“It is perfect symmetry to utter the words ‘Curt Dale Clark’ and ‘Christmas’ in one sentence because no one does Christmas better than he and Marc Robin.” These were my words as moderator of MSMT’s third Peek Behind the Curtain panel discussion as I introduced MSMT Artistic Director, (Curt Dale Clark) and his concept for the Christmas in July extravaganza currently providing context for the theatre’s spectacular production of WHITE CHRISTMAS, directed and choreographed by Robin. The panel of several of the show’s stars, Kerry Conte (Betty Haynes), Darien Crago (Judy Haynes), and David Girolmo (General Waverly) joined Clark and me to share with the audience their experience on stage in the beloved Irving Berlin classic now running at the Pickard Theater until August 3.
Reba McEntire has unveiled the official music video for her new single “I Can’t.” Directed by Dano Cerny, the epic landscape-driven video showcases stunning visuals and dancers whose movements are inspired by the song’s lyrics. Watch it now!
Broadway star Nick Cartell – currently headlining as Jean Valjean on the national tour of Les Misérables – has released his new album A Thousand Spotlights on CD and in streaming and digital platforms today, Friday, July 26.
Famous, based on a novel by Blake Crouch, follows the character of Lance Dunkquist, a man with a remarkable resemblance to Hollywood star, James Jansen. As he travels to Los Angeles, Lance makes it his mission to become famous- whatever it takes.
Alexandra Billings & Honey West will perform in The Big Gay Cabaret, performing together for the first time in 20 years at The Mercury Theater Chicago. Performances are Friday/Saturday, August 9 & 10 at 8pm.
WALKIN’ AFTER MIDNIGHT will be released digitally on September 6 with a physical release scheduled for November 8 from Blix Street Records. The Irving Berlin standard “Blue Skies,” Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and the title track, “Walkin’ After Midnight,” are now available via all digital outlets.
Lucie Arnaz has had a long and varied career. The crowd at 54 Below on Thursday, July 20 was treated to a setlist of songs from a bevy of roles she has played or desired to play. Overall, Arnaz proved why she indeed got so many jobs, and how she continues to shine on stage today!
The thermometer in Brunswick Maine reads 85°F, but as one approaches the Pickard Theater, a band plays Christmas music outside, and inside the lights are twinkling; the halls are decked with garlands and wreaths; there is literally a forest of elegantly decorated trees, and there is a promise of snow in the air. This is, indeed, a white Christmas like no other.
The brainchild of Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, Maine Street Music Theatre has created “Christmas in July” with a spectacular production of Irving Berlin’s classic WHITE CHRISTMAS, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin as its centerpiece. This is a singular and sensational opportunity to experience a breathtaking Broadway musical in a beautiful fantasy setting.
Paper Mill Playhouse will present the Front Row Center series featuring solo shows by Karen Mason, Jarran Muse, and Nicholas Rodriguez in an intimate cabaret setting. Learn how to purchase tickets.
“There’s so much more to this show than just Christmas,” declares actress Kerry Conte, describing Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, which receives its first ever production at Maine State Music Theatre beginning July 17.
“It’s one of those shows that has something for everyone,” adds co-star Will Ray. “How lucky are we to spread a little Christmas cheer in July!” Ray, who plays Bob Wallace, and Conte, who portrays Betty Haynes, are enthusing about Maine State Music Theatre’s newest extravaganza: a spectacular, immersive production of the holiday classic that will transform the entire Pickard Theater and offer dazzling visual effects, breathtaking choreography, and stunning vocal and dance performances as it tells the beloved story in the irresistible language of live theatre.
I reckon it’s a stroke of producing genius to launch a run of DEATHTRAP, Ira Levin’s classic meta-thriller, on the same day that the Toronto Fringe Festival kicks off. Fringe plays tend to be edgy, experimental, personal, and always of their moment; DEATHTRAP, a sturdy two-acter about a playwright whose idea for a murder mystery becomes reality, is safe, comfortable. Fringe is hot sauce; DEATHTRAP is a fine mayonnaise.
We spoke to Charis Leos about appearing in Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Maine State Music Theatre! Charis is a familiar face at MSMT, appearing in dozens of shows over the years, beginning with Nunsense in 1997. Some favorite MSMT roles include Roz (9 to 5), Rose (Gypsy), Louise (Always, Patsy Cline), Paulette (Legally Blonde), Maggie (42nd Street), Madame Thenardier (Les Miserables), Chaperone (Drowsy Chaperone) and Dolly (Hello, Dolly!).
The first all-Gershwin concert in history Cuban Overture will be re-created July 11, 2024 at the Hollywood Bowl as All-Gershwin. Former LA Phil Associate Conductor Lionel Bringuier reprises the night with Gershwin’s iconic classical, jazz, and Caribbean rhythms, while celebrating Rhapsody in Blue’s 100th anniversary, The evening will feature the Los Angeles Philharmonic, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and vocalists Isabel Leonard and Tony Yazbeck. Tony graciously took time to answer a few of my queries.
In 2025, BearManor Media will publish Lawrence Schulman's third book for BearManor Media, called Peter Allen: Somebody's Angel - The Boy From Oz In The Key of Camp. Learn more.
