Chris Gibson News

Originally conceived by artistic director Scott Miller over 20 years ago, OUT ON BROADWAY (THE THIRD COMING), is, as titled, the third incarnation of a revue designed to reinterpret songs from an array of classic and offbeat, but brilliant, musicals ( this time with a new song from Jason Robert Brown, 'Hope'). This production acts to show just how much these works still retain their emotion, even when the players in each are now gay. I can assure you that the meaning remains, and so does the depth of feeling. It's a collection of over 30 pieces that are arranged to weave together a kind of narrative. Some people might find some of the choices obscure, but that actually adds to the charm for me, because then I'm exposed to things that I'll want to seek out afterwards. I'm late with this review, so forgive me, but life intrudes sometimes. But, if you didn't catch it you really missed an exceptional theatrical cabaret of sorts, which was truly wonderful, and which I hope sparks a fourth coming!

The original film version of NEWSIES wasn't exactly a blockbuster when it was released in 1992, but it developed a substantial cult following, especially as kids and adults alike discovered its many charms on cable and DVD. Actually, the fact that it wasn't a huge hit initially is why it seems like such a great, and logical, choice to rework for Broadway, where its transformation resulted in Tony Awards for best score (music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman) and choreography back in 2012. Perhaps this is proof that the material might have been better served as a stage production from the start. As The MUNY's current, and final, presentation of the season it packs an entertaining wallop that brings the season to a close on a delightfully high note. Audiences certainly will find plenty to enjoy, and I cannot recommend this show highly enough!

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature NEWSIES, A CHORUS LINE, SPRING AWAKENING, and More!

Considered a landmark celebration of the American Musical, A Chorus Line follows the lives of 17 Broadway dancers vying for a spot 'on the line.' Zach, a driven director/choreographer at the helm of a suspenseful audition, will stop at nothing to assemble an unforgettable chorus, no matter the price. With music by Oscar and Tony winning Marvin Hamlisch, A Chorus Line defines glittering promise, unwavering determination and stakes as high as the kickline itself. This is one Muny 'singular sensation' you won't want to miss!

MAMMA MIA! officially ended it's farewell tour this past weekend, and it was interesting to see the audience reaction to a show I've seen at least six times. But, I'm a critic. The appeal is obvious really, it's a simple story (book by Catherine Johnson) that allows you to enjoy the undeniably catchy Swedish pop of ABBA (music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson). With the length of time that it's been touring, nationally and internationally, there's no doubt that generations will grow up knowing and loving this music, which, at the time, seemed like a passing fad back in the 1970's and 80's, although I'm not ashamed to admit I own their greatest hits vol. 1 and 2, most of which shows up in the score. The touring show that graced the stage of the Fox Theatre this past weekend (July 28-30) put on a splendid production, as engaging and charming as we've come to expect, and brimming with enough good humor to please everyone.

A CHORUS LINE was the creation of Michael Bennett, one of Broadway's finest choreographers, who held a series of workshops in the mid 1970's to explore a way to examine the life that dancers lead. Then book writers James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante crafted a musical from this wealth of material collected to tell the story of Broadway's 'gypsies', the singers and dancers of the chorus that make their living by moving from production to production. And, it's how those stories are often vividly brought to life that distinguishes the current production at The MUNY. Instead of just relying solely on the compelling reasons that each character became a dancer, although some are left to stand alone in truly dramatic fashion, younger versions of themselves, whether through video projections or by using actual younger performers to act out their recollections as they speak are incorporated. It's an utterly charming touch that really stands out in stunning fashion. It makes this version particularly special, and when you combine that with a very talented ensemble, and an orchestra that sounds superb, you wind up producing a must-see show!

It's not surprising that the 1980 film 9 to 5 was turned into a musical, since it's revenge driven farcical plot is a natural fit, and it's a period piece, so it has that going for it as well. Plus, you have Dolly Parton, whose physical attributes sometimes make one forget how great a songwriter she is, providing material written for the show, and adding pieces plucked from her own recordings. It's a great show for a strong and varied female cast, and STAGES' current production doesn't disappoint, with the lead roles filled by outstanding performers. And, one thing is certain, it's a real crowd-pleaser, generating tons of laughs, and a number of memorable moments.

Stageworks Theatre presents its final show of the 2016-2017 season, The Wizard of Oz,by L. Frank Baum, music and lyrics Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Directed by Adam Delka the show will run July 28 - August 13, 2017 at The Berry Center.

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature West Side Story, Mamma Mia!, Something Rotten, and More!

