Mary Ernster

A FORTY SECOND STREET STORY: The Extraordinary Career of Kevin Stites
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 14, 2025

As soon as the orchestra launches into the opening bars of Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of Anastasia, there is a frisson of electricity that runs through the house.

Interview: MSMT Panel Explores ANASTASIA and the World of the Romanovs
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 12, 2025

MSMT resumed its 11th season of the popular series, Peek Behind the Curtain, on June 11, 2025, presenting a panel of stars from the current production of ANASTASIA together with MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. Held at  Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, the event drew through an enthusiastic crowd. Among the panelists were a Mary Ernster (Broadway WAR PAINT, THE NOTEBOOK, Winner 2 Jeff Awards), who portrays the Dowager Empress; Amanda Rose (Broadway MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, WICKED, National Tours of OKLAHOMA, WICKED,HOLIDAY INN), who plays Countess Lily; and Christopher Page-Sanders (THE FROGS, THE WIZ, DREAMGIRLS), who serves as Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain of the show.

Review: The Romance of the Romanov's: MSMT's Stunning ANASTASIA Opens 2025 Season
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 6, 2025

For more than a century since the Russian Revolution, the mystery and romance of the bygone Romanov era has continued to fascinate audiences. The opulence, the glamour, the faded memories all create the enduring allure of nostalgia. In presenting the Maine premiere of ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre (in a co- production with the Fulton Theatre) has not only achieved an industry coup, but has also masterfully brought to life a compelling journey to the past, as well as a personal story that is poignant, heartfelt and uplifting.

Interview: Lila Coogan Talks About Her Journey with ANASTASIA
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - May 28, 2025

Laden with intrigue, mystery and tumultuous historical events, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical, ANASTASIA, opens the Maine State Music Theatre season on June 4. It is tale which has fascinated and enchanted theatre-goers for decades. Perhaps the most dazzling and yet poignant incarnation is the musical version which premiered on Broadway in 2017. It tells the compelling story of the Romanov princess, Anastasia, who was said to have escaped assassination at the hands of the Bolsheviks in 1917, and resurfaced in Paris years later, seeking to be reunited with her grandmother, the Dowager Empress. Maine audiences will now have a chance to relive the drama and romance in a dazzling, lavish new co-production staged by MSMT, in collaboration with the Fulton Theatre.

Review: ANASTASIA at Fulton Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - Apr 13, 2025

Whether you are a fan of Russian history, 90’s animation, or musical theatre, Anastasia has something to appeal to everyone.  Performances run now through May 11.

The Fulton Theatre to Present ANASTASIA in April
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 26, 2025

The Fulton Theatre will present a production of the Broadway musical Anastasia, bringing the captivating story of a lost princess to life on its historic stage. The show will run from April 11 to May 11, 2025 on the Fulton Theatre’s Mainstage.

What We Know So Far About MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL on Broadway
by Sidney Paterra - Oct 6, 2024

Taylor Mac and Jason Robert Brown's MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL, is coming to Broadway in 2025. What do we know so far about the new musical?

Taylor Mac and Jason Robert Brown's MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL Will Open on Broadway in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2024

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL, the new musical from Taylor Mac and Jason Robert Brown, is headed to Broadway next year!

Photos: First Look at MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 3, 2024

Get a first look at photos of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil at Goodman Theatre. See who is starring and learn more about the production!

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL Extends at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2024

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has been extended at Goodman Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Photos: J. Harrison Ghee, Sierra Boggess, And More Prep For MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 14, 2024

Check out photos from inside rehearsals for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil—a world-premiere musical based on John Berendt’s iconic non-fiction book!

Video: Rob Ashford Discusses MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2024

Watch as Rob Ashford discusses Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Full Cast Set for MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL World Premiere
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 17, 2024

The complete cast has been set for the world premiere of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil at Goodman Theatre. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: Ingrid Michaelson Teases THE NOTEBOOK Musical News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 2, 2023

Watch Ingrid Michaelson tease an update about The Notebook musical!

Review Roundup: THE NOTEBOOK World Premiere Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Team BWW - Oct 7, 2022

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is presenting the world premiere of The Notebook, a new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film. Now playing in a limited engagement through October 16, 2022. Let's see what the critics have to say!

VIDEO: First Look at THE NOTEBOOK World Premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2022

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is presenting the world premiere musical The Notebook, now extended by popular demand through October 30, 2022. Get a first look at footage from the production here!

THE NOTEBOOK World Premiere Extended at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2022

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has announced an additional block of tickets on sale for the world premiere musical The Notebook, now extended by popular demand through October 30, 2022.

Photos: First Look at THE NOTEBOOK World Premiere Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2022

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is presenting the world premiere of The Notebook, a new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film. Now playing in a limited engagement through October 16, 2022. Get a first look at photos here!

Photos: Go Inside Rehearsals Of Broadway-Bound THE NOTEBOOK At Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by BWW Staff - Aug 20, 2022

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has released rehearsal images from the highly anticipated world premiere of The Notebook, a new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film.

Jordan Tyson, Joy Woods, John Cardoza, Ryan Vasquez & More to Star in THE NOTEBOOK World Premiere Musical
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 29, 2022

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announced the cast and creative team for the highly anticipated world premiere of The Notebook, a new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film.