The Life I Lead - 2019 - West End Articles Page 17

Tony-Award-winning actor and singer Ben Platt recently stopped by The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss his three-week New York residency at the Palace Theatre, which is running from May 28- June 15. In the interview, Platt discussed growing up around musical theatre, and recalled the first time he went to see a Broadway musical in New York. Watch the video now!

VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of.  How did that come about for both of you? Ellenore Scott:  Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival. Ayodele Casel:  I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in.  Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.

What did our critic think of SHANE THORNTON at Picklefest?

Soulpepper Theatre brings Tennessee Williams' classic A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE to the stage this summer. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

The stage is alive in 24-25! Alberta Bair Theater has announced its 2024-2025 season packed with top-notch entertainment. Learn more about the full lineup here!

Patricia Milton's play ACCUSED! opens on July 13 at Central Works, marking the final comic caper in the series.

Opera Parallele has announced EXPANSIVE, a transgender showcase set for August 8-9, 2024, highlighting diverse talent and stories in a groundbreaking performance.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Reefer Madness, a new revised version Reefer Madness the Musical will open May 30, 2024 at The Whitney. I talked to director/choreographer Spencer Liff during the early days of rehearsals, so casting hadn’t been finalized. Members of the original creative team reuniting to produce are: actors Kristen Bell, Christian Campbell and Alan Cumming, creators Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, Andy Fickman, who directed 2005's Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical, and America Olivo Campbell.

The Young Vic Theatre has announced the appointment of Nadia Fall as its new Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive.

PRELUDE IN THE PARKS, a citywide festival of environmental art-works, will take place from June 7-9, 2024, showcasing innovative art installations across various parks in New York City.

The track delves into the theme of a toxic relationship, depicting how one might endure it by numbing themselves with alcohol, while also exploring the journey towards summoning the courage to break free from the toxicity. Listen to the single now!

Center Theatre Group, in collaboration with The Fire This Time Festival and Watts Village Theater Company, will present a second season of Not A Moment, But A Movement, an initiative created to amplify, center, and celebrate Black voices.

Algos Music has announced that vintage vocalist extraordinaire ALLYSON BRIGGS will release her new album Promises, Prayers, and Raindrops: Allyson Briggs Sings Burt Bacharach on Friday, July 12. It will be available on CD and in digital and streaming platforms.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Andris Nelsons have announced the appointment of violinist Nathan Cole as the orchestra's new concertmaster. Cole will take the Charles Munch chair at the start of the BSO's 2024 Tanglewood season in July, becoming the orchestra's 11th concertmaster since its founding in 1881.

As I write this, I'm in a rehearsal room with an immensely talented group of creative people - people who have dedicated their lives to the study and creation of theatre - figuring out what it looks like to revive a fish from the dead. You would not believe the variety of ways one can go about this. If you have some free time, and are absolutely certain you're alone, you should see how many you can come up with. It's fun! 

Explore the thought-provoking and humorous play YELLOW FACE at Lyric Stage Boston, delving into themes of identity and cultural perception.

Discover PRELUDE IN THE PARKS, a citywide festival featuring environmental art-works from June 7-9. Engage with innovative art installations and performances across New York City parks.

You’re What I Need, the latest single from Jenny Don’t and the Spurs' upcoming album, Broken Hearted Blue, has just been released. The raucous intro of the new tune merely hints at what’s to come in the band’s ode to fans and friends around the globe. Throughout “You’re What I Need,” the entirety of the Spurs feel right on the edge, their honky-tonk race car energy searching for grip in every turn. Listen to the single now!

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival will take place from 23 August – 8 September 2024, bringing together a FREE programme of performances by UK and international artists, including several productions which will be co-created with local participants and presented across public spaces in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Newham and the City of London. 

Lily Tung Crystal has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of East West Players. Learn more about Tung and about the theatre.

The Muny will present EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum  musician John Legend on its iconic James S. McDonnell Stage for John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories With the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Darren Criss will return to the stage alongside Helen J Shen in the Broadway premiere of the new romantic musical comedy Maybe Happy Ending with music by Will Aronson, lyrics by Hue Park and book by both Aronson and Park. We have all of the details!

Nashville-based trio, The Band CAMINO (comprised of Jeffery Jordan, Spencer Stewart, and Garrison Burgess) have announced their surprise new Bruises EP, arriving Friday, May 17 via Elektra. Furthermore, the trio have also announced The Taking Shape Tour, which will see the band headlining shows across the U.S. this summer with direct support from Knox.

Discover the latest casting news for Park Theatre's production of THE MARILYN CONSPIRACY, featuring Declan Bennett and Susie Amy. Stay updated with BroadwayWorld's entertainment news.

Discover the newly announced cast of SUMMERTIME! by Transcendence Theatre Company. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.