Joseph Harrison - Page 14

Joseph Harrison

Joseph Harrison has been involved with the theatre in some form or fashion all his life. He holds a Journalism degree from the University of Georgia, but his true love is the theatre which he has been involved in as a spectator as well as an actor for the last 30+ years. He has performed in a variety of musicals over the years including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PIPPIN, CITY OF ANGELS, 1776, LITTLE WOMEN, WORKING, GODSPELL (Jesus) and JOSEPH..DREAMCOAT (Joseph) just to name a few. Joseph joined the Broadway World family in 2009 as the very first local editor for BWW Atlanta. He served as Senior BWW Editor for Connecticut from 2014 - 2020 and now resides in Orlando, FL and writes for BWW Orlando.




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First Show:

DAMN YANKEES (on Broadway), ANNIE (on tour in Atlanta as a young child))

Favorite Show:

This is a question I get often and for someone who sees so many shows it is near impossible to answer. But my top five would have to be: Patti LuPone in GYPSY on Broadway (my favorite score performed by one of my favorite actors), NEXT TO NORMAL (both on Broadway and at TheaterWorks in Hartford (see below for article), HAIR (an amazing experience, and not just because I got to perform "On Broadway" on stage during the bows), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (love every version I have seen), and then whatever I saw last (which at the writing of this was an amazing production of EMMET OTTER'S JUG BAND CHRISTMAS in Chicago).

Favorite Stories:

  • SPOTLIGHT ON: Loretta Swit, Star of Theater of the Stars' Production of 42nd Street at the Fabulous Fox Theatre - This was my very first interview piece for BroadwayWorld (and one of my first articles as a new writer for the site back in 2009) and I got to speak with none other than TV star Loretta Swit who was so kind and patient with me as I was so excited to be speaking with someone I had admired for a long time in her many roles on television.
  • Review: RAGS at Goodspeed Opera House - I was in awe every time I got to review a production at the iconic Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT. As a young musical theatre fan in high school I was a subscriber to the Goodspeed's magazine SHOW MUSIC which I devoured cover to cover every month (I still have every issue I collected). To then be not only attending, but reviewing (and often quoted in their Ads) was surreal. If you had told 17 year old me that would happen I would never have believed you! I picked this production of RAGS in particular because it was extra special to me anytime the Goodspeed produced a show like this that you would likely not get a chance to see anywhere else.
  • Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at TheaterWorks - This is a favorite not only because it was a production that absolutely blew me away (and one of my favorite musicals - see above), but for what happened afterwards. A year or so after writing this review I had the pleasure of meeting Christiane Noll (who starred as Diana in this production) at a Connecticut Critics Circle awards ceremony. When I introduced myself to her she recognized me from my review, took my hands and thanked me for the kind things I wrote about her performance (I meant every word - still the gold standard Diana IMHO) and that was the moment I realized that my reviews weren't just going out into the ether - that real people, including the amazing artists I get to witness on stage - are reading and are impacted by what I write. It was an amazing feeling.
  • Interview: Lindsay Northen And Jared Bradshaw performing in BROADWAY ON THE ROCKS cabaret at the Hyatt Regency Orlando - This was a treat because it was a little something different for me (previewing a local Broadway/cabaret performance here in Orlando) but featured a conversation with two wonderful performers who happen to also be friends of mine. I loved our conversation and got so many great comments about the piece.
  • BWW Review: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by Orlando Shakes - This was my first review after moving to Orlando during the pandemic and beginning to write for BWW Orlando and it is special for a few reasons. First, I remember how amazing it felt to be sitting in a theatre (or in this case outside in an amphitheater @ Lake Eola in downtown Orlando) once again after more than a year of being stuck inside during COVID. It was a fantastic production by Orlando Shakes, but just being together, with other people, experiencing live theatre once again made me emotional and thankful to be back. It was also the beginning of my realization of how much amazing theatre is available here in my new hometown of Orlando - I have been blown away by the volume of opportunities to see amazing performances and the sheer number of crazy talented (and absolutely lovely) artists we have here in Central Florida. I am lucky to get to see so many performances and to share them with you, our BWW readers.


