Joseph Harrison - Page 21

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.




LEARN MORE ABOUT Joseph Harrison

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.


Billy Crystal Plays Last Show in 700 Sundays 12/20 at the Cobb Energy Center
December 20, 2009

As a 2009-2010 season special for Atlanta Broadway Series, Billy Crystal will bring 700 SUNDAYS, his Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster, to Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre December 16-20, 2009. 700 SUNDAYS, a play performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff.

REVIEW: Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta
REVIEW: Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta
December 17, 2009

Billy Crystal shines in his critically acclaimed and Tony Award winning performance in 700 Sundays at the Cobb Energy Centre.

iTheatrics and Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars to Produce World’s Largest Musical Theater Festival for Young People on January 15-17, 2010
iTheatrics and Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars to Produce World’s Largest Musical Theater Festival for Young People on January 15-17, 2010
December 18, 2009

Imaginations will soar, hearts will dance and applause will thunder when more than 1,500 students, teachers, and Broadway professionals raise their voices in celebration of on-stage and backstage excellence in musical theater at the 2010 Junior Theater Festival, it was announced today by Timothy A. McDonald, Founding Chairman of iTheatrics and Nick Manos, President of Atlanta's Theater of the Stars. The Junior Theater Festival is the world's largest musical theater festival dedicated to groups working with elementary and middle school students and is presented by Music Theatre International and is hosted and produced by iTheatrics and Atlanta's Theater of the Stars. The 2010 Festival will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA on January 15-17, 2010.

Tickets Now On Sale for Atlanta Broadway Series presentation of Billy Crystal in 700 Sundays 12/16 – 20 at the Cobb Energy Center
December 16, 2009

As a 2009-2010 season special for Atlanta Broadway Series, Billy Crystal will bring 700 SUNDAYS, his Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster, to Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre December 16-20, 2009. 700 SUNDAYS, a play performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff.

Sneak Peek – Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars 2010 Season
Sneak Peek – Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars 2010 Season
December 13, 2009

As the holidays approach and frigid temperatures begin to appear in Atlanta, one might not expect to be planning for summer entertainment, but Theater of the Stars has, and they hope Atlanta patrons will begin to do the same. Working hard to put together a varied lineup of shows for next year at the Fox Theatre has been top priority for the folks at Theater of the Stars, and BroadwayWorld was able to get the scoop on what they have in store for Atlanta audiences next year.

Harvey Fierstein to replace Topol in North American Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Playing Cobb Energy Centre March 16-21, 2010
Harvey Fierstein to replace Topol in North American Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Playing Cobb Energy Centre March 16-21, 2010
December 3, 2009

Launching a new 'tradition' Harvey Fierstein replaces Topol in the North American tour of the TONY award winning musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Chaim Topol, regrettably informed the show's producers he would have to leave the production due to a shoulder injury requiring emergency long term treatment.

National Showcase of New Plays at Actor's Express and Horizon Theatre December 4 -6
December 3, 2009

Actor's Express and Horizon Theatre Company will host the the 2009 National Showcase of New Plays this weekend and you're invited!

Leapin Lizards!  ANNIE Returns To The Fox Theatre, January 13 -17
Leapin Lizards! ANNIE Returns To The Fox Theatre, January 13 -17
December 3, 2009

'America's most beloved family musical, ANNIE, is back in an exciting 30th anniversary tour,' states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. 'We are delighted that a whole new generation can experience this classic musical about never giving up hope! And as is our custom, we are adding 25 local girls to the production to make it even more fun. Join us for the timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie when it returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta for 8 performances from January 13-17, 2010. Tickets are on sale NOW at area Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-982-2787 or www.ticketmaster.com.'

BWW INTERVIEWS: Two 'Spectacular' Hometown Rockettes - Joanna Richardson and Margaret Shepherd
BWW INTERVIEWS: Two 'Spectacular' Hometown Rockettes - Joanna Richardson and Margaret Shepherd
November 11, 2009

Many a young performer dreams of making their mark on the stage, and sometimes one is inspired to reach for their dreams in truly magical ways. That is exactly what happened to a young Joanna Richardson and Margaret Shepherd in 2001 when the Radio City Christmas Spectacular made its debut at Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre. Both young women, who did not know each other then, but who had each been studying dance for a number of years in their own corner of Metro Atlanta, sat in the darkened theatre amazed at the spectacle before them. Beautiful women were dancing on stage in amazing costumes with vibrant sets and festive music and both young girls decided, then and there, that they each wanted to be up on that stage with that historic and much beloved troupe. Today, these two young women have achieved their dreams and will be performing for their friends, family, and Atlanta audiences in the very theatre where they were inspired to take that leap (or rather kick) 8 years ago when The Radio City Christmas Spectacular returns to the Fox November 19 - December 6th. I had the chance to speak with Joanna and Margaret about their unique (yet similar) journeys to this most famous of kick lines.

