On Your Toes

Never before have audiences responded with such startling enthusiasm and thunderous applause to a Nashville Repertory Theatre opening night - at least in my memory and I've been reviewing shows at the Rep for 30 years now - than what I witnessed last night as Avenue Q kicked off the company's 2018-19 season in astonishingly irreverent style. Theater historians would have a hard time finding a production in which Nashville Rep audiences had a better time celebrating diversity and internet porn while watching two puppets have unbridled and unrestrained sex even if they lack some of the parts necessary to consummate the act. (more...)

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Executive Director), dedicated to the development of new musicals and rediscovery of musical gems from the past, presents the Off-Broadway premiere of the acclaimed new musical Midnight at The Never Get, with book, music, and lyrics by Mark Sonnenblick, co-conceived by Sam Bolen, by arrangement with Visceral Entertainment and Mark Cortale Productions.  Directed by Max Friedman, with choreography by Andrew Palermo, and music direction/arrangements by Adam Podd, the cast will feature Sam Bolen, Jeremy Cohen, and Jon J. Peterson.  Performances begin Tuesday, October 2, 2018 for a limited engagement through Sunday afternoon, November 4, 2018 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Opening Night is Thursday evening, October 11, 2018 at 6:45 p.m.  (more...)

Hancock Whitney Broadway in New Orleans is pleased to announce that the New Orleans engagement of the hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET! - based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan - will go on sale Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. (more...)

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the independent, not-for-profit affiliate of SDC, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, today announced unique plans for its 2019 award evening, which will feature original choreographic pieces resulting from a special commissioning program, with the application period now open. SDCF also announced that Victoria Traube would receive a special 'Mr. Abbott' Award at the event, to be held March 25 at the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF). (more...)

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LEGALLY BLONDE, AVENUE Q and More! (more...)

Broadway award-winning star and concert star Christine Andreas will release her newest album Christine Andreas Piaf-No Regrets on PS Classics   on November 9th , 2018.  Christine is currently touring the U.S. and abroad with her much-acclaimed one-woman show Piaf, No Regrets.  This new CD was recorded in London this past summer with a 36- piece orchestra, conducted and orchestrated by Larry Blank and produced by Martin Silvestri. Singing both in English and in French, Andreas draws from her one-woman show, where she was   lauded by The New York Times...' Andreas's ravishing voice with its rapid vibrato, metallic edge…(and) snapping emotional electricity, has made her a potent interpreter of Piaf.' (more...)

Continuing our interview series of NT Live broadcasts, this month's focuses on Macbeth at the National Theatre. Directed by Rufus Norris and featuring Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff, Macbeth will be broadcast live to cinemas across the UK and in selected international venues from Thursday 10 May. Joshua Lacey and Sam Psyk share their thoughts ahead of the broadcast, one who'll be on stage on the night and one behind the scenes (and screen). (more...)

Redhouse will close its 2017-18 season with the ever-popular musical La Cage aux Folles, book by Harvey Feirstein, based on the play by Jean Poiret. Performances will take place at Redhouse Arts Center, from May 31 - June 10, 2018. In addition, Redhouse will celebrate its Grand Opening of its new home at 400 S. Salina Street with a special event and ribbon cutting taking place June 1st prior to the opening night show. La Cage aux Folles, based on the same 1973 play which was also the inspiration for the movie "The Birdcage" starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, will close the 2017/18 season. This comedic and heartfelt show features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, composer of Broadway hits Hello, Dolly! and Mame. (more...)

Gloucester Stage Company opens its 39th season of professional theater on May 11 with the world premiere of Madame Defarge, Wendy Kesselman's new musical inspired by Charles Dicken's classic A Tale of Two Cities. The world premiere musical runs from May 11 through June 2 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. A passionate re-imagining of Dickens' infamous Madame Defarge illuminates this new musical by Wendy Kesselman. (more...)

Deborah Grace Winer continues her 3-part Feinstein's/54 Below series of jewel box revues celebrating the Classic American Songbook with its season finale on Sunday, June 17th, TILL THERE WAS YOU: A CELEBRATION OF Barbara Cook with Musical Direction by Mark Hummel and direction by Mark Waldrop. Ms. Winer will host a glittering parade of Broadway divas including Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba; Tony nominees Christine Andreas, Rebecca Luker and Christiane Noll; Linda Purl, Aisha de Haas, Natalie Douglas and K.T. Sullivan, who will raise their voices in celebration of Barbara Cook, one of the greatest interpreters of the American Songbook. (more...)

