Ashley Marie News

Unquestionably one of musical theater's most beloved, iconic classics, WEST SIDE STORY---the stirring Broadway musical that features a book by theater titan Arthur Laurents, music by the incomparable Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by living legend Stephen Sondheim---remains a still-resonant masterpiece of song, dance and story that explores themes still quite relevant even in modern times. For Musical Theatre West in Long Beach's latest regional revival, the show is presented in a rather nostalgic iteration that closely harkens back to the mood and feel of the original 1957 stage production (plus hints of its Academy Award-winning 1961 film adaptation). Nothing beats going to back to the power and intentions of the Jerome Robbins-helmed original, which this production successfully honors and emulates. In essence, this WEST SIDE STORY is a satisfying trip down memory lane, reaching back far enough to allow the original material to shine and reverberate.

Ask musical actors/actresses what is their favorite Broadway musical of all time and they most often concur, West Side Story. Why? It has phenomenal music by Leonard Bernstein, with concise poetic lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a tight and gripping book by Arthur Laurents, and brilliant choreography established in 1957 by Jerome Robbins. It is one of the most powerful love stories ever, next to Romeo and Juliet. With all these elements complementing one another, from the first downbeat of the orchestra and the appearance of the Jets creeping in one by one on a half-lit stage, the show pulls you in and doesn't let go of you for its two and a half hours ... and its message and images of love linger long after the curtain falls.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Musical Theatre West (MTW) presents the beloved tale of star-crossed lovers, WEST SIDE STORY, February 12-28, 2016 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Due to overwhelming demand (opening weekend is sold out and second weekend performances only limited availability remains), MTW has added an extra performance on the third weekend, Sunday, February 28, 7pm. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Musical Theatre West (MTW) presents the beloved tale of star-crossed lovers, WEST SIDE STORY, February 12-28, 2016 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Due to overwhelming demand (opening weekend is sold out and second weekend performances only limited availability remains), MTW has added an extra performance on the third weekend, Sunday, February 28, 7pm. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast!

The Man in Black is proving a powerful draw for Penobscot Theatre Company, warranting a one-week extension of the popular show, created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade. Originally scheduled to close September 27,Ring of Fire, The Music of Johnny Cash is now slated to run through October 4, offering patrons five more opportunities to see the theatre's acclaimed season-opener.

 For one night only, the five actor-musicians who comprise the cast of Penobscot Theatre Company's Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash will perform their own musical works in Writers' Ring, Sunday, September 27, at 7:00 pm, at the Bangor Opera House.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan's classic romantic romp, The Rivals, returns to The Pearl for the hilarious story of Lydia Languish who is... languishing. She can imagine nothing more romantic than eloping with the impoverished Captain Beverly. Little does she know that 'Beverly' is really Jack Absolute, a wealthy aristocrat who fears the truth of his identity isn't nearly romantic enough for Miss Languish's taste. How will he win her-from himself?

Oracle B*Sides has announced the Chicago premiere of Martin Crimp's adaptation of Ferdinand Bruckner's PAINS OF YOUTH. This co-production with Odradek Theatre Company is directed by Joshua Altman. PAINS OF YOUTH opens tonight, September 21, 2013, and runs through October 13, 2013 at Oracle Theatre (3809 N Broadway in Chicago). Performances are Friday, Saturday, and Monday nights at 8PM; Sundays at 7PM.

Oracle B*Sides is proud to announce the Chicago premiere of Martin Crimp's adaptation of Ferdinand Bruckner's PAINS OF YOUTH. This co-production with Odradek Theatre Company is directed by Joshua Altman. PAINS OF YOUTH opens September 21, 2013, and runs through October 13, 2013 at Oracle Theatre (3809 N Broadway in Chicago). Performances are Friday, Saturday, and Monday nights at 8PM; Sundays at 7PM.

Red Fern Theatre Company (Melanie Moyer Williams, Executive Artistic Director, Ken Hall, Managing Director) announced today that the cast of their World Premiere of Sharyn Rothstein's (Lunchblocked with Ars Nova; Camp Monster at Williamstown Theatre Festival) MARCH.

The Looking Glass Winter 2011 Writer/Director Forum, a festival of new works featuring emerging women playwrights and directors, runs December 1 - 18 at Looking Glass Theatre (422 West 57th Street).

West Coast Ensemble presents the second show of their 2009 season, BIG, The Musical, with book by John Weidman, music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., based on the motion picture 'BIG' written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg. BIG, The Musical will be directed by Richard Israel (Floyd Collins, Assassins).

There will be in concert on March 2 9:30pm at the Duplex (61 Christopher Street) featuring the songs from composer/writer Bobby Cronin. There is a $10 cover and a 2 drink minimum