LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS to Open at Portland Center Stage
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2026
Portland Center Stage will present the Ashman & Menken musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS featuring blues performer LaRhonda Steele as the voice of Audrey II, with a cast of local and New York-based actors.
Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Delights at La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Quintos - Sep 27, 2026
The brand new McCoy Rigby Entertainment production of the cheeky, macabre classic musical LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS—now on stage through October 11, 2026 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts—is quite possibly the most eye-popping, delightfully entertaining iteration of the stage show you will ever experience here on the West Coast. Filled with thrilling, big-budget Broadway-caliber visuals, memorable 60's R&B-inspired music, and awesome, over-the-top performances from an incredible cast, the show feels wonderfully re-energized in this luxe-looking (and sounding) production that will reignite your affection for this hilarious classic.
Maxim Chlumecky, Nathan Levy, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer & Ruthie Ann Miles Will Lead THE FANTASTICKS on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 25, 2026
Second Stage Theater just announced complete casting for the upcoming Broadway premiere of THE FANTASTICKS, directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli. The company of THE FANTASTICKS will feature Maxim Chlumecky (Appropriate, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as The Boy (Matt), Kevin del Aguila (Some Like It Hot, Frozen) as The Man Who Dies (Mortimer), David Patrick Kelly (Once, The Warriors) as The Old Actor (Henry), Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Spamalot, Beetlejuice) as Matt’s Mother (Mildred Hucklebee), Nathan Levy (& Juliet, Aladdin) as The Boy (Lewis), Ruthie Ann Miles (Sweeney Todd, The King and I) as Lewis’ Mother (Bessie Mae Bellomy), Zane Phillips (“The Comeback,” “Mid Century Modern,” Fire Island) as The Narrator (El Gallo), and Ahmad Simmons (Illinoise, Hadestown) as The Mute. Mr. Phillips will be making his Broadway debut.
Review: HAIR at Gretna Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - Jul 25, 2026
Lastly, speaking of generations, this show lands differently in 2026. Hair is a celebration of peace, love, and joy associated with the youth culture of the Boomer generation. When the show was first produced, it was easy to go along with the idealism and righteousness that the story celebrates. However, with time and reflection, the question that kept nagging me as an audience member was when and why did this generation change their priorities?
Second Stage Series Will Come to Burning Coal Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 20, 2026
Burning Coal Theatre Company will present WAIT TIL YOU SEE THIS! 2026, featuring three plays in repertory by emerging artists, including works by Roné Sargent, Lucius Robinson, and Liza Birkenmeier, at its Raleigh, NC venue.
A History of Broadway Proshots and Screen Adaptations
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 31, 2026
What is a pro-shot and how is it different than an adapted film? Pro-shot is an abbreviation for professionally shot, denoting a stage play that was captured in its native habitat: a theatre. In general, a pro-shot seeks to film the exact experience that audience members would have at a live performance of the show, in contrast with a feature film which actually adapts the piece into a new form, including different locations, the removal of theatrical aesthetic, and changes to make the script work as a film as opposed to as a live theatrical show.
Review: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at The Bent
by Audrey Liebross - May 12, 2026
The Bent, the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ theatre company, is presenting its first musical, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, written by Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The writers and composer have put together a moving book, lyrics, and score that create a deeply affecting and emotional story, with just enough hilarity to soften the upsetting moments. The brilliant acting, singing, directing, and design make this show a must-see.
A History of Musicals About Friendship
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 10, 2026
Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event.
ROMEO & BERNADETTE Off-Broadway Cast Recording is Now Available
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2026
The original Off-Broadway cast recording of ROMEO & BERNADETTE: A MUSICAL TALE OF VERONA AND BROOKLYN, with book and lyrics by Mark Saltzman, is now available on digital platforms via JAY Records, with a physical CD release coming later.
Did you Know that These Broadway Shows Are Inspired by Magazine Articles?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 19, 2026
Musicals and plays based on movies? Many. Based on books? Also plentiful. Based on true stories? Of course. But musicals and plays based on or inspired by magazine articles? These are a rare breed. One recently opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre.