“Suffering from a case of the Mondays? Laugh your blues away with a slew of hip vaudeville and variety acts sure to keep you in stitches. Don't miss the LionHearted Players best known for their sold-out variety spoof "American Midol," [now presenting Powell Leonard as Chuck E. Baby in “The Kong Show" ~ Daily News
Monday,
July 26th @ 7PM
THE
KONG SHOW:
FUNNY
TODAY! HOT TAMALE!
The Biggest Little Vaudeville-Style Comedy
Variety Show
http://funnytoday.eventbrite.com
Get
Tickets Now (http://funnytoday.eventbrite.com)
to the LionHearted Players deliciously demented comedy variety show:
"THE KONG SHOW: FUNNY TODAY! HOT TAMALE!"
Monday, July 26 at 7PM, upstairs at the Iguana VIP Lounge, 240 W. 54th
Street. (Between 8th Avenue and Broadway).
It's a forecast of fun! Join Powell Leonard as your host Chuck
E. Baby (channeling a hilarious impersonation of a Chuck Barris-like
Gong Show TV host character) presenting the stand up comedy magic of
Irish Dave Cremin; the sketch comedy antics of the LionHearted
Players Lorraine Klimowich, Adam P. Murphy, Michael
Pichardo and Cathy Schramm; and
from "Last Comic Standing" Rik Sansone
and Jen Ryan as the comedy duo the
Rev Billand Betty Holland; plus stand-up
comedian Bob Greenberg.
Arrive early for drinks in the VIP Lounge and enjoy a pre-show concert
by international award-winning musician Andrew
Cordle.
“THE
KONG SHOW” is vaudeville for the 21st Century live on stage.
It’s more than just sketch, it’s more than just stand up,
it’s more than you can imagine!
You don't have to wait until July 26 to check out the Iguana, a spectacular
Mexican Restaurant famous for 25 flavors of Margaritas or Mojitos. A
perfect place for a night out! With great drinks, good food and special
events, including dance parties and cabaret shows every week.
http://www.iguananyc.com/
(There is a one item food or drink minimum in the Iguana
VIP Lounge.)
Monday, July
26th, for One Night Only!
THE KONG SHOW: FUNNY TODAY! HOT TAMALE!
BUY YOUR $5* TICKET NOW!
*Service fees are added to the ticket price and paid
by the ticket buyer.
MONDAY, MAY 3RD
THE KONG SHOW: CINCO DE MAYO-nnaise
http://cincodemayonnaise.eventbrite.com
The Biggest Little Vaudeville-Style Comedy Variety Show
Suffering from a case of the Mondays? Laugh your
blues away with a slew of hip vaudeville and variety acts sure to keep
you in stitches. Don't miss the LionHearted Players best known for their
sold-out variety spoof "American Midol," [now presenting Powell
Leonard as Chuck E. Baby in “The Kong Show: Cinco De Mayo-nnaise”]
~ Daily News
Get
Tickets Now for only $ 5, Cinco Dolares! to the
LionHearted Players deliciously demented comedy variety show:
"THE KONG SHOW: CINCO DE MAYO-nnaise!" Monday, May
3rd at 7PM, upstairs at the Iguana VIP Lounge,
240 W. 54th Street. (Between 8th Avenue and Broadway). Join
Powell Leonard as your host Chuck E. Baby
(channeling a hilarious impersonation of a Chuck Barris-like Gong Show
TV host character) for a festival of fun, an early Cinco De Mayo celebration
presenting the sketch comedy antics of the critically acclaimed LionHearted
Players with Andrew Cordle and
Cathy Schramm; the comedy duo the Rev
Bill & Betty Holland; the stand up comedy magic of
Irish Dave Cremin; plus comedian
Rob Gorden and special guest comedienne
Sandy Ehlers.
"THE KONG SHOW” is vaudeville
for the 21st Century live on stage. It’s more than just sketch,
it’s more than just stand up, it’s more than you can imagine!
Arrive early at 6:30pm for an after-work special. Treat yourself to
a drink upstairs in the VIP lounge and enjoy a pre-show mini-concert
by the international award-winning soloist, Andrew Cordle.
You don't have to wait until May to check out the Iguana, a spectacular
Mexican Restaurant famous for their 25 flavors of Margaritas or Mojitos.
A perfect place for a night out! (There is a one item food or drink
minimum.) They've got great drinks, good food and special events, including
dance parties and cabaret shows every week. http://iguananyc.com/
And Now! On Monday, May 3rd at 7pm for One Night Only, they've got
THE KONG SHOW: CINCO DE MAYO-nnaise!
