Congratulations to MISSISSIPPI THE MUSICAL, 2019 NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATER FESTIVAL - BEST OF THE FEST - READING / BOOK, MUSIC / LYRICS WRITTEN BY GREGORY JAMES TORNQUIST DIRECTED BY GAYLE SAMUELS MUSICAL DIRECTION BY JEANNINE OTIS CASTING BY GPS CASTING PRESENTED BY THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATER FESTIVAL PRODUCED BY NOREEN CRAYTON, ANGELIC STAR RECORDS ENTERTAINMENT UNLIMITED” - admin

— Angelic Star Records Entertainment Unlimited

New York City, Jun 7, 2019 (Issuewire.com)  - Mississippi The Musical written by Gregory James Tornquist is set to premiere as part of the Developmental Reading Series at the New York Musical Festival Summer, 2019.Directed by Gayle Samuels, with musical direction by Jeannine Otis and casted by GPS Casting, the compelling plot tells the story of a time in 1959, where the winds of change blew into the town of Hope River, MS.  LocationThe Stavros Niarchos Foundation Rehearsal StudioPlaywrights Horizons416 West 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10036 Performance ScheduleWednesday, July 17 at 12:30 PMSaturday, July 20 at 2 PMSaturday, July 20 at 5 PMWith a talented cast that includes:  Alexa Freeman, Renee Jackson, Eli Noll, Malcolm Jamal King, Mon’Quez Pippins, Kat Council & Uriel Menson, the musical has already picked up an impressive following due to the stellar demo recording produced by Tornquist, Grammy nominee Rob Galbraith and Bruce Dees and featuring the voices of Coco Jones, the late Trent Armand Kendall, Shelly Hart Thomas, Brooke Lundy Pittman, Frank Lawson and Daria Hardeman.Recommended for theater goers ages 17 and over, this is the first theatrical production for Angelic Star Records Entertainment Unlimited led by Producing Artistic Director, General Manager & Founder, Noreen Crayton. (For more information, visit www.nymf.org/mississippi)The New York Musical Festival nurtures the creation, production, and public presentation of stylistically, thematically, and culturally diverse new musicals to ensure the future vitality of musical theater.Now in its sixteenth year, the Festival is the premier musical theater event in the world. The preeminent site for launching new musicals and discovering new talent, the Festival provides an affordable platform for artists to mount professional productions that reach their peers, industry leaders, and musical theater fans. More than 100 Festival shows have gone on to productions on and Off-Broadway, in regional theaters in all 50 states, and in more than 24 countries worldwide. Festival alumni have received a wide array of awards including the Tony Award® and the Pulitzer Prize. In 2013, NYMF received a special Drama Desk Award in recognition of its work "creating and nurturing new musical theater, ensuring the future of this essential art form.NYMF is the flagship program of National Music Theater Network, Inc., a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.The NYMF PASS is a great way to experience The New York Musical Festival. With an NYMF PASS, you can get into the theater before individual ticket holders. Passes also offer the exclusive ability to book tickets before they go on sale to the public. Individual tickets on sale now.The 2019 New York Musical Festival will take place July 8 through August 4. For more information, please visit: www.nymf.org ” - ASR

Issue Wire

Noreen Crayton – Divine RadianceNoreen CraytonDivine RadianceAngel Star Music (release date: January 2015)www.noreencrayton.comBy Bob MarovichDivine Radiance is the third sacred music album from New York-native Noreen Crayton. While her career includes significant musical stage work in the U.S. and overseas, Crayton has gospel roots and sings with the praise and worship team at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem.Crayton nearly plays all the bases on Divine Radiance—from writer and arranger to performer and executive producer. She does employ a handful of musicians to assist her on some tracks.Musically, the album offers a sample of everything from an engaging and entertaining jazz combo on “Thank You Jesus” to soul/R&B on “We Praise Your Name” and the title track, to heavy funk riffs on “Get To Know Him.” “Turn It Over to Jesus” has a smooth traditional feel. Crayton’s soprano is sufficiently flexible to take on a variety of styles, though the jazz combo accents her versatility best.The lead single, “Make Me Over,” is part worship, part supplication for assistance when “life is a mess” and leaves one “bruised and sore.” It is Crayton’s first worldwide single release. “It was the last song I wrote for the album,” Crayton told JGM, “and I felt it was an extremely honest and revealing lyric for me as an artist.”The finest moments on Divine Radiance are its simplest. Towards the conclusion of the CD, Crayton offers some inspirational ballads that capture her stage savvy. The heartwarming “Excellent,” by far the best composition on the album, has legs as a song that could itself be part of a musical. Similarly, “Who Will Be Next” is a series of dramatic stories with a deft piano backdrop provided by Kevin MacLeod that evokes Tori Amos’s contemplative performances.If anything, there is a little too much variety on the album, making it difficult to pinpoint Crayton’s sweet spot or define her style. If she did an entire album of sacred music with the jazz combo on “Thank You Jesus,” however, you would not hear a complaint from me.Three of Five StarsPicks: “Turn It Over to Jesus,” “Excellent.”” - Bob Marovich

