Heidi Scheuermann - Page 4

If you need a break from this summer's wet 'n wild weather, swim on over to Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts for some inside fun as you enjoy their last show of the 2016-2016 season: Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID.

Coming to the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans beginning tomorrow night is the show that brings us all of the music of ABBA, and all of the energy of a three month old puppy: MAMMA MIA! It tells the story of Sophie, a young woman who is the daughter of a single mother and taverna owner, who is about to get married to the love of her life and embark upon a new journey. She, like other brides, wants her father to walk her down the aisle and give her away, but there's just one problem… she doesn't know who her dad is!

This week, through May 14th, the good people of New Orleans have the opportunity to experience the story of Peter Pan like never before. FINDING NEVERLAND gives us an inside look at the life of the beloved story's author, J.M. Barrie, and teaches us not only how he was inspired to write about the boy who could fly, but to learn to fly ourselves!

If you loved the movie The Bodyguard, you're in luck because now there's a stage musical that originated in London that's on tour all across the United States right now, and they're paying New Orleans a visit this week. THE BODYGUARD is opening tonight at the Saenger Theatre, and if you're ready to hear R&B/pop recording artist and actress (Film: Akeelah and the Bee, Hotel Rwanda; Broadway: AIDA, JEKYLL & HYDE) Deborah Cox belt her face off then this is a show you're not going to want to miss out on.

Opening tonight for a 4 day only run in the Schulte Auditorium at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana is a new, original musical produced by Dumb Ox Ministries, and written by Joey Martineck with music by Greg&Lizzy. Joey Martineck is currently studying to be a Catholic priest at Notre Dame Seminary, and was inspired to write a musical modern re-telling of the Biblical story of Adam and Eve when he was listening to the album "To the Dust" that Greg&Lizzy had created about the wonders of human love. Greg&Lizzy are a husband and wife writing and recording artist duo who consider their music a ministry, and wish to share the human experience with others.

Tonight at the Saenger Theatre we will be treated to a week long stay of recent Broadway hit BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. Lots of us know Carole King's music, but how many of us know how she became the musical legend that she is today? This show takes us through her young life as a budding artist, and all of the trials and tribulations she faces as she finds her way in the music world. This is not one to miss, folks!

This weekend marked the first weekend in a three-weekend run of BILLY ELLIOT at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. It's not very often that I walk into a theater to see a show that I know little to nothing about, and it's usually a nice surprise. This production was no exception. If you're like me and have no prior knowledge on what BILLY ELLIOT is about other than dancing, rest assured that along with wonderful dancing comes a very touching story about a boy who is trying to pursue his newfound dream while earning his father's affection during a very trying time in history. In other words, expect to be impressed.

This week one of the most beloved Disney stories of all time opens at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. THE LION KING tells the story of Simba, a little lion who returns to his home to take his rightful place as the king of Pride Rock. With colorful music written by Elton John and Tim Rice, choreography by Garth Fagan, and direction by Julie Taymor, the story comes to life on stage like nothing that's ever been seen before. Beautiful costumes, masks, and puppets that the actors use make for a gorgeous production and magical experience for the audience.

Returning to New Orleans this week is the musical that made the world fall in love with the Four Seasons all over again, JERSEY BOYS. First a superstar boy group from Jersey, then a hit musical, next a movie, and now we're getting to see the show once again on tour! Whether you realize it or not you know the music, so come see the story behind the music where all the "magic" happened.

The timing of Rivertown's production of 1776 couldn't have been more perfect. Just in time for the 2016 Presidential Election, audiences were reminded why despite all of the… let's call it shenanigans… surrounding this election, 240 years ago our founding fathers decided to write and sign a declaration that would free our country from being under Britain's rule.

I'm so thrilled to say that on Thursday evening one of my biggest inspirations, Gavin Creel, along with Seth Rudetsky will be presenting a concert at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. I'm even more thrilled to say that I had the unique opportunity to hold him hostage on the phone for nearly half an hour to talk about his life, career, and some burning questions that I just had to have answered.

Lucky for all of us here in New Orleans, Mark Cortale is again bringing his Broadway in New Orleans series to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) beginning tonight at 7:30pm.  The first concert of the 2016-2017 series features an actor/singer who you may know from any number of Broadway shows such as LES MISERABLES, SHE LOVES ME, and most recently FUN HOME.  Or, if you grew up in the 90s like me, you may know her as the barefoot running, Native American, Disney princess Pocahontas.  Is "Colors of the Wind" anyone else's go-to road trip jam?

This past weekend was the second in a three week run of Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre.  The show opened their 2016-2017 season in Le Petit's 100th year, which is something to celebrate in and of itself.  New Orleans is full of history and Le Petit has certainly been a wonderful part of that history for a whole century!  So before I go any further… congratulations to the Le Petit family, and happy 100th birthday!

Well folks, this is it.  You've got one weekend left to get on over to 30 x Ninety Theatre for their presentation of the Tennessee Williams classic CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.  And you should get on over there for this production.  Trust me, this is an experience you don't want to miss!

Playing the oldest Von Trapp daughter, Liesl, is Paige Silvester. The role was made famous by the recently deceased Charmain Carr (may she rest in peace) in the 1965 film by the same name. Silvester hails from Sacramento, California; earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan; is no stranger to the stage; and writes a really fun blog. She grew up dancing, singing, and acting, and has performed The Muny, Sacramento Music Circus, and was most recently seen in the ensemble of the Broadway 1st National Tour of EVITA.

Ok, so maybe the title of this article is only halfway true. Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts ended a successful run of the musical comedy HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING successfully... except it's obvious they tried really hard. And the hard work paid off!

Theatre is always a fun outing during the summer months, especially in New Orleans (can you say air conditioner?).  Let's look at some of our top picks for shows to see around the Big Easy in June and July…

The wildly popular show about the witches from Oz is returning to New Orleans for the third time in recent years to share the magic!  WICKED, a musical adaptation of the book by Gregory Maguire, tells the story of two young girls who meet at Shiz University, and go on an adventure that will lead them to become Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.  If you grew up with THE WIZARD OF OZ, you're going to love WICKED.  Think of it as a behind the scenes look at everything that took place before Dorothy and her little dog too were dropped into the Emerald City.

The first thing that came to my mind when I found out that Rivertown Theaters was doing SPELLING BEE was 'Oh!  That's that show where Celia Keenan-Bolger wore the pink overalls!'  I don't know why that's the first thing that came to mind, but it was.  Maybe because I'm a fan of hers.  Maybe because it reminded me for some reason of my neon blue Tweety Bird overalls I had when I was a kid (I kid you not… My mom actually let me out of the house wearing that).  Maybe because those overalls reminded me of a time in life when things were simpler.  Happier.  Less complicated.

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to Roundabout Theatre Company's cast of CABARET who opens their show this week at the Saenger Theatre!  We are so happy to have you here.  For those of you who will be in attendance this week, you're in for some pure awesomeness.  Whether you're drawn to this show for its music, its choreography, or its incredible story oozing with sass and history, prepare to be both entertained and educated.