Harmony Wheeler - Page 4

Singer Scott Coulter joked that those sitting in the Terrace sections had the "view to kill" at Thursday's San Francisco Symphony concert, but truly all who attended enjoyed a "killer" evening of action-packed, sensual scores and vocals.

Glenn Casale's history with "Peter Pan" has been one awfully big adventure that's unlikely to end any time soon. The California Musical Theatre Artistic Director headed the Tony-nominated 1999 Broadway revival, which subsequently saw an A&E television broadcast and multiple tours. The show visited Sacramento as recent as 2012, and fans of that version will appreciate pieces of costumes and dance, and even a few cast members, pulled from Casale's Cathy Rigby version for the Music Circus production, now playing at the Wells Fargo Pavilion.

Unconventional theatre that honors conventional, musical theatre classics. F bomb after F bomb that somehow manage to be surprisingly inoffensive. Hilarious joke after joke opposite shocking reality. "Book of Mormon" is full of pairs. It even begins with a very catchy number titled "Two by Two," in which young men pair off for their missions.

Singer Scott Coulter joins Sheena Easton at the San Francisco Symphony July 23 for a concert of favorite Spy film music. The concert will include both instrumental-only and vocal-accompanied hits from James Bond, Austin Powers and more. Other summer film-themed concerts this month include the new Star Trek film and Back to the Future July 16 - 20. Coulter talks about his cabaret career and what to expect from The Spy Who Loved Me concert in our interview.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with Matilda's Ora Jones about her childhood and adult influences, from Shakespeare to Frederick the Mouse. Learn what Frederick and Shakespeare have to do with Matilda when you read our interview.

Every so often a musical comes along that is just pure fun. In a humorous imitation of the likes of Elvis Presley and his fan girls, "Bye, Bye Birdie" became just such a production, followed by two film versions and earning a place in pop culture with well-known songs like "The Telephone Hour" and "Put on a Happy Face." Sacramento Music Circus adds to the entertainment this week with colorful costumes, authentic set pieces and a decked out cast.

'Big River' at Sacramento Music Circus is the show to see this summer. Director Michael Heitzman makes optimal use of the company's round stage, working with choreographer AC Ciulla to balance an amusing first act with a heavier second half. 

Music Circus opened its 2015 season Tuesday evening with Glenn Casale's enchanting production of the Lerner and Loewe classic "My Fair Lady." Casale's direction and Bob Richard's choreography scatter gems of endearing humor throughout. At three hours, the show drags at times, but the lengthy dialogue and excellent character development also find a forte in California Musical Theatre's production.

Taking his inspiration from the summer solstice and a turn of the twentieth century Sweden setting, director Mark Lamos gives Sondheim's A Little Night Music an "erotic" staging at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre . A Little Night Music features breathtaking scenic design from Riccardo Hernandez and stunning costumes designed by Candice Donnelly. Audiences leave with plenty of material worthy of hours of discussion.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with the confident, outgoing Ashley Edler, who plays Grace Farrell in a new non-equity touring production of Annie, coming to San Francisco June 3-14. On the phone, Ashley displayed contagious excitement about the show. Read our interview to see how that translates on stage, learn how Ashley enjoyed working with director Martin Charnin and get a few sneak peaks behind the curtain with the kids and Sandy.

Originally written for film and often seen on stage, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella has kept a solid heart over the years, with each adaptation featuring some unique song or casting choice. Now comes the touring production of the recent Broadway hit, visiting Sacramento through May 17. Adapted orchestrations from Danny Troob and David Chase blend some of the best pieces of previous versions with a few fresh tunes, including some mesmerizing chorus medleys, and make room for extra, stunning choreography.

And the Arthur Award goes to… Playhouse Merced for its production of Monty Python's Spamalot. Actually, the production, which plays now through May 24, could win several "Arthur" awards: Best use of "Sir Not Appearing." Best use of original staging. Best reference to previous season shows. Honorable Mention for calling out the visiting reviewer during the second act.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with Brandy Collazo of Hillbarn Theatre's production of 'Curtains,' the Kander and Ebb musical opening this weekend in Foster City. Collazo, who plays Nikki in the who-done-it comedy, has performed extensively throughout the Bay Area with PCRT, DTC, Palo Alto Players, 42nd Street Moon and Willows Theatre. She has been nominated for a Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Award, and has received two Shellie Awards for Best Actress. Her experience also includes work with Hillbarn Theatre's youth conservatory.

San Francisco Symphony continues to provide innovative, new programming for its film series. Saturday night saw a particularly different kind of film score as orchestra members used their hands, feet and voice next to their usual instruments.

Perhaps the show's title comes from its surprisingly magical "once upon a time" storytelling. Or maybe it refers to its short timeframe wrapped around a once in a lifetime crossing of paths. But one thing is for certain, the Tony Award winner for Best Musical is all at once appealing. Even when lead singer Stuart Ward blurs his indecipherable lyrics together, the folk-style music masterfully conveys every emotion felt on stage. And that's what Once is all about: the power of music to communicate, connect and heal.

San Francisco announced its new season recently, including the continuation of its film series with another John Williams favorite, ET, the reprise of Vertigo, and two Christmas classics - one a musical - Nightmare Before Christmas and It's A Wonderful Life. But Saturday night saw something more familiar to BroadwayWorld's favorite subject: musical theatre

The Broadway production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" played for just over a year in New York with the fame factor of Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara pulling in audiences. The current national tour may not last long either, with its only Northern California stop currently in Folsom. But the production, a reworking of Gershwin's 1926 musical "Oh Kay," features an equally charming pair with instant chemistry. Add to that amazing energy and Broadway-polished sets and result in a "fascinating rhythm" worth dancing to.

Be careful what you wish for… but if your wish is for great theatre, your wish is granted. Playhouse Merced offers a creative set and fantastic cast in Sonheim's "Into the Woods."

Mamma Mia! Here we go again! The sensational Abba-inspired tour returned to the Gallo Center for the Arts Thursday evening with yet another sold-out run ahead. After more than ten years on Broadway and with numerous International and North America tours, the pop musical heads to Fresno for its next California stop. No doubt, audiences there, too, will find themselves unable to resist the beat and motion of the contagious pop musical. Thursday's audience, young and old, had no trouble dancing in their seats.

In just over a week Disney opens its national tour if Newsies in San Francisco for a month-long run. BroadwayWorld interviewed Zachary Sayle about the show's 'fansies,' life on the road, the banner the musical carries, and even Sayle's other Disney favorites. Sayle started his career at a young age, playing the child roles in tours of shows including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Sound of Music. He now plays Crutchie in the show based on an actual Newsboy strike of 1899 New York. Check out the full interview, then seize the day and buy your tickets at www.shnsf.com.