Harmony Wheeler - Page 6

Brian Stokes Mitchell talks Broadway's 'Shuffle Along' and his upcoming Christmas concert at San Francisco Symphony. Read the full interview to learn about his creative process, Mitchell's take on arts education, and his upcoming album projects. Then visit sfsymphony.org for tickets to his December 16 concert.

Only in San Francisco will theatregoers find the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and, yes, even Future dancing together on one stage. The mysterious figure clad in all black bops its head back and forth in just one of many surprising delights awaiting audiences throughout new musical "Scrooge in Love!' 42nd Street Moon gives the "Christmas Carol" sequel a perfect premiere at the intimate Eureka Theatre, now through December 13.

One word describes Playhouse Merced's production of 'Mary Poppins,' and it isn't supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Rather, in a version of the Disney classic that refuses to take itself too seriously, the word of the day is fun. Pure fun. Merced has its share of mishaps. Mary does not fly and Bert does not walk on the ceiling, so it's not a show that will make audiences ooh and aah. But a new and original staging puts a smile on the face and leaves behind a happy feeling. This 'Mary Poppins' does what live theatre is supposed to do.

Stockton Civic Theatre journeys fathoms below to the sights and sounds of the sea with Disney's 'The Little Mermaid.' Those sights and sounds had technical issues at Wednesday's preview performance, but given the excellent overall production value and the strong, positive audience reaction, the big fish tale will surely find its legs by its December 13 closing.

Based on the 2003 Will Ferrell film, "Elf" the musical is as "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" as its title character. Santa reads a children's book. Elves tap dance. And it snows inside the Empire State Building. Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin's infectious songs see romantic skaters at Rockefeller Center, neglected mall Santas in a lineup worthy of the Rockettes, and a flying sleigh that audiences will love. Sharp choreography and imaginative costumes in front of a winter palette of blue snowflakes and windy skies give the production a story book feel. Although the pace of the show feels somewhat rushed, it keeps the energy going and the younger viewers enthralled. Meanwhile, fans of the original movie will find their favorite comedic lines mixed with fresh humor from book writers Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin ("The Drowsy Chaperone").

Noel Coward's musical "Sail Away" has plenty of charm, but little substance. Its song and dance enchant, but in the end depend on a strong cast to sell a frail plot. 1962 London had Elaine Stitch. 2015 San Francisco has Allison F. Rich. Lively, sharp and ready with a sarcastic whip for any occasion, Rich commands the stage as cruise director Mimi Paragon in the 42nd Street Moon production.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with principal 'Riverdance' dancer Emma Warren about life on the road and her time 'over the rainbow' with BBC's reality show. Read the full interview below, then visit www.shnsf.com for tickets and information. 'Riverdance' plays November 4-8 at the Golden Gate Theatre.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with actress Tina Stafford about her Bay Area childhood and her upcoming  return to San Francisco for the national tour of ONCE, playing at the Orpheum Theatre October 27 to November 1. Read the full interview below, then visit www.shnsf.com for tickets and information.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco talks with Jacquelynne Fontaine, who plays Carlotta in the current national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Phantom of the Opera.' Fontaine talks about her time in Italy as an opera singer and how far she has come since winning Miss California in 2006.

When Music Circus presented a spectacular production of 'Big River' earlier this summer, it seemed nothing could top it. Four weeks later, 'West Side Story' has come 'cannonballing down through the sky, gleam in its eye, bright as a rose.' Playing through Sunday at California Musical Theatre's Wells Fargo Pavilion, the Romeo-and-Juliet-based musical takes its audience for an emotional ride that builds tension with skill and moves in strides with hope and heart. 

Singer Scott Coulter joked that those sitting in the Terrace sections had the "view to kill" at Thursday's San Francisco Symphony concert, but truly all who attended enjoyed a "killer" evening of action-packed, sensual scores and vocals.

Glenn Casale's history with "Peter Pan" has been one awfully big adventure that's unlikely to end any time soon. The California Musical Theatre Artistic Director headed the Tony-nominated 1999 Broadway revival, which subsequently saw an A&E television broadcast and multiple tours. The show visited Sacramento as recent as 2012, and fans of that version will appreciate pieces of costumes and dance, and even a few cast members, pulled from Casale's Cathy Rigby version for the Music Circus production, now playing at the Wells Fargo Pavilion.

Unconventional theatre that honors conventional, musical theatre classics. F bomb after F bomb that somehow manage to be surprisingly inoffensive. Hilarious joke after joke opposite shocking reality. "Book of Mormon" is full of pairs. It even begins with a very catchy number titled "Two by Two," in which young men pair off for their missions.

Singer Scott Coulter joins Sheena Easton at the San Francisco Symphony July 23 for a concert of favorite Spy film music. The concert will include both instrumental-only and vocal-accompanied hits from James Bond, Austin Powers and more. Other summer film-themed concerts this month include the new Star Trek film and Back to the Future July 16 - 20. Coulter talks about his cabaret career and what to expect from The Spy Who Loved Me concert in our interview.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with Matilda's Ora Jones about her childhood and adult influences, from Shakespeare to Frederick the Mouse. Learn what Frederick and Shakespeare have to do with Matilda when you read our interview.

Every so often a musical comes along that is just pure fun. In a humorous imitation of the likes of Elvis Presley and his fan girls, "Bye, Bye Birdie" became just such a production, followed by two film versions and earning a place in pop culture with well-known songs like "The Telephone Hour" and "Put on a Happy Face." Sacramento Music Circus adds to the entertainment this week with colorful costumes, authentic set pieces and a decked out cast.

'Big River' at Sacramento Music Circus is the show to see this summer. Director Michael Heitzman makes optimal use of the company's round stage, working with choreographer AC Ciulla to balance an amusing first act with a heavier second half. 

Music Circus opened its 2015 season Tuesday evening with Glenn Casale's enchanting production of the Lerner and Loewe classic "My Fair Lady." Casale's direction and Bob Richard's choreography scatter gems of endearing humor throughout. At three hours, the show drags at times, but the lengthy dialogue and excellent character development also find a forte in California Musical Theatre's production.

Taking his inspiration from the summer solstice and a turn of the twentieth century Sweden setting, director Mark Lamos gives Sondheim's A Little Night Music an "erotic" staging at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre . A Little Night Music features breathtaking scenic design from Riccardo Hernandez and stunning costumes designed by Candice Donnelly. Audiences leave with plenty of material worthy of hours of discussion.

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with the confident, outgoing Ashley Edler, who plays Grace Farrell in a new non-equity touring production of Annie, coming to San Francisco June 3-14. On the phone, Ashley displayed contagious excitement about the show. Read our interview to see how that translates on stage, learn how Ashley enjoyed working with director Martin Charnin and get a few sneak peaks behind the curtain with the kids and Sandy.