Pittsburgh CLO is proud to open the 2018 Summer Season with the Pittsburgh premiere of Broadway sensation, ON YOUR FEET!, June 12-17 at the Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO remains steadfastly dedicated to the creation of new work, and co-produced the Broadway production of ON YOUR FEET! as part of this ongoing commitment. Pittsburgh CLO has brought over 20 new shows to their "Feet" on the Broadway stage, including the recent productions of An American in Paris, Kinky Boots, Matilda The Musical and many others. (more...)

The world premiere of The Beast in the Jungle officially opened last night, May 24 at Vineyard Theater - 108 East 15th Street, NYC. Let's see what the critics are saying... (more...)

On Your Feet is precisely where you will find yourself at the end of this spectacular show! The familiar music is peppy and moving, and the crowd enjoyed the infectious dance groove laid down by the band which included 5 original members of The Miami Sound Machine. (more...)

The Muny announced today its complete cast and design team for the theatre's centennial season production of Gypsy, July 27 - August 2. Gypsy is proudly sponsored by Missouri Lottery. (more...)

Overture Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the Wisconsin premiere and the state's only engagement of the hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET! will take the Overture Hall stage Today, May 15-Sunday, May 20. Based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY® winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan, the first national tour stars Cuban-American Broadway actress Christie Prades as Gloria Estefan, and acclaimed stage and television actor Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan. (more...)

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston kicks off the company's spectacular 50th Anniversary Summer Season with A Chorus Line from June 7-17. The multiple Tony Award-winning musical will run for 8 performances at the Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington St., Waltham, MA. (more...)

Broadway In Detroit is pleased to announce that the hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET! - based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan - will makes it's Detroit debut at the Fisher Theater, May 1 - 13, 2018. Tickets for ON YOUR FEET! start at $39 and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787 and online at www.broadwayindetroit.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Fisher Theatre box office. (more...)

The Muny announced today that Tony and Grammy Award- winning artist Heather Headley and Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-nominated artist Matthew Morrison will serve as co-hosts for The Muny's historic Centennial Gala show, An Evening with the Stars, May 18, 2018 at 9:15 p.m. at The Muny. (more...)

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. (more...)

Me and My Girl, the final production of the Encores! at 25 season at New York City Center will star Christian Borle, Suzzanne Douglas, Mark Evans, Harriet Harris, Edward Hibbert, John Horton, Simon Jones, Laura Michelle Kelly, Lisa O'Hare, Ken Page, and Don Stephenson. (more...)

The reviews are in for BASKERVILLE at Long Wharf Theatre! The Ken Ludwig comedy opened on February 28th and will run through March 25th. (more...)

The complete cast for the world premiere Chicago production of the new comedy musical, TOOTSIE has just been announced. Joining previously announced Tony Award nominee SANTINO FONTANA as Michael Dorsey will be LILLI COOPER as Julie Nichols, SARAH STILES as Sandy Lester, JOHN BEHLMANN as Max Von Horn, ANDY GROTELUESCHEN as Jeff Slater, JULIE HALSTON as Rita Mallory, MICHAEL McGRATH as Stan Fields, and REG ROGERS as Ron Carlisle. (more...)

Pittsburgh CLO's THE FULL MONTY will take it all off at the Benedum Center this summer July 6 - 15. With a book written by Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and the music/ lyric talents of David Yazbek (The Band's Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), this duo cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that is both highly-entertaining and charmingly uplifting. (more...)

Upcoming Shows - Week of 6/20/2018 for Chicago (more...)

