THE APPLE BOYS: Industry Reading April, 2024

An industry presentation of the new musical The Apple Boys was held in NYC, for which David has been attached as the director since 2016, and had a successful off-off Broadway run in 2018. Stay tuned for more details!

BROADWAY CELEBRATES EARTH DAY, April 20, 2024

David returned as the Concert Director for the Broadway Green Alliance’s 3rd Annual “Broadway Celebrates Earth Day” concert. The event was another collboration with the Times Square Alliance, and feautered stars from Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Moulin Rougue, The Notebook, Aladdin, Back to the Future, and many more, along with student performances and guest speakers. Please see photos and the press release here.

CANDY COTTAGE OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC Winter, 2023

Working with Vance Garrett & Arielle Tepper, David provided Audience Logistics for this theatrical, part-immersive theatre, part scavanger hunt at Rockefeller Center during the holiday season. For more information, please visit their website.

RUNAWAY PRINCESS August, 2023

David returned to his hometown of Muskegon, Michigan to direct the world premiere of Kate Reinders (Gypsy, Something Rotten!, Wicked, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) & Tony Award-nominee Paul Gordon’s (Jane Eyre, Daddy Long Legs) new musical Runaway Princess. The production will be held August 18-20 at the Beardsley Theater in Muskegon, produced by Muskegon Civic Theatre (where David & Kate got their start!).

KEYNOTE SPEAKER for The Association of University Radiologists’ 71st Annual Meeting April 2023

Held in Austin, Texas, David was selected to give the keynote address for AUR’s 71st Annual Meeting. The theme of the conference was Imagine, Create, Innovate– Exploring Radiology’s Imaginarium, and David’s address, titled “How to Creatively Approach Thinking” kicked off the event. For more information, please visit their website.

BROADWAY CELEBRATES EARTH DAY April 2023

Working again with the Broadway Green Alliance, David directed the 2023 Earth Day Concert in Times Square! Hosted by Seth Rudestsky & James Wesley, this unique, star-studded concert featured live performances from Broadway's top talent including Alli Mauzey, Alysha Umphress, Michael James Scott, Jason Tam, Anika Larsen, young performers from the tri-state area, and family-friendly activities to accomplish the green needs on #BroadwaysToDoList. The concert was held on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets, kicking off the NYC Department of Transportation's “Car-Free Earth Day.” Check out the Playbill article here.

ANNE & EMMETT at Muskegon Civic Theatre January, 2023

David returned to his hometown of Muskegon, Michigan to direct ANNE & EMMETT, a play that considers a conversation between Anne Frank & Emmett Till. The sold-out run play at the historic Frauenthal Theatre, and included student performances and talk-backs to encourage conversations and enact change.

PLAYBILL PRESENTS: DISABLED DOWN CENTER June 27, 2022

David directed the first annual ‘Disabled Down Center’ concert at the Green Room 42 in New York City, a ‘benefit that spotlights working disabled artists as they perform their favorite show tunes from roles for which they were never considered but should have been.’ Check out the Playbill article here, and an interview with producer Brennan Srisirikul here.

OUR BROTHER’S SON Opened May 5, 2022

The Off-Broadway premiere of Charles Gluck’s new family drama began previews April 24, 2022 at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at Signature Theatre, directed by David. Please see the Playbill.com release for more information.

THE ELF ON THE SHELF MAGICAL HOLIDAY JOURNEY November & December 2021

Happy Holidays! Produced by Constellation Immersive (a branch of CAA), David directs this magical holiday experience for families in both Los Angeles and Dallas. Nearly fifty actors, designs by a team of Broadway professionals, and working directly with Lumistella, the creative force behind the global brand of “Elf on a Shelf,” David is the director of both markets. Click here to learn more!

E-TICKET TO BROADWAY at COMIC CON October 9, 2021

David’s podcast hosted a panel at New York Comic Con at the Javits Center in New York City! David was joined by Broadway stars Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Thayne Jasperson (Hamilton, Newsies), and Michael James Scott (Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten) to chat all things Disney Parks.

