Applause - 2005 - Regional (US) Articles Page 1

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. 

Starlight Theatre in Kansas City will present its 2026 AdventHealth Broadway Series, featuring a lineup of acclaimed Broadway shows. Tickets are now on sale for this highly anticipated series.

Theater West End was wise to split Angels in America in the season as two separate performances, each with their own block in the schedule. Originally, I was concerned that the Part Two of it all might turn away prospective theatergoers. But upon watching both parts now, and bearing in mind my own familiarity for the characters, I can also see now how the original production’s 18-month gap would have also been enticing for an audience.

The Chandler Cultural Foundation has received a Legacy Gift of over $845,000 from the estate of Mariann and Craig Shields, devoted patrons, volunteers, and community supporters of the Chandler Center for the Arts.

The Tony Award-winning Best Musical Comedy Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is now on its North American Tour. Read the reviews and learn more about the show here!

In a kinder, gentler world, Ben Folds’ name would be mentioned in the same breath as piano greats Billy Joel and Elton John. Like the other two, Folds is a brilliant lyricist, a fantastic pianist, and an amazing storyteller.

When Gregory Butler walked into 8th Avenue Studios on February 10, 1997 for rehearsal, he had no idea that the next three decades of his life would be defined by the sharp jazz lines and sly sensuality of the long running revival of Chicago the Musical.

While different tryout theaters have different relationships to the development of new shows, it’s worth looking at both which commercial rental theaters and which non-profit theaters have had the most Best Musical Tony Award winners come from their stages.

Westport Country Playhouse will kick off its 2025-26 Season with Len Cariou and Christopher J. Domig in “Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie,” by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, based on the book by Mitch Albom, September 4 – 6.

Len Cariou will star in the New York premiere of Richard Vetere's ZAGŁADA at the American Theatre of Actors. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

My Morning Jacket will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their acclaimed 2005 fourth studio album, Z, with several very special shows that will see them performing the landmark collection in its entirety.

What did our critic think of DR. RAYMOND NAGEM ORGAN RECITAL at Brick Presbyterian Church?

Good Night, and Good Luck opens on Broadway starring Hollywood icon, George Clooney in his long-awaited Broadway debut in a new production directed by David Cromer. Read the reviews!

Coming to the Zhang Theatre inside Miller Auditorium, May 17, GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL!  Share the fun & laughter at this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night of karaoke. Sing along, dance along, and sip on cocktails as you take in this party of a show!

We spoke to James Tupper about the production of The Seagull at The Odyssey. Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece play receives a vital new production starring Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli and Isles, NCIS, Shameless) and James Tupper (Revenge, Big Little Lies).

You have until Saturday to make Merry with THE MERRIEST and make your way to Birdland Jazz Club for Jane Monheit's Christmas tour stop, with sets at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. It's a recommended treat.

Bobby Short, whose centennial we can celebrate this year, was a cabaret favorite. The second night of the Cabaret Convention mega-concerts put the focus on him. Audiences who dashed to Columbus Circle for the two-act 6 PM concert caught a long Short celebration, full of memories and songs he sang.

Masae Ebata: Playing Elphaba in the Osaka run of Shiki Theatre Company’s musical 'Wicked' (Click here to read Review: 'Wicked' - THE MAGIC RETURNS TO OSAKA by SHIKI THEATRE COMPANY-). Masae joined Shiki Theatre Company in 2005 after passing the audition. She made her stage debut in 'The Lion King,' later performing as Nala in both the Japan and Korea productions. Her major roles include Elphaba in 'Wicked', Donna Sheridan in 'Mamma Mia!,' Aida in 'Aida,' and Grizabella in 'CATS.' 'Wicked' reimagines the classic 'The Wizard of Oz' from the perspectives of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The musical is a grand spectacle, featuring Grammy-winning music and magnificent stage designs, continuing to captivate fans of all ages.

江畑 晶慧：劇団四季ミュージカル『ウィキッド』大阪公演（参照: 公演レポート：劇団四季『ウィキッド』- 再び大阪で魔法が動き出す -）でエルファバ役を務めている。江畑は2005年劇団四季オーディションに合格。『ライオンキング』で四季での初舞台を踏み、のちに日本・韓国両公演でナラ、『ウィキッド』エルファバ、『マンマ・ミーア！』ドナ・シェリダン、『アイーダ』アイーダ、『キャッツ』グリザベラなどを演じている。『ウィキッド』は名作『オズの魔法使い』を二人の魔女、エルファバとグリンダの視点から描いた作品。グラミー賞をはじめ数々の栄誉に輝く音楽、壮大な舞台装置が魅力の超大作であり、老若男女を問わず多くのファンを魅了し続けている。

Theater for the New City will present its twelfth  Dream Up Festival in August. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary from June 27 to July 21, showcasing world-class music and exceptional faculty artists on Hawai'i Island. Discover the festival's rich history and impact.

For the second year in a row, STAGES St. Louis knocks it out of the park with a non-musical offering. STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a laugh out loud comedy-drama about sisterhood and how friends overcome fear, uncertainty, sadness, and profound grief. Price’s directorial vision, the casts’ exceptional performances, and the ravishing work of the technical team make this production as beautiful as a Louisiana magnolia tree in full June bloom.  

What did our critic think of JOE JACKSON at At Davidson Theatre?

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s eternal holiday favourite musical, The Sound of Music is so much more than a stage incarnation of the legendary, multi-award winner movie. The current German language version from Volksoper Wien is a faithfully produced, serviceably staged, beautifully sung performance, a rare delight to the ears.

The Downtown Urban Arts Festival returns for its 22nd season from June 12-29 at Theatre Row.