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BWW Review: Hattiloo Theatre's MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET Offers Dreams for Some, Nightmares for Others
by Joseph Baker - April 18, 2016
On the surface, Hattiloo Theatre's streamlined production of Tarrell Alvin McCraney's MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET might seem a variation on a familiar theme: A young man troubled by dreams and conflicted about his identity seems to 'hit a brick wall' when he turns to others to try discover why he is, what he is -- 'sweet,' a kind of code word for homosexuality. That might seem a facile enough summary of what this play is about, but to shrug one's shoulders and miss this committed little production would be to miss also the fascinating journey in which it is couched.
BWW Features: Rachel Black: The exception that proves the rule
by Caroline Sposto - April 18, 2016
Majoring in Theatre is a bold decision. Committing four formative years and thousands of dollars ought to pay off. College costs have increased exponentially, and (STEM) science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors seem to be the only sought after grads these days. This is why, according to The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, only 8% of today's college students are majoring in humanities.
ALADDIN JR. to Play Sparks Chapel, 4/14-16
by BWW News Desk - April 16, 2016
Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Well-known local thespian, Benjamin Cheng, will be playing in Aladdin and Emma Grace Kelly as Jasmine. Disney's Aladdin JR. will send you soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with music and adventure. It's also filled with all your favorite songs including, 'Friend Like Me' and 'A Whole New World.'
ALADDIN JR. to Play Sparks Chapel, 4/14-16
by BWW News Desk - April 14, 2016
Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Well-known local thespian, Benjamin Cheng, will be playing in Aladdin and Emma Grace Kelly as Jasmine. Disney's Aladdin JR. will send you soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with music and adventure. It's also filled with all your favorite songs including, 'Friend Like Me' and 'A Whole New World.'
THE ODD COUPLE, SWEENEY TODD and More Set for Germantown Community Theatre's 45th Anniversary Season
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2016
Germantown Community Theatre has announced the slate of productions for their 2016-2017 season. This marks the 45th season of shows the theatre has produced from their home in Germantown, TN. The season blends music, theatre for youth, classic literature and raucous fun. 
BULLETS OVER BROADWAY National Tour Coming to Memphis in May
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2016
The national tour of the new musical comedy BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, written by Woody Allen and based on the screenplay by Allen and Douglas McGrath (Beautiful) for the 1994 film, will play in Memphis beginning Monday, May 16 and running through Sunday, May 22.
Playhouse on the Square to Stage MEMPHIS, 5/6-29
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2016
?Inspired by actual events, Memphis centers around a white disc jokey, Huey, who wants to change the world, and black club singer, Felicia, who is ready for her big break. Their incredible story takes them to the ends of the airwaves and on a journey filled with laughter, emotion, and a whole lot of Memphis soul.
BWW Review: Circuit Entrances With PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL
by Joseph Baker - March 28, 2016
I remember when, in the 1930's Shirley Temple vehicle POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, poor Jack Haley and Alice Faye had to implore, 'You've Gotta Each Your Spinach, Baby'; and in Circuit's charming (and short) production of PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL, with Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth and Victoria Kern and Music by John Gregor, poor 'Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton' (gleefully played by Marc Gill and Brooke Papritz) have a similar problem with their daughter 'Pinkalicious' (the engaging Carly Crawford, A.K.A. 'Peter Pan' during the Christmas holidays). It seems that the color-preoccupied pint-sizer has a condition known as 'Pinkititis,' wrought by an immoderate obsession with . . . dare I say it? . . . pink cupcakes -- MUDDY'S BAKERY, GIGI'S CUPCAKES, lock your doors!
The Circuit Playhouse to Present THE COUNTRY HOUSE
by BWW News Desk - March 25, 2016
?In what The New York Times calls "a valentine to the artists of the stage," a group of famous and would-be-famous creative artists have come to their summer home during the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The weekend takes an unexpected turn, and everyone is forced to come to terms with the roles they play in each other's lives.
