The "Rockers on Broadway" concert returned this year with the latest edition – "Rockers on Broadway Salutes Motown" at BB King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 42nd Street) on Monday, October 22 at 8PM.
Returning as host was actress/comedian Caroline Rhea (TV's "The Biggest Loser") who shared the stage with a line of legendary rockers and some of the biggest names working on Broadway today. The evening, directed by Jersey Boys cast member Donnie Kehr and choreographed by Wayne Cilento (Wicked) and Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys) feature performances by legends Darlene Love (Hairspray) and La La Brooks (Hair), Micky Dolenz from The Monkees, the "original pop princess" Deborah Gibson, singer songwriter Kate Taylor, from Jersey Boys – J. Robert Spencer and 2006 Tony winner Christian Hoff, Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens), Grammy nominated Tevin Campbell (Hairspray), Tony nominee Daphne Rubin Vega (Rent) , Krisha Marcano (The Color Purple), Jackie "The Jokeman" Martling, Renee Elise Goldsberry (The Color Purple, The Lion King), Will Chase (High Fidelity, The Full Monty), Michael Lanning (The Civil War, Trans Siberian Orchestra), Kris Coleman (Jersey Boys), John Eric Parker (All Shook Up, Rent) and Anika Ellis (The Color Purple, Sweet Charity).
This edition of "Rockers on Broadway" also included a special appearance by the legendary Motown songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland ("Heat Wave", "How Sweet It Is", "Where Did Our Love Go?") joined by Broadway vet, writer Rupert Holmes (Curtains), who are currently collaborators on the new musical The First Wives Club.
Rockers on Broadway was founded by Donnie Kehr in 1993 during the Broadway run of The Who's Tommy, in which he appeared. Inspired by an idea from Pete Townshend, he wanted to give musical theatre performers the opportunity to experience the feeling of singing with a rock band in a concert style venue, so they could understand and transfer the rawness of that edge to the stage. For more info visit www.rockersonbroadway.com.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE "ROCKERS ON BROADWAY" BACKSTAGE!
Photos by Kerry Long