The Iguana VIP Lounge (upstairs)
240 W. 54th Street. (Between 8th Avenue and Broadway)
BUY YOUR CINCO DOLARES, $5 TICKET NOW!
online at: http://cincodemayonnaise.eventbrite.com
THE LIONHEARTED PLAYERS are an Astoria, Queens-based comedy troupe that began as an actor’s workshop in the Lower East Side’s Planet One Café in 2001. Since then, producers (and spouses) Powell Leonard and Miss Ella have produced variety, music, and comedy shows featuring some of New York's most talented singers and comedians. Powella Productions' The LionHearted Players have performed to packed houses all over New York City including Don't Tell Mama's, Danny's Skylight, the Broadway Comedy Club, the Undercroft Performance Space, the Sage Theater, the Producers Club, and now at the Iguana VIP Lounge. “The Kong Show: Cinco De Mayo-nnaise” is their latest vaudeville –style comedy variety show.
Producers Powell Leonard and Miss Ella
Take a look at our talented performers!
Introducing the sketch comedy of the LionHearted Players:
ANDREW
CORDLE has appeared throughout the United States, Canada,
Europe and South America as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral
performer. He has won many prizes and awards internationally, for which
he has received the highest critical acclaim. As an actor
Mr. Cordle has performed with the Senior Theatre Acting Repertory and
this season the LionHearted Players have welcomed him to the company
as a musician, actor and playwright. His acting roles have
included Willie in Neil Simon's “ The Sunshine Boys,” Dr. Michael
Gabrielle in “I am the Devil,” Mr. Richards in “Pizza by the Numbers,”
a US Customs and Immigration officer in the LionHearted Players’
premier performance of his own work “Bon Voyage and Have a Nice Day,”
as Jake in “The Bermuda Triangle of Love,” and as Richard Johnson a.k.a
Dick, in “Human Resources.”
Cathy schramm appeared with the LionHearted
Players in her debut performance as a pill popping, hard drinking, chain
smoking, cheerleader mom. Then, she was cast as the insane, Alice Osborne
a.k.a. the Devil, in “I am the Devil.” She was once again type cast
and appeared in “What’s Your Problem?” as Carrie, just your average
woman with acute bi-polar paranoid schizophrenia combined with violent
psychotic homicidal tendencies! Tonight she is playing, Marlene Stark,
an upper level management career woman, who just happens to be a little
bit of a cannibal! ,A soprano with the Choirs at Most Precious Blood
Church in Astoria, back in the day, Cathy was seen as Ella in “Bells
Are Ringing,” Olga the Snake Charmer in “Carnival,” Miss Perkins in
“Annie” and in the chorus of “Kismet,” where she met her husband, Eric.
Cathy has a Bachelor’s of Music from Marywood University with an applied
major in Cello. Adolf, her cello sits forlornly in the corner of the
bedroom to this day.
Introducing our FEATURED PERFORMERS:
DAVE CREMIN puts a twisted spin
on old tricks, combining stand-up with magic, illusion, and sleight
of hand. Dave Cremin has performed professionally in the magic arena
for more than 15 years. Skilled with a diverse array of presentations,
his magic is suitable, not only for private parties and weddings, but
also trade shows and sales seminars, and pretty much anything else in
between. Dave's recipe is simple--combine magic and comedy, add a generous
helping of charm and personality, give it a good stir, and you've got
an act that's sure to please. Past performances include, Don't Tell
Mama, The Broadway Comedy Club, The Sage Theatre, and PA TV along with
several independent film productions. Dave's love for magic dates back
to his teen years but, only when he came to New York in the mid eighties,
did he realize that he had an aptitude and a passion for performing
the art. Always striving for perfection, Dave polishes new material
several nights a week as a Magical Bartender at Cronin and Phelan's
Bar & Restaurant in Astoria, Queens. http://www.outofthisworldmagic.com
SANDY EHLERS, a native of Hoboken, NJ is a comedienne/writer who has
performed her stand-up all over the Tri-State, Boca Raton, Florida and
LA.. Her television credits include ABC’s The View and Jane Hanson’s
New York. Sandy donates her time and comedy to Memorial Sloan Kettering
Hospital in New York City and Gilda’s Club in both NY and NJ. She basically
enjoys being a clown and a cut-up, and her generous heart and quick
wit make her one very funny lady!
Hi! I’m ROB GORDEN.
I’m a comedian, storyteller and was one half of the award winning comedy
duo “The Rob and Mark Show.” I’ve performed all over NYC and you may
have seen me on SpikeTV, Nick at Night or in “Heavyweights” on The Food
Network. I’ve been in many independent films which will never see the
light of day. Two that had a glimpse of sunlight are Ed Wood’s “Devil
Girls” where I played the cult icon Criswell and the low budget classic
“Drainiac,” which features me in a scene that does for toilets what
Psycho did for showers.
JEN RYAN
and RIK SANSONE as the Rev.Bill AndBetty
Holland are always performing live in NYC and posting original sketches
on their website. Visit : revbillandbetty.com
for upcoming show dates and more! In March they filmed their “Interfaith
Understandings” at the Gotham Comedy Club, a premiere episode which
will be aired on “Last Comic Standing” on June 7th. In April,
they appeared on Weirdos.TV! The Rev.Bill AndBetty Holland are available
to spread their infectious flavor of “Interfaith Understandings” at
your club, show, party, event and functions! E-mail: revbillandbetty@me.com
Monday, November 23rd @ 7pm: “The Kong Show: Thanks-A-Lot!!”
