Back to Back Broadway

Bart Shatto is a star performer. I first heard Bart with the famed theatrical-rock group The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He's sung on a couple of their recordings, but toured the country with them for many years, notably singing the song, "Old Town Bar." Then I first saw Bart while he played Bud in Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre's fantastic production of The Bridges of Madison County. But Shatto is not only from the world of rock, but the world of theater, performing in many shows on Broadway & Touring shows including The Civil War, Hands on A Hardbody and Dracula. Shatto also played the pivotal role of Jean Valjean in the Broadway & Touring cast of Les Miserables and played Gus/Growltiger in the National Tour of Cats.

The Rrazz Room in New Hope, Pennsylvania is a delightful, intimate space for Broadway actors, musicians and Cabaret artists to perform. The venue seats about 100. Shatto was here tonight to perform his acclaimed Cabaret show Bart Shatto: Back to Broadway - Heroes, Villains and Dreamers. What a show it was. Shatto really went for the showstoppers here, including many great leading men songs. The show was split up between the Dreamers, the Villains and the Heroes. The show featured special guest performers like Cabaret artist Matthew Alan, who blew me away dueting with Bart on "Lily's Eyes" from The Secret Garden and a spoof of "The Confrontation" from Les Miserables with Shatto playing Colm Wilkinson and Alan playing the Phantom. Other guests included David Hampson, who performed a fantastic version of "Stars" from Les Miserables and last, but not least, the incomparable Phyllis Chappell dueted with Shatto on an absolutely beautiful rendition of "Falling Slowly" from Once and Phyllis came back later in the show to be part of a Man of La Mancha Medley singing "Aldonza" with Shatto and Hampson.


The Dreamers section included songs from The Secret Garden, La Cage Aux Folles, Man of La Mancha and Jekyll and Hyde. Shatto's encore was a beautiful rendition of "This is the Moment." For the Heroes section, Shatto sang songs from Shrek ("Who I'd Be," one of my favorites), Les Miserables, Once and chancing out by belting the famed Frozen hit, "Let it Go" as the conclusion of the section. The Villains section featured songs from Les Miserables, Oliver, Phantom of the Opera and a great rendition of "You'll Be Back" from Hamilton (Another favorite of mine).

With no break at all, Shatto's show came close to 2 hours. He showed what a great character he is with each song, belting out one after the other. If you have not seen or heard Bart Shatto, do yourself a favor and check him out. Props to Steve Heiser, host for the evening Rhoda Rogers, and the outstanding accompanist Bob Egan. I think this show can go on the road, as a lot rock/theatre fans would enjoy this. His latest endeavor is Tara Tremendous: The Musical, which will be available soon at broadwayrecords.com! - Broadway World

Testimonials for Bart

“Bart Shatto vastly exceeded our already high expectations. His performance gave us chills, made us laugh, brought us to tears. An astounding voice and brilliant entertainer...his singing, acting and patter in between kept everyone riveted.”—Linda Cooper, President, Temple Anshei Shalom, Delray Beach, FL


“This isn’t an easy audience to impress. Most are originally from the Northeast and have seen many Broadway shows. But we were overwhelmed by Bart Shatto’s voice—his range and ability to hit and hold the high notes left people open-mouthed. So many people said it was one of the best shows they’d ever seen.” –Paulette Ballin,


Fundraising Vice President, Temple Anshei Shalom, Delray Beach, FL
“It was such a treat to see a Broadway star of Bart Shatto’s stature up close and personal at our synagogue, with no orchestra pit between Bart and the audience. He worked the crowd, moving about the auditorium, stopping to sing to individuals. On stage, he was incredible—telling stories, doing impressions and sharing a voice that mesmerized us. He’s the real deal.” –Jan Schwartz, Boca Raton, FL


“I was genuinely astonished by Bart Shatto’s performance. Even his credentials on Broadway and national tours didn’t prepare me for the level of talent he has. The range and power of his voice is stunning. His versatility, including impressions, humor and acting skills, made the two-hour show all too brief.” –Judy Cooper, Palm Beach, FL
“Bart Shatto literally brought Broadway to Delray Beach. We’ve never seen a performance like this in a local venue, even major performing arts centers. Bart is a singular talent who really knows how to engage the audience.”--Herb & Sharon Levine, Boynton Beach, FL


