Film • Television • Radio

LATEST FILM/TV/COMMERCIAL NEWS | PAST FILM NEWS | PAST TV NEWS

LATEST TV AND FILM NEWS

Latest News Updates: Film 7/2/09 | TV 6/19/09 | Commercial 4/16/09

Greg plays "Les Hirsch" (husband to Lena Olin's character) in the feature film Remember Me from Summit Entertainment.

Cast also includes Pierce Brosnan ("Charles Hawkins"), Chris Cooper ("Neil Craig"), Emilie de Ravin ("Ally Craig"), Tate Ellington ("Aidan Hall"), Ruby Jerins ("Caroline Hawkins"), Lena Olin ("Diane Hirsch"), and Robert Pattinson ("Tyler Hawkins").
Director: Allen Coulter. Writers: Will Fetters, Jenny Lumet.
The movie is filming in Manhattan.
Release date: February 12, 2010. More @ IMDb Page

For those planning to see Billy Elliot on Broadway during July, note that Greg will be out of the show Tuesday July 7 through Thursday July 9* due to his Remember Me shooting schedule. *Shooting dates subject to change depending on how the weather affects the exterior shoots.

('Remember Me' news first added 6/16/09; last updated 7/2/09)

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L to R: Front and back of press card from distributors' screening
in LA on 2/27/08. Plus movie poster. Click a thumbnail for larger view.

DVD release date: March 3, 2009.
Order from Amazon.com (regular dvd copy)
Order from Amazon.com (special dvd with digital copy)

Save to your Netflix queue.

Look for it on the shelves of your local Blockbuster and other video rental stores.

Premiered at Studio Movie Grill in Dallas, TX, August 26, 2008
Pegasus News: 'Exit Speed' Dallas Premiere: Report and Photos!

Theatrical Showings & Press. (Archived)

Gregory Jbara stars as "Jerry Yarbro" in the Scott Ziehl directed action film Exit Speed from Producer/Writer Michael Stokes; Producer/UPM Sally Helppie, President of Sabbatical Pictures; Co-Producer Annie Biggs; Director of Photograhy Tom Callaway.

See photo of Greg and stunt coordinator John Cade; photo by Bill Matlock.

See group photo, courtesy of Kelli Dawn Hancock.

Official EXIT SPEED Movie Site - See the Trailer!

The cast of Exit Speed includes (in alphabetical order): Danielle Beacham, John Cade, John Cann, Jonny Cruz, Clay Dix, Alice Greczyn, Kelli Dawn Hancock, Desmond Harrington, Asante Jones, Denise Lee, Shanna Lynn, Julie Mond, Victor Quintero, Roy Samuelson, Everett Sifuentes, Jennifer Sipes, Nicholas Sowell, David Rees Snell, Lea Thompson, Fred Ward, Bryon Weiss, and Wally White.
Principal Photography on Exit Speed wrapped Friday June 15, 2007.

Vision Films is world wide distributor for Exit Speed.

Exit Speed @ Internet Movie Database

Hear music from the soundtrack at Doug Besterman's Myspace.

(1/9/09 update - Netflix)

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Gregory Jbara stars as "Jack" [see photo] in the short film Out of Step, written / directed by Eileen Connors. A Blonde Rice Production. Steve Ackerman, Director of Photography. Filming completed March 26, 2007.

Synopsis: OUT OF STEP is the story of a father who goes to clean out his late daughter's home and discovers she was gay. He rejects the truth at first, until he discovers a lesbian who is struggling with coming out. Together they help each other heal. Gregory Jbara and Jamey Ketner turn in brilliant, heart-warming performances. The film features music by Melissa Etheridge, Jose Payo and Tommy the U.K. Cowboy and dance scenes by the L.A. Wranglers.

Some Past Festivals / Screenings
Reel Women International Film Festival screening April 1, 2009
Poppy Jasper Film Festival screening - November 14 & 15, 2008
Tampa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - Oct 2-12, 2008
Los Angeles Screening @ Landmark Theatre Sept. 15-17, 2008
Big Bear Lake International Film Festival screening - September 13, 2008
Moondance Film Festival - Aug 29-Sept 1, 2008
Lake Arrowhead Film Festival April 10-13, 2008.
Mazar Lesbian Archives December 2, 2007; Q&A after included Greg.

Report from Arrowhead: The film was very well received at the festival, and the filmmakers were invited to return with their next film. They also had people approach them throughout the weekend to discuss the film, and they had the opportunity to educate the audience at the festival on how much higher teen suicide is among gay teens.

Check out the Official Out of Step web site for images, trailer, and more.
Hear music from the soundtrack at Doug Besterman's Myspace.

