Rob Schneider plays a bachelor who has just married into a tight-knit Mexican-American family on the new CBS comedy with co-stars Cheech Marin, Lupe Ontiveros, Claudia Bassols, Eugenio Derbez, Diana Maria Riva and Ricky Rico! Joining the cast for episode 6 three co-stars Marcus Choi, Veronica Diaz and Ramon Del Barrio !! So nice to be surrounded by Latin talent !! Amazing production team !!
Larry Hart’s award winning Musical returns! Winner of 8 NAACP Theater Awards including Best Musical , Best Director and Best Musical Staging and Choreography! The only musical ever Executive Produced and Presented by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson!
Co-directed, staged and choreographed by Ramon Del Barrio.
SUMMER 2012 www.Sisterella.com
The Academy is a pre-professional performing arts conservatory for students ages thirteen through eighteen. Classes are held three evenings a week in addition to Saturdays. Individual sessions meet three times a year, twelve weeks each, and culminate in an evening of student performances. Academy students are also eligible to attend professional workshops as part of the curriculum.
I am honored to be a part of the Academy! Look for our fall schedule and upcoming events!
BABALU! Celebrating the Library’s Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Collection is an admiring homage to two of America’s legendary entertainers, now icons of American popular culture. Hosted and headlined by singer Lucie Arnaz, with guest artists Desi Arnaz, Jr., Raúl Esparza and Valarie Pettiford, the evening spotlights the sizzling, snazzy orchestrations of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, and salutes both Lucille Ball’s 100 th birthday and the sixtieth anniversary of one of the best-loved shows in television history. Lucie Arnaz headlines an evening that brings to life her father’s snazzy, sparkling orchestrations of the 1940′s and 50′s, songs that gave the American Songbook a Latin beat! Musical Director Ron Abel, A concert version of BABALU Originally staged and choreographed by Ramon Del BarrioCreated by Lucie Arnaz, Ron Abel and Ramon Del Barrio.
Mr. Bojangles as a cast member of SHOWSTOPPERS atArmy Community Theater in Honolulu , Hawaii is an official
Po’okela Award winner in the Best Ensemble category!
Thank you Brett Harwood for inviting me to be a part
of an inspiring production!! Mahalo!!
Broadway Show Stoppers, Army Community Theater Benefit
REVIEW
“The biggest “wow” moment comes when Ramon Del Barrio takes the stage for a superbly executed solo interpretation of “Mr. Bojangles” that displays his formidable talents as a dancer, choreographer and singer. Not a movement is wasted as Del Barrio’s one-man performance utilizes the entire stage in a glorious celebration of the magic of motion that captures the poignancy of the lyrics as well.” John Berger
Babalu- Lucie Arnaz Celebrates the music of her father Desi Arnaz!
Conceived by Lucie Arnaz, Ron Abel and Ramon Del Barrio!
The Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami July 8-11, 2010!
Starring Lucie Arnaz, Raul Esparza and Valarie Pettiford with special guest’ Desi Arnaz , Richard Amaro and Miami City Ballet Star Jeanette Delgado!
Directed by Lucie Arnaz, Musical Direction by Ron Abel and Staged and Choreographed by Ramon Del Barrio!
`Babalu’ sizzles at the Arsht – `Babalu” — the enlightening, entertaining exploration of all things Arnaz — the man who brought so many innovative ideas to the early days of television was one hell of a musician and arranger.
