Joseph Leo Bwarie News

Last year’s Garry Marshall Theatre production of Cindy & The Disco Ball returns reincarnated as Cindy & The Disco Ball: The Musical opening October 7, 2023. Both Joseph Leo Bwarie and Christine Lakin reprise their co-directorial roles of this retro retelling of the classic Cinderella story. Christine managed to break away from rehearsal to answer a few of my queries.

This retro retelling of the Cinderella story whisks us back to the sun-kissed days and lava lamp lit nights of 1976 with an original musical score that blends the sounds of disco rhythms and Broadway musical magic.

The original musical comedy is resonating with, and reaching audiences of all ages across Los Angeles. The live band fills the beautiful Burbank theatre with a funky 1970s sound, the songs show off stunning vocals from the dazzling cast. The show stars Christopher De'Vonte Baker, Jasiana Caraballo, Malynda Hale, Hayden Kharrazi, and Abigail Kate Thomas.

Next up at the Garry Marshall Theatre, Lori Marshall and Joseph Leo Bwarie’s Cindy & The Disco Ball opening October 7, 2022. Joe co-directs (with Christine Lakin) the cast of Christopher Baker, Jasiana Caraballo, Malynda Hale, Hayden Kharrazi and Abigail Kate Thomas.

Cindy & The Disco Ball: The Musical is set to kick off GMT's live, indoor season with a superfly Cinderella story. So break out the bell-bottoms and platform shoes because Garry Marshall Theatre is gettin' down with the boogie!

Garry Marshall Theatre has announced their Outdoor Summer Concert Series featuring Joseph Leo Bwarie (Jersey Boys), Crystal Lewis (GRAMMY-nominated Jazz artist), Ty Taylor (Nouveau Mid-Century Romance Songbook), Alisan Porter (Winner - Season 10 The Voice), and Don Most (Happy Days).

Tony-winner & Emmy-winner Billy Porter (Pose, Kinky Boots) to join Broadway's award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell for a one-night only fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit Garry Marshall Theatre. Tony-winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Celebrity Big Brother, Hairspray) will lead the conversation with Mitchell on stage.

Evening performances and Regency-inspired beverages have been announced for Garry Marshall Theatre and Impro Theatre's co-production of Jane Austen Unscripted. Presented on GMT's new outdoor stage, select Friday evenings have been added with golden hour cocktails by Pomp & Whimsy.

Garry Marshall Theatre is kicking off its 2022 theatrical year with Jane Austen Unscripted presented on the new GMT outdoor stage, starring the critically acclaimed Impro Theatre. Join live musicians, delectable tea and treats, and the company members of Jane Austen Unscripted, in a modern, Regency comedy in the blooming Marshall Gardens. 

The amalgamation of music you hear accompanying and supporting a melody line are most times just as important for the arousal of your musical senses as is the original tune itself.  The mood of the song is set by the arrangers ( really composers) who create those sounds.

What is becoming a holiday tradition at the Garry Marshall Theatre, the latest edition of HOLIDAZE HARMONY world premieres livestream December 15th, newly titled HOLIDAZE HARMONY: A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS. Garry Marshall Theatre’s artistic director Joseph Leo Bwarie directs long-time friends Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall in channeling their stunning vocals in HOLIDAZE songs. Had the opportunity to catch Kamilah before her rehearsals with Shoshana Bean.

The 'Bandits' are back! The Root Beer Bandits – A Rootin' Tootin' Wild West Musicale, reopens the Garry Marshall Theatre with a limited engagement.

The shiny new and improved version of the Garry Marshall-mentored THE ROOT BEER BANDITS re-opens the Garry Marshall Theatre stage on October 2, 2021. As with any Garry Marshall production, re-vamps and rewrites are also welcomed and encouraged. Original creators Joseph Leo Bwarie and Lori Marshall (book and lyrics) and Rachael Lawrence (music) have polished the 2019 production even further for this 2021 show with more songs, more story, and more live music. Had the chance to shoot some questions at Kelly Brandeburg, who’s reprising her role as Copper Penny, on her BANDITS history and her brush with the Smithsonian.

Garry Marshall Theatre presents the 4th Annual New Works Festival featuring virtual presentations of the five finalists selected this year. September 24-26 is the virtual festival, presented via livestream on Garry Marshall Theatre YouTube. 

Garry Marshall Theatre (GMT) is now accepting submissions for its fourth annual New Works Festival to be held virtually September 24-26, 2021.

You know you're in for a fun show when HOLIDAZE HARMONY starts off with the two performers singing 'The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late),' while breathing in helium balloons. HOLIDAZE HARMONY features the delightful song stylings of two charismatic Broadway performers Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall. The chemistry of these two long-time friends shine through throughout the entire show, whether in their playful patter or their lovingly sharing the spotlight.

Garry Marshall Theatre announces new Encore show dates to their popular Christmas streaming event Holidaze Harmony – including stunning new, never before seen bonus material.

Garry Marshall Theatre and Dark Blue Mondaze presents​​​​​​​ HOLIDAZE HARMONY, a virtual concert featuring recording artists and Broadway stars Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall. HOLIDAZE HARMONY's director/producer Joseph Leo Bwarie shares some backstory in creating HOLIDAZE HARMONY, playing Frankie Valli in JERSEY BOYS, and his journey with Garry Marshall - the man and the theatre.

Recording artists and Broadway stars Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall reunite at the Garry Marshall Theatre for a breathtaking 60-minute holiday extravaganza: Holidaze Harmony. This year the virtual concert comes in the form of a multi-camera filming from the stage of the Garry Marshall Theatre. World premiere stream is Wednesday, December 16 at 7pm PST. On demand performances are December 17-20.

Join life-long best friends, the self-proclaimed “Black Donny and Marie,” Terron Brooks (The Soul of Broadway, NBC miniseries The Temptations, Broadway's The Lion King) and Kamilah Marshall (NBC's Hairspray! Live, Broadway's RENT, Hairspray, Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On and Kiss My Brass world tour) from the coziness of your home.