Let Me Hear You Smile

Brian Wilson, musical genius and founder of the Beach Boys, died today (Wednesday, June 11, 2025), so in honor of him, here is an article of the 40 greatest Beach Boys songs that I wrote for Broadway World two years ago.  Love & Mercy, Brian!

Hosted by Scott Coulter at OC's Segerstrom Center, this beautifully-curated 'greatest hits' showcase celebrating Olivia Newton-John provided an entertaining tribute, delivered via superb performances from the likes of Jessica Hendy, David Burnham, and Mike Schwitter, plus a first-person testimonial from her longtime producer John Farrar.

'Good Vibrations'? 'California Girls'? 'I Get Around'? See where your favorite Beach Boys songs land on the list!

Reviewer Peter Nason ranks his choices for Burt Bacharach's top 50 tunes.

The theater community around the world is mourning the loss of legend Stephen Sondheim after his passing on November 26, 2021. We asked our readers which Sondheim lyric meant the most to them and why. Read their answers here.

In the wake of Stephen Sondheim's passing, there has been an outpouring of grief from the Broadway community and beyond. Read them all here.

The Marshall Tucker Band will hit the road on their 50th Anniversary Tour and make a stop at the Warner Theatre on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 8 pm. Dave Mason will open the show. Tickets go on sale to Warner Members Thursday, November 18 at 10 am and to the General Public on Friday, November 19 at 11 am.

Happy Gay Pride! BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest LGBTQ songs and anthems from 1920-2020. See if your favorite songs or artists made the grade!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest protest songs from 1939-2020. See if your favorite songs or artists made the list!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest Motown songs from 1960-1994. See if your favorite songs or artists made the list!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest scenes in cinema from 1901 to 2020. See if your favorite movie moments made the list!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest Beatles songs, including some of the fab four's solo works. They're all here: 'Twist and Shout,' 'In My Life,' 'Helter Skelter,' 'Imagine,' 'Something,' 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' 'Let It Be.' See if your favorites made the grade!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best musical theatre characters from 1940-2020; see if your favorites are on our list of the best characters from Broadway musicals.

The Beatles! Rihanna! Michael Jackson! Johnny Cash! Kanye West! The Rolling Stones! Aretha Franklin! Bob Dylan! Miles Davis! Nirvana! BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the greatest albums from the rock and rap era (1950-2020); see if your favorites made the grade!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best film musicals since the sound era began; see if your favorites made the list!

 Roy Clark, the legendary 'superpicker', GRAMMY, CMA and ACMaward winner, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member and co-host of the famed 'Hee Haw' television series, died today at the age of 85 due to complications from pneumonia at home in Tulsa, Okla.

Fats Domino's studio recordings inspired everyone from reggae legend Bob Marley to The Beatles, whose 'Lady Madonna' was as a direct homage to the early rock pioneer. But while his songs were often imitated, Fats's live performances were absolutely untouchable, a rollicking ride through boogie jump classics like 'Let The Four Winds Blow' and 'My Girl Josephine' on to his all-time classic hits such as the libidinous 'Blueberry Hill,' 'Ain't That A Shame,' 'Walking To New Orleans' and many more. On stage, Fats attacked his piano from every which way as sweat poured from his brow, all the while keeping that magnificent, signature smile front and center, making everything he did look as effortless as a pleasant Sunday stroll.

Fats Domino's studio recordings inspired everyone from reggae legend Bob Marley to The Beatles, whose 'Lady Madonna' was as a direct homage to the early rock pioneer. But while his songs were often imitated, Fats's live performances were absolutely untouchable, a rollicking ride through boogie jump classics like 'Let The Four Winds Blow' and 'My Girl Josephine' on to his all-time classic hits such as the libidinous 'Blueberry Hill,' 'Ain't That A Shame,' 'Walking To New Orleans' and many more. On stage, Fats attacked his piano from every which way as sweat poured from his brow, all the while keeping that magnificent, signature smile front and center, making everything he did look as effortless as a pleasant Sunday stroll.

The Huntington Theatre Company's production of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM completes August Wilson's Century Cycle, ten plays that reflect the African-American experience in America by the decade throughout the 20th century. Yvette Freeman (NBC's ER) is a force of nature in the title role, and local actor Jason Bowen captivates as the hotheaded young trumpeter who personifies the Zeitgeist.

In Act I our actors are in their 70's. Neil, the husband, has retired and is about to leave home to start a new business in New Zealand. The second Act opens and our three actors are now in their 40's. Hannah, the wife, is prepared to leave her husband and run away. In Act III all are now young children, and brother Willy is going to dig a hole and move to China.

Actors in the Baltimore production at Center Stage discuss their work.