Megan Hilty of ‘Smash’ Is ‘Very Impressed’ By Guest Star Nick Jonas [AUDIO]

Nick Jonas is beyond busy these days, between his grueling Broadway schedule and guest starring on “Smash.” Well, one of Smash’s stars Megan Hilty is very impressed with him. She’s a huge Broadway star in the real world, but even she was blown away by Nick’s singing and dancing skills.

“I had to keep reminding myself that he was 19, because he was just posed and really on top of his game. He’s so professional and he was a lot of fun on top of it,” she says.

He might be a teenager, but he does have 7 years as a Jo Bro under his belt. Don’t let that sweet baby face fool you, that Nicky Jonas is a seasoned pro. By the way, “Smash” premieres this Monday at 10/9c on NBC!

Source: Ryan Seacrest

————————————
‘How to Succeed’ on Broadway
By Kevin Covert

Well, as it turns out, it actually takes a little bit of “Trying” to “Succeed” on Broadway and land in a long-running musical. I have been blessed with this experience three times in my career so far—”Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Memphis,” and currently Rob Ashford’s amazing production of the hit revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

I am asked constantly about the process of putting up a Broadway musical. In addition to five to six weeks in a rehearsal studio, two weeks of tech in the theater, and an arduous preview period where you still rehearse all day in addition to performing the show at night, every appearance that we make is its own process. We’ve performed “Brotherhood of Man” on practically every major TV network and on the Tony Awards. Each TV show that we perform on is different, and the number has to be rehearsed and spaced according to the specifications of that space. For example, “The Late Show With David Letterman” was a very long space but not a very wide one. Our amazing dance captain Sarah O’Gleby had to rework the number for it to fit. I am always so impressed watching the DVR’ed TV performances that no one ever got kicked in the head.

For me, when a show has a healthy run, it is always invigorating as an actor to be able to work with many different artists who are tackling the same role. In “How to Succeed,” I have had the honor of watching three very different men take on J. Pierrepont Finch. The role is a beast, and I don’t envy anyone attempting to negotiate those two-and-a-half-plus hours, but our director and producers have chosen wisely, and for that we can all be grateful.

Daniel Radcliffe was our first Finch. Just writing his name makes me smile. What can I say about this amazingly gifted and inspiring man? From day one of rehearsal, Daniel set the bar for this production, and he set it high. He is the very definition of a leader. I have never seen a work ethic as inspiring. While the rest of us would roll into rehearsal at 10 a.m., Daniel would have already been there rehearsing the choreography and working on his songs. His command of the material, the choreography, and the character was and still is a highlight of my time in the theater. It was tough when we had to say goodbye to him and the brilliant John Larroquette on Jan. 1.

But the show must go on, as they say. During the last two weeks of Daniel and John, we were rehearsing with Beau Bridges and Darren Criss of “Glee.” I don’t know many people who would use their five-week hiatus from a hit television show to rehearse for two weeks and perform for three in a role that is practically onstage the entire show. But that’s just what Darren did. His interpretation of Finch was completely different, and it was a roller coaster ride to keep up with his energy and enthusiasm on stage and off. Darren is such a fun-loving person, and it was great to watch a dream of his come true. In the normally dark days of January, he provided a much needed ray of light on Broadway. I miss his laugh already, and his energy made this old character guy feel young. I would love for him to return to the role if his schedule permits to have the chance to really sink his teeth into the part.

It felt as if I had blinked, and Darren had come and gone. Then I saw the legendary Beau Bridges was still with us and that inside of one month we had welcomed the marvelous Nick Jonas. Three Finches in one month—is that a record? Just as with the previous departures, we were rehearsing and doing the show continually. At 19, Nick is the youngest to play the role but comes to us with the most Broadway experience. His transition into the role has been seamless, and his command of the stage at such a young age is truly unreal. I was a hot mess at 19 in college, and he is taking the reins of “How to Succeed” and running with them beautifully.

As a character actor, I found it took me a little longer than I had imagined to make my Broadway debut—I was 34. I understand daily how truly lucky I am, and I look forward to more TV appearances and to making more friends along this “How to Succeed” journey. With hard work comes great rewards, and it is that hard work that makes me love what I do. So, I don’t mind “Trying” a little harder if it means I can “Succeed” here on Broadway.

