Caroline Kittrell

Andrew Llloyd Webber, Stephen Swartz, and everyone at Disney Theatrical, I hope you're taking notes. A musical doesn't need falling chandeliers, flying green girls, a budget larger than the GDP of most nations, or even show-stopping numbers to be successful. All a show really needs to resonate with an audience is a strong story and interesting characters. Those two elements are precisely why Fiddler on the Roof has enchanted audiences for 50 years and counting, and The Playhouse's current production of it is a wonderful example of how moving this simple musical can be.

When it comes to the Golden Age of Broadway, there are few shows that are as accessible and wildly entertaining as Guys and Dolls. Since it's debut in 1950, the musical has graced Broadway six times, and there are now reports of a film remake. If the film is half as entertaining as the current production at The Playhouse, audiences will be pleased. The Playhouse's Guys in Dolls is vibrant, joyous, and entertaining from beginning to end.

Yesterday's SIPs came from Broadway's own CINDERELLA, Laura Osnes, who claims she's just 'one of the guys,' the national tours of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and EVITA, as well as La Jolla's SIDE SHOW, and more!

This week is crunch time. Given the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we're working hard to have the show ready for tech week which begins on Sunday. I have to admit, however, one of the most fun experiences so far happened last Monday. The leads were called in for a photo shoot in the early afternoon. We all showed up and the first order of business was hair. Now, I've been asked to have my hair styled a certain way for a show, but never have I been in a show where a hairstylist showed up to CUT my hair on the spot. Misha, owner of The Chop Shop, walked in to the dressing room with scissors in hand. He started with Chris Berry's (Sky Masterson) hair first. Once he finished, Chris looked quite debonair, if I must say so myself. Then it was my turn. I'll admit, I was very nervous. I've been going to my current hairstylist for about 13 years now and no one else has ever touched my hair, but Misha did an exceptional job. We then got into costume and on we went.

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal, TheatreSquared's first Broadway-scale musical, begins tonight, April 18 in downtown Fayetteville. Broadway veterans Rita Harvey and Rob Sutton-an Arkansas native-lead an all-star cast of professionals from around the country, directed by T2's own associate artistic director Amy Herzberg. A surprise sensation in its Broadway debut, Next to Normal is the story of a suburban mother fighting to keep her family together, and features a powerful contemporary score.

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal, TheatreSquared's first Broadway-scale musical, begins April 18 in downtown Fayetteville. Broadway veterans Rita Harvey and Rob Sutton-an Arkansas native-lead an all-star cast of professionals from around the country, directed by T2's own associate artistic director Amy Herzberg. A surprise sensation in its Broadway debut, Next to Normal is the story of a suburban mother fighting to keep her family together, and features a powerful contemporary score.

The world premiere of The Third Step, a new play by Anthony Michael Laura. Performances begin July 24 at 8PM at The Sargeant Theater at the American Theater of Actors. Tickets $18