Due to a new filming conflict, Michael Carbonaro, has had to step down from the role of host for the annual 'It's Magic!' show. However, Producers Milt Larsen and Terry Hill are very fortunate to have been able to secure Tony Award winning ventriloquist Jay Johnson as his replacement to perform in and host the show.
Tony Award-Winner Len Cariou returns to 54 Below, where he will be performing selections from George and Ira Gershwin. Cariou will be performing Dec 11, 13, and 14. For more information, please visit http://54below.com/artist/len-cariou/.
Streep revealed the exciting news that lyricist/composer Stephen Sondheim has written an all-new song for her character 'The Witch' in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of his hit Broadway musical 'Into the Woods!'
According to Deadline, the studio will release the sequel to Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND on May 27, 2016, and the Jon Favreau-helmed JUNGLE BOOK live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's novel on Oct. 9, 2015.
The old sayings, 'You've got to see it to believe it,' and 'You either get 'IT'or you don't,' are certainly sayings that could be (and probably are) applied to WICKED.
With its 10th anniversary this year, and nine current productions performing around the globe, I must say I was completely surprised during intermission. A gentleman sitting in front of me struck up a conversation and nonchalantly stated he had bought the ticket on a whim while in town for business ~ with no clue what the show was about. He had no idea it was in reference to Wizard of Oz and had no anticipation. He was simply ready to enjoy a live theater production and that was what caught his eye online.
Wow.
The winner of more than 50 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, was unknown to this gentleman. Naturally, I reflected back to my first time of seeing it in Chicago, and the subsequent reviews of 'Wicked' I have written ~ each one a totally different experience and finding different aspects most notable.
At my first experience, I was blown away ~ as almost everyone is. The second, I noticed the nods to the book, film and characters. At my third, I noticed, and wrote about, the symbolism transportation played ~ in this review (REVIEW: WICKED 2010).
After seeing any show several times, the viewer naturally compares the actors and have those they feel most closely fit the bill, the ones they believe most talented, etc.
This production stars Jennifer DiNoia as Elphaba and Hayley Podschun as Glinda. If you are a fan of Kristin Chenoweth and, frankly, who isn't? ~ then, you will absolutely adore Podschun. She practically radiates on stage during 'Popular,' drawing ecstatic applause from the engaged audience.
Naturally, DiNoia's rendition of the power ballad won thunderous applause. It is definitely one of DiNoia's finer moments in the performance. Her other being the duet, 'What is this Feeling?' with Podschun as the two opposing witches realize how much they loathe each other.
The main issue with anyone stepping into the sparkly shoes of Glinda or the work boots of Elphaba in the musical loosely based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is they are attempting to fill seriously talented footsteps. Even those who have not (gasp) seen the musical, have more than likely heard of the Broadway originators of the roles ~ Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel (read review of her solo performance here).
And therein lies the problem. Can anyone ever make the role truly their own, while compared to the greats at every turn?
Probably not.
At least not for another 10 years.
It would be equivalent to performing a role so well the audience forgets Judy Garland (The Wizard of Oz), Michael Crawford (Phantom of the Opera), or Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean). Whether a stage or screen production, some performers become the standard for all others after them. A tough act.
With that said, it's like being in the top 10 percent of your graduating class. No, you aren't No. 1 or 2, but you're still in the top percentile. Nothing to be upset over.
Bottom Line: Whether this is your first, or 15th time, Wicked is a must-see anytime it is in town.
Performance Schedule
There is no performance on Thanksgiving Day,Thursday, November 28.
November 13-17: Wednesday & Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Thursday matinee at 2:00 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm and Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; November 19-24: Tuesday -Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm and Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; November 26 - December 1: Monday - Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm, Friday at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sunday matinee at 1:00 pm.
Click here for information on $25 ticket lottery for Wicked in Indianapolis.
Images: provided by BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Joan Marcus
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy's Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.
