Anton Anderssen
Latest News on Anton Anderssen:
BWW Review: WICKED Never Goes Out of Style (Aug 10, 2018)
BWW Blog: Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Triumph over Subjugation at Bank of Hawaii Pop-Up Concert (Mar 29, 2018)
BWW Blog: Kona Nui Night at Ward Village marred by selfish Fort Shafter Lexus Driver (Dec 26, 2017)
BWW Review: WICKED Never Goes Out of Style (Aug 10, 2018)
BWW Blog: Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Triumph over Subjugation at Bank of Hawaii Pop-Up Concert (Mar 29, 2018)
BWW Blog: Kona Nui Night at Ward Village marred by selfish Fort Shafter Lexus Driver (Dec 26, 2017)
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BWW Review: WICKED Never Goes Out of Style
It's the sly inversion of good and evil that makes WICKED fascinating. It's wrestling with doing what's fashionable versus doing what's right that makes WICKED timeless. Now, those brilliant minds at Broadway in Detroit reprise this killer musical for us to fall in love with, all over again. Whether you prefer Idina Menzel, or Kurt and Rachel's version on Glee, 'Defying Gravity' sends chills up and down one's spine; in this production, Mary Kate Morrissey nails the part and sends electricity throughout the Opera House way to the highest rafters. Based on a satirical novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has awed audiences for 15 years with its massive steampunk set, its dazzling costumes, and a bewitching score by Stephen Schwartz. Declared 'The Best Musical of the Decade' by Entertainment Weekly and 'A Cultural Phenomenon' by Variety, WICKED is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.
It's the sly inversion of good and evil that makes WICKED fascinating. It's wrestling with doing what's fashionable versus doing what's right that makes WICKED timeless. Now, those brilliant minds at Broadway in Detroit reprise this killer musical for us to fall in love with, all over again. Whether you prefer Idina Menzel, or Kurt and Rachel's version on Glee, 'Defying Gravity' sends chills up and down one's spine; in this production, Mary Kate Morrissey nails the part and sends electricity throughout the Opera House way to the highest rafters. Based on a satirical novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has awed audiences for 15 years with its massive steampunk set, its dazzling costumes, and a bewitching score by Stephen Schwartz. Declared 'The Best Musical of the Decade' by Entertainment Weekly and 'A Cultural Phenomenon' by Variety, WICKED is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.
BWW Blog: Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Triumph over Subjugation at Bank of Hawaii Pop-Up Concert
The Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra offered another of its wildly successful pop up concert series at the Bank of Hawaii headquarters downtown on March 28. Joseph Stepec, Assistant Professor of Music at The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Director of Orchestras, conducted the free concert, which received thunderous applause throughout the event.
The Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra offered another of its wildly successful pop up concert series at the Bank of Hawaii headquarters downtown on March 28. Joseph Stepec, Assistant Professor of Music at The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Director of Orchestras, conducted the free concert, which received thunderous applause throughout the event.
