Dance of the Vampires

Assassins will be directed at The Milwaukee Rep by Artistic Director Mark Clements. This will be the third musical he has directed since he began his tenure at The Rep following last season's hit Next to Normal and Cabaret from his first season. With the selection of Assassins for the 2012/13 Season, Milwaukee Repertory Theater shows its commitment to continuing to produce full-scale musicals as part of its repertoire. Clements has assembled a top-notch cast for this production featuring many performers with extensive Broadway credits. Assassins runs in the Quadracci Powerhouse from tonight, September 4 - October 7, and opens on Friday, September 7.

A few weeks ago, we premiered Donny Osmond and Susan Boyle singing 'This is the Moment' and we're back to bring you another exclusive first listen to a second highly-anticipated duet from her upcoming album - 'The Music of the Night!' Featuring original Phantom star Michael Crawford himself alongside Boyle, it's a must-listen!

ANNIE, the new production of the Tony Award-winning musical, went into rehearsal today in New York City with its full company. The production begins previews October 3, 2012 and opens November 8, 2012 at the Palace Theatre (Broadway at 47th Street). Meet the full cast below!

Broadway favorite Max von Essen, who is currently starring in EVITA, recently spoke out about his feelings on equal rights and the importance of the upcoming election through an eloquent post on his personal Facebook page. You can read the full message below:

“We should not do a show more often,” quipped Ryan Silverman as he an Jill Paice took in the appreciative applause of the Town Hall audience before even singing a note of the Broadway musical they were expected to star in this season, Rebecca.  Host Scott Siegel had just recapped the story of the show's numerous delays, fake investors, missing funds and the fact that an estimated 150 theatre professions had either turned down work or stopped seeking immediate employment because of their expectation to be working on Broadway by Christmas.

The only trouble with these 90-minute musicals that start at 7pm is that I really can't get all that enthused over the big 8:15 number.

On Saturday, December 8th the Hangar's CabarETC series continues with a special one-day-only cabaret performance of Back Home for the Holidays featuring Jeremy Webb (The Glorious Ones and Hangar's The 39 Steps) and Nat Chandler (Spamalot, Kiss Me Kate, and Phantom of the Opera) with special guest Joseph Thalken.

One of the UK's biggest and most successful musical performers, Michael Crawford will feature 28 of his most acclaimed performances on his 'Ultimate Collection' album. Including selections from The Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Les Miserables, the CD will also feature a selection of pop songs. Watch the TV commercial below!

THERE IS NO MRS. SANTA CLAUS!, with words and music by Michael E. Dansicker (BMI), will receive its West Coast premiere with The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. The 275-member ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Seelig, will feature the song in their annual Santa Concert at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on Thursday, December 6 at 8 pm.

Click below to watch a fun and funny video featuring Broadway's Caroline O'Connor (A Christmas Story, Prince of Broadway), Mark Price (Mary Poppins, Rocky Horror, Dance of the Vampires, Wonderful Town), Sarah Litzsinger (Beauty and the Beast) and Adam Monley (Mamma Mia!) in Brian Sills' 'The Sills System for Success in Regional Theater', a lighthearted, satirical look at the realities of an actor's life.

The Duplex, in association with Ward More UND DIE LIEDER BEGINNEN with Frank Loman tonight, May 24. There is a $15 music charge. Information and reservations can be found by calling 212-255-5428.

KEIGWIN + COMPANY (K+C) hosts the company's first summer intensive program, Let's Make a Dance, from today May 21 through May 25, 2012 at The Julliard School.