Journal Of Gospel Music

Check out the webcast from It Matters Radio featuring Noreen!http://www.spreecast.com/events/the-power-of-music-circumstance/clips/best-of-the-power-of-music-circumstance” - Kerry Hall & Monica Brinkman

It Matters Radio

Noreen Crayton’s, Make Me Over, was released to worldwide radio promotion just a few days ago and the response has been enormous. Noreen spoke of the response, “It’s only been a few days, but wow”! Noreen provided some thoughtful answers about her life and music: How would you describe your music?Melodic, soulful, spiritual and filled with lots and lots harmonies lol What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of opportunities throughout my careerbut I think I am most proud of the fact that Ronnie Milsap recorded a songI co-wrote (with Greg Tornquist) and that it was the lead single on hisgospel cd and then right after that I was fortunate to win the IndependentMusic Award for best gospel song for the song (I wrote all by myself),“Walking In The Faith.”  Those two opportunities provided me with exposureand showcased me as a writer.  It really helped me personally in that itallowed me to realize that what I was doing wasn’t crazy lol.What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?That’s a good question, the differences are far more subtle then onerealizes.True artistry is organic and comes from a very real and honest place.  Itexists whether there is an audience watching or not.  Some of my best workis done at 1 AM in the morning while I’m composing a song or laying avocal attempting to keep my heart bared (open) so that the person who willbe listening can feel the message I’m trying to convey.  Ultimately, it’snot about entertaining but about relating and identifying with theaudience and vice versa.Also, an entertainer has the capacity to turn what they do onstage duringa performance into an art form.  Think about Michael Jackson and what hedid and how his work touched millions of people, it was amazing.So there are no differences really, it depends on the person and howdeeply they’d like to delve into the gift they’ve been given.What do you want to always be remembered for?I’d like to be remembered as an artist that stayed to true to the visiongiven to her and that her music reached the very heart of someone andhelped them heal even a little bit.What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?Just keep writing and working in public.  If you hear a word or phrasethat strikes you in a very unique way, you’ll know it has meaning becauseit impact you….write it down.  Carry a notebook or record the phrase onyour phone.  If you hear a melody in your head that just won’t leave youalone, do the same thing……you’ll eventually have to deal with it andhammer it out.  If you are given the opportunity to execute in front ofpeople, try not to turn it down.  Just do it even if you suffer from stagefright like me (smile).  The thing is don’t stop the flow inside you, givein to it even if you have to do it late at night when the kids are sleepor when you come in from work exhausted, rest a little bit then hammer itout even for an hour.  You’ll be really happy you did.Where do you see your artistry going in the next 5 years?I’d like the music I do reach more people, my prayer is to write orco-write something that will help transform a generation.  Some of thethings I see and read about in the news is just heartbreaking.  I’mbeginning to feel that human beings don’t even like one another let alonefeel for each other and themselves.  I’d like to be part of something farbigger than me.  Write or co-write or work on something artistic that willchange people’s hearts and minds so that we all realize we are here forone another and that we all work for the greater good and from the heart.Anything else you really want to say?Thanks for listening to what I’vereleased so far, there’s more to come, I hope you enjoy it and I hope it’ssomething helps you get through the day.Thanks for sharing, Noreen!  

Musik and Film Radio Promotions

The state of New York has a wealth of amazing things in it and when we think of gospel music, we can’t always assume that the south is the reservoir of talent.  North Babylon, New York gospel recording artist Noreen Craytonis an amazingly gifted, talented and highly favored artist that is doing great things!! Her soulful voice is the perfect vehicle to convey her musical ministry and she is definitely on a level that is typically matched only by a select few! One thing that clearly stands out about Noreen is her clear message and the versatility she embodies to get that message to the audience! Her resume is jammed packed with experience and notoriety and, according to her website, her bio includes the 9th Annual Independent Music Award for best gospel song, “Walking In The Faith“; The Legros Cultural Arts’ 2010 Vocalist of the Year Award; Billboard World Music Honorable Mention for the song “There’s Nobody Like Jesus” and “Up To Zion” was part of Ronnie Milsap‘s gospel album which was nominated for aDove Award!  Amazing; clearly Noreen is doing big things and has been blessed tremendously!Noreen Crayton’s latest release entitled, “Divine Radiance” is a must have folks! We have been listening to it and YES IT IS AWESOME! It is a collection of-spiritually-moving songs that are sure to connect with you on a highly inspirational and praiseworthy level!  Songs such as “We Praise Your Name“, which is one of our favorites and “Make Me Over” are clearly songs that are Stellar-level compositions that are the total package!Noreen Crayton is a superstar gospel recording artist that we recommend for your next event! For booking information, click here  We also strongly encourage you to purchase “Diving Radiance” today, which you can purchase below via iTunes! ” - Gospel Blogger

