David Bryan News

From Show Boat to Finian's Rainbow to Ragtime to Hairspray the racial divide between white America and Americans of African decent has been one of the richest resources for both Broadway musical dramas and musical comedies. And a popular theme of such musicals has been the assimilation of African-American music into the white mainstream. The latest to tackle this topic, Memphis, certainly wouldn't look like the best of the lot on paper, but on stage the gritty sincerity of Joe DiPietro's book coupled with David Bryan's infectiously melodic compositions (they collaborated on the lyrics), under Christopher Ashley's dynamic staging, frequently threaten to tear the roof off of the Shubert Theatre.

Michael Dale's review of Memphis, the new Broadway musical. The verdict is positive: Memphis is bursting with gutsy story-telling, convincing performances and exhilarating moments that more than make up for a bit of predictability.

Dancap Productions presents the Canadian Premiere of The Toxic Avenger opening at The Music Hall Halloween 2009.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opened on Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. The show and its long journey to Broadway is featured on VanityFair.com.

Move over, Bloomberg; the mayoral race just got a whole lot tighter as Erin Leigh Peck takes on the role of Mayor Babs Belgoody, along with other memorable characters, in The Toxic Avenger, the Outer Critics' Circle 2009 pick for Best New Off-Broadway Musical. Peck will be playing the multiple roles currently played by Nancy Opel, who originated the roles in the world premiere production at George Street Playhouse, while Opel is on vacation. Peck has been understudying all female roles since the show began performances at New York's New World Stages (340 W. 50th St) in March of 2009.

The colorful Gypsy Robe, embellished with mementos from Broadway musicals, is presented to the cast member who has the most Broadway chorus credits. Recent Gypsy Robe honoree, BYE BYE BIRDIEs' Paula Leggett Chase passed the special Broadway garment on to John Jellison backstage before the opening night performance and BroadwayWorld.com was there to cheer him on!

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical opened Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009. BroadwayWorld and Broadway Beat were on hand to capture all the excitement and celebration of Opening Night to bring you interviews with the cast and creative plus highlights from the show!

The Toxic Avenger - named '2009 Best New Off-Broadway Musical' by the Outer Critics Circle - announced today that in honor of Toxie's favorite holiday, Halloween, the show will be sponsoring a seven-day spookfest, aptly titled Halloweek.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, officially opened last, Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, officially opened last, Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009. BroadwayWorld.com's camera where there as the first night crowd arrived.

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Monday, October 19, 2009.

Dancap Productions Inc. has announced the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show. Mamma Mia star and Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre will star in the production.

Dancap Productions Inc. has announced the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show. Mamma Mia star and Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre will star in the production.

From the soaring melodies of classic revivals to the hottest dramas playing today - there is no experience like 'Broadway.' And part of what makes Broadway so exciting is that it's located right smack dab in the middle of New York City! With 'THE BROADWAY LOCAL', World MasterCard celebrates the creative theatre professionals who bring their talents to the city's Broadway stages and call the Big Apple home.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opens tonight, Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

Dancap Productions Inc. has announced the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show. Mamma Mia star and Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre will star in the production.

Full casting was announced today for MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opening Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, will open Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opening Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

On Thursday, October 1st, after the 200th performance of THE TOXIC AVENGER at New World Stages, some celebrity guests who were in the house took a trip backstage to congratulate the cast and crew. Broadway couple Andy Karl and Orfeh greeted Dustin Diamond (Screech from TV's 'Saved By The Bell') and his lady friend as they all took the trip back to cheer everybody on their auspicious milestone. Producer Tom Polum was on hand to raise a glass of 'TOXIC' punch and to thank everyone on a 200 'TOX-A-RI-FIC' shows.