On the edge of glory, GLEE momentarily brought back the ecstatic excitement and indescribably infectious joy which made the musical dramedy series a huge hit in its first and second seasons, then commanding upwards of twelve million viewers a week. Now sixty-plus episodes into the series, in a two-hour episode helmed by co-creator Ian Brennan, last night's two-episode gorge-worthy and gorgeous feast - 'Props' and 'Nationals', by the hour - was a reminder of everything that cynics have cited as lacking from episodes in Season Three, as flagging ratings and a general media lull plagues the once seemingly indomitable mega-show despite its continued inventiveness and dramatic daringness. It was fresh and sassy and outrageous, but touching and heartfelt - attributes ascribed to the best episodes of the show. Yet, it was so much more, too - and then there's the music! Both hours were a totally over-the-top tribute to all things big and wow-worthy, coming at just the right moment to pump some energizing lifeblood into the audience base - passing references to Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Marvin Hamlisch and Elton John as well as multiple winks at DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES songwriter and BAT OUT OF HELL mastermind Jim Steinman collectively pushing the theatre insider reference quotient into the stratosphere; and appreciably so. Yes, indeed, last night's double-dose of GLEE was an OD-worthy escapade worthy of returning to time and time again - Lea Michele's solo spots of Jason Mraz's 'I Won't Give Up' and Celine Dion's Grammy-winning 'It's All Coming Back To Me Now' alone were standouts of not only this or any season, but the series itself. With more than fifteen songs performed - everything from Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and The Who to STARLIGHT EXPRESS, TOMMY, FLASHDANCE and KISS ME, KATE - there was something for everyone in the two-hour GLEE extravaganza overflowing with the witty one-liners, out-of-this-world twists, outlandish characterizations, as well as the idiosyncratic theatrical reality that only GLEE can create. It was a true return to form to prove any and all naysayers wrong, and, this, coming after last week's Ryan Murphy-penned 'Prom-asaurus' season highlight, no less.

The Duplex, in association with Ward More UND DIE LIEDER BEGINNEN with Frank Loman May 24. There is a $15 music charge. Information and reservations can be found by calling 212-255-5428.

According to the London Evening Standard, theater powerhouses Stephen Sondheim and David Ives have teamed up on a new musical, which is currently in the earliest phases of composition. The Standard reports: 'Sondheim speaks of pushing forward and says he has '20 or 30 minutes' written of a new musical that he is collaborating on with American playwright David Ives, a New York regular little known in London.'

Today I am joined by Leah Hocking who is currently touring with BILLY ELLIOT playing the role of Mrs. Wilkinson. Leah performed with the original Broadway cast of BILLY ELLIOT as Billy's Mum. This time, she goes out on the road playing the role of Mrs. Wilkinson.

KEIGWIN + COMPANY (K+C) returns to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on March 2-3, 2012 at 8pm.

Thought of by many as the biggest flop in Broadway history, Carrie opened at the Virginia Theatre on May 12, 1988 only to close three days later. The cult-classic has found a second life at the Lucille Lortel Theatre however, where it opened earlier this month for a new generation of theatre-goers. This brings us to last week's poll-'Which 2012 'Best Picture' Nominee Would You Like to See on Broadway?' And the winner, with 40% of the vote was The Help!

Stage favorite Michael Crawford recently visited Aldershot, where he gave some advice to a 13-person synchronized swimming team. Crawford shared his artistic expertise with the team, who will perform a Peter Pan-themed Olympic free routine.

One of Broadway's most celebrated performers, Max von Essen, steps into the role of Che for six performances, July 2 - July 7, in the new Broadway production of EVITA while Ricky Martin is on vacation. Daniel Torres will play the role of Che for both the matinee and evening performance on July 8. Max Von Essen originated the role of Magaldi in the current production of EVITA and will return to that role when Martin returns from vacation. The performance schedule for the week beginning July 2 is Monday at 8pm, Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm.

REBECCA, the new musical based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier novel, has found its male and female leads: Jill Paice will play the role of "I" and Ryan Silverman the role of "Maxim de Winter." REBECCA will open on Broadway Sunday, November 18 at The Broadhurst Theatre. Previews will begin Tuesday, October 30.

As previously reported, the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the longest-running show in Broadway history, welcomes Kara Klein to the show from today, June 18, in the role of Meg. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by Harold Prince, the musical phenomenon is in its unprecedented 25th year in New York, playing at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).

According to Showbiz411, the music from Meatloaf's 'Bat Out of Hell' album, written by Jim Steinman, is being worked into a stage show. Originally written for a Peter Pan musical that never happened, the songs will be featured 'as a meditation on Captain Hook and friends.' Though it was originally aiming for a West End run, the show is now eying Broadway.

KEIGWIN + COMPANY (K+C) returns to The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, NYC, for its annual weeklong season including the World Premieres of three new dances on June 12- 17, 2012.

