Josh Young News

Today, in an extension of the FLASH FRIDAY column, we are sharpening our focus on the six upcoming revivals of musicals that are soon to hit the boards in the next few months (post-FOLLIES) and battle it out for the Best Revival as the Broadway season heats up just when the weather begins to cool: the classic Jule Styne/Bob Merrill musical that originally starred that star-of-stars, Barbra Streisand - FUNNY GIRL; the groundbreaking rock opera that rewrote the theatrical rulebook thanks to young creators Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice - JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR; the hippie, flower child take on the Christ story covering some similar Biblical ground to that of SUPERSTAR, with this one being the composing debut of WICKED songwriter Stephen Schwartz - GODSPELL; another Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice collaboration that won seven Tony Awards and acted as the vehicle for Patti LuPone's blazing Broadway debut in a starring role - EVITA; the significantly reworked, revised and rewritten new version of the beautifully scored time-travel musical by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner, this time starring a male movie star crooner - ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER; and, the landmark American opera composed by the Gershwins with DuBose Haywerd - PORGY & BESS. While each and every one of these entities has a huge hit song or two that nearly everyone on the planet knows by heart - "Don't Rain On My Parade", "I Don't Know How To Love Him", "Day By Day", "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "On A Clear Day…" and 'Summertime' included - each of these revivals also comes after a film version (or two) that, in more than a few of these cases, will be relatively difficult to top as far as expectations of many audience members undoubtedly will go. So, by taking a listen to the smash hit crossover songs from these musicals as well as looking at their respective film version's trailers - as well as a couple of surprises, too - perhaps we can glean some insight into what makes these generally pretty terrific properties so well worth reviving on Broadway, here, now, today, in 2011. Furthermore, all of this crystal ball commentary is not even taking into account the starry assortment of performers that have already been announced for these productions so far - especially with FUNNY GIRL's Lauren Ambrose and Bobby Cannavale, GODSPELL's Hunter Parrish, SUPERSTAR's lauded Josh Young, EVITA's Ricky Martin and Michael Cerveris, PORGY's Norm Lewis and Audra McDonald, as well as the leading man in what was once a leading lady's role (that of Barbara Harris) in ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, Harry Connick, Jr.! What a tight race it is turning out to be for these new productions, particularly come Tony time in June! With rock to rhumba and borscht belt comedy to messianic hosannas and even full-out opera, seemingly every conceivable customer base is more than covered by this packed, potentially, well, awesome, season of shows - and many Broadway babies around BroadwayWorld are undoubtedly looking most forward to these six forthcoming revivals - with particularly good reason given the relative dearth of new musicals announced so far. So, let these revivals revive your flagging spirits as we leap into the 2011-2012 season with this comprehensive prospective and retrospective all about what makes them work so well in the first place and so worthy of another look!

It was announced today that The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's hit production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by the Festival's Artistic Director Des McAnuff, will open at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway on Thursday, March 22, 2012. Previews will begin Thursday, March 1, 2012.

In light of yesterday's announcement that the Stratford production of Jesus Christ Superstar is Broadway bound in March of 2012, it seems a perfect time to feature the last in our series of profile interviews with this talented Canadian cast. Today we are speaking with Josh Young, one of Stratford's hottest leading men, who plays Judas in the production. He talks to us about the incredible Superstar journey, why people should come see this production, and (what were at that time) Broadway rumours.

In November, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will open at La Jolla Playhouse with Des McAnuff directing. However, no plans are confirmed on it's expected move to Broadway, according to Sign On San Diego.

The Royal Conservatory announced recently a Tribute Concert to honour Des McAnuff, Broadway's Canadian visionary director and Tony Award-winner.

Today, Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post that the show will then head to Broadway this Spring, playing the Neil Simon Theatre.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Avon Theatre on Friday June 3rd to outstanding reviews with audiences and critics alike raving about this magnificent new take on the now four decade old show. Directed by Des McAnuff, the show tells the story of the last week of Christ's life. Since the show's opened, there has been a flood of theatre insiders travelling to Toronto to see the show to discuss moving it to Broadway.

