Li'l Abner - 2006 - East Haddam, CT (Regional) Articles Page 4

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, will open Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

MEMPHIS has nabbed the Shubert Theater for its fall run.

South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

David Elzer, Peter Schneider and Crooning Crabcakes, LLC are thrilled to announce that the critically-acclaimed (LA Times CRITICS' CHOICE, Backstage CRITIC'S PICK, LA WEEKLY GO!) smash-hit world premiere production of LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, written and directed by Roger Bean (The Marvelous Wonderettes) with choreography by Lee Martino (Reprise On Your Toes, On The Town) and musical direction by Michael Paternostro (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Thrill Me) is EXTENDING through Sunday, October 25 at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

South Coast Repertory kicks off the 2009-10 Season with Putting It Together, a compilation of Stephen Sondheim songs, that the composer put together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating a narrative set at a cocktail party in an elegant Manhattan condo. The non-traditional musical, led by Broadway and television star Harry Groener, has a cast of five (a glamorous but slightly jaded couple, a starry-eyed younger couple and a savvy observer) who sing more than 30 songs that reflect their lives, lifestyles and moods of the moment. Some of the songs will be familiar, some less so, a few were even cut from their original musical scores, but they are all sophisticated, smart and drop-dead droll. All, in other words, Sondheim.

David Elzer, Peter Schneider and Crooning Crabcakes, LLC are thrilled to present a brand new show from the writer/director of the smash-hit musical sensation, The Marvelous Wonderettes, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, written and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by Lee Martino (Reprise On Your Toes, On The Town) and musical direction by Michael Paternostro (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Thrill Me).

Reprise Theatre Company presents Broadway Under The Stars for one night only, on Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 pm at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, starring six favorite Reprise performers -- Jason Graae, Lucas Grabeel, Dorian Harewood, Jean Louisa Kelly, Vicki Lewis, and Valarie Pettiford. The production is directed by Lee Martino, with music direction by Mary Ekler.

David Elzer, Peter Schneider and Crooning Crabcakes, LLC are thrilled to present a brand new show from the writer/director of the smash-hit musical sensation, The Marvelous Wonderettes, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, written and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by Lee Martino (Reprise On Your Toes, On The Town) and musical direction by Michael Paternostro (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Thrill Me).

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, will open Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

Reprise Theatre Company presents Broadway Under The Stars for one night only, on Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 pm at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, starring six favorite Reprise performers -- Jason Graae, Lucas Grabeel, Dorian Harewood, Jean Louisa Kelly, Vicki Lewis, and Valarie Pettiford. The production is directed by Lee Martino, with music direction by Mary Ekler.

Arena Stage in association with Tony Cacciotti and David Steiner presents Looped starring four-time Emmy Award winner Valerie Harper (Rhoda, The Mary Tyler Moore Show) at the Lincoln Theatre.

Variety reports that the Broadway-bound musical MEMPHIS has nabbed the Shubert Theater for its fall run, with a group sales announcement indicating the show will begin previews on September 23rd, 2009. The official announcement about a theatre location or for exact preview and opening dates has been made as of yet.

Reprise Theatre Company presents Brian Stokes Mitchell Sings Broadway, a program especially created for Reprise. It will have one performance only on Monday, May 11 at 8 pm, at UCLA's Freud Playhouse.

Eric McCormack, Emmy Award winner for 'Will & Grace,' will play El Gallo, Lucas Grabeel from 'High School Musical' will play Matt, and Broadway star and Tony nominee Harry Groener will play Bellomy in 'The Fantasticks,' which concludes the 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse May 5-May 17 (press opening May 6).

Arena Stage in association with Tony Cacciotti and David Steiner presents Looped starring four-time Emmy Award winner Valerie Harper (Rhoda, The Mary Tyler Moore Show) at the Lincoln Theatre.

Eric McCormack, Emmy Award winner for 'Will & Grace,' will play El Gallo, Lucas Grabeel from 'High School Musical' will play Matt, and Broadway star and Tony nominee Harry Groener will play Bellomy in 'The Fantasticks,' which concludes the 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse May 5-May 17 (press opening May 6).

Eric McCormack, Emmy Award winner for 'Will & Grace,' will play El Gallo, Lucas Grabeel from 'High School Musical' will play Matt, and Broadway star and Tony nominee Harry Groener will play Bellomy in 'The Fantasticks,' which concludes the 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse May 5-May 17 (press opening May 6).

It was announced today that MEMPHIS, a new musical about the birth of rock 'n' roll in the turbulent 50s which recently played a critically acclaimed and sold-out engagement at Seattle?s 5th Avenue Theatre, is aiming to open on Broadway in the fall of 2009. Based on a concept by George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated Bedroom Farce & film: My Dinner With Andre), MEMPHIS features a book & lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), and music & lyrics by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan, in his Broadway debut. The new musical is directed by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).

