Ken Page News

Chris Isaacson has announced that Upright CabaretÂ’s AMERICAN ICON Series ends another stunning season with VIVA LAS VEGAS - a presentation of personality and pop that honors the flashiest performers of all time: Elvis, Cher and Elton John. Joining the group of all-star performers will be Patrick Cassidy. (more...)

This past weekend, Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, New York jumpstarted their 2012 season with Andrew Lloyd WebberÂ’s Cats. The winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1982, Cats still holds the distinction for second longest running musical on Broadway despite the fact that the show closed in 2000. (more...)

Forget “Rock Of Ages.” That 21st century musical about the 1980s has nothing on the real thing. “Cats,” the show that set much of the look and tone of musical theater for the next decade or so when it opened in London in 1981 and in New York in 1982 (and began continuous touring in 1984, a record unmatched in theater history) is on display for this week only (sorry, “Now And Forever”) at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. Forget “Rock Of Ages.” That 21st century musical about the 1980s has nothing on the real thing. “Cats,” the show that set much of the look and tone of musical theater for the next decade or so when it opened in London in 1981 and in New York in 1982 (and began continuous touring in 1984, a record unmatched in theater history) is on display for this week only (sorry, “Now And Forever”) at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. And I, who saw the original Broadway production twice during that heady decade and have not seen the show in any form since then, was eager to go and see what the fuss was, and is, all about. So I went, Tuesday night. If you’ve never seen this show, if you kids have never seen it, or if you want to experience the magic of this unique theatrical masterpiece one more time, then this is a great opportunity to do so, as this is the only remaining North American production to (somewhat) accurately replicate the award-winning, record-setting British musical that took America and the world by storm thirty years ago. This tour of non-Equity performers, with its usual orchestra of five beefed up to eight for a weeklong stand (May 1-6) in a major theatrical market, has enough going for it that I highly recommend it. It’s a little like entering a time machine, and there’s a lot of sleight of hand, but it works. Let me explain. What is “Cats?” Much maligned by insiders, derided as dated by visual artists, underrated by dance teachers and ignored by voice teachers (save for its megahit song, “Memory,” which is heard twice, but never in the sheet music version everything has heard and claims to know), it is in many ways a dichotomy. It’s a dance show (choreography by Gillian Lynne) written by a singer’s songwriter (Andrew Lloyd Webber), as well as a British song cycle based on poems written by a St. Louis-born English poet (T. S. Eliot) who never intended his work (“Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats,” and other snippets) to be either musicalized or staged. Its plot, slight though it is, is also the subject of much derision, but to this observer is very reminiscent of “A Chorus Line,” a universally revered work that does include dialogue and more depth of character, but also honors unity of time and place. However, there are indeed works that dispense with plot entirely, and which people unabashedly love (you know, revues--“Ain’t Misbehavin’” comes to mind), and even shows like “Forever Plaid” and Lloyd Webber’s “Starlight Express” feature heaven-going as a climax that is not entirely a surprise. So, enough complaining about there being no dramatic tension, already. But the spectacle! Is it a rock concert with dance, a dance concert with character, a makeup and hair extravaganza with arena-style lighting (still thrilling, the work of David Hersey, as recreated by Rick Belzer), a radio-friendly cast album with a decidedly British keyboard-rock spin, an intellectual set of inscrutable poems with earworm melodies, an environmental theater piece that’s fun for all ages (an unmistakeable set and costume design by the remarkable John Napier)--what exactly is going on? The answer, of course, is all of the above. Oh, and it owes a lot to the English music hall tradition and to contemporary classical music, too, not to mention Puccini. Name another show that encompasses so much. Not to mention that original marketing campaign. Aside from his immature works (the children’s show “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and others), Lloyd Webber’s previous shows written with Tim Rice (the two nominated for the Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award this year, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Evita,”) were both introduced to the world via record albums and marketing campaigns that featured a logo rather than a star name and image. But “Cats” seemed to take that even further, dispensing with the concept album and zeroing in on the show AS the star. Indeed, this show has no leading roles. Really. But who can forget that moon/cats’ eyes/dancer silhouette logo, and the letters of the title in color-coordinated graffiti (echoing the oversized junkyard scene design). It was exciting and revolutionary at the time, and the only shows that have done it better since then (Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom Of The Opera” and director Trevor Nunn’s “Les Miserables,” all three produced by wunderkind Cameron Mackintosh) are the only ones that have run longer in London and New York, due to the lessons they learned from the feline juggernaut before us now. It was “the birth of the musical spectacular,” as Broadway In Chicago’s promotional materials tell us. This particular edition of the endless “Cats” tour, directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford and featuring mostly young, recent graduates of top U.S. musical theater and dance schools, is indeed “cut down” from the total makeover that the Winter Garden Theatre in New York displayed for the 18 years it played there (1982-2000). But the “Christmas lights” that once ringed the audience do indeed extend past the proscenium arch, and the cast makes several trips out into the aisles, a nice touch. The back wall of the set does not swing down to reveal the ship’s set needed for the “Growltiger’s Last Stand” sequence--they use drops and a false proscenium downstage center here, and I almost liked it better. The set as a whole is not as detailed and certainly not as deep as it once was, but if you haven’t seen the video of the London production, or the show as it played in the early ‘80s, you would be none the wiser. Sound-wise, I have to give credit to sound designer Duncan Robert Edwards, musical supervisor Kristen Blodgette and music director J. Michael Duff. I swear the show sounds better than ever, even with a smaller orchestra than originally employed. And I could understand the lyrics! The costumes and makeup design look simplified to me, though, but again, a newcomer to the proceedings wouldn’t know. And do I care of part of the set is inflatable, as rumor would have it? I don’t care how they get it from city to city, or how quickly they do it, but somebody does care, and they figured out a way to make it work! The floating tire and the thing that comes down from the fly space (spoiler alert?) look great, absolutely. Absolutely. The cast is led by Melissa Grohowski as Grizabella, the role made famous by Elaine Paige and Betty Buckley and carrying with it, shall we say, a certain expectation of a certain money note. Boy, does Ms. Grohowski deliver! Three people stood during the applause for the number. Bravo to Clemmons/Dewing Casting, I say! The two singing roles for the men, Old Deuteronomy and Gus/Growltiger/Bustopher Jones, are essayed here by Nathan Morgan and Christopher E. Sidori, who both acquitted themselves well and were very effective theatrically, whatever their actual ages. Among the dance roles, Daniel J. Self as the narrator Munkustrap, Chris Stevens as Rum Tum Tugger and especially Chaz Wolcott as Mistoffelees were crowd pleasers: Self with his movement detailing, Stevens with his Elvis impersonation and Wolcott with his amazing fouette turns. The cast of two dozen or so performers dances uniformly well, and sings very well, too, save for a few minor quibbles with single lines here. And there or some missing low notes that older performers would probably have no trouble with. But these are easily forgiven. Who cares if the leading lights of Broadway (Harry Groener, Terrence Mann, Anna McNeely and of course Ken Page) have been replaced in these roles by recent graduates of Wright State, SUNY-Purchase and Oklahoma City University? These energetic, disciplined performers are working their tails off (pun intended), singing like people who can’t dance a lick and are basking in the glow of theater history with every city they visit. Yes, the show has moments that seem a little longwinded, and sure, it doesn’t challenge your intellect as much as it challenges your wallet and your caffeine intake (it takes place at night, and everybody is dressed like a cat!). But I challenge you to remain unmoved when Grizabella begs for physical contact, when old Gus relives his moment of youthful theatrical triumph, when assorted junk becomes the train that Skimbleshanks loves, and when the sopranos of the ensemble soar on the words, “’Round the cathedral rang ‘Vivat!” Come on! It’s “Cats.” It’s eye and ear candy galore. I don’t even like cats, but I do like “Cats.” Very much. “Cats” plays this week only, Tuesday night through Sunday night, with additional matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street in Chicago. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago box offices, the Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, by phone (800.775.2000) and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Photos: Melissa Grohowski; The Cast (more...)

