Michael Sterling News

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the west coast's renowned Center Theatre Group was a thrilling evening of performances top lined by Academy Award winner and Platinum recording artist Jennifer Hudson at the Ahmanson Theatre Sunday, May 20th in Los Angeles. Fresh off her acclaimed performance in NBC's "Hairspray Live!," Hudson sang the evening's closing number. BWW TV's own Michael Sterling covered the red carpet for the much anticipated event.

Known for stylish award-winning productions and their signature flair for bringing to the stage thoughtfully reimagined interpretations of musical theatre spectaculars, 3-D Theatricals of Los Angeles and Orange County takes on Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!... with a new point of view.

The Professional Dancers Society (PDS) held its Annual Gypsy Awards Luncheon Sunday, April 23rd at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA in honor of Choreographer Mandy Moore (La La Land, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars), veteran TV Producer Lee Hale (Dean Martin Variety Series) choreographers Karen Willes and Natalie Willes; and legendary performer Carol Channing who was not able to attend, but who sent a letter to be read by her dear friend, the iconic Lily Tomlin.  In her own inimitable style, Ms. Tomlin spoke fondly of Ms. Channing and recalled their first meeting "...in a dark alley in Chicago, it was the backstage door to the Shubert Theater, where Carol was appearing in 'Hello Dolly!.'  BWW TV's own Michael Sterling was there to talk to the stars.

On Sunday, February 19 LA's Next Great Stage Star 2017 Presented by Princess Cruises came to an uber exciting conclusion at the Colony Theatre. After a very entertaining 90-minute program in which the 18 contestants gave 150% to their uptempo songs from Broadway shows, thirteen contestants were eliminated and the top five finalists selected during the first intermission. It was then decided, like the last two years from the consensus of the judges, to add a sixth contestant. Then each of the six proceeded to perform a second number after which the distinguished panel of 18 judges made the final decision during the second intermission. Musical director par excellence Richard Berent accompanied at the piano throughout the three hour show.

From the creators of Broadway's RAGTIME and SEUSSICAL, 3-D Theatricals will present the eight-time Tony nominated ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.

Loosely patterned after 'an audition process', this 11th annual fully produced event is geared to discovering new talent between the ages of 18 and 32 for the musical theatre stage. This year once again the contest is generously sponsored/presented by Princess Cruises. As has become the standard, approximately 20 contestants compete for the title, a $2500 cash prize, a headlining engagement at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal during the New Year, professional representation in the business of  musical theatre, and other valuable prizes. To date, over a dozen former contestants have already made their Broadway and/or Off-Broadway debuts; while nearly another 100 have either starred in Broadway U.S. National Tours; Regional U.S. Musical Theatre productions; Las Vegas Hotel sit-downs of Broadway Musicals; on board in lavish production shows presented by some of the world's most prestigious cruise lines; or have starred on stages at numerous Southern California Theme Parks such as Disneyland's California Adventure and Lego Land. Internationally, Tokyo Disney is also host to Stage Star talent. 

From the creators of Broadway's RAGTIME and SEUSSICAL, 3-D Theatricals will present the eight-time Tony nominated ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.

As we start our new year, we are offering a more comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which will now include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature AMELIE in Los Angeles, ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN in Louisville, wrap-ups and previews of past and upcoming seasons and more.  Check out our top features below!

BroadwayWorld's Michael Sterling was on the red carpet for the LA premiere and you can go inside the special night below. Plus, check out brand new performance footage of Soo and Chanler-Berat in action!

As previously announced, when town selectman Taylor Doose (Michael Winters) decides to stage a musical to celebrate the town's history, Tony award winning Broadway stars Sutton Foster and Christian Borle show up to make guest appearances. BroadwayWorld's Michael Sterling was on set during while the duo was filming their musical numbers, and you can go behind the scenes below!

