Howard Ashman News

Disney took a great animated movie and turned it into an equally good stage musical, probably one of the best and most popular films to stage production in Disney's history besides Lion King.

Tuacahn's production of Disney's "Aladdin," which premiered Monday, June 4, starring Dan Domenech as Aladdin, Haley Carlucci as Princess Jasmine, Edward Juvier as Genie, and Michael G. Hawkins as Jafar, has recently released the show's official artworks, featuring its lead actors. The production runs alternately with Marc Shaiman's "Hairspray" at Tuacahn Amphitheatre, an outdoor performance space nestled in a verdant valley, and surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, until October 19.

In case you missed it in the "Showtune Mosh Pit" column last week, here is my full listing of musical theater shows (plus three special concert events) happening in Chicago this summer. Click on the name of each show for a link to more information. And enjoy!

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Hershey Theatre. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage from Tuesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 29.

Hennepin Theatre Trust announced that individual tickets for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the classic musical love story running at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre October 16-21, 2012, go on sale at 9 a.m. today, June 1, 2012.

This summer, Tuacahn Amphitheatre presents the second production of Disney's Aladdin following its world premiere at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre last year.

The Muny announced today principal casting for the third show of its 94th season, Disney's Aladdin (July 5-13), directed by Gary Griffin, and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Tony® Nominees Robin de Jesus and John Tartaglia star as Aladdin and the Genie, respectively. Joining them will be Jason Graae as Omar, Curtis Holbrook as Iago, Francis Jue as Kassim, Eddie Korbich as Babkak, Samantha Massell as Jasmine, Ken Page as the Sultan, and Thom Sesma as Jafar.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The non-Equity Jeff Awards are Monday night, and we've compiled our first ever Summer Musical Theatre Guide! Here are 35 listings for your viewing pleasure....

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is returning to Washington, D.C. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the National Theatre for two weeks only, June 12 through June 24. Check out the trailer video featuring footage from the show.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is returning to Washington, D.C. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the National Theatre for two weeks only, June 12 through June 24. Check out the production photos below.

Inspired by the blockbuster 1960 Roger Corman film, the monster musical hit LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS comes to Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, July 12 through August 19. One of the longest-running musicals Off-Broadway, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS features a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's 'The Little Mermaid', 'Beauty and The Beast' and 'Aladdin'). Theatre at the Center's production, boasting glorious refurbishments of the plants from the original New York production, will be directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster.

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that individual tickets for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the classic musical love story running at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre October 16-21, 2012, will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the third longest-running show in off-Broadway history, has been extended through May 27 at the Charles Mosesian Theater in Watertown. Like the nefarious, carnivorous plant at the center of its story, LITTLE SHOP is on a long, deliberate path to conquer the world…of stage and screen. Director/choreographer Russell Garrett and his team of designers have crafted a production that is visually and technically spot on, with Musical Direction by Todd C. Gordon and a cast that is vocally up to the task.

Dan Domenech and Tony Award-winning actress and Disney Legend Lea Salonga sang 'A Whole New World,' Disney's ALADDIN's theme, at the latter's live concert recently held at the Tuacahn Ampitheatre, an outdoor performance space nestled in a verdant valley, and surrounded by towering red rock cliffs.

New Repertory Theatre today announced a one-week extension of the Off-Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. Originally scheduled to close May 20, the production, now running in the Charles Mosesian Theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts performs through May 27, 2012.

According to Variety, GLEE and SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK writer is in talks to write a new version of 'Little Shop of Horrors' for Warner Bros. No word yet on According to Variety, GLEE and SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is in talks to write a new version of 'Little Shop of Horrors' for Warner Bros. The 1982 musical (and 1986 film) spawned from the 1960 film of the same name. No word yet on a potential release date.a potential release date.

Stage Entertainment, in cooperation with Disney Theatrical Productions, will present the Dutch premiere of The Little Mermaid, which premiered on Broadway in 2007. After presenting Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, the Netherlands is the first country to scoop the European premiere of the Disney musical. Disney's The Little Mermaid opens on Saturday May 12, premiering at Martini Plaza in Groningen and then playing larger theaters in the Netherlands. Check out the trailer video below.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Philadelphia as part of the Broadway Season, presented by The Kimmel Center and The Shubert Organization. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Academy of Music for 9 performances on June 4 - 10. The engagement is now set to open on Monday, June 4 (from previously scheduled June 5 opening), with the additional performance added due to overwhelming demand. The press opening is still Tuesday, June 5 at 7:30 pm.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre, under the artistic leadership of Eric Rosen, closes its 2011-12 season with a professional production of the popular musical Little Shop of Horrors; book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith. Kyle Hatley directs. Little Shop of Horrors runs now through May 20 at the Rep's Copaken Stage. See photos from the production below!