Richard Ruiz News

The highly anticipated Studio Cast Recording of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, debuted in the top spot on Billboard's Cast Albums chart. The album, available from Ghostlight Records, is also the 14th bestselling current album overall for the week and number 47 on the Billboard Top 200.  Digitally, the recording soared to number 5 on the iTunes Top Albums chart in its first day and was number 9 on Billboard's Current Digital Albums chart for its first week.

Kicking off Folger Theatre's 2016 commemoration of 400 years of William Shakespeare is one of his most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream. On stage from January 26 through March 6, 2016, this hilarious and heartfelt celebration of the follies and foibles of human beings is directed by four-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. It is performed by an all-star cast, including Holly Twyford as Bottom, Eric Hissom as Oberon, Caroline Stefanie Clay as Titania, and Erin Weaver as a mischievous Puck. Tickets are available online at www.folger.edu/theatre or by calling the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077.

The highly anticipated Studio Cast Recording of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, is now available from Ghostlight Records. Check it out below!

Throughout the week, BroadwayWorld has been rolling out some preview tracks from the album, and we have another one today! Below, take a listen to 'Made of Stone.'

Beginning today, fans who pre-order the album on iTunes will be able to download four tracks, including the soaring 'Out There,' immediately. Below, watch Michael Arden record the moving number 'Out There' from the production.

Kicking off Folger Theatre's 2016 commemoration of 400 years of William Shakespeare is one of his most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream. On stage from January 26 through March 6, 2016, this hilarious and heartfelt celebration of the follies and foibles of human beings is directed by four-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. It is performed by an all-star cast, including Holly Twyford as Bottom, Eric Hissom as Oberon, Caroline Stefanie Clay as Titania, and Erin Weaver as a mischievous Puck. Tickets are available online at www.folger.edu/theatre or by calling the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, is now available for professional licensing exclusively through Music Theatre International (212-541-4684, www.MTIshows.com).

Fast-paced and funny is what the production of TWELFTH NIGHT at UConn's Connecticut Repertory Theater is going for, it seems. The text has been significantly cut so that running time is just barely two hours, and the antic clowning in the show works well. What's missing is the heart, and since this is a play about love-misplaced love, often-that's too bad.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre continues the 2015-16 season with a production of William Shakespeare's comedy TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by Victor Maog. It is the second show of the mainstage series and will perform in the Nafe Katter Theatre. CRT brings audiences a TWELFTH NIGHT infused with the music and jollity of the Christmas season. Wrapped in carols and mistletoe Shakespeare's finest comedy is a paean to the restorative power of love and the uproarious joy of the holidays. Performances begin December 3rd and run through December 13th. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Connecticut Repertory Theatre continues the 2015-16 season with a production of William Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night, directed by Victor Maog.  It is the second show of the mainstage series and will perform in the Nafe Katter Theatre.   CRT brings audiences a Twelfth Night infused with the music and jollity of the Christmas season.  Wrapped in carols and mistletoe Shakespeare's finest comedy is a paean to the restorative power of love and the uproarious joy of the holidays.  Performances begin December 3rd and run through December 13th.  For tickets and information please visit crt.uconn.edu or call (860)-486-2113.

The American Premiere Studio Cast Recording of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, was recorded at the historic Avatar Studios from September 28-30. BroadwayWorld brings you a look inside the process below!

Paper Mill Playhouse presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame (which first played to rave reviews in La Jolla). Inspired by the classic Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has a book by Peter Parnell, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is directed by Scott Schwartz and choreographed by Chase Brock.

Paper Mill Playhouse presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame (which first played to rave reviews in La Jolla). Inspired by the classic Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has a book by Peter Parnell, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is directed by Scott Schwartz and choreographed by Chase Brock.

Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the full cast for its production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (which first played to rave reviews in La Jolla). Inspired by the classic Victor Hugo novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has a book by Peter Parnell, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is directed by Scott Schwartz and choreographed by Chase Brock.

La Jolla Playhouse announces the cast for its upcoming U.S. premiere musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, featuring a score by the multiple Academy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning team of composer Alan Menken (Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors) and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), book by Peter Parnell (The West Wing, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) and direction by Scott Schwartz (Playhouse's Jane Eyre, Broadway's Golda's Balcony). Produced in association with Paper Mill Playhouse, by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, The Hunchback of Notre Dame will run October 26 - December 7, 2014 in the Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre.

The Old Globe's production of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by Globe alumnus, and Tony Award nominee Mark Lamos (Compleat Female Stage Beauty, Pentecost, Resurrection Blues) began on August 10 and opens tonight, August 16, at the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. The production runs through September 14, 2014.

The Old Globe's production of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by Globe alumnus, and Tony Award nominee Mark Lamos (Compleat Female Stage Beauty, Pentecost, Resurrection Blues) is currently playing at the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre through September 14, 2014. Check out a first look below!

The Old Globe's production of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona, directed by Globe alumnus, and Tony Award nominee Mark Lamos (Compleat Female Stage Beauty, Pentecost, Resurrection Blues) begins today, August 10 at the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. The production runs through September 14, 2014.

The Old Globe today announced the full cast and creative team for Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Renowned director, Globe alumnus, and Tony Award nominee Mark Lamos (Compleat Female Stage Beauty, Pentecost, Resurrection Blues) returns to the Globe with one of Shakespeare's most delightful and boisterous comedies. The final production of the 2014 Summer Season will be presented in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, August 10 - September 14, 2014.

More impressive than two good actors doing what they do best, however, is how Ruiz, pictured right with Kline, fits perfectly in to the mix. He has stood out in roles at CT Rep's My Fair Lady, The Music Man and Man of LaMancha as well as in Yale Rep'sAmerican Night, but really shines here. He conveys real affection for his uncle, admiration for Al and somehow manages to be engaging without getting in the way of the veterans.