Kyle Christopher West - Page 6

Theatre is known for being a collaborative art form. Working with designers, directors, performers, house management, and all the myriads of roles often includes its challenges. But what happens when you take three unique companies and bring them together to work on a single production? Resolute Theatre Project, L.I.P. Service, and Proper Hijinx Productions are aiming to find out.

Will Carlton (Pippin) gives a sneak peak at the rehearsal process of The Firehouse Theatre's Big Summer Musical, PIPPIN. The Firehouse Theatre will offer two $13 Preview performances of PIPPIN on Wednesday July 19th, and Thursday July 20th. And a Special 'Charlemange Champagne' Opening Night on Friday July 21st. Join us for the Magic. For tickets and more information, visit www.TheFirehouseTheatre.com

Not every new musical can be a HAMILTON, but that's exactly what makes the eclectic genre of American musical theatre thrive and bloom. However, there are a few necessary, key ingredients in creating musical theatre magic, including relatable principal characters and some heartfelt showtunes. And, although Dallas Theater Center's efforts to produce an edgy new musical based on the Robin Hood folklore don't ever get past the surface of the legendary story, there's still something irresistible about being in the room where a new work is being created.

The Firehouse Theatre (2016 BWW Award for Best Theatrical Venue under 500 Seats) in Farmers Branch, TX, unveils their big summer musical of Pippin, by Steven Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson. Pippin was originally directed for the Broadway stage in 1972 by Bob Fosse, and the 2013 Broadway revival earned 4 Tony awards including Best Musical Revival. The Firehouse Theatre will present their summer musical in a Big Top Circus presentation, similar to the style of the Broadway Revival production, including aerial performers, magic tricks, and death defying acts! PIPPIN runs July 19th through August 20th, with show times Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30pm and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets and more information can be found at www.TheFirehouseTheatre.com or call 972-620-3747.

With the challenges of putting a brand new musical on its feet, finding a moment where actress Alysha Umphress could steal away from rehearsal for this interview was a challenge of its own. And when we did connect, it was not without technical difficulties on my end, and a coffee spilling fiasco on her end as she prepared for her long day of rehearsal. Through it all, Alysha, who has appeared on Broadway in AMERICAN IDIOT, ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, BRING IT ON and ON THE TOWN (starring opposite DFW's Jay Armstrong Johnson), was upbeat, down-to-earth, excited to talk about her new big gig, and just as happy to humor me with stories from her early career.

Carol Piersol and 5th Wall Theatre are proud to announce their production of “The Toxic Avenger” (book and lyrics written by Joe DiPietro, music and lyrics written by David Bryan), a raucous rock musical based on the 1984 cult classic film of the same name. Keith Fitzgerald helms as director with a cast of talented Richmond performers: Alexander Sapp, Debra Wagoner, Rachel Rose Gilmour, William Anderson, and Chris Hester, with music direction by Starlet Knight and choreography by Emily Dandridge.

When the tour of MATILDA premiered in Dallas in September of 2015, the musical was plagued with sound issues, making Tim Minchin's intricately witty score impossible to follow. Fortunately, in its return to town (now at Fort Worth's Bass Hall), the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical has been revamped to create an easier listening experience, resulting in a perfect evening of theatre for "miracles" of all ages.

Whether or not you're a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, you likely know what to expect when approaching any of his famous musicals. From JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR to JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, his catalog is filled with wordy, pop-sounding scores that often offer a CliffsNotes version of the tales they are retelling. His demanding productions also require strong performers and creative visionaries to effectively communicate his material to the audience. Unfortunately, the black-box style EVITA offered at Frisco Theatre struggles to overcome the show's challenges, despite an earnest community theatre effort.

Joey Folsom Brings Lenny Bruce Back to Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York with Upstart Productions' Latest Undertaking

Taylor Quick moved to New York just nine short months ago, but she's already achieved the role of a lifetime: playing the title role in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE alongside some of New York's brightest stars. But, the young actress, who has family ties to the Great White Way, has neither lost her tenacious work ethic nor her adorable southern accent. Taylor and I chatted about how she booked this dream gig, and what working with a Tony Award-nominated director/choreographer has been like.

Cabaret, as they continue their FINDING A VOICE season, and celebrate 50+ years of Kander and Ebb's multi-award winning masterpiece. A musical about finding your voice while the world loses its way, Cabaret includes some of the most memorable songs in music theatre history, such as "Cabaret," 'Mein Herr,' "Willkommen" and "Maybe This Time."

Before appearing in front of the entire world on MTV's 2008 LEGALLY BLONDE casting series, actress Autumn Hurlbert had been honing her stage skills since childhood. And, although she came up second in the televised competition (still receiving a contract in the Broadway production!), Autumn left the show certain of her drive to create art without the need for fame. Now, she is touring with the recent New York hit SOMETHING ROTTEN, and I caught up with her in Houston, where the show made a stop on their way to Dallas' Winspear Opera House.

BWW Review: ALL ABOUT BETTE at Margo Jones Theatre

Photo Flash: PURE COUNTRY at Lyric Stage

When ROCK OF AGES (the stage musical…not the dreadful movie) debuted on Broadway in 2014, they were 'Living on a Prayer' that they'd find enough middle-aged former frat guys and metal heads willing to rock out on The Great White Way, but after 2,328 New York performances of people saying 'I Wanna Rock' at the box office, it was clear that they'd gotten 'High Enough' to be a bonafide Broadway hit. [If this is too many 80's puns for you, then ROCK OF AGES probably isn't up your alley, dude.] Now appearing in regional theaters across the country, the musical is nice break from safer titles like JOSEPH, GUYS AND DOLLS or THE MUSIC MAN, which have overly peppered each season at [fill in the blank theatre company]. And although those more familiar shows might find greater success in the Fort Worth dome, this exceptional approach by Casa Manana is a great effort that should be applauded and rewarded by people wanting to see something other than SOUND OF MUSIC.

Regional Dancers Team Up to Create THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Dance Video

BWW Review: CIRCUS 1903 at Music Hall At Fair Park

EVITA Starring Rebecca Paige at Theatre Frisco This June!

6th Annual HSMTA Winners Announced at Dallas Summer Musicals

Michael Jenkins to Produce ALL ABOUT BETTE Tour