Heidi Scheuermann - Page 5

The 2013-2014 theatre season has ended, and summer is upon us. But, don't let that get you down because New Orleans is rich with opportunities to experience live theatre all year 'round! From Shakespeare to musicals to Tony award winning plays, there's something for everyone.

Set in early 1900s Europe at the onset of World War I in a town called Devon, England, WAR HORSE takes us on a journey with a boy named Albert and his friendship with his horse Joey. A play about a boy and a horse sounds simple enough, right? But how do you control a horse on stage?

Slidell Little Theatre just ended its third weekend of performances for the comedy-musical-Shakespearean hybrid KISS ME KATE. The show is a play within a play, and centers around a group of actors who are attempting to put on Shakespeare's classic comedy THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (musical style), all while dealing with their complicated love lives and a couple of gangsters sent to the theater with an order to collect or kill.

Tonight, a little bit of MEMPHIS is hitting the Big Easy for a 6 day run at the Saenger Theatre. This soulful, Tony winning musical set in the 1950's highlights the story of a sassy club singer, Felicia, and the radio DJ, Huey, who wins her heart and is determined to help her rise to the top despite all of the obstacles they face together. While infused with the heavy theme of civil rights and the extreme prejudice of the time, MEMPHIS is splattered with song and dance that will certainly move you to your feet.

The latest show to sweep New Orleans' Saenger Theatre off its feet was the enchanted Disney fairy tale BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. This classic tale that brings many of us back to our childhoods was more magical than I could have imagined. From the set to the music to my favorite characters and everything in between, this show had me smiling from ear to ear and giggling like a 7-year-old the whole night.

Slidell Little Theatre's Production of dark comedy ARSENIC AND OLD LACE was a show that I had been looking forward to since I learned of their season schedule. It's rare that I attend shows that are not musicals, but when I read the synopsis, I knew I couldn't miss this one.

With it's catchy tunes (including the ever popular rendition of "My Guy"), fun-loving nuns, and a bit of crime on the side, this movie became a household favorite. Much to our pleasure, the movie was turned into SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL, and made its debut on Broadway in 2011. The show is currently touring North America, and makes its way to New Orleans this week.

This weekend is the second of three that Slidell Little Theatre will be presenting a wonderful holiday musical, THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI with music and lyrics by Randy Courts, Mark St. Germain, and Randy Courts. If you and your family are looking to start off the holiday season with a lesson in the spirit of giving and self-sacrifice, this show is for you.

Coming to the New Orleans Fringe Festival this year is a piece that is sure to capture the attention of local theatre supporters. New York City/Toronto based theatre company GOGOL ANNEX is bringing their show ANTEBELLUM to Mardi Gras Zone this weekend. Leah Loftin of GOGOL ANNEX explained that their theatre company is inspired by a lot of the work that they have done with theatre in Russia, and that their pieces are very experimental and based on historic people and events. "It's very progressive. We have a couple of pieces in development, and ANTEBELLUM is one of them. We work a lot with historical texts and historical characters. Right now we're really interested in these kinds of pockets, specifically history and stories that haven't necessarily been told," says Loftin.

There have been so many movies being made into Broadway musicals recently, and the Patrick Swayze - Demi Moore starring, pottery making, hauntingly romantic movie is no exception. GHOST THE MUSICAL is currently touring the United States, and is wowing audiences with its beautiful score and amazing special effects.

This past weekend was opening weekend of a brand new musical entitled THIS STAGE OF LOVE written by Robert Sturcken and directed by Ed Morvant at Fuhrmann Performing Arts in Covington, Louisiana. The show chronicles a group of aspiring thespians on their journey from auditions to rehearsals to showtime. But, there's a catch.

How many times have you gone to see a theatrical production, and you are blown away by the music? I speak for myself when I say the music is what makes these productions so great, so emotional, so memorable. Believe it or not, folks, those are real people with some really incredible talent in that orchestra pit who don't always get the recognition they deserve. Without the orchestra, we lose those big bang musical numbers, the sound effects, and mood of each and every scene. I recently had the privilege of speaking with one of these musicians who is currently playing percussion on tour with one of the most popular shows out there, THE BOOK OF MORMON.

After being closed for what feels like an eternity due to intense damage from Hurricane Katrina, the historic Saenger Theater is once again opening its doors to the greatest city on Earth.

Today, September 6 starts the second weekend of LES MISERABLES as performed by Fuhrmann Performing Arts in Covington, Louisiana. If you missed their performances last weekend at the Columbia Theatre in Hammond, I suggest you hurry along and get your tickets for the shows in Covington now! This isn't something you'll want to miss. Aside from being the very last regional production of LES MISERABLES allowed in the United States due to the show heading back to Broadway in the near future (huzzah!), this is a pretty impressive production.

There are only a few weeks left of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University, and I urge you to attend a show! My show of choice for this year's festival was THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED). I have attended the Shakespeare Festival before and have always enjoyed seeing various renditions of my Shakespeare favorites, and when I saw that THE COMPLETE WORKS was being tackled I knew I couldn't pass it up.

I remember going to plays at the children's theater in Rivertown when I was a very little girl. I even had a birthday party there once. I was so excited when I finally got to go to the 'big people' theatre with my grandmother. She took me to see YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, and that is something I have never forgotten. I returned to Rivertown Theaters recently to see their production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT.

This past weekend Southern Rep wrapped their run of NEXT TO NORMAL, a rock musical with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The production was directed by Blake Coheley and featured Leslie Castay as Diana Goodman.

Well folks, it's 80 degrees and the sun is shining while it's raining. It is officially summertime in southern Louisiana, and you know what that means! It's time to talk about the summer theatre! I'm excited to say the New Orleans area calendar is looking mighty fine.

Hang on to your broomsticks and sparkly shoes, folks. Something WICKED is coming to New Orleans this week! Glinda and Elphaba are gracing The Big Easy with their magical presence for one month beginning this Wednesday, and they're bringing along their favorite fellow Ozians too!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features the music of legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. The four came together for one night only at Sun Records in Memphis, TN on December 4, 1956, and the show gives audiences an inside look on what could be considered the greatest "jam session" of all time. Audiences can expect to hear popular hits such as 'Blue Suede Shoes,' 'Hound Dog,' and 'I Walk the Line' along with 'Great Balls of Fire,' 'Fever,' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.' Below, Kelly Lamont, who plays Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne, speaks in depth about the story, the characters, the music, and her experiences with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET.