Simon Elliott News

With its silver anniversary year within sight, Belmont University Musical Theatre concludes its 24th season with what is perhaps its best show yet: Legally Blonde, The Musical. Featuring a remarkable cast of student performers, including most of the Class of 2024, which is arguably the most accomplished and most promising group of students assembled in the program’s quarter-century of musical theatre pedagogy and preparation, this Legally Blonde could easily hold its own against other productions of the tremendously entertaining show, whether on tour or even on Broadway.

It only takes a moment whenconductor Jo Lynn Burks raises her baton and the first notes of the overture are heard to remember that Herman’s score includes a treasure trove of Broadway chestnuts, including “So Long, Dearie,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Elegance,” “It Only Takes A Moment,” “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” as well as the title tune.

What if (of all the things possible in the mythical, magical world of musical theater) the four earnest boy singers of Forever Plaid hooked up with the vengeful Heathers, while at the same time Hedwig (of the Angry Inch fame) was getting busy with Carrie White (of the bucket of pig’s blood fame) and then their resulting progeny got together (or maybe they were all together in some orgiastic event of monumental proportions that also includes various and sundry characters and/or germane plot points from Be More Chill and The Toxic Avenger) – are you still with me, friends? – what would be the result?

Can you recall way, way back to 1991 when the Disney animated film version of Beauty and the Beast was first released? Well, even if you can’t, I certainly can remember how every theater aficionado I knew was exulting about the wondrous work and how it should be made into a live stage musical. In fact, it appeared that every film and theater critic worth his or her salt was noting the worthiness of such a transfer from film to stage.

CIA agent Mason “Mace” Brown (Jessica Chastain) joins forces with rival German agent Marie (Diane Kruger), former MI6 ally and cutting-edge computer specialist Khadijah (Lupita Nyong’o), and skilled Colombian psychologist Graciela (Penélope Cruz) on a lethal mission to retrieve a top-secret weapon. Plus, check out bonus features for the release!

Northern Stage today announced the appointment of Natalie Ibu as their new Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive. Natalie, currently Artistic Director and Chief Executive of tiata fahodzi, will take up the role in November 2020. She succeeds Lorne Campbell, who joined National Theatre of Wales in March.

Brett J. Roden, Producing Artistic Director for RCT is pleased to announce that RCT: Professional Theatre for Schools and Families will revive their Youth Professional Ensemble for the 2019-2020 Season.

The sharp mind and vivid imagination of MATILDA will delight audiences this holiday season at RCT, the Roanoke Valley's only professional theatre for schools and families. This regional premiere of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical will play December 19-22, 2019 on the Jefferson Center stage (541 Luck Avenue SW).

Clive Jones, Chair of NTW, today announced the appointment of a new Artistic Director to succeed Kully Thiarai. Lorne Campbell, who is currently Artistic Director of Northern Stage, will take up the role in Spring 2020.

Mill Mountain Theatre is wrapping up rehearsal for 'Shrek The Musical: Theatre For Young Audiences Version' and gearing up to begin performances this Wednesday, August 1st and continues through the 12th on the Trinkle MainStage. Starring as the Green Ogre himself is Flordia native Ryan Koch. I was lucky enough to sit down with Koch to hear about his experience playing Shrek and found him to be a charismatic and passionate young man.

Mill Mountain Theatre begins rehearsal today for 'Shrek The Musical: Theatre For Young Audiences Version' and performs August 1st through 12th on the Trinkle MainStage. Characters you know and love are brought to life by MMT's cast of 30 performers, featuring youth actors from the Roanoke Valley, as well as Mill Mountain Theatre's Apprentice Company.

A beloved holiday classic has been reimagined as a fun and hilarious musical guaranteed to thrill the entire family. Continuing the 10th Anniversary Season celebration, Roanoke Children's Theatre will present THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, THE MUSICAL at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave SW), playing December 20-23, 2017.

A beloved holiday classic has been reimagined as a fun and hilarious musical guaranteed to thrill the entire family. Continuing the 10th Anniversary Season celebration, Roanoke Children's Theatre will present THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, THE MUSICAL at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave SW), playing December 20-23, 2017.

Something frightfully fun is coming to Roanoke. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary Season, Roanoke Children's Theatre is proud to bring a Regional Premiere to the stage. R.L. Stine's GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium, The Musical will kick off the celebratory season, playing September 22-24, 2017 at the Jefferson Center (541 Luck Ave SW).

This holiday season, Roanoke Children's Theatre brings a fantastical, magical, musical adventure to the stage with SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL.

This holiday season, Roanoke Children's Theatre brings a fantastical, magical, musical adventure to the stage with SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL.