The NY Musical Theatre Festival Tickets

Ben Folds is the widely-acclaimed singer-songwriter, pianist and founder of Ben Folds Five which created albums of nerd-populated, joyously frustrated pop/rock including such hits as "Philosophy" and "Brick" he himself christened "punk rock for sissies." Folds' music continued to grow through his solo efforts - he's an Elton John, Billy Joel-style piano man, with a distinct way of rocking out on catchy pop hooks. He's funny and bitter and sorrowful as hell, and he reclaimed rock for every nerd you ever were, knew or dumped back in high school. With a cast of Broadway stars, we're celebrating Ben Folds' music because we feel he's been writing ‘showtunes' since 1996. Sharp lyrics - smart, simple and always character-driven -- and a natural predilection for storytelling make him a secret Sondheim. Musical theatre fans will find themselves tapping their toes and wanting to learn more about "Alice Childress," "Eddie Walker," and "Uncle Walter." They are much more than pop songs with memorable lyrics and tunes - every last one is a defined dramatic moment, a story. And that's theatre.

featuring Ashley Parker Angel (Hairspray, ABC's "Making the Band") Michael Arden (The Times They Are A Changin')Stephen Bogardus Falsettos) Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard), Will Chase (High Fidelity, Lennon, Rent)Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q), Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd), Annie Golden (The Full Monty, Assassins), Lisa Howard (Spelling Bee), Liz McCartney (Taboo), Kevyn Morrow (Ragtime) Greg Naughton (Alive in the World) J. Robert Spencer (Jersey Boys) Bob Stillman (Grey Gardens)Lillias White (The Life, Dreamgirls)Michael Winther (Mamma Mia) Chip Zien (Falsettos, Into the Woods) and more performers still to be announced!