Source: Backstage.com

Joe Jonas, Sara Bareilles highlight concert set for Liberty State Park

Tickets are now on sale for a concert featuring Wyckoff native Joe Jonas of The Jonas Brothers and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles coming to Jersey City.

The two stars will perform at the Believe In Girls (BIG) celebration in Liberty State Park in June.

“The X-Factor” finalist Rachel Crow will also perform for the crowd at the Girl Scout Councils of New Jersey event which will celebrate the power of girls and feature fireworks, 100 fun activities and more.

Those who purchase tickets before Feb. 29 will get an early access pass to enter an hour before the event. The first 15,000 ticket buyers will receive a free cinch sack bag. The event is open to all girls and their parents or guardians, even if they are not currently involved in Girl Scouting.

Tickets are $89.50 and include entry, daytime and evening performances, on-site activities and parking.
For more information, please visit GirlScouts100NJ.org.

Source: NJ.com

ARE THE JONAS BROTHERS REUNITING?: THIS WEEK’S BEST TWEETS
The Jonas Brothers have been keeping busy with Joe releasing a solo album, Nick starring on Broadway in ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,’ and Kevin doing, well, we’re not exactly sure. But a cryptic tweet from Joe Jonas’ Twitter account is giving off the strong scent of a JoBros reunion!

Source: PopCrush

Joined by Beau Bridges (a recent newcomer in the role of J.B. Biggley), Nick Jonas (J. Pierrepont Finch) and Michael Urie (Bud Frump) celebrate their Jan. 24 first performance together in Broadway’s “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The stars talk to Playbill about the challenges of jumping aboard a big musical and the inspiration and advice (some of it top secret) received from previous stars Daniel Radcliffe and Christopher J. Hanke.

Source: Playbill Video

Nick Jonas in NYC.
Yes, patterned shirts are actually a thing right now. Nick is edging out Joe for most stylish Jonas bro. (Yeah, we know all their names! What of it?!)

Source: GQ

Joe Jonas Is Looking Pretty Buff These Days

Singer Joe Jonas has been doing his best to keep in shape these days, and judging by these photos, it seems to be working.

Joe and his father were spotted out for a walk yesterday (February 1) in Studio City, CA.

The singer has been expanding his resume lately. Joe recently seen made an appearance on the popular sitcom Hot In Cleveland. Jonas appeared as Valerie Bertinelli‘s character Melanie’s son, and announced he was getting married to an older woman played by Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Source: Socialite Life

Other sources: Daily Mail and Zimbio

Ticket Sales Open Today for The Believe In Girls Celebration at Liberty State Park Featuring a Concert by Sara Bareilles and Joe Jonas

Tickets go on sale nationwide today forThe“Believe In Girls” (B.I.G.) Celebration, a day?long event culminating in an evening concert featuring Grammy nominated artist and celebrity judge on the hit show “The Sing Off,” Sara Bareilles and pop star Joe Jonas of the band The Jonas Brothers. The event will take place on June 23, 2012, starting at 1 p.m. at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. and will also include a daytime performance from “The X Factor” finalist, Rachel Crow, a fireworks display, and 100 activities. The B.I.G. Celebration is presented by the Girl Scout Councils of New Jersey and is open to all girls nationwide and their parents/ guardians, even if they are not currently involved in Girl Scouting.

Tickets are available online at www.girlscouts100nj.org. Participants who purchase tickets before
February 29, 2012, will receive an early access pass granting them entry to the event one hour early. The first 15,000 people to purchase tickets will receive a free cinch sack bag. The $89.50 per ticket price covers the cost of entry, all daytime performances, the evening concert, on?site activities and parking. “The name of this event perfectly describes what this day is all about, and that’s believing in girls and doing it in a big way,” said Mary Connell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey. “With so many activities and the exciting entertainment program featuring a main stage performance by singersong writer Sara Bareilles, we know that every girl will remember this experience for her lifetime.”

The day-long event will include 100 activities taking place at the historic and scenic Liberty State Park, which features 1,122 acres of open space and panoramic views of The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York Harbor. Activities include an evening concert by Sara Bareilles and Joe Jonas, daytime performances by Rachel Crow and local acts, a fireworks display over the New York Harbor, an A.C. Moore Craft Zone, a cooking pavilion including cupcake decorating classes and demos, a tech pavilion featuring the latest hands?on devices, a literary pavilion where girls can meet authors, more than a dozen bounce houses, rockwall climbing, and much more! All participants will also receive a commemorative B.I.G. celebrationevent t?shirt. Sponsors include Sports Authority, EF Educational Tours, and FLOMO.

