David Kirk Grant

Review: Musical Theatre West Presents BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
by Michael Quintos - Jul 21, 2025

Musically entertaining though rather light on narrative heft, Musical Theatre West's otherwise rousing, concert-like new production BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY—now on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through July 27, 2025—is a straightforward, nostalgic jukebox musical that chronicles the meteoric rise and tragic early death of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly. If you're looking for a feel-good musical with fierce live performances, this show should definitely fit the bill. You might just have to look up a Buddy Holly documentary on your own to fill in the missing story gaps.

Cast Set For NEWSIES at Musical Theatre West
by Stephi Wild - Jun 13, 2024

Southern California’s premier theatre company, Musical Theatre West has announced the cast and crew for the upcoming Tony Award-Winning Disney musical, Newsies.

LOVE, DOLLY Opens Next Month at Sierra Madre Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - May 18, 2023

Love, Dolly is a musical entertainment celebrating the life and career of Dolly Parton, starring Kim Eberhardt, David Kirk Grant and Chris Booke. Presented by Sierra Madre Playhouse.

Grammy Nominee Stacie Orrico Will Lead The Company Of Savannah Rep's ONCE
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2023

Savannah Rep's 2023 mainstage season will open with the Broadway sensation ONCE, with music by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, and a book by Enda Walsh.

Photos: Inside Look at Disney's NEWSIES at 3-D Theatricals
by Marissa Tomeo - May 15, 2022

3-D THEATRICALS is finally back and are thrilled to invite you to “Seize the Day” as they present the high-flying NEWSIES, book by Harvey Fierstein, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, musical conductor is Julie Lamoureux, vocal director is Crystal Barron, choreography by Chaz Wolcott (recreating the original Broadway choreography by Christopher Gattelli) and directed by T.J. Dawson. NEWSIES will preview on Friday, May 13, 2022 (with a press opening on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm) and runs through Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive in Cerritos.  

BWW Review: ONCE at CCAE Theatricalsis beautiful and bittersweet
by E.H. Reiter - May 2, 2022

CCAE Theatricals invites you to come to see ONCE, and experience some great music and storytelling.  Set in and around a pub, this show features a very talented cast who sing, dance, and play multiple instruments to bring this story to life. ONCE is playing through May 7th at the California Center for the Arts.

Photos: Photos: First Look At ONCE At CCAE Theatricals
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 23, 2022

Get a first look at production photos for CCAE Theatrical's production of the Tony Award-winning musical ONCE! A testament to the transcendent power of love and music takes center stage at California Center for the Arts, Escondido with the multi-award-winning ONCE.

3-D Theatricals to Present Disney's NEWSIES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2022

3-D Theatricals will be presenting the high-flying NEWSIES, book by Harvey Fierstein, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, musical conductor is Julie Lamoureux, vocal director is Crystal Barron, choreography by Chaz Wolcott (recreating the original Broadway choreography by Christopher Gattelli) and directed by T.J. Dawson.

Photos: First Look at ONCE at CCAE Theatricals
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2022

Get a first look at rehearsal photos for CCAE Theatrical's upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical ONCE! A testament to the transcendent power of love and music takes center stage at California Center for the Arts, Escondido with the multi-award-winning ONCE.

ONCE to be Presented at California Center For The Arts, Escondido
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2022

A testament to the transcendent power of love and music takes center stage at California Center for the Arts, Escondido with the multi-award-winning ONCE. The musical-book by Enda Walsh; music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová-is based on John Carney's Academy Award-winning indie film of the same name.

Cygnet Theatre Presents Three Holiday Shows In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2020

Cygnet Theatre has announced a full lineup of holiday programming for December, 2020. While the news is bleak and spirits may not be as high as usual for this time of year, the theatre hopes to bring some joy into the homes of San Diegans with their December programming. Programs include the cabaret-style Musical Monday: Home for the Holidays, a streaming version of the 2011 production It's a Wonderful Life, and their continued tradition of presenting A Christmas Carol, this year as a new one-man, original filmed adaptation featuring Artistic Director Sean Murray.