Althea Gibson Documentary to Screen at Halloran Centre
by BWW News Desk - March 23, 2016
The Halloran Centre at the Orpheum presents Althea on Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00 PM, the last installment of the venue's 2015-2016 Southern Circuit Independent Film Series. No player overcame more obstacles to become a champion than Althea Gibson. 
GCT to Stage Williams' A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
by BWW News Desk - March 23, 2016
?GCT is proud to present one of Tennessee Williams' most popular plays.  A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE tells the story of fragile Southern belle, Blanche, who leaves the family plantation house and moves to New Orleans to live with her sister, Stella, and her animalistic husband, Stanley. Once there, she quickly gets a gritty life lesson in the steamy underbelly of 1940s French Quarter life.
Theatre Memphis to Present THE COMPLEAT WRKS OF WILM SHKSPR, 4/8-24
by BWW News Desk - March 22, 2016
?- The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) will run from April 8 until April 24, 2016, in the Next Stage at Theatre Memphis as the Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield comical parody takes the spotlight to honor William Shakespeare's life. Three actors take on William Shakespeare in all his glory in an animated and shortened interpretation of a wide range of his works. Typically the actors portray themselves rather than certain characters and some scenes involve audience participation. The fourth wall is non-existent as improvisation and pop culture weave into the performance.
ALADDIN JR. to Play Sparks Chapel, 4/14-16
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2016
Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Well-known local thespian, Benjamin Cheng, will be playing in Aladdin and Emma Grace Kelly as Jasmine. Disney's Aladdin JR. will send you soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with music and adventure. It's also filled with all your favorite songs including, 'Friend Like Me' and 'A Whole New World.'
BWW Review: Emerald Theatre's 1 IN 10 Proves Both Intimate and Universal
by Joseph Baker - March 21, 2016
Just last weekend I saw one of Theatre Memphis' most outstanding musical productions, Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS. It had everything an audience would want: Wondrous sets and costumes, brilliant singers, imaginative staging. Then, this weekend, I wandered into the quiet intimacy of Emerald Theatre's 1 IN 10, a series of monologues by members of the LGBT community; and though the latter seemed on the surface to have nothing in common with the powerhouse production I saw last week (its set is, frankly, . . . naught), I found that, indeed, there was a shared thought and purpose. After all, the characters in the second act of the Sondheim musical have to assess themselves and their relationships to others; and they have to be comfortable with their lot and come to know themselves. You know what? That's exactly what happens during the course of the 1 IN 10 monologues.
EGG to Close 2015-16 Family Series at Halloran Centre
by BWW News Desk - March 18, 2016
Saturday's special sensory-friendly performance of EGG is designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.
BWW Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON Raises Cain at the Orpheum
by Caroline Sposto - March 18, 2016
Typically the press night buzz at the Memphis Orpheum starts in the lobby . . . or at least inside the foyer. Last night, however, it radiated for two square blocks in all directions as Mormon missionaries turned out in force to meet and greet theater goers. These clean-cut, youth, armed with literature and disarming smiles had driven all the way from Little Rock. They weren't protesting the show, just using the opportunity to tell their side the world Trey Parker and Matt Stone (Creators of South Park) and Robert Lopez, composer of 'Avenue Q' so famously lampooned.
Black Violin Returning to The Orpheum, 4/9
by BWW News Desk - March 16, 2016
Photo Flash: New Shots from INTO THE WOODS at Theatre Memphis
by BWW News Desk - March 15, 2016
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS runs now through April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after. BroadwayWorld has a fresh set of production photos below!
RENT, THE BODYGUARD & More Set for Orpheum's 2016-17 Broadway Season
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2016
On Saturday, March 12th, the Orpheum Theatre announced its highly-anticipated 2016-2017 Broadway Season. The year's subscription series includes DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage, ANNIE, THE BODYGUARD, BEAUTIFUL - The Carole King Musical, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Season options include a return engagement of JERSEY BOYS, and a special weekend-only engagement of the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour. The 2016-2017 Broadway Season is generously sponsored by Bank of America and Memphis Area Honda Dealers.
