The lights go dark and four giant screens light up with a blinking cinematic countdown...9, 8, 7, 6, 5...the sound of a helicopter approaching builds to deafening proportions as a garishly huge make-up mirror backstage at the seedy club/brothel Dreamland lights up with an unforgiving glare and the "Movie In Our Minds" begins to roll!
Miss Saigon at Near West Theatre is a high tech explosion of video, photography, lights, rigging and music together with a phenomenal teen cast of fierce energy and brazen commitment to the emotional journey of this show. This rock opera feels like Evita or Jesus Christ Superstar on steroids, You can feel the foreboding tragedy looming in fateful inevitability as Mariah Burks, in the role of Kim, gives the performance of a lifetime along with Xavier Reminick as the ratty, opportunistic Engineer and Mike Glaven as the American G.I. who wins her heart and breaks it in two.
This is a HOT show in a HOT theater. It's the Vietnam War, with all the deception, the misplaced patriotism, the idealism, the courage and the horror.....and its a MUSICAL! Sweat it out!!... it's more than worth it. The heat is ON in Saigon.
Today we are talking to one of the brightest lights in the Broadway galaxy who has wowed West End and Broadway audiences alike with her tour de force performances in MISS SAIGON and LES MISERABLES, sold out stadiums the world over with her acclaimed concert appearances - many of them also available on CD and DVD - and, now, Lea Salonga tells us all about her experiences with LES MISERABLES over the years - the star-studded 10th Anniversary Concert Dream Cast performance, to essaying the role of Fantine in the Broadway revival opposite Norm Lewis and Aaron Lazar, among others, to preserving her take on the show‘s most famous song, 'I Dreamed A Dream', and the role of Fantine, for all time in the stunning 25th Anniversary LES MISERABLES: LIVE IN CONCERT, available now on DVD and Blu-ray. In addition to all things LES MIZ, including some fantastic behind-the-scenes stories, Lea and I also discuss her favorite moments in the show, its themes, how she got into the role every night - and, again, anew, for the concert celebration - and the unmistakable power and sweep of the concert as presented in full HD on Blu-Ray. Additionally, we touch on her favorite cast-mates, future roles, preferred performers, current obsessions and, even, a little GLEE - including her cross-Pacific flight with new breakout star Darren Criss. Most importantly, she shares her most pressing political and moral concerns as they pertain to our thorough consideration and discussion of the prescient themes at the core of Victor Hugo's classic tragedy and what message the novel and the show have for audiences today around the world - as well as much, much more! And, just what did Lea think of Anne Hathaway's take on 'On My Own' from LES MIZ at this year's Oscars? The LES MISERABLES: LIVE IN CONCERT DVD and Blu-ray are available now to own and can be purchased here.
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) announced that Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, and David Alan Grier are joining the A.R.T. to play Porgy, Bess, and Sportin' Life in the A.R.T.'s new production of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. Performances will begin August 17at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
Two River Theater Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias, announces the full company and creative team for its production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.
Hartt celebrates its alumni this spring with two alumni reunion concerts. On Monday, April 21, three alumni of the Vocal Studies Division perform at 7:00 PM in Wilde Auditorium on the University of Hartford's main campus, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.
It is with great excitement that Village Theatre announces the return of Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner Brian Yorkey (Next To Normal) to the director's seat for the upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Set to open in Issaquah on May 12, 2011, this incredibly dynamic production features some bold choices by Yorkey including non-traditional casting and shared roles between two of the most legendary musical theatre characters-Jesus of Nazareth and Judas Iscariot.
Pittsburgh CLO's 2011 Summer Season will fill the Benedum Center with performances audiences will remember well into 2012. In addition to favorite local performers, this summer will be highlighted by talented Broadway stars, accomplished recording artists and veterans of the stage and screen.
Pittsburgh CLO's 2011 Summer Season will fill the Benedum Center with performances audiences will remember well into 2012. In addition to favorite local performers, this summer will be highlighted by talented Broadway stars, accomplished recording artists and veterans of the stage and screen.
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) announced that Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, and David Alan Grier are joining the A.R.T. to play Porgy, Bess, and Sportin' Life in the A.R.T.'s new production of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. Performances will begin August 17at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
The New York Times reports today that Will Swenson (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hair) will direct independent feature film adaptation of Carol Lynn Pearson's play 'Facing East.' Pearson is also writing the screenplay. The play centers on a family's struggle to come to terms with their Morman faith after losing their gay son to suicide. The subject mater is not far from Swenson's heart, as he witnessed similar struggles within his own childhood Mormon community. Say Swenson of the project: 'Getting through my own adolescence as a young Mormon was challenging as it was, but watching my best friend struggle with his identity as a gay teenager was heartbreaking.'
Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff/Producing Artistic Director) is announcing the launch of a new developmental showcase for musicals, The Glorious Bouquet Project.
Hartt celebrates its alumni this spring with two alumni reunion concerts. On Monday, April 21, three alumni of the Vocal Studies Division perform at 7:00 PM in Wilde Auditorium on the University of Hartford's main campus, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.
PAMALOT closes March 6, 2011 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
Executive Producer Lou Spisto today announced The Old Globe's presentation of a developmental workshop of Allegiance - A New American Musical.
