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November 27, 2011

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Stratford TOMMY Sets Guinness World Record With Pinballapalooza (May 16, 2013)

ALTERED STATES Screens with Live Orchestra at Fulcrum Point Tonight (Apr 23, 2013)

ALTERED STATES, Concert for Peace and More Set for Fulcrum Point New Music Project's 15th Anniversary Season (Apr 22, 2013)

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Stratford TOMMY Sets Guinness World Record With Pinballapalooza
by Pat Cerasaro - May 16, 2013

Ramping up the excitement for the new Stratford Festival revival production of The Who's seminal rock opera TOMMY even more, festivities are just coming to a close for Pinballapalooza - an attempt to break the world record for simultaneous pinball play. (more...)

ALTERED STATES Screens with Live Orchestra at Fulcrum Point Tonight
by Movies News Desk - Apr 23, 2013

Expanding on its popular 'Movie Music' programs that feature live orchestration of film scene scores, Chicago's new art music leader, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, with a 100-member orchestra, presents the complete film score and screening of the 1980 science fiction classic, Altered States. The live score performance is part of a citywide, four-day 'Forever Young' festival celebrating the 75th birthday of modern master composer John Corigliano. Fulcrum Point presents Altered States in one performance only at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street, tonight, April 23 at 7 pm. (more...)

ALTERED STATES, Concert for Peace and More Set for Fulcrum Point New Music Project's 15th Anniversary Season
by BWW News Desk - Apr 22, 2013

Marking its 15th Anniversary this year, Chicago's Fulcrum Point New Music Project has grown into a critically acclaimed ensemble performing adventurous contemporary classical music programs in a variety of Chicago area venues. In 2013, Fulcrum Point continues this tradition with a wide ranging season including a performance with 100-member orchestra of the John Corigliano film score, 'Altered States,' accompanying the film screening, today, April 23, in honor of the composer's 75th birthday year, along with presenting a free Concert for Peace in the Pritzker Pavillion at Millennium Park with special guest artists, sarod virtuoso Soumik Datta and the Chicago Children's Choir, September 11. (more...)

ALTERED STATES to Screen with Live Orchestra at Fulcrum Point, 4/23
by Movies News Desk - Apr 10, 2013

ALTERED STATES, Concert for Peace and more Set for Fulcrum Point New Music Project's 15th Anniversary Season
by BWW News Desk - Feb 20, 2013

Marking its 15th Anniversary this year, Chicago's Fulcrum Point New Music Project has grown into a critically acclaimed ensemble performing adventurous contemporary classical music programs in a variety of Chicago area venues. In 2013, Fulcrum Point continues this tradition with a wide ranging season including a performance with 100-member orchestra of the John Corigliano film score, 'Altered States,' accompanying the film screening, April 23, in honor of the composer's 75th birthday year, along with presenting a free Concert for Peace in the Pritzker Pavillion at Millennium Park with special guest artists, sarod virtuoso Soumik Datta and the Chicago Children's Choir, September 11. (more...)

InDepth InterView: John Waters Talks HAIRSPRAY: IN CONCERT, HAIRSPRAY 2, Favorite Movie Musicals & More
by Pat Cerasaro - Jan 19, 2013

Today we are talking to the proud "Pope Of Trash" himself - the iconic writer/director of such seminal cinematic entries as cult classics PINK FLAMINGOS, FEMALE TROUBLE, DESPERATE LIVING, HAIRSPRAY, CRY BABY, SERIAL MOM, CECIL B. DEMENTED, A DIRTY SHAME and many more - the one and only John Waters. Packing a characteristically caustic conversation into a relatively brief time slot was no trouble for Waters, for he and I cover a wide range of topics, from his favorite 2012 films to his all-time favorite movie musicals and much more. Most importantly, Waters discusses his process in adapting the hit Tony Award-winning stage property HAIRSPRAY into concert form and what we can expect from his newly-penned narration and role as narrator in the live Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presentation of HAIRSPRAY: IN CONCERT on January 24. Additionally, Waters expounds on his experiences creating the original HAIRSPRAY film and how it compares to both its musical sister, as well as the hit 2007 feature film adaptation of it (in which he makes a cameo appearance as - what else? - "the flasher who lives next door"). Plus, Waters opens up about the plot and themes of HAIRSPRAY 2: WHITE LIPSTICK, a project he was commissioned to create a few years ago as a new film project but which is currently on hold indefinitely. All of that, filming the remarkable 2012 horror film EXCISION, memories of the recently deceased Patti Page and the unforgettable use of the Bob Merrill pop earworm "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" at the grand finale of PINK FLAMINGOS, an update on his children's film project, FRUITCAKE, as well as details about his new book and what we can expect from Waters in 2013 insofar as personal speaking engagements go - and, how Justin Bieber is the new Shirley Temple. All of that and much, much more awaits! (more...)