The Biggest Little Vaudeville-Style Variety Show
The Grand Theater at the Producers Club
358 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenue)
Celebrating
8 years of unparalleled success, playing to packed houses all over New
York City, Powella Productions and the LionHearted Players present the
2009 season finale of their comedy variety show “The Kong Show:
Thanks A Lot!” on Monday, November 23rd at 7pm, NOW
AT A NEW LOCATION! The Grand Theater at the Producers Club, located
at 358 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenue). Join
Powell Leonard as your host Chuck E. Baby (channeling a hilarious impersonation
of a Chuck Barris-like Gong Show TV host character) for the season finale
of the vaudeville-style variety show “The Kong Show: Thanks A Lot!”
The
evening is a veritable feast, chock-full of laughs served up by a slew
of hip vaudeville and variety acts; featuring the
sketch comedy of the LionHearted Players: Vinny Anand, Lizzie Bell, Russell
Bradley Bookert, Andrew Cordle,
Bridget Dunn, Erik Graham, Michael Pichardo,
Cathy Schramm, and Ann Marie Yoo. Plus,
the stand up comedy magic of Irish Dave Cremin;
the comedy duo the Knuckleheads; and from VH1's"Best Night Ever"
special guest comedienne Mindy Raf. "The
Kong Show: Thanks A Lot!" is vaudeville for the 21st Century live
on stage. It's more than just sketch, it's more than just stand up,
it's more than you can imagine!
Tickets on sale at door day of the show
$15 regular admission / $12 students & seniors.
Advance Tickets: $12 Regular, $7.50 Students & Seniors
Purchase Tickets online at: http://thanksalot.eventbrite.com
Contact Powella Productions: 718-482-8790
E-mail: LionHeartedPlayers@earthlink.net
www.LionHeartedPlayers.com
“Suffering from a case of the Mondays? Laugh your blues away [with the LionHearted Players] featuring a slew of hip vaudeville and variety acts sure to keep you in stitches. Don't miss the LionHearted Players best known for their sold-out variety spoof "American Midol," [now presenting Powell Leonard as Chuck E. Baby in “The Kong Show.” Enjoy sketch comedy with the LionHearted Players; the stand up comedy magic of Irish Dave Cremin; special guest comedienne Mindy Raf; and more.] ~ Daily News
THE LIONHEARTED PLAYERS are a Queens-based comedy troupe that began as an actor’s workshop in the Lower East Side’s Planet One Café in 2001. Since then, producers (and spouses) Powell Leonard and Miss Ella have produced variety, music, and comedy shows featuring some of New York's most talented singers and comedians. Powella Productions' The LionHearted Players have performed to packed houses all over New York City including Don't Tell Mama's, Danny's Skylight, the Broadway Comedy Club, the Undercroft Performance Space, the Sage Theater, and now at the Producers Club. “The Kong Show: Thanks A Lot!“ is their latest vaudeville –style comedy variety show.
Producers Powell Leonard and Miss Ella
Take a look at our talented performers!
Introducing the sketch comedy troupe the LionHearted Players:
VINNY ANAND was featured on the Food Network and on Manhattan local TV Channel 56. Also, look
for Vinny in his breakout role, as "Rahim Butt" in Wreckless
Endeavour's independent feature film "IX: the Quest for Sizable Truths."
He is currently filming the movie "Dancing Scared" which is
being shot in NYC. Tony Meredith signed on as the executive producer and
the multi-talented Vinny Anand
is playing not one, but two different roles in the movie!
Lizzie Bell bets she can win you over before you finish
reading her bio. Here we go . . . Can she act?
Oh yeah she can! Can she dance? Bet your ass she can!
Can she sing? Hmmm . . . ok, maybe not. But she's funny
and that counts for something, right? Lizzie is a student of the
Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre. You can also see her perform
with the all-female improv team, Dirt In The
Skirt. Recent theatre credits include The Empty Chair, Amadeus,
and The Comedy of Errors. And the icing on the
cake? She makes amazing
blueberry muffins and thinks you're so pretty!
Russell Bradley
Bookert is very
happy to be joining
the Lionhearted Players for this production. He began his training at
Virginia Wesleyan College in Virginia Beach,
VA, where he minored in Theatre and starred in such productions as "A
Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,""Words, Words,
Words,""Medea,"and "A
Little Death,"and also received improv
training at The Florida Studio Theatre, in Sarasota, FL. Since moving to NYC he's started writing
and has starred in such Off-Off Broadway productions as The Hardships
of Theatre Variety Show (The Kraine Theatre),
The Floor(Shetler
Studios), and the independent film "Invocations (2008) as well
as a martial arts industrial film The Art of Wing Chung.Russell is currently
studying martial arts and fight choreography and working on producing
his own script.