According to Deadline.com, stage and screen star Steven Pasquale is set to star in the new USA pilot, 'Over/Under.' The proect will be directed by Bronwen Hughes and will include a script by Sheila Callaghan.
Drury Lane Theatre presents the regional premiere of the smash hit Tony Award-winning Best Musical, SPAMALOT, directed by William Osetek, Artistic Director at Drury Lane Theatre, the new production lovingly 'ripped off' from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Drury Lane Theatre has been awarded the exclusive Midwest rights from the owners of SPAMALOT to present a regional production of the Broadway sensation. Featuring an all-star cast led by Sean Allan Krill as Galahad (Broadway's Mamma Mia! and first National Tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie), Gina Milo as the Lady of the Lake (Broadway's Les Miserables and the National Tours of Les Miserables, Annie and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), and David Kortemeier as King Arthur (returning to Chicago after starring in A Flea in Her Ear, Galileo, and Love's Labours' Lost at the Clarence Brown Theatre in Tennessee), SPAMALOT opens January 6 and runs through March 6, 2011 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Tickets are already selling quickly.
California Musical Theatre is looking for performers for the 2011 Music Circus season at the Wells Fargo Pavilion.
Rubicon offers process-oriented acting classes for kids (beginning at age five) and adults. These programs focus on developing skills and technique, basic theatre terminology, building confidence and stage presence, learning proper voice techniques and developing an awareness of body language through character work, and other fundamental techniques through improvisation, scene study and theatre games.
Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff/Producing Artistic Director) is announcing the launch of a new developmental showcase for musicals, The Glorious Bouquet Project.
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Tracy Aron, announces the complete cast for the new Broadway musical THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, starring two time Tony® Award-winner Donna Murphy, directed by Leonard Foglia. THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE features book & lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart and music by Mike Stoller and Artie Butler.
Rubicon Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 Season with MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS, a powerful and compelling drama by Athol Fugard which begins previews February 9 at Rubicon's intimate 195-seat home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. Set in the 1950s, MASTER HAROLD is the story of an adolescent white South African torn between his relationship with the black waiters who have befriended and cared for him, and the principles instilled in him by his father, an injured war veteran who is alternately absent and abusive. Recipient of the New York Drama Desk Award and London's Evening Standard for Best Play, this gripping drama has much to say about how racism can be passed from one generation to the next. Directed by Rubicon Associate Producer BRIAN McDONALD, the production features DANIEL STEWART, ANTHONY (TONY) HANEY and CHRIS MADDOX.
Rubicon Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 Season with MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS, a powerful and compelling drama by Athol Fugard which begins previews February 9 at Rubicon's intimate 195-seat home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. Set in the 1950s, MASTER HAROLD is the story of an adolescent white South African torn between his relationship with the black waiters who have befriended and cared for him, and the principles instilled in him by his father, an injured war veteran who is alternately absent and abusive. Recipient of the New York Drama Desk Award and London's Evening Standard for Best Play, this gripping drama has much to say about how racism can be passed from one generation to the next. Directed by Rubicon Associate Producer BRIAN McDONALD, the production features DANIEL STEWART, ANTHONY (TONY) HANEY and CHRIS MADDOX.
Rubicon Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 Season with MASTER HAROLD…AND THE BOYS, a powerful and compelling drama by Athol Fugard which begins previews February 9 at Rubicon's intimate 195-seat home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District.
Rubicon Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 Season with MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS, a powerful and compelling drama by Athol Fugard which begins previews February 9 at Rubicon's intimate 195-seat home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. Set in the 1950s, MASTER HAROLD is the story of an adolescent white South African torn between his relationship with the black waiters who have befriended and cared for him, and the principles instilled in him by his father, an injured war veteran who is alternately absent and abusive. Recipient of the New York Drama Desk Award and London's Evening Standard for Best Play, this gripping drama has much to say about how racism can be passed from one generation to the next. Directed by Rubicon Associate Producer BRIAN McDONALD, the production features DANIEL STEWART, ANTHONY (TONY) HANEY and CHRIS MADDOX.
Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director), in association with Tracy Aron, announces additional casting for the new Broadway musical THE PEOPLE IN THE PICUTRE, starring two time Tony® Award-winner Donna Murphy, directed by Leonard Foglia. THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE features book & lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart and music by Mike Stoller and Artie Butler.
Rubicon Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 Season with MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS, a powerful and compelling drama by Athol Fugard which begins previews February 9 at Rubicon's intimate 195-seat home in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. Set in the 1950s, MASTER HAROLD is the story of an adolescent white South African torn between his relationship with the black waiters who have befriended and cared for him, and the principles instilled in him by his father, an injured war veteran who is alternately absent and abusive. Recipient of the New York Drama Desk Award and London's Evening Standard for Best Play, this gripping drama has much to say about how racism can be passed from one generation to the next. Directed by Rubicon Associate Producer BRIAN McDONALD, the production features DANIEL STEWART, ANTHONY (TONY) HANEY and CHRIS MADDOX.
1989 | West End |
Original London Production West End |
1991 | Broadway |
Broadway Production Broadway |
2002 | US Tour |
Big League Productions US Tour |
2002 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
2004 | UK Tour |
Touring Revival UK Tour |
2014 | West End |
West End Revival West End |
2017 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
2018 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
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