FLASH SPECIAL: Thirteen Tip-Topmost Tommy Tune Moments To Treasure
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 17, 2012

As a super-special companion column to this week's extensive InDepth InterView with nine-time Tony Award-winning performer/choreographer/director Tommy Tune, please enjoy this selection of the most pertinent and eye-popping moments from Tune's tremendous career, covering many of his best-loved and most fondly remembered musicals to date - among them: THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, NINE, GRAND HOTEL, MY ONE & ONLY, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: Tommy Tune Talks Feinstein's Gig, Upcoming Projects, Broadway, Hollywood & A Career Retrospective
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 14, 2012

Today we are thrilled to be talking to a nine-time Tony Award-winning performer/director/choreographer all about his illustrious career onstage and behind the scenes working on classic musicals such as THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, NINE, GRAND HOTEL, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and many more as well as all about his new solo piece premiering at Feinstein's At Loews Regency this weekend - the one and only Tommy Tune. Taking a look back at his near-peerless legacy as the top director of the 1980s and 1990s on Broadway, Tune imparts his candid insights about show business and reflects upon many aspects of the aforementioned hit shows - from their inception and creation to their critical and public reception and their ultimate legacy - as well as shares stories about his time as a performer, both then and now, with the star-studded tales cumulatively involving such legendary luminaries as Gene Kelly, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bennett, Hal Prince, Maury Yeston, Ken Russell, Jane Krakowski, Sutton Foster and many more. Plus, Tune gives us an enticing glimpse of his new Feintein's At The Regency showcase, TAPS, TUNES AND TALL TALES, playing November 18-26, and casts his sights on the future, near and far, and discusses the types of projects he would like to tackle next - including, first up, finding the perfect NYC location for his environmental new theatre piece, 54. All of that, tons of taps, top hats and tails and much, much more! (more...)

SOUND OFF: Top Halloween 2012 Tricks & Treats
by Pat Cerasaro - Oct 30, 2012

While the scariness of the season may be all too real and in-your-face to East Coast BroadwayWorld readers due to Hurricane Sandy, late October is indeed the most frightening time of the year, so let's take a look at some of the top picks for Halloween 2012 - whether you are looking to pass some time in the storm, boiling up a cauldron of witch's brew for trick or treaters or donning devilish duds yourself. (more...)

Marin Ireland Stars in Yale Rep and A.R.T.'s MARIE ANTOINETTE; Casting Complete!
by BWW News Desk - Oct 26, 2012

Yale Repertory Theatre, in a co-production with American Repertory Theater, presents the world premiere of Marie Antoinette by David Adjmi, directed by Rebecca Taichman. Marie Antoinette will be performed at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street) October 26 through November 17. Opening Night is Thursday, November 1. The cast includes Fred Arsenault, Hannah Cabell, David Greenspan, Marin Ireland, Vin Knight, Jo Lampert, Polly Lee, Steven Rattazzi, Jake Silbermann, Teale Sperling, Brian Wiles, and Ashton Woerz. (more...)

Marin Ireland Stars in Yale Rep and A.R.T.'s MARIE ANTOINETTE; Casting Complete!
by BWW News Desk - Oct 09, 2012

Bucks County Playhouse Announces Youth 'Saturday Arts Program', Sept-Nov 2012
by BWW News Desk - Sep 21, 2012

Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) (Jed Bernstein, Producing Director) has launched The Saturday Arts Program (SAP), a training ground for passionate young performers. Classes will take place weekly from September 22nd - November 17th at the Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope Solebury High School, and the Solebury School. (more...)

