Ellen Foley and Robert I. Rubinsky : Club Dada/Kabaret Kaput
For a night of live theatre with Ellen Foley and Robert I. Rubinsky, check out their show Club Dada/Kabaret Kaput at Dixon Place, NY; May 24 - 25, and June 20.
Club Dada/Kabaret Kaput is ‘cabaret‘ in the Kurt Weil Weimar sense of the word – With
an implicit theme of ageism, two ancient vaudevillians hang in a surreal Dada world, somewhere outside
time and space. A duo lost, they‘re forced to keep performing by outside fanatical forces and
their own egos. They keep belting out tunes and hoofing into eternity as they try to break free and find
themselves in spacetime. This is CLUB DADA.
Mimi Kennedy - Taken To The Stage, The Education Of An Actress - Second Edition
A brand new second edition of Mimi Kennedy's autobiography (originally published in 1996) is out now, in e-book, paperback and audiobook editions. This book covers her early life and career. Additionally "in a new preface, Mimi shares news of an upcoming memoir chronicling the latter half of her life."
Mimi Kennedy and her husband Larry Dilg were both lifelong good friends of Jim Steinman. She also performed theatrically in some early Steinman projects; in Rhinegold, in the 1970s National Lampoon tour alongside Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley, and more recently, as Emily in the Dream Engine 50th anniversary reunion.
Here's a video Mimi and Larry recorded last year, remembering both Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman.
Bat Out Of Hell The Musical has closed in Las Vegas
Sad news - Bat Out Of Hell The Musical ended its residency at the Paris Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas,
on January 1, 2023.
We send an enormous thank you to the mega-talented cast, the production team, the crew, the band,
everyone involved. Together, you all truly created some magic on this stage.
The international tour of Bat Out Of Hell The Musical will still continue, travelling next to
Australia and New Zealand, then returning to London in February 2023.
Adam Lambert releases new cover version of Holding Out For A Hero
Out now! A new cover of Holding Out For A Hero, this time by Adam Lambert. This will feature on his
upcoming album High Drama, which is due out on February 24, 2023. The single is available on
most of the major digital music platforms, and the album can be pre-ordered - as a signed CD or vinyl
LP - on his official website.
Lambert also performed the song live on UK television for The National Lottery's New Year's Eve Big Bash
with the BalletBoyz dancers, to usher in the new year.
And what does Bonnie Tyler think of Adam Lambert's cover? She was blown away by it!
Ellen Foley - live music tour of the Netherlands, January 2023
Fantastic news for Dutch fans, and everyone else who can travel to see these shows - Ellen Foley is touring the Netherlands throughout January 2023.
This nomination is so well earned! This production's team put together a brand new arrangement of the music in the show, to make it feel more authentic to the show's setting of 1950s Louisiana, USA, and the cast members themselves played the music to the show. Thanks once again for breathing new life into this show.
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
Nov 25, 2022: Grand Opening of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Museum, at 12pm at 97 Main St. Stony Brook, NY.
The LI Hall of Fame now has a permanent home. Two exciting floors covering 8,800 square feet, featuring
a large exhibition area, rare memorabilia, and a theater. The first exhibit; a club crawl through
Long Island's legendary 1960's, 70's and 80's club scene.
Congratulations to all involved!
Jim Steinman was an inductee to the LIMEHOF back in 2016.
Bat Out Of Hell The Musical international tour news
BIG NEWS for BAT OUT OF HELL THE MUSICAL! New cast! New dates! New venues! New countries!
The show is continuing to tour the UK, then it's off to Germany, then New Zealand, then Australia,
back to London, then off to Austria and Switzerland! Further dates to be announced!
This is running in parallel with the show running at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas!
The musical Tanz Der Vampire, composed by Jim Steinman, celebrated its 25th anniversary in October 2022.
The show put on a special performance at the Stage Palladium Theater in Stuttgart on October 13. The
song Tanzaal was performed by 3x von Krolock and 3x Sarah simultaneously, and Bonnie Tyler
appeared as a special guest to sing Total Eclipse Of The Heart, alongside Filippo Strocchi as von Krolock.
