BWW Feature: From Page to Stage - The Story Behind ROCK AND ROLL MAN: THE ALAN FREED STORY at Berkshire Theatre Group.
by Marc Savitt - Jul 14, 2019
The impetus behind ROCK AND ROLL MAN: THE ALAN FREED STORY was not the Freed family. Gary Kupper was approached by Larry Marshak, with whom he had worked for many years, about a third party's desire to do a story about Alan Freed as a 'jukebox musical'. The intention was that Kupper might be able to write a couple of songs for the piece. Kupper realized that Freed's story is a classic one. A rise and fall and then redemption story that can't be told as a jukebox musical because Alan Freed wasn't a singer. He feels that a jukebox musical would have cheated the story. This is the story of this man, and the story of Rock-and-Roll. That notion gave birth to the 'book musical'. In 2011, Kupper started writing original songs and sometime later, the team started writing the script. Freed's son, Lance, stepped-in and helped to secure the rights to the Rock-and-Roll classics. They have combined the music of the era with storytelling. They admit it's both risky and tricky and has never really been done to the extent that it is in this show. Thirty to thirty-five original songs were written, most of which were thrown out. A little more than a dozen are in the current iteration of the show.
SAVE THE DATE: Nashville Theater Calendar for December 3, 2018
by Jeffrey Ellis - Dec 3, 2018
Looking ahead, you'll find a number of new productions on tap for your entertainment pleasure, including a number of holiday season offerings to put you in the Christmas spirit, thanks to the efforts of theater companies all over Middle Tennessee. Here's our calendar for December 3, 2018, to help you plot your course through the beginning of a new year...
SAVE THE DATE: Nashville Theater Calendar for November 26, 2018
by Jeffrey Ellis - Nov 26, 2018
Here's hoping you had a splendid Thanksgiving holiday weekend and that you're settling in for another action-packed season of events and shows to make Christmas 2018 sparkle even more! Looking ahead, you'll find a number of new productions on tap for your entertainment pleasure, thanks to the efforts of theater companies all over Middle Tennessee. Here's our calendar for November 26, 2018, to help you plot your course through the end of the year...
AN ACT OF GOD, 42nd STREET, And More Set For Bucks County Playhouse 2018 Season Opening Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2018
A classic tap-happy musical and a new production of a legendary Broadway comedy are highlights of Bucks County Playhouse's 2018 Season. Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler announced details of the season, which will kick off at the historic Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania on May 19.
AN ACT OF GOD, 42nd STREET, And More Set For Bucks County Playhouse 2018 Season
by Alan Henry - Mar 27, 2018
A classic tap-happy musical and a new production of a legendary Broadway comedy are highlights of Bucks County Playhouse's 2018 Season. Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler announced details of the season, which will kick off at the historic Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania on May 19.
Outrageously Funny GIRLFRIEND FROM HELL: THE MUSICAL Begins This Friday
by BWW News Desk - Nov 8, 2017
The outrageous new 80's horror comedy rock musical from the twisted mind of Hudson Valley native, Sean Matthew Whiteford (Book, Music & Lyrics), is BACK! Recently coming off sold-out performances at New York City's 54 Below & The Cutting Room, GIRLFRIEND FROM HELL: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious homage to the best worst 80s movies, and a wild night you won't soon forget!
Photo Flash: ROCK AND ROLL MAN Celebrates Opening Night
by Julie Musbach - Sep 23, 2017
A bevy of New York talent and Broadway producers mingled with guests in New Hope, PA, during the cast party held at Hotel du Village following the opening night performance of 'Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story', a Caiola Production, making its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse through October 1, 2017. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening festivities below!
Photo Flash: First Look at 'ROCK AND ROLL MAN' World Premiere at Bucks County Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Sep 14, 2017
'Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story' is making its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse through October 1, 2017. The high energy musical drama stars Tony-nominee Alan Campbell ('Sunset Blvd.') as Alan Freed and multiple-Emmy nominee George Wendt (Norm from 'Cheers') as J. Edgar Hoover. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Review Roundup: Bucks County Playhouse's GUYS AND DOLLS
by Alan Henry - Aug 2, 2017
'Guys and Dolls', the classic Broadway musical, brings a veteran Broadway cast to New Hope, PA at the historic Bucks County Playhouse through August 12, 2017. Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler are proud that this is the largest production since the reopening of Bucks County Playhouse in 2012. The 2017 Bucks County Playhouse Season is sponsored by Bank of America.
Nashville's Theater Calendar 6/6/16
by Jeffrey Ellis - Jun 6, 2016
Summertime is here, what with Memorial Day and all that it encompasses, and we can think of no better seasonal activity than taking in some local theater. No matter where you are in the Volunteer State, Tennessee theater companies are ready and willing to help transport you to a different world, another time and place where your life can be is transformed magically on a stage very near you!