Alan Menken News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Beaches,' 'Kinky Boots' and 'Gotta Dance' show how a pre-Broadway tryout is done, while 'Fancy Nancy,' 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Pinocchio' go for a younger demographic. Meanwhile, Ravinia, Grant Park and Three Oaks (MI) do summer concerts, and The Music Theatre Company announces its own surprise demise.

I am a longtime fan of Whoopi Goldberg with her Sister Act movies ranking as some of my all-time favorites. So, as you can imagine, I am thrilled I finally had the opportunity to see the musical adaptation that Ms. Goldberg produced on Broadway at Long Island's Gateway Theatre. This lively production runs through July 18th at the gorgeous Bellport venue.

Minneapolis Musical Theatre's (MMT) Leap of Faith makes its area premiere April 29-May 22, 2016, at Hennepin Theatre Trust's New Century Theatre. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015. To purchase and for more information, call 612.455.9501, visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or buy in person (no service fees) at the New Century Theatre (615 Hennepin Ave., street level, City Center).

Creative YouTube poster Salliethesalad has shared a mashup of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars mega hit song 'Uptown Funk' and a scene from the 1992 cult Disney Film NEWSIES, starring Christian Bale. Check it out below!

Bill Hanney's award winning Theatre By The Sea (TBTS) is set to take family audiences on an underwater musical adventure with a spectacular musical production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID. This highly anticipated theatrical event starts Wednesday July 22 and plays through Saturday, August 15. Press night is scheduled for Friday, July 24 at 8:00pm

Paradise Theatre announces seven family-friendly and diverse musicals for its 2015-2016 Season as they launch capital campaign 'Act Local' to save the arts on the Peninsula by creating a new performing arts and education center in Gig Harbor.

The 20th edition of the Lincoln Center Festival, which runs through August 2, 2015 will unfold in six venues on and off the Lincoln Center campus. There will be a total of 58 performances by artists and ensembles from Germany, China, England, Ireland, Russia, USA, and Japan.

The New York International Fringe Festival and CitySalt Theatricals present The Crack in the Ceiling starring Josh Grisetti* (It Shoulda Been You). Performances begin Saturday August 15th at 8:30pm at The Lynn Redgrave Theatre (Venue #13) - 45 Bleeker Street. Created and written by James Harvey with direction by Stephen Tyler Davis.

As BroadwayWorld exclusively reported last month, Paper Mill Playhouse's recent production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, based on the novel by Victor Hugo and the Disney animated film, may not be Broadway-bound, but it will get a cast recording. The American Premiere Studio Recording of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, will be released on Monday, November 20th. CLICK HERE to sign up for pre-sale information!

As our readers have been asked since we shared the sad news on June 19, 2015 that Danny McNie, 34, beloved son, brother, friend, singer, actor, and humanitarian, quietly passed away, services are set for Michigan this weekend. Click here for more details. 

Maine State Music Theatre held it third panel discussion devoted to its production of Sister Act on July 1, 2015, at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. Actors Kingsley Leggs and David Girolmo, stage manager Mark Johnson, music director Jason Wetzel, and MSMT Managing Director Stephanie Dupal spoke to Broadway World's moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold and a full house of enthusiastic MSMT patrons about the challenges of putting on this large scale show that has proved to be another huge hit for the company.

Ellen Greene doesn't just reprise her iconic performances as Audrey, she deepens it.

The team of Benj Pasek & Justin Paul was literally “on the move” when I had the chance to chat with them about Dear Evan Hansen, their latest project, for which DC is fortunate enough to be the host for the world premiere, thanks to Arena Stage's dedication to nurturing new work. Benj and Justin were, in fact, driving to DC to begin the final stages of preparation for the July 10 first preview of the show. As it turns out, this was their very first visit to Arena Stage, and they were excited, and more than ready to be there. But first, we talked.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman, Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman,Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the openning night party below!

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman,Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the first curtain call below!

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman, Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below! 

Earlier this week, BroadwayWorld announced a new partnership with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Fallin previously drew for BroadwayWorld and our readers have long wanted his return, so it is with great pleasure that we welcome him back! Be sure to check back for more of Ken's exclusive art. Below, check out his illustration of Michael Cerveris, Judy Kuhn, Sydney Lucas, Emily Skeggs, and Beth Malone in Fun Home!

This week's column salutes tonight's special concert event showcasing the New York return of a fan-favorite cult musical.