 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
SPOTLIGHT ON ……SINAI TABAK
by Lori Robak
Not many young adults can say they’ve stolen scenes in Bye Bye Birdie. Or that they served
as musical director to an orchestra of 14 musicians – including four adult professionals. Or
that they were semi-finalists at Amateur Night at the renowned Apollo Theater in New York.
by Lori Robak
Not many young adults can say they’ve stolen scenes in Bye Bye Birdie. Or that they served
as musical director to an orchestra of 14 musicians – including four adult professionals. Or
that they were semi-finalists at Amateur Night at the renowned Apollo Theater in New York.
But Sinai Tabak has done that and more – all before he turned 18. And his career is just beginning.
Sinai’s love for the performing arts began when his grandmother, a piano teacher, gave his family a piano when he
was seven years old. “My parents convinced me to start taking piano lessons, and now I love it,” he explained.
His talents as a pianist and music sight-reader were quickly discovered, and as a preteen he started playing piano
accompaniment for the choruses at his Milford (MA) middle school. He also started performing in some of the
school’s plays.
His talent and passion for acting motivated his friend Emily Grill, the daughter of ESL co-founder Kelly Grill, to
suggest Sinai audition for ESL’s 2006 production of Bye Bye Birdie show. He did, and was given the role of Harvey
Johnson, giving Johnson a squeaky voice and stealing every scene he was in.
“I loved working with ESL from the moment I did Bye Bye Birdie,” Sinai stated. “When ESL found out I could play
piano and asked me to play for some of their music classes and Improv nights, I was happy to do so. They have
treated me very well there.”
ESL was so impressed with Sinai’s amazing talent as an accompanist and a musician that they asked him to direct
the pit orchestra for their 2007 production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Although this might be a
daunting task for many adults -- not to mention teenagers -- Sinai reveled in it. “I was 16 years old and conducting
an orchestra!” he enthused.
Since then Sinai has served as musical director for numerous ESL productions, including Closer than Ever,
Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Broadway to Hollywood. With each show he
garnered compliments and respect.
"Working with Sinai is always a joy, “said Denise Laumeister, director of Broadway to Hollywood. “His musical
knowledge and personality make actors and singers of all ages feel comfortable during the rehearsal process in an
atmosphere where even making mistakes can be a fun learning experience. “
In the meantime, Sinai was still performing as a musician, and one of his biggest moments as a musical performer
occurred when he auditioned for Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York City. He performed there for the
first time on October 10, 2007 and came in second, which qualified him to move up to the next round the following
week, where he came in second again. This qualified him for the finals, which took place on December 19, 2007.
“It was a great experience, and I got to play Root Beer Rag by one of my favorite composers, Billy Joel,” Sinai
stated.
His proudest accomplishment, though, was his work a musical director at ESL’s 2009 production of Into the Woods.
“This was a huge musical undertaking, and we had an orchestra of 14 players, including four professionals,” he
explained.
Despite being busy with musical assignments, Sinai also continued to act in ESL productions. Paul Champlin, a co-
founder of ESL and the director of ESL’s 2008 production of The Diary of Anne Frank said, “One of my fondest
memories of working with Sinai was when he played the role of Peter in Anne Frank. He brought such natural
vulnerability and spontaneity to the role.” Champlin added, “Sinai was such a joy to work with because he was
hard-working, open to the process, and giving to his fellow actors.”
Today Sinai is studying at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York
University – one of only eight students accepted into their musical composition program. His future goal is to play
piano on Broadway and compose for Broadway and film.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for ESL, “he said. “ESL made me see my capabilities and passion in a whole
new light. They are wonderful people and I owe so much to them, especially Kelly.”
The admiration goes both ways. “What can I say about Sinai? It is rare when you see that level of talent at such
a young age,” Kelly said. “We were truly blessed to have him for the short time that we did. What makes Sinai
amazing is not only his talent but the fact that he is also so personable, patient and generous with his time. We
knew what we had in him and we know we may never have it again. We know he will achieve great things at school
and we can't wait to hear all about it!”
Denise added, “With Sinai now at college in New York City, ESL has lost a valuable teacher and friend. We're sure
we will hear of his many successes in the future!"
