By Richard Schultz, March 12, 2015.
Since 2007, Adam Pellegrine (pictured) has toured off and on in the sleek version of the Broadway musical Chicago. He's part of the current tour's sexy ensemble, that's bumping and grinding its way across the nation with numerous sell-out performances.
The story follows murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, who find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago.
With music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse, Chicago is the No. 1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history and is now in its 19th year on Broadway. The original Broadway production opened in 1975. The 1997 revival won six Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. The 2002 film, directed by Rob Marshall, won four Oscars and starred Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere.
With such an impressive history, Pellegrine, who portrays Harry and prosecutor Martin Harrison, is having the time of his life in a production he describes as “smart, sexy and sleek."
Pellegrine grew up in rural Alabama, outside of Birmingham, was influenced by his uncle who was a professional dancer on the television show “HeeHaw." His mom rented performance-themed movies from the local library to introduce him to the arts. After high school, where he performed in shows, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a double major in theatre and dance. During his senior year, he was cast in an off-Broadway show and finished his degrees online. A cruise ship job followed and he eventually relocated to Los Angeles.
Echo chatted with him while the tour was in Naples, Fla., and here's what he had to say about taking the stage in Chicago.
How's the Chicago tour going?
Pellegrine: The tour is going very well. We just played Buffalo, which was unbelievably cold, but we saw near capacity audiences. It is such a cool and terrific piece of theatre. We break the fourth wall. Every night is new show where the audience is the additional cast member. The onstage interaction is always dynamic.
Some nights you find something new that is dirtier, grittier and sexier.
Echo: Tell us about the characters that you portray?
Pellegrine: Chicago is the definitive triple threat show. Everyone sings, dances and plays roles. I play Harry who is a good-time guy in a relationship with Go to Hell Kitty. He's a big horny lug of a guy. I also play Harrison who is the prosecutor that is out to get Roxie and Thelma. He doesn't buy Roxie's act.
Echo: What has being part of the show meant for you?
Pellegrine: I have had amazing opportunities to travel. In 2009, we went to Bangkok for a month. It was my first excursion into Asia, where the culture is so bright and vivid. And the audiences are so very vocal in their reaction. They loved the show!
Echo: What is your favorite part the show?
Pellegrine: It really depends on the specific performance. It's certainly memorable during the Roxie number when she says, “I'm going to get me a bunch of boys." All the boys come onstage and the audience goes wild.
Echo: Have you toured to Phoenix before?
Pellegrine: One of my fondest memories comes from the time when I was in the national tour of Urban Cowboy and we played Phoenix. We were following the rodeo circuit, which brought us to Phoenix. It was a loud raucous party onstage, which continued after the final bow. One of the crewmembers mentioned that Chita Rivera was also in Phoenix touring in her show, The Dancer's Life. I dashed off in my pajamas to the stage door and convinced the doorman to let me in. I met her daughter and then met Chita, who is an idol of mine. She was so sweet and generous with her time. She shared insights on having a career: Never give up; train, train, train; and always believe in yourself. Her advice has stayed with me and had an enormous impact as I continue to pursue my career and dreams.
Echo: Speaking of dreams, what roles are on your wish list?
Pellegrine: I would definitely like to play the master of ceremonies in Cabaret. It's a great story with an enduring message. Also, I want to play the dentist in Little Shop of Horrors.
The Dinah
Club Skirts presents The Dinah — the annual music festival and pool party weekend and the largest lesbian event worldwide — is taking over Palm Springs from September 21st through the 25th.
Now celebrating its 31st year, the star-studded weekend will kick off a five-day party known to draw in upwards of 15,000 women from around the world.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will take place in Palm Springs’ most iconic hotel, The Margaritaville — formerly The Riviera — famous in the ’60s for its role as celebrity central, drawing the likes of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., and Sonny and Cher.
Mariah Hanson
Photo courtesy of The Dinah
“I think it is definitely a rite of passage and a bucket list item,” said Mariah Hanson, ”and it’s a beacon in a way. I think that what we create there is so magical and so inspiring that you hear about it and you want to be a part of it because it’s life-changing.”
Hanson explained that the magic is intentional. She said along with her staff, they set to produce an event that is diverse, welcoming, and life-changing.
“We create a world for five days where people are united by the common theme of just acceptance and diversity and living in a world you want to live in,” Hanson said.
Hanson said she is proud to offer what she says is one of the “most diverse, inclusive, celebratory events.” She said The Dinah recognizes that our community is very diverse, and she wants everyone to feel welcome.
The festival includes various performances by nationally-renowned recording artists, massive pool parties with world-famous DJs and go-go dancers, red carpet events with celebrity guests and musicians, and meet-and-greets with lesbian celebrities.
The Dinah pool party
Photo courtesy of The Dinah
While in previous years, the Dinah events centered mostly on pool parties, the Dinah of the past decade has flawlessly amped up the pool parties, while also simultaneously becoming an enormous music festival, drawing in huge superstar artists over recent years, such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Chaka Khan, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, Eve, Salt ‘N Pepa and more, many of them while they were just on the cusp of hitting the big-time.
