Don Grigware News

A SONG AT TWILIGHT by Noel Coward is in its final week, presented by The Pasadena Playhouse, closes April 13, 2014. The production stars Bruce Davison, Sharon Lawrence and Roxanne Hart and is directed by Art Manke.

Broadway, TV, Film actor and native New Orleanian Bryan Batt brings his world renown one-man show, 'BATT ON A HOT TIN ROOF' back home to Le Petit Theatre as a benefit for the theatre and The Forum For Equality for one show only, on Sunday March 30th at 7 p.m.

The Wallis Annenberg Theater for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills and The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) partner up to host a night for theater patrons and BAFTA members on Thursday, February 27 at 8 p.m. Following the performance of the UK's Kneehigh Theatre acclaimed production of Noel Coward's Brief Encounter at the Wallis Annenberg, a talkback featuring Emma Rice will be held.

On Sunday, February 16 LA's Next Great Stage Star 2014 came to an exciting conclusion at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. After an amazing two-hour program in which the 20 contestants gave 150% to their uptempo songs from Broadway shows, fourteen contestants were eliminated and the top six* finalists selected. After a brief intermission, each of the six then proceeded to perform a second number after which the distinguished panel of 18 judges made the final decision. Musical director par excellence James Lent accompanied at the piano throughout the three hour show.

Musical Theatre West presents the second production of their 61st season, Davis Gaines (Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera) starring as Professor Harold Hill and Gail Bennett (Mary Poppins) starring as Marian Paroo in Meredith Willson's timeless and joyous, THE MUSIC MAN, book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, musical direction by Corey Hirsch, choreography by John Todd and directed by Jeff Maynard.

Just in time for our Oscar indulgence, Bruce Kimmel joined the bandwagon of Oscar tantalizers by presenting his monthy Kritzerland show, this month entitled Kritzerland Goes to the Movies, at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal in tribute to Academy Award worthy music: songs that won an Oscar, songs that were nominated and those that were not but should have been. Monday February 3 was a fun evening with fantastic Shelly Markham at the piano as musical director and six stellar performers including John Sloman, Shannon Warne, Dennis Kyle, Lisa Livesay, Emma Degerstedt and young songstress Brennley Brown. Also on hand for our pleasure were special guest star composer and three-time Academy Award winner Richard Sherman and actress/song stylist Andrea Marcovicci.

BroadwayWorld would be nothing without its team of talented Regional Editors who work tirelessly, offering countless opinions, reviews, interviews, special features and more. It truly takes a village. While all 260+ of our Regional Editors have helped make BroadwayWorld go 'round, this year, we'd like to recognize our Top 10 standouts who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and who have been an integral part of the success of BroadwayWorld. This was a tough decision that was based on number of articles, traffic, consistency, and other factors. We will also be recognizing several others throughout the year in our 'Meet the BWW Team' series and otherwise, so stay tuned for more!

As 2013 comes to a close, we've collected the hottest theatrical productions from around the globe. From Los Angeles to Chicago, Tampa, Houston, Rhode Island and even South Africa, BroadwayWorld takes a look back at some of the most memorable shows from our Regional Editors worldwide!

After more than a year of numerous extensions, LA's most beloved theatrical magic show, Smoke and Mirrors, is officially closing on Dec. 31. Ring in 2014 with spellbinding illusions, a life-sized rabbit and a timeless story that is as mesmerizing as it is heartwarming at the Road on Lankershim in the NoHo Arts District now in its final run through Dec. 29 with two New Year's Eve shows on Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. and a late night show at 10:00 p.m (Midnight Countdown party includes champagne, hors d'oeuvre and favors).

Let's see what the critics had to say...

On Sunday, October 27 Charlotte Mary Wen, winner of LA's Next Great Stage Star 2013, made her long awaited cabaret debut at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal with Time to Take a Breath directed by Peter Welkin and with musical direction by Dr. James Lent. Petite, pretty and ultra confidant, the terrific singer truly soared, leaving past anxieties far behind her.

Kentwood Players has received critical praise and audience raves on its wildly popular production of the comedy rock musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' at the Westchester Playhouse. Performances continue through October 19, 2013 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm Call (310) 645-5156 for tickets before they are gone!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a family event that takes a small Sci-Fi premise and adds a plant, some rockin' music, and a wild group of characters on a roller coaster of fun! Bring the whole family!

Funny Girl is a musical with a book by Isobel Lennart, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Bob Merrill. The semi-biographical plot is based on the life and career of Broadway, film star and comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. Its original title was My Man. Check out the photos from opening night below!

Alfred Hitchcock's/The 39 Steps/adapted by Patrick Barlow/based on the book by John Buchan & on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon/directed by Todd Nielsen/Glendale Centre Theatre (GCT)/through August 17

Musical Theatre West's (MTW) production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's international hit musical Sunset Boulevard opened last Friday, July 12, exactly 20 years to the day after the show's world premiere. The production will run through July 28, 2013 at the beautiful 1,070-seat Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. Valerie Perri and David Burnham star, with Norman Large and Ashley Fox Linton. Check out a look back at the curtain call and opening night festivities below!

As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Summer Stages in Los Angeles

The Pasadena Playhouse, in association with David Shor Productions, presents SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE - THE MUSICAL. The world premiere presentation began May 24 and opened last night, June 2, 2013, at The Pasadena Playhouse.