BWW Blog: Kona Nui Night at Ward Village marred by selfish Fort Shafter Lexus Driver
Kona Nui Nights is a free monthly event that honors and highlights Hawaiian language, music, and the art of hula. Hosted beneath a large tent behind the IBM building, Ward Village presents one of the best cultural experiences on Oahu. December's special night featured Kupaoa (Kellen and Lihau Paik ) and Mark Yamanaka. This special Kona Nui Nights was a family-friendly event with holiday-themed activities and treats throughout the night. Guests had to RSVP well in advance, and the event was completely booked to capacity. However, some disabled guests found they were robbed of this Christmas celebration due to a Grinch who decided to block the handicap ramp with his Lexus. Instead of allowing the path 50 inches for a wheelchair to pass through, he decided handicapped people only needed about 13 inches for their wheelchairs and walkers in the space between his car and the cement wall. (See photo)
Kona Nui Nights is a free monthly event that honors and highlights Hawaiian language, music, and the art of hula. Hosted beneath a large tent behind the IBM building, Ward Village presents one of the best cultural experiences on Oahu. December's special night featured Kupaoa (Kellen and Lihau Paik ) and Mark Yamanaka. This special Kona Nui Nights was a family-friendly event with holiday-themed activities and treats throughout the night. Guests had to RSVP well in advance, and the event was completely booked to capacity. However, some disabled guests found they were robbed of this Christmas celebration due to a Grinch who decided to block the handicap ramp with his Lexus. Instead of allowing the path 50 inches for a wheelchair to pass through, he decided handicapped people only needed about 13 inches for their wheelchairs and walkers in the space between his car and the cement wall. (See photo)
Columnist: My Pilgrimage to Hail Michael Moore's TERMS OF MY SURRENDER
Moore was astounding in this performance; it was mostly about his life and what he believes in. I don't find many comedians funny, but I surrendered to Moore's clever monologue, joined by uproarious laughter from the audience throughout the show. His type of humor is sophisticated and intellectual; he presented his show as a 12-step program for liberals. I'm neither a liberal nor an alcoholic, so going through a 12-step recovery session was a novel experience. One of the traditional steps in such programs involve turning one's problems over to God. Moore confessed, My higher power is Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Moore was astounding in this performance; it was mostly about his life and what he believes in. I don't find many comedians funny, but I surrendered to Moore's clever monologue, joined by uproarious laughter from the audience throughout the show. His type of humor is sophisticated and intellectual; he presented his show as a 12-step program for liberals. I'm neither a liberal nor an alcoholic, so going through a 12-step recovery session was a novel experience. One of the traditional steps in such programs involve turning one's problems over to God. Moore confessed, My higher power is Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
BWW Review: SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR. Brings Back Fond Memories
Remember those educational cartoons when you were a little kid, like Conjunction Junction, I'm just a Bill, and Interjection? Now is your chance to hear all of those timeless tunes in one setting, at Spotlight Players in Canton, where director John Sartor works his unique brand of magic bringing out enthusiasm and energy with a school room filled with kids in the musical production SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR.
Remember those educational cartoons when you were a little kid, like Conjunction Junction, I'm just a Bill, and Interjection? Now is your chance to hear all of those timeless tunes in one setting, at Spotlight Players in Canton, where director John Sartor works his unique brand of magic bringing out enthusiasm and energy with a school room filled with kids in the musical production SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR.
BWW Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the Detroit Opera House
Are you ready for a new and improved version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA? I love the original, which I first saw in California, when Robert Guillaume (star of Benson) played the role. Of course, I saw it in London's West End and on Broadway, but it's really fun to see the new version right here in Detroit. I know it's hard to believe that PHANTOM could ever be improved upon, but they've worked some magic. The chandelier is more spooky, the catacombs look more like a person actually lives there, the costumes are different, especially the stairway costume in part two - but in this version there is no grand staircase. This phantom uses a lot of pyrotechnics to accompany his magic. You will like the way they descend into the Phantom's lair; that bridge scene what shifted like a teeter totter has been replaced by really cool steps that protrude from dungeon walls. And the best part is at the very end, when the phantom vanishes; it's in a very different way, and I have no idea how he pulled it off.
Are you ready for a new and improved version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA? I love the original, which I first saw in California, when Robert Guillaume (star of Benson) played the role. Of course, I saw it in London's West End and on Broadway, but it's really fun to see the new version right here in Detroit. I know it's hard to believe that PHANTOM could ever be improved upon, but they've worked some magic. The chandelier is more spooky, the catacombs look more like a person actually lives there, the costumes are different, especially the stairway costume in part two - but in this version there is no grand staircase. This phantom uses a lot of pyrotechnics to accompany his magic. You will like the way they descend into the Phantom's lair; that bridge scene what shifted like a teeter totter has been replaced by really cool steps that protrude from dungeon walls. And the best part is at the very end, when the phantom vanishes; it's in a very different way, and I have no idea how he pulled it off.
BWW Review: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
at Wharton Center ends Jan 15
I felt the earth move under my feet when the audience of over 1000 people jumped to their feet to give the cast of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL a standing ovation, accompanied by thunderous applause. The Wharton Center showing was absolutely fabulous! Sunday night is the final performance of this amazing show.
I felt the earth move under my feet when the audience of over 1000 people jumped to their feet to give the cast of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL a standing ovation, accompanied by thunderous applause. The Wharton Center showing was absolutely fabulous! Sunday night is the final performance of this amazing show.
BWW Review: Broadway Valentine Exceeded All Expectations
The Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra exceeded all expectations on February 13 when it presented BROADWAY VALENTINE, a salute to some of the best love songs on Broadway. Carefully chosen by Maesto Nan Washburn, the program included selections from My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Evita, Superstar, Grease, Rent, Jersey Boys, Beauty and The Beast, Lion King, and others. Adding the spectacular program, vocalists Kylee and Geff Philipps sang with some of the selections.
The Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra exceeded all expectations on February 13 when it presented BROADWAY VALENTINE, a salute to some of the best love songs on Broadway. Carefully chosen by Maesto Nan Washburn, the program included selections from My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Evita, Superstar, Grease, Rent, Jersey Boys, Beauty and The Beast, Lion King, and others. Adding the spectacular program, vocalists Kylee and Geff Philipps sang with some of the selections.
BWW Review: CINDERELLA Dazzles Detroit Opera House
There's a new Cinderella in town, not the meek maiden who loses her glass slipper as she flees the Prince's castle; this gal has moxie, and she' accompanied by a rather outspoken Michael Moore character. Together, they set out to change the world. Now on stage at the Detroit Opera House is a reimagined Cinderella, with a new script by Douglas Carter Beane. Forget the Julie Andrews, Lesley Ann Warren or Brandy version we grew up with. This politically-charged version shows a Cinderella who definitely fights for social justice, and her Michael Mooresque comrade has no fear of the one percenters. Kaitlyn Davidson and Andy Huntington Jones star in this sumptuous musical; this is spectacle at its finest. Adding new characters to the mix allows others to evolve heuristically. The new and improved Cinderella resonates with modern sensibilities, adding to the time-honored splendor of both the damsel and those about her.
There's a new Cinderella in town, not the meek maiden who loses her glass slipper as she flees the Prince's castle; this gal has moxie, and she' accompanied by a rather outspoken Michael Moore character. Together, they set out to change the world. Now on stage at the Detroit Opera House is a reimagined Cinderella, with a new script by Douglas Carter Beane. Forget the Julie Andrews, Lesley Ann Warren or Brandy version we grew up with. This politically-charged version shows a Cinderella who definitely fights for social justice, and her Michael Mooresque comrade has no fear of the one percenters. Kaitlyn Davidson and Andy Huntington Jones star in this sumptuous musical; this is spectacle at its finest. Adding new characters to the mix allows others to evolve heuristically. The new and improved Cinderella resonates with modern sensibilities, adding to the time-honored splendor of both the damsel and those about her.
BWW Review: NEWSIES Is As Perfect As A Musical Can Get, Thru Dec 27
When I was a child, I was a paper boy. I schlepped a stack of 100 papers all around the little town 5 miles from my home; I earned a little bit of money and I still have that savings stash today. It wasn't as if I really needed the money, it was more a lesson about the need to be useful in society. But in New York City, 1899, things were a lot different. At that time, youths sold newspapers in order to survive. This was how orphans and children of unemployed fathers were able to buy food for the day. Many of these kids lived on the streets. Disney's musical NEWSIES tells the plight of these youths. The plot is both a love story and a lesson in capitalism gone sour, bolstered by magnificent dancing and Disney-quality songs. NEWSIES is inspired by the real-life 'Newsboy Strike of 1899,' when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers. The show won Best Choreography and Best Original Score at the 2012 Tony Awards. Ending this weekend at the Fisher Theatre, NEWSIES is as perfect as a musical can get.
