Bob Merrill News

What, dare say, is “the ultimate musical theatre challenge”? Well, Sondheim, that is! Otherwise known as the greatest living musical theatre dramatist and the subject of this week's GLEE - FOLLIES to SWEENEY TODD and INTO THE WOODS. And, touching, timely and terrific tribute it was.

Today, we are particularly pleased and grateful to announce that Tony Award winner Alice Ripley has agreed to join the starry roster of leading ladies and gentlemen already confirmed for the event and pay tribute to the classic composer.

Today, we are priveleged and humbled to announce that legendary four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway and Hollywood icon Liza Minnelli has agreed to join the starry roster of leading ladies and gentlemen already confirmed for EVERYTHING'S COMING UP BROADWAYWORLD.COM: A JULE STYNE TRIBUTE and honor the classic composer with a Styne showstopper as only she can do.

In addition to a showstopping performance of a legendary duet from iconic musical theatre masterpiece WEST SIDE STORY given by Broadway headliners Raul Esparza and Lin-Manuel Miranda at the recent star-studded MISCAST 2014 gala, Esparza also treated attendees to a spirited rendition of iconic FUNNY GIRL film showstopper 'My Man' and a new clip of the performance is now available to view.

A new dawn. A new day. Best day? Best episode in… forever! GLEE made the official move to the Big Apple with this week's ep and with it came a revitalized, fresh new tone, style and locale while still providing some sensational musical sequences as we have come to expect - except now, in a whole new milieu. FUNNY GIRL, too!

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano, announced the final week of the World Premiere engagement of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). This limited run will continue through April 6th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. The Final Post-Show Talk will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd with Special Guest Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard, Hairspray), moderated by Peter Filichia.

On Sunday, May 11th, 2014 at 7:00pm, BroadwayWorld.com will continue its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting an all-star tribute concert and benefit celebrating the music of incomparable multi-award-winning composer Jule Styne, while also honoring Mother's Day, raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Cats' and 'Les Miserables' open in major suburban productions, a world premiere from Hershey Felder, a Chicago premiere from Pride Films And Plays, 'Carnival' spins, Harms and Scrofano feted, season announcements from Porchlight, Williams Street and Milwaukee Skylight, and more!

It's hard to believe that it has been 50 years since Barbra Streisand portrayed Fanny Brice in the 1964 Broadway stage production of Funny Girl, and 46 years since she reprised her critically acclaimed role for the 1968 feature film, winning her an Oscar. The reason that it's so hard to believe is because she's still as relevant as ever and has to be the greatest Broadway export of all time. On April 29, Capitol/UMe will release the Gold-certified Funny Girl: Original Broadway Cast Recording in a 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition boxed set with a digitally remastered CD and vinyl LP, as well as a 48-page book featuring exclusive photos from the production and a new essay by Jay Landers, her longtime A&R executive, who has worked with her on many recordings. The remastered original cast recording will also be available for digital purchase, including 192k and 96k high definition audio on HDtracks.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond:

Lost Note Theater Company, dedicated to presenting concert readings of obscure and forgotten musicals, is pleased to present CARNIVAL! with music and lyrics by Bob Merrill, book by Michael Stewart, based on material by Helen Deutsch, directed by Stephen Murray and musical direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster. CARNIVAL! will play three performances only tonight, March 22 - March 29, 2014 at Strawdog Theatre Company's Hugen Hall, 3829 N. Broadway in Chicago.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano, today announced the World Premiere engagement of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). This limited run will continue through April 6th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir now at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street), with opening night set for Today March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir now at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street), with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Lost Note Theater Company, dedicated to presenting concert readings of obscure and forgotten musicals, is pleased to present CARNIVAL! with music and lyrics by Bob Merrill, book by Michael Stewart, based on material by Helen Deutsch, directed by Stephen Murray and musical direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster. CARNIVAL! will play three performances only March 22 - March 29, 2014 at Strawdog Theatre Company's Hugen Hall, 3829 N. Broadway in Chicago.

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir just opened Off-Broadway at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) Wednesday March 5th. This limited run, in previews now, will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there for opening night and you can check out what the cast had to say below!

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir just opened Off-Broadway at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) Wednesday March 5th. This limited run, in previews now, will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

OBERON, the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.)'s second stage and club theater venue, announces its March line up of exciting and original programming on the fringe of Harvard Square.