Legally Blonde heads to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA GOES BLONDE!



WILL DEBUT AT ACADEMY OF MUSIC
ON DECEMBER 2

MUSICAL WILL FEATURE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST MEMBERS
AND FINALISTS IN MTV’S REALITY SHOW,
‘LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL- THE SEARCH FOR ELLE WOODS’


LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music beginning December 2 – 7.

Part of the Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $25 to $100 are on sale beginning Friday, Sept. 5 at 10:00 am. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evening at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evening at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL earned seven 2007 Tony Award nominations, ten 2007 Drama Desk Award Nominations, a 2007 Outer Critics Circle Award and the chorus of the musical was honored by Actors’ Equity Association’s Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) with the first ever ACCA Award. The musical also ranked in the top ten list of the most requested Ticketmaster “Arts & Theatre Events” for 2007.

Becky Gulsvig, the Elle understudy in the original Broadway cast, is Elle Woods in the tour. Fans of the MTV reality show “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods”, which premiered on June 2, 2008, will recognize two familiar faces in the tour casting: Third runner-up Rhiannon Hansen plays Elle’s best friend Margot and fourth runner-up Lauren Zakrin is an ensemble member and understudies the role of Elle. The reality show represented the musical’s second venture with MTV. In the fall of 2007, MTV aired Legally Blonde The Musical in its entirety to stellar ratings and was subsequently nominated for two 2007-2008 Daytime Emmy Awards.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for “Legally Blonde The Musical,” was released on Ghostlight Records, an imprint of Sh-K-Boom Records, and captured the #1 slot on the Billboard Cast Album chart and charted at #86 on the Billboard Top 200. The album has continued its success, charting every week as one of the top-selling Broadway cast recordings and soared to the Top 10 albums (of any genre) on iTunes once the show premiered on MTV.

As on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell is the director and choreographer. Music and lyrics are by both Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and sound design by ACME Sound Partners.

LEGALLY BLONDE is produced on Broadway by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

The new 2008-2009 Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre, begins with the launch of its first production, The Wizard of Oz on Nov. 28 – 30, followed by Legally Blonde The Musical Dec. 2 – 7. The Series also includes: A Chorus Line (Dec. 16 – Jan. 4) at the Forrest Theatre; Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Jan. 9 – 11); Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8); Happy Days – A New Musical (Mar. 24 – 29); Riverdance (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin’ Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28). Subscription packages are on sale now by calling 215-893-1955 or online at www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809.

All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by CITI, , WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Broadway Series.

www.LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com

Dirty Dancing Makes it's Way to Chicago Stage

The movie Dirty Dancing is a legendary entertainment phenomenon. The soundtrack continues to sell millions of copies. And now live audiences can experience it as never before. Re-imagined for the stage by the original screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, combines all the intensity and excitement of live theater with new songs, new scenes, and thrilling new dances. Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is an unprecedented live experience for lifelong fans of the film and new audiences alike that explodes with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.

Step inside the classic story of Baby and Johnny – two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Including a cast of 37, the record-breaking show features 35 hit songs, including "Hungry Eyes,” "Hey Baby,” "Do You Love Me?" and the heart-stopping Academy Award-winning "(I've Had) The Time of My Life.”

The acclaimed creative team responsible for the record-breaking London and Toronto productions of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will bring the show to the United States. Directed by James Powell, with choreography by Kate Champion, the team also includes: Stephen Brimson Lewis (set design), Conrad Helfrich (music supervisor), Tim Mitchell (lighting design), Bobby Aitken (sound design), Jon Driscoll (video and projection design), Jennifer Irwin (costume design) and Craig Wilson (Latin and Ballroom dance choreographer)

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The Color Purple

THE COLOR PURPLE
ANNOUNCES ALL SEATS FOR $49.50 AT SELECT PERFORMANCES THROUGH JULY 13
AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL NOW PLAYING AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC


TICKETS FOR PERFORMANCES OF THE COLOR PURPLE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR $49.50. Currently playing the Academy of Music through July 13, tickets at $49.50 are available for all seats at select performances including: Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; and Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm.

Produced and presented by Oprah Winfrey, THE COLOR PURPLE, “The Musical About Love,” is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. An epic tale of hope and the healing power of love, THE COLOR PURPLE is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world.

Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, the joyous Grammy-nominated musical score features gospel, jazz, pop and the blues.

Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $28 to $87.50 are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (during performances only). Groups of 20 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm; matinees Saturdays at 2:00 pm, Sundays at 1:00 pm, and a matinee Wednesday July 2 at 2:00 pm. No performances are scheduled for Friday, July 4.

THE COLOR PURPLE continues at the Academy of Music through July 13.

Cry-Baby to Close on Broadway June 22

Cry-Baby, the second Broadway musical based on a John Waters film, will play its final performance at the Marquis Theatre June 22. When it closes the musical will have played 45 previews and 68 regular performances.

Directed by Mark Brokaw, Cry-Baby arrived on Broadway following an out-of-town engagement at the La Jolla Playhouse this past fall. A 2008 Tony nominee for Best Musical, Cry-Baby began Broadway previews March 15 and officially opened April 24.

A national tour is expected to begin in fall 2009.

The new musical that boasted Broadway's first rockabilly score, earned four 2008 Tony nominations: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnell, Best Original Score for David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger, and Best Choreography for Rob Ashford.

Alli Mauzey, who portrays Cry-Baby's deranged stalker Lenora, earned a Theatre World Award for her performance. Mauzey's rendition of "Screw Loose" won the actress favorable mentions in numerous reviews. Ashford also picked up a Drama Desk Award for his athletic choreography that punctuates Cry-Baby's dueling worlds of the Drapes and the Squares

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The Best of The 2008 Tony Awards

Every year I look forward to the Tony Awards, and every year I'm just a bit disappointed. Sure, there were some deserving winners (In the Heights, August Osage County, South Pacific, Patti Lupone, Laura Benanti, Paulo Szot, Deanna Dunagan and Rondi Reed), but there were also some ho-hum performances, a no-show from Stephen Sondheim and a disappointing Rent reunion.

Well, you win some, you lose some.

Here's my take on the Best and Worst of the 2008 Tony Awards:

The Best
1. In the Heights performs "$96,000" and wins best musical
Easily the most spirited and well-produced number of the evening, In the Heights likely sold a lot of tickets with this performance, not to mention Lyn Manuel Miranda's charming acceptance speech for Best Score. Oh yeah -- that top musical prize won't hurt the Box Office either.

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The Heights' Tony Award Performance



Source: CarlitoPucl

Billy Elliot to dance its way south

THE smash-hit show Billy Elliot the Musical will open at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre at the end of the year, following a successful debut Australian season at Sydney's Capitol Theatre.

Based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot — about a young Geordie boy who chooses ballet over boxing and set against the British miners' strike of the 1980s — it has been seen by more than 2 million people since premiering on London's West End in May 2005, where it broke British box-office records.

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Back in Ballet, Bending all the rules

Ms. Tharp, who had been discussing her new work for American Ballet Theater, “Rabbit and Rogue,” was quite sincere. A good part of the interview had consisted of her deftly sidestepping a discussion of personal motivation. Instead she concentrated on more abstract issues about the ballet, which will have its premiere on Tuesday night at the Metropolitan Opera House, with a score by the film composer Danny Elfman and costumes by her longtime collaborator Norma Kamali.

But any new work by Ms. Tharp is a big deal, and to avoid talking about the choreographer herself would be to ignore the singular place she occupies in the dance world. An innovator and a headline maker who has both rolled with the critical punches and occasionally been felled by them, Ms. Tharp, at 66, is in the curious position of being consistently identified as both a modern dance revolutionary and one of ballet’s few great living choreographers — certainly its only female one.

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Katie Holmes Headed to Broadway

Actress Katie Holmes will make her Broadway debut this autumn in a revival of Arthur Miller's "All My Sons," starring alongside Oscar winner Dianne Wiest and Tony winner John Lithgow, producers said on Monday.

Holmes shot to fame on the U.S. television series "Dawson's Creek" before marrying actor Tom Cruise with whom she has two-year-old daughter Suri. Most recently she starred in box office flop "Mad Money."

"All My Sons" is due to open on Broadway this fall, but a theater and date have not yet been announced.

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Hicks To Make Broadway Debut

Taylor Hicks is going from "Idol" to "Angel."

The "American Idol" alum will join the Broadway cast of "Grease" on June 6, playing Teen Angel in the revival of the popular musical.

The gray-haired singer — whose "Idol" fan base was called "The Soul Patrol" — said he plans to add "soulful flavor" to his performance of "Beauty School Dropout." The flashy role, he said, is "a classic fit for a classic performer."

