The Shape of Things - 2001 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 1

An utterly convincing rollercoaster of life, death, and the world around us. See what our critic had to say.

A teenager with a dysfunctional family, a first crush, and a body that refuses to follow the rules of time. It’s an unusual combination, and one that has helped set KIMBERLY AKIMBO apart from other coming-of-age stories. At the Stanley BFL Canada Stage in Vancouver, BC, the Arts Club Theatre Company’s latest production brings that story to life. 

In honor of the Aida’s 25th anniversary, BroadwayWorld spoke to stars Heather Headley (Aida), Adam Pascal (Radames), Sherie Rene Scott (Amneris), Schele Williams (Nehebka), as Thomas Schumacher (original producer and Disney Theatrical Group chief for its first three decades), lyricist Tim Rice, and book writer David Henry Hwang to compile an oral history of the show’s early days, transition to Broadway, and legacy beyond the boards.

The Liverpool Everyman and Octagon Theatre Bolton have announced complete casting for the 30th Anniversary production of Shelagh Stevenson’s Olivier Award-winning comedy, The Memory of Water. 

Inspired by the Book of Jonah – and probably God – award-winning shunt veteran, Mitchell and Webb writer, John Finnemore's Souvenir Programmer (and Keith Darren Dean in Ghosts), Simon Kane, regurgitates his highly acclaimed, horrifyingly evergreen divine comedy about the extremist in us all.

Kelsey Verzotti stars as the bubbly, pink-loving Elle Woods.

For Carla Guevara Laforteza, starring in the Manila premiere of 'Come from Away, isn't just another role; it's a poignant reliving of a personal experience. The production brings Carla back to her own harrowing September 11, 2001, in New York City.

Paul Rudd may be best known for his onscreen roles, but he is no stranger to the stage. During a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast, Rudd shared some crazy stories from his theatrical career,

LEGALLY BLONDE:THE MUSICAL has everyone shouting “Omigod You Guys” in true Valley-girl fashion as it takes to the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage. Presented in it’s new home, Musicalfare seems like to have found the perfect sized theatre  for all of it’s future productions.

Ben Chavez is a singer, actor, and dancer who currently lives here in Houston. He recently was in the THEATRE UNDER THE STARS production of NEWSIE. He's done a national Broadway tour with Disney’s ALADDIN. He's done New York performances on Broadway.

Dear Readers, if you know my reviews then you know how picky I can be, especially with shows I love. One such show is certainly “Legally Blonde: The Musical”, currently playing at Village Theatre. I managed to see the original cast down in San Francisco and it’s always held a special place in my heart. Plus, I just think it’s an outstanding show. So, while I think the current Village production has oodles going for it in regards to talent and general all-around fun, there were just a few tiny things that kept it from blowing me away, the big one being that ineffable spark. But we’ll get to that.

Jeffrey Horowitz, Founder of Theatre for a New Audience, having led and grown the not-for-profit organization since 1979, will retire on August 31, 2025, at the end of TFANA's just-announced season of Shakespeare alongside plays by classical and contemporary playwrights.

During late summer and fall, film events will once again light up the night at THE FORD. Two sets of presentations feature very different focusses on classic films.

The League of Independent Theater has announced the 2024 New York Independent Theater Award recipients, highlighting exceptional leadership, service, and artistry in the indie and off-off Broadway community.

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.

“SOUTH PACIFIC is a masterpiece, and the role of Emile de Becque is an important one.  He is a man who hates war, has found his slice of peace, and is willing to fight for love.  It is such a joy to play the part and be able to fall in love eight times a week.”  Baritone William Michals is sharing his thoughts about MSMT and Fulton Theatres’ new co-production of SOUTH PACIFIC which opens MSMT’s 65th season on June 6, 2024 (Previews June 5).  His enthusiasm for the project is shared by his co-star, Carolyn Anne Miller, who plays Ensign Nellie Forbush. “I have fond memories of the show from the records my grandmother, who was an actor, used to play.  I knew all the songs by heart, and it is a thrill to play the role for the first time.”

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.

 NYU Skirball’s Fall 2024 season will open on Friday, September 6 with the North American premiere of Counting and Cracking, a two-week run co-presented with The Public Theater. Learn more about the season here!

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra wraps its 2023/24 orchestral season with a nod to the past and an eye toward the future on Friday, May 24, 2024, 8 pm, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, and Saturday, May 25, 2024, 8 pm, at Glendale's Alex Theatre.

The Public Theater just celebrated opening night for the New York premiere of SALLY & TOM, a bold new dramedy written by Pulitzer Prize winner and Public Theater Writer-in-Residence Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. Check out what the critics are saying!

Discover the track 'Borrowed Hills' from the psych-pop band LO MOON. Accompanying the announcement, the band shared two new tracks, including focus single, 'Water' and a b-side 'Connecticut,' which was hailed as 'masterfully crafted' and 'tantalizing,' proclaiming, ''Water' and 'Connecticut' beckon listeners into Lo Moon's sonic universe.'

Disney Entertainment Television (DET) has selected the latest cohorts for its Directing and Writing Programs, two of the entertainment industry's most successful talent development initiatives. These programs nurture creative talent on the cusp of television episode directing and staff writing, and connect them to opportunities with Disney series.

Vivid Stage will present the New Jersey premiere of Gone Missing, a musical about losing stuff, with book by Steve Cosson and Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman, from February 22 through March 3. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents the world premiere of keepsake in collaboration with ISHIDA Dance Company featuring works choreographed by ISHIDA, French choreographer Jeremy Galdeano, and Swedish dancer and choreographer John Wannehag. We got to speak with the three choreographers, who gave us a sneak peek into their program.

“(Zidler's) a man with big appetites and that drives him to make bad choices. He’s dancing on the razor's edge, but thinks he can pull it off one more time. Robert Petkoff on his character