Mary Martin

SISTER ACT at Toby's in Columbia is a delightfully energetic show that is woman-driven and relationship-positive. Songwriter Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater (of Disney fame) create numbers specifically for theatrical production of the movie-inspired script. Ear-pleasing harmonies abound in an extravaganza of song, dance and sisterhood.

This time, the reader question was: which Broadway shows had the biggest overhaul from their out-of-town tryout to their Broadway opening?

Funny Girl gets a Brazilian production directed by Barchilon, starring Giulia Nadruz and Eriberto Leao as protagonists. With score by J. Styne, and lyrics by B. Merrill, the semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, featuring her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein.

Roundabout Theatre Company will present a special Benefit Reading of Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels, directed by Scott Ellis starring Rose Byrne and Kelli O'Hara. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Theatre Tuscaloosa held the 27th annual T. Earle Johnson Awards Ceremony on Sunday, August 21, 2023 in the Atrium at Shelton State Community College to celebrate the 2022-23 winners.

The Muny has delivered a big, bold, over-the-top production of delightful disco divinity that exceeds every expectation. Credit Director and Choreographer Dennis Jones for his directorial vision and collaboration with the entire production team. He, and The Muny’s casting partners at The Telsey Office, have assembled a phenomenal cast with loads of talent, who supply big laughs, and deliver exceptional vocal performances while executing on Jones’ spirited choreography. The acting is superb. Every member of this onstage company performs at their highest level. The orchestrations are first rate. The choreography is amusing and animated. The scenic design is grandiose. The interior of the gothic church on the large Muny turntable is cathedral-like. Huge accolades to the Muny’s costume shop and costume designer Leon Dobkowski. The vintage 1970s costumes are flashy, colorful eye candy. The flow of Dobkowski’s costumes enhanced every movement of the energetic choreography. Shelby Leonard’s dazzling lighting design rivaled the glittery costumes and created a lighthearted and carnivalesque mood. Everything about this Muny production is miraculous.

Kiss Me, Kate! is a musical written by Bella and Samuel Spewack ,with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The story involves the production of a musical version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi.

Tom Jones, best known for his work as the librettist and lyricist of The Fantasticks, has passed away. He was 95.

What did our critic think of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at North Shore Music Theatre, Beverly, MA?

Sister Act will run July 8 - 16, 2023, at The Woodward Opera House. Check out photos here!

Get a first look at Krysta Rodriguez, Nik Alexander and more in Cabaret at Barrington Stage Company!

1994, I was crazy in love with Sally Murphy.  She was starring in the Lincoln Center theater import of Nicholas Hytner’s National Theater production of Carousel.  I got a friend who works at Lincoln Center to give me a tour backstage, in hope of “running into” Sally.   Long story short, I got lost and had to ask for directions.  The young lady whom I asked was charming and sweet and she said: “Are you sure you’re allowed back here?” That was my first encounter with Audra McDonald.  Later that day, I saw her on stage as Carrie in the show.  She was wonderful – won her first Tony in the role.  So it was really a treat on Saturday night at Caramoor’s opening gala concert, when she sang “When I Marry Mr. Snow.”  It brought back all sorts of wonderful memories of the myriad of characters and performances I’ve seen/heard Audra do in the last (hard to believe) 30 years.

Barrington Stage Company's 2023 season opener, Cabaret (June 18-July 8), is now on stage. The production stars Krysta Rodriguez (NBC's 'Smash,' Broadway's Into the Woods revival, The Collaboration, Deaf West Theatre's Spring Awakening) as Sally Bowles, BSC Associate Artist Alysha Umphress (BSC's Who Could Ask for Anything More?, Mr. Saturday Night, Broadway's On the Town, American Idiot) as Fraulein Kost, and Richard Kline ('Three's Company,' Don't Think Twice, Broadway's Waitress, Wicked First National Tour) as Herr Schultz.

Always wished you could experience the authentic joy of Broadway royalty Ethel Merman and Mary Martin? Join us this month as Meredith Beck and Sarah J. Gafgen bring these iconic personalities back to the stage in their upbeat toe-tapper that shares the lives and careers of these show biz luminaries and off-stage friends. 

Get a first look at Krysta Rodriguez, Nik Alexander and more in rehearsals for Cabaret at Barrington Stage Company!

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Shane Peterman and Associate Producer Elizabeth Kensek have announced casting and creative details for the world premiere of GOIN’ HOLLYWOOD, a new musical by Stephen Cole & David Krane. 

Barrington Stage Company has revealed a behind the scenes look at its new production of the legendary Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret, running June 14-July 8. Picture a once-grand German deco musical palace, now a symbol of resilience in disrepair, jutting out into the audience. Raw, dirty, visceral — the music promises to leave you breathless. See first look video of the cast in rehearsal here.

What did our critic think of SISTER ACT at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre? Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre's production of SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris VanCartier, a singer who has to hide from her ex-boyfriend after seeing him commit murder. She ends up hiding in a convent, pretending to be a nun, where she meets some 'sisters' who quickly become friends.

Barrington Stage Company has announced full casting for the world premiere of Mark St. Germain's new play The Happiest Man on Earth (May 24-June 17) and a new production of the legendary Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret (June 14-July 8).

The new Charlotte Ballet production of PETER PAN, choreographed by Christopher Stuart, is the most inclusive and politically correct I've seen, retaining sets and costumes from previous editions while completely changing the music. Plenty of delightful surprises and only one SOS: it's a no-fly zone.