(Latest update - 3/2/09 - Reel Women International Film Festival screening)

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 BESTERMAN NAMED AS FILMS' COMPOSER

Greg's long time friend, multiple Tony® Award winning orchestrator Doug Besterman has been hired as composer for both Exit Speed and Out of Step.
You can listen to clips from both films at Doug's Myspace.
For more about Doug, see his web site: DougBesterman.com.

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48 Hour Film Project: Los Angeles
"Project: 96B" - Best Film in LA Winner!

Gregory Jbara played the part of "Thompson" in the TEAM SOAPBOX entry for the 48 Hour Film Project: LA (2007). Greg was invited by long time friend Marissa Messier (producer of this short film) to work with screenwriter Katie Alender, director Chis Alender and the Soapbox Films' crew along with actors Alice Ripley ("Gwen"), Meredith Bishop ("Kristen") and Chad McKnight ("Frederick").

Project: 96B screened Friday, June 29 and Saturday, July 21, 2007, at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, CA.

It also screened Saturday afternoon, March 1, 2008 at Cinequest / Filmapalooza in San Jose, CA

48 Hour Film Project - LA Web Site.

See "Project: 96B" @ WondersTV.com

See "Project: 96B" @ 48.tv

48 Hour Film Project LA Photos (Eleven with Greg)

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Gregory Jbara plays a jingle singer in the indie film Ira & Abby: A Divorce Comedy, starring Chris Messina and Jennifer Westfeldt as the title characters.

The film was released by Magnolia Pictures on September 14, 2007 in New York / Los Angeles and afterward, in select cities.

DVD release date: January 29, 2008. Amazon.com | Netflix

View some screen captures

Visit the official Ira & Abby film site.

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"That's How You Know" from Disney's film Enchanted nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. Greg's is one of the chorus voices heard in the number. For more about the 80th Annual Oscar nominees, visit Oscar.com. (Enchanted also nominated for two other songs from the film: "Happy Working Song" and "So Close".)

DVD release date is March 18, 2008.

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Latest News Updates: TV 6/19/09 | Film 7/2/09 | Commercial 4/16/09

Greg shot another installment of All My Children (episode # 10149) on Thursday morning, May 14, reprising his role as a courtroom judge. He originally played the role in two episodes of the show in 2006, which he shot in between performances of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

This latest episode originally aired on June 19, 2009, at 1:00 PM ET on ABC. Director is Conal O'Brien.
It's known to have rerun on The Soap Channel, June 19 at 8:00 PM ET and June 20 at 01:00 AM ET.

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Greg voiced the "Mr. Logan" character for American Dad! episode titled "Family Affair", which aired Sun Feb 15. Written by Erik Durbin, Directed by Tim Parsons, with Booth Direction by Mike Barker.

"Escape from Pearl Bailey" episode of American Dad premiered on FOX Sun Nov 9 at 9:30 PM ET, with Greg voicing the role of "Plastic Surgeon". Written by Dan Vebber, Directed by Bob Bowen, and Executive Produced / Voice Directed by Mike Barker. See video clip.

"Road to Germany" episode of Family Guy premiered 10/19 on FOX, with Greg voicing several German characters: "Nazi Guard," "Nazi General" and "German Priest".

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Gregory Jbara recently guest-starred as "Stan Lawrence," local tv station manager, on an episode of Monk titled "Mr. Monk Gets Lotto Fever". Writer is Hy Conrad and Director is Michael Zinberg.
Original air date was 8/1/08. Watch for it in reruns.

Monk at USANetwork.com

See our MONK page with iTunes links and screen caps.

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Greg returns as "Director Greg" for the "Mi, Mi, Mi" episode of
Come On Over. It filmed July 2008 and is directed by Daniel Salles.

Greg had a great time working on his first episode of the show, "Thespians," remarking at the time that he'd "do it again in a heartbeat." He did just that, reprising his "Director Greg" role for the "Storytelling" episode.

"Thespians" was directed by Steve Feldman.
The director of "Storytelling" was Mickey Corcoran.

Come on Over is the Emmy Award-winning children's television program which first premiered October 2006 and airs Saturdays at 7:30 AM on ABC channel WOTV4 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• Photos from "Thespians" and "Storytelling"

• Embedded YouTube Videos from "Thespians"

• Check this out at ComeOnOver.com:
   "New Friends with Ms. Lucy" - Director Greg

• "Come On Over" - IMDb page

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Last News Updates: Commercial 4/16/09 | TV 6/19/09 | Film 7/2/09

Watch for Greg in an upcoming spot for Pearle Vision Centers called "Stolen," for both on-camera and radio. There is a :30 & :15 second version of the on-camera and two :60 & one :30 second version of the radio spots.
The spots, recorded April 16, 2009, should begin airing the end of April.
PearleVision.com

(Pearle Vision radio spots news first added 4/16/09.)