BWW INTERVIEWS: Rogelio Douglas Jr., Benny from the In the Heights Tour, November 3 Through 8 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre
November 3, 2009

The world of Washington Heights, New York may be as much of a foreign place to many Atlantans as another country, but when In The Heights, the critically acclaimed Broadway musical written by Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda comes to Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre November 3 - 8, this lively and exciting neighborhood may seem more and more like your own backyard.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Rachel York, Cruella de Vil in THE 101 DALMATIONS MUSICAL at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center October 28 – November 1
October 31, 2009

When asked to come up with the most vile, sinister and deliciously evil villains in popular literature and culture, one name would likely appear on many lists: Cruella de Vil. Notorious for kidnapping innocent Dalmation puppies to use their distinctive spots for her own evil purposes, Cruella conjures memories of divine extravagance coupled with pure greed. And nothing beats seeing a villain of her stature live and in the flesh (or rather, the flesh of her animal du jour). Audiences in Atlanta will soon get their chance to revel in the antics of Cruella and her canine cohorts when The 101 Dalmatians Musical, based on the 1956 classic story written by Dodie Smith, rolls into the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 28th.

BWW INTERVIEWS: Rogelio Douglas Jr., Benny from the In the Heights Tour, November 3 Through 8 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre
BWW INTERVIEWS: Rogelio Douglas Jr., Benny from the In the Heights Tour, November 3 Through 8 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre
October 31, 2009

The world of Washington Heights, New York may be as much of a foreign place to many Atlantans as another country, but when In The Heights, the critically acclaimed Broadway musical written by Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda comes to Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre November 3 - 8, this lively and exciting neighborhood may seem more and more like your own backyard.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Rachel York, Cruella de Vil in THE 101 DALMATIONS MUSICAL at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center October 28 – November 1
October 28, 2009

When asked to come up with the most vile, sinister and deliciously evil villains in popular literature and culture, one name would likely appear on many lists: Cruella de Vil. Notorious for kidnapping innocent Dalmation puppies to use their distinctive spots for her own evil purposes, Cruella conjures memories of divine extravagance coupled with pure greed. And nothing beats seeing a villain of her stature live and in the flesh (or rather, the flesh of her animal du jour). Audiences in Atlanta will soon get their chance to revel in the antics of Cruella and her canine cohorts when The 101 Dalmatians Musical, based on the 1956 classic story written by Dodie Smith, rolls into the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 28th.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Steve Landes, John Lennon in RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre October 6 - 11
October 11, 2009

When the opening chords of a familiar Beatles tune drifts out of the doors of the Fabulous Fox Theatre on October 6th, passers by might just think they stepped back in time 40+ years to Liverpool, England. And if they come see RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles presented by Theater of the Stars October 6 - 11 they might just succeed in that time travel. RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles, a show that has been called 'the next best thing to seeing The Beatles,' boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatles favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' and 'Hey Jude' to classic hits including 'Revolution' and 'Come Together.' Leading many of those familiar songs, in the iconic shoes of John Lennon is Steve Landes, and actor/singer/musician that has been performing Beatles-songs for most of his adult life and will be a part of the show when it arrives in Atlanta. I caught up with Steve to learn a little more about his journey.

Actor's Express Opens It's 22nd Season With Atlanta Premiere of Hit Broadway Musical Grey Gardens
October 10, 2009

Based on the 1975 documentary of the same name, Grey Gardens portrays the lives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' eccentric relatives Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter 'Little' Edie. Mother and daughter cling to each other as their once-glamorous East Hampton mansion falls into ruins around them.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Steve Landes, John Lennon in RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre October 6 - 11
October 6, 2009

When the opening chords of a familiar Beatles tune drifts out of the doors of the Fabulous Fox Theatre on October 6th, passers by might just think they stepped back in time 40+ years to Liverpool, England. And if they come see RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles presented by Theater of the Stars October 6 - 11 they might just succeed in that time travel. RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles, a show that has been called 'the next best thing to seeing The Beatles,' boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatles favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' and 'Hey Jude' to classic hits including 'Revolution' and 'Come Together.' Leading many of those familiar songs, in the iconic shoes of John Lennon is Steve Landes, and actor/singer/musician that has been performing Beatles-songs for most of his adult life and will be a part of the show when it arrives in Atlanta. I caught up with Steve to learn a little more about his journey.



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