Billy Joel in a 'Nefl' Yor~ Stale of Mind'

JANA FAGOTTI ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

"Don't you know about the new fashion honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money. It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways," it's the Broadway hit "Movin' Out" with music and lyrics by Billy Joel now playing in New York City at the Richard Rogers Theatre. This new concept of musical theatre combines rock 'n' roll with modern ballet in a performance that leaves the audience on their feet.

The idea for ''Movin' Out" was conceived by Twyla Tharp an Emmy Award winning choreographer and author who also directed and choreographed the show. Tharp is responsible for bringing modern dance to Broadway in 1980. She continues to choreograph for the Paris Ballet Opera, the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet and many other companies as well as owning her own dance company.

Joel, who has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy nominations and who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, has found a new place for his music on the Broadway stage.

Also present were two Philadelphia radio stations, 96.5 The Point and 92.5 XTU. They were playing games, giving away prizes and signing doughnuteaters up to win tickets to events such as the George Strait concert on Feb. 7 and a Philadelphia Flyers game.

Being that this blessed event began at 5:30 a.m., I was shocked by the amount of people that rolled out of bed to attend. The

Juanita Nassardeen, employee at the Cottman Avenue Krispy Kreme, was one of 50 lending an expert hand at the Springfield opening. "We are here to educate our customers about Krispy Kreme and to let them know how wonderful our doughnuts are," Nassardeen said.

For those wondering how many more of these little heaven-sent doughnut shops will be opening in our area in the near future, owner Rocco Fiorentino said that there will be "15 opening in the next few years, the next of which will be in Brick, N.J.."

Anyone else up for a roadtrip to Brick?

Michael Cavanugh, a professional pianist and vocalist, can be seen at the piano with the rest of the band on an over-hanging platform throughout the show. With the music of Joel and an amaz-

Actors perlorm during the Broadwaf hit "Movin' Out" which boasts music and l~rics by BillyJoel. The musical is playingat the Richard Rogers Theatre m New York Ctty. ingly choreographed array of modern ballet dances the audience is introduced to Brenda and Eddie in the summer of '75. His music tells the story of their short-lived romance as sweethearts James and Judy are looking to marriage and Tony, their friend, who is looking for love.

The dancers do not speak throughout the show but, through their art, convey the story to the audience with an amazing blend of talent, lighting and costumes.

Keith Roberts, a featured dancer in Broadway's "Fosse" and former principal ballet dancer with American Ballet Theatre plays Tony. Elizabeth

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Philaclelphia

Parkinson, who has also performed in "Fosse" as well as other Broadway musicals and is currently a principal dancer of the Joffrey Ballet, plays Brenda.

WARNING: This show is not for everyone. "It all depends on your appetite." But, I strongly recommend it to true Billy Joel fans and anyone who appreciates the art dance.

Whether you're an "Uptown Girl", "Big Shot'', or just an average college sweetheart, this show will leave you in a "New York State of Mind."

,, ti'February 22, 2003

Marriott, Philadelphra - Liherly Balltoom 1201 Mark.et Street, Philadelphta PA 19107 Bpm-1 am