Karole Foreman

Review: JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse

Director Kent Gash’s production in Pasadena serves up equal parts heat and cool, a slick and sweaty celebration of a man who was as vibrant and dangerous as his music. Under the musical direction of Darryl Archibald and choreography of Dell Howlett – both of which are first-rate – the evening cooks.

JELLY'S LAST JAM Enters Final Two Weeks of Performances at Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse's production of the Tony Award-winning musical JELLY'S LAST JAM, directed by Kent Gash will close this month. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: Celebrities on the Red Carpet at Opening Night of JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse is now presenting a new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!

Photos/Video: First Look at Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM

Get a first look at Pasadena Playhouse's new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, now on stage through through June 23, 2024. The production features a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. 

Interview: John Clarence Stewart's the Jelly in JELLY'S LAST JAM

Next up at the Pasadena Playhouse, the Tony Award-winning Jelly’s Last Jam opening June 2, 2024 (with previews starting May 29th). Kent Gash directs the cast led by John Clarence Stewart as Jelly Roll Morton, Cress Williams, Jasmine Amy Rogers; Wilkie Ferguson III, Karole Foreman, Eric B. Anthony, Doran Butler, Chante Carmel, Cyd Charisse Glover-Hill, Summer Nicole Greer, Janaya Jones, Grasan Kingsberry, Amber Liekhus, Davon Rashawn, Joe Aaron Reid, Naomi C. Walley and Hannah Yosef. I had the chance to chat with John Clarence while he was navigating Los Angeles traffic.

VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse

Get a first look at rehearsals for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson.  

Video: See Stewart, Williams, and Rogers in Teaser for Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM

Watch a teaser for Jelly's Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse in the video here!

Cast Set For JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse

Full casting has been announced for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam.

Review: LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL at Cygnet Theatre

Billie Holiday is a superstar jazz musician though often her tremendous talent is sometimes eclipsed by the more sensational exploits of her life. LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL, now playing at Cygnet Theatre through February 18th, invites you to a cozy neighborhood bar, to enjoy the vocal stylings of the marvelous Lady Day in 1959 and learn more about her life in this intimate portrait of a gifted jazz musician.

Cast and Creative Team Set for LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL at Cygnet Theatre

Cygnet Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team ofLady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill by Lanie Robertson.

Cygnet Theatre Reveals Lineup For 2023-24 Season

Cygnet Theatre has announced its full line up for the 2023/2024 Season. The organization's 20th Anniversary Season will also be its last full season in Old Town before the milestone move to the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, whose projected opening is in 2025. The 20th season features all musicals as a way to capture the theatre's past, present and future in a celebratory way.

1776 Comes to 5th Avenue Theatre

The national tour of 1776 makes its premiere in Seattle at The 5th Avenue Theatre August 2-6, 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at The 5th Avenue Theatre’s website, over the phone, or by visiting the box office.

Photos: The Broadway Revival of 1776 Opens At Center Theater Group Mark Taper Forum

American Repertory Theater/Roundabout Theatre Company’s new production of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, “1776” kicked off its limited engagement in Los Angeles at Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre this week! See photos from opening night!

Photos: First Look at BLUES IN THE NIGHT at North Coast Repertory Theatre

Get a first look at Blues In The Night, which begins previews on Wednesday, January 11 at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Opening Night on Saturday, January 14, at 8pm.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT Announced At North Coast Repertory Theatre

According to the legendary Billie Holliday, “Blues is to jazz what yeast is to  bread.” With 26 glorious, hot, torchy songs fueling BLUES IN THE NIGHT, a powerful cast of  singers plumb the innermost reaches of their hearts, sharing the heartbreak and humor of life  and the indomitable will to do more than survive.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT to be Presented at North Coast Repertory Theatre in January

BLUES IN THE NIGHT previews begin Wednesday, January 11 at North Coast Repertory Theatre. This rich musical experience promises to thrill and delight both novice and die-hard jazz fans alike, so reserve your seats now.

Review: Excellent Performances Empower A FEW GOOD MEN at La Mirada

Undeniably compelling but also, at times, comfortably predictable, Aaron Sorkin's A FEW GOOD MEN is, for all intents and purposes, really a showcase for enthralling live acting performances. The McCoy Rigby Entertainment production continues at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through November 20, 2022.

Video: First Look at A FEW GOOD MEN at La Mirada

The rarely produced and widely acclaimed military masterpiece A FEW GOOD MEN, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Casey Stangl, is now playing at La Mirada. Check out video footage here!

Photos: First Look at La Mirada Theatre's A FEW GOOD MEN

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment have released production photos for the second show of their 2022-2023 season, the rarely produced and widely acclaimed military masterpiece A FEW GOOD MEN, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Casey Stangl. Check out the photos here.

Doug Harris, Andy Umberger & More to Star in A FEW GOOD MEN at La Mirada Theatre

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced the cast for the second show of their 2022-2023 season, the rarely produced and widely acclaimed military masterpiece A FEW GOOD MEN, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Casey Stangl.