THE TWELVE - THE CHINA CLUB (268 West 47th) NYC - 13TH JAN 2008

Neil Berg - Official Website

Photo Coverage: Neil Berg's 'The Twelve' Debuts at The China Club

Tuesday, January 15, 2008; Posted: 9:02 PM - by Genevieve Rafter Keddy

  Producer Adam Friedson presented a free performance of Neil Berg's theatrical rock concert event The Twelve at the China Club January 13 at 7:15PM. The show included a roster of legendary Broadway and Rock & Roll performers including: Rob Evan, Danny Zolli, Michael Lanning, Lawrence Clayton, Marty Thomas, Aisha de Haas, and special Guest Patti Russo.

"The Twelve begins where Jesus Christ Superstar leaves off. In this high-energy rock show, each one of Christ's apostles is represented with a tribute to a different classic-rock icon such as: David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, U2, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin," explain press notes.

Heading the cast was Rob Evan, lead singer of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and star of the Broadway shows Jekyll & Hyde and Les Miserables. The performance also featured such legendary Broadway voices as Danny Zolli (British Rock Symphony and Jesus Christ Superstar), Michael Lanning (The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Civil War), Lawrence Clayton (Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar), Marty Thomas (Xanadu), Aisha de Haas (Broadway Gospel Choir, Rent) and special guest Patti Russo (featured female singer for Meatloaf and Queen).

Neil Berg is the creator of the internationally acclaimed touring show Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway, which is currently touring over 200 cities worldwide. He was the composer/musical director for the Harley Davidson 100 Year Anniversary rock tour, and also served as producer of the landmark BC/EFA Chess in Concert. He is also the composer of numerous theatrical musicals, including The Prince and the Pauper, The Man Who Would Be King, Tim and Scrooge and the upcoming Broadway musical Grumpy Old Men: The Musical.

Photos by Genevieve Rafter Keddy

     

Review, pictures and scans by Steph 13.01.08:

05. Walking On Water - Thaddeus and Mary Magdalene (Patti Russo)

 

 

08. Lost - Matthew and Mary Magdalene (Patti Russo)

 

 

10. All Doors Will Open - The Devil (Patti Russo)

 

 

12. I Am Not Alone - James The Lesser (Marty Thomas)

 

14. No Fence Around My Heart - Mary Magdalene (Patti Russo)

 

15. Magdelene - Matthias (Ron LaSalle)

 

17. Where Are We Now (reprise) / Rise Up

 

I'll be the first to admit that there are some songs/performances I like primarily because Patti is a part of them or has lent her voice to a project, but this show was just great from start to finish. As the last note finished, I wanted the whole thing to start again! The story line of The Twelve will probably make more sense as a full theatrical production, and this was just a showcase of the music and lyrics. The music was rock, the lyrics were powerful, and every artist on stage brought a performance that could knock the roof off the place!! Patti joined in several ensemble pieces and had two solo performances as well...........one as the Devil herself singing a powerful yet entertaining song called "All Doors Will Open," and one as Mary Magdalene, a beautifully moving number called "No Fence Around My Heart." I know it's probably too much to hope The Twelve will have this entire cast in final production, but that sure would be some show..............

 

   

VIDEOS - Right click and save as to download

05. Walking On Water

08. Lost

10. All Doors Will Open

14. No Fence Around My Heart

17. Where Are We Now (reprise) / Rise Up

 

AUDIO - Right click and save as to download

05. Walking On Water

08. Lost

10. All Doors Will Open

14. No Fence Around My Heart

17. Where Are We Now (reprise) / Rise Up

 

The Twelve (APAP Showcase) - China Club, New York, NY 1/13/08

Blog post on myspace by Damien DeSimone

Composer/lyricist Neil Berg's debut of The Twelve was primarily for members of the annual APAP Conference, but it was also a free event open to the public.  His biblically-based, theatrical rock extravaganza, which features a prodigious cast of vocalists and musicians from Broadway and beyond, successfully and substantively merges religion and rock 'n roll for the theater fan and thinking man.  As the concert commenced, Berg - who was hunched over his keyboard in a corner of the crowded stage - appeared to be praying, or at least priming himself for the rigorous road ahead.  The diversified songs, effective pacing, and intriguing concept kept me entertained.

The main reason I attended was to see Patti Russo, who captivated me at Fantasy Camp last September.  Patti's voice is versatile, omnipotent, and eloquent; her live presence always strikingly impressive.  From rockers to ballads to show tunes, she sings it all with unparalleled verve and grace.  Patti had several lead and supporting roles, and, along with everyone else, garnered a grand response after each performance.

