Bring Back Birdie

Bay Area Cabaret opens its 16th season on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 7:30 pm with Broadway legend Maurice Hines performing Tappin' Thru Life. Backed by the acclaimed, all-female The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and his tap protégés, The Manzari Brothers, Maurice will tap through his incredible career in a jazzy song-and-dance celebration that pays tribute to his late brother Gregorya?"with whom he appeared on the stage of The Venetian Rooma?"and other artistic influences, from Frank Sinatra to Lena Horne offering his distinctive take on American standards, like Luck Be a Lady, I've Got You Under My Skin, It Don't Mean a Thing (if It Ain't Got That Swing), and much more. 

New Jersey Performing Arts Center presents Broadway legend Maurice Hines, accompanied by The DIVA Jazz Orchestra. See Maurice Hines as he taps audiences through his incredible career in this jazzy, song-and-dance celebration that pays tribute to his brother, Gregory Hines, and other performers who inspired him, from Frank Sinatra to Lena Horne. There will be two performances of this must see show on February 16th 2019 at 3 p.m.& 7 p.m

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop will run September 18 through December 19, and the deadline to apply is September 15.

The deadline to apply for the 2022 Fall Session of Centenary Stage Company's Young Performer's Workshop is September 9 and the program will run from September 10 through December 18.

This holiday season, Centenary Stage Company will present Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Performances will run December 1-11 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center of the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ.

Suave and debonair, a gangster saunters onto the stage, sizes up his audience, and the tale of the story of how the mob helped to make Las Vegas bursts into the showroom. Along with commentary about the life of "The Prince of the Mafia" Michael Franzese, John 'Handsome Johnny' Roselli is captured by one of the leads-narrator and storyteller Marcel Forestieri. A cautionary tale with an ending of redemption, A Mob Story combines song and dance with recounting this fascinating story at the Plaza Showroom in the Plaza Las Vegas.

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop will be presenting their 2022 Winter Festival of Shows from December 16 through 18. Performances will take place in the Little Theatre located in the Seay building of the Centenary University campus at 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown, NJ.

Fred Barton's Broadway Band makes its long-awaited return to Feinstein's/54 Below and New York nightlife, with top-drawer guest singers, in a new evening of Broadway gems and Swing rarities, Friday, January 4 at 9:30PM. As always, Fred presents performers who know how to stop shows, and the songs that let them do it, arranged for the band in his trademark explosive style which has made him the orchestrator of choice for the New York Pops and orchestras around the country.

Valerie Perri, who created the role of Eva Peron in the national tour of Evita will be the guest star for Good Theater's annual Broadway at Good Theater concerts December 5-9. Perri won the L.A. Drama Critics Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical. She also performed the role at Maine State Music Theatre in 1985.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, The Enchanted Edition opens December 1 at 7:30 pm in Centenary Stage Company's Sitnik Theatre. Performances will run December 1-11 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop will be presenting their Winter Festival of Shows from December 10 through the 19 in Centenary Stage Company's The Little Theatre. This year's shows include You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Life with Father, and 5-6-7-8! Stories that Dance.

This holiday season everyone's favorite orphan, Annie, joins Centenary Stage Company for the Family Holiday Spectacular production of Annie the musical. Annie opens November 23 and runs in Centenary Stage Company's Lackland Performing Arts Center until December 9.

As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below will proudly present an evening of trunk songs by one of America's most celebrated composers, Charles Strouse, on Sunday, May 13th at 7:00pm. The one-night-only concert will salute the three-time Tony Award-winner with some of his best trunk songs, featuring material cut from some of his hit musicals, as well as songs that have never found their way to the stage, including numbers from the never completed Star Wars musical. Joining the starry ensemble are Broadway's Liz McCartney (My Fair Lady, Annie, Sunday In The Park With George) and Lilla Crawford (Annie, Into the Woods).

