Mike Backes News

 The "nationally regarded" Fulton Theatre and Maine State Music Theatre present the exclusive premiere of the new chamber version of Ghost: The Musical through May 14 (Performances at Maine State Music Theatre are June 8 - June 25, 2016). The romantic and heart-wrenching story will feature a cast of 10, focusing on the central characters of the original story, with a 6 piece orchestra. New acoustic versions of the songs from the original Broadway production will include, "Unchained Melody," "Here Right Now,"  "Suspend My Disbelief - I Had a Life," and more!

The Drama League of New York just celebrated a major milestone few organizations have achieved -- its 100th birthday! The 100th Birthday Party was held on January 11, 2016, at Feinstein's/54 Below, featuring cocktails, dinner, and a one-night-only concert celebrating The Drama League and 100 years of service to the American Theatre. BroadwayWorld has photos from the evening below!

The Drama League will celebrate a major milestone tonight that few organizations have achieved…its 100th year of service to the American theatre community. The 100th Birthday Party will be held tonight,January 11, 2016 at Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street, Cellar).  The sold-out celebration will include cocktails, dinner, speeches and musical performances recognizing the history, achievements, and future of the award-winning arts education organization.  

Ridley Creek Productions is presenting a staged reading of a play about one man's struggle to fight in an era more unpredictable and more brutal than our own.

FIVE POINTS: an American musical, with book by Harrison David Rivers, lyrics by Douglas Lyons and music by Douglas Lyons and Ethan Pakchar, has been in residence at the Musical Theatre Factory August 4th-10th. The residency will culminate in a development sharing on August 10th with a cast that features Mike Backes ('Orange is the New Black'), Seth Eliser, RB Embleton, Alexa Green (Wicked), Katie Lee Hill (Claudio Quest), Amber Iman (Soul Doctor), Frank Manda, T. Oliver Reid (After Midnight), Noah J. Ricketts (Beautiful), Eric Stephenson, Katie Thompson (Giant), Morissa Trunzo and Kevin Worley (On the Town). FIVE POINTS is directed by Mark Schneider (Beautiful, Annie, Billy Elliot) with music direction by Madeline Smith (The Light Princess, An Octoroon).

Elitch Gardens, now in its 21st year downtown since relocating from northwest Denver, remains one of Colorado's the most popular entertainment destinations. It now features a vast array of modern roller-coasters, and because many of 'The 12' cast members from the DCPA Theatre Company are thrill-ride aficionados, the staff at Elitch's invited cast members Tuesday to ride the famous Carousel, which dates back to 1927 - and two coaster rides: The Brain Drain and the Boomerang. Video and photos by David Lenk and John Moore. Check out the videos below!

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts presents the world premiere of THE 12, a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg. The show begins tonight, March 27, and runs through April 26, with an opening slated for April 3, 2015. Check out a first look at photos from the production below!

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts presents the world premiere of THE 12, a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg. The show began on March 27, and runs through April 26, with an opening slated for tonight, April 3, 2015.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts presents the world premiere of THE 12, a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg. The show begins tonight, March 27, and runs through April 26, with an opening slated for April 3, 2015. Check out a first look at highlights below!

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts presents the world premiere of THE 12, a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg. The show begins tonight, March 27, and runs through April 26, with an opening slated for April 3, 2015. Check out some behind-the-scenes videos below!

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts presents the world premiere of THE 12, a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan and music and lyrics by Neil Berg. The show begins tonight, March 27, and runs through April 26, with an opening slated for April 3, 2015.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts has announced the full casting for the Theatre Company's world premiere of The 12,a brand new rock musical with book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Robert Schenkkan (All The Way) and music and lyrics by Neil Berg (Grumpy Old Men).

The Broadway Boys will once again host Broadway¹s favorite holiday party and concert with the 9th Annual BROADWAY SINGS FOR TOYS: A Benefit for Toys for Tots, tonight, December 15th at 7:30pm (Doors 6:30).

The Broadway Boys will host the 9th Annual 'BROADWAY SINGS FOR TOYS' a benefit for Toys for Tots. The performance will be held on 12/15 at 42West at 7:30 pm. This star-studded event will feature many special guests.

The Broadway Boys will once again host Broadway¹s favorite holiday party and concert with the 9th Annual BROADWAY SINGS FOR TOYS: A Benefit for Toys for Tots, Monday Dec 15th at 7:30pm (Doors 6:30). The annual concert is a cocktail party/concert/toy drive that gathers Broadways hottest talent for a dynamic and inspirational concert sure to brighten your spirits!

This November, The Square Foot Theatre Company will present RENT, the beloved work of Jonathan Larson. This will be this Connecticut based non-equity, non-profit community theatre's 36th production in 7 years. They are thrilled to begin their 2014-2015 season with this ground breaking musical. This production will be guest directed by The Broadway Boys member, Mike Backes. This production will not be one to miss.

The Broadway Boys will celebrate the release of their second album "Hark!", with a concert event at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York on Monday November 24th at 7pm. The concert will include advanced access to "Hark!" as well as live performances and special guest artists.

This November, The Square Foot Theatre Company will present RENT, the beloved work of Jonathan Larson. This will be this Connecticut based non-equity, non-profit community theatre's 36th production in 7 years. They are thrilled to begin their 2014-2015 season with this ground breaking musical. This production will be guest directed by The Broadway Boys member, Mike Backes. This production will not be one to miss.

Tonight, October 9th, Broadway Sessions celebrates the music of Carner and Gregor, Loesel and Burkell, Joey Contreras, Jeff Thomson, Drew Gasparini and Adam Overett.

BROADWAY SESSIONS is described as an evening of musical performances, games and open mic featuring a new Broadway guest each week. The show is created and hosted by Ben Cameron (Bway Wicked, Aida and Footloose) and features musical director Joshua Stephen Kartes on piano.