Naomi C. Walley News

a.k. payne’s West Coast premiere of FURLOUGH’S PARADISE is a lyrical look at envy, resentment, and perspective, and it serves a reminder that there is always hope even if offered only as glimmers.

Director Kent Gash’s production in Pasadena serves up equal parts heat and cool, a slick and sweaty celebration of a man who was as vibrant and dangerous as his music. Under the musical direction of Darryl Archibald and choreography of Dell Howlett – both of which are first-rate – the evening cooks.

Pasadena Playhouse's production of the Tony Award-winning musical JELLY'S LAST JAM, directed by Kent Gash will close this month. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Pasadena Playhouse is now presenting a new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!

Get a first look at Pasadena Playhouse's new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, now on stage through through June 23, 2024. The production features a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. 

Next up at the Pasadena Playhouse, the Tony Award-winning Jelly’s Last Jam opening June 2, 2024 (with previews starting May 29th). Kent Gash directs the cast led by John Clarence Stewart as Jelly Roll Morton, Cress Williams, Jasmine Amy Rogers; Wilkie Ferguson III, Karole Foreman, Eric B. Anthony, Doran Butler, Chante Carmel, Cyd Charisse Glover-Hill, Summer Nicole Greer, Janaya Jones, Grasan Kingsberry, Amber Liekhus, Davon Rashawn, Joe Aaron Reid, Naomi C. Walley and Hannah Yosef. I had the chance to chat with John Clarence while he was navigating Los Angeles traffic.

Get a first look at rehearsals for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson.  

Watch a teaser for Jelly's Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse in the video here!

Full casting has been announced for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam.

Get a first look at Pittsburgh CLO's A Chorus Line - from the pen of legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch comes this Tony® Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning “singular sensation!”

A group of stars have performed a new virtual cover of The New World from Jason Robert Brown's Songs For a New World.

La Jolla Playhouse's Fly is currently playing through March 29 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre! The cast features Storm Lever (Playhouse/Broadway productions of SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical) as 'Wendy' and Lincoln Clauss (Bat Out of Hell) as 'Peter Pan.' They are joined by Eric Anderson as 'Hook,' Victor E. Chan as 'Boris,' Audrey Cymone as 'Slightly/Jane,' Jeremy Davis as 'Noodler,' Nick Eibler as 'Nibs,' Collin Jeffery at 'Curly,' Nehal Joshi as 'Smee,' Liisi LaFontaine as 'Crocodile,' Isabelle McCalla as 'Tink,' Sean Pope as 'Twins,' David Price as 'Skylights,' Daniel Quadrino as 'Toodles,' Daniel Stewart Sherman as 'Max,' along with ensemble members Hettie Barnhill, Dayna Jarae Dantzler, Victoria Fiore, Shonica Gooden, Amara Granderson, Masumi Iwai, Emily Grace Kersey, Kamille Upshaw and Naomi C. Walley; and Lillith Freund, Jimmy Larkin, Jake Millgard and Alexia Sky as Swings.

The complete creative team has been announced for the upcoming musical, MJ, on Broadway.

La Jolla Playhouse presents the new musical Fly, based on the J.M. Barrie novel Peter and Wendy.

Naomi C. Walley and Ray Cetta are pleased to introduce Togetherness Orchestra, a soulful symphony of original love songs. Their debut single 'Undeniable' is out everywhere on February 14.

Preview performances of MJ the Musical will begin on Monday, July 6th, with Opening Night set for Thursday, August 13th at 6:30 p.m., at the Neil Simon Theatre, New York City.

La Jolla Playhouse has announced the complete cast and creative team for its upcoming musical Fly, based on the J.M. Barrie novel Peter and Wendy, with book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph (Playhouse's Guards at the Taj, Broadway's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo); music by Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Bill Sherman (music director for Sesame Street; orchestrator for In the Heights); lyrics by Obie Award winner Kirsten Childs (The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin) and Rajiv Joseph, direction by multiple Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller (Hamilton, Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights), and co-choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, Bandstand) and Stephanie Klemons (In the Heights). Fly will run February 18 - March 29 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

Today's top stories: Sing Street will transfer to Broadway's Lyceum Theatre, Donna Vivino joins the tour of Cats, further casting for MJ the Musical, and more!

Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate announced today the official cast for the upcoming World Premiere of MJ the musical on Broadway. Preview performances will begin on Monday, July 6th, with Opening Night set for Thursday, August 13th at 6:30 p.m., at the Neil Simon Theatre, New York City.

Birdland Jazz Club has released its schedule for December 30-January 12. Performers include Marilyn Maye, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Duo, The Billy Stritch Trio, and more.