The B.I.G. Celebration is presented by the Girl Scout Councils of New Jersey and commemorates the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting and its mission to empower girls and instill them with courage, confidence and character. For a full list of program activities at the B.I.G. Celebration, please visit www.girlscouts100nj.org.

Girl Scout Councils of New Jersey
Working as The Girl Scout Councils of New Jersey, the state’s four councils ? Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey ? have come together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. Together the councils build girls of courage, confidence and character and empower them to become leaders within our communities. To learn more about the 100thAnniversary, the Believe In Girl (B.I.G.) Celebration and the individual councils and their events please visit, www.girlscouts100nj.org.

About Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles is a Grammy?nominated singer?songwriter and pianist. She has sold over one million records in the United States and served as a celebrity judge for the third season of NBC’s “The Sing?Off.” She has topped the Billboard music charts with hit singles including “Love Song” and “King of Anything.” For more on Sara and her music, please visit www.sarabmusic.com.

About Joe Jonas
A New Jersey native, Joe Jonas is a pop singer, musician, and actor. He is a member of the hit group The Jonas Brothers and released a solo album titled Fastlife in 2011, which topped the Billboard music charts. He has acted in a variety of televisions shows and movies including The Disney Channel’s Original Movie, Camp Rock. For more on Joe and his music, please visit www.joejonasmusic.com.

About Rachel Crow
13 year-old Rachel Crow stole America’s heart when she appeared on the first season of “The X Factor” in 2011, making it to the top five spot. She continues to sing and has appeared on several TV shows since “The X Factor.”

Source: Press Release from Girl Scouts

Nick Jonas All Grown Up

Though Nick Jonas has been in the entertainment industry since he was eight years old, it is this latest project that seems to mark a turning point for him. Starting last week, Jonas took over the starring role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the Broadway version of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a part previously played by Glee’s Darren Criss and, before that, Daniel Radcliffe. No longer relegated to being a “teen heartthrob,” Jonas’ new leading man status also coincides with another signifier: at 19, he is technically an adult. The former boy band-er, who currently lives alone in New York, appears to be deftly navigating a terrain that has mired many other young performers (including some of his famous exes). Perhaps it’s his well-publicized faith or his close-knit family that have allowed Jonas to steer clear of typical Hollywood pitfalls. Or perhaps it’s his intense focus and ambition. On a morning before his show, Jonas spoke to PAPERMAG about these ambitions, being nervous on opening night and whether he’s ever wanted to be a normal 19-year-old going to college.

How did your role in How to Succeed… come about?
I saw it and signed on board to do it. It was a fun show and the music was great and the dancing, the way each of the scenes play out was all brilliant to me and I was immediately on board.

How does preparing for How to Succeed… compare to preparing for concert tours?
It’s definitely a different kind of preparation for this show. Obviously the rehearsal process is way different to setting up a tour in the sense that I’m doing a lot of dancing in the show, playing out scenes and doing all that, which is not something we do when we’re on tour. But also I’ve noticed my diet’s changed a lot. There are things I’m not eating so my voice will be in top form.

Did you not have to alter your diet when you were playing shows with the Jonas Brothers?
It’s a different kind of singing, I’d say. It’s really a different kind of vocal stamina.

How so?
The placement of the voice for pop music and then for theater [is different]. I have a distinctly different sounding theater voice than I do for the kind of band-oriented stuff I do. It’s not that my voice is different by any means but it’s just a different placement in my diaphragm. [I need to] stay healthy for eight shows a week.

Have you–or will you–get into any regimens or routines during the show? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Definitely. I learned a lot of good warm-ups and stuff when I was over in London doing Les Mis [Les Misérables]. There are a couple different melodies that I’ll sing to get my voice warmed up, all with “ah” and “ooh” sounds. My favorite one though is actually [sings] “And the way you look tonight.” Just singing that out.

So I was talking to your co-star, Michael Urie, and one of the things we were talking about was how a lot of Jonas Brothers fans seem to be coming to How to Succeed… Have you noticed a difference in the audience at all between this show and Jonas Brothers concerts? Are you reaching a broader or older fanbase?
I think that it’s definitely been pretty diverse. There’s sort of the classic theatergoer crowd along with new people that are interested in me and Michael’s takes on these roles and, yeah, there are the Jonas fans. They’re amazing. It’s been really encouraging to see too that there are so many new faces from all different age groups at the show as well.

