Bob Hope News

BWW Interview: THE BETSY CARMICHAEL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce a special event as part of co-founder Gary Sinise's book tour promoting his new book Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. Sinise will reflect on his book in a candid conversation with fellow Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry.

Two of Broadway's most endearing leading ladies-Andrea McArdle and Donna McKechnie-celebrate two of America's most beloved musical theatre composers-Stephen Sondheim and Marvin Hamlisch-at Feinstein's at the Nikko on Friday, January 18 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, January 19 (8 p.m.).

Four internationally renowned dancer/choreographers are joining student choreographers to create timely, often politically inspired dance pieces as part of the California State University, Fullerton,  Fall Dance Theatre, running November 29-December 9, 2018 in the Little Theatre on campus.

Macy Medford and Arden Guice may only be college students, but their performances as Violet and Daisy Hilton, the heroines of Side Show - the iconic musical by Bill Russell, Henry Krieger and Bill Condon that debuted on Broadway some 20 years ago - in Belmont University Musical Theatre's production that runs for just one weekend, are nothing less than a professional triumph for each young woman. Thoroughly committed and startlingly focused, Medford and Guice perform an oftentimes tricky, always challenging, task in order that the two young women effectively become their characters, ensuring the musical packs an emotional wallop delivered straight to the collective heart of its audience, while showcasing the evolution of a musical theatre program at the Nashville university, which over the years has gained a national reputation as the training ground of the next generations of Broadway stars yet to be.

Four internationally renowned dancer/choreographers are joining student choreographers to create timely, often politically inspired dance pieces as part of the California State University, Fullerton, Fall Dance Theatre, running November 29-December 9, 2018 in the Little Theatre on campus.

Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: we're taking you on the red carpet at opening night of American Son, and more!

After an extended run at the 2017 New York Theatre Festival's Summerfest, Great Frontier: A Poorly Researched Musical About Lewis And Clark is returning to the stage this October for 8 performances at The PIT Loft. The show was co-written by comedians, Kevin Froleiks and Patrick J. Reilly, and features 18 original songs with zero historical accuracy.

The Wick Costume Museum's sixth installation, "those were the days" pays homage to the Broadway shows, signature fashions and pop culture moments of the 1950's and 1960's. The interactive tour features a star-studded collection of costumes worn by Barbra Streisand, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Cher, Lily Tomlin and more.

LA Stage Alliance Nominated Actress and New Times Winner, Best Actress Susan Claassen stars in the Bay Area premiere of "A Conversation With Edith Head" at Pear Theatre from December 7 through 16. The internationally acclaimed show, based on EDITH HEAD'S HOLLYWOOD by Edith Head and Paddy Calistro, is a feast of delicious behind-the-scenes stories about Hollywood's greatest stars that provide an intimate portrait of Hollywood's legendary costume designer. "A Conversation With Edith Head" previews on December 6, with press and Opening Night on Friday, December 7 (followed by a champagne gala). The show runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 16. All performances are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.thepear.org or calling (650) 254-1148.

After an extended run at the 2017 New York Theatre Festival's Summerfest, Great Frontier: A Poorly Researched Musical About Lewis And Clark is returning to the stage this October for 8 performances at The PIT Loft. The show was co-written by comedians, Kevin Froleiks and Patrick J. Reilly, and features 18 original songs with zero historical accuracy.

On Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., the stories of eight brave men who won the Medal of Honor in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam come to life on the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage in Beyond Glory. This special Sarasota premiere stars award-winning playwright, stage and screen star, Stephen Lang, who has appeared as Col. Miles Quaritch in Avatar and The Blind Man in Don't Breathe. Spellbinding and thrilling, Beyond Glory presents poignant portraits of men at war, pushed into narrow corners and faced with hard choices - an event not to be missed!

Leapin' lizards! 'Annie' is coming to the Jersey Shore! Broadway's original Annie, Andrea McArdle, will grace the Axelrod stage as Miss Hannigan from November 2-18. This new production of 'Annie' is directed and choreographed by New Jersey native Al Blackstone, whose career started on Broadway in 'Wicked' and then moved to FOX's 'So You Think You Can Dance,' for which he received a 2018 Emmy Award nomination.

The International Opera Institute presents a celebration of Streisand and Sinatra in 'The Concert That Never Was' At The Indian Wells Performing Arts Center on November 10 at 7:30 pm. 'The Concert That Never Was' is a concert between Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand that was planned but never took place. This stellar evening will be performed by Opera and Jazz Diva Rose Kingsley, Actor and Entertainer Richard Shelton and The Bob Corwin Trio. I had the chance to catch up with Ms. Kingsley to talk about her storied career and the upcoming Streisand/Sinatra Concert. Here are a few excerpts from that interview:

Stand-up comedy stalwart Paul Rodriguez will be taking on the role of God in the revival of Bruce Jay Friedman's cult-classic STEAMBATH opening October 20, 2018 at the Odyssey Theatre. I had the chance to illicit a few serious answers from this funny man amongst his very comical responses.

Vocalist Jan Daley, who resumed her career last year after a nearly 20-year absence, landing two bestselling CD's at the top of the Billboard Jazz Chart, will perform her new show, "An Evening With Jan Daley," at the popular Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Wed., Nov. 14 at 8:30 PM.

Andrew Lloyd Webber with honoured artists Des O'Connor, Jimmy Tarbuck, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele unveiled the Wall of Fame, a new art installation by Lee Simmons commissioned as part of the renovations to the Grade II listed facade of The London Palladium. Sited at the theatre's world famous Stage Door on Great Marlborough Street, this ongoing installation is a permanent legacy to the many artists that have headlined at The London Palladium and will provide an intrinsic link between icons of the past and performers of the future.

Singers Jane Monheit, Jim Caruso and singer/pianist/arranger Billy Stritch will join forces in HOLLYWOODLAND: Songs >From The Silver Screen. Material will include beloved songs like "Pennies From Heaven," "Let's Misbehave," "Over The Rainbow," "If I Only Had A Brain," "Bye Bye Baby," and "It Happened In Sun Valley." Jane Monheit, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch had such a great time working together in the Jazz at Lincoln Center concert series, and were thrilled when Birdland offered them a weeklong booking on the historic stage. The trio brings a wealth of musical experience to HOLLYWOODLAND, and they love performing tightly harmonized swing arrangements and lush ballads from the 30's, 40's and 50's.

Short film SPARKY & BUTCH will premiere in The Louisiana Prize Fest, a festival celebrating film, music, and food in Northern Louisiana.