“Ramon Del Barrio, BABALU’s choreographer and co-creator, is the one creative force who seemed never to lose his way, with joy, passion and spirit, that is part of the legacy of Desi Arnaz. Mr. Del Barrio does great work with Richard Amaro and Jennette Delgado. The show kicks into high gear when Mr. Del Barrio gets to strut his stuff with his principal dancers. One only wishes that Ramon had more dancers and more opportunity to whip us into a frenzy with his spot on choreography.” Broadway World
The sleek Lucie Arnaz has a fine, Broadway- and nightclub-tested voice, a gift for storytelling and a comic timing that probably runs in her DNA. She has a ball on the tongue-twisting “singalong” “Rumba Matumba” and delivers a jazzy duet with Pettiford on “Old Devil Moon.”The terrific ``New Desi Arnaz Orchestra” led by musical director, pianist-arranger Ron Abel, with more-than-able contributions of the star’s brother on drums. Desi Arnaz Jr. is, in fact, a fabulous percussionist who marches to his own drummer!”Pettiford, whose still-sinewy body attests to her days as a Bob Fosse-trained dancer, brings sultriness to the table, particularly on the glorious “Come Rain or Come Shine” and in a sexy duet with Esparza, as he sings “Amor” to her “Bésame Mucho.”“The Miami-raised Esparza, as the opening-night crowd’s thunderous reactions made clear, is the show’s true star, and not because he sings `Cuban Pete,” “Granada,” “Cuban Cabbie,” “Babalu” and other songs associated with Arnaz. This is a Broadway leading man at the top of his game, an intensely dramatic singer making his first return to a hometown stage since he became a regular Tony Award contender.” “Esparza infuses his “Babalu” numbers with sexiness, impishness, blazing theatricality.Watching him work is, asBroadway audiences have long known, thrilling.” Miami HeraldLyrics and Lyricist at the 92nd St. Y
“Smoldering!!! The New York Times
Babalu’s first incarnation Janary 2009. Lucie Arnaz, Artisitic Director of the evening! It was a wonderful way for us to come together to celebrate the contributions of her father Desi Arnaz in music and so much more~! Starring Lucie Arnaz, Raul Esparza, Valarie Pettiford, special guest Desi Arnaz Jr. , Mark Stuart and Kristine Bendul.
Ron Abel-Musical Director, Ramon Del Barrio-Director/Choreographer, Lucie Arnaz-Artistic Director, Producer!
Legend Chita Rivera speaks about the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story and the Oscar Award Winning “West Bank Story”!
“It is the 50th Anniversay of West Side Story, the film West Bank Story is a classic love story reminding us, with great humor, that things have not changed. We need to understand and share our lives.I laughed really hard at West Bank Story, especially the staging and choreography. From the beginning finger snaps (truly funny), 2 gangs and other familiar West Side Story Trade marks, cleverly staged and choreographed by Ramon Del Barrio.
It knocked me out that it was Ramon’s work being that he is a friend and also touring with me in my Broadway show CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCERS LIFE.
West Bank Story is a very funny outlook on a serious subject.
Ramon you did a great job!!!” -
CHITA RIVERA
WEST SIDE STORY TRIBUTE- Gypsy of the Year 12/18/07
Posted on December 20, 2007
Performing with the Legends!
An amazing honor! I am in Purple!!
Chita Rivera: The Dancers Life – National Tour 06/07
Posted on June 12, 2007
“To actually be on stage with somebody who created so many iconic roles, somebody I looked up to so much, is so amazing and almost surreal,” said del Barrio, who choreographed the Oscar-winning short film “West Bank Story.” “It means a lot to learn and perform with someone who is an originator.”
The longevity and achievements of Rivera’s career have served as an inspiration to del Barrio since he entered the entertainment industry at 10. Having worked with several musical talents, including Whitney Houston, Lionel Ritchie and Barbra Streisand, he notedthat Rivera’s continued commitment and hard work distinguish her from today’s instantaneous celebrities.
“No overnight success will ever replace true blood, sweat and tears,” he said. “I don’t think today’s stars are going to create a legacy that will go down in the history books, and I think Chita clearly has.”
What can I say? This was the most amazing experience ever!!! When I got the call from Chita saying that she would like me to perform with her in her Broadway tour I thought I would drop to the floor, I think I did!! While on tour, to have a film short I staged and choreographed be nominated for an Academy Award was so unreal and powerful considering it was West Bank Story! A parody of West Side Story in the West Bank! Chita gave me the weekend off to go to Los Angeles.
I never could have imagined that we would be nominated let alone win an Oscar but we did!!! The Performing Arts Annex donated their space, I cast over 30 dancers and worked in the middle of July while the mountains were on fire, and then the subject matter! iT was worth it! When I returned to Chita and the show in Seattle it was to a warm embrace from Chita and the gang and then, beat, back to the work!!! Thank god I focused all these years on the training and mind set for Live Theater! It wasn’t untill I stepped on stage with Chita that I realized what I had been working so hard for! Chita, West Side Story, The Oscar, West Bank Story, the work. The irony is so amazing but the “reality” is that our serious social issues still exist and must be addressed. Professionally, the art of quality “live performance” is not something that can be edited, mixed or fabricated in any way!! The truth is the clarity!! You Chita are a Star unlike any other!
IT just IS!… if IT ain’t IT kid, IT ain’t IT!
Thank you to the cast and crew of The Dancers Life for the amazing ride!!!
Thank you Richard Amaro for all the love and support and lessons along the way!
Chita I will always be…”eye’s wide, mouth open and in awe..”
Always, Ramon
Richard Amaro’s “Latin Rhythms” Starring Chita Rivera and friends!
Broadway Cares Equity Fights A.I.D.S.- BB Kings
Larry Hart’ SISTERELLA
12 NAACP Theater Award Nominations and winner of 8 including Best Musical Staging and Choreography, Best Director and Best Musical,
Executive Producers Michael Jackson, Gerry Greenberg and Larry Hart.
Thank you Michael and we promise to make you proud again soon!
Guys and Dolls Revival 2009
I played Damon Runyon! Its was an amazing experience and truly exciting all the way to performing on the Tony’s! Our skit for Easter Bonnet was amazing and all in all it was the best time that year living on Runyon Way!
Thank you Des Mcnuff and Sergio Trujillo and a wonderful cast and crewe!
Jersey Boys 2009-2010 Las Vegas
This has been an amazing ride as well ! The music of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio!
Great cast and crewe and once again thank you to Des and Sergio , Meri Sugarman with Tara Rueben and her casting associates!
Mike Ruiz
Before he was famous and just trying new things Mike did this photo of me ! My favorite!
Congrats Mike on all the wonderful success!
“Ramon Del Barrio is not only one of my dearest friends but also happens to be one of the most talented choreographers around! I attribute that because of his own extraordinary talents as a dancer, singer, actor, director and producer. As you can see he has done it all. His vast knowledge in all areas is insurmountable. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s Gorgeous!” -
Valarie Pettiford- Tony Nominated Broadway and Televison Star
“Ramon was all around one of the most influential pieces in making the project as magical as it is. He brought so many different styles to the video and was constantly one step ahead of the production. With little time to deliver, he consistently stepped up and Choreographed some truly awesome sequences. He is a creative force not to be taken lightly.” The “Hair” video was given a 24 hour premiere on MTV airing every hour on the hour!!!”
Music Video Director Scott Culver on working with Ramon on The Early November’s “Hair” . MTV Music Video -debut #4 July 2006
“Ramón’s style is one of originality and versatility….be it Broadway, MTV, or Street, Ramón conquers each with innovative imagination….”
Michael Chambers, Emmy Award Winning Choreographer, Director and Producer, MC Productions
“Oh the laughter! This is what I will always remember and always look forward to when working with Ramon. I’ve had the pleasure of assisting and dancing for Mr. Del Barrio on many projects. Each project he would surprise me with another talent. Whether it be dancing, singing, choreographing, directing, producing, or comedy, Ramon has endless talent. He is the true meaning of the phrase ‘Triple Threat”.
Jillian Schmitz-Professional Dancer and my Assistant On “West Bank Story”
David La Chapelle’s art direction and photography for the Grammy poster and official invite!
I seem to have this thing for saxophones!
Merv Griffin
While I was Hosting a presentation for a new concept for which I co-wrote and co-produced the jingle “Everybody Sings” , Merv Griffin exclaimed “Where the f&*%K were you when I was looking for a new Host for my new show?!!!” I of course said without a beat, ..”Waiting for your call!” We all laughed! This was only last year and I am sorry to see him go before getting to work with him!!
So long and Thank You Merv!!!!
My Fosse Story
While perfoming in a Equity Waiver musical written by 2001 Tony nominee Paul Gordon of Jane Eyre and Jay Gruska featuring Broadway Star Linda Hart, Katey Segal, Frannie Mcartney also Bette Midlers “Harlettes”, I was 19 had just finished “Solid Gold Hits” and a Lionel Ritchie Pepsie commercial with Michael Peters of “Thriller” and “Beat It” fame. Jose Ferrer had come to see his son Miguel who was guest starring for the weekend. Miguel said to me after the show “My dad wants you to see him”, clueless the weight of this meeting, I went out and greeted Jose and was really quite taken that someone wanted to meet me. Jose said to me in that amazing voice “Son, you need to go to NY to meet some friends of mine!”. He asked when I would be back east, I had just booked the Ms. America pageant as a dancer with one of my mentors Scott Salmon, 1984 Tony Nominee for “La Cage Aux Folle”. Jose continued “..you must meet Bob Fosse’, Graciela Danielle and Michael Bennett!!” Not really having a clue as to the weight of that either I then asked him for his numbers he gave them to me and I called him when I got to NYC. He hung up the phone and called me back 5 minutes later to tell me, “Son, you are to go to the Minskoff Theater to meet Mr. Bob Fosse’, don’t be late!!” I Had no clue the weight of that either. The following day I had three hours alone with Mr. Fosse! First thing he said was “Jose says you have some choreography to show me?” (I had choreographed 4 counts of 8 that was part of an opening montauge 2nd act, it was a solo) I replied “Oh Bob you don’t wanna see that, show me some of your stuff!!” LOL, I SERIOUSLY SAID THAT! Three hours later after Sing-Sing-Sing, Tea for Two, conversation, two songs and yes I finally broke and showed him my choreography too. He said do it again! I did ! He said do it again! I did! He liked it! It was 4 counts of 8, singing , dancing, learning , talking! 3 hours and finally we were done! Still clueless!
As I thanked Bob and ran to the door he said “Oh Raymond?” “Yes Bob?” Tell Jose he was right. I smiled not knowing what it meant but said ok and closed the door. I called to tell Jose and his wife Stella picked up the line Jose’ was napping. I asked her what Bob might have meant. She said, in her lovely accent ,”Jose told Fosse’ that when you were on the stage dancing and singing, your energy and choreography was so dynamic that you didn’t want to take your eyes off you!” I was 18 and clueless and I graciously thanked her for telling me and asked her to thank Jose for the support and kind words. Bennett and Fosse passed before I got to work with them. Although, I did get to work with Gwen Verdon in the original “Fosse” Workshops with Chet Walker. It took me many years to finally work with Graciella Danielle on Chita’s show this past year and it was so amazing, a fellow Argentinian, learning Tango from her, the Fosse stories and the whole experience. 29 years to really understand what that experience was and what the past 24 years of experience means now. Thank you Jose and Bob for the vote of confidence! I can only hope that in some way I make good! I do understand movement through aches and limitation now lol! . I still give myself class and do my floor barre’! You never know when the big break will come? Tenacity has always been my true friend!
“RENT” NO DAY BUT TODAY!!!! Posted on May 1, 2008
Rent is the ground-breaking musical phenomenon that truly changed Broadway forever and touched millions. Its breathtaking score and inspirational story have defined an entire generation. And now, this musical theater landmark is coming to the stage in Hawaii performed by an all-star high school cast presented by one of the country’s elite high-school drama programs ranked in the top ten by the American High School Theatre Festival – the Saint Louis Center For The Arts.