Actress/singer Maggie Randolph won the prestigious LA's Next Great Stage Star 2016 last winter. Upon witnessing her amazing vocal range and spunky personality laced with oodles of warmth, it is easy to understand why. On Sunday November 20, Randolph premiered her LA Cabaret show Home Again to an SRO audience at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. Accompanying her at the piano were musical director Richard Berent, Kerry Fenster on guitar and Ksenia Rozhdestvenskaya on violin. Needless to say, they all made beautiful music together in the hour long set. The entire evening was directed with great fervor by Peter Welkin.

Maggie Randolph, winner of LA's Next Great Stage Star® presented by Princess Cruises, celebrates her 2016 win of the competition with her first ever solo headlining concert "Home Again" at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal Sunday, November 20, 2016. The much anticipated event is directed by Peter Welkin, with Musical Direction by Richard Berent (piano) and musical support by Kerry Fenster (guitar) and Ksenia Rozhdestvenskaya (violin); Special guest stars Sara Gonzales and Charlotte Mary Wen (LA's Next Great Stage Star 2013) will also be featured. Tickets are available at BrownPaperTickets.com.

3-D Theatricals (3DT) is going Technicolor® with Andrew Lloyd Webber (Music) and Tim Rice's (Lyrics) irresistible story of 'Joseph...', his brothers, and one very colorful garment in this delightful musical saga that swirls on stage September 30 through October 9 (press opening October 1) at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, CA. The production then moves to 3DT's newest home, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, CA. October 14 - 23, 2016 (press opening October 15) as their 2016 - 2017 premier season offering. Both venues are located in Los Angeles County.  BroadwayWorld has a first look at opening night below!

3-D Theatricals (3DT) is going Technicolor® with Andrew Lloyd Webber (Music) and Tim Rice's (Lyrics) irresistible story of 'Joseph...', his brothers, and one very colorful garment in this delightful musical saga that swirls on stage September 30 through October 9 (press opening October 1) at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, CA. The production then moves to 3DT's newest home, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, CA. October 14 - 23, 2016 (press opening October 15) as their 2016 - 2017 premier season offering. Both venues are located in Los Angeles County.

Hard to believe, but Kritzerland turned 6 on Sunday September 4 at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. Bruce Kimmel and his record company Kritzerland began their series of concerts at the Gardenia for the first year, then moved to Vitello's with Michael Sterling and onto the Federal four years ago. Kimmel and Kritzerland are joined at the hip; it's his brainchild ... and he brings all of his ingenious theatricality and cleverness to each show. This anniversary show was over.the.moon great with terribly eclectic, funny numbers and some absolutely wonderful talent. On board were steadies Sharon McNight, Nick Santa Maria, Ilene Graff and hubbie Ben Lanzarone, Jenna Lea Rosen, Sami Staitman and special appearance by composer Richard M. Sherman. Newcomers Marc Ginsburg, Reagan Pasternak and little Hayley Shukiar joined 'Guy Haines' for a heartfelt and laugh-filled concert. Wonderful Richard Allen served as musical director and accompanist for most of the songs throughout the 90-minute set.

3-D Theatricals, Orange County's most distinguished regional musical theatre production company, presents the Tony Award-winning spectacular HELLO, DOLLY! starring Valerie Perrias Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi. The second opening took place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on August 6, 2016.  BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the curtain call and stage door photos below!

On Sunday July 31 Michael Sterling celebrated 10 years of his cabaret supper club now called Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal with a mega-delightful show headlining the music of his mentor Rosemary Clooney called Everything's Coming Up Rosie. On the bill were two exuberantly talented singers Kerry O'Malley and Mary Callanan. Backed by virtuoso musical director Richard Allen at the piano and his superb trio of musicians that included Ed Smith on drums and Randy Landas on bass, the two gals sent out glorious vibes in the 90-minute set.

The LA Phil's Hollywood Bowl production of A Chorus Line opening July 29 -31 for three performances has been in full tilt rehearsals since last week and BroadwayWorld's own Michael Sterling was there to talk to the stars and get a sneak peek at what audiences can expect on the legendary Hollywood Bowl's massive stage.