Jon Engstrom News

As the cliche goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. That is perhaps partly the philosophy behind the rather faithful stage adaptation of the gloriously wonderful movie musical SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, now once again charmingly replicated in a smile-inducing local production at Musical Theatre West that continues through July 26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. An almost scene-by-scene, note-for-note recreation of the superb cinematic masterpiece, the musical theater iteration of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN smartly and painstakingly reenacts every key moment and memorable musical happenstance from the 1952 movie that many have since heralded as one of the best movie musicals of all time. With MTW's latest revival specifically, director/choreographer Jon Engstrom has helmed a joyful production worth experiencing, whether it's your first or hundredth time. And, yes, it rains on stage... and it's a sight to behold!

To those newer generation theatre and movie fans who do not remember 1952's blockbuster hit film Singin' in the Rain, directors Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green and costars Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds all contributed to making it the smash that it was... and still is. The zany lightweight hit transferred to the stage in the early 80s and showed the craziness that may have happened when the big movie studios were transitioning from silents to talkies in the late 20s. Now in a classy revival at Musical Theatre West (MTW) in Long Beach, it's all brought back to exuberantly colorful life by skilled director Jon Engstrom and a delicious company of triple threats through July 26 only.

Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain runs tonight, July 10, through July 26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage.

Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain runs July 10-26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.  Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage. 

?Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain July 10-26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.  Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage.  Tickets are now on sale at the MTW Ticket Office, online at  www.musical.org, or by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4.  Ticket prices start at $20.  And, by popular demand, a matinee preview performance on Saturday, July 11, 2pm is now on sale with great seats still available!

The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park will resonate with the sounds of music in January. No... not 'those' sounds of music, but sounds unique to South Florida... fast paced, exciting, and exotic.

The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park will resonate with the sounds of music in January. No... not 'those' sounds of music, but sounds unique to South Florida... fast paced, exciting, and exotic.

Music Theatre Wichita's 43 summer season finishes this weekend with the closing of "42nd Street," but plans are already underway for next summer, as the 2015 titles have just been announced.

Music Theatre Wichita's 43 summer season comes to a conclusion with "42nd Street," directed and choreographed by original cast member Jon Engstrom, and featuring Damon Kirsche as Julian Marsh, Tracy Lore as Dorothy Brock, Tessa Grady as Peggy Sawyer, and Shonn Wiley as Billy Lawlor. Patty Reeder appears as Maggie Jones, partnered by Robert Ariza as Bert Barry, with Timothy W. Robu as Abner Dillon and Ryan Vasquez as Pat Denning. Tapping their way into several major numbers are Amy Baker Schwiethale as "Anytime" Annie, Jacob Chancellor as dance director Andy Lee, Katie Wesler as Phyllis, Becca Petersen as Lorraine, and Emily Pirtleas Diane.

Continuing the 43rd season for Music Theatre Wichita, the fourth of this summer's five large-scale productions is the Kansas premiere of "Catch Me If You Can," at Century II Concert Hall in downtown Wichita, KS.

Music Theatre Wichita opened its 43rd summer season this week with the first of its five large-scale productions, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific. Check out a video of the cast and crew backstage below!

Music Theatre Wichita opened its 43rd summer season this week with the first of its five large-scale productions, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific. Check out highlights below!

Music Theatre Wichita opened its 43rd summer season this week with the first of its five large-scale productions, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific.

Saladino Dance Productions' Rome Saladino and Marina Putane have assembled a superb eight-member ensemble to perform Singin' and Dancin' in the Rain, their tribute to Hollywood's legendary song and dance man, Gene Kelly. The show consistently received standing ovations when it played at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and the Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College.

To high-kick-start its 60th anniversary season, Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA is presenting a glossy, high-energy revival of what could be the Great Grand-Daddy of all backstage musicals: 42ND STREET. This terrific, tap-tastic new production continues performances at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center through November 11.

With Jon Engstrom's super direction and choreography and this cast's nonstop excellent tapping, cavorting, and devilishly fine chemistry, this production of 42nd Street dazzles from top to bottom.

42nd STREET opened last night, October 27th, at Musical Theatre West, and runs for 12 performances through November 11, 2012. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, each show is created from the ground up at its rehearsal studios in Long Beach using a blend of both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood and national tours, as well as the best in local talent. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer, has announced the cast of the ultimate Broadway musical, featuring the largest MTW cast in years. 42nd STREET, previewing October 26th, opening on October 27th and running for twelve performances through November 11, 2012. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, each show is created from the ground up at its rehearsal studios in Long Beach using a blend of both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood and national tours, as well as the best in local talent.

Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer, has announced the cast of the ultimate Broadway musical, featuring the largest MTW cast in years. 42nd STREET, previewing October 26th, opening on October 27th and running for twelve performances through November 11, 2012. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, each show is created from the ground up at its rehearsal studios in Long Beach using a blend of both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood and national tours, as well as the best in local talent.