ANDREW CORDLE has appeared throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America as a soloist, chamber musician and
orchestral performer. He has won many prizes and awards internationally,
for which he has received the highest critical acclaim. As
an actor Mr. Cordle has performed with the
Senior Theatre Acting Repertory and this season the LionHearted Players have welcomed him to the company as a
musician, actor and playwright. His acting roles have included
Willie in Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys, Dr. Michael Gabrielle
in I am the Devil, Mr. Richards in Pizza by the Numbers,a US Customs
and Immigration officer in the LionHearted
Playerspremier performance of his own work Bon Voyage and Have a Nice
Dayand as Jake in The Bermuda Triangle of Love.
Bridget Dunn
is ecstatic
to be working with The LionHearted
Players! She has a B.A. in Theatre Performance
from Purdue University. Favorite
roles include: Mrs. Walker
in The Who's Tommy,Claire De Lune in On the Town,Audrey in Little Shop
of Horrors, Lydia Languish in The Rivals, Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday,
Ruby Dames at Seaand many more.
Most recently, she performed at The Attic Theatre in Jersey City
in the Attic Junior series as Fanny in Anonymous, Unknown and Grimm. She would like
to dedicate her performance to her amazing
husband, Mark.
ERIK GRAHAM is a multi-talented actor and
musician with a dynamic personality capable of a wide range of
performances. Erik is also a writer who has written stand up material
and is currently writing a dramatic screenplay, which he hopes to one
day direct. His experience has been mostly in music as a live and studio
musician playing guitar/bass, and as a recording engineer, producer/writer/arranger.
Want to get a CD or have him play live? Erik Graham can be contacted
at: funkyrock11@yahoo.com.
You can also listen to his music at http://www.myspace.com/funkyrock11
MICHAEL PICHARDO is of Dominican descent
and is originally from the Lower East Side section of Downtown Manhattan.
He started writing poetry at the age of 14 and performed Latin dance
on stage while in high school.
He studied theatre at Queensborough Community College where he
earned his A.S. degree in Performing Arts. His acting credits include
"All In The Timing,The Private Life of the Master Race,Oedipus
Rex,"StopKiss, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest".
In 2007, he wrote and recorded his first poetry album.
In September 2008, he performed in his very first Off-Off Broadway
production "69 Ain't Just A Number" at the Producer's Club
and made his Off-Broadway debut in "Spoon River Anthology"
at the Roy Arias Theater Center last spring.
He can be seen in an upcoming independent feature film "The
Beast Within" which is currently in pre-production and is at work
on a second poetry album, which he aspires to complete this year.
Cathy Schramm
appeared with the LionHearted
Players in her debut performance as a pill popping, hard drinking, chain
smoking, cheerleader mom. Then, she was cast as the insane, Alice Osborne a.k.a. the
Devil, in "I am the Devil."
She has once again been type cast and is now appearing in "What's
Your Problem?" as Carrie, just your average every day woman with
acute bi-polar paranoid schizophrenia combined with violent psychotic
homicidal tendencies! A soprano with the Choirs at Most Precious Blood
Church in Astoria, back in the day, Cathy was seen as Ella in "Bells
Are Ringing," Olga the Snake Charmer in "Carnival," Miss Perkins in "Annie" and in the chorus of "Kismet," where she met her husband, Eric. Cathy has a Bachelor's of Music from Marywood University with an applied major in Cello. Adolf, her cello sits forlornly in the
corner of the bedroom to this day.
Ann Marie Yoo
began her performance career at the age
of 6 on the piano; she then picked up the violin at age 8 and has performed
with many symphonies and orchestras throughout New York (notably two
performances at Carnegie Hall). Ann Marie holds a BS from Columbia
University, and currently rocks out on her blue electric violin! Acting-wise,
Ann Marie holds numerous film credits, ranging from music videos to
independent feature films to "30 Rock", and you can also find
her credited on IMDb. She has
also played the lead or major supporting roles in numerous Off- and
Off-Off-Broadway shows in places such as the Hammerstein Ballroom, the
WorkShop Theatre, and the Algonquin Theatre.
Last year her "Edgar Allan Poe" show
at St. Luke's Theatre met rave reviews, including those from the New
York Times and Time Out Magazine. Ann Marie is thrilled to be
accepted into the LionHearted Players family!
Check out her work at facebook.com/annmarieyoo.
Introducing our FEATURED PERFORMERS:
DAVE CREMIN puts a twisted spin on old
tricks, combining stand-up with
magic, illusion, and sleight of hand. Dave Cremin has performed professionally
in the magic arena for more than 15 years. Skilled with a diverse array of presentations,
his magic is suitable, not only for private parties and weddings, but
also trade shows and sales seminars, and pretty much anything else in
between. Dave's recipe
is simple--combine magic and comedy, add a generous helping of charm
and personality, give it a good stir, and you've got an act that's sure
to please. Past performances include, Don't Tell
Mama, The Broadway Comedy Club, The Sage Theatre, and PA TV along with
several independent film productions.
Dave's love for magic dates back to his teen years but, only
when he came to New York in the mid eighties, did he realize that he
had an aptitude and a passion for performing the art.
