The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Today's fire at The Second City, and last week's Jeff Award nominations! Plus 'Glory Days' and the Refuge Theatre season, new musicals in focus with Schonberg and Boublil, Chicago Children's Theatre and more, Joan Curto, Hershey Felder, 'Bat Boy,' and Theatre At The Center's 2016 season!
New Line Theatre, "the bad boy of musical theatre," celebrates its 25th anniversary season of adult, alternative musical theatre, with a new, expanded line-up, a brand new theatre, and a very special thank-you to the St. Louis community -- '25 for 25.' At the Thursday preview performance for each show this season, New Line will set aside 25 tickets, and the first 25 people in line at the box office at 7:00 pm will each get a ticket for 25 cents (one ticket per person).
There is something killer going on in Orlando's theatre scene, and I mean that in the best possible way. Since debuting with a production of CABARET in January, Gen Y Productions has staged thrilling Florida premieres of two of New York's most buzzed-about new works, a risky proposition for a theatre company looking to build an audience. In June, it was a mesmerizing production of Pulitzer Prize-winner THE FLICK (read BWW's review), and now it is the devilishly entertaining HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL. The show runs through August 23rd at The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and after attending last week's Opening Night, I think it is safe to say that Gen Y is quickly becoming my favorite theatre company in Central Florida.
Theatre Aspen announced that tickets are on sale for the first annual Aspen Theatre Festival, held at the Hurst Theatre during the final week of the summer, on August 25th and 28th. The Agent and Finn the Fearless are the two new works being developed as part of the organization's new festival. Tickets range from $20-30 and can be purchased at www.theatreaspen.org.
In The Wings Productions, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tanya Glassman and Executive Director Adam Glassman, is tickled pink to present Legally Blonde The Musical. Having won over audiences across the nation, Elle, Bruiser and friends will make their Snug Harbor Music Hall debut for a two week limited engagement, opening tonight, August 7 and playing through Sunday, August 16.
Griffin Theatre Company has announced its 28th Season, kicking off this fall with the Midwest premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's heartbreaking comedy POCATELLO, directed by ensemble member Jonathan Berry (Punk Rock, Balm in Gilead). Next winter, Griffin presents the Midwest premiere of British playwright John Van Druten's romantic drama LONDON WALL, directed by recent Jeff Award-winner and ensemble member Robin Witt (Men Should Weep, Flare Path). The season concludes next summer with the Chicago debut of the off-Broadway hit BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL with book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe, direction by Scott Weinstein, who helmed Griffin's hit musical Titanic, and music direction by Ethan Deppe.
Street Theatre Company, well-known amongst Nashville audiences for staging darkly edgy productions, brings yet another musical premiere to Nashville with the Off-Broadway hit HEATHERS. Based on the cult classic movie of the same name, the musical centers around three shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing Heathers in the 1980s, who are the hottest and cruelest girls in school. The Heathers are in trouble when a misfit rejects them for the dark, sexy stranger who plans to put them in their place -- six feet under.
The Board of Directors and Artistic Director, David Leidholdt, have announced the Teen Performing Arts Academy's inaugural production of Legally Blonde Jr. on the Ryan Mainstage.
Bat Boy: The Musical is an American musical with a book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming and music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe, based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat, dubbed 'Bat Boy', who grew up living in a cave.
New Line Theatre, 'the bad boy of musical theatre,' celebrates its 25th anniversary season of adult, alternative musical theatre, with a new, expanded line-up and a brand new theatre.
Based off a Weekly World News story, the hilariously thrilling BAT BOY THE MUSICAL will be playing at the Abbey October 15 - 31.
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL now playing at Hayes Theatre Co has received rave reviews from all members of the media. The season must close on Sunday 9 August however one extra show has been added at 1.30pm on the last day.
Dallas Theater Center announced today details for its upcoming MOONSHINE Celebration, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Co-Chairs Brice Beaird, Elle Oberdick and Dan Waldmann, along with Honorary Chairs Lyn Muse and Kim Sheffield, will welcome guests to be among the first to experience DTC's newest Broadway-bound production MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater.
In The Wings Productions, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tanya Glassman and Executive Director Adam Glassman, is tickled pink to present Legally Blonde The Musical. Having won over audiences across the nation, Elle, Bruiser and friends will make their Snug Harbor Music Hall debut for a two week limited engagement, opening Friday, August 7 and playing through Sunday, August 16.
HEATHERS – THE MUSICAL blends the spirit of the dark and disturbed cult movie with fabulous music and an amazing Australian cast resulting in a must see show. Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy's (Book, Music and Lyrics) adaptation has been bought to the Sydney stage by theatre favourite Trevor Ashley in his directorial debut.
I have to admit I had never seen the 2001 MGM movie, Legally Blonde before seeing LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. And I am happy to say it is great fun for all ages in every aspect from the effervescent musical numbers presented by the remarkably energetic cast to the over-the-top bright pink costumes designed by Kristie Rutledge. Director/Musical Director Anne Gesling and choreographer Lauren Blair surely spent hours on end putting together the many incredibly intricate musical numbers, including the momentous "What You Want," Elle's video essay to get into Harvard, which includes at least 3 set changes, several costume changes by dozens of cast members, and many types of dance from tap to jazz. That 12-minute number alone is worth the price of admission on its own!
Music Theatre International Chairman and CEO Freddie Gershon and his wife Myrna hosted eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country for four days of classes and activities honoring them for working to make a difference for their students and communities through the process of staging musical theatre productions in their schools and educational theatre groups. The event known as the 6th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP culminated in a gala dinner at Chez Josephine on July 11th. Joining the festivities were Broadway greats Bernadette Peters and Brian d'Arcy James. Scroll down for photos!
Eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country will work one-on-one with Broadway greats at the 6th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP July 8th - 11th.
Theatre Aspen announced casting for the organization's upcoming slate of repertory shows, which includes CABARET, Peter and the Starcatcher, Junie B Jones the Musical and Other Desert Cities.
Theatre Aspen announced casting for the organization's upcoming slate of repertory shows, which includes CABARET, Peter and the Starcatcher, Junie B Jones the Musical and Other Desert Cities.
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