Dick Scanlan (revised book and additional lyrics) deserves a hand for the long process that led to a reinvigorated and refocused version of Meredith Willson's THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. A few years ago he started tinkering with this venerable classic, having workshops and readings before finally hitting the stage. Scanlan retains more than a half dozen of the original numbers, and adds some of Willson's trunk songs, as well as some songs written for the movie, to flesh out this tale, which truly highlights the life of Molly Brown in more accurately historical fashion. It's the current production playing at the MUNY, and it's a breath of fresh air, led by Beth Malone's scintillating performance, and staged with a scope that opens the show up like a piece of Colorado real estate. It's an invigorating must-see!

Hannibal Missouri's own brash and beguiling Molly Brown shines in this exhilarating adaptation of Meredith Willson's 1960 musical. Her rags-to-riches story sparkles with a new book by Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and new songs from the Meredith Willson songbook.

Stageworks Theatre presents its final show of the 2016-2017 season, The Wizard of Oz,by L. Frank Baum, music and lyrics Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Directed by Adam Delka the show will run July 28 - August 13, 2017 at The Berry Center.

ALL SHOOK UP, a celebration of music performed by the King, Elvis Presley, is a entertaining mash-up of Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT, combined with some ideas from FOOTLOOSE, and with just a pinch of the movie version of GREASE (book by Joe DiPietro). I know how that sounds, but instead of taking itself or the music too seriously, this show actually achieves a sort of subversive and hilarious kitsch appeal. It's the current production on the MUNY's stage, and it's a splashy, funny, silly, and tune-filled hoot from start to finish.

Brimming with painfully amusing puns, by gag writers Larry Gelbart and Bert Shevelove , who bring a bit of borscht belt humor and a sprinkling of vaudeville to the proceedings, and adorned with the wonderful music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM is an incredibly engaging and entertaining show, and it's the current attraction at The MUNY. It's a great match, and a perfect show for a summer evening, filled with sparkling, bawdy jokes, and brought to life with considerable energy by a stellar cast. I highly recommend this classic musical!

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature THE LITTLE MERMAID, RAGTIME, NEWSIES, and more!

It's interesting to imagine just what fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen would think of the musical version of THE LITTLE MERMAID (book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater) that's now gracing the stage of The MUNY. Though he might quibble with the liberties the book takes with his story, I think he would be absolutely blown away by the performances and stagecraft that are on display. It's a terrific and captivating production that doesn't skimp on the eye candy. Though the Disney film has been around since 1989, it's still a hugely popular movie for members of the younger set, and the equally successful musical has been beguiling audiences for almost 10 years as well. It's timeless charms are a perfect match for the MUNY's vast expanses, which are filled with imaginative imagery that families will find exquisitely appealing.

There's just something magical about the world of Dr. Seuss and its hold on children. It's the language he uses to tell his fanciful tales. It's re-invented and rhymed in a manner that clearly appeals to children and adults. SEUSSICAL is a catchy and clever musical that adapts various elements from some of his most famous works, and it comes in many shapes and sizes. STAGES St. Louis is presenting a wonderful production of one of the shorter versions in their Theatre for Young Audiences series this season, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! It seems like I'm always saying that at this time of the year, but the professionalism you see each season is amazing, and it continues to develop, especially at the Westport Playhouse, where the intimate confines allow close and plentiful contact with audience members. This particular aspect really makes a difference when you're taking your child to the theatre for the first time. They actually become completely immersed in the experience, and adults will as well.

'BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, IN THE HEIGHTS, and More!

Growing up in the 1970's I can't tell you how many times I came across the boxed LP set, complete with booklet, that housed Tim Rice (lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's (music) classic, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. For those of us who grew up on the records, and even the movie version, it was a rock, pop, rhythm and blues, funk, and music hall influenced opera that produced a bumper crop of wildly tuneful and intriguing compositions. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opens The Muny's 99th season and it's a fabulously constructed and performed production that's jaw-droppingly amazing. Back in the day the songs themselves conjured up mental images that are unique to each individual, and on this stage they came alive anew, with loads of energy, and a heavy dose of anachronistic charm. The action is superb, the vocalists shine, the orchestra sounds fantastic, and I simply can't think of more uplifting way to spend an evening under the stars.

I've seen several stagings of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT over the years, and I've always enjoyed the Tim Rice (book and lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) show each time. However, STAGES St. Louis has really outdone themselves with their latest production of this exuberant musical. The piece has always lent itself to approaching it with a great deal of imagination and creativity, since it's chock-full of hilarious, anachronistic humor and song, and this production takes full advantage of that fact. This show is a real treat, with strong performances and plenty of fun to go around, and I highly recommend it!