Testimonials for Carla

“Carla Stickler is one of those rare entertainers whose presence stays with the audience long after the curtain comes down. She’s adorable, enchanting and included mannerisms in each piece that reflect her skill as actor, vocalist and comedienne. No surprise she’s a regular on Broadway!” –Jan and Bill Schwartz, Boca Raton, FL


“Carla’s stage persona was riveting and versatile. She can belt out a song with amazing power and follow up as a sweet songbird with astonishing vocal range. She brought movement, depth and excitement to every song, skit and impression. She definitely raised the bar--way up--for our entertainment series.” –Paulette Ballin,

Fundraising Vice President, Temple Anshei Shalom, Delray Beach, FL
“Wow, what a treat to see Carla Stickler on our stage in a show that really showcased her immense talents. From here she was headed back to Wicked on Broadway. Would be worth a trip up north just to see her perform again!” --Linda Cooper, President, Temple Anshei Shalom, Delray Beach, FL
“

I’ve seen a lot of Broadway shows and Carla Stickler is right up there with the best of the best. Magnificent voice and exceptional skills as an actor as well. A genuine star and a thoroughly delightful surprise on a Sunday afternoon in South Florida. –Judy Cooper, Palm Beach, FL


“With her stage and touring credentials, we expected Carla Stickler to be great at the show she did at Temple Anshei Shalom in Delray. But she far exceeded everyone’s expectations. We hope next time she takes a break from Wicked on Broadway, she’ll head back to Florida for an encore performance in our area.” –Michael Levinson, Aventura, FL


Testimonials for Brigitte (Pianist/musical director)
“I can’t fathom how Brigette Rottman was able to provide such brilliant piano accompaniment for a show at our synagogue that was so spontaneous, constantly changing tempo and often switching song order to respond to the audience. She also has a brilliant voice! What a talented young lady.”—Linda Cooper, President, Temple Anshei Shalom, Delray Beach, FL

“When Bart Shatto and Carla Stickler performed the Florida debut of their new show at our synagogue, we were thrilled---two bona fide, current Broadway stars. What a plus to also have piano accompaniment by someone so talented and versatile. Thanks, Brigitte, for making an exceptional show even better.” –Paulette Ballin, Fundraising Vice President, Temple Anshei Shalom, Delray Beach, FL


MORE TESTIMONIALS


PRODUCER RESPONSE
“Bart Shatto is amazzzzzzing!” Tom Orr – producer of Bucks
County Cabaret

“An AMAZING talent garnering 5 standing ovations in one performance last
week!! Come see why Rochester audiences have fallen in love with Bart Shatto” Chris Kowalsky – producer for Downstairs Cabaret Theatre

“This is one incredible performer you HAVE to see!!!” Chris Kowalsky – producer for Downstairs Cabaret theatre

“After two outstanding shows last weekend that garnered no less
than 8 standing ovations throughout the two evenings, we
guarantee you won't want to miss this musical theatre treasure” Chris Kowalsky – Downstairs Cabaret Theatre

Audience reaction from Downstairs Cabaret Theatre:

“What a truly amazing talent! It was wonderful! I also brought my mom who has Alzheimer's disease. Wasn't sure how she would do sitting through a 2 hour show with no intermission. She was engaged the entire time. He sang a piece of music from a show I did not know; Once in Love with Amy from Where's Charlie. My mom sang every word. It's always a good night when you can see a fabulous show and stimulate your mom's fading memories, all at the same time.”

“Saw it tonight, Fabulous. The audience of theatre lovers went crazy for him.”

“Fantastic show”

CORPORATE RESPONSE

“I happened to be at work today and had the chance to see Bart Shatto’s performance this afternoon and it was AMAZING! He received such positive feedback. His performance was so entertaining and professional. He is easily one of, if not the best performer we have had. Such a beautiful voice paired with his acting and ability to engage the audience was wonderful tosee. I would LOVE to bring him back. Really very talented. Thank you so much for bringing him to us!!!!

Tori Crumbie, CTR
Director of Recreation
Abramson Center for Jewish Life -