Kevin Nietzel News

Rock'n roll, teen rebellion, a collection of quirky, lovable characters, and a musical score seared into the American cultural fabric - all these come together in a breathless and breathtaking joy ride that pulsates with electrifying energy in Maine State Music Theatre's third main stage show, Grease. The Jim Jacobs/Warren Casey musical, which reminisces nostalgically about the joyful, naughty, unforgettable days of senior year in mythical Rydell High in 1959, has seen numerous permutations since its original production as an edgy, raunchy musical play called Vaseline in 1971, to its Broadway debut in 1972 and through various film versions including the iconic 1978 movie starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Here in its Broadway version, amplified with a number of the favorite songs from the movie, MSMT has created a high-flying confection that is a valentine to a simpler era with just the right sparks of sass and sweetness that combine for an irresistibly engaging evening that is sure to prove the summer theatre scene's mega hit.

Maine State Music Theatre brings Rydell High's senior class of 1959 to the Pickard stage with Grease July 19 - August 5.

AUSTEN'S PRIDE, A New Musical of Pride and Prejudice springs to life when the author re-imagines the world of her novel. As the love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy unfolds, Jane Austen learns to see both the story and herself in a new light.

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present its 2016 holiday show, Irving Berlin's White Christmas. The Ordway-produced musical will run Dec. 8-31 for a total of 30 performances.

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present its 2016 holiday show, Irving Berlin's White Christmas. The Ordway-produced musical will run Dec. 8-31 for a total of 30 performances.

Music Theatre Wichita opens its 45th summer season June 15-19 with the first of its five large- scale productions, Nice Work If You Can Get It at Century II Concert Hall in downtown Wichita, KS. This marks the 29th season for producing artistic director Wayne Bryan.

Casting is announced today for Music Theatre Wichita's 45th Season, which includes Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and the regional premieres of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "Mamma Mia!"  

The School of Theatre is bringing the beloved classic A Chorus Line to the stage of the Fallon Theatre October 16-25. This nine-time Tony Award®-winning show delves into the dreams and fears of the characters, revealing what they have done and would do for love. A Chorus Line features a stunning book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Under the direction of MFA Directing Candidate Jenna Tamisiea, A Chorus Line is sure to delight audiences young and old.

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Austin, Milwaukee, Toronto, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include HEATHERS in Austin, THE ISLAND in Milwaukee, and the Canadian premiere of KINKY BOOTS, just to name a few.

Disney's My Son Pinocchio is an enchanting little evening. Simple, soft and sweet, Pinocchio has lovely melodies by Stephen Schwartz, book by David I. Stern and direction by Wayne Bryan.

The School of Theatre at Florida State University presents Cabaret, written by Joe Masteroff with lyrics by Fred Ebb and music by John Kander. Cabaret will be directed by School of Theatre faculty member Tom Ossowski, and will feature such beloved musical theatre classics as Willkommen, Cabaret, Married, and Money.

The School of Theatre at Florida State University presents Cabaret, written by Joe Masteroff with lyrics by Fred Ebb and music by John Kander. Cabaret will be directed by School of Theatre faculty member Tom Ossowski, and will feature such beloved musical theatre classics as Willkommen, Cabaret, Married, and Money.

Early in the first act of the Tom Snow - Dean Pitchford 1998 musical Footloose, Ren declares his passion for dancing - 'I can't sit still' - and, indeed, by the end of the evening at the Pickard Theatre, the audience for Maine State Music Theatre echoes his mantra. They are cheering, swaying, and shouting to the music, and embracing the exuberant, touching message of this show. Directed and choreographed brilliantly by Patti Colombo (assisted by Karl Warden) and performed by a dynamic cast, this fourth and final production of MSMT's 2014 season dazzles and delights.

The intern program at Maine State Music Theatre is one of the company's finest features, and what better way to showcase these talented 2014 performers than as the youthful, energetic ensemble in the Steven Schwartz/John-Michael Tebelak rock musical, GODSPELL. Billed as a concert performance, this production directed by Curt Dale Clark, is actually fairly elaborate in terms of choreography and musical-dramatic staging. Clark sets a compelling pace - ninety minutes of sheer joie de vivre - and he draws from these young actors highly individualized and detailed characterizations, at the same time that he inspires the kind of ensemble dynamic so crucial to this show: the sense of love and sharing that resonates with the play's message and communicates to the audience.

Maine State Music Theatre presents the hit Broadway show Godspell for two shows only on July 28th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.