Bruce Vilanch News

Here You Come Again: How Dolly Saved My Life in Twelve Easy Songs is a charming ode to Dolly Parton, playing through August 27th at Goodspeed Musicals’ Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, CT. Directed and choreographed by Gabriel Barre, the production is more than a jukebox piece, as it has a nicely delineated arc, though there is little suspense as to how the plot will turn out.

Don't miss out on the electrifying performance of 'Islands in the Stream' and 'Here You Come Again' at Goodspeed Musicals! Watch exclusive video clips and get a sneak peek into this exciting production. Join us for a memorable musical experience that will leave you wanting more.

Goodspeed is presenting Here You Come Again, by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio, directed and choreographed by Gabriel Barre at The Terris Theatre, Chester. The production features songs written or recorded by Dolly Parton (and others) and is currently running through August 27, 2023. Check out highlights from the production here!

On Monday, July 24, Birdland Jazz Club celebrated the landmark 20th Anniversary of its wildly popular weekly open mic night/variety show “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party.” The evening featured regular favorites, as well as special surprise guests. As usual, music director Billy Stritch held court at the ivories, along with Steve Doyle on bass and Daniel Glass on drums. Check out photos here!

It is a true wondrous achievement to have a show every week lasting 20 years, with over 1040 shows and 1840 performers.

Raise Your Hands! The Off Broadway cast recording of The Gospel According to Heather, a new musical with a book, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon. will be released on JAY Records. Produced by John Yap, the recording will feature the original cast of the Off Broadway production who gathered this week at Manhattan Studios to lay down the tracks.

Goodspeed Musicals is presenting the new musical Here You Come Again, a musical celebration of the wit and humor of Dolly Parton, and the reopening of The Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., this summer. 

The Off Broadway premiere of The Gospel According to Heather, a new musical with a book, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon has been extended for one week at Theater 555.

The Off Broadway premiere of The Gospel According to Heather, a new musical with a book, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon will begin TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00pm at Theater 555.

See photos from the 2023 salute to the LGBTQ+ community's contributions to the entertainment industry and launch of the 10th annual 'Real to Reel: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ+s in Hollywood' exhibit.  

For years – for decades, really – I have advocated that Music City tourism would benefit from a sit-down production of a country music-themed musical, one that would appeal to a wide range of aficionados and would showcase the musical library of a beloved figure in the pantheon of Nashville music. Finally, Studio Tenn delivers the perfect vehicle for that with the world premiere production of Here You Come Again, featuring songs written by or recorded by Dolly Parton (the Patron Saint of Tennessee aka The Smoky Mountain Songbird).

Aerosol is in the air as Tracy Turnblad, Penny Pingleton, and the teens of Baltimore bring politics and pizzazz to Hollywood with a stunning production of one of the best and beloved musicals of all time.

Naked Boys Singing!, the international musical comedy sensation, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, making it the second longest-running musical in off-Broadway history.

Two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals will present two shows The Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn. See how to purchase tickets!

Skylight Music Theatre will produce the world premiere developmental production of the uplifting rock musical, SuperYou, by Lourds Lane, running May 26 – June 18, 2023.

Last night, Tituss Burgess hosted the 25th CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards) at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, CA. The annual CDGA gala celebrated excellence in film, television, and short form costume design. Check out photos of Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, Ashley Park, and more at the event!

See photos from 54 BELOW first-time ever concert event featuring the songs from the new musical Platinum Dreams.

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

See photos of international super star BILLY PORTER and writing legend BRUCE VILANCH at a performance of SHOOTING STAR - A Revealing New Musical in Brooklyn and took pictures with the cast. 

This super-sixties musical continues to feel fresh, while also seeming like it's been around forever.