BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first look at the brand new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Muny, which has taken St. Louis by storm to rave reviews!
Growing up in the 1970's I can't tell you how many times I came across the boxed LP set, complete with booklet, that housed Tim Rice (lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber's (music) classic, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. For those of us who grew up on the records, and even the movie version, it was a rock, pop, rhythm and blues, funk, and music hall influenced opera that produced a bumper crop of wildly tuneful and intriguing compositions. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opens The Muny's 99th season and it's a fabulously constructed and performed production that's jaw-droppingly amazing. Back in the day the songs themselves conjured up mental images that are unique to each individual, and on this stage they came alive anew, with loads of energy, and a heavy dose of anachronistic charm. The action is superb, the vocalists shine, the orchestra sounds fantastic, and I simply can't think of more uplifting way to spend an evening under the stars.
Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at last night's opening night performance of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Muny! The production runs through June 18 in Forest Park.
The Muny announced today its ensemble and design teams for Jesus Christ Superstar, the opening production of its 99th season. Performance dates are set for June 12-18.
The Muny announced today its full cast and design teams for The Unsinkable Molly Brown, the fifth production of its 99th season, which plays July 21-27. The Unsinkable Molly Brown is proudly sponsored by Ameren. 'Kathleen Marshall has put together a jubilant, thrilling company for this revitalized American treasure,' said Muny Artistic Director and Executive Producer, Mike Isaacson.
BroadwayWorld has just learned that Ivan Hernandez has joined the cast of A CHORUS LINE, running at The Muny July 29-August 4. Hernandez will play Zach, joining previously announced: Caley Crawford (Bebe), Rick Faugno (Al), Hannah Florence (Diana), Jolina Javier (Connie), Madison Johnson (Kristine), Sean Jones (Mike), Evan Kinnane (Bobby), Sarah Meahl (Val), Matt Meigs (Larry), Ian Paget (Paul), Justin Prescott (Don), Drew Redington (Mark), Kiira Schmidt (Judy), Bronwyn Tarboton (Maggie), Sharrod Williams (Richie) and Victor Wisehart (Greg) join the previously announced Bianca Marroquin (Cassie) and Megan Sikora (Sheila).???????
The Muny announced today its full cast and design teams for Disney's The Little Mermaid, the second production of its 99th season, which plays June 20-29. Disney's The Little Mermaid is proudly sponsored by Emerson.
Returning to a role she played on Broadway, Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams stars in The Muny's 2016 season closer, AIDA. Scroll down for backstage photos from the production!
On a beautiful summer evening, under a half moon sky, and with a gentle breeze wafting through the air, nothing could compare to seeing the final show of the season at The MUNY. They close with yet another stellar selection that's filled with flair and grace. This was especially important and evident when a 25 minute interruption of the proceedings occurred during a Black Lives Matter protest, and a remembrance of the Ferguson shooting of Michael Brown. A huge thank you should be awarded to actor Ken Page, along with Michelle Williams as they came out to address the protests which took place as the second act was set to begin. Page's eloquent and thoughtful speech allowed the action to continue on stage without further incident. All that aside, this is an absolutely vibrant production of AIDA, which sparkles like it never has before. An excellent cast, led by Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, and an orchestra that can more than deftly handle the shifts in style the score presents. bring considerable energy and enthusiasm to Elton John's music and Tim Rice's lyrics. And, while the book and music may drift away from versions you've seen before this playful, and sometimes anachronistic, approach to this tale of tragic, star-crossed lovers, is decidedly engaging and entertaining. You'll be enthralled by its majesty!
Set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian revolution (1905), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a joyous celebration of life in times of uncertainty. Most versions I've seen have been scaled down considerably, focusing on the more intimate scenes. That's certainly not the case here. The MUNY's spectacular production gives us the full breadth and scope of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock's thoughtful and heart warming take on themes of family and tradition. Anchored by a particularly strong cast and top notch staging this, is quite simply, perfection!
Footage of opening night of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's, Fiddler on the Roof, at The Muny in St. Louis, MO, featuring a previously unheard song by the show's composers!
Mamma Mia!, directed by Dan Knechtges, choreographed by Jessica Hartman and music directed by Michael Horsley, just opened at The Muny. Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew in the photos below!
I've seen MAMMA MIA! many times, and I've always enjoyed the way it utilizes so many of ABBA's marvelously catchy, and so obviously theatrical in nature, tunes to tell its simple story. With the band cranking out a righteous sound, and back up singers filling the night air with harmony, The MUNY reminds you of why its just so unique and amazing. It has the ability to make a show seem larger than life. That's exactly what happens here in spectacular fashion. Go see it and enjoy this perfect show for a summer's evening under the stars!
Mamma Mia!, directed by Dan Knechtges, choreographed by Jessica Hartman and music directed by Michael Horsley, just opened at The Muny. Click below to watch highlights of the starry cast in action!