Hanson explained that she has a formula, a set of ever-changing criteria, that she uses to book acts. She has a knack for finding artists to perform at the Dinah who is on the cusp of enormous stardom.
“My favorite example is Lizzo, who headlined the Sunday afternoon pool party in 2017,” said Hanson. “Nobody really knew who she was, and she’s a major star now. No one will ever see her in that small of a venue.”
Hanson has another incredible all-female entertainment line-up again this year.
“I’m excited to offer the lineup we have. I think it’s powerful. It’s almost all queer except Taylor Dane, but she’s welcome because she’s so cool!” said Hanson.
Taylor Dane, 80s pop icon, is taking over the stage at Friday night’s Black & White Ball and is bringing her full band for a special Dinah performance. The GRAMMY-nominated powerhouse’s groundbreaking debut single "Tell It to My Heart" turned her into an overnight star in 1987. She followed the smash hit with 17 Top 20 singles including “Love Will Lead You Back.” Co-headlining Friday night is a breakout hip-hop artist, Haviah Mighty, who is poised to follow the footsteps of Lady Gaga, Bebe Rexha, Iggy Azalea, and Lizzo. She is the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize.
On Saturday night’s Hollywood Party, Fletcher, one of the most electrifying queer artists to burst onto the scene, takes center stage. The GLAAD-nominated artist has a slew of hit singles including “Undrunk”, “Bitter”, “girls girls girls”, and “Cherry.” Her new single “Her Body is Bible” is out now and her debut album is being released this month.
“You don’t want to miss any of these acts,” Hanson said.
Club Skirts The Dinah pool party
Photo courtesy of The Dinah
All of the weekend’s pool parties, night parties, and concerts will take place at the Margaritaville. The opening and closing parties will both be held at AsiaSF, a new hotspot to both kick-start and close the weekend.
Hanson said she is excited for the Dinah this year and hopes it will, as always, be an amazing experience for all who attend.
Hanson said her message for attendees, other than to pace themselves, is always the same.
“Don’t be afraid to meet new people. Don’t be afraid to reach out and share your stories and listen to other people's stories because there’s people from all over the world coming.”
Hanson negotiated some great rates with the host hotel, Margaritaville, and it currently has a waiting list. Email thedinah@gmail.com to get the Dinah discount and to add your name to the waiting list.
For more information and for tickets, please visit The Dinah.
Michael Feinstein will commemorate Judy Garland’s life on March 20 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Musical icon Michael Feinstein is coming to Scottsdale, Arizona on Sunday, March 20, 2022. His smooth voice and playlist of American standards will soothe audiences of all ages in this special live performance. Feinstein is known for having worked with George and Ira Gershwin, two of the most prolific songwriters in history.
His appearance in Scottsdale will pay tribute to another of entertainment's most iconic voices: Judy Garland. The actress and singer would have celebrated her 100th birthday this year. Her music still lives on in the hearts of millions.
Concert is Executive Produced by Liza Minnelli
Audiences are invited to join a nostalgic and spectacular musical exploration of Garland’s illustrious career. Executive produced by Liza Minnelli, this performance will be packed with special surprise moments as Feinstein honors Garland’s unparalleled talent and charisma.
This brand-new multimedia show features big screen film clips, never-before-seen photos, rare audio recordings, great music and good humor. Feinstein will lead you on a historical journey through Garland’s amazing life, telling stories he learned from Minnelli — Garland’s daughter — and from the legend’s close friends.
Audiences will be treated to recently discovered and previously unheard musical arrangements while gaining rare insight into the enduring Garland mystique.
“We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate the iconic Judy Garland on her 100th birthday, especially knowing the authenticity and love that went into this project with her daughter Liza Minnelli as the executive producer,” said Abbey Messmer, programming director at the center. “With the Ambassador of the American Songbook leading this journey, it’s certain that we’ll feel Judy’s spirit when we hear songs like ‘Get Happy’ and ‘Come Rain or Come Shine.’”
Photo courtesy of Michael Feinstein.
The Great American Songbook
Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades, bringing the music of the Great American Songbook to the world. From his multi-platinum-selling recordings that have earned him five Grammy nominations to his Emmy-nominated PBS television specials, his acclaimed NPR series and concerts spanning the globe.
Feinstein's New Album to Feature Music Icons
His live performances, film and television appearances, and 35 albums — including the upcoming release of “Gershwin Country,” featuring duets with country superstars like Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss and more — have made Feinstein an all-star force in American music.
Valley audience members can join Feinstein for this celebration of Judy Garland at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, Arizona. There will be two concerts at 3 pm and 7 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Tickets start at $79. For information click here or visit or call 480-499-TKTS (8587).
All guests age 12 and older must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 72 hours of the performance date, along with photo ID, to attend performances. As an alternative, guests may provide proof of full vaccination. Masks are highly encouraged to protect artists, staff and patrons. For full health and safety protocols click here.