Molly Garner News

I first reviewed the national tour of BILLY ELLIOT - THE MUSICAL during its triumphant five-week stop at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre a year ago (which you can read HERE) and found it to be quite an entertaining, well-executed show. Now an entire year has passed and the show has finally returned to Southern California, this time playing at Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Center for the Arts through April 28. Does it still hold up? In a special guest column, Robert Neale offers 'A Second Opinion' Review.

"Billy Elliot" features all the elements of theatricality theatregoers love, although friends of the late Margaret Thatcher may wish to stay away. The Elton John musical balances great storytelling with three intense dance numbers performed by an incredibly talented child and some stunning lighting that highlights the highest points of the lofty production.

Billy Gardell, originally scheduled to play the VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 8pm has cancelled his Florida Tour.

The Toronto premiere of MARY POPPINS opens Saturday, November 12 at 7:30PM at the Princess of Wales Theatre for a limited engagement of nine weeks through Sunday, January 8, 2012.

The Chicago return of MARY POPPINS opens this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for a limited engagement of four weeks through November 6, 2011.

The Chicago return of MARY POPPINS opens this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for a limited engagement of four weeks through November 6, 2011.

The Chicago return of MARY POPPINS opens this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for a limited engagement of four weeks through November 6, 2011.

The Chicago return of MARY POPPINS opens this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for a limited engagement of four weeks through November 6, 2011.

Producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh today announced full casting for the Toronto engagement of MARY POPPINS. Toronto's most eagerly anticipated stage production will begin performances at the Princess of Wales Theatre on Thursday November 10, for a limited engagement of nine weeks, through Sunday January 8, 2012. The opening night is Saturday November 12, at 7:30pm.

The San Antonio premiere of MARY POPPINS opens tonight, Friday, September 30 at 8 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre as part of the Cadillac Broadway in San Antonio 2011-12 season.

MARY POPPINS, part of Broadway/San Diego's 2011-2012 35th Anniversary Season, is playing through Sunday, August 21st, at the San Diego Civic Theatre. With four productions currently running on three continents, MARY POPPINS is one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. Worldwide to date, the six productions of the show have grossed over $521 million, welcomed 7 million guests and cumulatively run 11.5 years. The musical is the winner of 36 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony®, Olivier and Evening Standard awards. In the video below, Mary Poppins herself, Steffanie Leigh chats about taking on the iconic role.

The Orange County premiere of MARY POPPINS opens tonight, Friday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, August 7.

The Orange County premiere of MARY POPPINS opens tonight, Friday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, August 7.

Producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh are pleased to announce full casting for the Orange County engagement of MARY POPPINS.

The Portland premiere of MARY POPPINS opens tonight, Friday, June 24, 2011 at 7:30pm at the Keller Auditorium for a limited engagement of three weeks through Sunday, July 10, 2011. MARY POPPINS plays Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1:00pm and 6:30pm. 'We're very excited that Mary Poppins has flown into town and that audiences in Portland will have the opportunity to experience this blockbuster musical' said Portland Opera General Director, Christopher Mattaliano. 'Tickets are on sale and great seats are still available.'

Producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh are pleased to announce full casting for the Orange County engagement of MARY POPPINS.