Producers David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, and Second Stage Theatre have announced that the original musical, Next to Normal, will come to Broadway this spring, direct from its critically-acclaimed engagement at Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage, beginning preview performances at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) on Friday, March 27th and officially opening on Wednesday, April 15.

Reprise Theatre Company presents Brian Stokes Mitchell Sings Broadway, a program especially created for Reprise. It will have one performance only on Monday, May 11 at 8 pm, at UCLA's Freud Playhouse.

As the season of romance is upon us, Ray of Light Theatre continues its astronomical 2008/2009 season with I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. A laugh-inducing, award-winning musical comedy about love in the suburbs, this stage sensation has been described as 'Seinfeld set to music'. It's a hilarious look at love and relationships that is touching, insightful and humorous. With six actors playing over forty roles scaling the dizzying spectrum of male/female relationships, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change reveals the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. Featuring amazing local talent (with many familiar faces) and live musicians, Ray of Light Theatre is bringing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change to the San Francisco stage at Off-Market Theatres - 965 Mission St (between 5th/6th). Running February 5 - 28, 2009, this 4-week limited engagement makes for the perfect Valentine's treat. The show plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. For tickets ($18-$30) and information, please visit www.roltheatre.com. Tickets may also be purchased at TIX Bay Area (Booth in Union Square) or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Student/senior discounts available. The Cast Sarah Kathleen Farrell Holly Nugent Amy Penney Alex Kirschner Justin Taylor Nixon Justin Torres Director/Choreographer: Ellyn Marie Marsh Ellyn Marie Marsh is very happy to be back in the Bay Area, where she was raised. She was last seen in the bay in Steve Silvers Beach Blanket Babylon, where she received rave reviews for her spot-on impressions of Barbara Streisand, Britney Spears, Hillary Clinton and the legendary Pineapple Princess. Other performing credits include Lincoln Center's My Fair Lady (Mrs. Hopkins) where she shared the stage with Kelsey Grammar, Brian Denehey and Kelli O'Hara, European and National Tours and Regional Credits of Broadway Dancin', West Side Story (Anita), Grease (Rizzo), Chorus Line (Diana), Sweet Charity (Nickie), Xmas Carol-Madison Square Garden Version (Xmas past), blah blah blah. Her directing and choreographing credits include, Once on this Island, Grease, Annie and High School Musical. She directed Ray of Light Theatre's 2006 production of Seussical. www.ellynmarsh.com. Love and thanks to Shane and the ROLT family, and to her husband, Travas, who supports all she does.

As the season of romance is upon us, Ray of Light Theatre continues its astronomical 2008/2009 season with I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. A laugh-inducing, award-winning musical comedy about love in the suburbs, this stage sensation has been described as 'Seinfeld set to music'. It's a hilarious look at love and relationships that is touching, insightful and humorous. With six actors playing over forty roles scaling the dizzying spectrum of male/female relationships, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change reveals the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. Featuring amazing local talent (with many familiar faces) and live musicians, Ray of Light Theatre is bringing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change to the San Francisco stage at Off-Market Theatres - 965 Mission St (between 5th/6th). Running February 5 - 28, 2009, this 4-week limited engagement makes for the perfect Valentine's treat. The show plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. For tickets ($18-$30) and information, please visit www.roltheatre.com. Tickets may also be purchased at TIX Bay Area (Booth in Union Square) or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Student/senior discounts available. The Cast Sarah Kathleen Farrell Holly Nugent Amy Penney Alex Kirschner Justin Taylor Nixon Justin Torres Director/Choreographer: Ellyn Marie Marsh Ellyn Marie Marsh is very happy to be back in the Bay Area, where she was raised. She was last seen in the bay in Steve Silvers Beach Blanket Babylon, where she received rave reviews for her spot-on impressions of Barbara Streisand, Britney Spears, Hillary Clinton and the legendary Pineapple Princess. Other performing credits include Lincoln Center's My Fair Lady (Mrs. Hopkins) where she shared the stage with Kelsey Grammar, Brian Denehey and Kelli O'Hara, European and National Tours and Regional Credits of Broadway Dancin', West Side Story (Anita), Grease (Rizzo), Chorus Line (Diana), Sweet Charity (Nickie), Xmas Carol-Madison Square Garden Version (Xmas past), blah blah blah. Her directing and choreographing credits include, Once on this Island, Grease, Annie and High School Musical. She directed Ray of Light Theatre's 2006 production of Seussical. www.ellynmarsh.com. Love and thanks to Shane and the ROLT family, and to her husband, Travas, who supports all she does.

The 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company season continues with 'I Love My Wife' with book and lyrics by Michael Stewart and music by Cy Coleman, December 2 to 14 at the Brentwood Theatre. Lea Thompson and Patrick Cassidy join Vicki Lewis and Jason Alexander. 'I Love My Wife' will be directed by Larry Moss with choreography by Lee Martino and music direction by Michael Skloff.