Morgan Smith News

As multidimensional as is the landscape of the Southwest that so attracted Zane Grey, so too is the documentary that chronicles the creation of an epic opera, based on one of his most famous novels, RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kristin Atwell Ford (and produced by Quantum Leap Productions in collaboration with Arizona Opera), the film is as powerful and evocative in its own way as the piece and the process it reveres and celebrates. It makes its virtual premiere on Thursday, March 25th as part of an online benefit initiative ~ in partnership between The Actors Fund and the film’s producer, Quantum Leap Productions ~ to support performing arts professionals out of work due to the pandemic. The film will be available for viewing until April 11th. Tickets are $10 and may be secured at Watch.RidersOperaFilm.com. Thereafter, it will be released for streaming.

he Actors Fund announced today that Quantum Leap Productions will present 'Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera,' a documentary film that celebrates the artistry of live theatre, as an online benefit to support creative professionals out of work due to the pandemic. The Actors Fund and Quantum Leap Productions are partnering to raise funds for performing arts professionals across the country. The film makes its virtual premiere Thursday, March 25th and will be available until April 11th. Tickets are $10 and are available now at Watch.RidersOperaFilm.com.

The Actors Fund announced today that Quantum Leap Productions will present “Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera,” a documentary film that celebrates the artistry of live theatre, as an online benefit to support creative professionals out of work due to the pandemic.

Broadway Records announced today the release of the new concept recording of Over and Out. With a score by Sushi Soucy and book by Morgan Smith, this album is the second release in Broadway Records’ long-term partnership with the creators of Averno, a fictional universe that lives across multiple media platforms.

Today's top stories: Alex Brightman discusses his recent episode of Law and Order: SVU, the upcoming musical Matilda film finds its stars in Alisha Weir and Emma Thompson, and more!

Last fall, Broadway Records announced a long-term partnership with the creators of the Averno Universe, a fictional universe that lives across several media platforms. The first of which, Willow, was released on September 25th. BroadwayWorld has learned that the second release, Over and Out , with a score by Sushi Soucy and book by Morgan Smith, is coming soon. Check out a first taste of Over and Out- 'Nova Phone Home,' performed by Mean Girls star Mariah Rose Faith.

As the pandemic has caused live events to halt, virtual productions have risen, including the upcoming premiere of Toyland: A New Musical on Dec. 19.

New York Theatre Barn will host a free live stream of excerpts from the new musical concept album Willow on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 at 7PM EDT.

Need something new to read, watch, or listen to? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases!

New York Theatre Barn has launched Theatre Barn Records, a new imprint of Broadway Records, dedicated to new musicals in development. In collaboration with Broadway Records, Theatre Barn Records released its first album Willow on September 25th, 2020. Willow has music and lyrics by 16-year-old Abigail Greenwood, and a book by 20-year-old Morgan Smith, with additional arrangements by 17-year-old Nalah Palmer.

This week's list includes a recording of Nick Cordero's cabaret performance at Feinstein's/54 Below, as well as new music from Laura Benanti, the script of Linda Vista by Tracy Letts, and more.

Broadway Records announced today a three-album partnership with the creators of the Averno Universe, a fictional universe that lives across several media platforms. Broadway Records will release the concept recording of Willow, the first of three albums in the Averno musical series, on September 25th.

A group of stars have performed a new virtual cover of The New World from Jason Robert Brown's Songs For a New World.

San Francisco Opera's streamed performances continue through Opera is ON with Vincenzo Bellini's I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) on Saturday, May 16. Each streamed opera, captured live in high-definition at the War Memorial Opera House, will be viewable on demand at sfopera.com on the streaming date starting at 10 am and expiring at 11:59 pm the following day.

Future Broadway Creators launches the next generation of musical theatre writers with an exclusive online program from writers Morgan Smith and Abigail Greenwood.

HB Studio, a legendary New York institution for theater training and practice, announced today the 12 recipients of its 2020 HB Rehearsal Space Residency and HB Playwrights Reading Series programs.

This Month, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551.

Kafka's Metamorphosis: The Musical!, the surprise hit of fringe festivals in Montreal and Washington D.C, and last seen as a standout reading at the 2019 New York Musical Festival (NYMF), will have a special one night only concert reading on Friday, March 6th at 9:30PM at Feinstein's / 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, Cellar. The production features book, music and lyrics by Matt Chiorini, additional music and lyrics by Travis Newton, and Vocal Arrangements/Orchestrations by Travis Newton. www.kafkamusical.com.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will present Dot-Marie Jones (Glee, Rock of Ages) in 'WEIRD! THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT!' for one night only on March 22, 2020 at 9:30pm. Weird! The Musical is a new original musical based on the popular books, The Weird Series by Erin Frankel & Paula Heaphy, which tells one story of bullying from three different female perspectives, one who is being bullied, a bystander, and the one using bullying behavior.

Second Stage Productions presents Two Thousand Miles, a new musical conceived by Alyssa Williams, on Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th at 8:00 PM at The BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst, NY. SSP's founder and artistic director, Brian Statler directs with musical direction by Matthew DeMaria.