CBS News.com report on BREAK OUT IN SONG

NEW YORK, July 20, 2009

If Life Were Like a Broadway Musical

“Break Out in Song” Brings Surprise Dance Numbers to New York Landmarks.

(CBS) This story was reported by CBSNews.com’s Gina Pace and Ken Lombardi

Play CBS VideoVIDEOBroadway SurpriseOnly On The Web: What, at first, appeared as a scuffle on the streets of Time Square in fact emerged as a surprise song and dance routine by the “Break Out in Song” team.

Ever wish that real life were just a bit more like a Broadway musical? 

Well, for New Yorkers and tourists who happened to be in certain spots of the Big Apple this weekend - such as South Street Seaport or Times Square - it did. Dozens started singing and dancing as part of a public arts project, Break Out In Song

Although those who read theater listings would be clued into the performance, most in Times Square Sunday afternoon had no idea that a Broadway number was about to erupt. Although it did seem, as more and more people gathered on the sidewalk, that something was about to happen. 

On these busy streets filled with pedestrians, one man bumped into another knocking him down. A heated argument ensued as, at first appearance, one of the men viewed the accident as an insult. Spectators began to express concern as the conversation seemed as if it was about to turn physical. 

A police officer quickly stepped in to break up the escalating fight. But as a woman started singing “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver!” the police officer, along with the rest of the crowd, realized that it was a performance. Dancers joined one by one until about 40 performers were in unison. 

By the end of the number, the two men had made amends, as part of the routine, symbolizing the sense of unity and inclusion the performers and producers of this show strive to evoke. 

The idea came to producer Ryan Mackey as he would listen to show tunes on his iPod, wishing that he could start singing and dancing. After seeing the viral video of about 200 dancers perform a song from “The Sound of Music” in a train station in Antwerp, Belgium, he decided he wanted to do something similar in New York. 

“Everyone has a song in their heart that’s bursting to come out,” Mackey said. 

Jessica Hartman, who worked as the choreographer for in “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl,” said that it was key to plan the performances to look good from any angle - so no matter where passersby stood, they could enjoy the performance. 

“We want everyone to feel involved and part of the number,” Hartman said. 

Mackey, whose Broadway credits range from being the assistant director of “The Boy from Oz” to Mel Brooks’ assistant on “The Producers,” started calling in favors from entertainment contacts and formed a non-profit group to raise money for the show. All the dancers volunteered their time. 

He plans on bringing the performances to Chicago, Los Angeles and London - then back to New York City in time for Tony Awards season next year. 

Jessica Lea Patty, who was the lead in “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” said she couldn’t turn it down after hearing of the project . 

“We are brining theater to the masses,” Patty said. “And the reaction of people not expecting it - it will brighten everyone’s day.” 

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Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks!

We cannot thank our performers, directors/choreographers, crew, supporters, families, friends, the venues and New York City enough. BREAK OUT IN SONG was a great success and we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to bringing a little bit of Broadway magic to you again very soon.

Our videos will be up shortly and they’ll be just as good as the performances. So please be sure to join our email list to receive the video links, and updates about our future projects.

Until then, let that song out of your heart. You’ll be glad you did.

“If My Friends Could See Me Now” cast

A great BIG THANK YOU! to the cast of “If My Friends Could See Me Now”. We had tons of people and lots of press, and had a blast blowing the socks off the Time Warner Center. 
The video is in the works, but here’s the cast list for those of you not in the loop:

Heather Jane Rolff (Vocals and lead performer)

Tia Marie Zorne

Leasen Almquist

Katherine Schickert

Elena Gronlund

Nanette Michele

Tracey Petrillo

Tara Siesener

Carolyn Ockert

Cameron Adams

Pam Bradley

Jessica Sheridan

Liz Raccaneli

Michele Cavallero

Maria Totten

Laquet Sharnell

Nick Kepley

Kathy Calahan

Amber Owens

Patrick John Moran

Natahlie Paulding

Aaron Kaburick

Justin Greer

Andrew Hodge

Laura Schutter

Melissa Lone

Sarah Hutchison

Joe Komara

Rebecca Magazine

Kasey Huizinga

Nina Ordman

Maire-Rose Pike

Kerstin Porter

Natalie Oritz

Katie Anne Unger

Nikki Ghisel

Dawn Rene Fowler

Jessica Wu

Leigh Vaynberg

Directed and Choreographed by Josh Prince

Associate Choreographer, Sloan Just