New Jersey may be the butt of many jokes, but as Garden State native Robert Bannon knows all too well, its proximity also acts as “the entrance to New York City.” Jersey, then, also affords a scrappiness, a deep love of the quirky, and, of course, strong feelings about the (in)famous Housewives. All of these ingredients gets thrown into a blender and served as a rainbow smoothie in his upcoming 54 Below concert, “Robert Bannon’s Pride Playlist.” The June 2 event promises gags and diva hits aplenty, and here the artist shares with The Broadway Blog what audiences can expect from this affirming and musical celebration.
The Broadway Blog: Hi Robert! First of all, as a fellow New Jersey native, I love to see another “Real Housewives of New Jersey” fan. Growing up there, did Jersey, and all its weirdness and access to Broadway, help stimulate your eventual career?
Robert Bannon: This may be my favorite question of all time. I do love a Jersey Housewife and have to shout out my friend Margaret Josephs for having me sing at her Pride Events, on the show, etc. She was my introduction to the Housewives of it all! The answer is YES! Jersey is a tough, quirky, scrappy place. It has trees and squirrels, driveways and backyards, but growing up in Bergen County, I was at the entrance to New York City. Ever since my parents took me to my first Broadway show at twelve years old, I was hooked. It became what I wanted to do. It has always been about art either singing, acting, hosting a talk show, I just wanted to surround myself with artists to talk about art. All roads always lead to Jersey.
You’re hosting a Pride Playlist concert on June 2 to kick off a very special month. What can audiences expect?
I sure am! It is going to be a party. We are not doing any sappy ballads or deep cuts here! We are coming with diva hits and fun. 54 Below sits where the VIP room of Studio 54 stood. We are going to honor the history of the space, the importance of Pride, especially this year with over 400 bills written against the queer community, and also honor the generations of advocates and trailblazers who fought for queer rights the only way I know how, with JOY!
Robbie Rozelle is directing the 54 Below concert — how did you two meet and what has the collaboration been like?
That is a good question! How did we meet? I never met Robbie, but had heard of the legend that is Robbie. Robbie is a stellar cabaret star, A&R Director of Broadway Records, and he directs an all-star lineup of cabaret acts (Alexis Michelle, Mauricio Martinex, Ari Axelrod, et cetera). When my “Unfinished Business” album came out, he was the first person to share it on social media, without knowing me, just because he loves art and supporting artists. It was so kind and selfless, which is rare amongst artists. So I went to his show at 54 Below and he then went to mine just as things were re-opening from the pandemic. He honesty told me, “You sing better than your songs and you are funnier than your material.” I was hooked. I needed someone to be honest and push me. We created a show called “Rewind” that had two New York engagements and a live album of it is coming soon! It has been amazing to work with him and our MD Yasuhiko Fukuoka. I come to them with crazy ideas and they never say no. They make it happen.
Robert Bannon
Are you able to share any guests who may be involved?
Well, I think it is finally time Robbie gets up on stage and duets a campy Broadway diva power ballad with me! It is happening! Plus we are doing a new take with dance to the original Pride anthem on my album “I Think He Knew,” and you may see a drag surprise to a Babs/summer disco classic! Speaking of Housewives, be on the lookout. There is usually a Housewife or two popping in!
54 Below is such an iconic performance venue for theater lovers. What makes the space special to you?
It is Broadway’s living room and when you see a show there, it feels like that. I have sat in that space and seen Marilyn Mae or Jennifer Holliday and it feels like they are singing to you. The sound is second to none, the look is New York, and I love their Caesar salad with chicken (hold the anchovy). I think that it is the quintessential space to see a performer in NYC and it is an honor to stand on that stage and in that space. If you have not been there, you must go. If you have been there before, trust me, we are going to rock the roof off June 2.
Robert Banon
You also have an album coming out with Broadway Records this summer — when will that be released and what does it entail?
It is the aforementioned live recording of “Rewind” which we did twice at Green Room 42. Robbie directed. Yaz was the MD and it is my story growing up in Jersey. It has a monster Manilow medley of ten classic songs. It has music from Elton to Cher to Whitney. It has some Broadway as well. It is just a show of nostalgia and family. It was such a fun trip to tell my story of this Catholic Irish Italian Jersey boy and the songs, stories, and people that shaped me. I can not wait to share it!
Anything else you’d like to add? Thanks very much!
I want to say thanks for having me and I want to say thanks to everyone who has ever bought a ticket, streamed a song, or watched an episode of my online talk show “The Roundtable” on YouTube every Thursday night. The support is never taken for granted. It is thanks to all of you that my dreams come true over and over. I am just getting started so buckle up!
Robert Bannon’s Pride Playlist
June 2, 9:30 PM at 54 Below
For tickets and info, click here
All photos provided by Skollar PR
