"A Gift of Joy, Healing, and Connection Through Music"
In 2018 and 2019, Broadway star and Billboard #1 recording artist Shoshana Bean began a holiday tradition with her acclaimed, sold out shows at the world-famous Apollo Theater in New York City, Now rejoice!
Shoshana kept that tradition alive this year with "Sing Your Hallelujah," a holiday concert event filmed live at the Harlem landmark, which streamed worldwide yesterday evening, December 12th. "Sing Your Hallelujah" premiered across the globe in rolling streaming events, which started at 8:00 PM AEST in Australia, 8:00 PM GMT in the UK and 9:00 PM EST in the US through Stellar, a new premium streaming platform designed specifically for live performances. The holiday season has always been a light in the darkness, a time to reflect, connect and be grateful. 2020 has been a year of so much uncertainty and loss, of stripping down and re-evaluating what matters most. Sing Your Hallelujah, Shoshana Bean's holiday musical celebration, captures the true spirit of the season in spite of life looking very different. With fresh interpretations of holiday classics, intimate collaborations with special guests and honest reflections of an unprecedented year in history, Shoshana reimagines the Christmas television special of long ago.
"When I stand on the Apollo stage, something magical and powerful always takes over. While circumstances prevented us from gathering and celebrating in the way we are accustomed, I couldn't let this holiday pass without giving the best gift I know how to give. The gift of joy, healing and connection through music," Shoshana Bean commented. Joining Shoshana were Tony and Olivier Award winner Gavin Creel (Broadway: “Hello Dolly” & “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), tap dance phenom Jared Grimes (Broadway: Soldier’s Play & Radio City Spring Spectacular; Paramount: “The Marc Pease Experience”); Broadway, TV and film star Jeremy Jordan (Broadway: “Disney’s Newsies,” “Bonnie & Clyde;” NBC’s “Smash”); recording artist Shayna Steele (Broadway: “Rent,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Hairspray”); “Britain's Got Talent” and #1 Billboard recording artist Connie Talbot; and 2020 Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts (Broadway: “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” “Memphis,” “Hamilton”).
After three independent solo albums that have all topped the iTunes R&B and Blues charts in the US and UK, Shoshana Bean’s fourth and most recent project, “Spectrum,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts. She has sold out solo concerts around the globe, lent her voice to countless films and television shows, amassed millions of views on YouTube and performed alongside Ariana Grande, David Foster, Postmodern Jukebox, Brian McKnight and Michael Jackson.
Shoshana is a veteran of the Broadway stage, having made her debut in the original cast of “Hairspray,” starring as the very first replacement for Elphaba in “Wicked” and most recently as Jenna in “Waitress.” She won an IRNE Award for her performance as Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” and earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of “Beaches.” Directed by Amy Segal ("Schitt’s Creek: Best Wishes, Warmest Regards"), “Sing Your Hallelujah” is produced by For The Record and David Haring. David Cook serves as musical director, arranger and plays the piano with Richard Hammond on bass, Robin Macatangay on guitar, and Matt Musty on drums completing the band.
David Cook is a NYC-based pianist and musical director who has worked with Shoshana Bean for nearly 20 years, including collaborations on her records Superhero, Spectrum and Selah. He currently works in the same capacity for several other artists including Taylor Swift, Ben Platt, Kesha, Thomas Rhett, Lizz Wright, Maren Morris and more. As a leader, he has released two critically acclaimed jazz records on the Brooklyn Jazz Underground label, Pathway and Scenic Design.
The Apollo is home to “Sing Your Hallelujah” and is the cultural soul of Harlem. The theater's 86-year history has been shaped by every race and culture, but black voices have defined its legacy and have made it one of the most iconic venues in the world. For nearly a century, it has been a forum for some of the greatest artists in modern history and a launching pad for emerging talent. Shoshana is humbled to stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before her and to continue its rich legacy of inspiring the world through music.
Chris Daniels
Arts & Entertainment Reviewer
The Show Report