A legendary cult show, this wacky, intelligent, highly unconventional musical satire points ahead to Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking work in the 1970s even as it keeps a foot firmly rooted in the musical theatre's "golden age."brbrAn absurdist fantasy by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim (two of the authors of "West Side Story" and "Gypsy") "Anyone Can Whistle" tells the story of a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town (through the resulting pilgrim trade) and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse out to expose the fraud and the easy-going doctor determined to enjoy the chaos it brings. In the end, the show delivers a poignant message about the importance of the individual in a conformist society-but not before aiming its still-relevant barbs at government, religion, science and anything else that stands in its way!brbrWith its circus-like atmosphere, "Anyone Can Whistle" features plenty of memorable, lovably cartoonish roles of all sizes. The dazzling, melodic Broadway-style score overflows with the youthful energy of experimentation, consisting of one showstopper after another, including two extensive ballets which provide opportunities for some inspired choreography.
After seeing the new INTO THE WOODS movie twice over the holidays, I posted on Twitter about how two of the songs had stuck with me. After a tweet conversation, my BWW colleague Jeff Walker and I decided to put our heads together to try and come up with a list of Sondheim's most hummable tunes. Despite not discussing it beforehand, Jeff ended up picking songs from the 1960s and 70s, and I filled in the gaps with numbers from the 80s and 90s.
Angela Lansbury recently stopped by PBS' TAVIS SMILEY to talk with the host on her career and returning, at age 89, to the role that won her a Tony in BLITHE SPIRIT. Check out her interview below!
Following the internationally acclaimed production with sold-out engagements on Broadway and in London's West End, television legend, Oscar recipient and five-time Tony Award-winner Angela Lansbury returns to the stage in Noel Coward's smash-hit comedic play 'Blithe Spirit' in an exciting North American tour to be launched at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre.
The feature film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved fairy tale musical INTO THE WOODS is coming to movie theaters nationwide on Christmas Day and BroadwayWorld celebrates the man behind the music and lyrics with a new series highlighting the work of the iconic composer and lyricist, kicking off today with a look at his work in the 1950s and 1960s.
Following the internationally acclaimed production with sold-out engagements on Broadway and in London's West End, television legend, Oscar recipient and five-time Tony Award-winner Angela Lansbury returns to the stage in Noel Coward's smash-hit comedic play 'Blithe Spirit' in an exciting North American tour to be launched at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre.
The Old Globe today announced additional performances for the second production of the 2014 Summer Season, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, which made its World Premiere at The Old Globe in 1986. The production is an inventive reimagining by Fiasco Theater, directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, in a production that originated at McCarter Theatre Center. By popular demand, it will now play through Sunday, August 17. Tickets for the extension will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, July 29 at noon.
The current Stephen Sondheim tribute show, Our Time, starring KT Sullivan and Jeff Harnar at the Laurie Beechman (which I attended on July 9 and 16; there are two more Wednesday performances at 6pm on August 6, 13), is a charming, classy, and entertaining affair. But it also includes enough flaws in execution that prevent it from being truly great. For one thing, it doesn't really feel like a duo show. It's more like two solo performances within one show, where the performers fit in a couple of numbers together to justify the concept. A critique of the Sullivan/Harnar Sondheim set provides an interesting opportunity to analyze the anatomy of a duo show and the choices that can make it work—or not.
San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs today, June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.
San Francisco Playhouse (Artistic Director Bill English & Producing Director Susi Damilano) concludes its provocative eleventh season with Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). The production runs June 24th to September 6th, 2014, with an official opening set for June 28.
I am very pleased to announce a brand new BroadwayWorld Toronto contest! I'll be giving away two tickets to a performance of Tarragon Theatre's Marry Me a Little for the evening performance on March 25, 2014. To enter the contest, please send an email to torontocontest@broadwayworld.com with your favorite Stephen Sondheim show and song. Entries missing the show and song will be discarded.
Musical Theatre West presents the second production of their 61st season, Davis Gaines (Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera) starring as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins) starring as Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson's timeless and joyous, THE MUSIC MAN, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and directed by Jeff Maynard.
Musical Theatre West presents the second production of their 61st season, Davis Gaines (Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera) starring as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins) starring as Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson's timeless and joyous, THE MUSIC MAN, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and directed by Jeff Maynard.
Theatre Rhinoceros presents the Bay Area Premiere of the Stephen Sondheim Musical ROAD SHOW, featuring Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by John Weidman, and running today, January 2 - 19, 2014.
