The new musical comedy Nobody Loves You follows a philosophy grad student who auditions for - and surprisingly finds himself cast on - a reality TV dating show, all in an attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend. But when an unexpected on-set love connection threatens to ruin his plan, manufactured drama collides with real emotion in this original new musical.
At first glance, the musicals THE COLOR PURPLE, CALVIN BERGER, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES may not seem to have much in common. The settings couldn't be more different - the rural South in the early 20th century, a modern day high school, and a drag club in 1970s France. But since I happened to see them all on the same weekend, I couldn't help but draw parallels between them. All three musicals all speak to themes of beauty, identity, self-worth, and having the courage to be who you really are, despite what the world is telling you. In THE COLOR PURPLE, a young, poor, black woman is told that she's ugly and worthless, but after a lifelong journey she arrives at a place of strength and self-love. CALVIN BERGER sets the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac in a modern high school, where a young man feels that his large nose prevents him from getting what he wants in life and chooses to hide behind the handsome popular guy, both of whom eventually learn it's better to be loved for who you are. Finally, in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, a middle aged man who feels more comfortable dressed as a woman is asked by his own son to hide who he is, but confidently declares 'I am who I am!' Another thing these three musicals have in common is that they can all currently be seen on Twin Cities stages featuring talented local casts. Read on for more details on each, pick one that suits your fancy, and go see a local musical that just may inspire you to love you you really are!
Almost Maine is one of the countries most produced plays, this February; Royal Family Productions (Katie Avebe, Mary Bernardi, Chris Henry and Andy Theodorou, Founders) will present the New York premiere of John Cariani's follow-up play LOVE / SICK. Directed by Chris Henry and featuring choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, LOVE / SICK will begin performances on February 6 and open on February 9 through February 26, 2015 at Royal Family's new home in Times Square at Royal Family Performing Arts Space (145 West 46th St.). Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by visiting royalfamilyproductions.org or by calling Ovation Tickets at (866)811-4111.
Today we are talking to one of Broadway's biggest and brightest stars all about her incredibly busy year and impossibly packed schedule coming up for the rest of 2014 and the start of 2015 - the winsome and angelic Kelli O'Hara. Offering a generous tease of her upcoming Carnegie Hall holiday concert spectacular alongside fellow InDepth InterView participant Matthew Morrison and the NY Pops in KELLI & MATTHEW: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, O'Hara reflects on some of her favorite Christmas memories and shares some of her favorite holiday selections while commenting on the notable rapport shared between herself and Morrison, previously having co-starred in the Lincoln Center Theater productions of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA and SOUTH PACIFIC. Furthermore, O'Hara offers us a behind the scenes perspective on starring in NBC's recent entertainment extravaganza PETER PAN LIVE! and her thoughts on the unique production process as well as performing in the live telecast itself and introducing new material into the hallowed score for the show specifically for the broadcast. Additionally, O'Hara opens up about her leading role in the hotly anticipated forthcoming revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's vaunted THE KING & I, to be directed by her frequent collaborator Bartlett Sher, and sheds some light on what preparations are currently underway in taking on the iconic role of Anna as well as posits her own insights into the complex character in the historically-informed story. All of that, first news on appearing in the Tom Hanks tribute as part of this year's Kennedy Center Honors, reflections on THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY on Broadway and on disc, whether she would consider playing Marian in NBC's recently announced live TV production of THE MUSIC MAN and much, much more!
The joyous trip back through musical history comes to life from Detroit to Los Angeles in Motown: The Musical now playing at the Music Hall in Kansas City, Mo. Motown: The Musical with a book by Berry Gordy based on his 1994 autobiography To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown. Gordy founded the Motown record label, launching the careers of superstars Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson.
The completely reimagined revival of Side Show officially opens tonight, November 17, at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). Scroll down to learn more about the full cast, and watch interviews with the company below!
This November and December 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Stackner Cabaret once again welcomes the glittering costumes and chandeliers of Liberace!. Brilliant local musician and performer Jack Forbes Wilson will reprise his triumphant portrayal of Liberace, the man who defined four decades of music and pop culture, after an acclaimed world premiere production which ran during The Rep's 2010/11 Season. This loving tribute to Liberace is written and directed by Rep Associate Artistic Director Brent Hazelton, with original music direction and composition by Jack Forbes Wilson. Liberace! runs in The Rep's Stackner Cabaret from November 7, 2014 - January 11, 2015 and opens Sunday, November 9.
'Cherubino is crazy in some ways, in good ways,' says Isabel Leonard, who is singing the role of the young male page in the Almaviva household in the Metropolitan Opera's new Richard Eyre production of LE NOZZE DI FIGARO. 'He sees everything in Technicolor, eyes wide open, taking everything in, not missing a second that he could possibly enjoy in his life.”'
A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With several weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters .
BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's KINKY BOOTS below!
MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE - presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Crystal Theatre and Benjamin Simpson - has announced a second extension to its run with an additional performance on Friday, July 25 at 5:00 PM. The dramatic new musical inspired by the true story of the trailblazing labor organizer, which already has a sold out performance, will run from July 17 to 26, 2014. The show has book, music and lyrics by Cheryl E. Kemeny (co-founder of Crystal Theatre) and stars Lynne Wintersteller (A Grand Night For Singing and Annie on Broadway) and Robin De Jesus (two time Tony Award nominee). MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE is directed by Michelle Tattenbaum (Nobody Loves You at The Old Globe and Second Stage), choreographed by Clare Cook with music direction by Micah Young (Best Music Director, NYMF 2013). The show is an Official Selection of the 2014 New York Musical Theatre Festival's Next Link Project.
MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE - presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Crystal Theatre and Benjamin Simpson - has extended its run with an additional performance on Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 PM. The dramatic new musical inspired by the true story of the trailblazing labor organizer, which already has a sold out performance, will now run from tonight, July 17 to 26, 2014.
MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE - presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Crystal Theatre and Benjamin Simpson - has extended its run with an additional performance on Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 PM.
The Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots will welcome Haven Burton to the cast tonight, June 24, through September 28 as 'Lauren.' Jeanna de Waal, who currently plays the role, departs the production temporarily to star in A.R.T.'s Finding Neverland.
The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Crystal Theatre and Benjamin Simpson will present MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE - the dramatic new musical inspired by the true story of the trailblazing labor organizer - from July 17 to 24, 2014. The show has book, music and lyrics by Cheryl E. Kemeny (co-founder of Crystal Theatre) and stars Lynne Wintersteller (A Grand Night For Singing and Annie on Broadway) and Robin De Jesus (two time Tony Award nominee). MOTHER JONES AND THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE is directed by Michelle Tattenbaum (Nobody Loves You at The Old Globe and Second Stage), choreographed by Clare Cook with music direction by Micah Young (Best Music Director, NYMF 2013). The show is an Official Selection of the 2014 New York Musical Theatre Festival's Next Link Project.
Drama Desk and Tony Award winner Laura Benanti ('The Sound of Music Live!', Gypsy, Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) will host the 59th Annual Drama Desk Awards tonight, June 1, 2014 at 8:00 PM at The Town Hall (123 W. 43rd Street). BroadwayWorld will be updating you with winners throughout the night. Check back later for the full list!
District Stage Company will present Broadway Unplugged: World Jam on Friday, May 30 at 8:30 PM and Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM at South Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 Street in Cutler Bay, FL. Broadway Unplugged: World Jam is an intimate evening packed with songs from electrifying shows to hit the Great White Way in recent decades with Broadway stars Adam Kantor, Kevin Mambo, Janet Dacal and Andy Señor, Jr., under the musical direction of Greg Brown, with special guests Jeremy Charvet, Carlos Jose Alvarez, Jeanfranco Cardenty and Isabel Signoret.
Marlo Thomas spoke to BWW and other members of the press about her newly released book 'It Ain't Over...Till It's Over: Reinventing Your Life--and Realizing Your Dreams--Anytime, at Any Age'
Cabaret opened on Thursday, April 24 to rave reviews.
In addition to the musicals and dramas featured in the Theatre's 2014/15 season (The Foreigner, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Glengarry Glen Ross and LES MISERABLES), the Theatre will present a spectacular lineup of all-new concerts and special productions, along with select beloved favorites.
Eligibility and award category designations for the productions under consideration this season were determined by the Drama Desk board of directors with recommendations from the nominating committee. Because of the abundance of great work throughout the season, the Board also authorized the increase in the number of nominees allowed in select categories.
Roundabout Theatre Company's production of VIOLET, starring Sutton Foster, Colin Donnell, Alexander Gemignani and Joshua Henry, begins previews tomorrow, March 28, 2014. VIOLET officially opens on April 20, 2014 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). Scroll down to learn more about the full company and check out a sneak peek performance and interviews with the cast!
Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond:
Film Society of Lincoln Center to Present Art of the Real & Jim Jarmusch
Everything old is new again--and vice versa-at PAST IS PRESENT, up-and-coming lyricist SARAH REBELL's Metropolitan Room debut March 24 at 9:30pm. By turns hilarious and touching, sexy and historical, this concert features Rebell's lyrics paired with the music of promising young composers including DANNY ABOSCH (Fancy Nancy), WILL BUCK (Only Anne), JOSH FREILICH, (The Star Child), ELIZABETH HAGSTEDT (Rose Petals), TERESA LOTZ (The Birds and the Bees) , MADELINE MYERS (Legends and Lore) and WILLEM OOSTHEUYSEN (Prodigy).
Today we are talking to the founder and Vice President of Yamaha Entertainment Group who single-handedly spearheaded the incentive to create a one-of-a-kind work of pianistic art for iconic Tony Award-winning rock legend Elton John to utilize in a spectacular new concert experience called THE MILLION DOLLAR PIANO - the passionate and dedicated Chris Gero. Discussing all aspects of the impetus, development, design and actual building and subsequent employment of the technology created to craft the Million Dollar Piano itself, Gero sheds a light on the half-decade-spanning process of bringing the technological and artistic achievement to the stage and outlines Elton John's own participation in the project. Furthermore, Gero opens up about the new software developed for the project and how that has established a whole new avenue of live entertainment via the Yamaha Disklavier. On that note, Gero shares stories detailing his participation with various Disklavier showcase events and the possibilities afforded by the revolutionary new piano tech that will be spotlighted in his new documentary 88 - featuring performances by Elton John, Michael McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Jamie Collum and more. Additionally, Gero offers the 411 on Yamaha's participation in a wide range of specialty events, ranging from the silver piano Alicia Keys played on the Super Bowl to provided keys for Paul McCartney and more, as well as various Elton John charity benefits he has helmed over the years. All of that and much, much more in this behind the scenes look at the modern technical marvel that is Elton John's Million Dollar Piano and the man behind it!
Videos