YOU’RE A GREEN ONE, MR. FINCH! December 18, 2020

Kicking off the holiday season, You’re a Green One Mr. Finch serves as a virtual benefit for the Broadway Green Alliance! Written and directed by David, the concert special centers on the Grinch’s disgruntled cousin who learns what it means to have a green and sustainable holiday season. The event streams exclusively on Playbill.com, and features an incredible Broadway company including Lesli Margherita, Ben Cameron, Elizabeth Stanley, Ann Harada, Susan Egan, Laura Osnes, Courtney Reed, Javier Muñoz, Michael James Scott, and a special appearance from Idina Menzel.

LIGHTS UP ON VOTER MOBILIZATION: September 21, 2020

Teaming up with the Broadway Green Alliance, David moderated and was the creative producer for this town hall focused on “how Broadway and beyond can engage and empower voters to build a sustainable, healthier, and just world.” The town hall featured leading mobilizers such as Stacey Abrams from Fair Fight, and Reta Jo Lewis; as well as leaders from When We All Vote, the We Are Foundation, Vote Riders, Belt the Vote, HeadCount; and climate action groups including the Flint Water Festival, the NY League of Conservation Voters, and the NRDC Action Fund. Additionally David was joined by his Broadway family including Anthony Rapp, Jenn Colella, LaChanze, Tamika Lawrence, & Celia Rose Gooding. David not only represented his own work as an activist, but used this platform to share the work of Gilana’s Fund.

E-TICKET TO BROADWAY: 2020 Launch

David created and serves as the host of E-TICKET TO BROADWAY, that officially launched July, 2020. “Put on your mouse ears, grab a dole whip, and get ready to listen to your favorite Broadway stars chat about all things Disney Parks on the “E-Ticket to Broadway” podcast!   Join host David Alpert, an award-winning theatre director, as he and his Broadway pals share their favorite stories about the happiest places on Earth. After they discuss their favorite attractions, shows, parades, and memories; the guests play some fun games including, “Fast Pass Answers,” “Tweedledee or Tweedledum,” and answer trivia and questions from the listeners.” The podcast is available whevever you listen to podcasts, and is part of the Broadway Podcast Network.

TAKING MY TURN at 54 Below: March 9, 2020

Presented as a one-night-only concert, Taking My Turn is the award-winning, critically acclaimed musical with lyrics by Will Holt, music by Gary William Friedman, and adaptation/direction by Robert H. Livingston. Taking My Turn opened Off-Broadway in 1983 and won the 1984 Outer Critic’s Circle Award for Best Lyrics/Music and a Drama Desk nomination for Best Musical. It was subsequently presented on the PBS Great Performance Series. David directs this special concert celebration, with musical direction by Jason Wetzel. The company includes many Broadway favorites including Tony Award-winner Karen Ziemba.

BROADWAYCON 2020

David returned to BroadwayCon for his fifth year, as the Artistic Director of Headline Programming. This year he created the opening ceremonies which included Tony Award-winner Beth Leavel, Olivier Award-winner Lesli Margherita, and Jelani Remy. David also programmed the BroadwayCon Feud, The Game Night, The Cabaret, and the BroadwayCon Blizzard Party Line. Additionally he offered his “Stage a Scene” workshop, this time with Tony Award-winner LaChanze, and Alex Gibson. To learn more about BroadwayCon, check out www.BroadwayCon.com

IDINA MENZEL at CARNEGIE HALL: December 2019

Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel released a new Holiday Album “Christmas: A Season of Love,” and David was honored to be her Creative Director for this concert tour. The tour, featuring Music Direction by music legend Ron Fair and a 16-piece band, traveled to Atlantic City & Foxwoods Casino before landing at the esteemed New York City venue. In addition to Menzel, the concert featured Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Aaron Lohr, Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winner Billy Porter, and the young woman of A Broader Way.

CITY OF ANGELS in Concert: November 22, 2019

Presented at the Skirball Center, David directed the concert version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, CITY OF ANGELS. The concert, conducted by Dr. Ana Flavia Zuim, featured nearly 50 New York University students, including NYU’s Broadway Orchestra. After the concert, Tony, Grammy, & Emmy-Nominee Vanessa Williams, who will star in the upcoming West End Production of the musical, sat down with David and Dr. Zuim for a talkback.

