‘Cabot Cove’ Transfers To Center Stage Label (2024)

“Broadway Records Founder Van Dean Launches Center Stage Records” by Molly Higgins | Playbill

Grammy and Tony-winning producer Van Dean has announced the launch of a new record label, Center Stage Records. Center Stage will take over the management and distribution of about two-thirds of Broadway Records' back catalog, with intent to collaborate with Broadway Records on select future releases. 

For Charles Sanchez’s Cabaret Show, ‘Life is Fabulous’ at Long, Long Last (2023)

by mark s. king | my fabulous disease

Charles Sanchez is one busy New Yorker. There’s the writing he does for nearly all of the major HIV outlets, his regular Instagram show featuring community notables, and then his dashes to the gym to contend with the five pounds, give or take, that continue to mock him despite the high level of fitness he maintains. And, oh yes, on this day there is the proper choice of costume to select.

Charles Sanchez: Life Is Fabulous!

november 4th, 2023 @ 9:30pm | laurie beechman theatre

Get ready for an extraordinary night of laughter, inspiration, celebration, and a lil’ bit of public masturbation – aka cabaret – as we join Charles Sanchez in commemorating his remarkable 20-year journey of surviving – nay, THRIVING – with HIV/AIDS. Taking center stage (where else?) Charles will deliver a one-of-a-kind performance, featuring the comedic theatre songs exclusively written for him over the years by the optimistically talented Joel B. New. You can almost smell the jazz hands.

Review: R.E.D. HAT FIGHT CLUB at The Green Room 42 (2023)

by kristen morale | broadway world

For one night only, a New York audience was treated to a special Mother's Day performance of R.E.D. Hat Fight Club, a new musical parody written by Joel B. New. New, an American Theatre Wing's Jonathan Larson Grant and MAC Award-winning playwright, premiered his show at The Green Room 42 this past Sunday. Bringing together a very talented (and mostly female) cast of Broadway and film veterans, theatergoers were given the opportunity to do something different this year to celebrate all the empowered, badass women in their lives. Described as an "utterly ridiculous, overtly queer musical parody," this performance was undoubtedly a special treat for both parents and their [adult] children alike.

R.E.D. Hat Fight Club to Receive World Premiere Concert Staging (2023)

by margaret hall | playbill

The queer parody musical is written by the American Theatre Wing’s Jonathan Larson Grant winner Joel B. New.

Top 5 Stage Performances to Stream This Weekend (2023)

by raven snook | tdf

Even though in-person theatre and dance are back in full swing, in the name of accessibility, we're continuing to round up performances to watch online from the comfort of home. Our carefully curated list spotlights the five best options to stream this weekend, Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14, for free or at low cost.

R.E.D. HAT FIGHT CLUB Musical Parody to be Presented at The Green Room 42 on Mother's Day (2023)

by Chloe Rabinowitz | broadway world

"R.E.D. Hat Fight Club is a love letter to all the amazing women in the world who've taught us it's never too late to make lifelong friends, learn something about yourself, or be a fabulous queen," said Joel B. New. "It's the perfect Mother's Day gift for moms, dads, and their adult kids; the LGBTQ+ community; cabaret, comedy, and new musical theatre enthusiasts; and the Rebellious Empowered Divas in all of us."

marita stryker: Voice Pedagogy DMA Recital (2023)

”22 years ago, I made a CD of my favorite musical theatre tunes to accompany my high school graduation announcements. As I approach the final year of my doctorate, I have decided to revisit those songs with fresh eyes, ears, and heart.” -Marita Stryker

interview: Jessica Fletcher is a Gay Icon (2023)

dungeons + drama nerds

Percy and Todd sit down to chat with composer Joel B. New and TTRPG designer Jason Cordova about New's EP, Cabot Cove, and Cordova's game Brindlewood Bay. They talk about what inspired their respective works in conversation with Murder She Wrote, their connections to the show, and why Jessica Fletcher is a gay icon.

