Marva Hicks News

Kate Rockwell (Belle) is proud to be The William & Kerry Holekamp Star Performer. Kate is so thrilled to return to The Muny after playing Jane in last year's Tarzan! Check out the video below!

Just in! BroadwayWorld and The Muny present a first look at highlights of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which is running through August 7, 2015. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, this beloved family classic is directed by Matt Lenz, choreographed by Vince Pesce and music directed by Ben Whiteley. Check out a first look at the cast in action below!

Just in!  BroadwayWorld and The Muny present a first look at Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which is running through August 7, 2015. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, this beloved family classic is directed by Matt Lenz, choreographed by Vince Pesce and music directed by Ben Whiteley.  Check out a first look at the cast in action below!

Each year The MUNY makes it a point to present a full-blown musical that's aimed at the younger set. This year it's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, which was given the patented Disney treatment when adapted for the stage from their own 1991 animated film. So, it retains plenty of the elements that made the film so successful, while also featuring some additional songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, some of which were cut from the movie. There's no denying the appeal of this material, and it's a perfect way to introduce kids to the wonders of live theatre in such a lovely setting, and on such a grand scale.

The Muny's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast begins tonight, July 29, and runs through August 7, 2015. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, this beloved family classic is directed by Matt Lenz, choreographed by Vince Pesce and music directed by Ben Whiteley.

Dear readers, it had been about a year since my previous trip back to the Mothership (a.k.a. New York) and I felt it was time for a recharge of my Broadway batteries, even if it could only be a quickie. Well let me tell you there is plenty of awesome happening out there to catch. Now I only caught five of them but they were all amazing. Granted, I did pick from the cream of the crop of recent award winners and high profile shows but that only means that I can give a collective WOW to them all with my three letter rating system. Let's take a look at my whirlwind journey.

Dick Scanlan directed the epic event and he shared (exclusively with BroadwayWorld) some behind the scenes photos from both the rehearsals and performances. Plus, read below to check out his 'gratitude list,' which reveals details about how the show was cast!

Ellen Greene doesn't just reprise her iconic performances as Audrey, she deepens it.

Scrolling frantically through Little Shop of Horrors pictures? Getting ready to see some musicals for 4th of July? Didn't have time check in on all of the latest Broadway news? Well don't worry BroadwayWorld has rounded up some of the biggest stories from this week from Broadway and beyond with BroadwayWorld's 'This Week in Pictures.'

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman, Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman,Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the openning night party below!

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman,Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the first curtain call below!

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene, Taran Killam, Eddie Cooper, Joe Grifasi, Tracy Nicole Chapman, Marva Hicks and Ramona Keller star in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below! 

Earlier this week, BroadwayWorld announced a new partnership with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Fallin previously drew for BroadwayWorld and our readers have long wanted his return, so it is with great pleasure that we welcome him back! Be sure to check back for more of Ken's exclusive art. Below, check out his illustration of Michael Cerveris, Judy Kuhn, Sydney Lucas, Emily Skeggs, and Beth Malone in Fun Home!

Eddie Cooper and Joe Grifasi join Ellen Greene, Jake Gyllenhaal and Taran Killam in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running for three performances, tonight, July 1, and tomorrow, July 2, 2015 at New York City Center.

The Muny announced today the cast for its production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (July 29 - August 7). With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, this beloved family classic is directed by Matt Lenz, choreographed by Vince Pesce and music directed by Ben Whiteley.

Eddie Cooper and Joe Grifasi will join the previously announced Ellen Greene, Jake Gyllenhaal and Taran Killam in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. Eddie Cooper replaces his father Chuck Cooper, who will be starring in the upcoming Broadway musical Amazing Grace.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Chuck Cooper and Taran Killam will join the previously announced Ellen Greene in the Encores! Off-Center concert production ofHoward Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running July 1-2, 2015. NOTE: A third performance has been added at 2pm on Thursday, July 2 in order to meet ticket demand. The production will be directed by Dick Scanlan, with choreography by Patricia Wilcox. Jeanine Tesori is the Artistic Director of Encores! Off-Center, and Chris Fenwick is Music Director. The show will mark the musical theater debuts of both Gyllenhaal and Killam.

When asked how she keeps moving forward through the hard times this industry undoubtedly possesses, Montego Glover remembered how she got through her Broadway debut.

Some of the best musical experiences have taken place in houses of worship. Sadly, Holy Cross Church in Times Square was the location of such an occurrence on Saturday as a Requiem Mass for Jean-Claude Baker who committed suicide on January 15th 2015 was held at the historic church. The Romanesque Revival style building was constructed in 1870 and is the oldest building on 42nd Street. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the performances below!