Susan Cella News

There's an old saying in theatre: "There are no small roles, just small actors". Despite her featured role as Tessie Tura in GYPSY at Maine State Music Theatre, her talent and impressive resume prove that she is no "small" actress. From understudying Patti LuPone in the original Broadway production of Evita, success in films and sitcoms, to becoming an MSMT favorite, it is clear to see why as soon as you see her on stage. Though, the audiences at MSMT might have a hard time convincing her that Brunswick's crowds are bigger fans than she is of the midcoast town.

'Sing out, Louise!!'. This phrase has been part of theatre lexicon for more than 50 years. Almost having become an inside joke, and used by directors, choreographers and actors to coax performers into giving it their all. Throughout GYPSY's storied history, it has been produced numerous times across this country; the 'greatest American musical' is also often referred to as a 'perfect' musical. And Maine State Music Theatre's current production of GYPSY is just that: perfect.

The prodigal daughter returns home - to Palm Springs, that is - in OTHER DESERT CITIES, Jon Robin Baitz's gripping 2011 drama that examines 'the indentured servitude of having a family.'

Pittsburgh Public Theater's highly successful MADE IN AMERICA season concludes with Jon Robin Baitz's Broadway sensation Other Desert Cities, nominated for the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. Other Desert Cities is directed by Rob Ruggiero, whose recent Broadway credits include High starring Kathleen Turner and Looped starring Valerie Harper. He was last at The Public to direct Ella. Other Desert Cities runs tonight, May 30 - June 30, 2013 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org. The engagement of Helena Ruoti in this production has been generously supported by Richard W. Moriarty, M.D.

Pittsburgh Public Theater's highly successful MADE IN AMERICA season concludes with Jon Robin Baitz's Broadway sensation Other Desert Cities, nominated for the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play. Other Desert Cities is directed by Rob Ruggiero, whose recent Broadway credits include High starring Kathleen Turner and Looped starring Valerie Harper. He was last at The Public to direct Ella. Other Desert Cities runs May 30 - June 30, 2013 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org. The engagement of Helena Ruoti in this production has been generously supported by Richard W. Moriarty, M.D.

The cast of Riverside Theatre's production of Funny Girl has done a music video to Jazmine Sullivan's song, 'Switch'. Directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Scott Stevens, who played the Ziegfeld Tenor and other ensemble roles, the music video showcases many of the cast members and was shot at various locations in Vero Beach including: the theatre's backstage area (dressing rooms, rehearsal hall), on the beach, poolside, and other locations. Check it out below!

Due to popular demand, Riverside Theatre has added performances to two of this season's most acclaimed shows. One performance has been added to Funny Girl's scheduled run and one week of performances has been to the scheduled run of LES MISERABLES.

Riverside Theatre's Simply Amazing Season continues with the Broadway smash musical hit, Funny Girl. Nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical Best Lead Actor and Actress and Best Original Score, the show was an immediate hit with audiences with an inspiring and beloved score including classic favorites 'Don't Rain on My Parade,' 'I'm the Greatest Star,' 'The Music That Makes Me Dance' and the iconic hit, 'People. Funny Girl performs on the Stark Stage from January 10 through 27, 2013 and is presented through the courtesy Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

Riverside Theatre's Simply Amazing Season continues with the Broadway smash musical hit, Funny Girl. Nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical Best Lead Actor and Actress and Best Original Score, the show was an immediate hit with audiences with an inspiring and beloved score including classic favorites 'Don't Rain on My Parade,' 'I'm the Greatest Star,' 'The Music That Makes Me Dance' and the iconic hit, 'People. Funny Girl performs on the Stark Stage from January 10 through 27, 2013 and is presented through the courtesy Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below.

Riverside Theatre's Simply Amazing Season continues with the Broadway smash musical hit, Funny Girl. Nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical Best Lead Actor and Actress and Best Original Score, the show was an immediate hit with audiences with an inspiring and beloved score including classic favorites 'Don't Rain on My Parade,' 'I'm the Greatest Star,' 'The Music That Makes Me Dance' and the iconic hit, 'People. Funny Girl performs on the Stark Stage from January 10 through 27, 2013 and is presented through the courtesy Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers. Check out a backstage video below.

Riverside Theatre's Simply Amazing Season continues with the Broadway smash musical hit, Funny Girl. Nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical Best Lead Actor and Actress and Best Original Score, the show was an immediate hit with audiences with an inspiring and beloved score including classic favorites 'Don't Rain on My Parade,' 'I'm the Greatest Star,' 'The Music That Makes Me Dance' and the iconic hit, 'People. Funny Girl performs on the Stark Stage from January 10 through 27, 2013 and is presented through the courtesy Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers.

Courtney Balan is set to star as Fanny Brice in Riverside Theatre's FUNNY GIRL, which will play the Stark Stage in Vero Beach, FL, Jan. 10-27, 2013. James Brennan directs and choregraphs the show.

Harbor Lights Theater Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tamara Jenkins and Associate Artistic Director Jay Montgomery, continues the company's third season of professional Equity theater on Staten Island with the area premiere of the Broadway sports drama LOMBARDI, from tonight, August 17 -26 at Veterans Memorial Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden (1000 Richmond Terrace).

Harbor Lights Theater Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tamara Jenkins and Associate Artistic Director Jay Montgomery, continues the company's third season of professional Equity theater on Staten Island with the area premiere of the Broadway sports drama LOMBARDI, from August 17 -26 at Veterans Memorial Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden (1000 Richmond Terrace).

Pittsburgh CLO will present Fiddler on the Roof, July 13-22 at the Benedum Center. This classic tale is filled with 'memorable music, rousing dances and a touch of human wisdom.'

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, May 20, 2012 - Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Pittsburgh CLO has announced casting for its summer season, which includes six shows, featuring the national tours of Come Fly Away and The Addams Family, and CLO original productions of A Chorus Line, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof and Sunset Boulevard. Notably, A CHORUS LINE brings on board a slew of the show's national tour veterans, ANNIE stars Sally Struthers as Miss Hannigan, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF features Broadway's Lewis J. Stadlen, Susan Cella, Hunter Herdlicka, Joel Robertson, Emily Shoolin and Kay Walbye. Liz Callaway and Walter Charles are set to star in SUNSET BOULEVARD.

The Muny's production of BYE BYE BIRDIE is led by Lara Teeter as Albert Peterson, Andrea Burns playing Rose Alvarez, and Samantha Massell playing Ursula Merkle. The show features direction by Paul Blake, musical direction by Sam Davis, and choreography by Kelli Barclary. It runs through August 14.

Audiences will probably be more familiar with the 1963 film version of BYE BYE BIRDIE from its innumerable screenings on television, with Dick Van Dyke, Ann Margaret, Janet Leigh, Maureen Stapleton and Paul Lynde all making vivid impressions under George Sidney's direction. But, seeing it live really is a special treat, especially on the expansive Muny stage. Opening night even provided the most gloriously mild weather one could have hoped for to enjoy this oft-played, but rarely perfected delight. Charles Strouse and Lee Adams wrote a number of memorable songs for this musical, and Michael Stewart's lightweight, but entertaining script which mixes romance and a satire on the cult of personality is a fairly sturdy framework to hang them upon. Happily, the production currently playing at the Muny is well worth your time and attention, and certainly beats seeing the film again for the umpteenth time.

The Muny's production of BYE BYE BIRDIE will be led by Lara Teeter who will play Albert Peterson, Andrea Burns playing Rose Alvarez, and Samantha Massell playing Ursula Merkle. The show will feature direction by Paul Blake, musical direction by Sam Davis, and choreography by Kelli Barclary. It runs August 8-14.