What did our critic think of DADDY LONG LEGS at Theatre 29?
“Don Quixote”, Miguel de Cervantes’ epic Spanish masterpiece and arguably the world’s first modern novel, has survived the ravages of time since its initial publishing in 1605 as well as the pernicious predations of countless other “authors” who stole Cervantes’ story and published unofficial sequels to the tale over following years, particularly in the new world.
When 2014 came and went and The Plagiarist's Season Pass hadn't been 'dead-headed' enough to actually see every possible ending of their choose-your-own-adventure play it was sad. The cardboard and duct taped futuristic worlds, the Star Trek/Galaxy Quest-esque space suits that were just sexy enough to excite, but not scandalous enough to make one feel bad for the actors, and then there was the random malort-flavored snow-cones that for some reason were offered in between rides…2014 was a good year, if incomplete for only seeing a handful of Season Pass choices.
Currently playing at San Jose's 3Below, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' is at once a dramatic tour-de-force and a Vaudevillian comedic masterpiece that will have you laughing (not to mention cheering and hissing) and leave you thoroughly entertained. Playing now through November 11, it's a grand, must-see show.
Marius (Justin Mouledous) begs Eponine
(Emma Pollet) for help finding Cosette
'Life-changing,' 'Engaging,' 'Rewarding,' 'Surreal,' 'Exciting,' 'Humbling,' 'Wonderful,' 'Extraordinary,' and 'A Blast and a Half' are just a few of the ways this extraordinary, young cast is encapsulating what it is like to be a part of The New Octavians production of the epic, grand, and uplifting, Les Miserables School Edition-The show that packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled over 65 million people worldwide. Winner of over 100 international awards, Les Miserables is an epic and inspiring story about the survival of the human spirit. The musical, based on Victor Hugo's novel, adapted for high school performers, features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most memorable characters to ever grace the stage. This cast of nearly fifty students, hailing from twelve different schools from the Northshore area of the New Orleans Metropolitan area, is certainly fulfilling expectations. It is always a challenge to produce a show of this magnitude, but for Director, Brent Goodrich, being able to recruit talent from all over our community has made this production not only possible, but even more sensational.
Fueled by love, anger, hope and pride, Larry Kramer's masterpiece THE NORMAL HEART centers on a circle of friends struggling to understand and contain a mysterious disease ravaging New York's gay community and one man's fight to awaken the world to the urgency of the situation. The guest production at the Chromolume Theater is magnificently directed by Marilyn McIntye on the small stage, a large part of which is due to the 5 moveable set pieces designed by David Mauer which are moved about to create all the different rooms so necessary for the production. Set changes are inspirational to watch, choreographed like a ballet down to the slightest detail.
Take a trip back to the 1980s, a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were popped, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer'sscore is one of the best in the last ten years!
One of the basic rights of freedom in America is the right to free speech. This allows for anyone to state an opinion or belief whether or not anyone else likes what is being said - and hopefully to not be threatened or attacked. Certainly the ability to express yourself and believe in what you want to believe is a basic human right in American society. But challenging those who disagree with what the 'majority' believe often causes outrage and sometimes even violence against those who have the right to say whatever they want. Such is the case right now, given the political scene leading up to the Presidential elections this year, Lawrence Meyers' script really should be shared with school students today to remind them about what it takes to protect their basic rights and how Americans cannot allow the government or any industry to attempt censorship, and how important it is to allow others to state a differing opinion without stooping to violence against them. Be and let be. Why is this always so impossible?.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS is now in an extended run at the Hanna Theatre, as part of the Key Bank Broadway series. It is based on author Robert Harling's sister's 1985 death from diabetic complications following the birth of his name-sake nephew.
The Stephen Sondheim Society and Mercury Musical Developments recently announced the winners of the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year and Stiles + Drewe Prize. The winners were revealed at the 10th anniversary West End Gala held at the Novello Theatre which was hosted by star of stage and screen Julian Ovenden. Scroll down for photos from the big event!
Trying to get tickets to all the new shows on Broadway? Still trying to win the #Ham4Ham lottery? Didn't have time to check in on your favorite Broadway stars? Well don't worry BroadwayWorld has rounded up some of the biggest stories from this week from Broadway and beyond with BroadwayWorld's 'This Week in Pictures.'
Fueled by love, anger, hope and pride, a circle of friends struggles to contain a mysterious disease ravaging New York's gay community. Simon Levy directs the exclusive Los Angeles revival of Larry Kramer's groundbreaking drama about public and private indifference to the onset of the AIDS crisis, and one man's fight to awaken the world to its urgency. The Normal Heart opens Sept. 21 at the Fountain Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
TimeLine Theatre Company continues its 2013-14 season with Larry Kramer's Tony Award-winning The Normal Heart. This first Chicago staging of the landmark play that 'blasts you like an open, overstoked furnace' (The New York Times) since the play's 2011 Broadway production is directed by five-time Jeff Award-winning director Nick Bowling, TimeLine's Associate Artistic Director. Check out the just released promotional shots below!
Esther Williams, who starred in more than two dozen MGM 'aquamusicals' during the 1940s and '50s died today in her sleep in Beverly Hills. She was 91.
On June 15 The National Theatre of Scotland production of Macbeth starring the Tony Award-winning Alan Cumming opened at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow, and the show just transferred to the Lincoln Center Festival on July 3. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of Cumming in action below!
South Coast Repertory will open its 2009-2010 season with a celebration of the music of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim and will shine the spotlight later in the season on the up-and-coming musical theater composer and lyricist, Adam Gwon. The season lineup includes World Premieres by Bathsheba Doran, Julie Marie Myatt and Howard Korder, and a West Coast Premiere by Noah Haidle.
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