A Song for the First of May - 1971 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 1

It's a very rare treat—particularly all the way here in Orange County, California—to hear Broadway songs and the stories behind them performed directly by the legendary composer himself, even for just a one-night-only event. But that is exactly the gift bestowed upon a rapt audience recently when the Irvine Barclay Theatre presented DEFYING GRAVITY: AN EVENING WITH STEPHEN SCHWARTZ & FRIENDS to a sold-out crowd on the evening of May 23, 2026.

Tom Jones will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL as part of his Come Gather Round Tour. The Welsh singer, whose career spans over six decades, has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

TUTS makes it live up to its name. It’s a handsome production, a great cast, and it feels like an old faithful friend. When you’re down and troubled, and you need a helping hand, just call the box office. 

Jesus Christ Superstar began as a concept album in 1970 before making its stage debut in 1971. The original 1970 concept album was the brainchild of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice.

Music Director Jeff Cox brings us into the musically daring and vivid score of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Its breadth of genres, rich chromatic harmonies, and the terrific orchestra come together to paint the magical world we know and love.

An all new track has been released from Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring singer, songwriter and musician Sam Ryder performing 'Gethsemane.' Stream the track here!

Berklee College of Music honored a trio of Grammy winners at its 2026 commencement ceremony at Agganis Arena. Those presented with honorary doctorates were Jacob Collier, Jill Scott, and Vinnie Colaiuta.

When Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice premiered 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in 1971, it jolted both the Church and the musical theater world.

While harmonizing to perfection, Katis rules the piano with the sensitivity necessary to realistically perform King’s songs of self-awareness and the longing to find your place in the world, while Clews’ finger-picking expertise on guitar adds a real sense of introspective musical magic to Taylor’s.

Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Multi- Award winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz has had a long and distinguished career in writing for both theatre and film. He is probably best known nowadays for his work on Wicked, but his career goes far beyond that one hit show.

For an evening of terrific talent, beautiful staging, and emotional performances, check out Theatre Harrisburg’s production of Godspell on stage through May 10th.

We learn that the suburban fantasy is not sustainable, primarily because such a fantasy can only ever be a dream. The reality of suburban living, as told by Kimberly Akimbo, shows there is much more nuance to everyday life than the nuclear family with a white picket fence and a wholesome dinner at eight. If everyone got what they wanted, after all, they wouldn’t want for more.

The Classic Albums Live Series Will Continue at The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, with tickets and series packages going on sale Friday. This series features iconic albums performed live.

The San Francisco Symphony has revealed details of the Orchestra’s 115th season. The 2026–27 season features 26 guest conductors, including five making their Orchestral Series debuts, alongside a lineup of returning and debuting guest artists.

And the winners are the audience at CT+S.

The new Broadway season is in full swing, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 12 have related films or series that you can watch from home. If you are seeing any of the below productions in 2026, check out how you can study up beforehand or unpack afterwards!

Actor and beloved drag icon Charles Busch reflects on his long career in cabaret as he prepares for his upcoming New Year’s Eve cabaret on 12/31, 7 pm at 54 Below.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center will present an evening with three-time award-winning actress, singer, and Broadway icon Bernadette Peters. The performance will take place on Sunday, May 31, at 7:00 p.m..

On Saturday, November 15, at 7:00 P.M., I had the pleasure of my very first experience with the Broadway on Main Theatre Company in East Haven, Connecticut, to see a phenomenal production of MARY POPPINS! This theater features scenery projections on the back of the stage wall and on the side house walls, to immerse the audience into the show, with a constant 270 degree visual experience! Sometimes the projections include motion, even moving images of some of the characters in the show! This is a unique concept, brilliantly applied, enhancing the quality of the production! This is a highly memorable show, wonderful for the whole family!

Uplifting, unflinching and wildly entertaining.

“Follies” remains a glittering ghost story about theatre itself, what it means to chase applause, and to live forever in memory. With Cygnet’s production, “The Joan” gets its first haunting, and it’s a glamorous one.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been taped at the Ed Sullivan Theatre located on Broadway between 53rd and 54th Streets since it began in 2015. Before the Broadway-loving Colbert took over The Late Show, the host was David Letterman, who ruled late night from 1993 onward via his perch at 1697 Broadway.

The catchy doo-wop and early rock n’ roll style of music alongside the fashion and other paraphernalia of the the 1950s give a nostalgic feeling for this classic show, but this production of Grease still has a necessary edge to make this show successful.

The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.