"Chaplin - A Life. In Concert"

This is "Chaplin: A Life in Concert", a unique and very special multi-media Musical Event which dramatizes, through song, the life story of the brilliant and controversial artist, Charlie Chaplin.

The show stars Multi-Platinum Award-Winning Performer/Composer, David Pomeranz, who also penned the Music and Lyrics (and co-Book with Steven David Horwich.) Pomeranz, in an unprecedented musical performance tour-de-force, brilliantly and seamlessly portrays more than 25 of the colorful characters in Charlie's life, all from the helm of a concert Grand. In an experience that has to be seen to be believed, David stages this show in the tradition of such great performances as Chaz Palminteri in "A Bronx Tale" or the famous Broadway turns of Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal.

"Chaplin: A Life in Concert" opens backstage at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1971 where Chaplin is to receive an honorary Life Achievement Award. Having been falsely accused of being a Communist and banned from re-entry into the United States 20 years earlier, the 82 year old Chaplin is both bitter and afraid as to how he'll be accepted by the crowd. He struggles with what to say to them when accepting the award. Left alone to rest, he falls asleep and remembers the events that lead him to the fateful moment. From his early childhood on the impoverished streets of London, to his creation of one of the world's most iconic characters and Chaplin's ultimate legacy…The Tramp, it finally becomes clear what he must do.

Part Concert; part Stage Musical, "Chaplin: A Life in Concert" is an imaginative, emotional and inspiring journey that leaves the audience walking on air, humming its tunes, and in love with the artistry of the great Chaplin.

For Bookings, contact:
Upward Spiral Entertainment at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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- THE SHOW -

One actor, one piano, one amazing performance. This is "Chaplin – A Life. In Concert", a unique evening of Musical Theater which dramatizes, in song, the life story of the brilliant and controversial artist, Charlie Chaplin.

The show stars multi platinum award-winning Performer/Composer, David Pomeranz (who also created the Music and Lyrics and collaborated on the Book with Steven David Horwich) who portrays more than 20 of the colorful characters in Charlie's life.

"Chaplin – A Life. In Concert" opens backstage at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1971 where Chaplin is to receive an honorary Life Achievement Award. Having been falsely accused of being a Communist and banned from re-entry into the United States 20 years earlier, the 82 year old Chaplin is both bitter and afraid as to how he'll be accepted by the crowd. He struggles with what to say to them when accepting the award ("Should I weep with delight or should I cry out with rage?") Left alone to rest, he falls asleep and, as he recounts the events that lead him to this fateful moment, it finally becomes clear what he must do.

Part Concert; part Stage Musical, "Chaplin – A Life. In Concert" is an imaginative, emotional and inspiring journey that leaves the audience walking on air, humming its tunes, and in love with the artistry of the Chaplin.

- THE REVIEWS AND ACCOLADES FOR DAVID POMERANZ -

"The score is a knockout… touching, clever, theatrical…wonderful!"
Michael Feinstein

"I would give up all of my awards, and they are many, if I could do what David Pomeranz can do with his music."
Richard Harris

"This young man has captured the soul of the man I knew so well."
Jerry Epstein
(Charlie's associate producer and "right hand" for more than 30 years)

"A Wide-ranging piece of work combining exuberance, charm and poignancy"
London Guardian

"Pomeranz has written some exhilarating songs, which could easily become instant classics."
Stage and Television Today

"Pulsating…vibrant…progresses at a terrific pace with m oments of pathos just like a Chaplin movie."
The Herald

"It is difficult to open up one's creative heart and soul before an audience and to project the honesty and emotional sensitivity that Pomeranz possesses."
Phillip Elwood, San Francisco Examiner

"Pomeranz is a talented, energetic performer with a knack for evoking audience response…truly an exciting artist…one of the finer voices of our time"
Billboard Magazine

- THE SYNOPSIS -

Backstage at the 1971 Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, accompanied by his wife, Oona, a weary 82 year-old Charlie Chaplin is about to receive a special Life Achievement Award. Twenty years earlier, Charlie had been barred from re-entry into the United States on the grounds that he was a Communist –which he was not – and, now alone in his dressing room with his thoughts, he expresses mixed-feelings about being invited back – "What will I say to them"? ("In America Again")

Charlie falls asleep and when "opening his eyes", to his surprise, he sees an image of himself as a young lad of 6 with his brother, Sidney and his Mother, in the wings of a London Music Hall in 1894, where their mother is about to perform on stage. In spite of warnings from the Theater Manager, that ‘if your voice fails again, you’re through!’, her voice does fail ("The Music Hall") and she runs off the stage. In a panic, the Owner asks little Charlie to takes her place, which he reluctantly does. The young boy is a sensation and people throw money on the stage at him, but the celebration is short-lived as Charlie witnesses Mother being fired.In their cold one-room flat, the boys wonder what she is going to do ("Look At Her There") but mother tries to cheer them and reminds them that, as a family, they have something more than mere material possessions ("Something No One Can Ever Take Away").