Neil Berg Debuts 'The Twelve' at China Club, Free Showcase 1/13
Tuesday, November 27, 2007; Posted: 6:36 PM - by BWW News Desk

Neil Berg, the creator of "100 Years of Broadway" and the composer of the coming musical Grumpy Old Men, introduces a new theatrical event – The Twelve­ – an APAP showcase at the China Club (268 West 47th) on Sunday, January 13 at 7PM.

This will be a 90-minute concert presentation with a six-piece rock band. Rehearsals start the week of January 7.

The cast includes Lawrence Clayton (Jesus Christ Superstar, Dreamgirls), Rob Evan (Jekyl and Hyde, Tarzan, Les Miserables, Michael Lanning (Civil War, voice-over) and Danny Zolli (Jesus Christ Superstar).  Plus Aisha de Haas (Rent, Dreamgirls), Patti Russo (of Meatloaf and We Will Rock You).

The band features Alex Skolnick (guitar), Neil Berg (piano), Roger Cohen (drums), Dave Baron (bass) and Greg Lykins (guitar).

This is a free and public event, produced by Berg and Adam Friedson.  First-come, first-serve.  To make reservations, people can e-mail Makayla Bishop at mbactor1@aol.com. All questions can be answered during business hours (10:30 am - 5:30 pm) Doors open at 6:30PM.  Showtime near 7:15PM.

Photo: Neil Berg
 

Evan, Lanning, Zolli, de Haas and More Set for Free The Twelve Concert

By Andrew Gans
28 Nov 2007

Producer Neil Berg will present a free showcase of The Twelve Jan. 13, 2008, at the China Club in Manhattan.

"I have been developing this rock/theater concept for several years, and am finally ready to debut it," Berg writes on his official website.

The evening at the New York City club will feature the talents of Dreamgirls' Lawrence Clayton, Tarzan's Rob Evan, Civil War's Michael Lanning, Jesus Christ Superstar's Danny Zolli, Rent's Aisha de Haas and rock singer Patti Russo. The singers will be backed by Alex Skolnick (guitar), Neil Berg (piano), Roger Cohen (drums), Dave Baron (bass) and Greg Lukins (guitar).

Frank Fagnano is the sound engineer for the 90-minute concert. Doors will open at 6:30 PM for the 7:15 performance.

For reservations to the free event, e-mail Makayla Bishop at mbactor1@aol.com. The China Club is located in Manhattan at 268 West 47th Street.

FREE ROCK CONCERT "THE TWELVE" by NEIL BERG
Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:00 PM
The China Club
268 WEST 47TH STREET, (Btwn. Broadway and 8th Avenue), NYC
New York, New York 10036

Category
Music
Description
THE TWELVE
A THEATRICAL ROCK CONCERT EVENT BY NEIL BERG
THE CHINA CLUB ~ 268 W. 47TH STREET
1/13/08 ~ 7:00PM SHOW ~ DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM
FREE ADMISSION ~ NO COVER ~ NO MINIMUM

THE TWELVE begins where Jesus Christ Superstar leaves off. In this high-energy rock show, each one of Christ’s apostles is represented with a tribute to a different classic-rock icon such as: David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, U2, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin.

Heading the cast is ROB EVAN, lead singer of THE TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, and star of the Broadway shows JEKYLL & HYDE, LES MISERABLES. The performance will also feature such legendary Broadway voices as: DANNY ZOLLI (BRITISH ROCK SYMPHONY and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR), MICHAEL LANNING TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA and THE CIVIL WAR), LAWRENCE CLAYTON (DREAMGIRLS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR), MARTY THOMAS (XANADU and club pop sensation), AISHA DE HAAS (BROADWAY GOSPEL CHOIR and RENT) and special guest PATTI RUSSO (featured female singer for MEATLOAF, and QUEEN).

NEIL BERG is the creator of the internationally acclaimed touring show NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY, which is currently touring over 200 cities worldwide. He was the composer/musical director for the Harley Davidson 100 Year Anniversary rock tour, and also served as producer of the landmark BC/EFA CHESS IN CONCERT. He is also the composer of numerous theatrical musicals, including: THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING, TIM AND SCROOGE, and the upcoming Broadway musical GRUMPY OLD MEN: THE MUSICAL.
 
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http://neilberg.com/news/2007-11-21.php

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