Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefit on Oct 20

Playbill News: O'Hara, Miranda, Scott and Wilson to Join Elton John for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefit Oct. 20

O'Hara, Miranda, Scott and Wilson to Join Elton John for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Benefit Oct. 20

By Adam Hetrick
09 Oct 2008


Elton John

John Cameron Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara, Patrick Wilson and the legendary Elton John are among the latest performers to join the one-night-only benefit concert of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road at the New Amsterdam Theatre Oct. 20.

Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler has been announced to direct and choreograph the 8 PM evening that celebrates the 35th anniversary of the U.S. release of the acclaimed Elton John-Bernie Taupin double album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Expect performers from the theatre and music industry to perform the album's songs in the order of the original tracks. Tom Kitt (13) serves as musical director.

Jeffrey Seller (In the Heights, Avenue Q) produces the benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Friends in Deed.

Also newly announced to take part are Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), Sherie Rene Scott (The Little Mermaid), the Broadway Inspirational Voices, Melissa Hough and Larry Keigwin.

Previously announced to perform are Tony winning actress Jane Krakowski (Nine, "30 Rock"), Stew (Passing Strange), Joey Arias (Arias with a Twist), Scissor Sisters front man and Tales of the City composer/lyricist Jake Shears, musicians Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, as well as the casts of Hair and The Lion King.

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" features such hits as "Candle in the Wind," "Bennie and the Jets," "Harmony," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and the title song.

Tickets, ranging $250-$2,500, are currently available by phoning (212) 307-4100 or by visiting Ticketmaster.

Elton news from Hercules

I missed this from Hercules. Some good news, especially dropping the rap collaboration (thank goodness!). I have a suggestion, release the Surround Sound mixes of the remaining classic years albums that Greg Penny completed over 2 years ago!

Elton wants more - 2009 and beyond
Thursday, September 25 2008

Hercules has learned that Elton has no plans to retire as his diary is full for the next five years!

Besides the plans for more "Face to Face" dates with Billy Joel in 2009 (as reported here earlier), Elton is also scheduled to be back in the studio for a new album next year. Meanwhile, Elton has dropped plans to release a rap collaboration album which he began working on.

While the "Red Piano" shows will end at the Collosseum at Caesar's Palace in early 2009, Elton has signed a new Red Piano deal to play another new venue in Vegas.

As next year will mark Elton's 40th year of recording, Mercury plans to release a box set of special duets, rock versions, and singles to mark that special occasion.

Finally, Mercury is currently also looking to release an enhanced version of "Madman Across the Water" following the success of this year's release of the "Elton John" and "Tumbleweed Connection" albums. There will be new demos on the "Madman Across The Water" release, although no release date has yet been mentioned.