"It's a big number, and, you know, I've made some pretty grand entrances before," Hicks told The Associated Press on Thursday. "And this one is probably the grandest entrance I've had in my career."

Well, besides "Idol." Hicks, 31, took home the title in the fifth season of the top-rated Fox show — the biggest stage on television.

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Movin' with the Uptown Girl

As a young girl growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the 1980s, Amanda Kay didn’t listen to a lot of Billy Joel.

That all changed last April when Kay won the part of Brenda in the national touring production of “Movin’ Out,” a smash Broadway hit from 2002 featuring Joel’s music and the choreography of Twyla Tharp. The show comes to Proctors in Schenectady for eight performances Tuesday through Sunday.

“He’s a little bit before my time, but I can remember walking to school listening to ‘Uptown Girl,’ and thinking it was a great song,” said Kay. “When I started rehearsals, I was re-remembering all his songs. He wrote some great music, and Twyla Tharp is a genius. This has been an amazing experience for me.”

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"Chours Line" Still Delivers a Kick

A Chorus Line may not be quite the "singular sensation" it was when it first opened on Broadway 33 years ago, but it remains a musical that makes you want to high-kick your way through the lobby when it's over.

Its laurels are legion, including a Pulitzer Prize, nine Tony Awards and the record for the longest-running American musical on Broadway.

In this mega-musical era of falling chandeliers and helicopters, it's easy to forget just how revolutionary A Chorus Line was for its time. Choreographer Michael Bennett culled material from hours of rehearsals with dancers to produce a show that celebrates the legacy of dance in the theater and the creative angst of being a performer.

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Perfect Pairing: The Music of Billy Joel and the Choreography of Twyla Tharp

In 2002, “Movin’ Out” — a jukebox musical featuring the pop and classical compositions of Billy Joel and choreography by the legendary Twyla Tharp — opened on Broadway and won two Tonys.

By the end of 2003, Kelly was subbing for injured dancers on Broadway, and he served as dance captain and swing for a national tour from 2004 to 2007.

For this, Kelly’s second national tour with the show, he’s dance supervisor — meaning no more subbing in for people at the last minute as a swing. But it’s the combination of Tharp’s movement and Joel’s music that keeps him invigorated.

“I love the idea of incorporating pop-style music into dance, and to dive into it, and see exactly what animal it is as analytically as Twyla, is a perfect fit for me,” says Kelly, a California native who’s been dancing since age 13.


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Grammy Winner Mya Breaks Foot; Broadway Debut Postponed

The Broadway debut of Grammy Award winner Mya, who was scheduled to begin performances in the Tony-winning revival of Chicago May 12, has been postponed.

The platinum recording artist has broken her foot, according to a statement released by the producer of Chicago.

Barry Weissler, producer of Chicago, said in the statement, "In the theatre industry, we are sometimes forced to deal with circumstances beyond our control. But speaking for the entire Chicago creative team, we all wish her a speedy recovery, and look forward to experiencing her portrayal of Velma Kelly as soon as possible."

Additional information will be announced as it becomes available

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Rent Extended

Due to ticket demand, Rent will not close on Broadway June 1, but will play to Sept. 7, the producers announced March 26.

Those who rushed out to buy tickets to Rent in anticipation of its announced closing have an option to attend later performances at the Nederlander Theatre. The final performance is now 6:30 PM Sept. 7. Ticketmaster.com indicates that tickets are on public sale to Sept. 4.

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Macbeth With Patrick Stewart Heads To Broadway

The acclaimed production of Macbeth — which casts stage and screen star Patrick Stewart in the title role — is heading to Broadway.

The Shakespearean classic, the New York Times reports, will follow Is He Dead? — which just announced a March 9 closing date — into Broadway's Lyceum Theatre. Macbeth will play the Broadway venue for a limited eight-week run beginning at the end of March; no official start date has been announced.

Following a West End run this past December, Stewart and company arrived at Brooklyn Academy of Music's Harvey Theatre Feb 12. The sold-engagement at BAM will conclude March 22.

The production, which originated at the Chichester Festival, features direction by Rupert Goold and is set in a "subterranean kitchen that serves as a military hospital in a timeless and nameless country."

