InDepth InterView: Michael John LaChiusa Talks GIANT, Upcoming Projects & A Career Retrospective
by Pat Cerasaro
- Jun 23, 2013
Today we are talking to a spectacularly talented composer/lyricist noted for his incredibly impressive and accomplished oeuvre thus far, having collectively composed more than twenty full-length musicals, operas and specialty performance pieces - Michael John LaChiusa. Discussing his vast array of projects from BUZZSAW BERKELEY to FIRST LADY SUITE, HELLO AGAIN and THE PETRIFIED PRINCE Off-Broadway through to his double-header in the 1999-2000 millennial season with MARIE CHRISTINE and THE WILD PARTY both on Broadway to his Off-Broadway, regional and international successes since, ranging from LITTLE FISH to another two-show-season in 2006 with BERNARDA ALBA and SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE as well as THE HIGHEST YELLOW and the recent Americana-themed epic musical pseudo-trilogy of LOS otros, QUEEN OF THE MIST and GIANT. Additionally, LaChiusa touches upon some of his lesser-known work, such as his musical revue HOTEL C'EST L'AMOUR, various operatic pieces, additional material he provided for pieces such as THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS and his previous and upcoming solo musicals for continuing collaborator Audra McDonald, such as SEND (who are you? i love you) and MARLENE DIETRICH'S ABCs OF LOVE. Most importantly, LaChiusa takes us behind the scenes of the sparkling new deluxe cast album for GIANT, starring Brian D'Arcy James, and discusses the themes, ideas and adaptation of the Edna Ferber novel itself in a fascinating and revealing analysis of the vast, enveloping and vivid score he has composed for GIANT. Also, LaChiusa offers the 411 on this year's Tony Awards specialty song composed for host Neil Patrick Harris and some starry cohorts (Megan Hilty, Laura Benanti and Andrew Rannells), as well as previous Tony show one-offs penned for Hugh Jackman and others. Plus, LaChiusa clues us in on his upcoming projects - including FIRST DAUGHTER SUITE - and much, much more in this career-spanning conversations with one of modern musical theatre's most daring and prolific artists.
M&M Stage Productions to Present GODSPELL at Kelsey Theatre, 7/12-21
by Tyler Peterson
- Jun 17, 2013
The parables of Jesus Christ come to life when M&M Stage Productions presents the modern day musical "Godspell" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Performances are Fridays, July 12 and 19 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 13 and 20 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on July 12.
A. D. Players Announces 47th Season
by Kelsey Denette
- May 15, 2013
Founder and Artistic Director Jeannette Clift George today announced A. D. Players' 2013-2014 MainStage season of 'Favorites' including a Pulitzer prize winning play, a famous comedy, and an iconic musical.
Michael Cavanaugh and Houston Symphony Showcase Elton John and More, Now thru 4/21
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 19, 2013
Celebrating the 1970s, the Houston Symphony and Michael Cavanaugh will entertain audiences in concerts of classic rock favorites tonight, April 19 and April 20 & 21. Under the direction of Associate Conductor Robert Franz, the Symphony will accompany Cavanaugh on hits from Elton John and bands such as Journey, Chicago, the Eagles and Styx.
KCACTF's 45th Annual Festival Kicks Off in D.C. Today
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 15, 2013
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts previously announced national awardees for outstanding work from the regional festivals that were held January 8 through March 3, 2013. Individual awardees and a representative from each of the outstanding productions will travel to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. for an expenses-paid trip to participate in the 45th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), today, April 15-20, 2013.
Natalie Cortez and Mary Testa Join Michael John LaChiusa and Audra McDonald at 92Y, 4/15
by Kelsey Denette
- Apr 8, 2013
Vocalists and a pianist are announced for Lyrics & Lyricists Downtown, the L&L series at 92YTribeca. On Monday, April 15, this one-night-only event features a conversation with Tony Award-nominated lyricist composer and librettist Michael John LaChiusa. As one of today's most innovative, prolific and honored artists, LaChiusa's credits include Giant (which recently garnered a Lucille Lortel Award nomination as "Outstanding Musical,") Queen of the Mist, See What I Wanna See and Marie Christine. Joining him as moderator is five-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, who has starred in several of his works and included his songs on her CDs Way Back To Paradise and Happy Songs. The conversation - touching on LaChiusa's significant works and his songwriting process - is punctuated by songs with vocalists Natalie Cortez and Mary Testa and pianist Chris Fenwick.
Michael Cavanaugh and Houston Symphony to Showcase Elton John and More, 4/19-21
by BWW News Desk
- Apr 3, 2013
Celebrating the 1970s, the Houston Symphony and Michael Cavanaugh will entertain audiences in concerts of classic rock favorites on April 19, 20 and 21. Under the direction of Associate Conductor Robert Franz, the Symphony will accompany Cavanaugh on hits from Elton John and bands such as Journey, Chicago, the Eagles and Styx.
John Legend to Headline Vegas Gala For Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
by Caryn Robbins
- Mar 29, 2013
GRAMMY Award-winning artist John Legend will headline the 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) Celebration in Las Vegas with a private performance at ARIA Resort & Casino, Friday, April 5. Legend will take the stage at the annual invite-only party for the tournament's celebrities and VIP invited guests.
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