Seth Jackson News

Rehearsals begin tomorrow, February 11, 2014, for Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman's 'Harmony,' A New Musical, which opens March 12, 2014, at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre and plays through April 13. (Previews begin March 4.)

Full casting is set for Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman's "Harmony," a new musical, opening March 12, 2014, at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre and playing through April 13. (Previews begin March 4).

While most everyone is familiar with the tragic tale of Anne Frank and her family, fewer know the story of HANNA SENESH, although there have been books, movies and plays made about her extraordinary experiences. Hannah was a woman driven by her passion for life, and she was also a writer, having written both poems and plays, as well as a detailed journal. Playwright David Schecter (in collaboration with Lori Wilner) has done an exceptional job of turning these seemingly disparate elements into a thoroughly engaging work, and The New Jewish Theatre is currently presenting a very special production that demands your time and attention this holiday season.

The Muny announced principal casting for the final show of its fantastic 95th Season, West Side Story, directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Chris Bailey. West Side Story will be performed August 5 - 11, and is sponsored by BMO Harris.

The current production of MARY POPPINS that's playing at The Muny is 'practically perfect', featuring some nice special effects, a wonderful set, and terrific performances that manage to capture the spirit of the 1964 Disney film, as well as the P.L. Travers books that inspired it. The original and familiar tunes of Richard and Robert Sherman mesh seamlessly with the new material created by composers George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, and it's all lushly orchestrated and performed. Additionally, Julian Fellowes has crafted a book that incorporates bits plucked from the movie as well as from Travers' original stories. This intermingling of the old with the new is surprisingly refreshing. This is a spectacular show that appeals to both children and adults.

Broadway star Rob McClure (Chaplin) returns to The Muny for the second time this summer as Bert in The Muny's production of Disney's MARY POPPINS. McClure appeared earlier this season as Farquaad in the theatre's production of SHREK: THE MUSICAL. Below, in conversation with Muny Executive Producer Mike Isaacson, McClure discusses his love for embracing the imagined world as a performer and how this approach has helped make his Muny performances so successful. Click to watch!

The Muny is presenting the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Jenny Powers stars in the title role, with Rob McClure co-starring as Bert. Joining them are Erin Dilly as Winifred Banks andStephen Buntrock as George Banks. Rounding out the cast will be Elizabeth Teeter as Jane Banks, Aidan Gemme as Michael Banks, James Anthony as Admiral Boom, Zoe Vonder Haar as Mrs. Brill, Anthony ChristIan Daniel as Robertson Ay, Laura Ackermann as the Bird Woman, and Rebecca Finnegan as Queen Victoria. Click below to check out interviews with the cast!

The Muny is presenting the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Jenny Powers stars in the title role, with Rob McClure co-starring as Bert. Joining them are Erin Dilly as Winifred Banks and Stephen Buntrock as George Banks. Rounding out the cast will be Elizabeth Teeter as Jane Banks, Aidan Gemme as Michael Banks, James Anthony as Admiral Boom, Zoe Vonder Haar as Mrs. Brill, Anthony Christian Daniel as Robertson Ay, Laura Ackermann as the Bird Woman, and Rebecca Finnegan as Queen Victoria. BroadwayWorld brings you photos and highlights below!

The original animated film Shrek was a kind of adult fairytale, though it was obviously aimed squarely at the youth market as well, successfully spawning a franchise with sequels and merchandising galore. So, it should come as no surprise that Dreamworks would opt to try their luck on stage with a musical version of their blockbuster hit. Happily, like the original, it's a cute and amusing production that will play equally well to children and their parents, who will certainly appreciate some of the more grown-up humor. Jeanine Tesori's score serves the play well, and is undeniably tuneful in execution, but the real treat here is David Lindsay-Abaire's clever book and lyrics, which peppers the dialogue and songs with a remarkable amount of wit. The current production of SHREK THE MUSICAL, which is playing at The Muny at Forest Park, is a cleverly mounted and thoroughly enjoyable show.

Torrential rains beforehand, a late start, and even technical issues couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the cast SPAMALOT, which is currently playing The Muny. I brought my young son along to the show since he'd enjoyed the movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, that it's based on, and I'm happy to report that he laughed at the silliness on display repeatedly. I myself have issues with this hodgepodge of scenes cobbled from the cult film, and in fact, it is the additional elements that book writer and Python member Eric Idle included, along with a couple of fresh songs he's written with frequent collaborator John Du Prez, that really stand out to me in this parody/homage. One thing's for sure, a game cast led by John O'Hurley delivered a hilarious presentation under less than ideal conditions this past Monday at the Muny.

The Muny presents John O'Hurley in the first show of its fantastic 95th Season, Monty Python's Spamalot, directed and choreographed by Denis Jones. The show opened last night, June 17, and you can check out photos from the show and after party below!

The Muny presents John O'Hurley in the first show of its fantastic 95th Season, Monty Python's Spamalot, directed and choreographed by Denis Jones. The show opened last night, June 17, and you can check out highlights from the festivities below!

The Muny presents John O'Hurley in the first show of its fantastic 95th Season, Monty Python's Spamalot, directed and choreographed by Denis Jones.The show opens tonight, June 17, and will run through June 23.

Michelle Ragusa stars in The Muny's production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT as The Lady of the Lake, alongside John O'Hurley as King Arthur this summer. In these conversations with Muny Executive Producer, Mike Isaacson Michelle discusses Ragusa's hilarious and captivating character, and O'Hurley's comedic chops. Click below!

The Muny announced principal casting for the final show of its fantastic 95th Season, West Side Story, directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Chris Bailey. West Side Story will be performed August 5 - 11, and is sponsored by BMO Harris.

The professional dance company Shaping Sound recently performed at the Capitol Theatre in a concert that was electrifying and stunning.

The Muny announced principal casting for the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackinstosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Mary Poppins the Musical is sponsored by Ameren.

The Muny announced principal casting for the fifth show of its fantastic 95th season, Les Miserables. Broadway veterans Hugh Panaro and Norm Lewis make their Muny debuts starring as Jean Valjean and Javert, respectively. Also starring is Michael McCormick as Thenardier. The production is directed by Richard Jay-Alexander, who served as the associate director and executive producer of the original Broadway, touring and Canadian companies of Les Miserables.

As previously announced, John O'Hurley will star as King Arthur. Also starring will be Michelle Ragusa as The Lady of the Lake, Kevin Cahoon as Historian, John Scherer as Sir Robin, David Hibbard as Patsy, Chris Hoch as Sir Lancelot, Ben Davis as Sir Dennis Galahad, and Tally Sessions as Dennis' Mother/Sir Bedevere. Joining them will be broadcast legend Bob Costas as The Voice of God.