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Ken Howard releases transformative, poignant, witty, LGBT-themed modern musical “On the Boulevard” Original Cast Concept Album

By Kath Galasso on May 9, 2023

Ken Howard has released a transformative, poignant and witty collection with his sprawling new LGBT-themed modern musical “On the Boulevard” Original Cast Concept Album, out now on streaming platforms. If it’s any wonder why Ken has crafted such a worthy tribute to classic musicals, it’s in his blood. After all, Ken Howard is the great-nephew of actress Esther Howard, prominent in Broadway musicals of the 1920’s such as “Sunny” (Kern), “Tell Me More” (Gershwin), and “The New Moon” (Romberg), and is the great-grandson of music director J. William Howard II (“My Marilyn,” “Blossom Time,” “The Student Prince”).

A massive undertaking, “On the Boulevard” Original Cast Concept Album features a substantial amount of collaborators and performers. Their personalities and spirits all coalesce to shape a production equally filled with playful social commentary (“Youth is Wasted on the Young”) and wanton love (“When I Becomes We”).

“On the Boulevard” features original concept, music, and lyrics by Ken Howard. The Libretto is by Ken Howard and Malcolm Heenman. “On the Boulevard” was adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” by Ken Howard. Musical direction of recordings by Stuart Wood and Michael Van Bodegom-Smith. The album was produced by Ken Howard.

“On the Boulevard” (formerly titled, “PygMALEon”) has been a labor of love since its inception in about 2015, when the proliferation of Hollywood superhero movies, combined with the pervasive notion that gay men in West Hollywood are too-often judged for their social status by way of the esthetics of their physique, reminded me of George Bernard Shaw’s social commentary and critique about social classes and the status of women in Edwardian London being judged by the manner of their speech in “Pygmalion” in 1914. Making this story, libretto, score, and concept album has only been possible through the talent, skill, commitment, perseverance, and boundless energies of so many, who have given so generously, who just wanted to help bring an original musical to life. This yet-another retelling of the transformative Cinderella story mixes the classic themes and styles of Broadway musicals of the past with the very current cultural context of today. I thank everyone involved for their inspiration and contributions in all aspects of theatre and music, who stand as living embodiments of their respective talents: Arrangers, orchestrators, and scorers Kristopher Gee, Stuart Wood, Alex Meade, Wayne Moore, Silvio Buchmeier, and (angel-on-earth) Michael Van Bodegom-Smith. Genius music recording studio engineers were Brandon Bustamante, Trevin Clay, Guy Baruch and everyone at Temple Base, and Chris McMasters of Crystal Digital Music and Mix Recording Studio.

The characters came to life in story and song through the early talents of Lloyd Gordon, Tracy Powell, David Pevsner, Jake Novak, Rickie Gole, Teresa DeGennaro, Austen Rey, Scotty-Miguel Sandoe, Max Herzfeld, Ronen Bay, Meghan Grinczel, Kim Carlson, Chris Etscheid, Steve Goodwillie, Alex Morales, Landon Stovall, and so many generous Company singers through various iterations of the score. None of this would be possible without them, and the generous contributions of Ryland Shelton, Gina Torrecilla, DeLandis McClam, Carol Barbee, Giancarlo Garritano, and the always-inspirational and limitless talents (and patience) of our breakout star, Michael D’Elia. The critiques, contributions, and moral support of generous friends such as (writer) Malcolm Heenman, (writer) Dan Kael, (super-fan) Carol Tyler, (director/choreographer) Tor Campbell, and most of all, (director) Rob Iscove helped at every step. Family and friends who listened to early songs, read various drafts, and guided the shape of the story’s evolution gave invaluable sustenance. And I wouldn’t have been able to do this at all without the extreme patience of my “when I becomes we” husband, Michael Ryan.

Special thanks to assistants Jenn Jones, Robert Decker, Lauren Sweetser, Kelly Shaw, and Alan Wethern; plus Erin Rae Miller, Screenland Studios, Musicalwriters.com, (producing consultant) Gabrieal Griego, (producing consultant) Laura Hill, Nerative.com, (videographer) Rob Watt, Stephen Schwartz and the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop for inspiration and education, and to all the others who gave of their generous spirit to let the music play.

The “On The Boulevard” Concept Album was recorded at Temple Base Studios, Hollywood and Mix Recording Studios, Mid-Wilshire/LA, from July, 2015 to September, 2022. It awaits production of its first commercial theatrical staging.

