Kevin Stites News

As soon as the orchestra launches into the opening bars of Maine State Music Theatre’s current production of Anastasia, there is a frisson of electricity that runs through the house.

MSMT resumed its 11th season of the popular series, Peek Behind the Curtain, on June 11, 2025, presenting a panel of stars from the current production of ANASTASIA together with MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark and BWW moderator Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold. Held at  Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, the event drew through an enthusiastic crowd. Among the panelists were a Mary Ernster (Broadway WAR PAINT, THE NOTEBOOK, Winner 2 Jeff Awards), who portrays the Dowager Empress; Amanda Rose (Broadway MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, WICKED, National Tours of OKLAHOMA, WICKED,HOLIDAY INN), who plays Countess Lily; and Christopher Page-Sanders (THE FROGS, THE WIZ, DREAMGIRLS), who serves as Associate Choreographer and Dance Captain of the show.

For more than a century since the Russian Revolution, the mystery and romance of the bygone Romanov era has continued to fascinate audiences. The opulence, the glamour, the faded memories all create the enduring allure of nostalgia. In presenting the Maine premiere of ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre (in a co- production with the Fulton Theatre) has not only achieved an industry coup, but has also masterfully brought to life a compelling journey to the past, as well as a personal story that is poignant, heartfelt and uplifting.

As Maine State Music Theatre opens its 2025 season with the sweeping Broadway musical Anastasia, audiences are invited on a journey from the twilight of Imperial Russia to the lights of 1920s Paris - a tale filled with hope, faith, and the search for identity. At the helm is director and choreographer Kenny Ingram, returning to MSMT after acclaimed productions of Funny Girl and 9 to 5, The Musical.

The Fulton Theatre will present a production of the Broadway musical Anastasia, bringing the captivating story of a lost princess to life on its historic stage. The show will run from April 11 to May 11, 2025 on the Fulton Theatre’s Mainstage.

The Henry Mancini family continue to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the release of Dinner at Mancini’s, a lo-fi celebratory retrospective album. The 26-track project features 40+ of the top beatmakers, producers, and instrumentalists.

Filled with incredible showstoppers, many familiar theatrical staples, and some exquisite singing from an all-star cast of theater vets, this well-curated “greatest hits” concert honoring Boublil and Schonberg was a fitting, glorious celebration of the creative partnership responsible for two of the biggest musical hits in theatrical history.

The video, directed by Martin Guigui, includes footage from the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the recording of the song “Moon River” featuring Gustavo Dudamel, The Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale, Stevie Wonder and Audrey Hepburn.

The Hollywood Bowl will celebrate the 50 years of collaboration of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg July 28, 2024, with Do You Hear The People Sing?, a collection of their hits from Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, The Pirate Queen and their very first musical together, La Révolution Française. Kevin Stites conducts a sixty-piece orchestra and choir with an all-star cast including Patrick Wilson, Skylar Astin, Emily Bautista, Jon Jon Briones, Nikki Renée Daniels, Rachel Tucker, and Marie Zamora. Jon Jon carved out some time to answer a few of my queries.

Boublil and Schönberg's Do You Hear the People Sing? will be presented at The Hollywood Bowl with Skylar Astin, Patrick Wilson, and more. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the release of Henry Mancini’s The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album comprises seven tracks and features guest appearances from John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, Quincy Jones, Lizzo, Sir James Galway, Michael Bublé with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. Listen to it now!

The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the release of Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther” featuring Lizzo and Sir James Galway, out now. “Pink Panther” follows “Peter Gunn” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval as the second single from the forthcoming album The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions. Listen to the single!

The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the announcement of The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album is the latest installment in what will be a year-long endeavor honoring the 20-time GRAMMY® and 4-time Academy Award winner whose centennial is being celebrated on April 16th. The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available June 21st via Primary Wave, and the first single, “Peter Gunn,” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval, is out now. Listen to the song here!

The Ravinia Festival has revealed its complete 2024 summer lineup. Among this year's Broadway names taking the stage at The Ravinia Festival are Ben Platt, Jessie Mueller, Norm Lewis, Michael Feinstein, and more! Learn more about the full lineup here!

The Hollywood Bowl was honored last night as the Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year (Red Rocks Award) at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!