THEY WRITE THE SONGS Returns to Don't Tell Mama This Month (2023)

by stephi wild | broadway world

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the return of THEY WRITE THE SONGS on Sunday, November 13 at 2 pm at NYC's Don't Tell Mama. The afternoon features the songs of Burman Award Winners Larry Kerchner, Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann, Michael Dansicker, and this year's winner John Forster as well as Wallowitch Award Winners Adam Wachter, JJ WARSHAW and Nicholas Parker, Joel B. New, and this year's winner ANSON JONES.

Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Amy Jo Jackson & More to Take Part in Joel B. New's Virtual 40th Birthday Concert (2022)

by Chloe Rabinowitz | broadway world

On April 27th, award-winning musical theatre writer/producer/performer Joel B. New will celebrate his 40th birthday with the streaming concert "#JoelB40", a look back at some of his work's most memorable onstage moments.

Photos: Joel B. New's TEMPTING MR. LINCOLN Premieres In Concert At Green Room 42 (2022)

by A.A. Cristi | broadway world

Photo credit: Ben Shirai.

Notting Hill-Inspired Gay Musical Romcom Premieres At Green Room 42 Tonight (2022)

by Nicole Rosky | broadway world

Joel B. New's musical comedy Tempting Mr. Lincoln premieres in concert tonight at The Green Room 42. The concert is directed by Stanley Martin (Aladdin) with musical direction by Gillian Berkowitz (Lehman Trilogy).

Joel B. New Announces Casting Of TEMPTING MR. LINCOLN (2022)

by stephi wild | broadway world

Benjwelo Theatricals has announced the cast for the upcoming world-premiere concert of Joel B. New's Tempting Mr. Lincoln at The Green Room 42 in NYC on Saturday, February 12th at 7pm ET. The concert will be directed by Stanley Martin (Aladdin) with musical direction by Gillian Berkowitz (Lehman Trilogy).

The cast features Cicily Daniels (Once on This Island (revival), The Little Mermaid, The Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, Rent) as "Penny," Madge Dietrich (Kinky Boots) as "Mary Todd," Sean Fletcher (Merce, The Series, Happy Days: The Musical) as "Abercrombie," Joshua Hinck (Losing My Mind: A Sondheim Disco Fever Dream) as "Fitch," Travis Kent (DISASTER! on Broadway, The Skivvies, Paris Through the Window) as "Abraham Lincoln," Stephen J Mark as "Hollister," Charles Sanchez (Merce, The Series, Monkey Trouble Unleashed!, Undertaking Christmas) as "John Wilkes Booth," and Gabe Violett (Spring Awakening, The Voice) as "Joshua Fry Speed." The band features Ms. Berkowitz on piano, Wesley Bourland on bass, James Pingenot on percussion, and Eli Zoller (The Pilgrim, Felix Starro) on guitar.

Listen: Act Two Of Podcast Musical UNDERTAKING CHRISTMAS Premieres Today (2021)

by Chloe Rabinowitz | broadway world

Act Two of the original romantic musical comedy Undertaking Christmas premieres online today.

Todd Buonopane, Jennifer Fouche, and More Star in Podcast Musical UNDERTAKING CHRISTMAS (2021)

by stephi wild | broadway world

Benjwelo Theatricals presents Undertaking Christmas, an original romantic musical comedy podcast, Written and Directed by the American Theatre Wing's Jonathan Larson Grant and MAC Award Winner Joel B. New.

Broadway Sessions All Star Holiday Show is Back Next Week (2021)

by stephi wild | broadway world

This week Broadway Sessions celebrates the holiday season with the return of the epic annual All Star Holiday Show! Broadway favorites will gather to share their favorite "holiday" songs. Featuring Patrick Page (Hadestown), Paige Davis (Chicago), Bre Jackson (Book of Mormon, JC Superstar LIVE), Fergie Phillipe (Hamilton), Kennedy Caughell ( Great Comet, Wicked), Hannah Cruz (Hamilton), Jeigh Madjus (Moulin Rouge), Nathan Lucrezio (Diana, Aladdin), Ellyn Marie Marsh (Kinky Boots), Javier Ignacio (Company, Side Show), Talya Rae Groves (Ain't Too Proud), Avionics Hoyles ( Bat Out of Hell), Jessica Hendy (Cats), composer Joel B New, Imari Hardon (Ave Q), Travis Kent (Disaster), Katryna Marttala and teenage vocal dynamo JJ Jenkins.