Bucks County Playhouse Announces Youth 'Saturday Arts Program', Sept-Nov 2012
by BWW News Desk - Aug 09, 2012

InDepth InterView: Jeremy Kushnier Talks JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Birdland Concert, Solo Album & More
by Pat Cerasaro - Jun 18, 2012

Today we are talking to a supremely gifted performer who can be seen eight times a week on Broadway in the currently running Des McAnuff revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Jeremy Kushnier. Tracing his Broadway trajectory from his memorable debut in FOOTLOOSE back in the late 1990s to his impressive regional theatre and concert work - CHESS to The Dream Engine to BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY and beyond - to his success touring in AIDA, RENT and others, up to his most recent gig in JERSEY BOYS, Kushnier opens up about his diverse career thus far and what we can expect from him in the future, near and far. Plus, Kushnier analyzes the five roles he has essayed in the current production of SUPERSTAR so far, since he was first brought into the production as a standby and understudy, after all - Jesus, Judas, Pilate and two different priests - and shares his enthusiasm for the dazzling, Tony Award-nominated production - all of this as he prepares for his long-awaited upcoming solo spotlight concert at Birdland on June 18! Additionally, Kushnier shares plans and wishes for a forthcoming solo album, as well as offers his thoughts on GLEE, SMASH and much, much more! (more...)

FLASH: Andrew Lloyd Webber Writes The Music Of The Night
by Pat Cerasaro - May 21, 2012

This weekend, BroadwayWorld will be presenting an illuminating InDepth InterView with legendary composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber all about the enchanting new performance capture film version of his PHANTOM OF THE OPERA sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES. Until that chat, let's take a look back at some of the finest Andrew Lloyd Webber-related performances related to the entertainment dynasty built upon his operatic pop musical version of the classic Gaston Leroux novel that is about to celebrate its 10,000th performance on Broadway later this month, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, as well as its continuation, LOVE NEVER DIES, and the two revivals of his two classic 70s hit stage collaborations with previous InDepth InterView participant Sir Tim Rice coming back to Broadway in a big way - JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA. Plus, a look at the new Simon Phillips-directed production of LOVE NEVER DIES coming to Fathom-equipped movie theaters nationwide on February 28 and March 7, with DVD & Blu-ray after that, as well as the PHANTOM 25 DVD & Blu-ray being released in the US on February 7. It's a busy time of year for phans, clearly! Fetch your favorite mask and check out these four Andrew Lloyd Webber delicacies before they arrive! (more...)

FLASH FRIDAY: A PHANTOM 25 Celebration
by Pat Cerasaro - May 18, 2012

In honor of this week's US release of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL on DVD/Blu-ray - PHANTOM 25 for short - today we are focusing on the multitude of attributes that have made Andrew Lloyd Webber's unforgettable gothic musical the most successful entertainment of all time, now in its 25th year onstage and about to reach 10,000 performances on Broadway, where it is the reigning longest running show of all time. The gargantuan excitement generated by and the enthusiastic reception enjoyed by PHANTOM for audiences worldwide is unprecedented, yet, the new ultimate presentation of the show - PHANTOM 25 - is even more spectacular and thrilling than any iteration of PHANTOM on any stage or screen thus far. Bringing together the cast of a lifetime with the electricity of a live audience, the HD preservation of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL is positively peerless in its sleekness, precision and polish of presentation. Never before - not even in the vaunted hands and cords of original show stars Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford - has the show been this contemporary, sexual and hypnotizing. Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom brings a rawness and austerity to the role that commands attention and Sierra Boggess is, in a word, supreme, as the young ingenue under the Phantom's watchful musical tutelage. So, too, does Hadley Fraser's perfectly painted Raoul hit the right mark, as do the rest of the exceptional cast in their commitment to making clear-cut, strong and colorful impressions in their roles. The LED-enhanced set is an imaginative reworking of the designs by Maria Bjornson and the musical staging is smooth and assured thanks to original show choreographer Gillian Lynne. Yet, the star of PHANTOM 25 is, unquestionably, Andrew Lloyd Webber's rapturous, rich and enveloping score. Bringing together an impressive and inspired assortment of genres in creating the quintessential pop opera, Lloyd Webber employs elements of grand opera, opera bouffe, operetta and musical theatre, as well as incorporates a diverse range of musical styles - even a little heavy metal guitar in the title song, as we shall see (and hear). The score of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's finest achievements and stands tall alongside his other classic scores for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, EVITA, CATS, SUNSET BOULEVARD among many other international hit shows. Indeed, the story and score of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is so very complex and decadent as to allow for a continuation of the story, score, characters and overall themes in the form of the new musical, LOVE NEVER DIES, which premiered in a new version in Australia last year and whose story traces the relationship of the Phantom, Christine and Raoul from the end of the original show all the way from Paris to Coney Island ten years later where PHANTASMA is the show everyone must experience thanks to a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows beyond the carousel. In today's celebration of PHANTOM 25, we will take a look at the original music videos, the legendary Hal Prince production on Broadway and in the West End, the forthcoming LOVE NEVER DIES - coming to Fathom-equipped theaters nationwide later this month - all with a special spotlight on the most phantastic anniversary concert of all time, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. (more...)