La Jolla Playhouse has announced that the acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, directed by Playhouse Director Emeritus and Stratford Shakespeare Festival Artistic Director Des McAnuff, will replace the previously-announced musical Finding Neverland. This thrilling revival will run in the Mandell Weiss Theatre November 18 - December 31, 2011.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Avon Theatre on Friday June 3rd to outstanding reviews with audiences and critics alike raving about this magnificent new take on the now four decade old show. Directed by Des McAnuff, the show tells the story of the last week of Christ's life. Since the show's opened, there has been a flood of theatre insiders travelling to Toronto to see the show to discuss moving it to Broadway. The cast recently visited CBC Radio, where they performed 'Heaven on Their Minds,' 'I Don't Know How to Love Him,' and 'Gethsemane.' Click here to listen to the broadcast.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice both travelled to see the show and came away from their experiences - wildly enthusiastic. Now, Michael Riedel in the New York Post has picked up on the trail this morning, and he adds fuel to the fire that has the show likely to come to Broadway in the Spring of 2012.

Now, the paper reports that 'Tim Rice, the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar, attended the Wednesday night performance of his show at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival less than two weeks after his composer colleague, Andrew Lloyd Webber undertook the same journey. This only served to underscore the constant rumbling since the show's June 3 opening that it was headed for Broadway - fast. If both of the show's creators give this production their blessing, then the chances of it going to Broadway have just grown exponentially.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Avon Theatre on Friday June 3rd. Directed by Des McAnuff, the show tells the story of the last week of Christ's life and the relationship between Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene in a rock pop musical spectacular. View the production's 'Pilate's Dream' perfromed by Brent Carver below!

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Avon Theatre on Friday June 3rd. Directed by Des McAnuff, the show tells the story of the last week of Christ's life and the relationship between Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene in a rock pop musical spectacular. Take a first look at the production by clicking below!

Toronto's Luminato Festival held the perfect post-Tony Awards bash this past Monday with its outdoor concert in David Pecaut Square entitled 'Broadway's Night Out.' Hosted by Toronto's Broadway Babies Sharron Matthews and Shawn Hitchins, the show featured cast members from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Shaw Festival's My Fair Lady, Meow Meow and Lance Horne. BWW was on hand to bring you photos of all the Broadway fun.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's new production of Jesus Christ Superstar opened at The Avon Theatre on Friday June 3rd. Directed by Des McAnuff, the show tells the story of the last week of Christ's life and the relationship between Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene in a rock pop musical spectacular. The show's creator, Andrew Lloyd Webber visited the cast in rehearsal and BroadwayWorld brings you the group photo below!

Commenting on the show on his official web site, Andrew said: "I have just seen a fabulous production of Jesus Christ Superstar. It is very probably the best acted performance of the show I have ever seen and fully worthy of the fantastic reviews it has received. I pass my congratulations to Des McAnuff and everyone involved with the production at the Stratford Festival, Ontario."

Today, the Toronto Star is reporting that composer Andrew Lloyd Webber came to town on Saturday to see the production which has been generating potential Broadway buzz. If true, the production would come to town along with another bible based revival - the already confirmed GODSPELL.

What do Josh Young, Kait Kerrigan, Brian Lowdermilk, Marcus Stevens and Carey Brown have in common? They all grew up learning about theatre at Young People's Theatre Workshop in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. In fact, Kerrigan and Lowdermilk will be teaching a workshop on June 27th at YPTW's Theatre Arts Overnight Camp. The camp is a 5 night camp held at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. Go to YPTW.org for more information.

Carolyn Rossi Copeland & AG Funding will present a special invitational reading of the new musical AMAZING GRACE, with music & lyrics by Christopher Smith and book by Mr. Smith & Arthur Giron, for two performances on Thursday, February 10th and Friday, February 11th at 3 p.m. at The New 42nd Street Studios (229 West 42nd Street)

Variety is reporting that a new musical, AMAZING GRACE will have a pair of readings February 10-11, directed by Gabriel Barre.