BWW Review: Musical Theatre West Revisits the Epic RAGTIME in Grand Splendor
by Michael Quintos - Feb 14, 2020

Fifteen years after its first production of the musical, Musical Theatre West revisits the Tony Award-winning musical RAGTIME for only its second time---smartly reviving the musical in a similarly lavish production that beautifully converges the show's classic staging and vibe with wonderfully integrated 21st Century tech upgrades that help elevate the material rather than hinder its storytelling. Under the enlightened direction of Paul David Bryant (who also provides the production's high-energy choreography), this brand new, spectacularly engrossing production bellows with an emotional fervor and is one of my favorite iterations of this musical I have seen in recent years. This local revival---which continues performances at the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts in Long Beach through February 23, 2020---is a feast for the senses.

Jonah Platt, Clayton Snyder and More to Perform in SONGS FOR LINCOLN - A Benefit Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 30, 2019

Garry Marshall Theatre will open its doors for a very special concert fundraiser - Songs For Lincoln - in honor of Lincoln McCoy on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Lincoln is the newborn son of actors Josie and Josey McCoy ('Zeke' in the marshallARTS musical The Root Beer Bandits).

BWW REVIEW: BRIGHT STAR Flickers at Hanover Theatre in Worcester
by Jan Nargi - Apr 17, 2018

In a brief engagement at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, Mass. (which ended this Sunday), the national tour of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's southern musical BRIGHT STAR flickers between down-home country charm and maudlin storytelling. Strong performances and a kickin' on-stage bluegrass band, though, manage to knock off the tarnish of this tepid tale of hope and redemption to deliver an uplifting message in the end.

Steve Martin & Edie Brickell's BRIGHT STAR Is Coming To Theatre Under The Stars
by Stephi Wild - Mar 2, 2018

Bright Star, the new musical from Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning Edie Brickell, is coming to Houston from Theatre Under The Stars beginning March 13 through March 25 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. To purchase tickets, visit TUTS.com, call the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office at 713-558-8887, or come by the box office in person at 800 Bagby Street, Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm or Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Audrey Cardwell To Tell Her Story as Alice in BRIGHT STAR Tour, New Cast Announced
by Julie Musbach - Feb 27, 2018

Producer Joey Parnes announced today new casting for the US Tour of Bright Star, the new musical from Grammy®, Emmy® and Academy Award®-winning Steve Martin and Grammy Award®-winning Edie Brickell.

VIDEO: Carmen Cusack and the Cast of BRIGHT STAR at the Ahmanson Shine in New Music Video
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 1, 2017

The Tony Award nominated musical 'Bright Star' is currently running through November 19, 2017 at the Ahmanson Theatre. Presented by Center Theatre Group, the Tony Award-nominated Best Musical, with music, lyrics and story by Grammy, Emmy and Oscar winner Steve Martin and Grammy winner Edie Brickell, will be directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbieand choreographed by Josh Rhodes. See the Carmen Cusack and the cast of the show in a new music video for the opening number, 'If You Knew My Story' below!

Review Roundup: BRIGHT STAR Shines Again in Los Angeles - What Did The Critics Have to Say?
by Alan Henry - Oct 24, 2017

BRIGHT STAR at Ahmanson Theatre plays through November 19. This original musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and '40s. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances.

Photo Flash: The Sun Shines Again! BRIGHT STAR Tour Opens in LA
by Julie Musbach - Oct 21, 2017

Presented by Center Theatre Group, 'Bright Star' opened at the Ahmanson Theatre on Friday, October 20. Go inside opening night below!

EXCLUSIVE: First Look at Carmen Cusack and Company in BRIGHT STAR Onstage in Los Angeles
by BWW News Desk - Oct 18, 2017

Presented by Center Theatre Group, 'Bright Star' will open at the Ahmanson Theatre on Friday, October 20. The Tony Award-nominated Best Musical, with music, lyrics and story by Grammy, Emmy and Oscar winner Steve Martin and Grammy winner Edie Brickell, is currently in previews and is directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Performances will continue through November 19, 2017. BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first look at the cast onstage in Los Angeles below!