Broadway’s Jacob Brent and Ken Page are at the forefront of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats,” playing May 16-June 2 in Bellport. “Cats,” the second longest-running show in Broadway history, is the first show in The Gateway’s 63rd Season. (more...)

The Ceremony for the Seventh Annual Kevin Kline Awards took place last night at the Loretto-Hilton Theater, honoring productions in St Louis from 2011. We've got the full list of nominees and winners below. (more...)

On Saturday, March 31st, 32 metro area high schools acts continued their journey toward college scholarships, special awards, prizes and performance opportunities throughout the city by competing in the St. Louis Teen Talent Showcase Competition Semi-finals. Performing arts professionals judged the groups and narrowed the acts to 11 who will move on to the finals on Friday, April 27th at 8pm at The Fabulous Fox Theatre (list of acts attached and can be found on our website). The final competition is a Broadway style show and is FREE and open to the public. Tickets are required and available now at no charge at The Fox box office and through Metrotix. (more...)

The regional premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan and composer Neil BergÂ’s new rock musical THE 12 comes to the Inserra Theater in Montvale, N.J., for two performances. (more...)

THE 12 is a powerful new rock musical with Book and Lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Robert Schenkkan, and Music and Lyrics by award winning composer Neil Berg. THE 12 will have its Regional Premiere Presentation at the Inserra Theater (on the campus of St. Joseph's Regional High School) in Montvale, NJ on March 30th and 31st at 7pm. (more...)

Returning to the stage after three seasons of organizational restructuring, NuAFrikan Theatre celebrates its revival with the Jacob A. Weiser Playwright Award winning play Dream Deferred, written and directed by Marcus Dargan, opening on April 19, 2012 at the 133rd Street Arts Center. (more...)

From Nick Jonas and Michael Urie to the Ladies of THE VIEW to Adam Pascal, Raul Esparza, Barbra Streisand to Alan Menken, Bernadette Peters to Susan Boyle, Colin Quinn to GLEE and Everything in Between - It's the BroadwayWorld.com 2012 Valentine's Day Special - It's the Biggest Ever! (more...)

A youthful cast, showcasing a number of talents from Morgan State University, brings out Waller's exuberance and his ambivalence. (more...)

The Shakespeare Theatre Company continues celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season with the second installment of the BardÂ’s Broadway series with the Tony Award winning musical Two Gentlemen of Verona (a rock opera) performing January 27-29, 2012 at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW). Galt MacDermot, John Guare and Mel Shapiro come together to create the music, lyrics and book that add a spicy, funky twist to ShakespeareÂ’s work of the same name. (more...)

The Shakespeare Theatre Company continues celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season with the second installment of the BardÂ’s Broadway series with the Tony Award winning musical Two Gentlemen of Verona (a rock opera) performing January 27-29, 2012 at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW). Galt MacDermot, John Guare and Mel Shapiro come together to create the music, lyrics and book that add a spicy, funky twist to ShakespeareÂ’s work of the same name. (more...)

Reprise Theatre Company will present An Evening With Joan Rivers for one performance only on Monday, January 30 at 8:00 pm, at UCLAÂ’s Freud Playhouse. (more...)

Reprise Theatre Company will present An Evening With Joan Rivers for one performance only on Monday, January 30 at 8:00 pm, at UCLAÂ’s Freud Playhouse. (more...)

The holiday musical at Performance Network has become a tradition for many - including thousands that flocked to last year's hit "The Drowsy Chaperone." This year the professional theatre brings another Broadway musical extravaganza to Ann Arbor with the 1978 Tony award winning "Ain't Misbehavin'." (more...)

The holiday musical at Performance Network has become a tradition for many - including thousands that flocked to last year's hit "The Drowsy Chaperone." This year the professional theatre brings another Broadway musical extravaganza to Ann Arbor with the 1978 Tony award winning "Ain't Misbehavin'." (more...)

Anne Clare Gibbons-Brown, last seen on the New York City stage as Tricia Nixon in FIRST KIDS:THE MUSICAL, starring Ken Page (Cats, Ain't Misbehavin', Guys and Dolls, The Wiz), Ilene Graff (Grease, Promises Promises, I Love My Wife), Elizabeth Gillies (13) and directed by Tony Award winners Paul Kreppel and Murphy Cross, shot an episode of the new CBS prime-time drama "Unforgettable" starring Poppy Montgomery (Without a Trace) and Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck, Kate & Allie) scheduled to air November 15 at 10:00 PM. Ms. Gibbons-Brown's TV credits include Law & Order, and As the World Turns, among others. (more...)

Anne Clare Gibbons-Brown, last seen on the New York City stage as Tricia Nixon in FIRST KIDS:THE MUSICAL, starring Ken Page (Cats, Ain't Misbehavin', Guys and Dolls, The Wiz), Ilene Graff (Grease, Promises Promises, I Love My Wife), Elizabeth Gillies (13) and directed by Tony Award winners Paul Kreppel and Murphy Cross, shot an episode of the new CBS prime-time drama "Unforgettable" starring Poppy Montgomery (Without a Trace) and Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck, Kate & Allie) scheduled to air November 15 at 10:00 PM. Ms. Gibbons-Brown's TV credits include Law & Order, and As the World Turns, among others. (more...)

The holiday musical at Performance Network has become a tradition for many - including thousands that flocked to last year's hit "The Drowsy Chaperone." This year the professional theatre brings another Broadway musical extravaganza to Ann Arbor with the 1978 Tony award winning "Ain't Misbehavin'." (more...)