Zak Resnick News

From the moment audiences arrive at The Wallis, the immersive experience begins with special pre-show festivities, continuing through an exhilarating performance, and finishing with post-show gatherings that feature specially-curated entertainment.

BroadwayWorld received a statement today from employees of Ellen's Stardust Diner, 'home of the world famous singing waitstaff,' who have joined forces with the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) to establish Stardust Family United in order to dispute alleged unhealthy working conditions, disrespectful treatment from owners and management, and fight for higher wages for its non-tipped employees.

Revolutionizing the live musical theater experience, the acclaimed company For The Record makes its triumphant return to Los Angeles in a new production, For The Record: Scorsese - American Crime Requiem. This new show will bring the legendary filmmaker's soundtracks to life in a new generation cabaret from September 21 through October 16 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. For The Record: Scorsese - American Crime Requiem is co-produced by The Wallis and Ad Astra Live, and is made possible by the generous support of David C. Bohnett.

Returning to a role she played on Broadway, Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams stars in The Muny's 2016 season closer, AIDA. Scroll down for backstage photos from the production!

On a beautiful summer evening, under a half moon sky, and with a gentle breeze wafting through the air, nothing could compare to seeing the final show of the season at The MUNY. They close with yet another stellar selection that's filled with flair and grace. This was especially important and evident when a 25 minute interruption of the proceedings occurred during a Black Lives Matter protest, and a remembrance of the Ferguson shooting of Michael Brown. A huge thank you should be awarded to actor Ken Page, along with Michelle Williams as they came out to address the protests which took place as the second act was set to begin. Page's eloquent and thoughtful speech allowed the action to continue on stage without further incident. All that aside, this is an absolutely vibrant production of AIDA, which sparkles like it never has before. An excellent cast, led by Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, and an orchestra that can more than deftly handle the shifts in style the score presents. bring considerable energy and enthusiasm to Elton John's music and Tim Rice's lyrics. And, while the book and music may drift away from versions you've seen before this playful, and sometimes anachronistic, approach to this tale of tragic, star-crossed lovers, is decidedly engaging and entertaining. You'll be enthralled by its majesty!

On the two-year anniversary of the shooting of Michael Brown, the performance of AIDA at the Muny in St. Louis was briefly halted at the top of the second act as protesters representing the Black Lives Matter movement held up signs and chanted.

Click to see some brand-new production photos from the St. Louis Muny's star-studded production of Elton John and Tim Rice's, AIDA.

TODAY'S BIG NEWS: THE PURPLE LIGHTS OF JOPPA ILLINOIS opens at Atlantic Theater Company and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED... opens at MCC! Keep an eye out for photo coverage!

The Muny announced today the complete cast for its production of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida directed by Matt Lenz, choreographed by Jon Rua and music directed by Andrew Graham.

Relationships are complicated because people are complicated. Take Jason Robert Brown's 'Last Five Years,' which opened Wednesday evening at American Conservatory Theater. The 85-minute, two-person musical is simple. A couple recounts the rise and fall of their love. But just when you think you know to whom fault really belongs, Brown gives his audience another heart wrenching song to balance the scales. That Cathy and Jamie play out their stories with close to no interaction at all, and in opposite chronological order, only makes it all the more curious. And then there's the fact that the show is somewhat autobiographical and you have to wonder if Brown is living proof that we are our own worst critics. Simple, but complicated.

Today's big news: SHUFFLE ALONG and THE HUMANS will be honored this evening at the 2016 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards, and Andrew Keenan-Bolger hosts this year's Broadway Junior Student Finale today!

Today's big news: The 2016 Astaire Awards ceremony is tonight, and Broadway's best gather for Manhattan Theatre Club's spring gala!

Following the wildly successful concert version at The Geary Theater in spring 2015, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) presents a brand-new, fully staged production of Jason Robert Brown's acclaimed musical, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, now running through June 5, 2016. Under the direction of Michael Berresse - with Musical Direction by Matt Castle - THE LAST FIVE YEARS stars Margo Seibert (Rocky on Broadway, Tamar of the River at Prospect Theater Company) as Cathy and Zak Resnick (Mamma Mia on Broadway, Once Upon a Mattress at Transport Group) as Jamie. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the pair on stage below!

Today's big news: Heather Headley takes her first bows in Broadway's THE COLOR PURPLE, and the stars gather for CUTTING EDGE COMPOSERS at Feinstein's/54 Below!

Following the wildly successful concert version at The Geary Theater in spring 2015, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) presents a brand-new, fully staged production of Jason Robert Brown's acclaimed musical, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, running May 11-June 5, 2016. Under the direction of Michael Berresse - with Musical Direction by Matt Castle – THE LAST FIVE YEARS stars Margo Seibert (Rocky on Broadway, Tamar of the River at Prospect Theater Company) as Cathy and Zak Resnick (Mamma Mia on Broadway, Once Upon a Mattress at Transport Group) as Jamie -- with just a few days until the first curtain, A.C.T. has unveiled a pair of sneak peek performances!

BroadwayWorld San Francisco spoke with Michael Berresse, who directs of American Conservatory Theatre's upcoming production of 'The Last Five Years.' Read the full interview to learn about Michael's work with the show's composer, his methods for rehearsals, and what audiences can expect from his fully staged production.

In between rehearsals for American Conservatory Theater's upcoming, fully-staged production of Jason Robert Brown's acclaimed musical, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, stars Zak Resnick and Margo Seibert hit the streets of San Francisco to prepare for their roles. Check out images from the photo shoot below!

How many of these great songs do you know from underappreciated musicals?

With the help of Tony and Grammy Award nominee Jeremy Jordan (Newsies on Broadway, NBC's Smash, CBS's Supergirl, and films The Last Five Years and Joyful Noise), and students from A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts Program and Young Conservatory, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) raised over $500,000 at its 2016 Season Gala, SUPERGALA!, which took place on Thursday, April 14 at the historic Regency Ballroom in San Francisco.