Jeff Cason News

Leading theatrical group Puttin' on Productions (POPs) produces musical theater experiences featuring top young actors in professional level productions for all ages.

Leading theatrical group Puttin' on Productions (POPs) produces musical theater experiences featuring top young actors in professional level productions for all ages.

Leading theatrical group Puttin' on Productions (POPs) produces musical theater experiences featuring top young actors in professional level productions for all ages.

Last Sunday, we ventured into Los Angeles to see two Ventura County theater alumni in a production of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Next to Normal, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that is being staged at the Pico Playhouse. Michelle Lane and Harrison Meloeny were both in Cabrillo Music Theatre's 2015 production of Mary Poppins and have reunited to appear in this highly acclaimed production.

Talk about quirkiness and how it makes a musical rock! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is terribly funny in a smart, slick, offbeat manner with prize worthy characterizations of lively eclectic people.It may be a tad long like the actual spelling out of words (that are not to be believed!)yet the exaggeration and contestants' varied reactions give rise to some great comic moments...and I love the audience involvement! Some of the contestants are picked from the audience and their ad-libs lend one.of.a.kind hilarity. The unpredictability in denouement is another big plus in the overall enjoyment of the show. It's like a real contest. Who will win is anybody's guess!

Celebrating its 5th year anniversary, Broadway In The Park and Gensler are presenting SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at this year's summer theatre festival, August 7, 8, 9, and 10 at El Segundo Recreation Park Softball Field. Director and Executive Producer Jeff Cason remarks, "This year's show will be our most ambitious yet. We're entertaining our guests with big tap dance numbers, movies interspersed with the live action, and real rain onstage for the title number. It will truly be the MGM classic film brought to life for kids and adults!"

Based on the 1939 MGM movie musical, this production includes all your favorite songs and characters from the film, including 'Over The Rainbow' and 'We're Off To See The Wizard' and features a cast of 36 professional and local actors of all ages, presented with full sets, costumes brilliantly designed by Diana Mann, and spectacular lighting effects out on the baseball field.

Broadway In The Park and Gensler present The Wizard Of Oz at this year's summer theatre festival, August 8, 9, 10 and 11 at El Segundo Recreation Park Softball Field.

The second annual Broadway & Beyond, a variety show featuring some of the biggest names from television, stand-up comedy and the American theater stage, was held September 26th at the Alex Theatre in Glendale.