This video by Stage Entertainment includes clips from the special performance, and short interviews
with choreographer Dennis Callahan, Bonnie Tyler, and musical arranger / music supervisor Michael Reed.
Bat Out Of Hell named UK's all-time number 1 debut album
BBC Radio 2 has named the album Bat Out Of Hell as the biggest selling
debut album of all time. An enormous achievement for Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman, and everyone else
involved in making and promoting this album.
The list was compiled by the Official Charts Company to mark National Album Day (Oct 15, 2022), using
data from UK sales and streams dating back to 1956. The chart was broadcast in a special countdown by
BBC Radio 2, hosted by Steve Wright, who said:
“Bat Out Of Hell reaching Number One as the UK’s biggest debut album of all-time might be a
surprise to some, but it is a truly brilliant debut album and one which reached a whole new audience
following the sad passing of Meat Loaf earlier this year. You’re in for a treat with the full
chart so do tune in for a fantastic nostalgia trip with some of the most brilliant songs you’ll
ever hear.”
The Top 20 of the Official Debut Albums Chart in full:
#
Artist
Title
Year
1
Meat Loaf
Bat Out Of Hell
1977
2
Back To Bedlam
James Blunt
2004
3
Spirit
Leona Lewis
2007
4
The Fame
Lady Gaga
2008
5
No Angel
Dido
1999
6
Spice
Spice Girls
1996
7
Hopes And Fears
Keane
2004
8
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
1994
9
In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith
2014
10
Parachutes
Coldplay
2000
11
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
1973
12
Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
2004
13
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
1988
14
+
Ed Sheeran
2011
15
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
2002
16
19
Adele
2008
17
Appetite for Destruction
Guns N’ Roses
1987
18
Our Version of Events
Emeli Sandé
2012
19
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
1994
20
Hot Fuss
The Killers
2004
CLE ROCKS … 45th ANNIVERSARY OF BAT OUT OF HELL
When it comes to the origins of the album Bat Out Of Hell, both Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf would recount
how they'd go to every record company and demo the album live as piano / vocals, only to be turned down
by every single one. And, according to Jim Steinman, they were even being rejected by people who didn't
even have a record label yet, but were thinking of starting one.
Eventually, they met Steve Popovitch, who signed them to a brand new label : Cleveland International
Records, and it was thanks to his promotion that this record was published and sales snowballed to
eventually sell over 50 million copies worldwide.
Cleveland International Records are holding an event to commemorate the 45th anniversary of
Bat Out Of Hell, and celebrate the lives of Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman and Steve Popovitch.
Panelists include:
Ellen Foley - the powerhouse vocal duetting with Meat Loaf on Paradise By The
Dashboard Light. Her career includes work as a solo recording artist, she is an
esteemed veteran of Broadway theatre, film, and TV, and also was the original Wendy in Jim Steinman's
Neverland, and a member of Pandora's Box.
Karla DeVito - female vocalist on the original '77 - '78 Bat Out Of Hell tour, who
later duetted with Jim Steinman for Dance In My Pants, and with both Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley
on Going All the Way (A Song in 6 Movements) on the album Braver Than We Are.
Joe Stefko - drummer on the original '77 - '78 Bat Out Of Hell tour. Also drums on
Bad For Good, Fire Inc, Bonnie Tyler. He's also an award winning publisher of books.
Pearl Aday - daughter of Meat Loaf.
Steve Popovich Jr. - son of Steve Popovitch.
The event will be held on October 21st, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club,
1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. Tickets cost $19.77, with proceeds benefitting the
Steve Popovich Scholarship Fund.
Travis Cormier leads new cast of Bat Out Of Hell The Musical in Las Vegas
Following an extensive audition process, it has been announced that Travis Cormier will take on the role of Strat in the Las Vegas run of Bat Out of Hell - The Musical, the award-winning hit production set to Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's greatest hits and one of history's best-selling albums. Cormier will take the stage at Paris Las Vegas on September 27.
