Jim Steinman News

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Mandy Gonzalez in 'Love, All Ways' tonight, December 4, 2013. Broadway's Mandy Gonzalez in an unforgettable evening of music and hilarity, featuring hit tunes like 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' 'Breathe' (and yes, 'Defying Gravity!')as well as songs from greats like Elvis, Liza, Lennon, Aretha and a host of others. With Musical Direction by Brian Nash.

Just last week, WICKED celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Broadway with a special performance and party. Below you can check out photos of WICKED alum Mandy Gonzalez in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

Naples Equity theatre group TheatreZone opens its ninth season "Year of the Composers" performing Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock musical Whistle Down the Wind with lyrics by Jim Steinman, book by Patricia Knop, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gayle Edwards, directed by Mark Danni, music direction by Charles Fornara and choreography by Karen Molnar. Whistle Down the Wind plays January 6-16, 2014 at the G&L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road in Naples.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Mandy Gonzalez in "Love, All Ways" on December 4, 2013. Broadway's Mandy Gonzalez in an unforgettable evening of music and hilarity, featuring hit tunes like "Total Eclipse of the Heart," "Breathe" (and yes, "Defying Gravity!")as well as songs from greats like Elvis, Liza, Lennon, Aretha and a host of others. With Musical Direction by Brian Nash.

Pittsburgh CLO has just announced the 2014 Summer Season, featuring the big, blonde sensation, Legally Blonde the Musical and the National Tour of Evita, fresh off its hit Broadway engagement. This Season will also include beloved musical theater treasure Singin' in the Rain, outrageous comedy masterpiece Spamalot, seven-time Tony Award-winner CATS and the explosive cult film phenomenon turned Broadway powerhouse Footloose, being produced by Pittsburgh CLO for the first time.

International smash hit gothic horror musical TANZ DER VAMPIRE is set for its premiere in Paris, France a year from now, according to a new blog post by bookwriter and lyricist Michael Kunze.

Cincinnati Landmark Productions knows how to put on great summer shows! We've been serving up hilarious comedies, beloved musicals, belly laughs, dazzling dances, stirring songs and onstage fireworks for over 30 years! For the Summer of 2014, we've put together a hot four-show package at the cool Covedale Center for the Performing Arts.

The D* Word - A Musical (*Ditched, Dumped, Divorced and Dating), the new party musical from the Creator/Writer of Menopause The Musical, Jeanie Linders, premieres at Jacksonville's Times-Union Center's Terry Theater tonight, October 4th, and runs through November 24th.

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Broadway favorite Mandy Gonzalez will give a free performance of BELTING BEFORE BED at Klub Kazino (259 west 45th Street) on Saturday, October 5 (11pm).

Today we are talking to a recognizable and well-known character actor who has appeared in a number of notable stage and screen properties over the course of his fifty-year career, Shakespeare to COCO to CITY OF ANGELS to STAR TREK and galaxies far, far beyond - Rene Auberjonois. Detailing the finer points of his participation in a number of wildly different stage properties - from his Broadway debut in Lee J. Cobb's Lincoln Center KING LEAR through to COCO opposite Katharine Hepburn, a starring role in CITY OF ANGELS, as well as the infamous DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES and Larry Gelbart's SLY FOX this century, and many more - Auberjonois paints a vivid picture of the working actor throughout the decades. Additionally, Auberjonois also outlines his favorite moments in participating in a number of Robert Altman's most memorable movies - MASH and MCCABE & MRS. MILLER among them - and shares stories from the sets of many of his best-known and best-remembered film appearances - THE EYES OF LAURA MARS and many more included. Plus, Auberjonois also comments on some of his favorite TV parts to date, including his enduring STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE legacy and his most recent projects such as the animated series POUND PUPPIES and ARCHER. Most importantly, Auberjonois offers insight into his indelible participation in the enduring Disney animated family favorite THE LITTLE MERMAID, including how the recent 3D re-release and this week's special features-packed Blu-ray has introduced his famous voice and theatricality to a whole new generation. All of that, thoughts on Broadway now versus the Golden Age, his continued patronage in supporting renown charity Doctors Without Borders, working on Stephen Schwartz's GEPPETTO for Disney and much, much more awaits in this uniquely compelling career-spanning conversation with a stage and screen stalwart.

Today we are following up with a previous participant in this column who first made a name for himself on a national level with his appearances on long-running reality competition sensation AMERICAN IDOL before performing to much acclaim on Broadway, Off-Broadway and on tour in a number of varied and impressive roles - Broadway's favorite rocker himself, Constantine Maroulis. Offering up the full 411 on his new gig at The Canal Room, BACK TO THE EIGHTIES SHOW WITH JESSIE'S GIRL as well as reflecting on the music, media and iconography of the era itself, Maroulis paints a vivid picture of why he is the reigning king of rock on the Great White Way and sheds some light on what we can expect from this exciting new series of raucous Saturday night shows. Also, Maroulis discusses his yearlong journey with JEKYLL & HYDE on tour and on Broadway and comments on the road versus the Street, as well as expresses his enthusiasm for a number of prior well-remembered stage appearances, as well - his Tony-nominated turn in ROCK OF AGES, in addition to THE WEDDING SINGER, JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS and beyond. Plus, Maroulis shares an update on his starring role in the ever-developing THE TOXIC AVENGER and also provides some insight into a few roles he is considering taking on in the future, near and far. All of that and much, much more in this brand new conversation with an old favorite.