The 12th Annual LIVING FOR TODAY Concert: October 20, 2019

One of David’s most special projects, the 12th Annual concert benefit Gilana’s Fund—a Fund created by David’s family after his sister passed away in 2007. The concert, held at Joe’s Pub, brings together Broadway stars for a night of music and fundraising. This year’s concert “put on a happy face,” and starred Emmy-nominee Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” The Little Mermaid), Paige Davis (“Trading Spaces,” Chicago), Nic Roleau (Hello Dolly, The Book of Mormon), Eric Anderson (Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman), Bonnie Milligan (Head Over Heels), Eric William Morris (King Kong, Be More Chill), Taylor Iman Jones (Head Over Heels), Phoenix Best (Dear Evan Hansen, Les Miz), David R Gordon (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Paige Sommerer, Cathy Ang (K Pop), and Jillian Jameson (The Sound of Music), with music direction by Jason Wetzel (After Midnight).

NYU Steinhardt: 2019-2020

David returns for his second year as an adjunct professor at New York University’s Steinhardt School, where he teaches Audition Skills for the Undergraduate and Graduate Seniors, as well as leads the weekly program meeting, connecting the students with the top leaders in the Broadway community. This fall David will also direct a cast of students with Steinhardt’s Broadway Orchestra for a concert presentation of CITY OF ANGELS at the Skirball Center.

BROADWAY EVOLVED: June/August 2019

David was thrilled to teach Scene Study, work one-on-one with 13 students from across the world on College Prep, and led two workshops with educators from around the country to discuss methods of teaching theatre in education, for Broadway Evolved. Founded by David’s Broadway buddy Betsy Wolfe (Falsettos, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), and Cynthia Rose, the program focuses on “exceptional, top notch training” and making sure the students “leave with a clearer understanding of their true selves, an awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, and the ability to build the skills to navigate their journeys.”

UNNECESSARY FARCE: July 2019

David returned to Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck, Michigan to direct Paul Slade Smith’s UNNECESSARY FARCE, which opened July 26. Marin Heinritz of Revue West Michigan wrote:

“Whether or not you consider yourself a fan of farce hardly matters when you find yourself in the audience of a truly excellent production. The script will necessarily be formulaic and full of corny jokes — and yet what talented, imaginative, fully-committed actors can do with that set of characters and off-the-wall scenario, particularly with a director who has a gift for comedy, can make you marvel at their artistry and laugh so hard your belly hurts.

This is precisely what’s going on at Mason Street Warehouse with the current production of “Unnecessary Farce.” Directed by David Alpert, whose attention to every detail and wonderful use of blocking and movement to maximize physical comedy potential, this show is not only ridiculously funny, but it’s also shot through with genuine suspense and surprise.”

ARTS FOR AUTISM: June 24, 2019

The 4th Annual ARTS FOR AUTISM benefit was held on June 24, 2019 at the Gershwin Theater on Broadway. David directed the concert for the fourth time, which was once again hosted by Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara. In addition to the hundreds of student performers from around the country, the concert will feature performances by Adam Jacobs, Betsy Wolfe, Teal Wicks, and Kara Lindsay.

AMERICAN THEATRE WING: Springboard NYC

David was honored to be asked back to teach the students who are traveling to New York City for The American Theatre Wing's "Springboard NYC" program in June, 2019.  "SpringboardNYC brings college actors into the epicenter of American theatre—New York City—in an intensive program that connects young talent to the knowledge, tools and connections necessary to become part of New York’s vital theatre culture.  The program happens in parallel to the Tony Awards."  David taught a "Working with Sides" workshop for the performance students.

GIVIN IT UP Developmental Work Session

Using the music of Donald Byrd, and based on Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, David worked with playwright Phebe McPherson and composer Tariq Al-Sabir in helping them develop their new musical GIVIN’ IT UP, the beginning of May, 2019.

NYU SENIOR SHOWCASE

David directed the 34 graduating undergraduate and graduate seniors from New York University’s Steinhardt Musical Theatre Program. The students presented two showcases on April 30 at New World Stages in NYC for members of the industry.

ADAM THEN Developmental Reading

David directed a reading of Terry Milner’s new play ADAM THEN on March 8, 2019 in New York City. The reading featured Anthony Rapp, Lesli Margherita, Nick Westrate, Manu Narayan, Wyatt Fenner, Jason Carvell, and Alex Guhde. The play was a semi-finalist for the 2015 O'Neill Theatre Center National Playwrights Conference.