After a wide search in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas over the course of several months, the producing team headed to New York for one last round of auditions to find the perfect fit for Steinman and Meat Loaf's original vision. At the very last minute, the show's casting director came across Cormier, even though he had actually just missed the New York auditions because of a misplaced passport, and were intrigued by his rock 'n' roll yet dreamy vibe. To see if the voice matched the face, the team agreed to meet him on a conference call and within the first five notes, the producing partners knew they had just found the next big star and hired him on the spot.
"Travis Cormier is what Steinman originally envisioned for Strat," said David Sonenberg, Steinman and Meat Loaf's long-time manager and producer for Bat Out Hell - The Musical Las Vegas.
"I'm so excited! Being a big Meat Loaf fan myself, it's a real honor for me to be a part of this award-winning musical, and to honor the great work of Meat Loaf, and Jim Steinman. I can't wait to join the BOOH Family," Cormier said.
Cormier first received mainstream recognition for his viral audition of "Dream On" on the Canadian version of "The Voice," where he finished in second place, earning a contract with a renowned record label. Since then, he's gone on to create original discography including his first studio album "Dollars & Hearts," produced by Bob Rock, famous for his work with Metallica, Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi. The Canadian musician also opened for Bon Jovi during a sold-out concert at the Bell Centre and has collaborated with a few of the biggest names in music such as Richie Sambora.
Bat Out of Hell - The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Steve Sidwell, original wig designs by Linda McKnight and casting by Louanne Modorma.
Bat Out of Hell - The Musical is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith and David Sonenberg with executive producer Julian Stoneman and managed in Las Vegas by Base Entertainment.
When Jim Steinman passed in April of 2021, he left behind not only his incomparable body of musical and theatrical works, but also his beloved home located at 22 Ketcham Road in Ridgefield, Connecticut where he lived for nearly 30 years. From the time Jim acquired the quaint country cottage that was originally located on the property, it became his personal sanctuary and residential canvas where he was able to envision and build his masterful home and studio that served to inspire artistic creation and exuberant entertaining. It was from this home that Jim collaborated with world acclaimed musicians and artists, composing on the very piano that is included in this once in a lifetime sale of Jim’s home and curated collections which have been left in situ. Jim took great pride in the placement of every object that you will see in his home, serving as the backdrop to his life and work.
To honor Jim’s legacy, it is the estate’s intention to transfer this tangible body of work and residual energy to the next compelled custodian who will be delighted to find that Jim’s home and possessions will impassion, elevate, and transform.
-
The full property listing for his house is available
here. There are 73 photos,
if you would like to take the opportunity to look around.
Whistle Down the Wind : 2022 Revival
A revival production of Whistle Down The Wind is now running at
The Watermill theatre, Newbury, UK.
America, 1959. Change is in the air. The post war boom is thriving, the civil rights movement is growing
and the golden age of television has begun. But, on a farm in rural Louisiana three children are hoping
for a miracle.
When Swallow, a teenager struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother, discovers a man
hiding out in the family barn she becomes convinced he is Jesus. In a town where the community will do
anything to defend their way of life, the children unite to protect their saviour. As fantasy and
reality collide, Swallow begins to discover who she is and what it means to grow up.
In this thrilling musical, a cast of actor-musicians alongside a cast of talented local young people
bring to life Andrew Lloyd Webber's emotive score featuring hit songs including 'No Matter
What', 'When Children Rule The World' and 'Whistle Down The Wind' .
The run lasts until September 10, 2022. Tickets are £15 - £40, more details on the Watermill
website.
West End Wilma Awards: Bat Out Of Hell The Musical nominated for Best Touring Production
Congratulations to Bat Out Of Hell The Musical for being nominated as Best Touring Production in
this year's West End Wilma Awards!
Voting is open to the public! Let's try to make it win!
