertainment, visit hofstra.edu/hofstraentertainment.

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