BWW Interviews: Stacey Todd Holt, Leo Bloom in THE PRODUCERS at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, January 25 - 31
BWW Interviews: Stacey Todd Holt, Leo Bloom in THE PRODUCERS at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, January 25 - 31
January 21, 2013

As an actor, there is nothing like playing a leading role in a hit Broadway musical. Add to that having the chance to perform the role in front of a hometown audience, filled with family and friends, and you have the story of Stacey Todd Holt, who will play Leo Bloom, the budding theatrical producer in Mel Brooks' hit musical, The Producers when it plays the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 25 - 31, produced by Theater of the Stars. I had the chance to talk to Stacey about his Atlanta roots, his long-time professional relationship with Susan Stroman and what exactly made him "Want to be a Producer".

BLUE MAN GROUP Comes to the Fox Theatre, Now thru 1/20
BLUE MAN GROUP Comes to the Fox Theatre, Now thru 1/20
January 15, 2013

Following a 2011 smash hit opening engagement in Atlanta, BLUE MAN GROUP returns to the Fox Theatre tonight, January 15 -20 and tickets are on sale now.

BWW Interviews: Russell Rinker of BLUE MAN GROUP at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, January 15 - 20
BWW Interviews: Russell Rinker of BLUE MAN GROUP at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, January 15 - 20
January 9, 2013

If you have heard of Blue Man Group or experienced one of their previous productions or tours, you know how unique and exciting their world famous productions can be. Filled with experiences that defy categorization, Blue Man Group is best known for multi-media performances that feature three bald and blue characters who take the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent and visually stunning. When the tour returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 15 - 20 after a highly successful visit in 2011, Atlanta audiences will have another chance to experience the Blue phenomenon. Featuring classic moments and brand new content, Blue Man Group is sure to please. The "Blue Men" are usually men of few (or more accurately, no) words, but I got one of them, Russell Rinker, a veteran Blue Man, to speak long enough to tell me a little about himself, this exciting new production and why audiences of all ages are in for a real treat.

Ring in the New Year with a Belly Full of Laughs at the Dad's Garage New Year's Eve Shizzazzle(s)
Ring in the New Year with a Belly Full of Laughs at the Dad's Garage New Year's Eve Shizzazzle(s)
December 31, 2012

Ring in the New Year at Dad's Garage Theatre! Tonight, December 31st at 7pm and again at 10 pm - we'll be providing our audience with a belly full of laughs and somewhat palate-able champagne! As per usual, you'll see a cavalcade of ridiculous improvised games and scenes starring a collection of the finest improvisers from our Ensemble. And - because this show sells out every year, we've added a second show! There's one starting at 7pm for those of you that want to ring in the New Year somewhere else and one starting at 10pm for those of you that want to ring in the New Year with us jerks. Either way - you get a glass of champagne and a patented Dad's Garage toast. It's win/win! Come watch our peaches drop!

THE ADVENTURES OF MIGHTY BUG Buzzes into Center for Puppetry Arts, Jan 31
THE ADVENTURES OF MIGHTY BUG Buzzes into Center for Puppetry Arts, Jan 31
December 21, 2012

Atlanta families will want to make a beeline for the upcoming production of The Adventures of Mighty Bug at Center for Puppetry Arts. From January 31 - March 17, the Center takes audiences on a trip to Bugville, a jumpin' little insect community that swings to the Bugville Boogie and the sweet sounds of WBUG Radio star Morpha Butterfly. Watching over the ants, fleas, crickets, water spiders, beetles and bees is the one and only Mighty Bug, a superhero with super strength, smelling, hearing and flying abilities. But the evil arachnid, Scorpiana, also has her eye on Bugville, and she has assembled a group to attack the crawling city. Filled with plenty of insect trivia and facts, this comic book style adventure story will give audiences the chance to be a fly on the wall as good battles evil and the future of Bugville hangs on the line.