 
Greg plays the dad of a college student in a commercial for Olive Garden which shot during the first week of July 2008 in NYC. The spot started airing early in 2009.

Deborah Geffner and Greg portray a married couple, out for an evening of dinner and tango dancing with friends, who both tout the benefits of his having been using Caduet, a high blood pressure/high cholesterol medication. This national on-camera, print and internet campaign shot in mid-February 2008 on location at the Villa del Sol d'Oro in Sierra Madre. The campaign launched April 2008.
Caduet.com
See embedded video of TV commercial.

 
In this on-camera spot for Royal Bank of Scotland, Greg plays an arrogant golfer who blames his poor game on everything but himself.
The commercial was shot February 2008 at the lovely Pelican Hill Resort south of Newport Beach, and has subsequently aired during major PGA touraments.
RBS.com

 
Listen for Greg as the voice of "the Boss" in a new Burger King Radio Spot called "Theme Music."
BK.com

Greg recorded a radio spot for Volkswagen Dealerships on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at Big Joe's Sound in Santa Monica. VW.com

Listen for Greg as the "Patent Office Clerk" in a radio commercial for Compass Bank.
To check if you're located in cities where the spots may air, please go to Compass Bank > Locations. | Compass Bank Site

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  Past Film & TV News Highlights

THESE AND MORE...

See Past TV / Film Archived News Page for more about Greg's work on a number of television shows and films covering a rich variety of genres.

See "Greg on TV" Page for a filmography and tv appearance schedule.

Also see Greg's Resumé, and view clips at Video-Audio Index.

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  Broadway • Stage • Recording

LATEST STAGE/LIVE NEWS | UPCOMING/ RECENT | PAST NEWS

LATEST STAGE / LIVE EVENT NEWS

Greg's Stage News last updated 7/1/09

Winner of 10 Tony® Awards!
Winner of 7 Outer Critic Circle Awards!
Theatre World Debut Awards to Billys, Haydn!
Drama League Award: Distinguished Production of a Musical!
Winner of 10 Drama Desk Awards!
Winner of 2 Astaire Awards!
Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Musical!
10 BWW Theater Fans' Choice Awards!

About | Links

 Gregory Jbara originates the role of "Jackie Elliot" (aka "Dad") for the Broadway production of Billy Elliot at the Imperial Theatre.
See what the critics are saying about Greg's portrayal of "Dad".

Broadway.com presents "Working Class Hero" Video Blog
   Latest: View on Greg's Blog or via Broadway.com Playlist.

   Previews began October 1. Opening Night November 13. Open-end run.
   BillyElliotBroadway.com - Tickets - Phone/ Telecharge/ Schedule
   Imperial Theatre Box Office: 249 W. 45th. Map
   Box Office Hours: 10 AM-8:30 PM Mon-Fri & Noon-6 PM Sun
   Student Rush Tue Wed Thu (Nights) $41.50 See BE Broadway News
   Stage Door Fan Mail Address - see Contact Page.

Billy Elliot the Musical is Directed by Stephen Daldry; Music by Elton John; Lyrics/Book by Lee Hall; Choreography by Peter Darling; Set Design by Ian MacNeil. Alternating in the role of "Billy": David Alvarez, Tommy Batchelor, Trent Kowalik, & Kiril Kulish. With David Bologna and TBA as "Michael" and Erin Whyland as "Debbie". More cast.

Greg is back on familiar turf at the Imperial, where he originated the role of "Andre" in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the Musical (January 2005 - July 2006). Also back at the Imperial, as Dance Captain for Billy Elliot, is Greg Graham, who was Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Dance Captain.
More credits at Official BE Broadway Site: Cast & Creative

Top of Section | Top of Page

ON SITE LINKS: Cast List/Links/Photos | Press Links | Press Photos
Production Photos | Opening Night Photos | Fan Photos
WordSearch Game | Performance Schedule (PDF) | BE Softball
BE Awards Central
  "Friends of Jackie Elliot" - We'd love for you to share your stage door
  photos with us! Info & submission details. Latest 7/3/09 (x1 - pg 14).

