Brian Yorkey News

Heartbreaking. Gutsy. Intensely riveting. These are some of the words I jotted down in the dark---while simultaneously wiping tears streaming down my face---during the Southern California Regional Premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL, now playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for a limited run ending June 23. The winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this thought-provoking, emotionally-heavy musical play---which features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey---has now been revived locally in a top-notch, Broadway-caliber staging that truly impresses from beginning to end.

Tony Award-winning Broadway and GLEE star Idina Menzel is currently embarking on a criss-cross-countries tour, playing many acclaimed venues throughout not only North America but also some select dates overseas, as well, and fans now can get a glimpse at her setlist at a recent wildly well-received gig.

This past weekend Southern Rep wrapped their run of NEXT TO NORMAL, a rock musical with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The production was directed by Blake Coheley and featured Leslie Castay as Diana Goodman.

Cape Rep Theatre presents Summer Starlight an Evening with Ellen and Dermot Mulroney benefitting Cape Rep Theatre. Cape Rep is honored to have acclaimed film actor Dermot Mulroney and his mother, actress Ellen Mulroney one night only in the reading of a new, short play Peter Pan's Mother written by Christine Emmert, followed by a conversation with Dermot Mulroney on Monday, July 15 at 6:00 PM.

Jonathan Whitton (Bistro & MAC Award Winner, HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH) continues his critically lauded concert residency with guitarist Aaron Jones at Don't Tell Mama. BLACK SHEEP CARNIVAL continues once a month through 2013 with dates currently scheduled for tonight, June 7 @ 7:30PM and Monday, July 8 & August 5 @ 7:30PM.

NTC is proud of the selections for its 2013-2014 season and its new digs. NTC is confident that its loyal audience will be, too.

Cape Rep Theatre presents 9-Ball, by local playwright, Art Devine (author of Winter Wheat and last season's hit new play, The Bottom of the Sky). It runs June 20 through July 13, 2013. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 pm, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, Sunday, June 30 at 2 pm. No performances June 25 or July 4. Tickets are $25. Pay-What-You-Can-Night is the first Friday, June 21. Student Rush Tickets also available. Call the Box Office for details. Cape Rep Indoor Theatre. North Side Route 6A E. Brewster. 508.896.1888 or www.caperep.org. Not for children. Parental discretion advised for children ages 13 and over.

Two Muses Theatre, West Bloomfield's newest non-profit professional theatre is partnering with Common Ground to raise funds for youths, adults and families in crisis. Common Ground representative will speak at the NEXT TO NORMAL Red Carpet Opening Night Event on June 7. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Today we are presenting a spotlight on one of the most popular Broadway/Hollywood crossover stars of the decade who is quickly rising up the ranks on stages and on screens around the world with his impressive work in an vast array of projects on Broadway, in Hollywood and on TV - exemplified tomorrow night in the premiere of his new USA series, GRACELAND - the affable and acclaimed Aaron Tveit.

According to The New York Times Arts Blog, Sting will be releasing a new album on September 24th which will include songs from his new musical THE LAST SHIP. The full-length LP marks his first release of original material since 2003.

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, June 2, 2013 - Sunday, June 2, 2013.

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the Southern California regional theatre premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical, NEXT TO NORMAL, music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, musical direction by Darryl Archibald and directed by Nick DeGruccio with musical direction by Darryl Archibald. NEXT TO NORMAL opened last night, June 1, and runs through Sunday, June 23, 2013. BroadwayWorld was there for the opening festivities and brings you photos from the curtain call, party and more!

Today we are talking to an inordinately talented triple-threat performer who made his name on Broadway in some landmark productions, such as the original multi-Tony Award-winning HAIRSPRAY and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, in addition to his peerless work in Lincoln Center's lauded SOUTH PACIFIC revival, who now is best known to audiences around the world for his headlining role on FOX's mega-hit musical dramedy series GLEE - the charismatic Matthew Morrison. Sharing stories from his Broadway days as well as looking ahead to the new season of GLEE airing in September, Morrison paints a vivid picture of his musical theatre career thus far and touches upon his experiences in the aforementioned musicals on the Great White Way as well as THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, A NAKED GIRL ON THE APPIAN WAY and more, detailing his ascent from chorus boy to superstar. More importantly, Morrison offers us the complete 411 on his new solo album, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN, discussing its conception, recording, production, and, now, its release - as well as elaborating on working with legendary producer Phil Ramone on it and the song selection process itself. Furthermore, Morrison reveals the most influential artists and performers to him and how that inspiration formed the basis for WHERE IT ALL BEGAN, both the album itself as well as his current concert tour in promotion of it - arriving in NYC at 54 Below this weekend, as a matter of fact - and his PBS special, airing this month. Additionally, Morrison candidly comments on some characters he would enjoy essaying in the future (hint: a demon barber of Fleet Street), reflects on his favorite GLEE moments to date, recounts wild ROCKY HORROR antics involving rock star Sebastian Bach - and much, much more!

Jonathan Whitton (Bistro & MAC Award Winner, HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH) continues his critically lauded concert residency with guitarist Aaron Jones at Don't Tell Mama. BLACK SHEEP CARNIVAL continues once a month through 2013 with dates currently scheduled for Friday, June 7 @ 7:30PM and Monday, July 8 & August 5 @ 7:30PM.

The National Theatre has just announced its first subscription series in more than a decade with the announcement of Broadway at the National. Boasting the pre-Broadway world premiere of If/Then, the Washington premiere of American Idiot, and the historic return of the Tony Award-winning The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, the 2013-14 season at The National Theatre includes eight productions, and runs November 2013 through June 2014.

The production was real, raw, and unflinching. Artistic Director Kuchar says he chooses shows that will inspire kids and cause them to think. This show certainly does that and can also impact the audience. Kudos to this wonderful program.

Dutch actress Pia Douwes will star in the German premiere of the Brian Yorkey/Tom Kitt musical NEXT TO NORMAL, due to open in Furth on October 11th.

Kitt's score and Brian Yorgey's book and lyrics combine for one of the deepest and moving shows to hit a Broadway stage. It's not the typical subject matter for a musical (the theater suggests that it is appropriate for children 16 and up), but you should take advantage of an opportunity to see this excellent rock musical, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. That sandwich-making scene in the opening act is terrific as directed by Janine Molinari with De Laurentis skillfully portraying the frenzied breakdown as Diana tries to cope.

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that Broadway veteran Heidi Blickenstaff will lead Vermont's award-winning Weston Playhouse Theatre Company production of Next to Normal. Blickenstaff will play 'Diana' in the show, which is set to run July 11-27 and will be directed by Michael Berresse.