Being a multihyphenate without splitting your soul like you're making Horcruxes (2021)

speaking engagement - 10.29.21

Focus/Time Fall Speaker Series is a showcase of some of the brilliant thinkers in our LGBTQ+ community, curated by our Friday Focus/Time moderator Connie Colvin. Focus/Time is a dedicated virtual space for LGBTQIA folks to work on their personal and/or work projects in an accepting environment.

This event has an encouraged donation of $5 or more, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. You can make a donation when you RSVP on Eventbrite. All donations will be given to Victory Fund at the request of the speaker.

SUMMER INTENSIVE SHOWCASE (2021)

Tuesday, September 14, 7PM

Under the guidance of Jimmy Ludwig, Eric Svejcar, and Kristen Beth Williams, students worked with such accomplished writers as Preston Max Allen, James Ballard & Seth Christenfeld, Josh Ben-Ami & James Salem, Christiana Cole, Elspeth Collard & Sam Rosenblatt, Amanda D'Archangelis & Sami Horneff, Michael Finke, Si Kahn, Joel B. New, Marcus Scott, and Danny Ursetti.

undertaking christmas on show-score! (2021)

christmas in july edition

Show-Score is a community of theater fans who see shows and help others discover what to see. Through ratings, reviews, and organized categories and show information, we make it easy to discover Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows and Off-Off-Broadway shows that you’ll love.

Joel B. New's UNDERTAKING CHRISTMAS to be Presented in July On Stellar (2021)

broadway world press release

For the month of July, Undertaking Christmas is back for Video On Demand viewing, exclusively on Stellar.

FINAL FIVE (2021)

“why i’ll never make it” podcast

After our main conversation, Joel sticks around and answers the five final questions all about bucket lists, inspirations, and lessons learned. Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast app or on the website: http://winmipodcast.com

Joel B. New - Musical Theater Composer Learning to Craft Music and Marketing (2021)

“why i’ll never make it” podcast

“In the last episode we learned the importance of producing our own work as actors. Well today's guest, Joel B. New, will show us that just because you build it doesn't mean people will come. After the hard work of creating, then comes the daunting task of producing and promoting it, getting others to take notice and support that work. Learn how Joel found unique ways to get the word out on one of his own musicals.” -Patrick Oliver Jones

Joel B. New Announces Upcoming Livestream Concert (2021)

broadway world press release

The concert will feature Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Woman On the Verge...), Travis Kent (Disaster!), Charles Sanchez (Merce), and Gabe Violett (Spring Awakening).

Watch the Most Blissfully Bonkers HIV PSA Ever Made (2021)

by mark s. king | blog: my fabulous disease

“A candy-colored music video for the original song, ‘The More You Can Ho,’ by composer and lyricist Joel B. New, brings the screen names of a phone dating app to psychedelic life, and folks, it is nuts.”

New HIV Awareness Campaign Featuring Characters From MERCE (2021)

broadway world press release

“Seven short PSAs will be crowned by the jewel of the campaign, a new 3-minute music video of a ‘We Are the World’-type song by Jonathan Larson Grant recipient and MAC Award-winning composer/lyricist Joel B. New. The saucy ballad, on which the whole campaign is named, takes place within a hook-up app.”

poz magazine: Watch Merce Explain the HIV Facts of U=U in #TheMoreUCanHo (2021)

