Profile: Deborah Gibson

Tue. June 23, 2009 12:00 AM

deborah gibson to perform at chicago pride fest

photo credit // www.deborah-gibson.com

Deborah Gibson to perform at Chicago Pride Fest on Saturday, June 27th

For more than 20 years, Deborah Gibson has proven she's an entertainer of immeasurable talent. From singer, songwriter and musician to actor and dancer, she embodies what it truly means to be an entertainer.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the celebrated singer started her personal love affair with music at the ripe age of two and a half. "I'd put my ear to the speaker in my bedroom and run back to the piano and play — left and right hands." Known the world over as "the Original Pop Princess", Deborah has come a long way from her early days of classical music training.

Gibson exploded on the pop music scene at the tender age of 16. A music prodigy, she quickly became the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a number one single, ("Foolish Beat"), a record she still holds today in the Guinness Book of World Records. To date, Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide.

Refusing to simply ride out the wave of her initial success, Deborah has since invested more than 20 years into the music industry. Releasing a string of well-received albums — Out of the Blue - 1987, Electric Youth - 1989, Anything is Possible - 1990, Body Mind Soul - 1993, Think With Your Heart - 1995, Deborah - 1996, M.Y.O.B - 2001, Colored Lights - 2003 as well as a greatest hits collection, Deborah has successfully worked the music industry from all angles. in 1988 Deborah co-hosted Nickelodeon's first ever "Kids' Choice Awards" with Tony Danza.

After conquering the pop world, she set her sights on the theater. Gibson took a star turn in the Broadway production of "Les Miserables" as Eponine. She broke box office records in the London West End production of "Grease" as Sandy, and then took the stage in the U.S. Broadway tours of "Grease" and "FunnyGirl" playing Rizzo and Fanny Brice. Gibson also wowed critics as Belle in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Gypsy Rose Lee in "Gypsy," The Narrator in the national tour of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Cinderella in the national production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella,"Velma Kelly in "Chicago," and Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret."

Continuing to dazzle with entertainment magic, Gibson bridged the gap between Pop Music and Broadway with her one-woman show "Pop Goes Broadway." She brings the best of both worlds to the stage singing some of her biggest pop hits and reprising her starring roles on Broadway. Critics agreed "‘Pop Goes Broadway' is the best show Atlantic City has seen in quite some time…it's totally entertaining" during her three-week engagement in May 2008 at The Concert Venue at Harrah's. Phil Roura of the New York Daily News said, "she has mastered her craft to the point where she just doesn't perform a song - she embraces it and delivers it with her own special stamp of approval."

Gibson recently returned to her Broadway roots for a successful run of "The King and I." Steven Stanely of StageSceneLA said, "From the moment this Broadway vet steps onto the stage, there is magic in the air, and no one can doubt that this Anna will enchant the King from their first meeting." Les Spindle of Backstage said, "Gibson exudes grace and warmth as the patient but determined Anna. She brings renewed luster to beloved songs such as "Hello Young Lovers," finding the passion in Rodger's eloquent lyrics and Hammerstein's lush melodies." Cary Ginell said, "Utilizing a meticulously cultivated British accent, Gibson is excellent in her portrayal of Anna." Gibson is now the composer and co-lyricist on a new musical in pre-production for Broadway: "The Flunky", written by Jimmy Van Patten.

The "Original Pop Princess" is ready to pass the torch to the next generation of musical sensations. Her passion to mentor and foster young performers and songwriters led her to create "Deborah Gibson's Electric Youth," a series of performing arts camps and songwriting/recording intensives. For more information, visit www.deborahgibsonselectricyouth.com.

From number one hits and platinum albums to starring roles on Broadway, film and TV, Gibson is a true entertainer with talent and charisma.

www.deborah-gibson.com

Deborah Gibson will perform Saturday, June 27th at 2:30 p.m. during Chicago Pride Fest. (Complete Entertainment Schedule)

Chicago Pride Fest
Friday, June 26 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 27 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Pride Fest is sponsored by the Northalsted Area Merchants Association. Suggested gate donation is $7.
(Event Details)

Chicago's 40th Annual Pride Parade
Sunday, June 28 at 12 p.m.
Step off at Belmont at Halsted

(Event Details)

Complete Chicago Pride Parade and Pride Fest details in the Online Pride Guide featuring parade details, event calendar, map, tips, photos and more.

The ChicagoPride.com online Pride Guide is sponsored by Cesar's on Broadway, 2924 N Broadway.
 

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