Gospel CD Reviews

Broadway Sings For Pride had its 4th annual concert this past Monday to benefit the Hetrick- Martin Institute, an LGBTQ youth-empowering organization set up to provide a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youths ages 13 to 24. 26 singers from Broadway as well as film and television volunteered their time to perform a variety of songs to the theme “Anthem” at Toshi’s Living Room & Penthouse the day after the annual Gay Pride March. Stars from hot Broadway shows such as Aladdin, Rock of Ages, Motown, The Book of Mormon and many more sang in a stunning, up-beat two act performance as a cheering audience donated cash to Hetrick-Martin.“These singers are just unbelievable,” says Musical Director and Arranger Charles Santoro. “You just sit there and your jaw drops.” Santoro could have been more correct. Song after song, performers such as Leeds Hill (Cabaret), Noreen Crayton (Rent), and Rachel Lorin (Oxygen Network’s The Next Big Thing) knocked their Broadway solos out of the park. Marisha Wallace from Aladdin along with Phyre Hawkins and Solomon Kee brought the house down with their rocking opening to the second act. MJ Rodriguez from Rent gave the entire audience goose bumps. The talent and drive behind the Broadway Sings for Pride lineup was spectacular across the board.For his first time as Musical Director for Broadway Sings for Pride, Santoro did a stunning job. “It’s a lot of fun to get 26 Broadway people together in a room and rehearse… we all came together, and they’re all so great and talented, I wasn’t worried for a second.”Among the most notable performers of the night were performance alumni from the progressive and ever-inspiring Broadway musical Rent. Noreen Crayton spoke for everyone as she spoke of Jonathan Larson’s work and what it meant to her: “You have a musical that Jonathan Larson wrote like RENT, which addressed so many issues like AIDS, HIV positive, and with different lifestyles. And that was ahead of its time. And here we are now in 2014 where, now we have some states where you can marry regardless of who you love, and I think that’s the most important thing that Pride is to me. And I fully support the LGTB community.”Amy Spanger, Noreen Crayton,Sparkman Clark a and Bridget CadyAmy Spanger, the third actress to ever play Maureen in Rent’s first national tour spoke of the voice that Rent gave LGBTQ youths across the nation. “It was incredible, it was the rock star experience, because everywhere we went there were screaming fans,” recalled Spanger. “There were young kids, young boys who would dress like Angel, the self expression was definitely evident in all of our audiences.“You are who you are,” continued Rent alumnus Bridget Cady. “Everyone should support and love everybody, and this play was about loving and supporting each other.” The former Rent stars certainly drove the overall message and story of Jonathan Larson’s play home over the course of the night. Spanger and Cady sang a spectacular performance of the Rent classic, “Take Me As I Am,” and the two vocal powerhouses joined Rent performers Catrice Joseph, Sam Given, Ano Okera, and MJ Rodriguez along with Khadia to close the night with “Seasons of Love.” The strength of this year’s performance only reflects how far Neal Bennington has come with Broadway Sings For Pride.“It really started because I was thinking that there were so many tragic LGTB suicides, and there has to be something someone could do,” says Neal Bennington, who both produced and conceived Broadway Sings for Pride. “So I reached out to a few Broadway friends, and before you know it, 2 became 20 and we had our first concert, and then it benefited the LGTB center and from there we went on to help Hetrick- Martin.”In its fourth year, Broadway Sings For Pride has certainly proved to be a success, not only as a benefit but also for spreading general awareness to the NYC community. “It’s also about giving awareness to what’s going on in the community and to show people, especially the young kids, that they’re not alone, and that it’s ok to show your pride,” states Bennington.As for the future of Neal Bennington and Broadway Sings For Pride, ideas and ambitions to take the cause even further are in place. “I would love to go into schools to do workshops and really branch out,” says Bennington. “And we’ve been asked about if we’d ever do the west coast, and I’d love to do that…. I’d like to go where the word is needed to be spread.”Bennington has already come far with Broadway Sings for Pride, and with the enthusiastic turnout, both of volunteer performers and audience members, the future of this great cause looks bright. Everyone involved echoes the passion and drive that Bennington brings to the table.Noreen Crayton, Bridget Cady, King Aswad and Amy SpangerAs Rent alumnus King Aswad summed up beautifully, “Gay Pride is about awareness and continuing to spread this message. Rent was this story that was a sign of the times, it’s a timeless story at that. I think it’s important that people continue to share the message and spread awareness, it’s key. That’s why we’re all here today for Broadway Sings for Pride.”Marisha Wallace from Aladdin along with Phyre Hawkins and Solomon Kee ” - Hetrick Martin

Times Square Chronicles

Singer, Songwriter, Thespian Ms. Crayton was one of the most eloquent of the recipients.  Having begun her singing career in the church, as has so many other great black singers, she was warm, charming and intelligent. And she give abundant props to Legos for creating this forum where multi-cultural  artists can meet and interact.  She was a delight to listen to.” - Playthell Benjamin

WordPress.com

Congratulations to Noreen Crayton and Rob Galbraith (the producer) for winning the Independent Music Award in the Gospel Song Category.  'Walking In The Faith' can be heard on her debut cd, 'a diary of deliverance' on Angelic Star Records.  It will also be added to the Independent Music Award's compilation cd.  Both projects are available on iTunes.”

Independent Music Awards