BROADWAYCON 2019

For his fourth year, David returned as the Artistic Director of Headline Programming for BroadwayCon! In addition to producing panels with the companies of MEAN GIRLS, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, THE PROM, THE CHER SHOW, BE MORE CHILL, MY FAIR LADY, 25 Years of Disney Theatrical Productions, and the 20th Anniversary of YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, David created original programming including the Opening Ceremony (starring Susan Egan, Hailey Kilgore, Anthony Rapp, and Ethan Slater), a Game Night, Family Feud, and a First Look Concert featuring the upcoming Broadway season (BEETLEJUICE; KISS ME, KATE; HADESTOWN, TOOTSIE, MOULN ROUGE). He also presented a “Stage a Scene” workshop as part of the convention.

THE APPLE BOYS: HERE Arts Center

The boys are back! This time for a fully realized production at the award-winning HERE Arts Center that ran November 30-December 23, 2018. The New Yorker wrote: “In New York City somewhere around 1907 or the nineteen-thirties—historical accuracy is not a primary consideration here—an aspiring fruit farmer teams up with three other guileless dreamers to save his family’s apple orchard through a foolproof get-rich-quick scheme: busking as a barbershop quartet. This new musical comedy is a bushelful of delights: Ben Bonnema’s clever, catchy songs, Jonothon Lyons’s wonderfully silly yet tightly constructed book, and adorable, hilarious performances from the quartet (Jelani Remy, Amanda Ryan Paige, Teddy Yudain, and Lyons). Directed by David Alpert and chock-full of solid gags that get maximum mileage out of old-timey tropes and Coney Island lore, the show is a thoroughly winning tribute to collaboration in all realms, not least the theatre.” — Rollo Romig

IDINA MENZEL: BRIDGES TOUR WITH JOSH GROBAN

David hit the road to help friend and Tony Award winner Idina Menzel with her new show, which is part of the Bridges Tour with Grammy and Tony nominee Josh Groban. David worked closely with Idina and the tour’s design team to stage theatrical moments and create the show’s order, and was on hand in Atlanta to rehearse and kick off the tour.

THE 11TH ANNUAL LIVING FOR TODAY CONCERT

The "Living for Today" concert series serves as the major fundraiser for Gilana's Fund, a fund that gives money to organizations promoting acceptance and inclusion nation wide.  David produces and directs the annual concert series in honor of his sister Gilana who passed away at the age of 26 in 2007.  This year's concert was held on Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm at Joe's Pub in NYC, and celebrated the work of Kander & Ebb, starring Bebe Neuwirth, Denée Benton, Lesli Margherita, Betsy Wolfe, Nathan Lee Graham, Autumn Hurlbert, Matthew Hydzik, DeQuina Moore, and more! Check out our Playbill announcement here. The event raised nearly $10,000.

NYU STEINHARDT

Back to school!  David has recently accepted an adjunct professor position in the prestigious NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Profession.  For the 2018-2019 academic year, David will be teaching the undergraduate and graduate seniors Audition Skills, and will be directing their showcases in the Spring.  

THE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE

The Broadway Experience was created with the intent to educate, develop, and strengthen the skills of young dancers, singers, and actors by giving them a triple threat educational experience of the highest caliber.  David has proudly served on the faculty at TBE since 2012, and returned to the summer intensive in 2018 to teach song interpretation, acting technique, and directed a mini-version of Sweet Charity.

AUTUMN HURLBERT AT FEINSTEIN'S 54 BELOW

Fresh off the National Tour of Something Rotten, Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde) made her solo cabaret debut at "Broadway's Living Room," Feinstein's 54 Below.  David directed the concert.  Click below for Playbill's announcement.

NYMF: ILLUMINATI LIZARDS FROM OUTER SPACE

David returned to the New York Musical Festival to helm the reading of Illuminati Lizards from Outer Space, with Book and Lyrics by Yuri Worontschak and Paul Western-Pittard, Music by Yuri Worontschak.  This zany new musical was presented July 11, 14, and 15, 2018.  Check out more info by clicking below.

THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING: Springboard NYC

David was honored to teach the students who are traveling to New York City for The American Theatre Wing's "Springboard NYC" program in June, 2018.  "SpringboardNYC brings college actors into the epicenter of American theatre—New York City—in an intensive program that connects young talent to the knowledge, tools and connections necessary to become part of New York’s vital theatre culture.  The program happens in parallel to the Tony Awards."  David taught a "Working with Sides" workshop for the performance students.

