Christopher Newell

Like a beautiful painting Adam Guettel's The Light in the Piazza is a true work of art. With discordant music not unlike that of Stephen Sondheim, written for a small chamber orchestra, feelings of love - from all kinds of people -fuel passionately. Without the right actresses to play the American mother and daughter visiting Florence, the play loses its fragility and inner beauty. This production could not be more divine. Patti Cohenour as Margaret Johnson and Erin Mackey as her decidedly different daughter make sparks fly with their glorious acting and singing.

Truly one of the most elegant, though underrated musicals of the new century, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA---now on stage in a lovely new production at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa through February 23---follows the uneasy journey that a loving, though over-protective mother must embark on when her daughter discovers the wonderfully vulnerable world of adult love. Filled with a gorgeously sweeping score by Adam Guettel and an insanely talented cast, this Italian journey surely ranks as one of the best, most attractive musicals SCR has mounted in recent years.

An Italian vacation, young love and a parent's heart-rending decision are all part of the award-winning Broadway hit, The Light in the Piazza, book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, and based on the novel by ElizaBeth Spencer. Directed by Kent Nicholson, The Light in the Piazza runs today, Jan. 24-Feb. 23 on SCR's Segerstrom Stage.

An Italian vacation, young love and a parent's heart-rending decision are all part of the award-winning Broadway hit, The Light in the Piazza, book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, and based on the novel by Elizabeth Spencer. Directed by Kent Nicholson, The Light in the Piazza runsJan. 24-Feb. 23 on SCR's Segerstrom Stage. Tickets are available online: www.scr.org. Check out photos of the cast below!

An Italian vacation, young love and a parent's heart-rending decision are all part of the award-winning Broadway hit, The Light in the Piazza, book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, and based on the novel by Elizabeth Spencer. Directed by Kent Nicholson, The Light in the Piazza runs Jan. 24-Feb. 23 on SCR's Segerstrom Stage.

An Italian vacation, young love and a parent's heart-rending decision are all part of the award-winning Broadway hit, The Light in the Piazza, book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, and based on the novel by Elizabeth Spencer. Directed by Kent Nicholson, The Light in the Piazza runs Jan. 24-Feb. 23 on SCR's Segerstrom Stage.

The Best in LA Theatre for 2013

When Oklahoma! was first produced on Broadway in 1943 it became the first smash hit for newly formed collaborating team Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and also the first real book musical, preceded only by Showboat. It was a breakthrough musical, which when given a first-class production, is still, some 70 years later, without question, one of the greatest American musicals ever written. 'The Farmer and the Cowman' truly represents the philosophy of what America is all about, a unity and pride that is unmistakably individual. MTW's newest production is exceptional - by far one of the best to be staged in a very long time. Director Davis Gaines - his first direction - magnificently brings together an astoundingly talented cast now in Long Beach through March 3 only.

Musical Theatre West presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!, which opened last night, February 16, and continues through March 3, 2013. Davis Gaines (LA's Phantom of the Opera, Ovation Award winner for Musical Theatre West's Man of La Mancha) makes his Los Angeles-area directorial debut with this production. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, OKLAHOMA! is locally-produced in Long Beach with professional actors from Broadway, national tours, film and television, including the best in local talent. BroadwayWorld's Lily Lim was at the opening and brings you photos from the event below!

Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer of Musical Theatre West, has announced the cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!, previewing February 15, opening February 16 at 8pm, and continuing through March 3. Davis Gaines (LA's Phantom of the Opera, Ovation Award winner for Musical Theatre West's Man of La Mancha) makes his Los Angeles-area directorial debut with this production. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, OKLAHOMA! is locally-produced in Long Beach with professional actors from Broadway, national tours, film and television, including the best in local talent.

Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer of Musical Theatre West, is proud to announce the cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!, previewing February 15, opening February 16 at 8pm, and continuing through March 3. Davis Gaines (LA's Phantom of the Opera, Ovation Award winner for Musical Theatre West's Man of La Mancha) makes his Los Angeles-area directorial debut with this production. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, OKLAHOMA! is locally-produced in Long Beach with professional actors from Broadway, national tours, film and television, including the best in local talent.

Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and Executive Producer James A. Blackman III proudly closes their 19th season with Walton Jones' musical holiday tribute to the swing era.

Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and Executive Producer James A. Blackman III proudly closes their 19th season with Walton Jones' musical holiday tribute to the swing era.

Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and Executive Producer James A. Blackman III proudly closes their 19th season with Walton Jones' musical holiday tribute to the swing era.

The Cathedral of St. John The Divine in support of Gay Pride 2008 presents 'Matthew Passion' A New Play (with music) by Phil Hall on Wednesday, June 18th at 7:00 pm at The St. James Chapel.