Matt Walker News

Despite an injury, good sport Davis Gaines---who plays the title role in Musical Theatre West's new production of Meredith Willson's ever-enduring Tony Award-winning musical THE MUSIC MAN---continues the 'show must go on' mantra and plows through, turning in a rousing performance that does not disappoint. Added bonus: the huge cast also helps play up this local regional revival's family-friendly cuteness factor. Remaining performances of this nearly 60-year-old musical theater staple continue through Sunday, March 2 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach.

What do the 1950s have in common with 1912? Ages of innocence, both. When Meredith Willson wrote his story with Franklin Lacey about a con artist bamboozling an Iowa town in 1912, which formed the substance of his musical The Music Man (1957), the effect became like that of N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker. People were jubilant, ecstatic and welcomed Professor Harold Hill, as they craved a good old-fashioned love story coated with ironic excitement. He was a charmer, and they saw way past his bad side. Now in a colorful new production at Musical Theatre West (MTW) in Long Beach, this company pulls out all the stops and presents a delightfully bigger-than-life show that would do Willson proud. With super direction from Jeff Maynard and a divine cast led by Davis Gaines, The Music Man offers a refreshing take on the way life should be, whether 1912, 1955 or 2014.

Musical Theatre West presents the second production of their 61st season, Davis Gaines (Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera) starring as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins) starring as Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson's timeless and joyous, THE MUSIC MAN, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and directed by Jeff Maynard.

Musical Theatre West presents the second production of their 61st season, Davis Gaines (Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera) starring as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins) starring as Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson's timeless and joyous, THE MUSIC MAN, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and directed by Jeff Maynard.

Musical Theatre West presents the second production of their 61st season, Davis Gaines (Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera) starring as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins) starring as Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson's timeless and joyous, THE MUSIC MAN, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and directed by Jeff Maynard.

The Troubies' traditional holiday mashups are some of the company's most anticipated shows of the year. Past hits like A Christmas Westside Story (A Christmas Story with the music of West Side Story), Rudolph the Red Nosed ReinDOORS (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Doors), and The First Jo-el (the Nativity story via Billy Joel songs) have been unforgettable treasure troves of comedy fun.

Falcon Theatre presents Troubadour Theater Company's Walkin' in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland, directed by Matt Walker, the third production of the Falcon Theatre's 2013-2014 Subscription Season. The show began previews on Dec. 4, and opened this past Friday, Dec. 13, and will continue to run through Jan. 19. Below, check out a look back at the opening night festivities!

Falcon Theatre will present Troubadour Theater Company's Walkin' in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland, directed by Matt Walker, the third production of the Falcon Theatre's 2013-2014 Subscription Season.

Falcon Theatre will present Troubadour Theater Company's Walkin' in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland, directed by Matt Walker, the third production of the Falcon Theatre's 2013-2014 Subscription Season.

American Stage Theatre Company's 'After Hours' Series continue with four events, Hawk and Wayne's It's a Living!, The Betty Fox Band, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, and The Vagina Monologues in September. Details below!

Falcon Theatre Founder, Garry Marshall, has announced the Falcon Theatre's 2013-2014 5-Play Subscription Season. Falcon Theatre's 12th subscription season celebrates both new and classic comedy, collaborating with Impro Theatre, Troubadour Theater Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company of Chicago to create an exciting line-up.

American Stage Theatre Company's 'After Hours' Series continue with four events, Hawk and Wayne's It's a Living!, The Betty Fox Band, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, and The Vagina Monologues in September. Details below!

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS brought back the always hilarious TROUBADOUR THEATER COMPANY and their smash-hit, critically-acclaimed A MIDSUMMER SATURDAY NIGHT'S FEVER DREAM, directed by Matt Walker, this weekend, with performances running July 12 through today. Check out a look back at the opening night below!

Falcon Theatre Founder, Garry Marshall, has announced the Falcon Theatre's 2013-2014 5-Play Subscription Season. Falcon Theatre's 12th subscription season celebrates both new and classic comedy, collaborating with Impro Theatre, Troubadour Theater Company and Lookingglass Theatre Company of Chicago to create an exciting line-up.

Julio Martinez-produced and hosted Arts in Review, celebrates the best in LA-area theater and cabaret, Fridays (2 to 2:30PM) on KPFK Radio (90.7FM). Today, June 21, Martinez spotlights Troubadour Theatre Company founder/director Matt Walker and actor Joe Bwarie, discussing latest Bard/rock mashup, A Midsummer Saturday Night's Fever Dream, currently playing at Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake.

A MIDSUMMER SATURDAY NIGHT'S FEVER DREAM will perform one weekend only - Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.

New shows have been added to The Man In Black season at the Athenaeum Theatre this July. The season will now run from 16 to 21 July with tickets on sale from Ticketek.

There are no fewer than nine different productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream playing in theatres around the Southland this summer but I can guarantee that none of them will be done up quite like the Troubies' A MIDSUMMER SATURDAY NIGHT'S FEVER DREAM at the Falcon Theatre.

Mickey Mouse and a cast of beloved Disney characters will embark on a series of musical adventures through the magical powers of a sorcerer's map in 'Mickey and the Magical Map,' the all-new live show at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. Check out the video below!

Summer Stages in Los Angeles