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Rent Era Coming To An End

From the tiny East Village theater where "Rent" was born, you can still catch a glimpse of the funky neighborhood where the hit musical was set - a scruffy courtyard, old brownstones, rusty pipes and fire escapes.

Even when "Rent" opened in 1996, the East Village was gentrifying. Well-heeled newcomers were moving in and rising rents were displacing the bohemians who inspired the show.


On June 1, after a dozen years, Broadway's seventh-longest running show is to become history, like the once-gritty neighborhood that's nearly gone as well.

"It was amazing to be living in the world you're playing on stage," says Anthony Rapp, an original cast member who lived in the East Village for many years and played the part of Mark, a budding filmmaker shooting a movie about his friends.

"Rent" was an instant sensation when it opened, dubbed an "exhilarating, landmark rock opera" by The New York Times, and when it moved to Broadway, The Associated Press said the show made the transfer with "all its raw energy, raucous musicality and radiant optimism intact."

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Leslie Uggams Begins Hello Dolly Run

Houston's Theatre Under the Stars puts on its Sunday clothes Feb. 26 as Jerry Herman's classic musical Hello, Dolly! — starring Tony and Emmy winner Leslie Uggams in the title role — begins performances.

The TUTS production features direction by Lee Roy Reams - the Broadway veteran who both directed and choreographed the 1995 Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! - with choreography by 1995 Hello, Dolly! cast member Randy Slovacek.

Joining Uggams onstage are The Producers' Lewis J. Stadlen as Horace Vandergelder, Urinetown's Jen Cody as Minnie Fay, original Phantom star Glory Crampton as Irene Molloy, Les Miserables' Kevin Earley as Cornelius and The Music Man's Michael McGurk as Barnaby Tucker.

Ron Kellum is featured as Ambrose with Randolph as Ermengarde Vandergelder, Jessica Sheridan as Ernestina Simple and Erick R. Walck as Rudolph.

The Hello, Dolly! ensemble comprises Melanie Allen, Brian Barry, Alan Bennett, Nathaniel Braga, Dominic Di Felice, Craig Foster, Adam Gibbs, Kevin Hill, Traci Hines, Darrell T. Joe, Tony Johnson, Laura Kaldis, Richard M. Keck, Dominique Kelley, Chris Klink, David La Duca, Alissa Ann LaVergne, Reid Lee, Sarah Moore, Robert Randle, Christina Stroup, Mary Jo Todaro, Gia Valenti, Paige Wheat and Jennifer Blakeney Young.

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Shrek Heads To Broadway

Shrek The Musical will open on Broadway this December, marking DreamWorks Animation's first legitimate theatrical venture.

The musical features Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad and Kecia Lewis-Evans as The Dragon, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. Jason Moore directs.

Foster is currently starring on Broadway as Inga in Young Frankenstein.

Additional casting, including the title character and his friend Donkey will be announced shortly.

The musical took root around the time the second film was in production, when Sam Mendes of Neal Street Productions, Ltd. suggested the idea to DreamWorks Animation's Jeffrey Katzenberg. The two companies will produce Shrek jointly.

Source: backstage.com

Shimmy Exclusive Interview- Dan Karaty

Shimmy: What was it like growing up with parents that performed on Broadway?

Dan: Well, growing up in the Karaty family was a lot of fun. I'm the youngest of five kids, and although my parents were Broadway veterans, when they decided to have kids they gave it up. My father was a stockbroker and my mom stayed home with us. My parents decided to open up a dance studio when I was about 13 years old, and that's when I started to dance. They certainly had plenty of knowledge, talent and experience to pass on to me.

Shimmy: What was your own experience in Footloose like?

Dan: My experience in Footloose was brief, but amazing. To be a part of an original Broadway cast was something I always wanted, and it made my parents very proud. To be honest though, we opened in October and I gave my notice in November…I had one semester left at New York University and wanted to finish my education. If I took any more time off I knew I would never go back.

Shimmy: Would you ever return to the boards?


Dan: I wouldn't return as a performer, but as a choreographer or director? I would be there in a heartbeat, that's another dream of mine.

Shimmy: When did you transition from performer to choreographer?

Dan: The transition from a performer to a choreographer just sort of happened. Wade Robson and I worked together quite a bit, and while I was dancing on some gigs for him I began helping out with choreography. We always worked well together and things just happened from there.

Shimmy: What was it like working with Britney Spears back when she was at the top of her game?