Not able to support her children, a constable appears at the doorway and announces they are to take Mother to the workhouse. While trying to "handle" the boys to take them to an orphanage, Charlie kicks the officer in the shins and runs off down the street where he tries to sell his clothes so he can get enough money to get mother out ("Is Anybody Out There?") but there are no takers. Hungry and heartbroken, on the cold, snowy London streets, Charlie (along with his brother, now singing from his lonely orphanage window) is joined by "older" Charlie as they all sing a prayer ("When the World Stops Turning").

Young Charlie, encountering all kinds of thieves and other dangerous street nightlife, tries begging and performing but mother's condition worsens and she is placed in an insane asylum. Just then, a group of well-dressed children come by and make fun of him ("Rag Mop"). One of the boys tries to taunt Charlie and the two engage in a fight leaving Charlie face down in the dirt. Humiliated, Charlie looks up and sees a sign, "Blackmore's Theatrical Agency" and barges into the agent's office ("Number One").

Charlie tours and makes a name for himself with the Pantomime troupe "Fred Karno’s Silent Comedians" and while in New York, filmmaker, Mack Sennett, discovers him and signs him to a picture contract at Keystone Sudios. Charlie, now age 22, is very unhappy with this style of Sennett’s broad, "pie-in-the-face" comedy and let’s Sennett know about it. Shocked at the gaul of this young man, Sennett decides to give his new discovery some strong advice ("Less It Ends With a Chase")

Sidney, now joining Charlie in Hollywood as his Personal Manager, begs him not upset Sennett and risk sending them both back to the streets and Charlie reluctantly agrees. Just then, Charlie spies a sexy, young but shallow, actress and he informs Sidney that she’s "the one" he’s been waiting for ("She’s Beautiful"). It is not to be.

Back on the set, Sennett gives him some staging instructions and Charlie directly defies him. Sennett is furious and threatens to fire them both. Charlie implores him to let him try things "his way" – just once. Sennett agrees to give him one chance warning him "but, you better be funny!" Charlie races off to the wardrobe trailer to put together a new costume and character that is completely unique to him. ("The Tramp"/"He's Got to be Someone").

Charlie becomes an overnight sensation with the public and Fans, Distributors and Theater Owners everywhere clamoring for him. Charlie opens his own picture studio and while preparing for a party at the home of producer, Sam Goldwyn, Charlie and Sidney celebrate how far they’ve come ("Heaven"). Afterwards, Charlie is greeted by one of the local chapters of the "Charlie Chaplin" Fan Club who express their admiration to him ("Thank You").

Charlie and Sidney are the toast of the party and it seems as if life could not be more rosy. However, at the party, he is confronted by a guest who seems a bit belligerent to him – plying him with questions about his citizenship and political associations. Charlie, though angered, makes little of this.

We learn that this "intruder" is an agent for the FBI who, while reporting on the phone to Bureau Chief, J. Edgar Hoover, is told to have Chaplin "watched".

We are back in 1971, where Charlie's wife, Oona, is being instructed by the show's Assistant Director on how Charlie should "play" to the camera. To make matters worse, a government official then warns her about the danger of Charlie’s making any political comments during the broadcast. Oona is incensed and when the two men leave, she sings ("He's Got to be Someone - Reprise").

The story resumes in the 1920's where Charlie meets and marries a bubble-headed starlet, Mildred Harris, with whom he is completely mismatched ("Heaven – Reprise".) When he breaks it off with her, she retaliates by going to reporters in the Press ("Divorce!"). Immersing himself in work, he vows never to marry again….that is, until he meets actress, Lita Gray. Their marriage becomes equally untenable and soon also becomes fodder for gossip and public disdain ("Divorce II!")