For our 87th show, it's May, it's May, the lusty month of May and we are doing our usual irreverent and wacky May show, where, as Cole Porter once said, anything goes. We have an amazing cast plus two great guest stars. You'll hear some very rare songs from shows like The Grass Harp, Grover's Corners, Personals, Bring Back Birdie, A Broadway Musical, plus some rare cut songs from shows, plus some classics, both from shows and The Great American Songbook.

This season will feature performances of The Robber Bridegroom and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Performances will take place in Centenary Stage Company's Little Theatre located at 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown, NJ on the campus of Centenary University.

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop returns this spring from July 11 through August 14, and the deadline to apply is July 8. This is a 15-week theatre training program for performers ages 8-18 that offers classes in dance, acting, singing, stage combat, technical theatre, and so much more.

For our first fabulous Tony memory, we turn to the incomparable Chita Rivera, who is being honored this year for a lifetime of achievement in the theatre.

As previously announced, Feinstein's/54 Below will proudly present an evening of trunk songs by one of America's most celebrated composers, Charles Strouse, on Sunday, May 13th at 7:00pm. The one-night-only concert will salute the three-time Tony Award-winner with some of his best trunk songs, featuring material cut from some of his hit musicals, as well as songs that have never found their way to the stage, including numbers from the never-completed Star Wars musical. The legendary songwriter will sign copies of his celebrated memoir, Put On A Happy Face, after the performance.

As previously announced, the acclaimed Second Act Series, which has presented an array of lesser-known musicals in concert, will present the short-lived Charles Strouse tuner Dance A Little Closer this spring at New York's Green Room 42 on Monday, April 16th at 7:00pm.

As previously announced, the acclaimed Second Act Series, which has presented an array of lesser-known musicals in concert, will celebrate the short-lived Charles Strouse and Alan Jay Lerner musical Dance A Little Closer at New York's Green Room 42 on Monday, April 16th at 7:00pm. The one-night-only concert reading will star Beautiful's Julia Knitel (Bye, Bye, Birdie), currently starring in A Letter to Harvey Milk as Cynthia Drama Desk Award-winner Ed Dixon (Georgie, Sunday In The Park With George, Les Miserables) in the role created by his lifelong friend and colleague George Rose. Joining them as Bebe is Cheryl Howard, returning to the role she originated in the original 1983 production, and Arbender Robinson (The Book of Mormon, Shuffle Along, In Transit) as Charles, the role originated by Brent Barrett.

Broadway's newest intimate concert venue – has announced the solo debut of Mykal Kilgore, the celebrated vocalist from The Wiz Live! on NBC TV, Postmodern Jukebox, Motown on Broadway and more, for a two night concert engagement Friday, March 9 at 9:30 PM and Saturday, March 10 at 7:00 PM. These shows will feature original music from Mykal's upcoming album and covers of some of music's most heralded pop favorites with a Kilgore twist. After performances for “The View,” the Mayor of New York, and Brooklyn Nets, these live intimate shows powerfully return Kilgore to the concert stage.

LOVE NEVER DIES is an unnecessary sequel to the megahit PHANTOM that wisely skips Broadway and hits the national tour road for ALW fans. The ladies of this evening rule even though the guys are (supposed to be) in charge of the action in this passable evening of musical theatre.

With Women in Theatre Through the Decades, we will be highlighting the vital role that women have played in theatre history, showcasing those who paved the way and who continue to make history today. This week, we are highlighting the accomplishments of women in theatre throughout the 1980s and the 1990s!

As previously announced, the acclaimed Second Act Series, which has presented an array of lesser-known musicals in concert, will celebrate the short-lived Charles Strouse and Alan Jay Lerner musical Dance A Little Closer at New York's Green Room 42 on Monday, April 16th at 7:00pm. The one-night-only concert reading will star Beautiful's Julia Knitel (Bye, Bye, Birdie), currently starring in A Letter to Harvey Milk as Cynthia Drama Desk Award-winner Ed Dixon (Georgie, Sunday In The Park With George, Les Miserables) in the role created by his lifelong friend and colleague George Rose. Joining them as Bebe is Cheryl Howard, returning to the role she originated in the original 1983 production. 

