Lester Wilson News

Broadway World [BWW] sat down with Broadway veterans, Lloyd Culbreath and Valarie Pettiford, to discuss their efforts to preserve Bob Fosse's legendary choreography for the next generation of dancers. The pair held an exclusive Fosse Workshop in early February and invited fifty professional dancers to learn the signature style and articulation of Fosse choreography.

Today we are talking to a Tony Award-winning legend famous for his performances starring in the original Broadway productions of PIPPIN and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, as well as his celebrated turns in stage and screen projects as diverse as ALL THAT JAZZ, SWEET CHARITY, CHICAGO, FOSSE, WICKED, GRIND, ROOTS, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT, GOLDEN BOY, IDLEWILD, FUNNY LADY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER and many more - the simply incredible Ben Vereen. Discussing many of his most fondly remembered roles and recounting his experiences working with many legendary directors and collaborators - Bob Fosse, Hal Prince, Tom O'Horgan, Herbert Ross, Ann Reinking, Dan Sullivan, Sammy Davis, Jr., Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and many more among them - Vereen paints a vivid picture of a bygone Broadway and reminisces about many of the most significant theatrical creators of the past fifty years and his roles in their stage and film projects. Additionally, Vereen fills us in on what we can expect from his upcoming solo spotlight show - a career retrospective - that will be kicking off at 54 Below on July 10 for a two-week engagement before an even larger, Broadway-bound mounting later this year at Princeton. Also, Vereen elaborates on the causes closest to his heart, shares thoughts on GLEE and SMASH, future plans and much, much more!

Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into Unity May 18 to June 2, 2012. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it's a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.

Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into Unity May 18 to June 2, 2012. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it's a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.

As we move into the middle of May and beyond, I trust you will want to consider attending at least a couple of the numerous productions currently (or soon to be) playing at any one of the numerous theatre and live performance establishments here on the AMAZING California Central Coast!

Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into Unity May 18 to June 2, 2012. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it's a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.

Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, closes on March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo.)

Kelrik presents the spoof of a classic fairy tale, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.

Kelrik presents the spoof of a classic fairy tale, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS.

Tickets are now on sale for Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, playing February 25 - March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo.)

As we move toward the end of February, I hope your entertainment plans include attending a couple of shows at any one of our several theatre and live performance establishments that ply their trade here on the California Central Coast!

Tickets are now on sale for Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, playing February 25 - March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo. This family-friendly musical has a score by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer.

Tickets are now on sale for Kelrik Productions' presentation of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, playing February 25 - March 11 at Unity (1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo.)

As we come to the middle of January, I hope your recreational entertainment plans include attending some live entertainment at one of the several theatre and live performance establishments that make their home here on the idyllic Central Coast of California!

Broadway legend Ben Vereen comes to Toronto for one very special night, this Thursday October 20th at The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Mr. Vereen will be performing songs from his new album, Steppin' Out, as well as paying tribute to many iconic singers from the past century. BWW sat down to speak with him about his return to Canada, the Jesus Christ Superstar revival, social media and more!

Seussical: The Musical will perform at the Spanos PAC, 1 Grand Avenue, from July 16 - 24. Please note the family-friendly performance schedule: Saturday Matinees at 2 PM , Evenings at 7PM and Sunday Matinees at 2PM. Ticket prices range from $22.50 - 27.50 and may be charged by phone at (805) 756- ARTS or www.pacslo.org.