Charlie is overworked and despite requests from his company, cannot think of any ideas for new pictures. He is barraged by reporters and, at this low ebb, he and Sidney go to visit their very sick mother. The boys try to cheer her("Something No One Can Ever Take Away – Reprise"), but she dies. Now, to make things even worse, Talking Pictures now threaten his very artistic survival ("Too Many Words").

At a party in the late 1930s, Charlie meets the author, H.G. Welles, who urges him to use his celebrity to become more socially involved in the world. Charlie’s response is that he’s just "an artist" and not interested in being political at all. After leaving the party, he is confronted by a newsreel of Russians dying and starving at the hands of the Nazis. He realizes he must do something to help, and decides to speak out on behalf of "Russian War Relief" at a rally in San Francisco. After his motivating speech, the FBI agent we saw earlier reports his new findings to Hoover and they plot to bring him down ("I Got Me a Red"/"There's Got to be a Law").

As in the "eye" of a hurricane, Charlie meets and falls in love with the love of his life, Oona ("Why Did I Agree To This?") and they marry. It appears that Charlie’s life is now on the upswing.

Just then, a paternity suit is filed against Chaplin, giving Hoover and company more ammunition he needs. Although a blood test disproves the allegation, a trial ensues and the Press further vilifies him. His fans who previously adored him, now turn on him and his films are boycotted throughout the country. Charlie is dejected and he is convinced that it is just a matter of time before his new wife will want to turn her back on him, too. Oona, vows her love and assures him that she never will ("This is What I Dreamed").

To take a rest from the insanity, the Chaplins decide to cruise to Europe ("A Quiet Trip") and Charlie begins to unwind. However, aboard the ship, a steward delivers a cable to Charlie from Washington stating that in order to re-enter the U.S., he must answer to political and moral charges. Crestfallen, Charlie decides instead to never return.

The scene shifts once again - backstage in 1971. Charlie slowly awakens from his sleep and, though comforted by Oona’s loving presence, is still upset and unsure, after all this time away, "what WILL he say to them?" ("In America Again - Reprise".)

Kettle drums announce his entrance and With Oona to help him, the old man nervously takes the stage – only to be greeted by uproarious applause and a standing ovation.

He looks around, and when just about to "tell them off", he pauses for a moment and, looks over into Oona’s shining eyes staring back at him from the wings. He turns to address the crowd with a tear in his eye.

"You are all such dear, sweet, people.
There are no words.
I thank you.
Thank you all…."

David Pomeranz - Biography

Dubbed by Billboard Magazine as "...one of the finer voices" David's recording and songwriting projects have earned him 22 platinum and 18 gold albums - selling over 40 millions records internationally.

David has recorded eight solo albums including the classics, "IT'S IN EVERY ONE OF US" (Arista) and "THE TRUTH OF US" (Atlantic - co-produced with legendary Paul Simon producer, Roy Halee.) Both albums have recently been digitally re-mastered and re-released in 2007. His recent groundbreaking album, "BORN FOR YOU – HIS BEST AND MORE" (MCA/Universal) has become a phenomenon throughout Asia selling over 500,000 units in the Philippines alone, making it the largest selling album in the history of that country. David's other solo efforts include, "NEW BLUES" (Decca), "TIME TO FLY" (Decca) - featuring jazz greats Chick Corea, Billy Cobham and Eddie Gomez; "THE EYES OF CHRISTMAS" (MCA/Universal) and "ON THIS DAY" (MCA/Universal).

David's songs have been recorded and/or performed by scores of hit artists including Barry Manilow (who's renditions of David's "TRYIN' TO GET THE FEELING AGAIN" and "THE OLD SONGS" were both Number One hits), Ciff Richard (who recorded three of David's songs including the Top 10 hit, "I STILL BELIEVE IN YOU"), Bette Midler, Kenny Loggins, Clay Aiken, Freddie Mercury (of Queen), Richie Sambora (of Bon Jovi), Phoebe Snow, The Carpenters, Isaac Hayes, Dennis DeYoung (of Styx), Hubert Laws, John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Harry Belafonte, The Muppets, Glen Campbell, The Hollies, Andy Williams, Donna Summer, Eddie Kendricks (of The Temptations), Lea Salonga and in 2002, Missy Elliott sampled David's music for her hit single, "ONE MINUTE MAN" (Elektra) which went to the top of the Billboard Charts.

Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, David showed signs of "things to come" by conducting to his parent's records on the playroom table and putting on shows for neighbors in the backyard. His first experiences singing in public were performing duets with his father in Synagogue. Before long, David learned to play the piano, taught himself to play guitar and drums and, by age 14, began writing his first songs. His teen years were spent playing in rock bands (including a stint as lead singer in a band that was to become Pure Prairie League) until at the tender age of 19, he got his first professional break when Decca records signed him to a multi-album solo contract.

Of his concert appearances, critic Phillip Elwood of The San Francisco Examiner said it best: "It is difficult to open up one's creative heart and soul before an audience and to project the honesty and emotional sensitivity that Pomeranz possesses..." A sampling of just some of the international venues in which David has performed include:

Aside from his accomplishments in the Pop Music field, David has contributed music and lyrics for numerous major motion pictures including the 20th Century Fox production of, "BIG", starring Tom Hanks, Warner Bros.' "FIRE DOWN BELOW" starring Steven Seagal, Paramount's "MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD" with Martin Sheen and Dino Delaurentis' version of, "KING KONG" (for which he wrote lyrics to John Barry's haunting title theme. His latest composition, can be heard in the recent 2008 Motion Picture about the Holocaust victims and their artwork entitled, "AS SEEN THROUGH THESE EYES", produced by Sundance Films and performed by Sony/BMG artist, Anna Nalick ("Breathe").

Any Emmy Award nominee, David's song work for Television has been extensive. For six seasons, he was the voice heard singing the theme to the ABC series, "PERFECT STRANGERS" and he has contributed songs for scores of other Series' and Specials including "WILL AND GRACE" (NBC); "AMERICAN IDOL" (Fox); "ONE LIFE TO LIVE" (CBS); "THE MISS AMERICA PAGEANT" (CBS); Hallmark's Peabody award-winning children's series, "ZOOBILEE ZOO" (PBS); "DICK CLARK'S ROCKIN' NEW YEARS EVE" (ABC); "THE SEOUL SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES" (ABC) ; "DISNEY'S GREATEST HITS ON ICE" (CBS); "TED TURNER'S GOODWILL GAMES" (TBS), and Showtime's "ELVIS PRESLEY'S GRACELAND", for which he composed the score.

In the world of Musical Theatre, David is the Composer, Lyricist (and co-Book writer with Steven David Horwich) for a new stage musical based on the life of Charlie Chaplin. The show's UK 1992 premiere lead to a star-studded recording of the featured songs on Warner Records starring Richard Harris, Mel Brooks, Petula Clark, Tim Curry, Treat Williams, Peter Duncan, Lea Salonga and David, himself. David is presently touring a one-man "concert" version of the show entitled, "CHAPLIN – A LIFE. IN CONCERT" in theaters and Performing Arts Centers throughout the United States (the show premiered at the Kravis Center in 2008 and Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts in 2009).

His other Musical Theater projects include contributing songs for the West End hit, "TIME", which starred Cliff Richard and Sir Laurence Olivier (who recited the lyrics to David's anthem, "IT'S IN EVERY ONE OF US"), An inspiring musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, "A TALE OF TWO CITIES", (which opened in Windsor and Birmingham, England and recently in September of 2008, had its London premiere at the Gatehouse Theater, directed by Paul Nicholas. "A TALE OF TWO CITIES" is scheduled to open on the West End in 2011.

In collaboration with Lyricist/ Bookwriter, Kathie Lee Gifford, David has composed the scores for two Stage Musicals - "UNDER THE BRIDGE" (which premiered Off-Broadway at the Zipper Theater in January, 2005) and the partial score for "SAVING AIMEE" (based on the life of evangelist, Aimee Semple Macpherson) which opened at The Signature Theater in Arlington, Virginia in May of 2007 en route to Broadway.

Press Quotes/ Concert Reviews

"It is difficult to open up one's creative heart and soul before an audience and to project the honesty and emotional sensitivity that Pomeranz possesses..."
- Philip Elwood, San Francisco Examiner

"Where has David Pomeranz been all our life? The artist warms up to the audience like a pair of motorman's gloves and his easy rapport enabled him to virtually embrace the listeners...."
- Ernie Santousosso, Boston Globe

"A Skillful storyteller and consummate showman, Pomeranz delighted the packed house with quirky banter and flair with a charming combination of humor and humility. He creates an exciting world..."
- Lisa Elaine Scott, Music Connection Magazine

"...Pomeranz is a talented, energetic performer with a knack for evoking audience response....left the audience craving more. (David is) truly an exciting artist whose work speaks volumes...."
- Billboard Magazine