Remember the name Sinai Tabak. Because whether he is an actor, musical performer, composer, or musical
director, you are sure to see his name in lights in his future endeavors.
This summer (May-August, 2010) Sinai will be teaching beginner and adult piano lessons as well as music
theory classes. If interested, email Sinai at sinai@sinaitabak.com, or visit his website www.sinaitabak.com
Sinai’s love for the performing arts began when his grandmother, a piano teacher, gave his family a piano when he
was seven years old. “My parents convinced me to start taking piano lessons, and now I love it,” he explained.
His talents as a pianist and music sight-reader were quickly discovered, and as a preteen he started playing piano
accompaniment for the choruses at his Milford (MA) middle school. He also started performing in some of the
school’s plays.
His talent and passion for acting motivated his friend Emily Grill, the daughter of ESL co-founder Kelly Grill, to
suggest Sinai audition for ESL’s 2006 production of Bye Bye Birdie show. He did, and was given the role of Harvey
Johnson, giving Johnson a squeaky voice and stealing every scene he was in.
“I loved working with ESL from the moment I did Bye Bye Birdie,” Sinai stated. “When ESL found out I could play
piano and asked me to play for some of their music classes and Improv nights, I was happy to do so. They have
treated me very well there.”
ESL was so impressed with Sinai’s amazing talent as an accompanist and a musician that they asked him to direct
the pit orchestra for their 2007 production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Although this might be a
daunting task for many adults -- not to mention teenagers -- Sinai reveled in it. “I was 16 years old and conducting
an orchestra!” he enthused.
Since then Sinai has served as musical director for numerous ESL productions, including Closer than Ever,
Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Broadway to Hollywood. With each show he
garnered compliments and respect.
"Working with Sinai is always a joy, “said Denise Laumeister, director of Broadway to Hollywood. “His musical
knowledge and personality make actors and singers of all ages feel comfortable during the rehearsal process in an
atmosphere where even making mistakes can be a fun learning experience. “
In the meantime, Sinai was still performing as a musician, and one of his biggest moments as a musical performer
occurred when he auditioned for Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York City. He performed there for the
first time on October 10, 2007 and came in second, which qualified him to move up to the next round the following
week, where he came in second again. This qualified him for the finals, which took place on December 19, 2007.
“It was a great experience, and I got to play Root Beer Rag by one of my favorite composers, Billy Joel,” Sinai
stated.
His proudest accomplishment, though, was his work a musical director at ESL’s 2009 production of Into the Woods.
“This was a huge musical undertaking, and we had an orchestra of 14 players, including four professionals,” he
explained.
Despite being busy with musical assignments, Sinai also continued to act in ESL productions. Paul Champlin, a co-
founder of ESL and the director of ESL’s 2008 production of The Diary of Anne Frank said, “One of my fondest
memories of working with Sinai was when he played the role of Peter in Anne Frank. He brought such natural
vulnerability and spontaneity to the role.” Champlin added, “Sinai was such a joy to work with because he was
hard-working, open to the process, and giving to his fellow actors.”
Today Sinai is studying at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York
University – one of only eight students accepted into their musical composition program. His future goal is to play
piano on Broadway and compose for Broadway and film.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for ESL, “he said. “ESL made me see my capabilities and passion in a whole
new light. They are wonderful people and I owe so much to them, especially Kelly.”
The admiration goes both ways. “What can I say about Sinai? It is rare when you see that level of talent at such
a young age,” Kelly said. “We were truly blessed to have him for the short time that we did. What makes Sinai
amazing is not only his talent but the fact that he is also so personable, patient and generous with his time. We
knew what we had in him and we know we may never have it again. We know he will achieve great things at school
and we can't wait to hear all about it!”
Denise added, “With Sinai now at college in New York City, ESL has lost a valuable teacher and friend. We're sure
we will hear of his many successes in the future!"
Remember the name Sinai Tabak. Because whether he is an actor, musical performer, composer, or musical
director, you are sure to see his name in lights in his future endeavors.
This summer (May-August, 2010) Sinai will be teaching beginner and adult piano lessons as well as music
theory classes. If interested, email Sinai at sinai@sinaitabak.com, or visit his website www.sinaitabak.com