BWW Review: Out of the 'Flying PAN' and Into the TUNA Casserole
by Joseph Baker - Nov 30, 2015
Whether it's fruitcake or eggnog, people love their traditions during the Holiday Season -- and you'd better not disappoint. Memphians are accustomed to cranky 'Ebeneezer Scrooge' hoarding his coins at Theatre Memphis, and in midtown, we're resigned to A TUNA CHRISTMAS at Circuit and PETER PAN at Playhouse on the Square. Just last year, I had seen two -- yes, TWO -- productions of the latter: The version done live on NBC (with an off-center, almost 'sleep walking' Christopher Walken as 'Captain Hook') and the marvelous version directed and choreographed by Jordan Nichols and Travis Bradley at Playhouse. The Playhouse featured players were the unique Morgan Howard (as 'Peter') and the versatile David Foster (as a 'Jack Sparrow'-like 'Hook'); they were alternating the roles with Carly Crawford and Bill Andrews. I am happy to report that I finally was able to see Ms. Crawford and Mr. Andrews assay those roles, and they were equally inspired casting choices (but more about that later).
BWW Review: Dixie's Tube Top Is 'Funner Than Funnel Cake'
by Kyle Christopher West - Nov 21, 2015
Somehow, it seems unfair to call Dixie Longate a 'drag queen.' Sure, she's an over-the-top personality in a tall wig and high heels, but her act is so much more than glitter and gossip (of which there is plenty). Her new show, NEVER WEAR A TUBE TOP WHILE RIDING A MECHANICAL BULL AND SIXTEEN OTHER THINGS I LEARNED WHILE I WAS DRINKING LAST THURSDAY is the kind of show that makes you laugh, makes you cry, and then makes you laugh until you cry. But how can you describe it?
Upcoming Auditions in Nashville 11/18/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Nov 18, 2015
Directors and producers in the Nashville region are seeking actors for upcoming productions of The Larry Keeton Theatre's upcoming production of Sunset Boulevard, Pull-Tight Theatre's production of Osborne and Eppler's Southern Fried Funeral and Robertson County Players' The Man Who Came to Dinner - and there are upcoming national auditions for the tour of Newsies, set for Nashville on December 11. We've gathered the details together here to make your planning easier. So now you have no excuse: go follow your dream!
CRITIC'S CHOICE: Get Ahead of the Holiday Rush
by Jeffrey Ellis - Nov 13, 2015
Turkeys are on-sale at your local supermarket, so there's no better way to know Thanksgiving is just around the corner - yep, less than two weeks away! - which means that local theater companies will be unleashing their holiday season productions with enough productions of A Christmas Story (both the musical and the play), It's A Wonderful Life and Ebenezer Scrooge-led shows that you could shake a stick at!
Nashville Theater Calendar 11/09/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Nov 8, 2015
Thus, we are happy to present the return of one our most popular features: The Nashville Theater Calendar, a comprehensive - maybe even exhaustive (lord knows we're exhausted from putting it together, gathering all the info from all over the interwebs!) - listing of theatrical openings for the 2015/16 season. We'll update the calendar every Monday, clearing out the shows that have closed and adding additional information on the shows still to come. Something's missing? That's an easy fix: just send us a message here, on Facebook, or by email at jeffreyellis37215@att.com.
Nashville Theater Calendar 11/02/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Nov 1, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
Nashville Theater Calendar 10/26/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Oct 26, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
Nashville Theater Calendar 10/24/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Oct 24, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
BWW Review: Heartfelt and Stirring A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at Seattle Rep
by Jay Irwin - Oct 1, 2015
Arguably one of the greatest American playwrights, Arthur Miller rarely goes in for the flash or quirky with his works but simply tells a story. And those stories, such as 'A View From the Bridge' currently performing at the Seattle Rep, build with a sublime slow burn and sneak up on you until, before you know it, have you in their grip and won't let go. And the cast and crew of this current production truly understand that and deliver some finely layered and complex performances making Miller's work shine all the more.
