BWW Previews: The South Bend Region Heats Up with Musical Theater!

Are you stuck inside, freezing, with nothing to do this winter? While the Northern Indiana weather is keeping us frozen, theaters are starting to heat up with the beginning of their 2015 seasons. I will get the pleasure to be bringing you reviews of these productions as they draw nearer, but here is a preview of productions we are looking forward to in the South Bend Region in February and March.

HARRIET THE MUSICAL at Premier Arts

"Harriet The Musical" is an original musical being produced by Premier Arts at The Lerner Theater in Elkhart, Indiana. "Harriet The Musical" is based on the journey of Harriet Tubman, and it will come to life on this local stage just in time to celebrate Black History Month. Featuring an all local (Indiana) creative team, this original musical will introduce a new generation to a remarkable woman who made a tremendous impact on our nation's history. Harriet the Musical will explore the faith and friendship that bring one woman to freedom.

I'm so excited to see this production because I simply love original works. I think Premier Arts is doing a great thing for the community by taking on such a challenging task. I'm so excited to review this musical, and give the topic of Harriet Tubman the attention it deserves.

"Harriet The Musical" will run February 27-28 at 7:30pm and March 1 at 3pm at The Lerner Theater in Elkhart. For more information visit their website: www.premeirarts.org

LES MISERABLES at Memorial Opera House

For over thirty years, Les Miserables has been acclaimed as a musical triumph that has inspired millions worldwide. The Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana is honored to open their 2015 season with the beloved saga of hope and redemption! With an epic cast, gripping story and music that will touch your heart, this is a theatrical experience unlike any other. Raise your voice. Lift your spirit. Dream a dream!

I'm so excited to see Les Mis at the Memorial Opera House! Why you ask? Cause who doesn't love this musical?! I'm so excited to watch this classic story come on stage, and I'm ready to rock out to the gorgeous score!

"Les Mis" will run at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana from February 13-March 8 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For more information, visit their website, www.memorialoperahouse.com

MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT AT SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATER

Looking for a production to make you laugh until you cry? This is the one for you! Winner of the Best Musical Tony Award. A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Join King Arthur and his intrepid and not-so-brave knights of the Round Table on their quest to seek the holy grail. Follow their zany adventures through dark and very expensive looking forests as they encounter a homicidal Black Knight, the mysterious Knights Who Say "Ni," the beautiful diva the Lady of the Lake, and attempt to survive vicious French taunting.

Now who doesn't love the humor of Monty Python? I'm so excited to be seeing this production in March. I love the music, the story, and every single thing about this musical that is so amazing. I'm so excited to get my Monty Python on!

Spamalot runs at South Bend Civic's Wilson Theater from March 13-April 4. Visit their website: www.sbct.org

SHREK THE MUSICAL TYA AT THE MAIN STAGE, INC.

This March, The Main Stage, Inc.'s Children's Theater program will produce, "Shrek The Musical: Theater for Young Audiences". "Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek.

What's better than Shrek The Musical done with adults? Shrek The Musical being done with Kids! I love The Main Stage's children productions, and I think it's amazing what that staff does for these kids. I'm excited to see their impressive work done through this hilarious, yet brilliant production.

Shrek will run March 27-28, at the RJ Kroc Community Center Theater in South Bend. For more information visit: www.themainstageinc.com

I am more than excited for the next two months of Musical Theater in the South Bend Region. I'm excited to get my fill of show tunes! Stay tuned on the Broadway World South Bend Region page to all the reviews and stories on these shows and more! Tweet me! @AP_95

South Bend Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. WAITRESS (South Bend Civic Theatre)

21.6% of votes

2. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts)

12.1% of votes

3. GREASE (Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts)

11.4% of votes

Vote Now!