BWW Review: Circuit's PAGEANT Offers 50 Shades of Pink
by Joseph Baker - March 14, 2016
If you decide to attend Circuit Playhouse's production of PAGEANT in the next few weeks, and if you find yourself blushing at some of the eyebrow-raising humor, there's no need for alarm: Pink cheeks will blend right in, as the stage, many of the dresses and gowns, and much of the make-up are redolent with that color. However, the musical tends more toward the 'purple' at times, with innuendo, knowing looks, and pregnant pauses. Nonetheless, Robert Longbottom's lightweight little satire (with Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly and Music by Albert Evans) is a relatively harmless (and highly enjoyable) outing.
BWW Review: Theatre Memphis Astonishes With INTO THE WOODS
by Joseph Baker - March 14, 2016
Stephen Sondheim himself is kind of a 'GIANT,' if you think about it. Over the last decades he has been responsible for raising the (musical) bar in musical theater with lyrics and music that can take an audience far beyond Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'bright golden haze on the meadow.' SWEENEY TODD, FOLLIES, PACIFIC OVERTURES, COMPANY -- all of these entertain and even challenge an audience; and even though ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, the composer/lyricist isn't just satisfied with that. His INTO THE WOODS (one of my two or three favorite musicals of all time) is evidence of that. Had he only conceived that first act (with that amazing Book by James Lapine), INTO THE WOODS would have had a show complete unto itself: Familiar characters from children's literature -- Cinderella, the Baker and his Wife, Jack (sans his Beanstalk), Rapunzel, and Red Riding- hood -- come alive, and the story of each overlaps with another, all held together by a cohesive Narrator (performed here by the indispensable Joseph Lackie, himself a former 'Sweeney Todd'). If you walked out during intermission, you would have done so with an entirely pleasant level of satisfaction; however, it's that second act that catapults the musical onto an altogether higher plane. By the time the gorgeous 'No One Is Alone' closes the performance, audience members are moved to be reminded that 'sometimes people leave us / Half way through the woods.'
Photo Flash: First Look at INTO THE WOODS, Opening This Week at Theatre Memphis
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2016
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS will open March 11 and run until April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after. Scroll down for a first look at the cast onstage!
Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at Germantown Community Theatre
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2016
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, with book by Jeffery Lane and music & lyrics by David Yazbek, will open this March at Germantown Community Theatre, running March 11-26, 2016. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Photo Flash: First Look at INTO THE WOODS, Opening This Week at Theatre Memphis
by BWW News Desk - March 08, 2016
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS will open March 11 and run until April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after. Scroll down for a first look at the cast onstage!
THE BOOK OF MORMON Announces Lottery Policy for Memphis Engagement
by BWW News Desk - March 07, 2016
Back by popular demand, THE BOOK OF MORMON, which played a sold out one-week run in 2014, is pleased to announce a lottery ticket policy for the National Tour, which begins Tuesday, March 15th at The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN and plays a limited one-week engagement through Sunday, March 20th. In Memphis, the production will conduct a pre-show lottery at the box office, making a limited number of tickets available at $25 apiece.

Videos


Winnie The Pooh (TOUR) in Memphis Winnie The Pooh (TOUR)
The Circuit Playhouse (4/18 - 4/19)
Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® in Memphis Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’®
The Orpheum Theatre (2/26 - 2/26)
Christopher Cross in Memphis Christopher Cross
Graceland Soundstage (3/14 - 3/14)
Seussical in Memphis Seussical
The Circuit Playhouse (3/13 - 4/12)
Sweeney Todd in Memphis Sweeney Todd
Playhouse on the Square (6/12 - 7/12)
A.J. Croce in Memphis A.J. Croce
Graceland Soundstage (3/13 - 3/13)
Marilyn Manson in Memphis Marilyn Manson
Graceland Soundstage (5/13 - 5/13)
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