By Trenton Straube

“HIV educational videos get a sassy, irreverent, and musical reinvention thanks to the cast of the hit HIV web comedy series Merce. The videos are part of a new campaign titled ‘The More You Can Ho!’ [based on the original campaign song penned by Joel B. New] — which riffs off ‘The More You Know,’ the title of the series of public service ads NBC started airing in the ’90s.”

review: undertaking christmas (2020)

hallmarked up!! (podcast)

“Hallmarked Up!! with Mary and Sarah” rewrites the Countdown to Christmas Hallmark movies for today's modern woman. Being Hallmark movie experts, they attended Undertaking Christmas with a watchful eye and thoroughly enjoyed what they saw: “Right away, you see him using these Hallmark tropes really deftly.”

timeout new york: The best Christmas shows in NYC this holiday season (2020)

By Adam Feldman

Our guide to holiday stage fun in 2020, with plenty of streaming Christmas Carols and Nutcrackers to yuletide you over.

TimeOut New York (2020)

Undertaking Christmas

“Joel B. New performs his original musical spoof of Hallmark Channel holiday movies: the uplifting tale of a gay party planner who is forced to return to his dumpy hometown of Sadness, Indiana, to rescue the family funeral home. The plots thicken! Expect campy songs, same-sex romance and toxic fruitcakes of at least one variety. Gillian Berkowitz is the musical director and arranger, and Carolyn Mignini narrates as Mrs. Claus. Tickets cost $10–$15.”

Call Me Adam (2020 Interview)

Call Answered: Joel B. New Interview: Composer/Lyricist, Undertaking Christmas

“This holiday season Joel B. brings his musical comedy, Undertaking Christmas, to computer screens everywhere. Undertaking Christmas is a homage to the Hallmark Channel movie genre. It’s about a gay man who returns to his Midwestern roots and unearths love in the most unlikely of places.”

Intermission Talk (2020 Editorial)

Producers Insure That The Show Must Go On | by Tony Vellela

“I am a huge fan of the cozy tropes baked into every Hallmark Channel holiday movie,” stated New. “That said, LGBTQ characters in leading roles who also break the ‘conventionally attractive’ mold are nowhere to be found. ‘Undertaking Christmas’ is a joyful musical comedy that incorporates gay romantic leads, body positivity, and, of course, death by fruitcake poisoning.”

UNDERTAKING CHRISTMAS press release (2020)

A Gay Original Musical Comedy Pays Homage To The Hallmark Genre

Written and performed by Joel B. New, narrated by Broadway's Carolyn Mignini as "Mrs. Claus," and with musical direction and arrangements by Broadway's Gillian Berkowitz on the piano, Undertaking Christmas will be presented on Saturday December 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET by Benjwelo Theatricals in partnership with premium streaming platform Stellar (www.stellartickets.com).

Also seen in American Towns, Arts Boston, Asian American Arts Alliance, BaristaNet, Bear World Magazine, Chicago Tribune, City Guide NY, CitiTour NYC, CitySpark, CurtainTimes, doNYC, Eventful, Events Near Here, Metro, Purple Circuit, Queens.com, Spingo, Stage Buddy, Theater Online, and Xtra Magazine.

sallypal (2020)

youtube interview with sally adams

“Joel B. New has been working in the world of musical theatre in New York for most of his career and he's embracing his weirdness. His latest project, Undertaking Christmas, involves, what else but death and queerness. He took time away from working on that and the final touches for Monkey Trouble Unleashed! to talk about creating during quarantine.”

Jet Li Parody Musical Monkey Trouble Unleashed! to Premiere at The Duplex (2019)

BY LOGAN CULWELL-BLOCK for playbill

Writer and Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Joel B. New will release songs from the new musical via weekly podcasts.

Laura Heywood Interviews Joel B. New (2019)

Joel describes his newest work, Monkey Trouble Unleashed! as “a violent musical comedy,” inspired by two critically obscure films. It will debut October 6 at The Duplex in New York City!

