Greg Emetaz News

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.

Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at last night's opening night performance of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Muny! The production runs through June 18 in Forest Park.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at The Muny's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR! Get a first look at the production below!

The Muny announced today its ensemble and design teams for Jesus Christ Superstar, the opening production of its 99th season. Performance dates are set for June 12-18.

The Muny announced today that Davis Gaines will play the role of Joseph Pulitzer, rounding out the principal cast for Newsies, the seventh and final production of its 99th season. Design teams were also announced for this production, which plays August 7- 13. Newsies is proudly sponsored by BMO Harris Bank.

'Composure' by Scott C. Sickles is a romantic drama set on a college campus about a star-crossed relationship whose past tragedies encroach upon their present.

The Muny announced today its full cast and design teams for All Shook Up, the fourth production of its 99th season, which plays July 13-19. All Shook Up is proudly sponsored by US Bank.

The Muny announced today its ensemble and design teams for Jesus Christ Superstar, the opening production of its 99th season.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announces the 2017-2018 season programming for its BNY Mellon Grand Classics and PNC Pops series. The upcoming season of the BNY Mellon Grand Classics marks its 10th season under the musical leadership of Music Director Manfred Honeck and the orchestra's 122nd year since its founding.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announces the 2017-2018 season programming for its BNY Mellon Grand Classics and PNC Pops series. The upcoming season of the BNY Mellon Grand Classics marks its 10th season under the musical leadership of Music Director Manfred Honeck and the orchestra's 122nd year since its founding.

Who among us hasn't fought for acceptance and inner peace? That alone makes Champion a winner.

Washington National Opera (WNO) continues its 2016-2017 season with the company premieres of two modern American masterworks of opera: Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally's Dead Man Walking, February 25-March 11, 2017 in the Opera House, and Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer's Champion, March 4- 18, 2017 in the Opera House. Both operas explore the theme of social justice which is often associated with John F. Kennedy and are presented as part of JFKC, the Kennedy Center's season-long celebration of President Kennedy's centennial. Using many of the same designers and scenic elements, the directors of each opera have worked collaboratively to create two distinct worlds in each new production to showcase the issues of Justice, Courage, and Freedom at the heart of these two compelling stories. An additional special event will continue the exploration of these themes: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will headline Justice at the Opera on Thursday, March 9, 2017 in the Opera House.

Lyric's world premiere production of the opera Bel Canto - recorded in Chicago last January - will air nationally on Great Performances Today, January 13 at 9pm CST on PBS (Check local listings). B

The world premiere production of Bel Canto the Opera - recorded in Chicago last January - airs on Great Performances Today, January 13 at 9 p.m. on PBS.

The world premiere production of Bel Canto the Opera - recorded in Chicago last January - airs on Great Performances Friday, January 13 at 9 p.m. on PBS.

Lyric's world premiere production of the opera Bel Canto - recorded in Chicago last January - will air nationally on Great Performances Friday, January 13 at 9pm CST on PBS (Check local listings). B

Mamma Mia!, directed by Dan Knechtges, choreographed by Jessica Hartman and music directed by Michael Horsley, just opened at The Muny. Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew in the photos below!

I've seen MAMMA MIA! many times, and I've always enjoyed the way it utilizes so many of ABBA's marvelously catchy, and so obviously theatrical in nature, tunes to tell its simple story. With the band cranking out a righteous sound, and back up singers filling the night air with harmony, The MUNY reminds you of why its just so unique and amazing. It has the ability to make a show seem larger than life. That's exactly what happens here in spectacular fashion. Go see it and enjoy this perfect show for a summer's evening under the stars!

Mamma Mia!, directed by Dan Knechtges, choreographed by Jessica Hartman and music directed by Michael Horsley, just opened at The Muny. Click below to watch highlights of the starry cast in action!

Mamma Mia!, directed by Dan Knechtges, choreographed by Jessica Hartman and music directed by Michael Horsley, just opened at The Muny. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!