Bailey Sonner

Jonathan Sangster has graced many San Diego some stages and but now can be found on national stages as part of THE BOOK OF MORMON tour. During this time where theatres are closed, it seemed like a perfect time to catch up with him and chat.

Some shows I can see again and again, especially those composed by the forever upbeat Jerry Herman. Hello Dolly bowed on Broadway when I was a teenager in the 60s and it had a long run with original star Carol Channing, followed by turns with Ethel Merman, Ginger Rogers, Pearl Bailey, Martha Raye and Molly Picon, to name a few. Every major star wanted to do it because the role offers a female actress the chance to sing, dance and act the hell out of it. It's a big, splashy gut buster about a woman who has more moxy than the Pied Piper and enough wisdom and panache to win over an army or a whole kingdom, for that matter...and, for the audience, it's one of those extra-special feel-good musicals that just doesn't quit... for a moment. You leave the theatre actually humming the tunes.Welk Resort's current production of Dolly! in Escondido through November 15 is right on target...it's wondrously delectable.

In the history of musical theater, there is little question of the cultural significance of "CATS." It was the first branded spectacle musical and its biggest song "Memory" became an instant standard. All the big musicals that have come along since owe a debt of gratitude to the special effects and overall spectacle "CATS" allowed the world to experience for the first time onstage. Due to the size of the production and the incredible cast requirement for dozens of triple-threat actors and actresses who can handle the operatic score and dancing from tap to jazz to ballet, "CATS" is a treat to behold for audiences of all ages whenever a production comes to town.

Cabaret at The Merc's new 2014 Summer Series followed up Next to Normal with the Tony Award-winning musical sensation, Spring Awakening, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, based on the play by Frank Wedekind, musical direction by Cris O'Bryon, choreography by Evan D'Angeles and directed by J. Scott Lapp.

Cabaret at The Merc's new 2014 Summer Series follows up Next to Normal with the Tony Award-winning musical sensation, Spring Awakening, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, based on the play by Frank Wedekind, musical direction by Cris O'Bryon, choreography by Evan D'Angeles and directed by J. Scott Lapp. Spring Awakening will play today, August 8, 2014 and runs for one weekend through Monday, August 11, 2014, at The Merc in Temecula, 42051 Main St. Temecula, California 92590.

Cabaret at The Merc's new 2014 Summer Series follows up Next to Normal with the Tony Award-winning musical sensation, Spring Awakening, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, based on the play by Frank Wedekind, musical direction by Cris O'Bryon, choreography by Evan D'Angeles and directed by J. Scott Lapp. Spring Awakening will play Friday, August 8, 2014 and runs for one weekend through Monday, August 11, 2014, at The Merc in Temecula, 42051 Main St. Temecula, California 92590

San Diego Musical Theatre "The Local Way to See Broadway" presents their first production of 2014, CATS, running two more weekends at the North Park Theatre throughApril 6, 2014. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. CATS's London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for just over 18 years. Directed by James Vasquez; Choreography by Janet Renslow; Musical Direction by Don LeMaster. Matthew Novotny, Lighting Designer - Janet Pitcher, Costume Coordinator -Stanley Cohen, Stage Manager. Check out a first look below!

San Diego Musical Theatre wins awards, for their 2013 Season of Musicals, at the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle 12th Annual Craig Noel Awards on February 10th, 2014 at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in La Jolla among 500 San Diego theatre industry members and supporters. Scroll down to see pictures from the event!

San Diego Musical Theatre announces their first production of 2014 - CATS, (press opening on Saturday, March 22) at the North Park Theatre.