ONE MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to the Aurora Theatre, Now thru 12/16
ONE MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to the Aurora Theatre, Now thru 12/16
November 29, 2012

Anthony Rodriguez returns for a sixth year with his compelling solo performance of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Similar to the way Charles Dickens performed his stories by the fireside in Victorian England, Mr. Rodriguez focuses on the classic art of storytelling. Using his voice and mannerisms, Rodriguez brings life to Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and the astonishing ghosts found in the greatest Christmas story of all time.

Theater of the Stars Presents Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID in Southeastern Premiere at Fox Theatre, Jan 2014
Theater of the Stars Presents Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID in Southeastern Premiere at Fox Theatre, Jan 2014
November 21, 2012

Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID will make its Southeastern Premiere when it swims onto the Fox Theatre stage in January of 2014.

Tony Award Winning MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET to Make Atlanta Debut, March 12-17
Tony Award Winning MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET to Make Atlanta Debut, March 12-17
November 21, 2012

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will welcome the Tony Award Winning Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET as part of the 2012/2013 season, playing at the Fox Theatre from March 12-17, 2013.

ONE MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to the Aurora Theatre, 11/29-12/16
ONE MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to the Aurora Theatre, 11/29-12/16
November 21, 2012

Anthony Rodriguez returns for a sixth year with his compelling solo performance of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Similar to the way Charles Dickens performed his stories by the fireside in Victorian England, Mr. Rodriguez focuses on the classic art of storytelling. Using his voice and mannerisms, Rodriguez brings life to Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and the astonishing ghosts found in the greatest Christmas story of all time.

BLUE MAN GROUP Comes to the Fox Theatre - Jan 15-20
BLUE MAN GROUP Comes to the Fox Theatre - Jan 15-20
November 21, 2012

Following a 2011 smash hit opening engagement in Atlanta, BLUE MAN GROUP returns to the Fox Theatre January 15 -20 and tickets are on sale now.

THE PRODUCERS Returns to the Fox Theatre - Jan 25-31
THE PRODUCERS Returns to the Fox Theatre - Jan 25-31
November 21, 2012

THE PRODUCERS, the winningest musical in Broadway history, returns to Atlanta after an 8 year absence playing the Fox Theatre January 25 - 31.

BWW Interviews: Victoria Mallory - 'Anna' in THE KING AND I at The Fox Theatre Opens Sept 5
BWW Interviews: Victoria Mallory - 'Anna' in THE KING AND I at The Fox Theatre Opens Sept 5
September 5, 2012

When The King and I, the perennial Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical makes its way back to The Fox Theatre stage tonight, September 5 through September 11, a familiar face will once be there once again to charm Atlanta audiences. Victoria Mallory who's first professional production at age 11 was in The King and I with the very same company, comes full circle and makes a triumphant return to the Atlanta stage in the role of Anna, the schoolteacher who journeys to Siam and falls for the gregarious king. I had the pleasure of speaking with Victoria about the timelessness of this musical, the role of Anna and what its like to return to Atlanta, Theater of the Stars and The King and I after a long and successful career.

BWW Interviews: Victoria Mallory - 'Anna' in THE KING AND I at The Fox Theatre
BWW Interviews: Victoria Mallory - 'Anna' in THE KING AND I at The Fox Theatre
August 19, 2012

When The King and I, the perennial Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical makes its way back to The Fox Theatre stage September 5 - 11, a familiar face will once be there once again to charm Atlanta audiences. Victoria Mallory who's first professional production at age 11 was in The King and I with the very same company, comes full circle and makes a triumphant return to the Atlanta stage in the role of Anna, the schoolteacher who journeys to Siam and falls for the gregarious king. I had the pleasure of speaking with Victoria about the timelessness of this musical, the role of Anna and what its like to return to Atlanta, Theater of the Stars and The King and I after a long and successful career.