The legendary Vaudeville-inspired spectacle, Beacher's Madhouse at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino will make its triumphant return to Las Vegas this New Year's Eve weekend. Its Vegas homecoming will reach new heights of madness as two experiences, Beacher's Madhouse The Nightclub and Beacher's Madhouse The Show, both under one roof, will be unveiled to guests with never-before-seen acts and non-stop entertainment five nights a week.
Kendall Schmidt, the lead singer of Big Time Rush, will be debuting for the first time ever in America his new group Heffron Drive with the help of PopStar! and Planet Hollywood.
Headlining Arts Centre Melbourne's summer season is The Illusionists, a grand and spectacular celebration of the art of magic by the most innovative illusionists working today, which will be leaving State Theatre audiences speechless from 3 to 12 January 2014.
Today we are talking to one of Broadway's biggest recent breakout stars all about his wide range of recent roles, from Broadway comedies to TV dramas to big screen movie musicals and beyond - the amiable and versatile Billy Magnussen. Discussing the finer points of his recent Broadway run in Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning Best Play VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, Magnussen imparts stories of sharing the stage with stalwarts Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce and expresses his enthusiasm for the piece. Furthermore, Magnussen offers up the exclusive 411 on his newest venture, the big screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's fairy tale-themed musical INTO THE WOODS and reveals fascinating new details about the production, as well as recounts co-starring with Meryl Streep and more. Most importantly, Magnussen gives us a preview of what we can expect from his upcoming UK rock shows with band Reserved For Rondee, opening up about the roots of the band, the types of shows they put on and specifics about the two shows coming up later this month. Plus, Magnussen comments on some of his most notable recent film and TV appearances - ranging from his stupendous character arc of HBO's BOARDWALK EMPIRE to his brief but memorable role in the indie THE EAST - and also looks ahead to his role on the new David Milch-penned HBO series THE MONEY as well as the upcoming Mary Pickford biopic THE FIRST. All of that, recollections of his recent audition for the big screen 50 SHADES OF GREY feature film and much, much more awaits in this engrossing conversation with a major Broadway and Hollywood talent on the rise.
One of the most iconic and recognizable 19th century novels, Lewis Carroll's literary masterpiece ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND has been translated into countless iterations over the nearly 150 years since its debut, yet the new Fathom Events presentation of noted director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's incredibly imaginative and vivid ballet production may be the most satisfying yet.
William Sadler, John Heard, James Russo, Esmé Bianco, Andrew Keegan and Thomas Ian Nicholas (“American Pie” films, “Rules of Attraction”) will star in Brian A. Metcalf's new horror/drama “Living Among Us.”
The full cast for The El. Train, joining the previously announced Ruth Wilson, is Simon Coombs, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Christian Edwards, Nicola Hughes, Adam Sopp, Ony Uhiara and Zubin Varla.
After starring in the single-season series SAVE ME, Heche is reteaming with HUNG's creator Colette Burson for a new untitled comedy, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Heche and Burson are set to co-write.
Blanchett takes on the role of 'Janet,' who returns for the funeral of her grandfather, a film visual effects artist who secretly worked as a U.S. special ops agent. As her grandfather's secret life becomes a threat to her, she is forced to uncover the truth about his mysterious background. Dale will play a 'military major' related to Blanchett.
Broadway headliner and rising film and TV star Mackenzie Mauzy was one of many young performers to audition for the hotly contested role of Cosette in the big screen adaptation of mega-musical stage sensation LES MISERABLES and a filmed audition featuring the leading lady is now available to view, highlighting an emotional and committed portrayal of one of the central figures in the expansive story based on Victor Hugo's classic novel
Lise Romanoff's Vision Films has announced that they will be releasing the iconic documentary SUNSET STRIP directed by Hans Fjellestad (WHEN THE WORLD BREAKS) today across multiple VOD platforms such as iTunes, Xbox, Playstation, Amazon, Blockbuster, Vimeo and direct to consumers via the Yerka player. The film will debut on DVD on December 10th.
Nominees for THE 40th ANNUAL PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS were announced this morning at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills. People's Choice Awards Executive Producer Mark Burnett was on hand to announce the hosts for the live awards show, Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings, stars of the CBS sitcom '2 Broke Girls.'