Bat Out Of Hell The Musical - Las Vegas and London tickets on sale
The award-winning hit production Bat Out of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's
greatest hits, is set to perform in two of the most iconic entertainment destinations in the world –
The Las Vegas Strip and London's West End.
LAS VEGAS
The electrifying theatre experience will debut its ongoing residency at Paris Las Vegas Hotel &
Casino on Sept. 27, 2022. Tickets will officially go on sale May 20th, but we are
excited to give you early access, using this exclusive special pre-sale code!
Pre-sale tickets on sale from tomorrow: Tuesday, May 17th, 10am PST!
Ticket sales opened to the public this morning! Bat Out Of Hell The Musical is scheduled for a
strictly limited season at the Peacock Theatre, which is a Sadler's Wells theatre in London's West End.
Bat Out Of Hell The Musical returns to London's West End, and heads to Las Vegas, USA!
Big news! Jim Steinman's Bat Out Of Hell The Musical is set to make a return to London's West End in
2023, and begin a residency in Las Vegas from September 2022!
Full Press release:
JIM STEINMAN’S BAT OUT OF HELL – THE MUSICAL
TO RETURN TO LONDON’S WEST END
FOR A LIMITED SEASON AT THE PEACOCK THEATRE
PERFORMANCES FROM 17 FEBRUARY 2023
LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY ANNOUNCED
The producers of Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell – The Musical,
featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, are delighted to announce the musical’s
return to London in 2023. The show, which is currently touring the UK and Ireland, will play a limited
season at the Peacock Theatre with performances from 17 February, ending on 1 April 2023.
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical will also have a residency at Paris Las
Vegas Hotel & Casino from 27 September 2022.
Casting for both productions to be announced.
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it
played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre
from 2017 to 2019. The musical also ran successfully in Canada, Germany and at New York’s City
Centre in 2019. The current UK and Ireland tour began performances at Manchester Opera House on 11
September 2021 and has been playing to sold out houses and great critical acclaim.
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical won the Radio 2 Audience Award for Best
Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and was nominated for 8 WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New
Musical.
Bat Out of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 60 million copies
worldwide. 16 years later, Steinman scored again with Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, which
contained the massive hit I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).
For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the
Bat Out of Hell albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night), Bat Out
of Hell, I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out of Three Ain’t
Bad, as well as two previously unreleased songs, What Part of My Body Hurts the Most and Not Allowed to
Love.
The electrifying rock songs of Mr Steinman propel an epic story of rebellious youth and passion as
Strat, the immortal leader of The Lost, has fallen in love with Raven, the beautiful daughter of the
tyrannical ruler Falco.
The UK & Ireland Tour of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has book,
music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, with
musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, set and costume design by Jon Bausor,
original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by
Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve
Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and UK Tour casting by Anne Vosser.
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is produced by David Sonenberg,
Michael Cohl & Tony Smith, with
executive producer Julian Stoneman.
This tour is dedicated to the memory of Jim Steinman, who sadly passed away on 19 April 2021, and Meat
Loaf, who passed away on 20 January 2022.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Meat Loaf, specifically his wife Deborah and daughters Pearl and
Amanda. We also offer our condolences to include his extended family, friends, fans and all who were
touched by the warmth and talents of this amazing human being. The enormous outpouring of love for Meat
in the hours since his death are commensurate to the legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Meat Loaf, for
your life and contributions.
Danielle Steers' live show for her album "The Future Ain't What It Used To Be" will be available to stream, end Dec 2021
It's been a while, but if you have been following this news page, you'll know that Danielle Steers
originated the role of Zahara in Bat Out Of Hell The Musical, then by popular demand, recorded an
album of Jim Steinman songs, with new arrangements by Noam Galperin. You can buy it on CD from
her website, or listen to it streamed
on Spotify.
She planned to put on a concert to launch the album, but due to covid restrictions, it was delayed to
November 2021. But it went ahead! With additional songs and with special guests too! And the good news
is; that show was filmed, and is going to be available to watch streamed at the end of December / new
year.