BWW Interviews: Sara Gettelfinger, THE ADDAMS FAMILY's Morticia Addams
BWW Interviews: Sara Gettelfinger, THE ADDAMS FAMILY's Morticia Addams
August 10, 2012

Atlanta audiences will have the chance to meet the latest incarnation of these fabulous characters when The Addams Family makes its way to the Fabulous Fox Theatre August 14 - 19. Portraying the cool and confident matriarch, Morticia, is Broadway veteran Sara Gettelfinger who sat down with me to talk about her experience with following her own dreams of being an actor.

Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks - Atlanta!
Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks - Atlanta!
June 7, 2012

Summertime means different things to each of us. To children it means a break from school, to adults it means the possibility of a summer vacation somewhere sunny and warm, and here at BroadwayWorld Atlanta it means one thing… Theatre! And, they don't call it Hotlanta just for the temperature - there is so much going on this summer in the world of theatre. So, when the temperatures get unbearable pop into a cool theater and check out some of these selections. It was very hard to do, but we have selected the top 5 summer picks, but we encourage you to let us know your picks as well! Happy Summer!

THE 2nd ANNUAL JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL SPRING STUDENT INTENSIVE
THE 2nd ANNUAL JUNIOR THEATER FESTIVAL SPRING STUDENT INTENSIVE
April 14, 2012

Due to the success of the 2011 Junior Theater Festival Spring Intensive and the feedback from its participants, it was announced by Nick Manos, President of Theater of the Stars and Tim McDonald, Founding Chairman of iTheatrics that the Junior Theater Festival Spring Intensives will become an annual event. The 2nd Junior Theater Festival Spring Student Intensive will take place this month at Whitefield Academy.

Jewel Lucien & More Lead MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL at 14th Street Playhouse, March 16
March 16, 2012

Following a highly successful debut, Motherhood the Musical®, returns to the 14th Street Playhouse March 16 - May 20. Four Atlanta actors will humorously capture every stage of motherhood including the changes that happen to the body after pregnancy and nursing, succumbing to driving a minivan and becoming a grandma for the very first time. Declared as "Engaging, hilarious and touching!" by Variety, Motherhood the Musical is produced by GFour Productions, the team who has successfully brought Menopause The Musical® to multiple international markets and every major market in the United States.

BWW Interviews: Leah Hocking, Billy Elliot's Mrs. Wilkinson
BWW Interviews: Leah Hocking, Billy Elliot's Mrs. Wilkinson
March 12, 2012

Have you ever had a dream? To be an astronaut? A painter? A singer? For Billy Elliot, the title character of the hit Elton John musical that plays the Fabulous Fox Theatre March 13 - 18, his dream is to dance, which creates plenty of tension for his blue-collar, northern England family. Based on the movie of the same name, Billy Elliot shows us that sometimes your passions are something you never imagined yourself doing and once you discover them nothing should stop you from pursuing those goals. Helping Billy achieve his dream is his dance teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, who pushes him to be his best. Playing the role in this production is veteran Broadway actress Leah Hocking who sat down with me to talk about her experience with following her own dreams of being an actor.

Jewel Lucien & More Lead MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL at 14th Street Playhouse, March 16
Jewel Lucien & More Lead MOTHERHOOD THE MUSICAL at 14th Street Playhouse, March 16
February 22, 2012

Following a highly successful debut, Motherhood the Musical®, returns to the 14th Street Playhouse March 16 - May 20. Four Atlanta actors will humorously capture every stage of motherhood including the changes that happen to the body after pregnancy and nursing, succumbing to driving a minivan and becoming a grandma for the very first time. Declared as "Engaging, hilarious and touching!" by Variety, Motherhood the Musical is produced by GFour Productions, the team who has successfully brought Menopause The Musical® to multiple international markets and every major market in the United States.



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