Always striving for perfection, Dave polishes new material several
nights a week as a Magical Bartender at Cronin and Phelan's Bar &
Restaurant in Astoria, Queens. http://www.outofthisworldmagic.com
MINDY RAF has appeared regularly on VH1's
Best Night Ever, and has contributed her comedy and voiceover work for
WACB, The Daily Comedy Network, and Embraceyourgrace.com. Mindy also
authored a widely read relationship column on College Humor.com that
has been featured in The New Yorker and the New York Post.
Mindy performs stand-up and musical comedy as well as sketch
characters all over New York, in both alternative venues and mainstream
clubs. Her most popular character being chick rocker/vegan activist
Leibya (Labia) Rogers, who she played recently in her solo show Leibya
Fair! Mindy is currently working on her first novel, which is set
to be published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin.
http://www.MindyRaf.com
The Knuckleheads.
In November of 1999, a full-blown idiot
named 
Michael Hannon approached another full-blown, yet closeted, idiot named
Spence White about joining musical forces and becoming a more powerful
supergroup comprised of two full-blown idiots.
He spoke of a vision, carefully and painstakingly constructed,
involving two guitars, harmonica, witty original songs, eclectic covers,
improvisation, high energy, and the obligatory percussive egg, all converging
to form the entertainment supernova that, today, we call The Knuckleheads.
Having lovingly stunk up the stages of Boston Comedy Club, New
York Comedy Club, Don't Tell Mama, and numerous other venues in and
around NYC, the Knuckleheads are favorites on the "Two Guys Named
Chris Morning Show" in Greensboro, NC, Baruch College's WBMB-FM
in New York, and the insanely lucrative Westchester bar mitzvah circuit.
Their mega-viral Youtube hit, "Pony Up!", unofficial fight
song of the SMU Mustangs, has been played on the Ford Stadium jumbotron
in Dallas. They are proud members of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, USA. http://www.theknuckleheads.net
Monday, August 24th: “The Kong Show: Hot Stuff!”
The
Biggest Little Vaudeville-Style Variety Show in Times Square
Tickets
on sale at door day of the show
$15 regular
admission / $12 students & seniors.
Advance
Tickets: $12 Regular, $7.50 Students & Seniors
Purchase
Tickets online at: http://hotstuff.eventbrite.com
Directions:
SUBWAY: N/R to 49th St., 1/9 to 50th St., F/V or B/D to 47th-50th St.
Click here for
more pictures and information regarding Hot Stuff.
Powella Productions and the LionHearted Players present their latest comedy variety show “The Kong Show: Hot Stuff!” on Monday, August 24th at 7pm, right in the heart of Times Square, at the Sage Theater, located at 711 7th Avenue (between 47th & 48th Street). Join Powell Leonard as Chuck E. Baby (channeling a hilarious impersonation of a Chuck Barris-like Gong Show TV host character). Powell Leonard, as Chuck E. Baby, hosts the vaudeville-style variety show “The Kong Show: Hot Stuff” an evening of big-time laughs featuring a hot line-up of hot new talent.
It’s Hot Stuff! The lion kings of sketch-comedy the LionHearted Players present: Otoja Abit from TV’s Ugly Betty and Off-Off Broadway’s “The Picnic;” Vinny Anand from Wreckless Endeavour’s independent feature film "IX: the Quest for Sizable Truths;" international musician, actor and playwright Andrew Cordle; multi-talented actor, musician, writer Erik Graham; and poet, recording artist, Michael Pichardo, recently seen in the Producer’s Club Off-Off Broadway production of “69 Ain’t Just A Number;” actress Gina Labozetta 1st Place winner of the American Theatre of Actors improv competition “Who’s Got Game?;” and actress/model Tanis Parenteau who is currently appearing in the feature film "Jobert's Painting" directed by Derrick Judge Early.
Definitely Hot Stuff! The evening is sizzling with talent including the sketch comedy antics of Jen Ryan and Rik Sansone of the critically acclaimed Punch59; and not one but two sets of the stand up comedy magic of Irish Dave Cremin; and from VH1's “Best Night Ever” special guest comedienne Mindy Raf; plus singer Lorraine Klimowich and more; for a hot night of big-time entertainment that would make the great ape, King Kong, himself proud. “The Kong Show: Hot Stuff!” is vaudeville for the 21st Century live on stage. It’s more than just sketch, it’s more than just stand up, it’s more than you can imagine!
Arrive early at 6:30pm for an after-work special. Treat yourself to a drink in the Sage Theater lounge and enjoy a pre-show mini-concert by the international award-winning soloist, Andrew Cordle.
CDs on sale in the lobby.
Tickets
on sale at door day of the show
$15 regular admission / $12 students & seniors.
Advance Tickets: $12 Regular, $7.50 Students & Seniors
Purchase Tickets online at: http://hotstuff.eventbrite.com
Directions: SUBWAY: N/R to 49th St., 1/9 to 50th St.,
F/V or B/D to 47th-50th St.
