BWW Reviews: THE ROYAL BALLET Offers an Uneven Mixed Bill by British Choreographers
by Sondra Forsyth - Jun 29, 2015
The second program of the Royal Ballet of England's return to New York City after an 11-year hiatus – and the first appearance of the company at the Koch Theatre in Lincoln Center – was an ambitious but not entirely successful presentation of works by British choreographers. The greatest failing was not onstage but in the Playbill. No notes at all were included to help the audience appreciate the ballets and the music in a historical context. While I applaud the company as well as the presenting Joyce Theater Foundation for eschewing the standard story ballets in favor of repertory fare, I am at a loss to figure out why the dancegoers were not given any information other than titles, credits, and casting. On the afternoon of June 27th when I was there, I overheard many people during pauses and intermissions commenting that a little assistance in comprehending the inspiration and intent of the choreographers would have been appreciated.
Hackmatack Playhouse Welcomes New Artistic Director
by Tyler Peterson - May 11, 2015
The new artistic director at Hackmatack Playhouse might have been hired for her talent as an actor, dancer or choreographer. Crystal Lisbon of Dover also might have been chosen for her connections to theater in Boston. But ultimately, Lisbon was hired at this Berwick stage because she gets what it means to direct theater in a barn run by a family that has farmed the surrounding fields for three-plus centuries.
Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe and Savion Glover Team for New Musical 'SHUFFLE ALONG'; Coming to Broadway Next Spring!
by BWW News Desk - Mar 12, 2015
Next spring, Tony Award winners Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, and Savion Glover will team up to collaborate on SHUFFLE ALONG, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, a musical about the events that led to the creation of the groundbreaking Eubie Blake-Noble Sissle musical Shuffle Along. Starring Audra McDonald as the 1920's star Lottie Gee, directed by George C. Wolfe -- with a book written by Wolfe -- and choreographed by Savion Glover, the musical marks the first time that the writer/director and choreographer will have worked together since their 1996 hit Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk. Previews will begin Monday, March 14, 2016. Opening night is Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street).
Laura Griffith and Brandon O'Neill Lead CAROUSEL, Beginning Tonight at 5th Avenue Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Feb 5, 2015
Under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry, The 5th Avenue Theatre presents a fresh and exciting new take on the tempestuous romance, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel. In its fourth major collaboration with Spectrum Dance Theater, The 5th is thrilled to welcome Tony Award-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd to the creative table, and a host of Seattle's theatrical royalty to its stage.
Laura Griffith and Brandon O'Neill to Lead CAROUSEL at 5th Avenue Theatre; Full Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jan 13, 2015
This exciting new staging will star the radiant Laura Griffith as Julie and 5th Avenue favorite Brandon O'Neill as Billy in his first Seattle production following his Broadway debut in Disney's Aladdin. The cast also includes local luminaries Anne Allgood, Eric Ankrim, Allen Fitzpatrick, Sean G. Griffin, Cynthia Jones, and Billie Wildrick, and marks The 5th Avenue debut of rising talent Joshua Downs.
Sunday Special: From the Screen to the Boards - This Season's Movie Stars on Broadway
by BWW Special Coverage - Nov 16, 2014
From Broadway debuts to stage veterans, this season is swarming with big screen stars. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you the backstory on this year's film-to-stage transplants. Scroll down to learn more, and be sure to let us who you're most excited to see on the Great White Way, plus which actors you'd like to make the leap!
Chichester's NEVILLE'S ISLAND Begins Tonight in the West End
by BWW News Desk - Oct 10, 2014
Jamie Hendry Productions presents the West End transfer of Chichester Festival Theatre's critically-acclaimed production of Neville's Island, which will run at the Duke of York's Theatre from today 10th October with opening night for press on 21st October 2014.
Hybrid Technology And Interactive Attractions Headline Next Season's Thrills At Six Flags
by Robert Diamond - Aug 28, 2014
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world's largest regional theme park company, today announced thrilling new offerings for each of its 18 parks for 2015. The upcoming season will include unique, one-of-a-kind attractions, sophisticated new interactive dark rides and, in signature Six Flags fashion, a selection of world-record-breaking rides from coast to coast.
THE MAGIC FLUTE, MACBETH, CATO IN UTICA and CANDIDE Set for the 2015 Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2014
The Glimmerglass Festival has announced its 2015 Festival, which will celebrate the company's 40th anniversary. The 2015 Festival will feature Mozart's The Magic Flute, Verdi's Macbeth, Vivaldi's Cato in Utica and Bernstein's Candide. The productions will run in repertory in the Alice Busch Opera Theater on Otsego Lake in Cooperstown July 10 through August 23. These mainstage offerings will be complemented by lectures, concerts and other special events.
Il Divo to Bring 'A MUSICAL AFFAIR' with Lea Salonga to Benedum Center, 5/18
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 24, 2014
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Il Divo, with special guest Lea Salonga, will perform on Sunday, May 18, 2014, at 7:30pm, at the Benedum Center. Following a successful week of concerts in November 2013 at New York City's Marquis Theater, Il Divo, the record-breaking classical crossover group, is bringing IL DIVO A MUSICAL AFFAIR: THE GREATEST SONGS OF BROADWAY LIVE to theaters across the U.S. and Canada as part of their world tour.
Deborah Hedwall, Patricia Hodges & More to Star in Peccadillo Theater's A LOSS OF ROSES; Cast Announced
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 23, 2014
The OBIE, Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk Award-winning Peccadillo Theater Company, in association with La Femme Theatre Productions, has announced the full cast for the play's first NY revival as well as the New York City premiere of the published version of William Inge's A Loss of Roses. Performances begin May 8th (not May 7th as previously announced) at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street, NYC, and continuing through June 7th, 2014. The play opens officially on May 12th at 7 PM.
Judy Kaye Replaces Jayne Houdyshell in Carnegie Hall's All-Star GUYS AND DOLLS Concert
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 12, 2014
Carnegie Hall today announced that two-time Tony Award winner Judy Kaye will now play the role of General Matilda B. Cartwright, replacing previously announced actress Jayne Houdyshell, for its gala benefit performance of Guys and Dolls on Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Kaye's career highlights include Tony Awards for her performances as Best Featured Actress in a Musical in The Phantom of the Opera and Nice Work If You Can Get It and Tony Award nominations for her roles in Mamma Mia! and Souvenir.
Len Cariou & Lee Wilkof Join Cast of Carnegie Hall's GUYS AND DOLLS Concert; Full Cast Announced
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 5, 2014
Carnegie Hall today announced the complete cast for its gala benefit performance of Guys and Dolls on Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Tony Award winner Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd, Applause, A Little Night Music) joins the cast as Arvide Abernathy along with Tony Award nominee Lee Wilkof (Assassins, Little Shop of Horrors, Kiss Me Kate) as Harry the Horse. Members of the Mission Band joining Allison Blackwell (Agatha) are J.D. Webster (Calvin), Linda Mugleston (Martha), and Joseph Torello (Joseph).