Randy Schmeling News

History Theatre produces the world premiere of a new musical by local artists Dominic Orlando (book and lyrics) and the late Hiram Titus (composer). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below!

History Theatre will produce the world premiere of a new musical by local artists Dominic Orlando (book and lyrics) and the late Hiram Titus (composer). The Working Boys Band tells the story of Professor C.C. Heintzeman, a German-born educator who believed in the power of music to give structure and purpose to people's lives, especially for the children who worked in the mills and factories of Minneapolis in the years before Child Labor Laws. The story of the Minneapolis Working Boys Band and its founder was suggested to History Theatre back in 2010 when Titus handed a photo of the band circa 1915 and his first draft of the opening number to artistic director Ron Peluso. In September of 2013, Titus submitted the show's finale just days before suffering a fatal cardiac arrest; Raymond Berg joined the team to finish the musical arrangements.

History Theatre will produce the world premiere of a new musical by local artists Dominic Orlando (book and lyrics) and the late Hiram Titus (composer). The Working Boys Band tells the story of Professor C.C. Heintzeman, a German-born educator who believed in the power of music to give structure and purpose to people's lives, especially for the children who worked in the mills and factories of Minneapolis in the years before Child Labor Laws. The story of the Minneapolis Working Boys Band and its founder was suggested to History Theatre back in 2010 when Titus handed a photo of the band circa 1915 and his first draft of the opening number to artistic director Ron Peluso. In September of 2013, Titus submitted the show's finale just days before suffering a fatal cardiac arrest; Raymond Berg joined the team to finish the musical arrangements.

Last fall, the Illusion Theater developed a new musical revue to explore marriage-and what it signifies. After same-sex marriage was legalized in November and with the landmark Supreme Court decision in the spring, Illusion was besieged with people asking, 'Will you bring the show back to celebrate this historic moment for love and marriage in Minnesota?' The answer is a resounding, 'YES!' LOVE & MARRIAGE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES opens September 19 and will honor all newlyweds with a special post-show reception. The show continues through October 20 at the downtown Minneapolis theater, located on the eighth floor of The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave.

John Command (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) returns to the Jungle to direct URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL, the Tony-nominated satirical musical comedy. Described as one of the most uproariously funny musicals in recent years, Urinetown is a mocking tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. Starring Bradley Greenwald (as Officer Lockstock) and boasting the largest cast ever assembled on the Jungle stage (20+ actors and musicians), Urinetown will open June 7 and run through August 11, 2013.

The Ordway will say farewell to the McKnight Theatre in grand style tonight, April 28 at 7:30 pm, in a special performance called, 'The Night of a Million Stars.' The concert production will highlight area artists and feature musical pieces from productions previously held in the McKnight Theatre.

James Rocco is the vice president of programming and producing artistic director of the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minn. He is also the director, host and a performer in the Ordway's latest edition of BROADWAY SONGBOOK, this time, focusing on American musical theatre master, Cole Porter. I recently sat down to learn about James, the BROADWAY SONGBOOK: Cole Porter and what's next for the theatre.

The Ordway will say farewell to the McKnight Theatre in grand style on Sunday, April 28 at 7:30 pm, in a special performance called, "The Night of a Million Stars." The concert production will highlight area artists and feature musical pieces from productions previously held in the McKnight Theatre.

Rocco follows up his FMQB AC Top 40 hit, And The Night Stood Still with a holiday EP that captures his emotional and rockin' vocals. As one critic said, (he's) "one of the most astonishing voices to cross the stage." This is Adult Pop at its best from former guest singer with Herbie Hancock and The Super Sounds and Broadway's Rum Tum Tugger in CATS.

Theater Latté Da presents THE SHOE TREE reading on Monday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. at The Children's Theatre Company, Cohen Stage, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Enter through Stage Door just across from parking ramp and you will be escorted to the theater.). Tickets are First come, first serve with a suggested donation of $10.

Theater Latté Da presents THE SHOE TREE reading on Monday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. at The Children's Theatre Company, Cohen Stage, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Enter through Stage Door just across from parking ramp and you will be escorted to the theater.). Tickets are First come, first serve with a suggested donation of $10.

Latté Da in the Park Live Concert at Plymouth Park kicks off Tuesday, August 30 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Latté Da in the Park Live Concert at Plymouth Park kicks off Tuesday, August 30 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Organized by Broadway Asia International and Thirty Saints Production Company, Ordway Performing Art Center's recent production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" directed by James Rocco, and starring American Idol star Anthony Fedorov, will premiere in Tokyo, Japan on March 3, 2011 for a two-week run.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today announced the cast for its holiday production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, opening December 7, 2010 and running through January 2, 2011.

The Walking Shadow Theatre Company of Minneapolis, MN presents THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COURIERS UNION, opened Friday, May 7, 2010. The play, a world premiere event, is written and directed by John Heimbuch and is scheduled to run through May 29.

The Walking Shadow Theatre Company of Minneapolis, MN presents THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COURIERS UNION, opened Friday, May 7, 2010. The play, a world premiere event, is written and directed by John Heimbuch and is scheduled to run through May 29.

The Walking Shadow Theatre Company of Minneapolis, MN presents THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COURIERS UNION, opened Friday, May 7, 2010. The play, a world premiere event, is written and directed by John Heimbuch and is scheduled to run through May 29.

The Walking Shadow Theatre Company of Minneapolis, MN presents THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COURIERS UNION, opening Friday, May 7, 2010. The play, a world premiere event, is written and directed by John Heimbuch and is scheduled to run through May 29.

The Walking Shadow Theatre Company of Minneapolis, MN presents THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COURIERS UNION, opening Friday, May 7, 2010. The play, a world premiere event, is written and directed by John Heimbuch and is scheduled to run through May 29.