OFF SITE LINKS: Official BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (Broadway) Site
  Cast & Creative Page @ BillyElliotBroadway.com
  We Are Billy Elliot | BETM Broadway on Facebook
Join the Facebook fan group:
   "We Want a BILLY ELLIOT Broadway Cast Recording!"
Fan Discussion Sites: Billy Elliot the Forum | BETM Friends
BWW links: BE on B'way | BE Community | Main BWW Board
Playbill.com: Multimedia for Billy Elliot

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Recent 2009 BE Section Updates:
7/3 - 1 FoJE photo; 6/30 - 1 press link(s);
6/14 - Greg's Tony® speech video - (HD YouTube & MP4 links later added);
6/9 - Photo added to Tony® Photos; 6/7 - 10 Tonys®! More;
6/6 - TheaterMania interviews w/ Drama Desk winners Greg & Haydn
6/4 - May 28 softball update/photos; 6/3 - new Working Class Dad Ballet Girl vlog;
WeAreBillyElliot: Trent, Kate, Nora, BT, and Frank; Carole;
Astaire Awards; 5/24 - Talkin' Tonys® w/ Bologna, Jbara, Shelley;
5/21 - Embedded TheaterMania Vid: Drama Desk Interviews
5/16 - "Vote" blog updated; 5/15 - BETM wins Drama League;
5/11 - 7 Outer Critic Circle Wins;
2 Theatre World Awards; 5/5 - Astaire Award noms page;
BE Tony Nominees Page;
4/29 - Doris Eaton Travis @ BE fan photos
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 Jbara and Gwynne for 'Broadway Barks'

Haydn Gwynne & Gregory Jbara will take part in Broadway Barks! this year. The event takes place in Shubert Alley on July 11, 2009 from 3:30-6:30 PM. More information at BroadwayBarks.com
Join Broadway Barks on Facebook

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Greg was in If You're Good to Mama Concert May 10

Sun May 10, 2009 - 7:30 PM, Benefit concert at LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St., NYC (Between 7th & 8th Aves.) Performers List / More Info: GayCenter.org - Mother's Day Concert

("The Center" logo © LGBT Community Center NYC.)

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Greg to Judge "Best of the Buskers" Auditions

Greg was an audition judge for "Best of the Buskers" at Time Square Alliance, Duffy Square (Broadway & 47th) on Monday, May 11, Noon to 1:00 PM. More info at TimesSquareNYC.org.

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"Something To Offer" Interview Re-Aired June 6

Something to Offer with host Anne Marie Offer, features an interview with Greg which premiered April 4, 2009, at 7:30 PM Eastern in the NYC viewing area and streamed online. It first reaired on May 30.
Episode repeated on June 6, 2009.
MNN.org / Channel 56
NY TW 56/17 / RCN 83 / VRZN 34
MNN.org Webstreams Help
Visit AMO Productions Web Site

(Logo © AMO Productions)

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Florida Players Presents Master Class with Greg

Florida Players, University of Florida's student-run theatre company, hosted a free master class taught by Gregory Jbara. The master class gave insight into the experiences of a professional actor.
   Jbara also gave valuable acting tips by providing feedback on select student performances.
   Jbara's master class was from 3-5 PM Monday, January 26, in the Constans Theatre of the Nadine McGuire Theatre & Dance Pavilion at the University of Florida. This informative, professional workshop was open to students of all majors.
   Read the full PDF press release @ FloridaPlayers.org
   Visit FloridaPlayers.org Main Page

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Cabaret Benefit for Shanti Bhavan

The Metropolitan Room, on the evening of January 6, 2009, was the setting for A.S.T.E.P. in the Right Direction: A Benefit for Shanti Bhavan. The benfit was produced by and featured BE child guardian Elizabeth Daniels. Also featured were performances by guardians Amanda Grundy, Katherine Malak and cast member Stephanie Kurtzuba. Greg was among those in attendance.
  ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty)'s Shanti Bhavan Project provides educational opportunities and support to children of extreme poverty in India.
More: Metropolitan Room benefit page and ASTEP's Shanti Bhavan page.

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Broadway Bullet Interview(s) with Greg

Greg was interviewed by Michael Gilboe on the December 11, 2008 Broadway Bullet Podcast (Vol. 224).
You can read the notes for the show and download an mp3 of the broadcast from BroadwayBullet.com.
For Greg's portion of the show (which runs about 54 minutes), go to approximately 31 min. 55 sec. into the podcast.
Greg was also part of the May 7, 2009 Podcast Vol. 312 (recorded May 6 during the Tony@reg; nominees press reception.) Go here for more on that audio interview.

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...Presents with Shelley and Jbara

Playbill Radio Presents with Billy Elliot's Carole Shelley and Gregory Jbara debuted 7 PM ET Wed Dec 24, with repeats having now aired Dec 25-28. See article @ Playbill.com.
•)) Listen to an mp3 of the podcast on PlaybillRadio.com.

