Alan Menken News

The BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop is now accepting applications for its first year composer/lyricist class. The August 1, 2012 deadline is quickly approaching and applicants are asked to send in the requested materials as soon as possible. The Workshop begins September 17, 2012, and runs through June 2013. A recipient of the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre Award, the Lehman Engel Musical Workshop consists of approximately 250 composers, lyricists and book writers who are actively writing new works for the musical theatre.

The BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop is now accepting applications for its first year composer/lyricist class.

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST begins performances tonight, July 3 at Toronto's Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast is now playing in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier through August 26, 2012. Director Rachel Rockwell shares her enthusiasm for Disney's Beauty and the Beast with the company on the first day of rehearsal. Get a glimpse inside the rehearsal room by watching the video below.

NEWSIES has been playing now for several months the Nederlander Theatre, and by now the cast has lots of backstage rituals that go on before performances. In the video below, check out where they stretch, do vocal warm-ups, and more!

Tuacahn's production of Disney's "Aladdin," which premiered Monday, June 4, starring Dan Domenech as Aladdin, Haley Carlucci as Princess Jasmine, Edward Juvier as Genie, and Michael G. Hawkins as Jafar, has recently released the show's official TV promo, featuring its lead actors. The production runs alternately with Marc Shaiman's "Hairspray" at Tuacahn Amphitheatre, an outdoor performance space nestled in a verdant valley, and surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, until October 19.

A devout theater fan knows no holiday, and thankfully, many of Broadway's most beloved shows and performers nationwide don't either. So what's a theater enthusiast to do on this Independence Day? Check out a sampling of this year's most exciting 4th of July offerings and click below to revisit some of your favorites saluting our nation in song!

Broadway In Chicago's Concert moves to Millennium Park this summer. The FREE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO CONCERT will take place on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 6:15 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. Hosted by ABC-7's Janet Davies, star of 190 NORTH, the concert will feature performances by the iconic rock legend CYNDI LAUPER with members of the cast from the pre-Broadway world premiere of her new musical KINKY BOOTS, Joey from WAR HORSE and Cathy Rigby as PETER PAN.

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST begins performances Tuesday, July 3 at Toronto's Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Andrew-Keenan Bolger and Kara Lindsay of NEWSIES interview with Lauren Scala of NBC Live as they take her backstage and behind the scenes. Check out the video below.

Newsies has just announced that they are seeking a standby for the leading role of Jack Kelly, additional 'newsies' and actresses to cover female tracks. Auditions will be held in person in New York City (please see specific information below). In addition, auditions will be accepted online for those performers who are unable to make it in person via an uploaded video to YouTube.

Broadway In Chicago's Concert moves to Millennium Park this summer. The FREE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO CONCERT will take place on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 6:15 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. Hosted by ABC-7's Janet Davies, star of 190 NORTH, the concert will feature performances by the iconic rock legend CYNDI LAUPER with members of the cast from the pre-Broadway world premiere of her new musical KINKY BOOTS, Joey from WAR HORSE and Cathy Rigby as PETER PAN.

Disney's The Little Mermaid, the hit Broadway musical based on the popular animated film, will have its West Coast premiere at Wells Fargo Pavilion for a two-week run from July 10 - 22. This Disney family favorite, part of the 2012 Music Circus season, features the popular songs "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl." Tickets start at $30 for all performances, with specially-priced children's tickets available in any seating section.

A giant, man-eating plant from outer space will invade the Whitefish Performing Arts Center when Alpine Theatre Project presents Little Shop of Horrors July 5 - 21 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center in downtown Whitefish. The musical comedy runs Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm with a special Family Matinee at 2pm on July 21.

Newsies recently welcomed a special guest- 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Brave' star Kevin McKidd, who brought his daughter, Iona, to check out the musical. The duo posed with the cast after the show, and you can check out photos below!