Contact Powella Productions: 718-482-8790
E-mail: LionHeartedPlayers@earthlink.net
www.LionHeartedPlayers.com
THE LIONHEARTED PLAYERS is a Queens-based comedy troupe that began as an actor’s workshop in the Lower East Side’s Planet One Café in 2001. Since then, producers (and spouses) Powell Leonard and Miss Ella have produced variety, music, and comedy shows featuring some of New York's most talented singers and comedians. Powella Productions' The LionHearted Players have performed to packed houses all over New York City including Don't Tell Mama's, Danny's Skylight, the Broadway Comedy Club, the Undercroft Performance Space and the Sage Theater. The Kong Show: Hot Stuff! is their latest vaudeville –style comedy variety show in Times Square.
POWELL
LEONARD (
as the hilarious TV host Chuck E. Baby )
Producer, Powella Productions – “The Kong Show: Hot Stuff!”
Director, The LionHearted
Players sketch comedy troupe
MISS ELLA: Co- Producer
Take a look at our line-up of Hot Talent.
As Chuck E. Baby would say “Hot Stuff!”
THE LIONHEARTED PLAYERS
Otoja Abit is a former standout college athlete
and at a height of 6’5” he really stands out! He's also an outstanding
working actor who has performed Off-Off Broadway in "Two Gentlemen
of Verona," "The Picnic," and "The Laramie Project.”
His TV credits include appearances on Ugly Betty, Lipstick Jungle, and
Emeril Live. Otoja thanks the LionHearted Players for granting him this
opportunity to display his talent. His main goal is to continue to reach
for -- in his portrayal of characters -- and to one day grab something
five pointed and BRIGHT! Keep your eye on this bright future star! And,
you’re in luck, you can even e-mail him at: o.abit@yahoo.com
Vinny Anand will
be featured on the Food Network and can be spotted on August 4th at 11pm,
on Manhattan local TV Channel 56. Also, look for Vinny in his breakout
role, as "Rahim Butt" in Wreckless
Endeavour’s September release
of the independent feature film "IX: the Quest for Sizable Truths,"
a mockumentary
comedy about male enhancement
commercials and the fallacies of male ENLARGEment pills. On August 24th
, at the Sage Theater in Times Square, Vinny will be appearing with the
LioHearted Players as the hapless vacation traveler trying to get past
customs in an international airport in Andrew Cordle’s semi-autobiographical
sketch comedy “Bon Voyage and Have a Nice Day.” Psst! Ask him about the
ziploc bag, the drug smuggler accusation, and the almost strip search.
It’s ok, go ahead and laugh real loud. This is comedy. It’s allowed.
Life is a journey! “Bon Voyage and Have a Nice Day.”
ANDREW CORDLE has appeared throughout
the United States, Canada, Europe and South America as a soloist, chamber
musician and orchestral performer. He has won many prizes and awards internationally
for which he has received the highest critical acclaim. As an actor Mr.
Cordle has performed with the Senior Theatre Acting Repertory and this
season the LionHearted Players have welcomed him to the company as a musician,
actor and playwright. His acting roles have included Willie in Neil Simon's
“ The Sunshine Boys,” Dr. Michael Gabrielle in “ I am the Devil,” Mr.
Richards in “ Pizza by the Numbers,” and a US Customs and Immigration
officer in a premier performance of his own work “Bon Voyage and Have
a Nice Day.”
Erik
Graham is a multi-talented actor and musician with a dynamic personality
capable of a wide range of performances. Erik is also a writer who has
written stand up material and is currently writing a dramatic screenplay,
which he hopes to one day direct. His experience has been mostly in music
as a live and studio musician playing guitar/bass, and as a recording
engineer, producer/writer/arranger. The LionHearted Players is excited
to have Erik performing in one of our sketch comedy bits. And, there’s
more, we’re presenting Erik and his music live onstage. His sound is
so smooth and so cool, it’s hot! Want to get a CD or have him play live?
Erik Graham can be contacted at: funkyrock11@yahoo.com
or http://myspace.com/funkyrock11
You can also listen to his music on bandmix.com
funkyrock11.
Gina Labozetta is an Astoria
Queens resident and the Queens-based LionHearted Players is excited to
be featuring her in Times Square at the Sage Theater in the sketch comedy
“Bigger Toys for Bigger Boys!” With training from the American Conservatory
Theater to New York’s well-known Upright Citizen’s Brigade and the TVI
Actors Studio, Gina has appeared at comedy clubs and theaters throughout
the city, including appearing at the Broadway Comedy Club in the “Mindbleach
Sketch Show” and in the National Comedy Theatre’s house improv troupe.
Gina is an American Theatre of Actors improv competition “Who’s Got Game?”
1st Place winner and has appeared in numerous Film and TV roles.
Tanis
Parenteau is making her off-Broadway debut in the LionHearted Player’s
sketch comedy “Bigger Toys for Bigger Boys!” at the SageTheater . . .
and has always wanted to be able to say that (off-Broadway debut!). She
hails from Peace River, Alberta, Canada and is in her first year at The
New School For Drama, working toward a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting.