Having written a plethora of words about Marissa Mulder over the past couple of years, I had planned on relegating a review of her mid-November, two-show run at the Cafe Carlyle to a relatively short critique in my seasonal compilation column (due to post a day or two or three before Santa arrives, for those keeping score at home). But once I got started I went way over my self-imposed word count for such things and decided it should be broken out into this stand-alone review. Speaking of 'breakout,' although the first known use of the phrase 'breakout year' came 35 years ago, it has become the standard expression in sports or entertainment when referring to someone who has become a sudden or smashing success, especially in comparison to past efforts. If anyone in the world of New York cabaret could be said to have had a 'breakout year' in 2013, it would have to be Marissa Mulder. And this angelic young woman-in voice, looks, and personality-hasn't even hit 30 yet.
Theatre Rhinoceros presents the Bay Area Premiere of the Stephen Sondheim Musical ROAD SHOW, featuring Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Book by John Weidman, and running January 2 - 19, 2014
Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the first production in its new series presenting the 'lost' gems of one particular year in Broadway history, 'Porchlight Revisits...' The inaugural series focuses on the year 1964 and opens with Anyone Can Whistle, book by Arthur Laurents (Gypsy, West Side Story) and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Follies, Sweeney Todd), starring Rebecca Finnegan, with direction by Christopher Pazdernik and music direction by Aaron Benham. Presented for one night only, Anyone Can Whistle plays tonight, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three new works of music theater (at Victory Gardens, Writers' Theatre and the Goodman), Ben Vereen and Audra McDonald visit, plus 'Master Class,' a new cabaret revue, improvised Sondheim, a one-night 'Whistle' and more!
Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, with choreography by Parker Esse and musical supervision by David Loud, was conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, and will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center.
The Alden in McLean, Virginia, announces its 2013-2014 season of international touring artists. Season highlights will include the return of the Alden's silent film with live music series, performances by the American Shakespeare Center on Tour, Theatre Unspeakable's 'Superman 2050,' and a rare chance to hear Broadway baritone Brian Stokes Mitchell in the intimate, 383-seat performing arts venue.
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two shows called 'Whistle,' plus 'Superman,' 'Hedwig,' 'Seussical,' 'All Shook Up,' '9 To 5' and 'Teen Beach Movie,' a trip to England and the latest in summer concerts!
Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the first production in its new series presenting the 'lost' gems of one particular year in Broadway history, 'Porchlight Revisits...' The inaugural series focuses on the year 1964 and opens with Anyone Can Whistle, book by Arthur Laurents (Gypsy, West Side Story) and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Follies, Sweeney Todd), starring Rebecca Finnegan, with direction by Christopher Pazdernik and music direction by Aaron Benham. Presented for one night only, Anyone Can Whistle plays Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.
Fans of the short-lived and relatively obscure Stephen Sondheim/Arthur Laurents musical comedy ANYONE CAN WHISTLE are now witness to a miracle of our very own - the long-awaited JAY Records complete recording of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE has been announced to be completed and a generous thirteen-minute-plus sample from the recording has now, at long, long last been released!
According to a recent interview with ABC Classic FM, stage and screen star Angela Lansbury will return to Broadway in Fall 2013 in a revival of THE CHALK GARDEN. An official announcement has not yet been made. Lansbury revealed on the podcast: 'A rather exciting event coming up in the fall is a new production of The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold. It's a lovely play. Wonderful role, Mrs. St. [Maugham]. We're going to do that on Broadway- so if you're in New York, I hope you'll come and see it.'
Michael Weber, managing artistic director of Porchlight Music Theatre, has announced Porchlight's 19th season. The 2013 - 2014 season includes the Chicago premiere of the new musical farce Double Trouble, August 31 - October 6; the "Fats" Waller revue Ain't Misbehavin', February 1 - March 9, 2014, the Broadway classic How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, April 26 - June 1, 2014 and a new "Lost Musicals" series Porchlight Revisits... taking audiences to a particular time and place in Broadway musical history. All Porchlight Main Stage and Porchlight Revisits… productions take place at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. "Early Bird" discount Season Subscriptions are on sale through July 1. Single tickets for all performances go on sale July 1 at stage773.com or by calling the Stage 773 box office at 773.327.5252. All subscriptions are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by phone at 773.777.9884. Group discounts are available for groups of ten or more by calling Peggy at 773.282.7427.
Michael Weber, managing artistic director of Porchlight Music Theatre, is proud to announce Porchlight's 19th season. The 2013 - 2014 season includes the Chicago premiere of the new musical farce Double Trouble, August 31 - October 6; the "Fats" Waller revue Ain't Misbehavin', February 1 - March 9, 2014, the Broadway classic How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, April 26 - June 1, 2014 and a new "Lost Musicals" series Porchlight Revisits... taking audiences to a particular time and place in Broadway musical history. All Porchlight Main Stage and Porchlight Revisits… productions take place at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. "Early Bird" discount Season Subscriptions are on sale through July 1. Single tickets for all performances go on sale July 1 at stage773.com or by calling the Stage 773 box office at 773.327.5252. All subscriptions are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by phone at 773.777.9884. Group discounts are available for groups of ten or more by calling Peggy at 773.282.7427.
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