Michael Orland News

So, as we say in show business, 'That's a Wrap!' The dizzying creative and emotional 'hangover' of what transpired in Broken Arrow and Tulsa, Oklahoma, last week, is still lingering... whether it's the students or the faculty. We have all been in constant communication, continuing to be in awe of what actually happened to ALL of us, between June 11 to 17. The work week was intense, long, and difficult, but the rewards and what we all got back, did more than make up for it.

As you know, Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp wrapped up its third year on Friday night, with a live show at The Kristin Chenoweth Theatre in the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, in her home state of Oklahoma. The show also gave birth to the first-ever KRISTI Awards (named for Kristi Dawn Chenoweth) … the star's name commonly used, while growing up.

I just returned from Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp, my first. How did this happen? Well, it all happened in Kristin's Dressing Room, at the Lunt-Fontanne, when we were doing MY LOVE LETTER TO BROADWAY. Her 'bootcamp' for young, aspiring performers had already had two seasons and she was looking to really 'change it up.' The rest is history, as they say, and 'I' can say, in all honesty, that it was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had and those 43 kids and a handful of young interns, are in our hearts... forever.

Last night all eyes were on New York City and the 71st TONY Awards, but in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at the Kristin Chenoweth Theater at Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center the hometown girl hosted a TONY viewing party to launch her Broadway Bootcamp this week. In attendance were 45 students who will participate in a series of classes and performance led by industry professionals who flew in and are arriving for the week's activities. They include, fresh from her Isabelle Stevenson Award win, Broadway's Baayork Lee, Tony winner, Faith Prince, Tony nominees, John Tartaglia and Lara Teeter, director, Richard Jay-Alexander, music directors, Michael Orland and Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Broadway photographer, Bruce Glikas, and even Craig Burns from Telsey Casting who will be participating via satellite. 

In its third year, Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp is bringing energetic and exciting changes, starting with the namesake Emmy and Tony winner bringing a lot of her friends from across the country to help mold 45 young Broadway hopefuls during her camp June 12-16.

Broadway Theatre Project's (BTP) Director of Dance Herman Payne just wrapped up a three-week intensive program at New World Schools of Arts College of Dance in Miami, Florida and will join BTP in July.   

Broadway Theatre Project's (BTP) Director of Dance Herman Payne just wrapped up a three-week intensive program at New World Schools of Arts College of Dance in Miami, Florida and will join BTP in July.

Broadway Theatre Project welcomes back Donna McKechnie and Pat Birch as visiting artists for the 2017 Summer Institute.

Broadway Theatre Project welcomes back Donna McKechnie and Pat Birch as visiting artists for the 2017 Summer Institute.

Broadway Theatre Project's (BTP) visiting faculty member Chazz Palmintirit's 'A Bronx Tale' has been nominated for 4 Outer Critic's Circle awards.

Broadway Theatre Project's (BTP) visiting faculty member Chazz Palmintirit's 'A Bronx Tale' has been nominated for 4 Outer Critic's Circle awards. For Best New Musical, Best Score (Glen Slator and Alan Menken), Best Book (Chazz Palmintiri) And Best Performance by a Leading Actor (Nick Cordero).

Actress Christine Pedi is well known for her theatre/cabaret appearances as well as TV and SiriusXM radio. Her finest hour has come in Forbidden Broadway with her glorious singing impressions. She took time out from her busy schedule to talk about her upcoming appearance in LA for the last S.T.A.G.E. benefit on Saturday May 13 at the Saban Theatre.

Tony nominated Austin Pendleton returns to the faculty of Broadway Theatre Project's (BTP) this summer after directing the revival of Horton Foote's 1955 play The Traveling Lady at the Cherry Lane Theatre. Acclaimed vocalist and BTP alumni Todrick Hall, also returns as a visiting artist to the summer institute.

Internationally-known voice coaches Peisha McPhee and Michael Orland have a message for prospective Broadway Theatre Project (BTP) students to encourage them to apply for the summer institute where they will be teaching this summer.

Broadway Theatre Project's (BTP), visiting faculty will include international notable artists from all areas of musical theatre and dance.  This summer apprentices will have the opportunity to work with Emmy-award winning dance virtuoso Jason Samuels Smith who will also be performing at this year's SummerStage Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in New York City.

Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP) in association with The Pasadena Playhouse expands this holiday season at The Pasadena Civic Auditorium with their newest production - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, A CHRISTMAS ROSE. 

The Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (STAGE) has announced the all-star cast participating in its 33rd annual gala, "Idols & Icons," being held on Saturday, May 13th, at the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. David Galligan directs with Michael Orland returning as musical director.  

Broadway Theatre Project (BTP), a program described by Playbill as 'The world's most prestigious musical theatre arts education program for high school and college students', has extended its deadline for the upcoming 3-week summer institute held in July.  Acceptance announcements for the remaining five spots will be announced on an individual basis.

You Got Trumped! by Matthew Hill is playing at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre Friday, March 31 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, April 2 at 6 p.m. Manhattan Repertory Theatre is located at 17-19 West 45th Street, New York. To reserve tickets, visit http://manhattanrep.com/you-got-trumped-by-matthew-hill/ .