Stephen Sondheim News

Edward Seckerson - former presenter of BBC Radio 3's long-running musical theatre show Stage and Screen continues to host a series of in-depth encounters with the stars of musical theatre at London's Charing Cross Theatre.

OBERON, the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.)'s second stage and club theater venue, announces its March line up of exciting and original programming on the fringe of Harvard Square.

On Sunday night, Warner/Chappell husband-and-wife songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez won the Academy Award for "Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)," in recognition of "Let it Go" from Disney's Frozen.

Tarragon Theatre, under the artistic direction of Richard Rose, proudly presents Marry Me A Little with music and lyrics by the undisputed master of the contemporary musical, Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Adam Brazier with musical direction by Paul Sportelli, this charming and bittersweet tale about love, loneliness and commitment stars Elodie Gillett and Adrian Marchuk. Marry Me A Little opens tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5 and runs to April 6 in Tarragon's Mainspace. Tickets range from $21-$53 (inclusive of HST) and are available by calling Patron Services at 416-531-1827 or by visiting www.tarragontheatre.com.

Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, opening tonight, March 4, 2014, and playing through March 30. Adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart, Beaches is directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). This heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women stars Mara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie and Alysha Umphress (Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom.

Lonny Price talks about re-creating Sweeney Todd, working with movie stars and opera stars, and why Sondheim's masterpiece is more timely than ever.

Today we are particularly thrilled to present a wide-ranging conversation with one of the most attention-grabbing and notable Broadway/Hollywood crossover stars of the new millennium all about her theatre past, GLEE present and potentially spectacular future - the charismatic and committed Lea Michele. Sparing some precious moments while promoting her new solo album release, LOUDER, Michele comments on not only her studio work and the current season of her FOX hit musical dramedy series but also sheds some light on much more, including sharing first news of the new stage revival of FUNNY GIRL currently in planning stages following the rights being purchased by GLEE creator and mastermind Ryan Murphy, set to mirror the Season Five storyline of GLEE itself as it presents the spectacular theatrics, unforgettable songs and backstage backstabbing involved with the FUNNY GIRL revival starring Rachel Berry (aka Michele). Additionally, Michele analyzes some of her favorite tracks on LOUDER and offers a glimpse into the creative process in creating some of the album's standout tracks such as 'Cue The Rain' and 'The Bells'. Plus, Michele opens up about her role alongside fellow Broadway heavyweights Megan Hilty and Bernadette Peters in the hotly anticipated new animated movie musical LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY'S RETURN and clues us in on what we can expect from the multimedia extravaganza. Furthermore, Michele previews some upcoming GLEE showstoppers-to-be including two songs penned by Stephen Sondheim - 'No One Is Alone' from INTO THE WOODS and 'Not While I'm Around' from SWEENEY TODD - as well as the re-teaming with SPRING AWAKENING star Skylar Astin, while also offering the 411 on the show's big new move to a primary NYC focus. All of that, thoughts on GLEE co-star Idina Menzel's FROZEN performance on this week's Academy Awards telecast, opinions on a new LES MISERABLES revival, a look ahead to her upcoming autobiography BRUNETTE AMBITION and much, much more!

January and February have seen sell-out performances at the Crazy Coqs and March and April look set to continue the trend.

According to a casting breakdown, THE HAMILTON MIXTAPE, a new musical by Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, will get a New York City workshop this spring. The project will be produced by the Public Theater and will feature direction by Thomas Kail, musical supervision by Alex Lacamoire and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.

A Tony Award-winning tour through the legendary Fats Waller songbook, Ain't Misbehavin' dives into the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, the golden age of honky-tonk dives, swing music and stride piano players. Considered "a tribute to the timeless appeal of Waller's music" by The New York Times, Ain't Misbehavin' includes classic Waller hits like "Loungin' at the Waldorf" and "I Can't Give You Anything but Love." Ain't Misbehavin' was conceived by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. and will be directed by Rep Associate Artist Dan Kazemi, who was the Musical Director of End of The Rainbow, A Christmas Carol, Forever Plaid and Ragtime this season at The Rep.

The New York Philharmonic will soon present a staged production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, March 5-8, 2014. As previously announced, Sweeney Todd will star bass-baritone Bryn Terfel in the title role and Academy Award-winning actress Emma Thompson as Mrs. Lovett in her Philharmonic debut, New York stage debut, and first time performing the role. Jeff Blumenkrantz will portray The Beadle; Tony Award winner Christian Borle, Pirelli (marking his Philharmonic debut); Kyle Brenn, Tobias Ragg (debut); Jay Armstrong Johnson, Anthony Hope (debut); Erin Mackey, Johanna (debut); and Olivier Award winner Philip Quast, Judge Turpin (debut and New York stage debut). Music Director Alan Gilbert will conduct; Lonny Price will direct; and Lonny Price and Matt Cowart are the producers. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the cast in rehearsal below!

Impro Theatre has announced their newest production, Shakespeare UnScripted, directed by Brian Lohmann and Dan O'Connor. Shakespeare UnScripted begins preview performances on Thursday, March 20 at the Carrie Hamilton Theatre (upstairs at The Pasadena Playhouse) in Pasadena. Opening is set for Sunday, March 30, at 5pm. Performances will continue through May 4 only.

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir opens Off-Broadway at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) Wednesday March 5th. This limited run, in previews now, will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.

Early on in the first act of Company, the classic Stephen Sondheim musical now playing at The Playhouse, single guy Robert asks his married pal Harry a loaded question: "Are you ever sorry you got married?" Harry smiles and responds with, "You're always sorry. You're always grateful," and continues with several other paradoxical statements. Those puzzling, polarized statements are mirrored throughout the production of Company itself. For every element and performance that hits the mark, there's another that misses it.

The Amanda McBroom Project...continuing the journey will play March 14, 15, and 17 at 7pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42 Street (Between 9 and 10 Avenues). Reservations: 212.695.6909. Music charge $20; Food/drink minimum $15.

St. James Studio has announced its March 2014 events and performances. Details below!

The Harbor Lights Theater Company, a professional not-for-profit company dedicated to illuminating the human experience through the highest quality theatrical production and arts education, announces its professional theater training program, 'Enter Stage Right,' and its Spring Semester courses, for youth ages 11-18.

The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has announced its March 2014 events. Details below!