Broadway legend Chita Rivera will be presented with a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards on June 10, 2018. This award recognizes theatre artists that have made significant contributions to theatre throughout their life.

The Phantom of the Opera has returned to town, but there will be no familiar 'Music of the Night.' Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has been penning a sequel to his blockbuster for years, and it has been performed in many versions, as LOVE NEVER DIES. Buffalonians may remember being titillated with the announced world premiere in Toronto years ago, but alas that announcement, as well as one of a Broadway production never occurred. London got dibs on it's premiere, then a reworked version went to Australia and now a new American tour is on the road letting the US decide what they think of the story.

On June 7, 2018, Charles Strouse, the Tony Award-winning composer of Annie, Bye Bye and Applause, and some of the most popular music from the last 60 years of Broadway, film and television, turns 90. To mark the occasion, a year-long celebration of events, including tributes, concerts, revivals and international productions, will take place across the United States and around the world.

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop's 2022 Summer Festival of Shows has just been announced and will feature performances of I Do! I Do! I Do! I Do!, A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking, and Two for Four.

BRING BACK BIRDIE, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE GOES PUBLIC, and both ANNIE II and ANNIE WARBUCKS all famously failed at recreating the success of the musicals for which they produced sequels. And now, riding on the coat tails of mega-musical THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LOVE NEVER DIES is touring the world, eying a hopeful Broadway run. But, is this sequel what theatre Phans are asking for? I think the jury is still out.

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop returns this summer from July 11 through August 14, and the deadline to apply is July 8. 

Fred Barton's Broadway Band makes its long-awaited return to Feinstein's/54 Below and New York nightlife, with top-drawer guest singers, in a new evening of Broadway gems and Swing rarities, Today, January 4 at 9:30PM. As always, Fred presents performers who know how to stop shows, and the songs that let them do it, arranged for the band in his trademark explosive style which has made him the orchestrator of choice for the New York Pops and orchestras around the country.

 Centenary Stage Company is now accepting applications for the Young Performer's Workshop 2023 Spring Session, running February 18 through June 4 and the deadline to apply is February 17.

Broadway legend Chita Rivera celebrated her 88th birthday on January 23rd. With a stage career spanning over half a century, this triple threat deserves to have her name shouted from every theatre geek’s rooftop. 

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop returns this spring from February 12 through June 5, and the deadline to apply is February 11. This is a 15-week theatre training program that will conclude with a weekend of shows performed by the students. All applicants must complete an interview with the director of the program, Michael Blevins, before registering.

What do Jay-Z, Kobe Bryant, Archie Bunker, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ed Koch, Bart Simpson, Bruce Campbell, Bonnie and Clyde, and J-Lo have in common?  The answer: Charles Strouse (and his hit songs)!

The acclaimed Second Act Series, which has presented an array of lesser-known musicals in concert, will present the short-lived Charles Strouse tuner Dance A Little Closer this spring at New York's Green Room 42. The one-night-only concert reading will star Drama Desk Award-winner Ed Dixon (Georgie, Sunday In The Park With George, Les Miserables) in the role created by his lifelong friend and colleague George Rose. Three-time Tony Award-winning composer Charles Strouse will be on hand to meet fans and sign copies of his memoir, Put On A Happy Face, following the Monday, April 16th performance. 

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop returns this spring from February 12 through June 5, and the deadline to apply is February 11. This is a 15-week theatre training program that will conclude with a weekend of shows performed by the students. The price for the first student is $425.00, a second student is $395.00, and a third student is $300.00. For more information or to schedule your interview call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979 - 0900 or visit Centenary Stage Company on-line at centenarystageco.org

Centenary Stage Company's critically acclaimed Young Performers Workshop is now accepting new and returning applicants ages 8 - 18 for the 2019 Spring Session.