THE MOST WONDERFUL AFTERNOON

A new play by playwright Anne Nygren Doherty,  David directed a reading of The Most Wonderful Afternoon led by Drama Desk & Obie Award winner, and Tony-nominee Veanne Cox, with Farah Bala, Jo Ann Cunningham,  Daniel Everidge, Patrick Newton,  Kellie Rae O'Donnell, and Jonathan Rayson.  The reading was held in New York City on May 25, 2018.

THE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE: ROME INTENSIVE

David returned to Rome, Italy for the third year to teach Acting, Song Interpretation, and Improv to the Italian students of the Broadway experience.  

MISCONCEPTION

Written by A Scythe of Time's Mark Swanson, David directed this fun, irreverent take on the story of Christmas in Augusta, GA  While in Augusta, David also had the pleasure to visit and teach with the students of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School & Greenbrier High School, as well as offering a Master Class to the theatre community of Augusta.  

THE APPLE BOYS at Ars Nova

"At the turn of the century in Coney Island, a strongman, a hotdog vendor, a roller coaster operator and an apple delivery man meet and discover the magic of barbershop harmony. The Apple Boys celebrates the perseverance of the American spirit, the value of friendship and the dream of a community coming together to discover that the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts."  The boys are back, this time at Ars Nova on November 8, 2017, again directed by David. 

A SCYTHE OF TIME at 54 BELOW

Just in “time” for Halloween, this 2016 New York Musical Festival smash hit returned to NYC!  David's production of this new musical by Alan Harris and Mark Swanson was presented in concert at Feinstein's/54 Below on Thursday, October 26 at 9:30pm.  Starring Oliver Award winner Lesli Margherita, the concert featured cast members from the NYMF cast.

THE 10TH ANNUAL LIVING FOR TODAY CONCERT

An event that is very special to David, October 23, 2017 was the tenth annual "Living for Today" concert at Joe's Pub.  The concert serves as the major fundraiser for Gilana's Fund (www.gilanasfund.org), an organization fighting for and celebrating acceptance.  The concert featured Broadway's best including Alice Ripley, Lena Hall, Daisy Eagan, Will Roland, Max Crumm, Tamika Lawrence, Kathryn Gallagher, Britton Smith, Ben Davis, Caesar Samayoa, and more, & the 2017 Fund Recipients were announced by Kate Mulgrew. 

THE MOON AND THE SEA at NAMT

Creighton Iron's new musical THE MOON AND THE SEA, directed by David, was part of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's 29th Annual Festival in New York City on October 19, 2017.  Selections from the show was presented during the Songwriters Cabaret held at New World Stages.

THE BROADWAY EXPERIENCE NYC SUMMER INTENSIVE

David returned to teach and direct for The Broadway Experience as it celebrated its 10th Anniversary in August, 2017.  As part of the two-week intensive, the students performed medleys from Wicked, In the Heights, & Aladdin.  Photos of the event can be seen here.

THE APPLE BOYS at Dixon Place

The Apple Boys are back!  A return engagement to Dixon Place, this new musical by Jonothon Lyons & Ben Bonnema, directed by David Alpert,  continued its developmental process with a cast including Tony-nominee Emily Skeggs (Fun Home). Check out the press release here.

FULLY COMMITTED

David's production of Becky Mode's hilarious play Fully Committed opened at Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on July 21, 2017.  It was nominated for Best One-Person Production, and Best Performance for a One-Person Show for the Wilde Awards.   Revue West Michigan shared:  "Fully Committed, the raucous one-man comedy in full force at Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck, where Francis Kelly, under exquisite direction from David Alpert, miraculously brings to life each of these distinct and hilarious characters with little more than his incredible range of vocal and physical skill.  No doubt Director David Alpert strongly guided these brilliant choices... The play has been criticized for not having a larger purpose or message, but in David Alpert’s capable hands, a larger, fascinating theme clearly emerges: power is fluid, and can be wielded by the seemingly little guy down on his luck through clever behind-the-scenes machinations. What looks like a very bad day turns into a very good one for Sam, and all of it makes for a most excellent night at Mason Street Warehouse."