Motown the Musical - 2017 - US Tour Articles Page 18

This year marks 50 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and 30 years since the first performance of the late Martin Smith's acclaimed musical KING. Hackney Empire, in co-production with London Musical Theatre Orchestra, presents a special concert version for two performances only.

The National Theatre's 2018-2019 Broadway at the National season continues its long history as the home for world premieres of landmark American musicals and pre-Broadway attractions with the world premiere of the new Broadway-bound musical comedy BEETLEJUICE (October 14-November 18, 2018), based on Tim Burton's iconic film.

There is no doubt that Syracuse University has a fabulous Department of Drama. This time around they are showcasing their talented students in the thrilling and cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors at Syracuse Stage. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and toe-tapping tunes by Alan Menken, the show certainly provides entertainment. Meticulously directed by Brian Cimmet, the students lift character acting to new heights, show off incredible puppetry skills with Audrey II, and belt out those oh so familiar tunes with pure power backed by the onstage five-person band under the direction of Jacob Stebly.

The Wallis production of BLUES IN THE NIGHT, conceived and directed by Sheldon Epps, starts performances next week in the intimate Lovelace Theater! Artistic Director Paul Crewes snuck into rehearsal to chat with cast members Yvette Cason, Bryce Charles, Chester Gregory, and Paulette Ivory about this exciting new production.

Arena Stage announces the full cast and creative team for Dave. By Thomas Meehan, Nell Benjaminand Tom Kitt, Dave is inspired by the Academy Award-nominated American political comedy film.

Firebrand Theatre, the first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women by expanding opportunities on and off the stage, is pleased to announce its second season, featuring two fully-produced musicals, including a Chicago premiere. 

Coming off the heels of a three-city unveiling of the grand opening date and star-studded entertainment lineup, the highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has just announced Maroon 5 will join the all-star roster on Sunday, July 15th to perform in the all new Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the musical hit Mamma Mia! to close its 2017-2018 season, running Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 26, 2018.  The New York Times said Mamma Mia! 'creates the beguiling illusion that you could jump onstage and start singing and fit right in.'

The producers of the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour are pleased to announce that single tickets for the upcoming tour engagement in Rochester are on sale now! RENT Performances Begin Tuesday At RBTL's Auditorium Theatre for a one-week engagement May 1-6, as part of the 2017-2018 M&T Bank Broadway Season presented by RBTL and Albert Nocciolino.

Chicago Children's Theatre's much anticipated 2017-18 season finale has arrived, and it's the hip-hop, heart-thumpin', toe-tappin' joy ride Last Stop on Market Street, a world premiere musical based on the 2016 Newbery-winning, Caldecott-honored children's book by Matt de la Peña.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL presented by Worklight Productions is coming to the Palace Theater May 11 - 13 for four performances.

The producers of the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour are pleased to announce that single tickets for the upcoming tour engagement in Rochester are on sale now! RENT will play RBTL'S Auditorium Theatre for a one-week engagement May 1-6, as part of the 2017-2018 M&T Bank Broadway Season presented by RBTL and Albert Nocciolino.

DETROIT MUSIC WEEKEND grows bigger, better, and bolder in 2018 with a huge collection of unique Detroit shopping and dining opportunities, multiple downtown happenings, and – of course – music, and lots of it. This blockbuster event is what the world expects from Detroit, and this June 14-17, the city's performing arts come together for a total downtown Detroit experience.

Delaware Theatre Company dazzles this spring with their final 2017/2018 season production, Ella: First Lady of Song! Written by Lee Summers (Off Broadway: From My Hometown) and conceived & directed by tap dancing legend Maurice Hines (DTC: Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life, Film: The Cotton Club). This enchanting regional premiere peeks into the key scenes and songs that changed Ella's struggles into a celebrated jazz career.

The Muny announced today that Grammy Award-winner Nathan Lee Graham will play the title role in The Wiz. Starring alongside Graham will be Jared Grimes as Scarecrow, Mykal Kilgore as Lion and James T. Lane as Tinman. In its first Muny staging in 36 years, The Wiz is the second production of the historic outdoor theatre's centennial season. The Wiz is directed by Denis Jones and choreographed by Camille A. Brown with music direction by Darryl Archibald. The Wiz is proudly sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors.

Initial casting has been announced for The Muny's production of THE WIZ - part of their 100th season. Grammy Award winner Nathan Lee Graham will star as The Wizard, Jared Grimes will portray the scarecrow, Mykal Kilgore will ring to life the Lion, and James T. Lane will ease on down the road as the Tinman.

Blue Note Hawaii welcomes some of music's most renowned artists this month, kicking off with the 60th birthday celebration of Loretta Ables Sayre with special guest star Robert Cazimero. The Hawaii News Now Jazz Legends series continues with Freddy Cole, one of the most influential jazz singers in history and the younger brother of musical icon Nat “King” Cole. Local favorite and the 2017 GRAMMY® Award winner from Hawaii Kalani Pe'a is up next, followed by genre-bending blues and bluegrass artists Dirty Cello. Blayne Asing & Alx Kawakami join forces for two nights and innovative African artist Vieux Farka Touré has his Blue Note Hawaii debut. Streetlight Cadence returns home to Hawaii for two nights, followed by artist in residence, Robert Cazimero. Next up is a round of local talent with shows by Keauhou, Josh Tatofi and Makana, which is a fundraiser for the Willie K Cancer Fund. Mike Lewis continues his series of tribute shows paying homage to Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, the music of Roberta Flack, as well as presenting a Big Band Extravaganza, featuring some of the area's most talented high school and collegiate level jazz bands. Josh Kaye and Friends will celebrate the music of Stax Records, which launched the careers of Issac Hayes, Wilson Picket, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and many more. Gypsy 808 will present the music of Django Reinhardt and the month ends with a bang when HIROSHIMA returns to the Blue Note stage.

Blue Note Hawaii welcomes some of music's most renowned artists this month, kicking off with the 60th birthday celebration of Loretta Ables Sayre with special guest star Robert Cazimero. The Hawaii News Now Jazz Legends series continues with Freddy Cole, one of the most influential jazz singers in history and the younger brother of musical icon Nat "King" Cole. Local favorite and the 2017 GRAMMY Award winner from Hawaii Kalani Pe'a is up next, followed by genre-bending blues and bluegrass artists Dirty Cello. Blayne Asing & Alx Kawakami join forces for two nights and innovative African artist Vieux Farka Toure has his Blue Note Hawaii debut. Streetlight Cadence returns home to Hawaii for two nights, followed by artist in residence, Robert Cazimero. Next up is a round of local talent with shows by Keauhou, Josh Tatofi and Makana, which is a fundraiser for the Willie K Cancer Fund. Mike Lewis continues his series of tribute shows paying homage to Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, the music of Roberta Flack, as well as presenting a Big Band Extravaganza, featuring some of the area's most talented high school and collegiate level jazz bands. Josh Kaye and Friends will celebrate the music of Stax Records, which launched the careers of Issac Hayes, Wilson Picket, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and many more. Gypsy 808 will present the music of Django Reinhardt and the month ends with a bang when HIROSHIMA returns to the Blue Note stage.

The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum has announced the cast for the New Jersey premiere of the musical comedy A Dog Story. A hit in its Off-Broadway run in late 2016, the play will be directed by Bickford Theatre Producing Artistic Director Eric Hafen. A Dog Story will be performed from April 12 - 22, 2018. The book of the show was written by Eric H. Weinberger with music and lyrics by Gayla D. Morgan.

For the first time ever, 'Voice' coaches Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton have recruited those who know best how to navigate and win the competition to advise their artists - former 'Voice' champions! Winners Cassadee Pope, Jordan Smith, Chris Blue and Chloe Kohanski will serve as advisers for the coaches during the Knockout Rounds on NBC's four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series 'The Voice,' beginning Monday, April 2 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT)

 For the first time ever, "Voice" coaches Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton have recruited those who know best how to navigate and win the competition to advise their artists - former "Voice" champions! Winners Cassadee Pope, Jordan Smith, Chris Blue and Chloe Kohanski will serve as advisers for the coaches during the Knockout Rounds on NBC's four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series "The Voice," beginning Monday, April 2 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT). 

Columbia University School of the Arts presents ten new plays written by the Columbia MFA Playwriting Students of 2018. The esteemed faculty who have nurtured these students, including Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and Charles L. Mee, invite you to experience these innovative new playwrights.

Shakespeare Theatre Company today announces the cast of Lerner and Loewe's multiple Tony Award-winning musical Camelot. Directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul (Kiss Me, Kate; Man of La Mancha), the classic musical will play at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St NW) from May 22 through July 1, concluding STC's 2017-2018 mainstage season.

WAITRESS, the Tony Award-nominated musical making its Washington, D.C. premiere at the National Theatre from May 15 thru June 3, 2018, is looking for two young girls to perform the role of Lulu during the national tour's D.C. engagement.

Brass Funkeys, Jocee, Ollie Howell and the National Youth Orchestra have all announced they will be supporting this year's Give a Gig Week with exclusive shows across London. In addition, YolanDa Brown, Chair of Youth Music, will be supporting Give a Gig Week via a show in Sydney. Give a Gig Week is Youth Music's flagship fundraising initiative, Youth Music supports 350 music-making projects across the country for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances.