Jordan Nichols News

LORD OF THE FLIES opened this past weekend at Playhouse on the Square, and runs through March 26.

After a devastating plane crash, an ordinary group of schoolboys finds itself marooned on an island. At first, it seems as though it's all going to be great fun, but before long, the fun becomes furious, and life on the island turns into a nightmare of panic and death. As ordinary standards of behavior collapse, the world the boys know collapses with them-the world of cricket, homework, and adventure stories-and another world is revealed: one that is both primitive and terrible. Based on the classic book, Lord of the Flies is the tale of how human beings react when their humanity is stripped away. 

After a devastating plane crash, an ordinary group of schoolboys finds itself marooned on an island. At first, it seems as though it's all going to be great fun, but before long, the fun becomes furious, and life on the island turns into a nightmare of panic and death. As ordinary standards of behavior collapse, the world the boys know collapses with them-the world of cricket, homework, and adventure stories-and another world is revealed: one that is both primitive and terrible. Based on the classic book, Lord of the Flies is the tale of how human beings react when their humanity is stripped away. 

In Cyprus, Texas, all good children are taught to obey the teachings of the bible in order to avoid Satan's evil grip. But when students at the Christian Puppet Ministry put those teachings into practice, one devout young man's puppet takes on a mind of its own with consequences that no one could have expected. Described by The New York Times as "disturbing as it is uproarious,"  this hilarious fast-paced comedy features a foul-mouthed sock puppet named Tyrone who shows us that sometimes our deepest and darkest desires can fit like a glove. P.S. This show may feature puppets, but it is absolutely not for children. Seriously. You'll thank us later. 

In Cyprus, Texas, all good children are taught to obey the teachings of the bible in order to avoid Satan's evil grip. But when students at the Christian Puppet Ministry put those teachings into practice, one devout young man's puppet takes on a mind of its own with consequences that no one could have expected. Described by The New York Times as "disturbing as it is uproarious,"  this hilarious fast-paced comedy features a foul-mouthed sock puppet named Tyrone who shows us that sometimes our deepest and darkest desires can fit like a glove. P.S. This show may feature puppets, but it is absolutely not for children. Seriously. You'll thank us later. 

Playhouse on the Square presents the world premiere of Adam Seidel's beautiful new work, Other People's Happiness. On a weekend trip to the family cabin, Sara tells John that after 30 years of marriage, she is leaving him for a much younger man. Her decision leaves her entire family in chaos, causing the audience to ask the question, "When you give up your happiness for everyone else, what is your breaking point?" Other People's Happiness is a play about blind devotion, failed expectations, the redefining of family, and the enduring nature of love. Other People's Happiness is a winner of the 2015 NewWorks@TheWorks Playwriting competition. 

Votes are cast; polls are closed; and results have been tabulated! This was our biggest year yet! After a record number of voters in more than 75 regions worldwide, BroadwayWorld is very excited to announce the 2016 Memphis winners! Thanks to all who voted, and huge congratulations to all the winners!

Playhouse on the Square is excited to partner with Full Spectrum Theatre Company to present a special sensory friendly performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! 

Playhouse on the Square presents the world premiere of Adam Seidel's beautiful new work, Other People's Happiness. On a weekend trip to the family cabin, Sara tells John that after 30 years of marriage, she is leaving him for a much younger man. Her decision leaves her entire family in chaos, causing the audience to ask the question, "When you give up your happiness for everyone else, what is your breaking point?" Other People's Happiness is a play about blind devotion, failed expectations, the redefining of family, and the enduring nature of love. Other People's Happiness is a winner of the 2015 NewWorks@TheWorks Playwriting competition. 

The Rising Star Award, established by LDI/LiveDesign magazine, is given annually to a young professional at the beginning of his or her career. The award recognizes excellence and artistic achievement in scenic, lighting, sound, projection design, and convergence of these design disciplines.

