As its main stage finale in this Diamond Jubilee season, Maine State Music Theatre chose to present the stage version of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Singin' in the Rain. With its book by Betty Comden/Adolph Green, and songs by Nacio Herb Brown/Arthur Freed), based on the famed MGM musical, this iconic classic receives a production that recreates the glitter of Hollywood's Golden Age on a dazzlingly grand scale. MSMT's staging, directed/choreographed by Marc Robin, sparkles with the effervescence of fine champagne, bubbles with energy and originality, exudes sunshine and joy, and offers its audiences an exhilarating, entirely magical entertainment experience.
Replying to a question about how he has chalked up such an impressive performance roster, Broadway triple threat actor Brian Shepard, who plays Cosmo Brown in Maine State Music Theatre's new production of Singin' in the Rain, smiles and says," Good fortune, a lot of hard work, and I LOVE this! I am doing what I have always wanted to do. It was this or bust. I never had a fallback."
'I think the audience is going to eat up Singing' in the Rain. It is live theatre where anything can happen, and the talent in this cast is really amazing,' enthuses the star of Maine State Music Theatre's new production of the beloved classic, which begins its run at Brunswick's Pickard Theater on August 8th. For Nicolas Dromard, the opportunity to play Don Lockwood is a dream come true. 'It's taken me thirty-one years, but here I am,' he says with a big grin.
"Beauty and the Beast is the essence of that Disney magic! It brings people together and it is such a joyful experience!" Actress Lexi Rabadi plays Belle in Maine State Music Theatre's new blockbuster production of the Disney classic which closes its run July 14th. She and fellow cast members Darick Pead (the Beast) and Matthew Ragas (Gaston), together with MSMT Managing Director Stephanie Dupal are talking with Broadway World's Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold about the experience of creating this timeless fairytale on stage. The panel discussion, the second in the annual Peek behind the Curtain Series at the Curtis Memorial Library drew a full house, as audience members and patrons listened to the group explore the factors they believe make this show a classic and make this particular production a work of incredible enchantment.
It Happened in Key West, a major new romantic comedy musical, will get its world premiere at London's Charing Cross Theatre in a strictly limited seven-week season from Wednesday 4 July.
London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a new theatrical epic to Shakespeare and musical spoof, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld reviews, interviews and features!
It Happened in Key West, a major new romantic comedy musical by award-winning Broadway composer Jill Santoriello (A Tale of Two Cities) novelist Jason Huza and Jeremiah James, a member of international recording group Teatro, is to get its world premiere at London's Charing Cross Theatre in a strictly limited seven-week season from Thursday 4 July - Saturday 22 September.
It Happened in Key West, a major new romantic comedy musical, will get its world premiere at London's Charing Cross Theatre in a strictly limited seven-week season from Wednesday 4 July.
With what is arguably the largest production in Maine State Music Theatre's history, the company brings a level of opulence, sophistication, and magic to the Pickard stage that makes this production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast a fitting jewel in the Diamond Jubilee Crown. It is no secret that the company has used every single ounce of its resources (and overcome a number of unforeseen obstacles along the way) to create this magnificent production, but the result has been entirely worth the effort. This beloved fairytale dazzlingly comes to life in all its heartfelt beauty.
"As an actress I believe in pounding the pavement with positivity. One of my biggest things is knowing that I am a whole person with family, friends, and interests. Theatre is a passion and a life style, but it is one piece of the pie. My job is to make sure all the other pieces of the pie are just as delicious. So I keep a home for myself, surrounded by loved ones; yoga is a big thing for me in maintaining mental clarity and spiritual health, and I am a vegan because I feel that is a kinder way to eat. It may sound corny, but if you put out positive vibrations, they will come back to you."
Maine State Music Theatre steps back in time for its second show of the season, Disney's Beauty and the Beast. This revered fairytale runs from June 27 - July 14. Due to popular demand, the theatre has added performances on July 7 and July 14 at 2 PM.
There is a moment in Robin and Clark's musical version of Cinderella when the scullery maid screws up her courage and hurls a self-affirmation back to her abusive stepmother and sisters, saying, "No! I've always done everything you asked and now it is time for me to do something for myself!" The audience young and old erupts into spontaneous applause for this very contemporary heroine. Though Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark's musical is more than twenty-five years old, it speaks with a freshness and an appeal that are as lasting as the fairy tale itself, and Maine State Music Theatre's most recent production captures all the delightfulness and the darkness of the story and serves it up with customary flair.
On June 5, 2018, the Fulton Theatre launches The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the theatre's season finale and biggest production of the 2017/2018 season. The Hunchback of Notre Dame will also be one of the largest shows in the theatre's one hundred sixty six year history. Over ninety cast and choir members will take the stage amidst soaring bell towers, a gypsy village, and the bustling streets of fifteenth century Paris. Beneath the stage, a fourteen piece orchestra will bring to life the incredible music of the timeless classic.
Final casting is announced for It Happened in Key West, a major new romantic comedy musical, which will get its world premiere at London's Charing Cross Theatre in a strictly limited seven-week season from Wednesday 4 July.
For most of us who love the theatre, attending a performance is an exciting, stimulating, anticipated event, but for some children with sensory issues, going to the theatre can be fraught with anxiety; a room full of strange people, new sounds and fantastical characters - all can make this experience overwhelming. And yet, once immersed in the magic of the play, the children can find delight and connection.
To encourage this journey of discovery and to provide families with a safe viewing experience, Maine State Music Theatre last year initiated a program of sensory friendly rehearsal performances of the Theatre for Young Audiences shows. MSMT uses its large rehearsal hall as the performance venue - a space less daunting than the 600-seat Pickard main stage. The hour-long shows are presented with piano (not full orchestra), in full costume with relevant props, and include interaction among the cast, crew, and directors with the young audience. The families have access to a quiet room, are free to move about during the performance, enjoy a snack break, and receive a study/activity guide and some small gifts to take home.
Broadway actor Wade McCollum (The Wizard in Wicked) is announced today as scientist Carl, the first casting in It Happened in Key West, which will get its world premiere at London's Charing Cross Theatre in a strictly limited seven-week season from Thursday 4 July.
It Happened in Key West, a major new romantic comedy musical by award-winning Broadway composer Jill Santoriello (A Tale of Two Cities) novelist Jason Huza and Jeremiah James, a member of international recording group Teatro, is to get its world premiere at London's Charing Cross Theatre in a strictly limited seven-week season from Thursday 4 July - Saturday 22 September.
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