Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Stuart Hamstra - CabaretHotlineOnline
May 29th, 2003
I didn't even know about Richard Costa's "Pure Imagination" show at DANNY'S
SKYLIGHT ROOM last night, until I ran into a "friend of a friend" on Monday night,
who asked if I planned to go. Apparently everyone else in town heard about it,
because there was not an empty seat in the house (and a few standees)
when the lights went down. Mr. Costa is currently appearing in the Broadway show CABARET, and even Debora Gibson (still Debbie, to me) was at one of the front tables. I am of the "Vaughn Monroe generation" so of course when there is a baritone on the stage, I am in Paradise. Add Steven Ray Watkins as musical director, and I'm in Heaven! This was another Male Vocal debut, and except for a few rough edges, it was a real treat. Instead of the usual personal patter, Mr. Costa chose to recite from various monologues and poems, by writers like Christopher Durang, Edward Albee, Walt Whitman and Caryl Churchill. Some chosen works were just a touch too graphic, and if you were a latecomer, and didn't hear the "setup," you might feel uncomfortable, not realizing that Richard was reciting words written by others. Actually, the vocals were so good, and the song choices and arrangements so delightful, he could have dropped many of the recitations with no great loss. Go for the vocals, in any case. His are amazing - at times even breathtaking! The opening medley was incredible, and his rendition of Rogers& Hammerstein's "I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy" was so heartfelt, I wasfilled with joy on his behalf (and not a little jealous).
- cabaret Hotline Online
Tuesday I was at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM (342 West 46th Street, NYC -
1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/) for Richard Costa's
CD release show - reprising his amazing debut show of 2003, "Pure
Imagination," recorded on the CD. I saw this show almost by accident last
year - a pleasant accident, to be sure. Once again, Mr. Costa charmed us all
with what I call "gentle charisma," that kind of winning performance that is
what cabaret is all about. His dynamic baritone vocals, combined with stage
movements that approached dance at times (Mr. Costa was in the cast of
CABARET on Broadway), made the show a delightful experience. Steven Ray
Watkins' musical direction, with Joe Mowatt on drums and Michael Blanco on
bass, was flawless. The songs were interspersed with monologues and poems by
such writers as Christopher Durang, Edward Albee, Walt Whitman, and even Dr.
Phil. While using the words of others, Mr. Costa revealed his own self - and
his love for life, and for someone special in his life. The show was
directed by Amy Weinstein.
- cabaret Hotline Online
Discography
Pure Imagination
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Press Release
When you think of the words pure imagination so many different things can come to ones mind. But when Richard Costa, or Rick to his friends, thinks of those words, they can quickly sum up his whole life. Born and raised in South Jersey, Rick always new he would take his creativity and do something in the arts. His dream, like many others was to turn his life-long love for acting and music into a successful career; and while many others stall and burn out along the way, Richard Costa has done exactly what he said he would do. After receiving his Bachelor of Music Theater Degree from the Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music, in Winchester, VA, Rick headed to NY. Arriving in 1987 he worked extensively in regional theater appearing in theaters like Goodspeed Opera House, Theater of The Stars and shows like his very successful run in the Broadway production of "Cabaret", directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall.
It wasnt until Costa decided to put it all on the line with a one man show that he really started to turn heads and spark the imagination of audiences and critics alike. Fast forward three years and a few re-writes later and you have Pure Imagination a brilliant one man cabaret show that is the perfect platform for Richard to showcase several if not all of the talents he has mastered to the utmost depth.
Due to overwhelming response, Pure Imagination will be back for a four night run in February at Dannys Skylight Room, 346 W. 46th street, to take the audience on a journey through the neurotically funny to the heart-aching and emotional. With his animated and captivating stage presence and with songs/dialogue) adapted and performed by Richard Costa, with direction by Amy Weinstein and musical direction and arrangements by Steven Ray Watkins, we are given a true glimpse into the life of some one we can all relate to.
Along with the production, Costa decided, with much encouragement, from producer & Partner Gary Sitomer, to record Pure Imagination the album, which is also being release in February along side the show. Track after track of soaring, emotional vocals and soul felt words. With Richard Costa we are given a glimpse of something really fantastic. There are millions of shows in New York City and even more actors; but I promise this one is different. Really. See for yourself.
Show dates & Times:
Feb 10 @ 7:00 PM
Feb 19 @ 7:00 PM
Feb 22 @ 4:00 PM
Feb 23 @ 9:15 PM
http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com
http://www.richard-costa.com
For more information about Richard Costa and Pure Imagination please contact Dawn at The Press House at dawn@thepresshouse.com or 617-513-7147.
Richard Costa- Bio
Rick was born and raised in South Jersey and received his Bachelor of Music
Theatre Degree from the Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music,
in Winchester VA.
He has just completed a very successful run in the Broadway Production of Cabaret, Directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall.
Other Broadway credits include:
The National Actors Theatre 1995 Revival of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Directed
by Charles Repole.
Regional & Touring credits include:
Annie Get Your Gun with Cathy Rigby, directed by Susan Schulman.
42nd Street with Gerry Orbach & Tammy Grimes, directed by Norb Joerder.
Gigi with Gavin MacCleod & Liliane Montevecchi, directed by Bruce Lumpkin.
Oliver with Davy Jones, directed by Charles Abbott.
Since Ricks arrival to New York in 1987, he has worked extensively in regional
theatre including: Goodspeed Opera House, Theatre of The Stars, Theatre
Under The Stars, Walnut Street Theatre, Totempole Playhouse, Maine State
Music Theatre.
Showcase / Readings include:
King Island Christmas by David Friedman and Deborah Brevoort, directed by Pat Birch. I Married A Witch by Larry Applewhite, Laurence Holzman & Felicia Needleman.
When not appearing on stage Rick is an active member of St. Malachys the
Actors Chapel choir. Pure Imagination marks his Professional Cabaret
debut and looks forward to this new chapter in his career.
Links
