Richard Maltby News

Check out the top stories from Toronto you might have missed this week and more!

AJ Shively (Bright Star), Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll & Hyde), Jim Walton (Sunset Boulevard) and Nick Cartell (Jesus Christ Superstar) have joined Feinstein's/54 Below concert series debut of Broadway Bound: The Musicals That Never Came To Broadway on Tuesday, March 21st (7:00pm & 9:30 pm) at Feinstein's/54 Below.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Remembering a great director and celebrating a new book!

Experience 1940s Harlem in the Tony Award-winning buoyant musical Ain't Misbehavin' at Syracuse Stage.

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schonberg's legendary musical MISS SAIGON - a recent smash hit in London - returns to New York at its original home, The Broadway Theater (1681 Broadway) beginning performances tonight, March 1.

The Broadway-bound, world premiere engagement of SOUSATZKA, with book by Craig Lucas, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., based on the original novel 'Madame Sousatzka' by Bernice Rubens, is currently in previews in Toronto for an opening on March 23, 2017. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights from the show below!

A friendly reminder! Previews begin tomorrow, March 1, at 8 pm for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Boublil and Schonberg's legendary musical Miss Saigon, at The Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway).

Johnny Cash.  Just the name is iconic, but his music and that deep, calm bass-baritone voice made the "Man in Black" an American legend. From his songbook comes this crowd-pleasing, foot-stomping musical celebration that tells a fascinating story of love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, home and family.

Because he had a whole lot of livin' to do, Rob and Kevin's time with Tony Award winning lyricist Lee Adams was short but it did make them feel happy and rosy (or Rosie). The 93 year old Adams joined Rob and Kevin on the phone from his home in Briarcliff, NY. 

The world premiere engagement of SOUSATZKA, with book by Craig Lucas, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., based on the original novel 'Madame Sousatzka' by Bernice Rubens, begins previews in Toronto tonight, February 25, with opening night set for March 23, 2017.

Virginia Stage is excited to announce what they have in store for their 39th season. The lineup includes an additional production, the return of fan favorite Crowns. The full lineup has through lines of gospel and comedy and includes a Pulitzer Prize winner, two musicals, a new work, and adaptations of three classic works of literature.

Producer Garth Drabinsky, who has admitted to and served time in Canada for his part in a fraud at the now-defunct Livent production company, has just begun hearings with the Ontario Securities Commission.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Rob & Kevin were so fascinated by the costume designs of Tony Award winner Paloma Young (NATASHA, PIERRE, & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 and BANDSTAND) they asked her in for a chat about her career and design choices!

Imagine taking the proceeds from your paper route, training into NYC by yourself, and, for only $2, seeing the original 1776, COMPANY, FOLLIES, PIPPIN, and 196 other shows. And, at your tender age, writing a detailed review of what you just saw. Well, that's exactly what our guest Ron Fassler has done.

Much has changed in Buffalo, including it's theatrical scene. A coming home of sorts is happening at SHEA'S 710 THEATRE. RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH has returned to the stage where the production began. In 2005 Studio Arena Theatre produced this jukebox musical created by Richard Maltby Jr and conceived by William Meade. After a short run that earned much local praise, the production moved to Broadway, something not typical for Buffalo. Unfortunately the New York critics and audiences were less enthusiastic, and the production shuttered after a very brief run. But RING OF FIRE, much like Studio Arena and Buffalo itself, was to have it's own rebirth. A reworked version in 2013 by Maltby and Jason Edwards has become much more of a success and audiences across the United States have been quite receptive. Amherst's MusicalFare Theatre presentation from last season is now playing out in a lively and pitch perfect production.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Leaning In with Jeanine Tesori & Betty Comden!

Experience 1940s Harlem in the Tony Award-winning buoyant musical Ain't Misbehavin' at Syracuse Stage.

Jesse Berger (Founding Artistic Director) and the Board of Trustees of Red Bull Theater have announced the Ninth Annual RUNNING OF THE RED BULLS BENEFIT on Monday March 27th, at 6pm, celebrating their 14th Season and honoring Oscar Isaac, Olivia Reis, and George Forbes with the 2017 Matador Awards For Excellence in Classical Theater.

The sun will come out today because the Tony Award winning composer of Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, Annie, and countless others, Charles Strouse is back to discuss his life after being anointed Broadway's Golden Boy (pun, intended).

A friendly reminder that there are just two weeks until the world premiere engagement of SOUSATZKA, with book by Craig Lucas, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., based on the original novel 'Madame Sousatzka' by Bernice Rubens, begins in Toronto! Previews start February 25, and opening night is March 23, 2017.