Musicals w/ Cheese (2019)

BONUS: Interview with Joel B. New

“Jess is joined by Composer and Podcaster Joel B. New where they chat about his work, his upcoming cabaret reading of his musical, his influences, Joel's Podcast, and so much more. This interview is so much fun, and is not to be missed!”

IN THE WORKS Comes to The Duplex Cabaret Theatre (2019)

by Stephi Wild | broadway world

In The Works will be presented monthly and feature three composers or composer teams, each presenting about 20 minutes of new material. This month Sunday June 16th at 9:30pm features the works of composers: Sarah Ziegler Blair, Bryan Blaskie & Laurie Hochman and, Joel B. New. Hosted by: Thomas Honeck.

Photo Flash: Joel B. New Brings JOEL B. NEW IS TRYING TOO HARD to Green Room 42 (2018)

Award-winning songwriter Joel B. New presented an eclectic evening of his songs, Joel B. New Is Trying Too Hard, at The Green Room 42 on Saturday, October 6th.

BroadwayWorld has an exclusive look at the evening. Check out photos below!

"THE ONLY EXPECTATION IS THAT YOU WILL TELL A STORY." (2018)

by richard riaz yoder for the ensemblist

Michael Dansicker and Joel B. New Win MAC's 2017 Dottie Burman & John Wallowitch Songwriting Awards (2017)

by broadway world desk

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced the 2017 winners of the Dottie Burman and John Wallowitch songwriting awards.

sondheim-inspired lobby project finalists announced! (2017)

by new york city center

"From these entries our judging panel selected 4 finalists, 7 semi-finalists, and 9 honorable mentions [including “I Play With Words, Not Guns” by Joel B. New]. These songs represent an in-depth and continued conversation with the questions raised in Sondheim and Weidman's musical.”

MikeyPod Live! With Joel B. New (2017)

Here it is!  A very special episode of MikeyPod, recorded live at the Kraine Theater for the Queerly Festival on June 26, 2017. 

IN THE WORKS Opens at the Duplex Sunday 5/21 (2017)

by A.A. Cristi | broadway world

On Sunday May 21st at 9:30pm, Honeck-Moss Productions is proud to present "In The Works." This exciting monthly series was conceived as an opportunity for composers to try out new work in front of an audience and see how it plays in a supportive environment. It is also an opportunity to create community among the composers and their performers.

This month features the works of composers: Andre Catrini, Joel B. New and Rachel Peters. Hosted by Amanda Yesnowitz.

BWW Audio Exclusive: Preview Track from Joel B. New's CABOT COVE Album, Featuring Lisa Howard! (2016)

by BWW News Desk | broadway world

Broadway Records has announced that CABOT COVE will be released digitally and in stores on Friday, December 2, 2016. The album is currently available for pre-order at www.BroadwayRecords.com.

BroadwayWorld has an exclusive preview of one of the tracks, "The Dead Must Sing (Gloria)" featuring Lisa Howard, below!

The Compass (2016)

Episode 26: Joel B. New

“Composer, lyricist, and singer Joel B. New shares his thoughts on the dark side, showing up, day jobs, his awesome podcast ‘Something New’, his writing process, crowdfunding, and Murder, She Wrote. Joel also shares a new song from his upcoming EP!”

howlround (2016)

The Musical Theatre Podcast "Something New" at Dramatists Guild

“The Season 4 Finale of the musical theatre podcast ‘Something New’ livestreamed on the global, commons-based peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Saturday 8 October at 4:00 a.m. PST (Portland) / 7:00 p.m. EDT (New York).”

CABOT COVE OR BUST Concert Set for Bowery Poetry Club, 4/24 (2016)

by Tyler Peterson | broadway world

Award-winning songwriter Joel B. New will present "Cabot Cove Or Bust," a one-night-only pop/rock concert, on Sunday, April 24th at 6pm at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York.

