Dan DeLuca

1776, COME FROM AWAY & More Lead Maine Theatre Summer Picks
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 30, 2026

Though for many residents and folks from away, summer in Maine signifies a chance to revel in gorgeous scenery - beaches, lakes, trails – summer is also time to enjoy two of Maine’s premiere regional companies, Maine State Music Theatre and Ogunquit Playhouse.(see Dan Marois’ review below)  This year the lineups at both companies are stellar, but my critic’s pick for 2026 are two productions at Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick:  the musical 1776 (now playing through July 11) and COME FROM AWAY scheduled for August 5-22 at the Pickard Theater on the campus of Bowdoin College.

Review: THE LABORS OF LIBERTY: MSMT'S 1776 CHRONICLES THE BIRTH OF OUR NATION
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 26, 2026

What better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence than by mounting a stirring production of the musical 1776. That is just what Maine State Music Theatre has chosen to do – the only regional company in Maine to receive the rights at present - for the Sherman Edwards 1969 show that delivers a witty, riveting, deeply human and affecting account of our Founding Fathers. Directed by Amber Mak and featuring stunning cast of twenty-eight, MSMT‘s production is one of those artistic events audiences cannot afford to miss.

Review: HAIRSPRAY is An Anthem to Optimism and Change
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 5, 2026

From the joyful opening number, “Good Morning, Baltimore,” to the to the rousing vibrancy of the finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” Maine  State Music Theatre’s revival of HAIRSPRAY, a co-production with Lancaster, Pennsylvania‘s Fulton Theatre, which opens the 2026 season, offers the audience pure optimism and joy. Despite - or perhaps because of - the more serious underlying themes that the musical tackles such as racism, segregation, body positivity, and inclusion - HAIRSPRAY remains the perfect theatrical evening where entertainment and inspiration combine. This new production, directed and choreographed by Kenny Ingram with a superbly talented cast that features an extraordinary blend of Broadway, MSMT veteran, and young professional talent invites audiences to marvel at the company’s artistic range and to revel in an exquisitely delightful evening’s entertainment.

Video: Watch a Sneak Peek of HAIRSPRAY at Fulton Theatre
by Michael Major - Apr 15, 2026

Watch a first look video of Hairspray at Fulton Theatre. Leading the cast as the irrepressible Tracy Turnblad is Eden Franco, joined by Robert Anthony Jones as her mother, Edna Turnblad, and Joel Newsome as her father, Wilbur Turnblad.

HAIRSPRAY Begins Performances At The Fulton Theatre This April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 31, 2026

The Fulton Theatre will bring the Tony-winning hit 'Hairspray' to the Mainstage from April 10 through May 3, 2026, with preview performances on April 8 (Community Night) and 9 (Pay-What-You-Want).

Riverside Theatre To Present A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 19, 2025

Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach will stage A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder from January 9 through February 1, 2026 on the Stark Stage. Directed by Hunter Foster, the production will feature Jake Levy as Monty and Dan DeLuca as the entire D’Ysquith family.

Review: WHEN ELVIS MET THE BEATLES at Ogunquit Playhouse
by Dan Marois - Sep 9, 2025

Interview: MSMT Panel Celebrates the Comedy of TOOTSIE
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jul 6, 2025

MSMT’s second Peek Behind the Curtain panel gathered on July 2, 2025, at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick to discuss the phenomenon of the theatre’s second main stage show this season, the hilarious and touching comedy, TOOTSIE. Participating in the hour-long conversation were stars of the production, together with MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold.

Review: Joyous, Funny, Tender, and Thought Provoking: TOOTSIE Takes the Stage at MSMT
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 27, 2025

Following on the heels of a nostalgically, romantic ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre’s second main stage show this season, TOOTSIE, demonstrates the company’s ability to turn on a dime. The 2018 David Yazbek musical, based on the 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a big, boisterous Broadway show that is joyous, tender, and thought provoking all at once and provides the audience with an evening filled with exhilaration and elation.

Interview: TOOTSIE Star Dan DeLuca Embraces Characters Who Experience Deep Transformation
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 17, 2025

“I am always drawn to characters and stories in which there is a deep transformation.  In TOOTSIE Michael’s huge catalyst for change occurs when he begins to step into the shoes of another person – a woman.”  His journey awakens “new empathy, new compassion in him.  He is able to see that Dorothy is a part of him.  All of us have a masculine and feminine side within us; the trick is to balance the two, to dissolve old stereotypes, and to discover how powerful the softer feminine side can actually be.”

BWW Q&A: Jen Cody Talks Sandy Lester, Comedic Roots, and More in TOOTSIE
by Joshua Wright - Jun 10, 2025

Jen Cody discusses her role as Sandy Lester in Tootsie at Maine State Music Theatre, her comedy influences, and why this musical stands out among her extensive Broadway credits.

GUYS AND DOLLS to be Presented as Final Production in Maltz Jupiter Theater 24/25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 6, 2025

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre will present its final production of the 2024/25 MainStage Season with the beloved musical Guys and Dolls. Learn more about the upcoming performances and see how to purchase tickets.

Video: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Theatre Under the Stars Houston
by Joshua Wright - Oct 25, 2024

Get a first look at Theatre Under The Stars' (TUTS) brand-new production of Little Shop of Horrors!

Review Roundup: National Tour of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL
by Joshua Wright - Sep 26, 2024

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical officially launched its First National Tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, RI on September 24, 2024. Read the reviews!

Cast Set For LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Theatre Under the Stars
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2024

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) has announced the cast of the brand-new production of Little Shop of Horrors! Learn more about who is starring here!

Pittsburgh CLO's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Extended
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2024

Pittsburgh CLO's production of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN has been extended due to popular demand. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Dan DeLuca & More to Star in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Pittsburgh CLO
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 2, 2024

Pittsburgh CLO has revealed the Cast and Creative Team for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the Greer Cabaret Theater. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Nikki Renée Daniels, Beth Malone & More to Star in Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Musicals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2024

Pittsburgh CLO's 2024 Summer of Musicals at the Benedum Center will be highlighted by Broadway and TV stars, as well as beloved Pittsburgh favorites. See who is starring and learn about the programming!

Video: Production Highlights: BONNIE & CLYDE at Pioneer Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Mar 5, 2024

Get a first look at Pioneer Theatre Company's BONNIE & CLYDE - playing now through March 9. In the video, watch previews of the music including 'God's Arms Are Always Open', 'How 'Bout a Dance?', 'When I Drive' and 'This World Will Remember Us'.

Review: BONNIE & CLYDE at Pioneer Theatre Company is Next-Level
by Tyler Hinton - Feb 25, 2024

Pioneer Theatre Company’s production of BONNIE & CLYDE is a prime example of the next-level work that’s come from the theatre lately as the product of world-class performers and creative teams. There’s a reason why they bill themselves as “Utah’s premier professional theatre.”  If you haven’t given PTC a try, now is the time to see what you’ve been missing.