Tonight, NBC will air its sixth live musical production. Following in the footsteps of The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, Hairspray, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the peacock network will be presenting Annie. Based on Harold Gray's comic strip titled Little Orphan Annie, this musical tells the story of a little orphan with equal measures of pluck and positivity who charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in New York City in the year 1933.

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers Workshop will be presenting their Winter Festival of Shows from December 10 through the 19 in Centenary Stage Company's The Little Theatre. This year's shows include You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Life with Father, and 5-6-7-8! Stories that Dance.

Broadway's newest intimate concert venue - welcomes back Stephanie's Child, New York's premier pop-vocal drag trio, for their one-year anniversary concert on Friday, August 10 at 9:30 PM. Hailed as one of the "Best LGBT Events in New York" from Time Out New York, the Stephanie's Child residency features tight harmonies, pop hits, hilarious original parodies and surprise special guests.

The deadline to apply for the 2022 Fall Session of Centenary Stage Company's Young Performer's Workshop is September 9 and the program will run from September 10 through December 18.

In this week's Theater Stories, we are learning about the Al Hirschfeld theater! From theater ghosts to short-lived musical sequels, this theater is home to endless amounts of history, interesting facts and more.

Legendary actor, director, singer & choreographer Maurice Hines is set to play The Triad (158 West 72nd Street) on Saturday 8/25 at 7pm. Hines is the brother of the late dancer Gregory Hines and best known for starring in Frances Ford Coppola's 'The Cotton Club', Broadway's 'Sophisticated Ladies,' 'Eubie' 'Jelly's Last Jam' & 'Uptown. He will be joined by The Diva Orchestra starring Sherrie Maracle; tickets are $25-$150 and can be purchased online at www.TriadNYC.com. Lee Summers and Peter Martin are producers.

Fred Barton and his Broadway Band returns to Feinstein's/54 Below and New York nightlife, with top-drawer guest singers, in a new evening of Broadway gems and Swing rarities, Friday, September 6 at 9:45 PM. As always, Fred presents performers who know how to stop shows, and the songs that let them do it, arranged for the band in his trademark explosive style which has made him the orchestrator of choice for the New York Pops and orchestras around the country.

Centenary Stage Company's Young Performer's Workshop returns this fall from September 10 through December 18, and the deadline to apply is September 9. The Young Performer's Workshop is a 15-week theatre training program for performers ages 8-18. Each session culminates with a Festival of Shows performed by the students.

As previously announced, the acclaimed Second Act Series, which has presented an array of lesser-known musicals in concert, will celebrate the short-lived Charles Strouse and Alan Jay Lerner musical Dance A Little Closer at New York's Green Room 42 on Monday, April 16th at 7:00pm. Three-time Tony Award-winning composer Charles Strouse will be on hand to meet fans and sign copies of his memoir, Put On A Happy Face, following the performance ($20 - cash only). Part of a lifelong celebration of composer Charles Strouse's 90th birthday, this special event gives audiences the rare opportunity to hear this enchanting score.

As previously announced, the acclaimed Second Act Series, which has presented an array of lesser-known musicals in concert, will celebrate the short-lived Charles Strouse and Alan Jay Lerner musical Dance A Little Closer at New York's Green Room 42 on Monday, April 16th at 7:00pm.

Feinstein's/54 Below will proudly present an evening of songs by one of America's most celebrated composers, Charles Strouse, on Sunday, May 13th at 7:00pm. The one-night-only concert will salute the three-time Tony Award-winner with some of his best trunk songs, featuring material cut from some of his hit musicals, as well as songs that have never found their way to the stage. 

Refusing to end their 2017/2018 season, Delaware Theatre Company reprises their hit production Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life. Happy to be performing for Wilmington audiences again, tap dancing legend Maurice Hines will wow audiences for one weekend only, Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3, 2018.