Review: Musical Theatre West Presents BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
by Michael Quintos - Jul 21, 2025
Musically entertaining though rather light on narrative heft, Musical Theatre West's otherwise rousing, concert-like new production BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY—now on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through July 27, 2025—is a straightforward, nostalgic jukebox musical that chronicles the meteoric rise and tragic early death of rock-and-roll pioneer Buddy Holly. If you're looking for a feel-good musical with fierce live performances, this show should definitely fit the bill. You might just have to look up a Buddy Holly documentary on your own to fill in the missing story gaps.
Kelli O'Hara and Raúl Esparza Will Join Jason Robert Brown at Carnegie Hall
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2024
Tony Award Winner and Emmy and Grammy Nominee Kelli O'Hara and Tony Nominee Raúl Esparza will join three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown for his Carnegie Hall solo concert debut on October 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM. Learn more about the guests and how to get tickets.
Musical Theatre West Presents Jerry Herman's MAME
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 27, 2020
Musical Theatre West (MTW) brings Jerry Herman's musical masterpiece Mame to Southern California for a three-week run at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center March 27 a?" April 12. Based on the novel, Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis and the play Auntie Mame by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, Mame lavishly delivers one of theater's all-time great heroines in a brassy, tuneful, hilarious and touching fashion. Tickets are available at www.musical.org, by calling (562) 856-1999, or at the Musical Theatre West Ticket Office. Tickets start at $20.
Musical Theatre West Brings RAGTIME To The Carpenter Performing Arts Center February 7-23
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2020
Musical Theatre West (MTW) brings five-time Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime to the Carpenter Performing Arts Center February 7-23. Based on E.L. Doctorow's acclaimed novel, the 13-time Tony-nominated musical tells the story of three families trying to find their way during the turn of the 20th century in New York City; each struggling with the changing cultural climate in America and each facing the promise of hope and new beginnings in the midst of prejudice and bigotry. Showcasing music and lyrics by the Tony Award-winning team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and a Tony Award-winning book by Terrence McNally, Ragtime features a score with such memorable songs as a?oeYour Daddy's Son,a?? a?oeWheels of a Dream,a?? a?oeTill We Reach That Daya?? and a?oeMake Them Hear You.a??
SOMETHING ROTTEN West Coast Regional Premiere Opens Musical Theatre West 2019-2020 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2019
Musical Theatre West (MTW) opens its 67th season with the West Coast regional theatre premiere of the 10-time Tony nominated musical Something Rotten! at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center October 18 a?" November 3. From the co-director of The Book of Mormon and the producer of Avenue Q comes a no-holds-a?oeBarda?? deliciously loopy celebration of the greatest English playwright and the greatest American art form. Music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O'Farrell.