I was so lucky to be staging and choreographing the first ever School Edition of the Broadway hit RENT in the islands!!! This is one of the first to open nation wide as well!!! Our Opening July 4th was an HIV/AIDS Benefit, the first of its kind in many years! How crucial that this message should get out to the kids here. They so need it. There is a whole new generation starting to deal with adult issues now! The Ice epidemic here, Homophobia, Bigotry, HIV and A.I.D.S. testing, treatment and awareness!!!!
The local non-profit foundations here are amazing and are doing their greatest effort to take care of educating the youth and taking care of those who are living with H.I.V./A.I.D.S.!!! The Life Foundation, The Gregory House and Save the Food Basket and the Waikiki Health Center are the main four servicing the community! I know that RENT will make an impact on the kids and the audiences alike and spark a much needed overhaul in the fight to raise awareness here in Hawaii. July is the month for great awakenings and celebrating freedom, I pray that with the first High School to produce the teen version, it’s not long before others follow suit! The Gay,Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Center is closed now due and the fight against discrimination is not over. I have met over 100 kids who are at risk, some wealthy some not but all at risk and the adults are floundering to pay bills and leaving it up to the schools who still have no real comprehensive education program so the independents need the funding to continue the education!!!
The Life Foundation sponsors an HIV101 student educational program and that meeting with the kids was an awesome event!!! RENT takes it’s place as the leader in all Hawaii theaters with Director Kyle Kakuno and St. Louis High School getting the high score for doing what is right for the youth and for the community. Bravo!
Roslyn Catracchia, our Musical Director and my dear friend, thank you for introducing me to this amazing experience!!! Working with you was incredible!!!
Maybe this will ignite the need for all the Community Theaters to serve the community not only for entertainment but for education and support!!
NO DAY BUT TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The passing of a dear friend and love~
Tim Albrecht was an amazing person. He was giving, kind, funny, dry, sassy and tenacious! I will never forget when we met. It was the “Kiss of the Spiderwoman” auditions for replacements in NYC. The following day after the audition I had an accident where I cut my foot and received 8 stitches. I couldn’t really walk and my host was out of town for the weekend. The phone rang. It was Tim. He said he got my number from a friend and wanted to say “Hi and that it was nice chatting at the audition”. I laughed and told him what had happened to me. I was even stitched up by an Indian doctor named Dr. Delosangeles, having just moved to NYC again 2 weeks earlier. We laughed. He then asked me if I needed anything, I did. Some pills the Dr. wanted me to take. He offered to swing by and get them for me. I didn’t know then but he lived on 47th and 9th and I was on 91st and Lex. Not only did he stop by to pick up the perscription but he brought over a basket full of stuff, crayons, candy, some reading material. Instant buddy. He made such an impression and we were forever connected. He helped me find my apartment, he helped me when I tore my calf muscle in “Carousel”. December 9th 2006 he had a heart attack in his sleep and never woke up. 41 and gone! Our dear friend Jade Stice and I had a memorial in Hawaii on the “wall” and we laughed as we cried. I had met Jade in New York at a dress rehearsal for a tour of “La Cage Aux Folle”, Tim was playing the tormented stage manager. Of course, lol. Tim and I were both being considered for West Bank Story as well.
I think in some way he was up there when we won the Oscar saying
F%&ker, F%&ker,F%&ker! He always said that to me in his special loving way!!
We were connected in many ways and in some way still. I opened the Equity News Letter and saw the “Final Curtain Call” and Tims name was the first one on the list. It’s hard to believe he is gone like so many others who left, too soon! I know that the time we spent in each others lives was memorable, he touched everyone’s heart.
I will forever be thankful that he was in my life and hope that my time here is always in honor of him and all the people who have touched my soul and may we all be so thankful that we have the ones we love while we have them and long after they have gone!!!
Tim you will always be remembered and loved!!! Thank you!
We miss you deeply!!
Aloha my friend!!!!
