TIMELESS
Mike Backes and Pilar Martinez
Dynamic duo, Mike Backes + Pilar Martinez lead you on a Big Band journey with timeless favorites from Frank Sinatra to Judy Garland to Bobby Darin. They begin the show with torch songs from the 30s, 40s, and 50s that you listened to on vinyl, then they kick it into high gear with dance favorites from the 50s and 60s, spanning from Bill Hailey to The Beatles, The Four Seasons, and featuring a show-stopping Motown celebration!
Your emcees for the evening are your perfect guides through these timeless classics as they both have extensive experience in these genres. Mike toured with Broadway productions of Jersey Boys, A Bronx Tale, Rock of Ages and acclaimed groups, Broadway Boys and Shades of Buble! Pilar has a substantial fan base as a child star in the movie Standing Ovation, delivering some powerhouse vocals and sassy energy. Together they provide an energetic trip down memory lane and are sure to keep you dancing in your seats!
Pilar Martinez
Born and raised in South Jersey, Pilar Martinez was immersed into the arts at a young age. Since then, she has graduated from New York Film Academy and has been in numerous productions in Theatre, Film, and TV.
Most recently, she portrayed one of the Floral Sisters in “d’ILLISION The Houdini Musical: An Audio Experience” which she worked on during the pandemic. She performed as Carnation in the new punk rock musical “Fat Kid Rules the World” based on the novel by K.L Going at Theatre Row. Other Theatrical Highlights include “Cabaret” at the American Theatre of Actors and “Carousel” at Walnut Street Theatre.
In 2010, Pilar starred in the movie “Standing Ovation” produced by James Brolin. To this day, the film continues to have a cult-like following among teens. She can also be seen in the Award-Winning Short Film “Little Sicily” and Colonial Western Mystery “Niemand”. Her TV Credits include “Billions” (Showtime), “Evil” (Netflix), and “Succession” (HBO).
Mikes Backes
Mike Backes has been in the business for over 20 years. As a professional actor, he has performed in the Original Las Vegas Production of Jersey Boys, The 1st National Tour of A Bronx Tale, and The 1st National Tour of Rock of Ages alongside Tony nominated Constantine Maroulis. He's also toured with Grease the Musical with Frankie Avalon and led the North American Tour of Footloose as the wise cracking Ren.
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His regional work is extensive as well. He has been a part of the World Premiere of the newest re-worked Chamber orchestra version of Ghost at the prestigious Fulton Theatre and Maine State Theatre. He starred in The Long Island Premiere of Rent as Roger at The John Engeman Theatre. He also has been seen in Florida in Next To Normal as the trouble-making son Gabe.
He is a proud member of Shades of Buble based in New York City and also sang with The Broadway Boys.
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His TV credits include Netflix's hit show Orange is The New Black and most recently just finished filming The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon.
Finally, his new passion is directing. He has directed Rent and Rock of Ages at The Squarefoot Theatre for their College Intensive program. He’s directed Into The Woods at Central Connecticut State University. He also was in charge of the entire theatre program at Camp Medolark in Washington, Maine where he directed two full musicals and 4 one acts over the span of two months. His most recent directing credit was Next To Normal at El Paso Community College.
