Review: MARY POPPINS at Harlequin
by Monica Moore - Apr 28, 2025
Disney's Mary Poppins is a musical based on the classic stories of P.L.Travers and the Walt Disney Film of the same name. The title role, played by Julie Andrews in the 1964 film is arguably one of the most recognisable in musical theatre history with the iconic silhouette of hat, carpet bag and umbrella in the sky.
Review: Katerina McCrimmon's Star Shines Bright in FUNNY GIRL Revival at Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Jun 4, 2024
This 2022 revival of the 1964 musical is quite enjoyable, not because of its new changes (via director Michael Mayer and Harvey Fierstein's new book) but thanks mostly to its lead star McCrimmon, who is reason enough to see this touring iteration. The show continues at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (with co-star Melissa Manchester) through June 9.
Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE
by Valerie-Jean Miller - May 28, 2024
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.
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Ahmanson Theatre
by Harker Jones - Apr 8, 2024
FUNNY GIRL is a gold standard that has endured through the ages and the production that just hit downtown Los Angeles is a rollicking and heartfelt success.
San Francisco Playhouse Announces Cast For FOLLIES Opening June 30
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2022
San Francisco Playhouse announced casting for Follies by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse Mainstage from June 30 through September 10, 2022. Bill English will direct, with music direction by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Nicole Helfer. This marks the first fully staged professional production of Follies in San Francisco.
Cindy Williams, Elton John Tribute & More Coming to Bucks County Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2022
The newly announced slate of Visiting Artists for April brings the return of Cindy Williams to the Playhouse, the Bucks County premiere of Ray Didinger’s popular play, “Tommy and Me” with special guests at each show including Eagles great Harold Carmichael and the lively “Bennie and Jets: an Elton John Tribute.”
The Betsy to Host 10th Annual OVERTURE TO OVERTOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL
by Marissa Tomeo - Mar 4, 2022
The Betsy (thebetsyhotel.com), a luxury family-owned and operated hotel on Miami Beach known internationally as a hub for arts, culture, and community, announces its 10th Annual Overture to Overtown (OTO) Jazz Festival, in celebration of National Jazz Appreciation Month (“JAM”) from April 1-April 30, 2022 on Miami Beach. Proud to be joining with other national jazz presenters, the hotel's month-long program co-produced with Carole Ann Taylor, will include over 40 live performances, curated community conversations, curated outdoor exhibits, and the exhibition, Sounds of FREEDOM.
EPIX Lands MURPH THE SURF Documentary Series
by TV News Desk - Jun 9, 2021
“Murf the Surf is a great addition to the quality docuseries lineup that EPIX viewers have come to expect,” said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. “R.J. Cutler and the talented team at Imagine are crafting an unexpected, exciting, entertaining series, bringing Murf’s truly unique story to life.”