User:KFAlala
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KENNETH FAULKNER-ALEXANDER (KFA)
Originally a proud Native of central New Jersey, Kenneth has residences both in Piscataway, NJ & midtown Manhattan where he is a much sought-after Musical Director/Pianist as well as a Vocal Coach/Arranger. He has Musically Directed over 80 shows ranging from Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, and Off-Broadway to various Regional Theaters & Summer Stock Productions. Highlights include: “NELLIE” at the Lambs Theatre, “SLAY IT with MUSIC” at Actors Outlet, the Touring Company of "THE FANTASTICKS" and “CANDIDE” with the Dallas Lyric Opera. Two of Kenneth’s all time favorite shows include his award winning Regional Production of “NINE” for which he received an AVY Award as “BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR” during which the Newspaper Critics dubbed him "the Young Marvel of Musical Theatre!" ... a title that has followed him since! The other favorite show happens to be one that became a complete life-altering experience for him. Kenneth was blessed to be given the opportunity to both Compose/Arrange & Musically Direct - Arthur Miller’s “PLAYING FOR TIME” from a PBS Tele-play into a complete Stage Version. This ground-breaking Play, written about the experiences of Fania Fenelon and the All-Women Orchestra at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, gave him the privilege and honor to work with Holocaust survivors as well as sitting as a scholar for a national symposium on the Holocaust during the conclusion of the run of the show.
Kenneth’s other carrier highlights include his vocal cabaret act; Et.Al. ~ The Vocal Group, in which, he was not only the Musical Director/Arranger, but a Performer as well. Some of the venues for their critically acclaimed / sold-out runs include; The Cherry Lane Theater, Don’t Tell Mama’s, the grand re-opening of the legendary 1940/50's New York City Nightclub ~ The El Morocco, and the headlining entertainment for the NYC live-telecast of The Oscars at The Ritz (the old Studio 54). Kenneth’s solo New York City engagements include stints at Tavern on the Green, The Algonquin, The St. Regis, as well as engagements at nightclubs in the Dallas, Texas area such as; The Hideaway Club, The Fraternity, Catch A Rising Star & John L's.
Kenneth has had advanced training in the Alexander Technique and is a strong advocate of it’s purpose and benefits, incorporating the Technique into all of his teachings. He has taught Musical Theater classes and Auditioning Skills Workshops at Queen’s College, N.Y.C. (w/ Charlie Repole), Columbia College, S.C., Montclair University, N.J. and Syracuse University, N.Y. His own education includes Southern Methodist University, Richland College both located in Texas as well as The Manhattan School of Music in N.Y.C. having studied with such luminaries as Alfred Mouledous, Dr. Jerry Wallace and Constance Keene. During his own undergraduate work, Kenneth had the distinct privilege of being the accompanist and a student of the world renowned Choral Director, the late Dr. Lloyd Pfautsch.
Several years ago, Kenneth was struck by a drunk driver and was forced to take a six-year absence / hiatus from any kind of musical endeavors, due to a severe rehabilitation process, which included several surgeries and much physical therapy. Although now legally blind, (due to this tragedy) Kenneth made a historic come-back with a series of concert events entitled “CHRISTMAS WITH KFA” that was then recorded and released on a compact disc with all of its’ proceeds going to various Pediatric HIV/AIDS Foundations. Currently, besides various free lance music gigs, he owns and operates THE KFA MUSIC STUDIO in South Plainfield, New Jersey, where he teaches advanced classical piano studies as well as coaching singers in both Musical Theatre and Classical venues. He has students attending almost every major conservatory and college Musical Theatre program throughout America, as well as, students appearing on stages from Broadway to all over the United States & abroad. (contact him at: Kenneth@KFAlala.com)