The 9th annual Juneteenth NYC celebration is set to draw over 3,200 people to celebrate the 153rd anniversary of 'Freedom Day,' with a vendor marketplace featuring craft goods and food, community talent show, local small business exhibitors, health and wellness screeners, raffle prizes, plus a full day roster of live performances. Confirmed musical and dance performances will include New Wave Dance Youth and Community Development, Afrobeats Dance NYC, reggae artist Damion Anthony, soul vocalist Monique Brown, On Your Toes Dance Company, rapper Little Deuces, violinist Mikayla Tripp, a West African dance by Purelements: An Evolution in Dance's COAR program ensemble, a Bollywood workshop by Ajna Dance Studio and more. Fun senior activities like aerobics by the Betsy Head Cardio Dance Aerobics group and child-friendly activations, games like African Mancala, Chinese jump rope, Indian Chor-Sipahi (American Tag) and music trivia for all ages. (more...)

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces the casting for the final production of the 2018 Nutmeg Summer Series: "Jesus Christ Superstar", the iconic rock opera based on the last week of Jesus' life that has blown away audiences for over 40 years. CRT Nutmeg Summer Series Artistic Director Terrence Mann directs. "Jesus Christ Superstar" stars Alex Prakken (Jesus), Ryan Vona (Judas) and Jonathan Cobrda (Pontius Pilate). (more...)

In the black at the back of the Vineyard Theater during one of the final previews of The Beast in the Jungle the other night sat its composer, disguising himself as a member of the audience by dispassionately drinking in the stage action and politely applauding at the appropriate places. This is-typically-the usual battle station for the artist-in-progress. Atypically-in fact, for the first time--John Kander sat alone. (more...)

Victoria Theatre Association continues the popular 2018-2019 Cool Films Series by celebrating the 30th Anniversary of DIE HARD. Show times are August 10-11 at 7 p.m. and August 12 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $6 and passbooks of 10 tickets are $39. To purchase, visit Ticket Center Stage, located in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, call 937-228-3630, toll-free 888-228-3630 or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. (more...)

The Children's Theatre of Long Beach (CTLB) presents its first Renaissance Faire experience! Partake of delicious food, Play medieval themed games, create fairy wings or armor and top it all off with a 60 minute version of Shakespeare's 'MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING!' Aug. 4, 2018 in Long Beach. (more...)

Pittsburgh CLO will fill the Benedum Center with magic and wonder fit for all ages with Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, July 27 - August 5. Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ran for a staggering 13 years and over 5,000 performances on Broadway. Now, Pittsburgh CLO brings this treasured story to life for a new generation, continuing the organization's commitment to providing young patrons the opportunity to enjoy live musical theater at home in Pittsburgh. Tickets are now available by phone at 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square. Select half-price tickets for children 3-14 are sponsored by Giant Eagle, offering an affordable option for families to enjoy this timeless tale together. (more...)

Here are the Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End shows which opened on July 25 along with all of the upcoming show openings, closings and special events! (more...)

Get out your tap shoes, Francis, because four-time Tony nominated choreographer, Randy Skinner, is here to waltz us all back in time for an intimate retrospective of his career. From working at the famed Kenley Players to being the keeper of the 42nd Street flame, Randy's career includes turns (both onstage and off) with 42nd Street, Babes in Arms, Ain't Broadway Grand, State Fair, Do Re Mi, George M, Lone Star Love, White Christmas, Of Thee I Sing, No No Nanette, On Your Toes, Dames at Sea, and many more! (more...)

Upcoming Shows - Week of 7/20/2018 for Chicago (more...)

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces the casting for the final production of the 2018 Nutmeg Summer Series: 'Jesus Christ Superstar', the iconic rock opera based on the last week of Jesus' life that has blown away audiences for over 40 years. CRT Nutmeg Summer Series Artistic Director Terrence Manndirects. 'Jesus Christ Superstar' stars Alex Prakken (Jesus), Ryan Vona (Judas) and Jonathan Cobrda (Pontius Pilate). Tickets are on sale at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113. (more...)

Hoy, la adaptacion musical de PRETTY WOMAN comienza en Broadway sus funciones previas, y que mejor ocasion para repasar la carrera de su coreografo Jerry Mitchell, responsable de las coreografias de algunos de los musicales mas iconicos del ultimo cuarto de siglo. (more...)

Pittsburgh CLO is proud to bring Lerner and Loewe's BRIGADOON from the Scottish Highlands to the Benedum Center stage July 17 - 22. As part of its ongoing mission to celebrate musical theater, Pittsburgh CLO often revives classics, thus introducing new audiences to the masterpieces of Broadway's golden age. (more...)

Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, New Level Productions and Julian Stoneman just announced a new and vibrant revival of Gilbert and Sullivan's hugely popular The Pirates of Penzance. PIRATES!, a bold reinvention of their universally renowned and celebrated show loved by audiences the world over, is conceived, directed and choreographed by Daryl Gray, and will open in the UK in 2019. (more...)

Connecticut Repertory Theatre begins the final show of the 2018 Nutmeg Summer Series: 'Jesus Christ Superstar', the iconic rock opera based on the last week of Jesus' life. CRT Nutmeg Summer Series Artistic Director Terrence Mann directs, Christopher d'Amboise choreographs. 'Jesus Christ Superstar' stars Alex Prakken (Jesus), Ryan Vona (Judas) and Jonathan Cobrda (Pontius Pilate). (more...)

VALENTINA KOZLOVA, former principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet and New York City Ballet, announces the opening of the VALENTINA KOZLOVA DANCE CONSERVATORY at 509 Westport Avenue in Norwalk, Ct.    (more...)

How far would you go to get your man? And then when you have him, what lengths do you go to ensure no one steals him away. How do you preserve a dying relationship? Is it sometimes better to just walk away? Can it ever be that easy? These are some of the questions (amongst many others) that are asked in Vicky Jones' Verity Bargate Award-winning play The One, currently being revived at the Soho Theatre. Directed by Steve Marmion, it's a gripping 75 minutes that has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. (more...)

Connecticut Repertory Theatre begins the final show of the 2018 Nutmeg Summer Series: "Jesus Christ Superstar", the iconic rock opera based on the last week of Jesus' life. CRT Nutmeg Summer Series Artistic Director Terrence Mann directs, Christopher d'Amboise choreographs. "Jesus Christ Superstar" stars Alex Prakken (Jesus), Ryan Vona (Judas) and Jonathan Cobrda (Pontius Pilate). (more...)

Pittsburgh CLO will fill the Benedum Center with magic and wonder fit for all ages with Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, July 27 - August 5. Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ran for a staggering 13 years and over 5,000 performances on Broadway. Now, Pittsburgh CLO brings this treasured story to life for a new generation, continuing the organization's commitment to providing young patrons the opportunity to enjoy live musical theater at home in Pittsburgh. Tickets are now available by phone at 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square. Select half-price tickets for children 3-14 are sponsored by Giant Eagle, offering an affordable option for families to enjoy this timeless tale together. (more...)

Here are the Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End shows which opened on August 7 along with all of the upcoming show openings, closings and special events! (more...)

The Children's Theatre of Long Beach (CTLB) presents its first Renaissance Faire experience! Partake of delicious food, Play medieval themed games, create fairy wings or armor and top it all off with a 60 minute version of Shakespeare's 'MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING!' Aug. 4, 2018 in Long Beach. (more...)

Student-run theatre company, Late Night Theatre, presents It Comes in Threes: An Evening of Quick Comedies to kick off the 2018-2019 Late Night Series. Three short comedic plays written by three different playwrights and led by three different directors, ensures that this production will keep you On Your Toes and laughing all night. (more...)

J'Mel Davidson held a very special light. He was extremely giving and quick to talk with great enthusiasm. He gave so much of that light to the world. He is a true testament to the power of laughter. His body may be gone. But his creative light still shines on in all that enjoyed him. (more...)

Here are the Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End shows which opened on August 14 along with all of the upcoming show openings, closings and special events! (more...)

Barter Theatre presents "In the Heat of the Night" beginning April 7 through May 12. This thrilling murder mystery is based on John Ball's award-winning novel that inspired an Oscar-winning film, which resulted in the Emmy-winning television series. (more...)

William Congreve's restoration classic originally premiered in 1700 and even though it bombed back then, nowadays it is adored for its bonkers farce and balletic lyricism. The story may be long; the play lasts three hours in total and as an audience your patience will be tested. But stick with it; the overall pay off will certainly be worth it. (more...)

Overture Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the Wisconsin premiere and the state's only engagement of the hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET! will take the Overture Hall stage Tuesday, May 15-Sunday, May 20. Based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY® winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan, the first national tour stars Cuban-American Broadway actress Christie Prades as Gloria Estefan, and acclaimed stage and television actor Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan. (more...)