BWW Interview: Michael Maliakel Hopes 'MONSOON' Takes Broadway by Storm
by Wayman Wong - Jun 19, 2017
'Monsoon Wedding,' the new musical based on Mira Nair's acclaimed 2001 movie, has been showered with praise at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, Calif. Karen D'Souza of the San Jose Mercury News writes: 'You are swept up' by its 'swirling typhoon of sound and color.' This Indian musical has curried such favor with its audiences that it's been extended through July 16.
Carole Demas and Sarah Rice to Celebrate Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt in THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE
by BWW News Desk - Jun 6, 2017
Broadway veterans Carole Demas, who originated the role of Sandy in Grease, and Sarah Rice, who originated the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd, have teamed up to celebrate the music of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, composers of THE FANTASTICKS, 110 IN THE SHADE, I DO! I DO! and more. Demas and Rice have based their show on their 50 years of work and personal relationships with Jones and Schmidt.
The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres Goes Pink with LEGALLY BLONDE
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2017
Legally Blonde, The Musical takes you from the sorority houses of UCLA to the halls of justice via Harvard with one of Broadway's brightest heroines and her Chihuahua sidekick, Bruiser, played by Oscar Burgess. Amanda Brown's novel by the same name was adapted in 2001 for the film starring award winning actress, Reese Witherspoon. Soon after Heather Bach created the Broadway version with songs composed by Lawrence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin. The plot follows the story of the popular and beautiful sorority girl Elle Woods who is determined to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner by enrolling into Harvard University. With a chip on her shoulder and the support of some new friends, Elle is determined to show Harvard that she's a blonde with smarts, wit, and plenty of fashion sense.
MAMMA MIA! Announces Full Cast and Tour Dates
by BWW News Desk - May 5, 2017
The global musical phenomenon, MAMMA MIA!, will commence its new national tour at the Canberra Theatre Centre on November 24th 2017 followed by a season from December 26th 2017 QPAC's Lyric Theatre in Brisbane.
Liza Minnelli, Alan Cumming, Jessie Mueller and More to Join Michael Feinstein and the Pasadena POPS This Summer
by BWW News Desk - Mar 1, 2017
Principal Conductor Michael Feinstein leads the Pasadena POPS for its star-studded 2017 Summer Concert Series at the Los Angeles Arboretum with extraordinary multiple award winning guests artists Liza Minnelli, Alan Cumming, Joel Gray, Hair Spray Live's Madelyn Baillio, Beautiful's Jessie Mueller and Jarrod Spector, Grey Garden's Rachel York, Phantom of the Opera's Jordan Donica, the Midtown Men and Michael Feinstein in concert.
Josh Davis Joins Billie Wildrick in THE PAJAMA GAME, Opening Tonight at 5th Avenue Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Feb 16, 2017
This winter, The 5th Avenue Theatre will have Seattle adjusting its radiators with a steaming hot new production of the Richard Adler and Jerry Ross musical theater hit, The Pajama Game. With direction by 5th Avenue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry, this sultry stunner features Bob Fosse-inspired choreography by Bob Richard and music direction by Joel Fram.
Photo Flash: Disney's LITTLE MERMAID Set to Dazzle at Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale
by Julie Musbach - Feb 11, 2017
A spectacular new production of Disney's The Little Mermaid kicks off at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 for a limited two week run. Featuring the critically acclaimed work of Director Glenn Casale, this beloved tale of a young mermaid's coming-of-age adventure is told like never before. Previously announced casting includes Diana Huey as Ariel and Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric, with Broadway's Jennifer Allen as Ursula and Steven Blanchard as King Triton. Melvin Abston, Connor Russell and Jamie Torcellini join the cast as Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle.
Star-Studded PAJAMA GAME Starts Tonight at 5th Avenue Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Feb 10, 2017
This winter, The 5th Avenue Theatre will have Seattle adjusting its radiators with a steaming hot new production of the Richard Adler and Jerry Ross musical theater hit, The Pajama Game. With direction by 5th Avenue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry, this sultry stunner features Bob Fosse-inspired choreography by Bob Richard and music direction by Joel Fram.
Broadway Legend Chita Rivera to Perform in Broadway @ The Nourse Series This Spring
by BWW News Desk - Jan 4, 2017
Chita Rivera is a living Broadway legend and a two-time Tony winner who originated the Broadway roles of Anita in 'West Side Story,' Rosie in 'Bye Bye Birdie,' Velma in 'Chicago,' and appeared in the original casts of 'Guys and Dolls,' 'Can Can,' 'Jerry's Girls' and many others. Producer Mark Cortale announced today that she will be coming to San Francisco for one night only on April 29 at 8:00 PM, joining a stellar season that kicks off this week with two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole on Saturday, January 7 at 8:00 PM.
Josh Davis Joins Billie Wildrick in THE PAJAMA GAME at 5th Avenue Theatre; Cast Complete!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 20, 2016
This winter, The 5th Avenue Theatre will have Seattle adjusting its radiators with a steaming hot new production of the Richard Adler and Jerry Ross musical theater hit, The Pajama Game. With direction by 5th Avenue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry, this sultry stunner features Bob Fosse-inspired choreography by Bob Richard and music direction by Joel Fram.
Jennifer Allen and Steven Blanchard Featured in Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, Starting Tonight in Seattle
by BWW News Desk - Nov 23, 2016
A spectacular new production of Disney's The Little Mermaid kicks off at The 5th Avenue Theatre this holiday season. Featuring the critically acclaimed work of Director Glenn Casale, this beloved tale of a young mermaid's coming-of-age adventure is told like never before. Previously announced casting includes Seattle's own Diana Huey as Ariel and Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric, with Broadway's Jennifer Allen as Ursula andSteven Blanchard as King Triton. Melvin Abston, Connor Russell and Jamie Torcellini join the cast as Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle. The 5th Avenue's production will go on to play engagements in cities including Orlando, Cincinnati,Atlanta and Louisville, among others.
New Donna Summer Musical, Leigh Silverman-Helmed WILD GOOSE DREAMS and More Round Out La Jolla Playhouse's 2017-18 Season
by BWW News Desk - Nov 18, 2016
La Jolla Playhouse, nationally-renowned for the development of new work, announces four world-premiere productions for the 2017/2018 season, including the previously-announced Escape to Margaritaville (May/June), featuring the songs of legendary singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett and an original story by co-book writers Greg Garcia ('My Name Is Earl') and Mike O'Malley ('Survivor's Remorse,' 'Shameless'), directed by La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley (Come From Away, Memphis).
Tituss Burgess, Sierra Boggess, Bryce Pinkham and More to Perform at NYMF's 2016 Gala
by BWW News Desk - Nov 8, 2016
The New York Musical Festival (NYMF), previously known as The New York Musical Theater Festival, will honor Tony and Grammy Award winning composer and lyricist Duncan Sheik, Casting Director Tara Rubin, and former NYMF Board Member and Treasurer Frank Troutman at its 2016 Gala hosted by Mo Rocca on Sunday, November 13 at the Edison Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan (240 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036).
Robert Sean Leonard, Ken Ludwig, Josh Rhodes Slated for The Old Globe's 2017 Summer Season
by BWW News Desk - Oct 28, 2016
The Old Globe today announced the remaining productions in its 2017 Summer Season, including a brand-new comedy, Ken Ludwig's Robin Hood!, and a Summer Shakespeare Festival lineup featuring Robert Sean Leonard in the title role of the towering history play Richard II, directed by Erica Schmidt. Shakespeare's exhilarating tragedy Hamlet follows, directed by Old Globe Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, one of the leading American authorities on the works of Shakespeare.
The 2016 - 2017 Season Expands to Include the Addition of Performances at the Skokie Theatre, New Guest Hosts, New NEW FACES One Production Celebrating New Musicals and M
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 26, 2016
Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the 2016 - 2017 season of Chicago's hit musical revue series, New Faces Sing returning to Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway and debuting at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Skokie. In tribute to the original New Faces series that ran on Broadway and on film from 1934 - 1968, Porchlight Music Theatre last year created this Chicago musical revue series, New Faces Sing Broadway, as a showcase for the best emerging musical talent now performing on Chicago stages. Each edition is a journey from the start to the finish of a entire musical season on Broadway, peppered with photos and films of the era in an exciting multimedia presentation with a favorite Chicago theatre veteran hosting and introducing the next generation of music theatre artists and acting as your guide through a past season on the Great White Way. Seating is general admission; tickets are $22, with no drink minimum and are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org.