Mahalia Jackson News

In the midst of the second national tour, Broadway's most beloved group of men, JERSEY BOYS, are set to hit the Mahalia Jackson Theatre's stage. The show is slated to run from tonight, Jan 8 through the 27th in 2013.

Coming to the Mahalia Jackson Theater on January 8 is the national tour of the hit show JERSEY BOYS, which allows audiences a close up look at Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons' rise to stardom. The show features hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Walk Like a Man." I recently spoke with Jason Kappus, who plays Four Seasons member Bob Gaudio, about the show, the music, and life on tour.

This past year proved to be an exciting one for theatre in New Orleans, especially with the Broadway Across America tours that made their temporary homes in the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Up next in 2013, the Mahalia Jackson Theater will host Jersey Boys, Flashdance, Million Dollar Quartet, and Wicked. Also in 2013, Seth Rudetsky will host a concert series at NOCCA featuring Broadway Talents Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster, Megan Mullally, Audra McDonald, and Betty Buckley. You won't want to miss these events!

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV) has announced its February 2013 lineup. Details below.

2012 was a banner year for theater in Rhode Island. Several national tours launched their runs in Providence at the PPAC, the Ocean State Theatre Company opened a brand-new venue in Warwick, and Rhode Island's local companies proved their mettle in a season packed with talent and innovation. What follows is a brief look back at five of the stand-out productions of 2012.

BroadwayWorld brings you the Best of Rhode Island in the year 2012. Check out the Top Theatre Stories from each month during in the year 2012. We look forward to another exciting year of theatre in 2013!

BroadwayWorld brings you the Best of New Orleans in the year 2012. Check out the Top Theatre Stories from each month during in the year 2012. We look forward to another exciting year of theatre in 2013!

BroadwayWorld brings you the Best of National Tours in the year 2012. Check out the Top Theatre Stories from each month during in the year 2012. We look forward to another exciting year of theatre in 2013!

THE BLACK CROWES will return to the road in 2013 with their "Lay Down With Number 13" world tour. The first leg will encompass dates in the U.K. March 24-30 and the U.S. April 2- May 4.

FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, will perform at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on Feb. 26 through March 3, for a limited six-night engagement. Tickets will go on sale Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. Ticket prices start as low as $32 and will be available at the Mahalia Jackson Theater Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 1.800.982.2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 10 or more are available by calling 504.287.0372.

MARY POPPINS has been a Disney favorite for so many children, including myself, for quite some time. The story is one that most can relate to whether a child is learning about growing up and developing love and respect, or a parent is learning about nurturing their children and understanding that kids need time to just be kids. While the lessons of the story are important, it is the music, dance, and characters that truly make this story exciting and magical.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce Theater for its annual two-week engagement, today, November 13-25, 2012, featuring two world premieres and two New York premieres.

Broadway stars Emily Padgett and Matthew Hydzik will star as "Alex" and "Nick" in the world premiere of FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation. Padgett and Hydzik will be joined on stage by the legendary Rachelle Rak in the role of "Tess." Sergio Trujillo, director and choreographer for the production returned to the home of FLASHDANCE and launch of the world premiere, Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall, to announce the lead casting from a press conference. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Kevin McMahon, CEO of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, were also on hand to welcome the cast and creative team to Pittsburgh and to make a proclamation, naming January 1, 2013 as FLASHDANCE DAY. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary,FLASHDANCE kicks off a national tour January 1-6 at Heinz Hall and continues on to more than 20 cities with additional bookings to be announced:

Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce Theater for its annual two-week engagement, November 13-25, 2012, featuring two world premieres and two New York premieres.

LES MISERABLES is one of the most beloved stories by theatre fans all around the globe. Based on the book by Victor Hugo, it tells the story of one man's fight for redemption and touches on the universal themes of forgiveness, love, and loyalty. Jason Forbach plays Enjolras in the current U.S. Tour cast. Originally from Kansas, Jason grew up playing music and later went on to earn a Master of Arts in vocal performance. He finally realized his passion for musical theatre and moved to New York to pursue the dream. Jason was kind enough to answer some questions about his experiences defending the barricades.

East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans announced the premiere New Orleans engagement of Cameron Mackintosh's new 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables, playing at the Mahalia Jackson Theater tonight, October 30 - November 4, 2012. Tickets will go on sale to the public Friday, August 24, at 11 a.m.

East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans and producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh announced today that tickets for the long-awaited production of MARY POPPINS will go on sale to the public Friday, October 5 at 11 a.m. New Orleans' most eagerly awaited stage production will begin performances at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on December 18 for a limited 6-night engagement through December 23.