She has appeared in numerous independent feature films and short films,
commercials, music videos and print ads. Her television credits include
an appearance in an episode of the Twilight Zone. Tanis is also currently
appearing in the feature film "Jobert's Painting" directed by
Derrick Judge Early and starring in the short film "Love Song"
directed by Tanyeno Wotorson. www.tanisparenteau.com
FEATURED PERFORMERS
Michael Pichardo is of Dominican descent and
is originally from the Lower East Side section of Downtown Manhattan.
He started writing poetry at the age of 14 and performed Latin dance on
stage while in high school. He studied theatre at Queensborough Community
College where he earned his A.S. degree in Performing Arts. His acting
credits include “All In The Timing,” “The Private Life of the Master Race,”
“Oedipus Rex,” “StopKiss,” and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”. In
2007, he wrote and recorded his first poetry album. In September 2008,
he performed in his very first Off-Off Broadway production “69 Ain’t Just
A Number” at the Producer’s Club and made his Off-Broadway debut in “Spoon
River Anthology” at the Roy Arias Theater Center last spring. He can
be seen in an upcoming independent feature film “The Beast Within” which
is currently in pre-production and is at work on a second poetry album
which he aspires to complete this year.
DAVE
CREMIN puts a twisted spin on old tricks, combining stand-up with
magic, illusion, and sleight of hand. Dave Cremin has performed
professionally in the magic arena for more than 15 years. Skilled
with a diverse array of presentations, his magic is suitable, not only
for private parties and weddings, but also trade shows and sales seminars,
and pretty much anything else in between. Dave's recipe is simple--combine
magic and comedy, add a generous helping of charm and personality, give
it a good stir, and you've got an act that's sure to please. Past
performances include, Don't Tell Mama, The Broadway Comedy Club, The Sage
Theatre, and PA TV along with several independent film productions.
Dave's love for magic dates back to his teen years but, only when he came
to New York in the mid eighties, did he realize that he had an aptitude
and a passion for performing the art. Always striving for perfection,
Dave polishes new material several nights a week as a Magical Bartender
at Cronin and Phelan's Bar & Restaurant in Astoria, Queens. www.outofthisworldmagic.com
PUNCH
59 Sketch Comedy has performed at the Broadway Comedy Club, Under
St. Marks, Gene Frankel Underground, Laugh Factory, and of course, at
the Sage with the "KONG SHOW". They take pride in staging
irreverent, intelligent sketch comedy in the grand tradition of those
who came before (SNL, Kids In The Hall). PUNCH 59 (along with Jen Ryan
and Rik Sansone as the Rev. Bill and Betty Holland) are always performing
live in NYC and posting original sketches on their website --- visit punch59comedy.com
for upcoming show dates and more!
LORRAINE KLIMOWICH made her
off-Broadway debut with the Lionhearted Players in June and we are thrilled
to have her onstage with us again. Born and raised in Queens, Lorraine
was introduced to the Lionhearted Players by fellow Player Catherine Kenny
Schramm, with whom she performed for ten years in the Most Precious Blood
Festival Chorus and church choir. During her time at MPB, Lorraine was
fortunate to have been able to sing the works of Handel, Vivaldi, and
Mozart; her solo work included roles in Handel's Messiah and Benjamin
Britten's Ceremony of Carols. A classically-trained soprano, Lorraine
has studied with Judith Coen, mezzo-soprano, formerly of the Metropolitan
Opera Company and current Artistic Director of the Spoleto Vocal Arts
Symposium. No stranger to comedy, musical or otherwise, Lorraine has performed
as a featured soloist and dancer in “Godspell,” “My Favorite Year,” and
“Applause.”
MINDY RAF
has appeared regularly on VH1's Best Night Ever, and has contributed her
comedy and voiceover work for WACB, The Daily Comedy Network, and
Embraceyourgrace.com.
Mindy
also authored a widely-read relationship column on College Humor.com that
has been featured in The New Yorker and the New York Post. Mindy
performs stand-up and musical comedy as well as sketch characters all
over New York, in both alternative venues and mainstream clubs. Her most
popular character being chick rocker/vegan activist Leibya (Labia) Rogers,
who she played recently in her solo show Leibya Fair! Mindy
is currently working on her first novel which is set to be published by
Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin. MindyRaf.com
The
Kong Show!
Monday, March 23rd @ 7PM
Sage Theater, 711 7th Avenue (btwn 47th & 48th St.)
Powella Productions &The LionHearted Players Present:
“The Kong Show: March Madness”
The Biggest Little Vaudeville-Style Variety Show in Times Square!
“Suffering
from a case of the Mondays? Laugh your blues away at the Sage Theater
featuring a slew of hip vaudeville and variety acts sure to keep you in
stitches. Don't miss the LionHearted Players best known for their sold-out
variety spoof "American Midol," (now presenting Powell Leonard
as “Chuckie E. Baby” in “The Kong Show”) as well as
the sketch comic troupe PUNCH 59 and Magician Dave Cremin.”
