Photo Flash: MAMMA MIA! Celebrates 20 Years in London
On Saturday 6 April, MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 20th birthday in London. The current cast were joined on stage for the Finale of Dancing Queen by 13 former 'Dynamos', including the original 'Donna', Siobhan McCarthy, and the original 'Rosie', Jenny Galloway. Producer Judy Craymer paid tribute to the original 'Tanya', Louise Plowright, who sadly passed away in 2016.
THE WONDER YEARS Musical and More Highlight Riverside Theatre's 2017-18 Season
Riverside Theatre, led by Producing Artistic Director/CEO Allen D. Cornell and Managing Director/COO Jon R. Moses, is excited to announce its 2017-2018 Season. Building on the success and support the theatre has attained over the last few years, Riverside is proud to present our magnificent season of music, comedy, and drama.
San Francisco Opera Partners with Cultural Institutions for an Array of Events and Exhibitions
San Francisco Opera announces educational events in connection with John Adams' Girls of the Golden West, which receives its world premiere at the War Memorial Opera House on November 21. With a libretto drawn from historical sources by director Peter Sellars, this new work from the composer of Nixon in China and Doctor Atomic explores the true and often brutal stories of pioneers on California's Gold Rush frontier.
San Francisco Opera Launches 95th Season with Opening Weekend Celebrations
San Francisco Opera inaugurated its 95th season with a weekend of celebrations and performances beginning on Friday, September 8 with two galas Opera Ball 2017 at The Imperial Palace and the BRAVO! CLUB Opening Night Gala and a performance of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot in artist David Hockney's colorful production. At the opera's conclusion, San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti, who conducted the performance, was awarded the San Francisco Opera Medal.
BWW Review: Gorgeous MAMMA MIA! Takes the Chaffin's Barn Stage in High-Flying Style
If not for the fact that she is already one on Broadway, it could be said that Rachel Potter's performance in Mamma Mia! - which opened last night at Nashville's historic Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre - was, without doubt or without danger of fulsome exaggeration a "starmaking turn." With a glorious voice and stage presence to spare, Potter's Sophie seized control of the opening night audience from the very first moment she stepped onto the stage, never relinquishing control for one second, even when sharing the stage with the redoubtable Martha Wilkinson, the undisputed queen of musical theatre in Music City.
Here We Go Again: Save 29% On Tickets For MAMMA MIA!
West End hit Mamma Mia!, at London's Novello Theatre, is Judy Craymer's ingenious vision of staging the storytelling magic of ABBA's timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. Book tickets here from £32
BWW Review: Don't miss the MINNESOTA FRINGE FESTIVAL, Continuing through This Weekend!
We're halfway through the 11-day, 15-venue, 167-show Minnesota Fringe Festival. I've seen 25 shows, with another 20-some on the schedule for the next five days. Here are a few of my favorites so far. I haven't seen everything on my must-see list yet, so be sure to check that out for more recommendations and tips for Fringe newbies. And you can read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here. There are five days left of Fringe - so get out there and see some shows! Full schedule, venue, and ticketing information can be found on the Fringe's handy dandy website.
BWW Review: MAMMA MIA! Has a Grand Farewell at the FOX This Weekend
MAMMA MIA! officially ended it's farewell tour this past weekend, and it was interesting to see the audience reaction to a show I've seen at least six times. But, I'm a critic. The appeal is obvious really, it's a simple story (book by Catherine Johnson) that allows you to enjoy the undeniably catchy Swedish pop of ABBA (music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson). With the length of time that it's been touring, nationally and internationally, there's no doubt that generations will grow up knowing and loving this music, which, at the time, seemed like a passing fad back in the 1970's and 80's, although I'm not ashamed to admit I own their greatest hits vol. 1 and 2, most of which shows up in the score. The touring show that graced the stage of the Fox Theatre this past weekend (July 28-30) put on a splendid production, as engaging and charming as we've come to expect, and brimming with enough good humor to please everyone.
BWW Review: Nettles and Cameron Lead an Exuberant MAMMA MIA! at the Hollywood Bowl
Arguably one of musical theater's more enjoyable jukebox musicals, the crowd-pleasing, ABBA-centric musical MAMMA MIA! aims to entertain its audience, all while trying to provide a much more interesting way to experience the ubiquitous pop catalog of one of the most successful pop music groups of the previous century. That is certainly the feeling you get from the brand new, all-star concert iteration now at the Hollywood Bowl through Sunday, July 30. Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, this year's annual celebrity stunt-casted summer musical is a joyfully bubbly production, bursting with silliness, sass, and even a little heart. And most significant of all, the production's assembled big-name cast are all pretty terrific in their respective roles, and a select few even stepped up with some amazing vocal performances throughout that will keep you enchanted from song to song.