Do you ever get nervous onstage?
I didn’t think I would and then on the first night–I start the show and I basically am sitting down on this lift, being pulled up 25-30 feet up in the air and that’s how I start the show as a window washer. I was getting set to start the show and just in that moment I got a bit nervous and I hadn’t been nervous all day so it’s kind of a shock. Once I got in the show and past the first couple minutes, it was fine.

Do you plan to continue acting after How to Succeed… wraps up or will you go back to recording music?
I think that I like an even balance of both. I started my journey doing both–singing and acting. And dancing as a kid. And to come back and do that now is great. I’ve had some acting opportunities the last year, which were so much fun in Last Man Standing and Smash. There’s been more and more acting opportunities and if there are roles that feel right and that I can take on and tackle, then I’d love to get more into it.

Would you want to do some more TV or film or theater?
I think that it all depends. My opinion is that it’s just gotta be the right role [whether] it’s a theater role or television or film. I’m very passionate about music and I’m sure when I wrap up this run on Broadway, I’ll want to jump back in to music but if the right role comes up and I feel like it’s something that I’m really passionate about then I’ll definitely consider it.

Do you have any dream roles?
There are a few. What’s been really interesting is I’ve sort of had to adjust my list now because one of them was Marius and I was able to play Marius last year [in Les Misérables] and one of them was Finch and now I’ve been able to do that. As far as the rest go, I think that a revival of Miss Saigon would be great [and me] playing Chris.

Do you think that you and your brothers will record again?
We’ve already started thinking about the next step for the brothers. The great thing about the theater schedule is I’ve got the days free for the most part when I’m not doing press. I’ve got the days free to create and I’ve set up a home studio in my apartment here, which is fun. I get a fair amount of work done in here without having to travel. You may even see some new Jonas material out sooner than you think.

What kind of music do you have on your iPod?
I’ve been listening to The Beatles. The White Album has kind of been my main deal. I think it’s maybe because it’s within the period of the show we’re doing and also just because it’s amazing music. And then the way I have my dressing room set up, I kind of have a nice, homey vibe. It kind of reminds me of Texas, which is where I was born and where we have a family farm. I’ve been listening to Braid Paisley.

Are you a country fan?
Yeah, to a degree. I love a lot of country songs and I think that Brad Paisley is one of the best overall musicians and performers I’ve seen. I think his song writing is incredible. So I listen to that and it gets me hyped up as well.

So another thing I wanted to talk about is the fact that you’re 19 and while many people your age are studying and partying in college, you’re starring on Broadway. Have you ever wanted a more typical young adulthood and did you ever want to go to college?
I’ve been really fortunate to be able to do what I love without an education and I definitely did consider–and even went as far as visit–a couple colleges and think about whether or not that was what I wanted to do. This was probably about two years ago. I finished school a little early–I finished when I was 16 so I had two years to consider [college]. I would’ve wanted to go to college to study English as well as Journalism actually. It didn’t really turn out–that’s not the way things went for me. Things were kind of different because that was in the heat of things for my brothers and I and it’s been an amazing life since then so I’m really grateful. It’s always in the back of my mind that maybe one day I will go [to college] but for now I’m content where I am. There’s no regrets. Life’s too short.

Do you live alone in New York or with friends or family?
I’m completely alone, [it's just] me and my dog, Elvis, just hanging out.

What kind of dog is Elvis?
He’s a Golden Retriever.

Will you be watching the Super Bowl this weekend?
I’m a big Giants fan. I think I’m the most excited person in the entire world. We have a matinee that day so we’ll all be able to watch. I think I’m sort of having a bit of a get-together here in my apartment with my castmates.

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future?
Following the show, I [want to] continue to record and release music. [My brothers and I] want to experiment with different things and take that journey that we never really did take, which is trying a million different things and seeing what sticks and going with that. I think that we’ve all sort of grown so much as people in these last two and a half years that we haven’t really been doing much together. Our musical taste has changed so much. When the time does come for us to get back together, it’ll be the first record we’ve made where we’re all men and we can really dig in and have fun with it.

Source: Paper Magazine

Excerpts:
Contact Music