Broadway Legend Frances Ruffelle Is Back With a Brand New Show
Long before Lin-Manuel Miranda became the belle of the Broadway ball, "Les Miserables" crossed over into pop-music success to become a household name. Tony winner Frances Ruffelle originated the role of Eponine in the show's first production.
She joins Cheddar to discuss her new monthly residency in New York City. "Frances Ruffelle Live(s) in New York" is her recurring cabaret show showing at The Green Room 42 on February 1st.
Ruffelle explains what it's like collaborating with actor Craig Bierko in this month's show. The two live together and balance their on-stage artistry with their off-stage personal lives. She reveals her favorite numbers of the production and whether or not she sings in the shower.
The actress and singer looks back at Broadway's historic box office run in recent months. She says the industry is incredibly volatile and trends in ticket sales should never be taken at face value. She also weighs in on the Time's Up and #MeToo movements, revealing she's fortunate to have never dealt with any mistreatment in her field.
Members of the Kappa League mentoring program at Wyandanch Memorial High School in Long Island, NY are preparing for an educational trip to Ghana. Principal Paul Sibblies is on a mission to enrich his students' lives to put some of them in touch with their roots. "When you invest in young people, then it's the greatest investment you can make," he said.
A group of 15 students recently graduated from SANYS U., a six-week program held by the Self Advocacy Association of New York State. The course helps people with disabilities to advocate on their own behalf, learning more about their rights, legislation and issues that matter most.
The minivan is turning 40 years old this year. While it made up just 1.8 percent of the car market in 2022, that number could begin to tick up, as more families increase interest in the car's advantages. Cheddar News' senior reporter Michelle Castillo takes a deeper look at the minivan's lineage.
Cheddar News correspondent Shannon LaNier rings in the Thai New Year at 11 Tigers in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The restaurant is one of the only locations in New York City to celebrate.