~ Daily News
Tickets: $15 at door day of the show/ $12 in advance.
For more Info call Powella Productions: 718-482-8790
N/R to 49th St., 1/9 to 50th St., F/V or B/D to 47th-50th St.
http://www.TheKongShowMarchMadness.eventbrite.com
Hosted by: Powell Leonard as “Chuck E. Baby”
Featuring Sketch Comedy w/ LionHearted Players Andrew Cordle & Cathy
Schramm,
Out of this World Magic with Magician Dave Cremin,
The comedy of Punch59’s Jen Ryan and Rik Sansone, and
Special guests Ben Lerman, Margot Leitman
The
Kong Show!
Monday, September 15 @ 7PM: Powella Productions Presents:
“The Kong Show: The Seven Year Itch Anniversary Special”
The Sage Theater: 711 7th Avenue (btwn 47th & 48th Street)
Tickets:
$15 at door day of the show/ $12 in advance.
Buy your ticket online: http://thekongshow7yearitch.eventbrite.com/
Itching for Some Fun?
Check out the Biggest Little Vaudeville-Style Variety Show in Times Square!
“Excellent
Show! They were truly nuts . . . and the one who put it over the top
was the magician (Dave Cremin). He was very funny. I can’t remember
when I laughed so hard.”
~ Sue Hucko, Freelance Writer, Crossroads Theatre Guild
For one night only, on Monday, September 15 at 7pm,
right in the heart of Times Square, at the Sage
Theater, located at 711 7th Avenue (between 47th & 48th Street),
Powella Productions & the LionHearted Players, the elder statesmen
of the live comedy variety show scene, celebrate seven years of bringing
to the stage some of the best comedy talent that New York has to offer
with, “The Kong Show: The Seven Year Itch Anniversary
Special.” Join Miss Ella (as herself) and Powell Leonard (as
“Chuckie Baby”) as they host The KONG
SHOW (hint: rhymes with the Gong Show) an evening of big-time laughs
with the sketch comedy antics of the critically acclaimed Punch59; along
with the lion kings of comedy the LionHearted Players; featuring the amazing
close-up magic of magician Dave Cremin; plus up-and-coming big-time New
York City talents the comedy duo Pembroke and Lu; also featuring the fiery
passion of Argentine Tango with international dancer Milly Brig and Seth
Asher; and in a triumphant return to the stage Cathy Schramm along with
the talented Fannie Plessa for a night of big-time entertainment that
would make the great ape King Kong himself proud! A night that would make
Fay Wray scream with delight! A night that would make Marilyn Monroe squeal
and show her gorgeous gams in that beautiful billowing white dress and
coo “Oh, isn’t it just delicious! It’s “The Kong Show:
The Seven Year Itch Anniversary Special.” It’s more than just
sketch, it’s more than just stand up, it’s more than you can
imagine!
Tickets:
$15 at door day of the show/ $12 in advance.
Buy your ticket online: http://thekongshow7yearitch.eventbrite.com/
(Get in for $10 if you dress like Marilyn! Guys and Gals, go the whole nine yards or just wear a Marilyn Monroe wig! “Oh, isn’t it just delicious! It’s “The Kong Show: The Seven Year Itch Anniversary Special.”) For more Info call Powella Productions: 718-482-8790
Directions: SUBWAY: N/R to 49th St., 1/9 to 50th St., F/V or B/D to 47th-50th St.
THE LIONHEARTED PLAYERS began as an actor's workshop in the Lower East
Side’s Planet One Café in 2001. Since then, producers (and
spouses) Powell Leonard and Miss Ella have produced variety, music, and
comedy shows featuring some of New York's most talented singers and comedians.
Powella productions' The LionHearted Players have performed to packed
houses all over New York City including Don't Tell Mama's, Danny's Skylight,
the Broadway Comedy Club, and the Undercroft Performance Space. They are
excited to be joined by the very talented performers Cathy Schramm and
Fannie Plessa!
PUNCH 59 was South Florida's only sketch comedy troupe, logging over 165 performances. The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel calls PUNCH 59 randy, rowdy, scathing satire" and the Miami New Times hailed them as "bold, original, sophisticated sketch comedy." PUNCH 59 recently performed at the Laugh Factory NYC as part of the International Sketch Comedy Festival. PUNCH 59 features Jen Ryan (FringeNYC '04 Outstanding Performance Award) and Rik Sansone (Summer '69).
MAGICIAN DAVE CREMIN puts a twisted spin on old tricks, combining stand-up with magic, illusion, and sleight of hand. You may want to leave the kids - and your larger bills - at home. This ain't your kids' birthday party magic show! www.outofthisworldmagic.com
PEMBROKE AND LU. They’re a Comedy Duo! They’re Political Activists! They’re Pembroke and Lu! Fighting the power through song, strumming the guitar of freedom and blowing the flute of oppression! Get back in the spirit of the sixties with them as they fight the power of today.