TRACK LIST
1. On The Boulevard (Michael D’Elia)
2. What Makes A Superhero? (Ryland Shelton)
3. Dishes To Diamonds (DeLandis McClam)
4. My Own Song (Michael D’Elia)
5. My Own Song (Reprise) (Company)
6. Everybody Hates Leg Day (Company)
7. Just Right (Joesy DePalo)
8.When I Becomes We (Michael D’Elia, Giancarlo Garritano)
9. I’ve Got You (Ryland Shelton, Michael D’Elia)
10. Step by Step (DeLandis McClam)
11.Gringo Work Day (Gina Torrecilla)
12.A Time We Learned What Love Was (Ryland Shelton)
13.Once More With Feeling (Carol Barbee)
14.Butterfly (Michael D’Elia)
15. All That Glitters (Company)

16. My Own Song – Fanfare (Michael Van Bodegom-Smith)
17. Just One Glimpse (Giancarlo Garritano)
18. A Night That Never Ends (Michael D’Elia, Company)
19. What Made A Superhero? (Carol Barbee, Ryland Shelton)
20. Just Right (Reprise) (Michael D’Elia)
21. Just One Glimpse (Reprise) (Giancarlo Garritano)
22. Youth Is Wasted On The Young (Ryland Shelton)
23. Now (Michael D’Elia)
24. Yours For The Taking (Company)
25. My Own Song/Butterfly (Reprise) (Michael D’Elia)
26. Just As I Am (Michael D’Elia, Ryland Shelton)
27. I Don’t Love You (Ryland Shelton)
28. A Night That Never Ends (Reprise) (Michael D’Elia, Company)
29. On The Boulevard (Reprise) (Company)

Websites:
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CONCEPT ALBUM CAST

Michael D’Elia (“Eli Dillingham”) – Originally from New York Michael has performed all over the world in numerous productions including Dirty Dancing in Concert, Sweeney Todd, The World Goes ‘Round, Putting It Together, and The Andrews Brothers, as well as on television and in film. Michael currently resides in Los Angeles. Many thanks to Ken for including him in this project!

Ryland Shelton (“Robert Riggins”) – Ryland Shelton is a vocalist and voice coach based in Los Angeles, California. He is an avid traveler, an average home-chef, and an ardent supporter of queer and trans rights & visibility. www.truevoicevocaldevelopment.com . www.rsvocalcoach.com . @rswissarmyknife

Carol Barbee (“Christine Pickard”) – Carol Barbee received her MFA:Acting from UCLA. She is thrilled to be part of this cast concept album!

Giancarlo Garritano (“Teddy Montoya”) – Giancarlo Garritano moved to LA from Austin, Texas when he was 18 and has been pursuing a career in musical film and television. His favorite projects to work on have been the many independent productions and workshops he’s done these past few years and hope to keep improving on his skills to one day put on his own original works.

Gina Torrecilla (“Concha”) – Gina is an actor and a writer living in Los Angeles. Her credits include: Actor- Television: Snowfall, Winning Time, Superstore, Kidding, Brooklyn 99, Citizen, Scandal, Mad Men, Bones, Incredible Crew, Raising the Bar. Film: The 98, Twinkies and Donuts, Britney Baby One More Time, All’s Well. Theatre: Die, Mommie, Die, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Failure: A Love Story, Currency, The Exit Interview, The Magic Finger, The Real Housekeepers Of Studio City, The Next Fairy Tale, Othello, Assassins, Reckless, Twelfth Night, The Constant Wife, A Little Night Music.

Delandis (“Elphaba”) – Delandis is a professional in the world of entertainment and has been in the business as an Actor, dancer and choreographer for almost 20 years. He is an international choreographer and performer, teaching Burlesque Heels workshops throughout Europe. As a choreographer and teacher, he has choreographed for such stars as “Victoria Justice” from the hit show “Victorious” and has prepared kid talent for roles on Nickelodeon and other networks alike. He was assistant choreographer and dancer for Carl Thomas’ single “Don’t Kiss Me” music video feat. Snoop Dogg. As a dancer, Delandis’ talents have allowed opportunities such as performing with television icon Betty White for the “AFI awards, tribute to Morgan Freeman.” He was a featured performer in the hit musical, “Wicked,” and George C. Wolfe’s “Harlem Song” where he inspired the lives of many through dance and music. Delandis also provided the vocals for “Chicken Shack Boogie” featured on the soundtrack for the feature film, “Gangster Squad” and featured singer and performer in the ABC Family show, “Baby Daddy.” He was also featured on the FX Network television show, “You’re The Worst.”

Artist Biography:

Ken Howard (music, lyrics, libretto, producer) – Ken Howard is the great-nephew of actress Esther Howard, prominent in Broadway musicals of the 1920’s such as “Sunny” (Kern), “Tell Me More” (Gershwin), and “The New Moon” (Romberg), and is the great-grandson of music director J. William Howard II (“My Marilyn,” “Blossom Time,” “The Student Prince”). He is a graduate of the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television, and the University of Southern California. He is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. He is the founder of GayTherapyLA.com, a private practice in psychotherapy and coaching specializing in gay men and gay male couples for over 30 years. He lives with his husband of 21 years, Michael Ryan, in West Hollywood, California.