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GREG GETS 'SIRIUS'!

Wed. Dec. 10, 2008 @ Noon ET - Times Square Information Center, Gregory Jbara was interviewed in front of a live studio audience on "SIRIUS Live On Broadway", with host Seth Rudetsky.
The interview was broadcast on Sirius Radio Dec 19, 21, 23, 24. Clip of Greg singing "Sixteen Tons"

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CAROLS FOR A CURE 2008

BILLY ELLIOT cast sings Sir Elton's 'Cold Christmas' on CAROLS FOR A CURE 2008 CD
More info on song and CD.
CD featured on Playbill Radio Dec. 9-16.

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LITTLE FISH

Sh-K-Boom's Ghostlight Records' World Premiere Recording of The Blank Theatre Company Production of Michael John LaChiusa's Little Fish was made November 12, 2007 and released on September 9, 2008.
Made possible by The Shen Family Foundation.
Produced by Joel Moss and Kurt Deutsch.
Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin.
Playbill News: "Little Fish CD...Arrives in Stores Sept. 9" (9/9/08)
Order from Sh-K-Boom.com.

A sold-out concert of music from the CD was presented at Joe's Pub on September 8, 2008, with composer Michael John LaChiusa and a line-up including (as announced prior to) Alice Ripley, Mary Testa, Judy Kuhn, Gavin Creel, Julia Murney, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Matthew Morrison, Kate Shindle, Lea DeLaria, Gregory Jbara, Andrew Samonsky, Dina Morishita and more, as part of Joe's Pub's 10th Anniversary Celebration. Greg sang "By the Way," his character 'Mr. Bunder's' song from Little Fish.
Joe'sPub.com | Playbill News article about concert (8/5)

Greg as "Mr. Bunder" in the West Coast Premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's Little Fish, starring Alice Ripley, directed by Kirsten Sanderson at the Blank Theatre in Hollywood in 2007. Previews October 9-11; Opened October 12; Final performance November 18.
• Other Cast: Chad Kimball, Dina Morishita, German Santiago, Samantha Shelton, Brooke Tansley and Robert Torti.
• Production: Sarah Teich - Production Stage Manager, Brad Ellis - Music Director, David O - Conductor, Jane Lanier - Choreographer, Daniel Henning is Artistic Director of the Blank Theatre Company and Stacy Reed is Producing Director of the Blank Theatre Company.

Review Quotes | YouTube Videos | Digital Post Card | Press Photos

• Playbill News - CD release: 11/01/07 | 7/18/08 | 9/9/08
• Playbill News: Jbara, Kimball and More to Join Ripley for West Coast Debut of LaChiusa's Little Fish.
• Playbill News: Ripley is Little Fish in L.A. Run of LaChiusa Musical, With Jbara and Kimball
• Backstage.com - Cast Interview

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DUETS 2, a one night only production pairing local acting stars with unlikely local celebrities singing the night away with entertaining tunes, took place on Sunday evening, January 27, 2008, at the Spectrum Theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Greg performed with his long-time friend, Come on Over producer Patrick Ziegler in this benefit for Actors' Theatre.
A reception featuring wine and recipes from the Actors' Eats cookbook followed the event!
  • Actors' Theatre - The Off-Broadway of Grand Rapids (Official theatre site)
  • Interview: Stage, screen star comes to aid of Actors' Theatre
    (Grand Rapids Press, now archived here, dated 1/25/08)
  • Duets2 Index: Photo & Videos | Jbara-Ziegler Video

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Greg originated the Broadway role of "Andre Thibault.
January 2005 (previews) - July 2006
Review Quotes Page
More DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS news and links archived here.
(Stage Door Photos, Dressing Room Cam Archives, and more.)
Also see related news archives: 2005 and 2006.

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Gregory Jbara reads Dean & Me
by Jerry Lewis and James Kaplan.
Abridged audio version.
Release date: October 25, 2005
Publisher: RH Audio (Random House)
More info, links

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GREG'S "CHATTERBOX" INTERVIEW ON DVD

Available via mail order from:
SethsBroadwayChatterbox.com
Click on "DVD's" and follow instructions to order.

The DVD with Greg's interview also contains one with Andrea McArdle.
Cost is $25, and profits go to BC/EFA, a great cause, so buy (don't burn!).

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 (Other) Past News

• My First Audition - Greg & other B'way stars. (6/3/05 Playbill.com)

• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Archived News & Links

• Archived Theatre News: 2007 2006 2005

• Pre-2005 Stage/B'way/Recording News

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^Hotlink to this smilie!


Cool comic.

web www.GregoryJbara.com

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