A principal cast change has been announced for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Current cast member Kara Klein will return to the role of inquisitive ballerina Meg Giry beginning Monday, June 18. Longtime cast member and 'Phan' favorite Heather McFadden will play her final performance as Meg this coming Saturday, June 16.

Stage favorite Michael Crawford has been busy advising Great Britain's 13-person synchronized swimming team for the London Olympics. Crawford shared his artistic expertise with the team, who will perform a Peter Pan-themed Olympic free routine at next week's events. The team shared the below photo of Crawford on their Facebook page, as he wished them all good luck!

One of Broadway's most celebrated performers, Max von Essen, steps into the role of Che for six performances, starting tonight, July 2 - July 7, in the new Broadway production of EVITA while Ricky Martin is on vacation. Daniel Torres will play the role of Che for both the matinee and evening performance on July 8. Max von Essen originated the role of Magaldi in the current production of EVITA and will return to that role when Martin returns from vacation. The performance schedule for this week is Monday at 8pm, Tuesday at 7pm, Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm.

On Friday, I had the enviable privilege of talking to ROCK OF AGES Tony Award nominee and AMERICAN IDOL star Constantine Maroulis all about the new musical he is starring in at the Alley Theater in Houston as it eyes Broadway, THE TOXIC AVENGER. In addition to discussing all aspects of the science fiction-themed musical spoof and its creators, David Bryan and Joe DiPietro - of MEMPHIS fame - Maroulis and I also take a look back at his career onstage thus far and his essaying of roles in RENT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE WEDDING SINGER and JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS and ROCK OF AGES, as well as what we can expect from him in the future, near and far. Additionally, he shares his reflections on appearing on AMERICAN IDOL Season 4 and being mentored by fellow InDepth InterView participant Simon Cowell, as well as the immense impact that that entertainment entity, along with GLEE, has had on a whole new generation of theatregoers in the 21st century. Plus, Constantine clues us in to the exciting expansions that have been made to ROCK OF AGES for the forthcoming feature film version that he makes an appearance in, directed by HAIRSPRAY's Adam Shankman, and also shares his experiences recording the ASTEP benefit album A NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS, his new role as a dad and much, much more!

Last night, January 12th, Nightlife Award Winner Marilyn Maye, Maya Days (Aida), Joan Almedilla (Kim in MISS SAIGON), and vocalist Natalie Douglas took to the stage at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in the latest installment of Broadway Ballyhoo. As in weeks past, this cast performed Broadway show tunes in the new series that changes every Thursday night with a new cast singing entirely different songs every week.

Larry Keigwin (Artistic Director) is a native New Yorker and graduate from Hofstra University, where he received a BA in Dance. He founded KEIGWIN + COMPANY in 2003 and as Artistic Director, Keigwin has led the company as it has performed at theaters and dance festivals throughout New York City and across the country.

According to the London Evening Standard, theater powerhouses Stephen Sondheim and David Ives have teamed up on a new musical, which is currently in the earliest phases of composition. The Standard reports: 'Sondheim speaks of pushing forward and says he has '20 or 30 minutes' written of a new musical that he is collaborating on with American playwright David Ives, a New York regular little known in London.'

According to the London Evening Standard, theater powerhouses Stephen Sondheim and David Ives have teamed up on a new musical, which is currently in the earliest phases of composition. The Standard reports: 'Sondheim speaks of pushing forward and says he has '20 or 30 minutes' written of a new musical that he is collaborating on with American playwright David Ives, a New York regular little known in London.'

KEIGWIN + COMPANY (K+C) returns to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on March 2-3, 2012 at 8pm.

KEIGWIN + COMPANY (K+C) returns to The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, NYC, for its annual weeklong season including the World Premieres of three new dances on June 12- 17, 2012.