Today we are talking to a Tony Award-winning performer known around the world for her iconic original performance as Eponine in both the West End and Broadway editions of international stage sensation LES MISERABLES, copiously convivial chanteuse Frances Ruffelle. Discussing her legacy with the iconic mega-musical and her relationship with the show's director, John Caird, Ruffelle opens up about a life in the theatre, telling tales of her time spent treading the boards in the various incarnations of LES MISERABLES - winning the Tony for her Broadway performance - as well as working on the original London production of Stephen Schwartz's CHILDREN OF EDEN with Caird and fellow InDepth InterView participants Matthew Bourne and Ruthie Henshall in addition to shedding light on fascinating workshop experiences - STARLIGHT EXPRESS, SUNSET BOULEVARD and WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND among them - and her more recent roles, such as her run as the title character in PIAF and featured part making up the intricate ensemble of William Finn's entertaining revue MAKE ME A SONG. Ruffelle also discusses her solo album work and future recording plans and also comments upon the pop success of her daughter, UK star Eliza Doolittle. Most importantly, Ruffelle peels back the layers of the return engagement of her successful solo show BENEATH THE DRESS and clues us in on what we can expect from her upcoming dates at celebrated cabaret venue 54 Below. Plus, Ruffelle fills us in on her next cabaret piece and its inspiration, as well as shares the 411 about her new films coming out in the next couple of months. All of that, thoughts on Broadway versus the West End, sharing the screen with Anne Hathaway in the mega-hit big screen edition of LES MISERABLES, thoughts on some of her recent TV roles as well as much, much more in this all-access pass with a particularly lovely and lively star.

The season includes Hello Dolly, The Sunshine Boys, Footloose and The Will Rogers Follies.

Today we are talking to one of the most notably theatrical and animated performers in music history known for his operatic onstage antics as well as his acting in a number of notable stage and screen properties over his forty-year career besides his legendary recording work - the one and only Meat Loaf. Analyzing the magical musical ingredients that have made BAT OUT OF HELL one of the bestselling albums of all time, as well as the worldwide success of its sequel and its lead single 'I'd Do Anything For Love' and his ongoing relationship with the peerless rock visionary of a creator behind them both, Jim Steinman, Loaf nee Aday sheds some new light on his rich recording legacy, then and now. Additionally, Loaf shares first news of his upcoming re-teaming with Steinman on tracks for his new BRAVE & CRAZY album as well as shares some candid and vivid touring stories old and new involving the idiosyncratic and iconic rock pair. Most importantly, Loaf gives us the 411 on his new Las Vegas residency at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, ROCKTELLZ & COCKTAILS PRESENTS MEAT LOAF for six weeks beginning September 26 and also outlines what fans can expect catching him on tour, too. Plus, Loaf recounts his various experiences on the Broadway and Hollywood adaptations of the ever-enduring ultimate cult classic as it marks its fortieth anniversary, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and also imparts memories from his early days in New York, recounting stage roles in musicals like HAIR and Steinman's own MORE THAN YOU DESERVE, as well as roles in Shakespearean drama and comedy byway of OTHELLO and AS YOU LIKE - not to mention the infamous ROCKABYE HAMLET '70s rock musical - among others. All of that, thoughts on the upcoming FIGHT CLUB sequel, choosing newcomer Michael Bay and casting Angelina Jolie for BAT 2 music videos, memories of appearing on GLEE as well as information on multiple upcoming film appearances and insights into show business in general - and much, much more!

Casting has been announced for The D* Word - A Musical (*Ditched, Dumped, Divorced and Dating), the new party show from the Creator/Writer of Menopause The Musical, Jeanie Linders. This hilarious musical premieres at Jacksonville's Times-Union Center's Terry Theater from October 4th - November 24th.

Jedlicka Performing Arts Center welcomes summer with Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock musical WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND with lyrics by Jim Steinman, book by Patricia Knop, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gayle Edwards, directed by Dante J. Orfei, music direction by John Warren and choreography by Kelsey Overberg. WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND plays now through August 10, 2013 at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave. in Cicero. BroadwayWorld has new photos of the cast in action below!

Jedlicka Performing Arts Center is pleased to welcome summer with Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock musical WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND with lyrics by Jim Steinman, book by Patricia Knop, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gayle Edwards, directed by Dante J. Orfei, music direction by John Warren and choreography by Kelsey Overbang. WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND plays today, July 26 - August 10, 2013 at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave. in Cicero.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two shows called 'Whistle,' plus 'Superman,' 'Hedwig,' 'Seussical,' 'All Shook Up,' '9 To 5' and 'Teen Beach Movie,' a trip to England and the latest in summer concerts!