Alan Menken News

BroadwayWorld brings you a flashback of the show's journey to the stage below!

In the video below, Youtube personalities Patty & Emily launch their own search for Patrick's Mother- the much-loved role from the NEWSIES movie that was cut from the stage version of the show. Kate Baldwin, Laura Benanti, Jessica Phillips, Ann Harada and more all give it their best shot in hilarous auditions for the role.

Ghostlight Performing Arts Company was founded in March 2013 by Sean Newman and several others who, having worked with another theatre group for five years, found themselves without a program. 'Unable to accept defeat, they began to discuss their options. After a series of late nights and exciting meetings, they came to the solution of starting something of their own, something that could capitalize on their desire to bring quality performing arts to the North Georgia area. From these conversations came the birth of a whole new program; Ghostlight Performing Arts Company', adds Newman

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: NEWSIES celebrates one year, Lilla turns 12, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka takes over 54 Below, and so much more!

Newsies, the hit Tony Award-winning musical celebrated its first year on Broadway with its entire creative team and Mauro Castano from Carlo's Bakery and TLC's 'Cake Boss,' who created a one of a kind cake for the special occasion.

Paper Mill Playhouse, one of the country's premier not-for-profit theaters, has announced a special, Autism/Sensory friendly performance of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID. This performance, designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities, and planned in cooperation with Autism New Jersey and Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers, will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at 4:00PM. This is the first time Paper Mill Playhouse has expanded its Autism-Friendly performances to a main stage production.

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. 'American Songbook in the Penthouse' embraces adventuresome performers and celebrates composers and lyricists, both newer and veteran. With a seating capacity of just 225, the Kaplan Penthouse allows acoustic performers to be heard the way they intend - near to the audience and without elaborate amplification. The size of the space also allows performers to interact with their audience to make them an integral part of their performance, something difficult to do in a larger, more formal venue.

Fans of the Disney film 'Hocus Pocus' starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as the Sanderson sisters, wicked witches brought back to life on Halloween to steal the souls of children, are gathering online as a grassroots movement to bring it to Broadway. Following the success of musicals such as NEWSIES, MARY POPPINS, SISTER ACT and MATILDA; Winnie, Mary and Sarah are ready to enchant Broadway audiences.

Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, with a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Newsies is directed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, who won a 2012 Tony Award for his work. The show just celebrated one year on Broadway and you can check out a photo preview from the festivities below!

BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present its latest feature series: The Performer of the Week! Get to know these amazing talents as they share a bit about themselves, their work and life. Today, we get to know Gregory Haney who originated the role of 'La Cienega' in Broadway's BRING IT ON!

Bristol Riverside Theatre announces its mainstage 2013-2014 season including two comedies, two adaptations and a one-man show. The new season features the Philadelphia area premiere of Steve Solomon in My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm STILL in Therapy, Pride and Prejudice by Jon Jory, Tuesdays with Morrie by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, Laughter on the 23rd Floor by Neil Simon, and Little Shop of Horrors by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Lincoln Center Theater presents an LCT3 Special Event of Mr. Joy, a 90-minute one-man show written and performed by Daniel Beaty and directed by Sheryl Kaller. The workshop production will be performed April 8, April 9, April 12-15, and April 17-21 at 7:00 pm at the Claire Tow Theater (150 West 65 Street).

Newsies, The Tony Award-winning hit Broadway musical, celebrates one year on Broadway March 29th at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street, New York City).

East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans announces the lineup of Broadway's biggest hits for the 2013 - 2014 season to be showcased at the newly-renovated Saenger Theatre.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger and the cast of Newsies celebrate their one year anniversary on Broadway. The cast looks back on highlights of the past year. Check out the video below!

Come enjoy an evening of macabre laughs and Doo-Wop songs with Kelrik's latest musical comedy LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, playing April 5 - 21 at Unity.

The newly minted Saratoga Springs Theatre Company has announced its inaugural season, featuring a regional premiere production of Shrek the Musical. It will be the first theatre in Utah, and among the first in the nation, to produce the Broadway show.

Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look-a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

The Grand Rapids premiere of 'Jersey Boys' will open the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Grand Rapids 2013-14 season.

Broadway's master songman, Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by Paul Ford on piano, will bring his critically acclaimed theatre concert to Long Wharf Theatre for one performance only at on Friday, June 7, 2013 on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Mainstage Theatre.