Playhouse on the Square is excited to partner with Full Spectrum Theatre Company to present a special sensory friendly performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! 

Junie B. Jones (world's funniest first grader) is SUPER excited about the upcoming holiday sing-along and gift exchange at her school. That is, of course, until she draws Bossy-Head May for Secret Santa! Junie B. thinks this might be the perfect way to teach Bossy-Head May a lesson, but will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere with her plans? Based on the best-selling books by Barbara Park.

Junie B. Jones (world's funniest first grader) is SUPER excited about the upcoming holiday sing-along and gift exchange at her school. That is, of course, until she draws Bossy-Head May for Secret Santa! Junie B. thinks this might be the perfect way to teach Bossy-Head May a lesson, but will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere with her plans? Based on the best-selling books by Barbara Park.

Playhouse on the Square is proud to announce our 25th anniversary production of the beloved classic Peter Pan! Wendy, Michael, and John Darling are in for the adventure of their lives when Peter Pan comes swooping into their nursery one seemingly average night. Featuring songs such as "I Gotta Crow" and "I'm Flying," this timeless tale of fun, adventure, and of course, never growing up is the perfect holiday treat for audiences of all ages. 

On August 12th, Playhouse on the Square's 48th season opens with the smash-hit musical Mamma Mia!

The actors in this Circuit Playhouse production, directed by Bob Hetherington, are uniformly excellent, if overly energized.

Best described as a grownup's prequel to Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher begins when young starcatcher-in-training, Molly, meets an orphan boy longing for a home of his own. Together, the duo embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. Join them as they discover how the captain got that famous hook, how a young boy named Peter became the boy who wouldn't grow up, and how one courageous young woman can change the fate of the world. A dozen talented actors play over 100 different characters in this Tony Award-winning play with music that is sure to have you leaving the theatre grinning from ear-to-ear.

When Director and Co-Choreographer Jordan Nichols first saw and enjoyed MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL, he knew that he just had to stage a production in the city itself; as polished and entertaining as it was, it needed just a little something . . . 'an infusion of Memphis grit.' In Playhouse on the Square's powerful, pulsating production of the musical, he has achieved just that. Memphians are very proud and protective of their musical heritage, and though originators Joe DiPietro and David Bryan have not attempted to portray real persons and events, their knowledge of the early 'rock and roll' era and its personalities has resulted in a satisfying approximation. Having few musical gifts outside a kazoo, I could nonetheless play 'Six Degrees of Elvis Presley' with some confidence: My third cousin was Bill Black, bassist for Elvis Presley in those early days; and my first cousin's brother-in-law was cult rockabilly musician Charlie Feathers ('Tongue-tied Jill'). I remember enjoying disc jockey Dewey Phillips (on whom MEMPHIS protagonist 'Huey Calhoun' is based) and his outsized personality, and anyone with any knowledge of Sun Studios and the early careers of Jerry Lee Lewis (who shocked an older generation with his marriage to a younger cousin), Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley know that these artists came from humble ('cracker,' in the play) beginnings. These icons always acknowledged their debt to black gospel and blues musicians. All of that, together with racism and interracial relationships, surfaces in MEMPHIS.

?Inspired by actual events, Memphis centers around a white disc jokey, Huey, who wants to change the world, and black club singer, Felicia, who is ready for her big break. Their incredible story takes them to the ends of the airwaves and on a journey filled with laughter, emotion, and a whole lot of Memphis soul.

If you decide to attend Circuit Playhouse's production of PAGEANT in the next few weeks, and if you find yourself blushing at some of the eyebrow-raising humor, there's no need for alarm: Pink cheeks will blend right in, as the stage, many of the dresses and gowns, and much of the make-up are redolent with that color. However, the musical tends more toward the 'purple' at times, with innuendo, knowing looks, and pregnant pauses. Nonetheless, Robert Longbottom's lightweight little satire (with Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly and Music by Albert Evans) is a relatively harmless (and highly enjoyable) outing.