Joel B. New Set for The Duplex Tonight (2015)

by Tyler Peterson | broadway world

Musical theatre writer Joel B. New makes his New York solo concert debut tonight at 9:30PM on the Duplex Cabaret Theatre stage. Directed by Bistro Award winner Justin Daniel, "Joel B. New In Concert" will feature New behind the piano, playing and singing a variety of selections from his musical projects. Guest performers also scheduled to appear include Charlie Levy, Jenny Neale, Dan Radzikowski, and Christine Schneider.

Photos Exclusive: Inside the Sitzprobe for Joel B. New's NYMF Concert TO HELL AND BACK (2015)

by Tyler Peterson for broadwayworld

The 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival presents To Hell and Back in concert on Tuesday, July 7th. Inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, this indie-rock album musical follows a broken songwriter on a madcap cab ride into a soundless world to save his muse from the hands of a lonely fangirl. Music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson Award-winning songwriter Joel B. New.

BroadwayWorld has an exclusive look inside the concert's sitzprobe, recently held at Euphoria Studios. 

Photo Flash Exclusive: SOMETHING NEW Live at 54 Below, Hosted by Joel B. New (2014)

by Anna Bencivengo for broadwayworld

On August 25th, the musical theatre podcast went to 54 Below to wrap up the season with a special live concert. Award-winning songwriter and host Joel B. New invited some of his favorite guests to join him and bring his songs to life onstage. With direction by Lori Wolter Hudson, the evening featured the vocal stylings of Drew Gasparini, Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Amy Jo Jackson, Bill Coyne, Avital Asuleen, Dan Radzikowski, David Hudson, Hansel Tan (pictured), Jamie Buxton, Jenny Neale, Justin Daniel, Kate Steinberg, Mariand Torres, Matt Wilson, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, and Tiffan Borelli. With Daniel Kim on guitar, Jessica Winderweedle on drums, Joel B. New on piano, and Lloyd Kikoler on bass. Photos by Monica Simoes Photography.

STANDALONE Original Online Cast Recording Released Digitally Today (2014)

by Tyler Peterson | broadway world

Joel B. New's musical theatre podcast, "Something New", releases the premiere studio recording of his song cycle, STANDALONE.

From concept to final mix, the creative process was documented in three "minisodes" on Joel's podcast leading up to the July 21 release. Band and principal vocals were recorded at Yellow Sound Lab on June 29.

BWW Roundup: Top-20 Podcasts for Theatre Fans (2014)

by matt tamanini for broadwayworld

“I wanted to introduce the BroadwayWorld readers to the best theatre-centric podcasts the internet has to offer.”

Joel B. New's Radio Play RSVP, Directed by Lori Wolter Hudson, Premieres April 1 (2013)

BY MICHAEL GIOIA for playbill

RSVP, a musical radio play featuring book, music and lyrics by Joel B. New, premieres April 1 on New's musical theatre podcast "Something New."

Directed by Lori Wolter Hudson (assistant director of Broadway's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Philanthropist and Pygmalion), the work was recorded live at Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City March 16 with a cast that includes Greg Etling as Michael Walker, Jenny Neale as Susan and Scott Guthrie as The Stranger. 

In Others’ Words, A Concert of the Work of Joel B. New, at Ars Nova (2013)

The concert featured the vocal stylings of Lilli Cooper (Spring Awakening), Annie Funke (If There is I Haven’t Found it Yet), Lisa Howard (...Spelling Bee) and more.

Photo Credit: Michelle Kinney

New York Theatre Barn in the D-Lounge Features Michael Dexter, Joel B. New in October (2011)

by Kelsey Denette | broadway world

On Monday, October 10, 2011, New York Theatre Barn will present NYTB in the D-Lounge, a monthly platform for emerging musical theatre writers (now in its 4th year), at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

Ayers, Champlin, Howard, Jibson and Yazbeck Sing "New" Songs Jan. 26 (2009)

BY ANDREW GANS | playbill

The acclaimed Songbook series — produced and hosted by John F. Znidarsic — continues Jan. 26 with an evening dedicated to the songs of up-n-coming composer Joel B. New.