Ray Roderick News

Music & Lyrics and West Yorkshire Playhouse have announced that Charlotte Wakefield in the role of Truly Scrumptious and Jos Vantyler in the role of the Childcatcher in the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. The production will play The Bristol Hippodrome Wednesday 25th January - Saturday 4th February 2017. Scroll down for a sneak peek!

WSR tackles holiday stress with "A Christmas Survival Guide" at Raue Center For The Arts!

Manhattan Musical Theatre Lab, a developmental organization founded 17 years ago by the late Director and Choreographer Bick Goss, will present the new musical Brooklyn Bridge at the St. Luke's Theatre on October 24 at 6:30 pm (St. Luke's is at 308 West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). With a book and lyrics by Ray Roderick, music by Joseph Baker, and musical direction by Laura Bergquist, Brooklyn Bridge is an innovative musical inspired by the extraordinary life of Emily Roebling, wife of Brooklyn Bridge Chief Engineer Washington Roebling. 

Girl group revue is back by popular demand. Two years ago, the Long Wharf Theatre offered a blast from the past with The Bikinis, James Hindman and Ray Roderick's breezy jukebox revue of '60s and '70s music. The show was loosely based on a true story about senior residents in Florida, who were being pressured to sell their mobile homes to a developer. Instead of a knight in shining armor, a girl group of four women who call themselves The Bikinis come to star in a fundraiser to help the residents pay for their legal fees. This revue, now back at the Long Wharf by popular demand, has a clear narrative that so many people can relate to today, even if they are not retirees who live in a resort.

Music & Lyrics and West Yorkshire Playhouse are delighted to announce Charlotte Wakefield in the role of Truly Scrumptious and Jos Vantyler in the role of the Childcatcher in the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, when the production arrives in Edinburgh this October. The tour continues until 4 February 2017.

Girl group revue is back by popular demand. Two years ago, the Long Wharf Theatre offered a blast from the past with The Bikinis, James Hindman and Ray Roderick's breezy jukebox revue of '60s and '70s music. The show was loosely based on a true story about senior residents in Florida, who were being pressured to sell their mobile homes to a developer. Instead of a knight in shining armor, a girl group of four women who call themselves The Bikinis come to star in a fundraiser to help the residents pay for their legal fees. This revue, now back at the Long Wharf by popular demand, has a clear narrative that so many people can relate to today, even if they are not retirees who live in a resort.

Long Wharf Theatre presents, in association with Miracle or 2 Productions, The Bikinis, a celebration of great songs from the 1960s through today.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the American professional premiere of the new musical THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, written by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. Performances take place tonight, May 6, through May 21, 2016.

Claire Sweeney will play the role of Baroness Bomburst in Music & Lyrics and West Yorkshire Playhouse's production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, from Wednesday 3 August 2016.  The production is touring across the UK and Ireland until February 2017. Michelle Collins, who currently plays Baroness Bomburst, leaves the production on 30 July 2016.

From August 3, Claire Sweeney will play the role of Baroness Bomburst in Music & Lyrics and West Yorkshire Playhouse's production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. The production is touring across the UK and Ireland until February 2017. Michelle Collins, who currently plays Baroness Bomburst, leaves the production on July 30.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the American professional premiere of the new musical THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, written by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. Performances take place May 6 through May 21, 2016. PTC has just announced the full cast and creative team for the production!

Music & Lyrics and West Yorkshire Playhouse have announced that Matt Gillett will take the role of The Childcatcher in the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, which is touring across the UK and Ireland until February 2017. Matt was already a part of the ensemble when the producers discovered his talent for playing this iconic role. John Stalker, Executive Producer of Music & Lyrics, said: 'We are delighted to offer Matt this starring role having understudied the part of The Childcatcher since the beginning of the show in Leeds. Matt's performance will have everyone on the edge of their seats!' Martin Kemp, who currently plays The Childcatcher, leaves the production on April 24 and Matt will be taking over the role from May 4 in Milton Keynes.

?Further casting has been announced for the Music & Lyrics Limited and West Yorkshire Playhouse production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. Phill Jupitus (The Producers, Hairspray), who currently plays the roles of Lord Scrumptious and Baron Bomburst, is set to return to the show from 24 August, coming to the King's Theatre Glasgow from Wednesday 19 until Saturday 29 October 2016.

Further casting has been announced for the Music & Lyrics Limited and West Yorkshire Playhouse production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. From May 4 until 2 October 2, Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Miserables, War of the Worlds) will play Truly Scrumptious, and from May 4 until August 21, Shaun Williamson (The Railway Children, EastEnders) will play Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst. Phill Jupitus (The Producers, Hairspray), who currently plays the roles of Lord Scrumptious and Baron Bomburst, returns to the show from August 24.

Meadow Brook Theatre's 2016-2017 season kicks-off with a benefit concert then takes to the stage with Michigan Premieres including a Ken Ludwig comedy, a comedy with a heart, a poignant drama AND a 1960s musical! The season also features the music of Irving Berlin and a musical comedy sure to please with Boy-Band-esque song and dance numbers!  "We're looking forward to another great season," said Cheryl Marshall, Managing Director.  "We're so excited to kick things off with another great summer benefit and a wonderful line-up of shows!'

Tonight, Artistic Director Mark Clements and Managing Director Chad Bauman announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2016/17 Season to a group of The Rep's subscribers, donors, community leaders, and members of the press.

Music & Lyrics Limited and West Yorkshire Playhouse presents the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. The 2016-17 UK and Ireland tour begins at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 10 February 2016. BroadwayWorld brings you a look inside the opening night below!

Music & Lyrics Limited and West Yorkshire Playhouse presents the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. The 2016-17 UK and Ireland tour begins at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 10 February 2016. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

Casting has been announced for the Music & Lyrics Limited and West Yorkshire Playhouse production of the much-loved Sherman Brothers musical CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. The 2016-17 UK and Ireland tour begins at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 10 February 2016. Check out a first look at the rehearsals below!