Dan: Britney was an absolute joy to work with. We created some memorable performances together and that girl really knew how to turn it on when she hit the stage. Britney was always a hard worker and didn't quit until she got it right. I wish her nothing but the best.

* Dan performing with Britney Spears at the 2000 Video Music Awards *



Video: Momoe2006

Shimmy: You've dabbled in so many areas- teaching, judging, doing commercials, choreographing tours and television- what do you enjoy the most?

Dan: You know, my career has continued to evolve over the past 10 years or so and I've been happy every step of the way. I consider myself a lucky man because I do what I love. Honestly, I'm excited to see where things take me next…but I'm extremely happy with what I'm doing now. Choreographing movies and commercials and being on television, it's not so bad 


Shimmy: So You Think You Can Dance has brought your work to the masses, will you return for season four?

Dan: I'll be there! I really can't wait to see what amazing talent shows up this year. Oh, and rumor has it that I'll be showing up on other versions of the show around the world. See you overseas too!


Shimmy: What contestants from the show did you enjoy working with the most and why?

Dan: I love performers more than anything else. Yeah, show me that you can dance, but entertain me! That's what I'm really looking for. Nick Lazzarini from season 1, Lacey from season 3, those are the type of dancers I love to work with. They bring so much to the table and make it fun.

* Lacey Schwimmer & Kameron Bink dancing a Dan Karaty number on SYTYCD *



Video: Green Ramalama

Shimmy: The JUMP Convention- tell us about it.

Dan: Well, Gil Stroming is the man in charge and he does an incredible job. He has really changed the convention world and has taken it to a whole new level by having a great faculty, live music, amazing sets, and so much more. All of us on JUMP travel around the country to teach, inspire and motivate dancers of all ages. From hip-hop to jazz to contemporary, we offer the kids the best of everything. And oh yeah, this past summer we held our national finals at Radio City Music Hall, and this summer we'll be holding it at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

Shimmy: What inspires you?

Dan: Inspiration can really come from anything…an experience in my life, an incredible dancer, a piece of music I hear, anything. I do my best to keep things fun and entertaining for the masses to enjoy. I like to make people smile, laugh, or at the very least have a good time, that's my goal when I'm creating.

* Dan teaching at JUMP Convention *



Video: littlelady103106

Shimmy: What are "dream roles" for you?

Dan: Ha, actually, what I'm doing right now is a dream for me. Hopefully I can do more of the same. I really would love to choreograph and direct a musical…and anything else I can get my hands on.

Shimmy: If I swiped your ipod for an hour, what would I be listening to?

Dan: My choices in music can vary depending on the mood I'm in. I love listening to Kanye, and chilling out to Maxwell. Oh, and Led Zeppelin's music is forever. I'll always love Biggie and Jay-Z…and any old school hip-hop.


Shimmy: Three things you cannot live without.

Dan: The New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and Starbucks!

Shimmy: You have a degree in journalism. What areas are of interest to you?

Dan: You know, I've always just loved to write. I don't know if I'll ever have a career in it, but its something I like to do in my down time. I would love to someday sit down and write about all of the crazy things I've done, seen, and experienced. I'm not sure if anyone else would be interested, but it seems readable to me.

Shimmy: Leap ahead ten years, if you are no longer involved in dance what might you be doing instead?

Dan: Ah, that's a good one. First of all, I'll hopefully be married with some kids running around. Whether I'm on-camera or behind it, I know I'll be involved in the business one way or another. Maybe I'll be following the Yankees around the country….now that would be fun!

Shimmy Video Pick
* Anya Garnis & Danny Tidwell dancing a Dan Karaty number on SYTYCD *



Video: Green Ramalama

The Color Purple Set To End 2 Year Run

"The Color Purple" will close Feb. 24 on Broadway after a run of more than two years.

The musical, based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of triumph over adversity, will have played 910 performances by the time the final curtain falls next month at the Broadway Theatre.

The current cast includes Zonya Love as Celie, Walker's determined heroine, as well as Grammy winners Chaka Khan and BeBe Winans and "American Idol" finalist LaKisha Jones.

The $11 million musical, which opened in December 2005, recouped its investment in less than year for the show's producers, who include Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones.

A touring company, starring LaToya London of "American Idol" and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, is currently playing Los Angeles. The tour is scheduled through 2009.

Source: backstage.com