When I was a child, I was a paper boy. I schlepped a stack of 100 papers all around the little town 5 miles from my home; I earned a little bit of money and I still have that savings stash today. It wasn't as if I really needed the money, it was more a lesson about the need to be useful in society. But in New York City, 1899, things were a lot different. At that time, youths sold newspapers in order to survive. This was how orphans and children of unemployed fathers were able to buy food for the day. Many of these kids lived on the streets. Disney's musical NEWSIES tells the plight of these youths. The plot is both a love story and a lesson in capitalism gone sour, bolstered by magnificent dancing and Disney-quality songs. NEWSIES is inspired by the real-life 'Newsboy Strike of 1899,' when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers. The show won Best Choreography and Best Original Score at the 2012 Tony Awards. Ending this weekend at the Fisher Theatre, NEWSIES is as perfect as a musical can get.
BWW Review: Downriver Actors Guild Perform Special BEAUTY AND THE BEAST For VIPs
On Saturday night, The Downriver Actors Guild performed a special presentation of Beauty and The Beast at the Catherine A Daly Theatre on the Avenue in Wyandotte Michigan. The guest of honor, Catherine Daly, greeted patrons at the event. Mrs. Daly is the mother of the financier who holds the mortgage on the theatre used by the Downriver Actors Guild. The special patron event included 150 friends of the Daly family and was accompanied by a pre-glow, scrumptious spread of desserts and hors-d'oeuvres. The performance Saturday evening was spectacular. Kayla Aue brought the house down with her riveting portrayal of Belle, the book-loving beauty who follows her heart with a passion. Aue's spoken voice and singing voice were addictively magnificent; oh how wonderful it would be to hear her in a special concert backed by a full symphony.
On Saturday night, The Downriver Actors Guild performed a special presentation of Beauty and The Beast at the Catherine A Daly Theatre on the Avenue in Wyandotte Michigan. The guest of honor, Catherine Daly, greeted patrons at the event. Mrs. Daly is the mother of the financier who holds the mortgage on the theatre used by the Downriver Actors Guild. The special patron event included 150 friends of the Daly family and was accompanied by a pre-glow, scrumptious spread of desserts and hors-d'oeuvres. The performance Saturday evening was spectacular. Kayla Aue brought the house down with her riveting portrayal of Belle, the book-loving beauty who follows her heart with a passion. Aue's spoken voice and singing voice were addictively magnificent; oh how wonderful it would be to hear her in a special concert backed by a full symphony.
BWW Review: Adorable MARY POPPINS Soars at Stagecrafters Thru Dec 20
Any visit to the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak is a treat, but the fantastic production now on stage, MARY POPPINS will blow you away. This show is super! [cali, etc.] Stagecrafters have made this show a delight from the very moment you walk into the room; here you will see a Mary Poppins Christmas tree, with ornaments of kites, crowned by a signature nanny hat. Of course, just walking into the theatre gives a sense of majesty with that beautiful English Wedgwood blue and gilded gold all around. The show is a holiday treat; it has great tunes, great costumes and sets, a wonderful plot, and lots of magic.
Any visit to the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak is a treat, but the fantastic production now on stage, MARY POPPINS will blow you away. This show is super! [cali, etc.] Stagecrafters have made this show a delight from the very moment you walk into the room; here you will see a Mary Poppins Christmas tree, with ornaments of kites, crowned by a signature nanny hat. Of course, just walking into the theatre gives a sense of majesty with that beautiful English Wedgwood blue and gilded gold all around. The show is a holiday treat; it has great tunes, great costumes and sets, a wonderful plot, and lots of magic.
BWW Review: Can't Get Enough of Those JERSEY BOYS, Thru Dec 6
JERSEY BOYS is like a bag of potato chips. Once you savor that addictive first taste, you can't enough. JERSEY BOYS is back in town and even if you have seen it numerous times, you don't want to pass this show up. These songs are timeless. The story is timeless. This is the show that never loses its appeal.
JERSEY BOYS is like a bag of potato chips. Once you savor that addictive first taste, you can't enough. JERSEY BOYS is back in town and even if you have seen it numerous times, you don't want to pass this show up. These songs are timeless. The story is timeless. This is the show that never loses its appeal.
Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 11/20; 42ND STREET Tour, MY FAIR LADY in New Orleans; Voting Open and More!
This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Baltimore, New Orleans, Seattle, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include the National Tour of 42ND STREET in Orange County, MY FAIR LADY in New Orleans, and COME FROM AWAY in Seattle, just to name a few.
This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Baltimore, New Orleans, Seattle, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include the National Tour of 42ND STREET in Orange County, MY FAIR LADY in New Orleans, and COME FROM AWAY in Seattle, just to name a few.
BWW Review: Sold Out WHITE CHRISTMAS is Red Hot Thru Dec 6
The hottest ticket in town is White Christmas at The Players' Guild of Dearborn - that is, if you were lucky enough to snag tickets before they were wiped out. Every single ticket is taken for the entire run. Word spread like wildfire after opening weekend that this is the show to see for Christmas.
The hottest ticket in town is White Christmas at The Players' Guild of Dearborn - that is, if you were lucky enough to snag tickets before they were wiped out. Every single ticket is taken for the entire run. Word spread like wildfire after opening weekend that this is the show to see for Christmas.
BWW Review: Hilberry Theatre Presents Heart-wrenching Drama THE GREAT GATSBY Thru Jan 9
Now on stage at the Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University is The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance production of THE GREAT GATSBY. This moving drama tells the story of greed, betrayal and inequality in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. The young and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby (played marvelously by Santino Craven) has a quixotic passion and obsession for the beautiful former debutante Daisy Buchanan (played beautifully by Devri Chism). The drama brings the classic 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald to life.
Now on stage at the Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University is The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance production of THE GREAT GATSBY. This moving drama tells the story of greed, betrayal and inequality in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. The young and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby (played marvelously by Santino Craven) has a quixotic passion and obsession for the beautiful former debutante Daisy Buchanan (played beautifully by Devri Chism). The drama brings the classic 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald to life.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Featured at Michigan Philharmonic Halloween Concert 2015
Every year, the Michigan Philharmonic performs a fantastic concert for Halloween. This year's performance was a smash hit. Taking place in a 'haunted garage' patrons packed the venue; some were in costume. Called 'Philharmonic Phright Night,' this year's selections included 'Phantom of the Opera' by Andrew LLoyed Webber. The performance was lauded with thunderous applause.
Every year, the Michigan Philharmonic performs a fantastic concert for Halloween. This year's performance was a smash hit. Taking place in a 'haunted garage' patrons packed the venue; some were in costume. Called 'Philharmonic Phright Night,' this year's selections included 'Phantom of the Opera' by Andrew LLoyed Webber. The performance was lauded with thunderous applause.
BWW Review: SOUTH PACIFIC Returns to Beef and Boards thru Oct 4
After seeing a myriad of plays, I believe SOUTH PACIFIC is one of the best musicals ever created. The music is infectious, the costumes are bold, the sets are dreamy and exotic, and the storyline is a romantic fantasy.
After seeing a myriad of plays, I believe SOUTH PACIFIC is one of the best musicals ever created. The music is infectious, the costumes are bold, the sets are dreamy and exotic, and the storyline is a romantic fantasy.
Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 5/22; Center Stage's MARLEY, MASTER CLASS in New Orleans & More!
This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Baltimore, New Orleans, Detroit, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include MARLEY at Center Stage, MASTER CLASS in New Orleans, and SOLD in Arizona, just to name a few.
This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Baltimore, New Orleans, Detroit, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include MARLEY at Center Stage, MASTER CLASS in New Orleans, and SOLD in Arizona, just to name a few.
BWW Review: MUSIC MAN a Smash Hit at Downriver Actors Guild, Thru May 17
Quick! Run out and grab your tickets to MUSIC MAN at the Downriver Actors' Guild in Wyandotte before the spectacle closes May 17. It's too good to miss!
Quick! Run out and grab your tickets to MUSIC MAN at the Downriver Actors' Guild in Wyandotte before the spectacle closes May 17. It's too good to miss!
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