TheatreWorks, the nationally acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, presents ONCE ON THIS ISLAND from the Tony Award-winning creators of Ragtime. A timeless legend filled with joy, heartache, and adventure, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, winner of the Oliver Award for Best New Musical, boasts a score pulsing with irresistible Caribbean beats by Tony Award-winner Stephen Flaherty, with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. TheatreWorks Artistic Director Robert Kelley will direct this uplifting musical, which takes its story from a book by Rosa Guy, in turn inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid.' Choreographed by award-winning director, choreographer, and actor Gerry McIntyre, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND plays March 5-30, 2014 (press opening March 8) at TheatreWorks at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto. For tickets and information the public may visit www.theatreworks.org or call (650) 463-1960.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical returns at last! Eva Peron used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world - while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. Evita tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story, and features some of theatre's most beautiful songs, including 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina,' 'Another Suitcase In Another Hall' and 'High Flying, Adored.' Don't miss the stunning new Broadway revival production of Evita, which runs at TUTS May 6 - 18.
TUTS' The River is gearing up for their annual 'Dream Out Loud' celebration. At this year's celebration, the Sammy Award will be given to Lauren Potter. Most people will recognize her as the sassy cheerleader Becky Jackson on FOX's GLEE. In anticipation of this year's event, Lauren Potter talks about her career, anti-bullying initiatives, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd announces the cast and creative team for the world premiere of a new comedy by Theresa Rebeck, Fool. In Rebeck's new comedy, two kings get together and place a wager on their fools - a jester competition, and the funniest one gets to keep his head. Two evil minions have a lot to say about this, but not as much as the kitchen wench. And what's the queen been up to all night? A dramatical comical farcical tragical play about power, love and laughter, set in a medieval kitchen. Adult Language, Adult Situations, Beheadings.
Bristol Riverside Theatre kicks off the new year with Tuesdays With Morrie by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom based on the book by Mitch Albom, running now through February 16. Directed by Susan D. Atkinson, the ensemble cast features Richert Easley and Danny Vaccaro.
Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.
The national tour of WE WILL ROCK YOU, presented by Theatre Under the Stars, is continuing to rock Houston audiences for another week. This high-energy show, with a score made of Queen's hit songs, is sure to have you clapping for hands, stomping your feet, and signing along. Kick your winter blues in the face and check out this fun and frivolous night of theatre before it's too late. Forget the Super Bowl, grab your friends, and go to a party you won't regret.
Theatre Under the Stars is rocking the new year with the National Tour of Ben Elton's book musical WE WILL ROCK YOU, which proudly boats the songs of Queen as its score. The show had its world premiere in London in 2002, and celebrated its 10th anniversary on May 14, 2012 at London's Dominion Theatre. Despite being panned by critics, this raucous, loud, and irresistibly fun rock musical has proven to be an audience favorite. Last night's Houston premiere of the piece was a sparkling example of why this show has had such staying power.
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) has announced that the first North American tour of the new stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz will play March 4 - 16 at Hobby Center's Sarofim Hall. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.
Performing this weekend for one night only at Ovations will be Houston concert veterans Ramon Rabaza and Julia Laskowski. Joining them is Kierstin McKinley, making her Houston concert debut. The trio, singing everything from Opera to Pasty Cline, will be accompanied by Patti Rabaza on piano. Recently, I chatted with Patti Rabaza, Ramon Rabaza, and Kierstin McKinley about what Houston audiences could expect from their concert TENOR TO BARITONE, SOPRANO TO PATSY.
From London's West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton WE WILL ROCK YOU comes to Houston for a limited engagement at Theatre Under The Stars' Hobby Center for the Performing Arts - Sarofim Hall. The show will run tonight, January 22 - February 2, 2014.
Proudly announcing Theatre Under the Stars' (TUTS) 47th season, Artistic Director Bruce Lumpkin says, 'As Houston's largest homegrown musical theatre organization, there's a lot to be excited about!'Certainly, there simply is no denying that the season features a truly diverse array of audience favorites from Broadway's golden classics to contemporary hits. Bruce Lumpkin adds, 'We're presenting some of the most exciting things happening on the musical theatre stages! We've got some of the classics, some of the edgier shows, and we've got some of the freshest productions from New York. I don't think it gets any better than this! Trust me when I say that TUTS is moving and shaking things up!' At the bottom line, TUTS is in a unique position to offer Houston audiences 'both self-produced shows as well as national tours, so I think that the Houston audiences are going to enjoy the best of both worlds.'
Now that New Year's Eve celebrations are behind us, my favorite time of the theatre year is upon us. In late winter and early spring, theaters all around Houston start unveiling their upcoming seasons, in hopes of keeping current season subscribers and gaining new ones. Kicking off this annual season of unveiling is Gexa Energy's Broadway at the Hobby Center 2014-2015 Season announcement.
Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is kicking off 2014 with the multi-award-winning musical WE WILL ROCK YOU. Featuring twenty-four hits from the iconic music group Queen, this musical is sure to be one rocking evening of musical theatre! WE WILL ROCK YOU is a dystopian show that takes place in a future age. In a place and time where individuality is off-limits and where music is forbidden, the musical follows a band of rebel Bohemians that are striving to bring the power of rock and roll back to the people. Playing the female lead, Scaramouche, Ruby Lewis took time out of her busy schedule to let us know what Houston audiences can expect from this production of WE WILL ROCK YOU.
Votes are cast; polls are closed; and results have been tabulated! This was our biggest year yet! After a record number of voters in more than 50 regions worldwide, BroadwayWorld is very excited to announce the 2013 Houston winners! Thanks to all who voted, and huge congratulations to all the winners!
In celebration of Theatre Under The Stars' upcoming musical, We Will Rock You, TUTS will host a city-wide Instagram-based scavenger hunt - culminating with a post-scavenger hunt party at Hard Rock Cafe (502 Texas Ave). The scavenger hunt takes place Jan. 18 from 4 - 6 p.m. with the winning team earning the holy grail of prizes: a Fender guitar autographed by the cast of We Will Rock You along with 5 tickets to the show.
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) announced today that St. Luke's Health System (SLHS) will serve as the 2014-2015 season sponsor. When TUTS' 47th season begins in September 2014, it will mark the sixth consecutive year for St. Luke's as the season sponsor.
The Laguna Playhouse Executive and Artistic Directors, Karen Wood and Ann E. Wareham kick off the New Year with the legendary songs of that legendary man in black, RING OF FIRE, The Music of Johnny Cash, with choreography by Paula Hammons Sloan and musical direction and direction by Steve Steiner. 'What better way to begin 2014 than to offer our subscribers and audiences a musical tribute to an American Icon,' offers Wood. 'Who doesn't love such classics as 'I've Been Everywhere,' 'I Walk The Line' and so many more! A fascinating look at a fascinating man.' 'With thirty extraordinary songs performed by a talented cast of 10, this 'Ring' starts our new year off 'On Fire,' adds Wareham. RING OF FIRE will begin previews onToday, January 7 and will open on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30pm and run through Sunday, February 2, 2014 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