Harrison and Haig Join Parker and Thompson In Savoy's GUYS AND DOLLS!
by Carrie Dunn - Sep 18, 2015
Full casting is announced for the highly acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre revival of Guys and Dolls, which is at the New Alexandra Theatre from Tues 24 November to Sat 5 December 2015, prior to a strictly limited run at the Savoy Theatre in the West End.
Nashville Theater Calendar 9/9/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Sep 9, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
Star of Broadway's HELLAZPOPPIN, June Winters Dies at 96
by Caryn Robbins - Sep 8, 2015
It has been confirmed that June Winters, widow of legendary songwriter and record producer Hugo Peretti, and famous in her own right as the "Lady in Blue" on both radio and records, died March 29 of natural causes at her home in Bergenfield, NJ.
Full Cast Set for THE COCKTAIL PARTY in The Coronet's Main Auditorium
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 17, 2015
Full casting is announced for the first major London revival of The Cocktail Party in over 25 years, which will be staged in the main auditorium at the iconic Coronet, and marks a transitional moment in the building's redevelopment as the larger space becomes home to the Print Room's eclectic programme. Directed by rising star Abbey Wright, this new Print Room production of TS Eliot's masterpiece plays from 14 September to 10 October, with a cast that includes Helen Bradbury, Richard Dempsey, Hilton McRae, Chloe Pirrie, Christopher Ravenscroft, John Wark and Marcia Warren.
Nashville Theater Calendar 8/12/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Aug 12, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
Nashville Theater Calendar 8/3/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Aug 3, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show. Thus, we are happy to present a new feature: The Nashville Theater Calendar, a comprehensive - maybe even exhaustive (lord knows we're exhausted from putting it together, gathering all the info from all over the interwebs!) - listing of theatrical openings for the 2015/16 season. We'll update the calendar every Monday, clearing out the shows that have closed and adding additional information on the shows still to come. Something's missing? That's an easy fix: just send us a message here, on Facebook, or by email at jeffreyellis37215@att.com.
Reflections: What SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Lacks in Star Power, It Makes Up for In Extended Scenes, Live Spectacle
by Oliver Oliveros - Jul 28, 2015
When compared to SUNSET BOULEVARD, which follows the same classic film-to-stage pedigree as SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and tackles the same dilemma of making the transition from silent films to talkies in the 1920s - albeit of psychological melodrama in genre compared to the latter's rollicking parody - SUNSET BOULEVARD had big stars of stage and screen who headlined West End and Broadway. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN did not delve into such stunt casting from the onset - unless you consider Tommy Steele, who originated the role of Don Lockwood in the West End, as big as Elvis Presley or Gene Kelly, the silver screen's original Lockwood.
Nashville Theater Calendar 7/27/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jul 27, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
Nashville Theater Calendar 7/20/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jul 21, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Extends Chicago Run Into 2016
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 17, 2015
Million Dollar Quartet, the longest-running Broadway musical production in Chicago's history, has been extended through January 17, 2016. With over 2,000 performances and nearly 7 smash years in Chicago, the Tony Award-winning rock 'n' roll musical holds the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago. A new block of tickets, for performance from September 30, 2015-January 17, 2016 will go on sale on Friday, July 17, 2016.
Bayou City Theatrics' GUYS AND DOLLS Begins Today
by BWW News Desk - Jul 17, 2015
GUYS AND DOLLS hit the Broadway stage in 1950 and was soon considered 'the perfect musical comedy.' With timeless music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a clever, seamless book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the musical has seen success since it first opened. GUYS AND DOLLS promises heartfelt and hilarious entertainment in Bayou City Theatrics' production, which begins today, July 17, and runs through August 2 at The Kaleidoscope.
Nashville Theater Calendar 7/13/15
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jul 13, 2015
Sometimes it seems there is so much theater happening that it's difficult to keep track of it all. From personal experience, despite all the datebooks, smart phones, tablets, desktop computers and laptops...it's hard to keep everything straight in this wacky business of the show.