Headlining the most successful entertainment of all time, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Michael Crawford was actually not the first name the creative team considered for the gothic musical undertaking during its creation in the mid-1980s, believe it or not. Steve Harley famously recorded the original single of the title song with composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's muse Sarah Brightman and subsequently starred in the grandiose Ken Russell fever dream music video. While the public and critics alike assumed Harley's bid for the lead role in the gestating show was all but guaranteed after the video debut, it was not meant to be. Master director Hal Prince had his sights set on a British stage and screen star who had made a name with American audiences decades before in the troubled film versions of two Broadway hits - A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and HELLO, DOLLY! - as well as made a name for himself the world over in the British sitcom SOME MOTHERS DO 'AVE 'EM. Crawford had also cemented his place in the musical theatre with his roles in FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON and BILLY, but it was PHANTOM that would catapult him into the ranks of iconic musical megastar. So, today, let us take a look at what made Michael Crawford's performance in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA so unforgettable as we celebrate this week's US release of the simply spectacular DVD/Blu-ray of the 25th anniversary production mounted late last year at the Royal Albert Hall starring Ramim Karimloo and Sierra Boggess, loving assembled and presented by original lead producer Cameron Mackintosh and featuring a grand finale complete with original PHANTOM cast-members Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, among a host of other glories.

Max von Essen is scheduled to again step into the role of 'Che' for six performances, August 6-11, in the new Broadway production of EVITA while Ricky Martin is on vacation.

Assassins will be directed at The Milwaukee Rep by Artistic Director Mark Clements. This will be the third musical he has directed since he began his tenure at The Rep following last season's hit Next to Normal and Cabaret from his first season. With the selection of Assassins for the 2012/13 Season, Milwaukee Repertory Theater shows its commitment to continuing to produce full-scale musicals as part of its repertoire. Clements has assembled a top-notch cast for this production featuring many performers with extensive Broadway credits. Assassins runs in the Quadracci Powerhouse from September 4 - October 7, and opens on Friday, September 7.

Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find on stages in the Volunteer State. Sure, it might be Thursday on your calendar (same as mine, actually), but with Angels Without Wings premiering tonight at Darkhorse Theatre, it just seems like perfect timing to talk to Halee-Catherine Culicerto, who's been part of Angels for quite some time now.

ANNIE, the new production of the Tony Award-winning musical, went into rehearsal today in New York City with its full company. The production begins previews October 3, 2012 and opens November 8, 2012 at the Palace Theatre (Broadway at 47th Street). Meet the full cast below!

Tony Award-winning director John Rando attended SILENCE! The Musical at P.S. 122 on April 19th, joining a long list of luminaries who have turned up in the audience at the hit show over the past few months including Jodie Foster, Neil Simon, James Earl Jones, Kelly Ripa, Josh Groban, Lisa Lampanelli, Jonathan Demme, Matt Bomer, Joan Rivers, Chita Rivera, Jeremy Jordan, Stephen Schwartz, John Kander, James Lapine, Jonathan Groff, Justin Kirk, Corbin Bleu, Mario Cantone, David LaChapelle, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, TR Knight, Willie Garson, Seth Rudetsky, Steven Pasquale, Telly Leung, Christian Campbell, John McDaniel, Eden Espinosa, Charlotte d'Amboise, Carol Woods, Anika Larsen, and Anthony Heald. See the photo below!

After a succesful U.S. debut, Frank Loman returns to Don't Tell Mama with a show by three of his favorite composers: John Bucchino, Brett Kahr, and Stephen Sondheim.

Today we are talking to one of the brightest stars of the new millennium who has made a name for himself on Broadway with impressive performances in straight plays and musicals, as well as comedic and dramatic films and even stand-up comedy, as we shall see on Tuesday night for his ongoing monthly comedy showcase now at Joe's Pub, FIND THE FUNNY - the preternaturally gifted Benjamin Walker. Looking back on his performances on Broadway, from INHERIT THE WIND opposite Christopher Plummer and Denis O'Hare all the way to his starring role in the recent emo rock musical BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, Walker discusses his perception of the roles he has played so far as well as the finer points of working on those shows, in addition to shining a light on his stand-up comedy roots, how he came to devise FIND THE FUNNY and what we can expect from the show on Tuesday night. Plus, Walker clues us in on his new feature film title role in ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, as well as shares details on his re-teaming with Christopher Plummer in the new Stephen Frears film MUHAMMAD ALI'S GREATEST FIGHT. All of that and much, much more!

Keigwin + Company (K+C) returns to The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, NYC, for its annual weeklong season including the World Premieres of two new dances on June 12- 17, 2012. Performances: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm; Thursday through Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm & 7:30pm. Tickets are $10-$49 and can be purchased at JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800 or joyce.org. Prices subject to change.