2012 Tony Awards Clip Countdown - Day 4: The Who's TOMMY At The Tonys
by Pat Cerasaro - May 15, 2012

The impact of the influential 1969 rock opera TOMMY by The Who is incalculable insofar as its impact on perceptions of what modern musical storytelling could be and the way it shaped the way theatre music was received by audiences at large, and that is due in no small part to the awe-inspiring attributes of Pete Townshend's seminal, still timeless score. "Pinball Wizard" to "Acid Queen" to "Listening To You" and beyond, the multitude of strong melodies and potent messages in the psychedelic show continue to be compelling and absorbing - and the success of the show has continued beyond its multi-Tony Award-winning Broadway production: GLEE takes on the unforgettable Act One closer tonight, "Pinball Wizard". (more...)

FLASH FRIDAY: Don't Cry For Ricky, Argentina
by Pat Cerasaro - Apr 06, 2012

EVITA is back on Broadway in a grande way - with the ticket sales and stage door insanity to prove it. While last night's Michael Grandage-directed revival of the classic Tony Award-winning Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera was met with generally positive plaudits, the centerpiece of conversation - from the stage last night to the page this morning - is the pop idol portraying the lead male role of Che - Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar Ricky Martin. While authenticity is the buzz word when it comes to almost all aspects of this more naturalism based production, an actual Argentinean playing Eva Peron with the accent to match is an added bonus in a studiously researched production that more closely resembles Alan Parker's 1996 film version in its clear, clean style than Hal Prince's original 1979 metaphorical political play rife with symbols. Though some reviewers did not warm to Martin in the title role, all seem to agree Olivier Award-winning Elena Roger is a highlight of the season so far (she previously starred in the earlier, Ricky-less West End iteration of this production for more than a year) and Tony-winner Michael Cerveris - as an imperious Juan Peron - is impressive, as always. So, don't cry for Ricky - the million-dollar-plus box office receipts and stage door pandemonium are clear proof he is a beloved Broadway baby and bringing in brand new audiences to the world of theatre and the street of streets offering the best entertainment the world has to offer - as only Broadway can do. Considering EVITA is perhaps Andrew Lloyd Webber's finest score of all - quite an achievement when even considering his other two musicals currently treading the boards, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (now in its 26th year and the longest running show in history) as well as the new Des McAnuff-directed revival of Tim Rice and Lloyd Webber's previous collaboration prior to EVITA, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, which opened to generally good reviews last week. Given this week's particularly notable holidays for the Christians and Jews among us, it seems that 2012 is the year of Our Lord on Broadway, as well - Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, that is. (more...)

InDepth InterView: Dana Rowe & BROTHER RUSSIA
by Pat Cerasaro - Mar 31, 2012

Today we are talking to the composing half of one of the most talented and consistently exciting songwriting teams in musical theatre, Dempsey/Rowe - the force behind ZOMBIE PROM, THE FIX, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, and, now, the brand new rock musical at Washington, D.C.'s lauded and progressive Signature Theatre, BROTHER RUSSIA - Dana Rowe. Discussing the finer details of his previous collaborations with John Dempsey on the West End iterations of THE FIX and THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, as well as their subsequent American premieres at the Signature, Rowe and I dissect his career thus far, with a particular focus on his edgy new hard rock theatre piece, BROTHER RUSSIA, directed by frequent Dempsey/Rowe director, previous InDepth InterView participant Eric Schaeffer. In addition to all about the boundary-breaking and genre-spanning BROTHER RUSSIA and his other notable musicals, Rowe and I also outline his influences and his own personal favorite scores, as well as shine a light on his enthusiasm for the musical genre at large and what makes his exceedingly complimentary partnership with Dempsey so elemental to the success of their risky and rewarding shows, ZOMBIE PROM until now. All of that and much, much more! (more...)

The Bushwick Starr and Nellie Tinder Present Evelyn, Previews 2/21
by BWW News Desk - Mar 10, 2012

The Bushwick Starr and Nellie Tinder are set to present the world premiere of Evelyn. (more...)

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