Robert Longbottom News

Constantine Rousouli (Ghost) joins previously announced Tom Deckman (Spamalot), Jeff Hiller (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Silence!), Michael James Scott( Book of Mormon), Tyler Maynard (Altar Boyz, Little Mermaid) , Tony Sheldon (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), David Turner(On a Clear Day, Arcadia, The Ritz) for the "Pageant, the Musical" readings. (more...)

Pageant, the Musical will have industry readings presented by Shea Sullivan May 1st in New York under the direction of Christopher Gattelli. Conceived by Robert Longbottom, book and lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly, and music by Albert Evans, this musical is described as "Miss America meets Priscilla Queen of the Desert." (more...)

Recently, noted DREAMGIRLS composer Henry Krieger was generous enough to take a comprehensive look back at his many accomplishments onstage and onscreen with me, turning back the pages of time and sharing memories of DREAMGIRLS, both on Broadway and in Hollywood, THE TAP DANCE KID, SIDE SHOW, KEPT, ROMANTIC POETRY and beyond, as well as discuss many aspects of his exciting new family-friendly musical opening next week at the New Victory Theater, LUCKY DUCK. Over the course of our compelling conversation, Krieger also revealed new details about the forthcoming 2014 production of SIDE SHOW, to be directed by DREAMGIRLS film director and TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN helmer Bill Condon - to premiere first at the La Jolla Playhouse and then at the Kennedy Center, as it makes its way towards Broadway - as well as first news on a musical collaboration with lyricist David Yazbek based on the life of television evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker set to star Tony and Emmy-winning Broadway and GLEE standout Kristin Chenoweth. DREAMGIRLS to LUCKY DUCK and much, much more awaits! (more...)

As previously reported, the Tony Award’s Administration Committee has announced that Theatre Development Fund’s Open Doors program will be among those honored with a special 2012 Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. (more...)

Noted DREAMGIRLS composer Henry Krieger was generous enough to take a comprehensive look back at his many accomplishments onstage and onscreen earlier this week with me, as well as discuss aspects of his new musical opening next week, LUCKY DUCK, and over the course of that compelling conversation - which will be available in a complete InDepth InterView next week - he revealed new details about the forthcoming 2014 production of SIDE SHOW, to be directed by DREAMGIRLS film director and TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN helmer Bill Condon, to premiere first at the La Jolla Playhouse and then at the Kennedy Center, as it makes its way towards Broadway. Comments from that portion of our conversation follow below. (more...)

MAIEUTIC THEATER WORKS (MTWorks) has announced the world premiere production of Rich Rubin's COSTA REHAB, directed by Shelly Feldman. COSTA REHAB will play a three-week limited engagement at the Workshop Theater (312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor). Performances begin Thursday, November 3 and continue through Saturday, November 19. Opening Night is Friday, November 4 (8 p.m.). (more...)

After the success of our inaugural awards last year, in which Parade and August Osage County won bit, nominations for the 2011 BWW: Los Angeles Awards are now open! (more...)

MAIEUTIC THEATER WORKS (MTWorks) has announced the world premiere production of Rich Rubin's COSTA REHAB, directed by Shelly Feldman. COSTA REHAB will play a three-week limited engagement at the Workshop Theater (312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor). Performances begin Thursday, November 3 and continue through Saturday, November 19. Opening Night is Friday, November 4 (8 p.m.). (more...)

Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post today that Kristin Chenoweth led a private industry reading of Rise last week about Christian fundamentalist Tammy Faye Bakker. Bakker and her husband, Jim, are best known for starting the evengelical television program, "The PTL Club," in the 1970s. (more...)

Over 350 guests including current and past New York City high school students, and the 28 mentors who have participated in TDF's Open Doors, the theatre arts mentoring program that TDF founded in 1998 with playwright Wendy Wasserstein, will attend this year's graduation at 6pm on Monday, June 6 at NYC Center Stage 1 (131 West 55th Street, NYC). This year has been Open Doors biggest year ever with a total of 28 mentors and guest mentors working with 21 groups of students from New York City high schools. (more...)

Over 350 guests including current and past New York City high school students, and the 28 mentors who have participated in TDF's Open Doors, the theatre arts mentoring program that TDF founded in 1998 with playwright Wendy Wasserstein, will attend this year's graduation at 6pm on Monday, June 6 at NYC Center Stage 1 (131 West 55th Street, NYC). This year has been Open Doors biggest year ever with a total of 28 mentors and guest mentors working with 21 groups of students from New York City high schools. (more...)

Reviews likes hers last week usually only come once in a lifetime and there is no question whatsoever that the brightest new star on Broadway is none other than SISTER ACT's own Patina Miller. She is a superstar of the highest order singing one of the strongest scores on Broadway in years - from the gifted, gilded pen of six-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken. In this extensive, exclusive conversation we discuss her long history with the role, her recent performance in the Encores! staging of Weill's LOST IN THE STARS, as well as her work with Henry Krieger on both his recent musical ROMANTIC POETRY and being a runner-up on the DREAMGIRLS movie when the role of Effie White went to Jennifer Hudson. Additionally, we discuss HAIR, working with Sondheim on BEING ALIVE, her own favorite recent shows, her close friendship with fellow West End/Broadway criss-crosser Jonathan Groff, her soap stint on ALL MY CHILDREN, what her solo album would sound like, and much, much more! (more...)

The votes have all been counted and audited and we're VERY excited to announce the results of the first ever BroadwayWorld.com Southern California Awards! Tens of thousands of votes were cast during six weeks of intensive voting on nearly 300 nominees in 25 categories. Thank you to all who voted and congratulations to all the winners! (more...)

The National Tour of DREAMGIRLS, which kicked off last fall at the Apollo Theatre in New York City, will conclude in Detroit after its run from December 21 through December 26, 2010. (more...)

Highlights Include the Doobie Brothers, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Christmas with John Tesh, Paul Anka, Judy Collins, Idina Menzel, Mandy Patinkin, DREAMGIRLS and Monty Python's SPAMALOT (more...)

Producer John Breglio and Broadway Across America announced that tickets for the smash hit musical DREAMGIRLS are now on sale as part of a Broadway Across America 10/11 Season Presentation (more...)

Producer John Breglio and Broadway Across America announced that tickets for the smash hit musical DREAMGIRLS are now on sale as part of a Broadway Across America 10/11 Season Presentation (more...)

Now, in a sumptuously mounted revival touring the country, director/choreographer Robert Longbottom - who made his Broadway debut with Side Show, a musical of similar themes (again with music by Henry Krieger) that had the same visceral impact on me - has re-fashioned Dreamgirls for the new millennium, while remaining faithful to the original material. The result is musical theater at its best, telling a universal tale filled with onstage spectacle and backstage drama that is as stunning and as moving as the Broadway original. (more...)

Highlights Include the Doobie Brothers, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Christmas with John Tesh, Paul Anka, Judy Collins, Idina Menzel, Mandy Patinkin, DREAMGIRLS and Monty Python's SPAMALOT (more...)

Producer John Breglio and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center announced today that tickets for the smash hit musical DREAMGIRLS will go on sale September 10 at 10 AM. Ticket prices range from $27.50 to $72.50 and will be available at the TPAC box office 505 Deaderick Street, Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Greenhills, by visiting tpac.org, or by calling 615-782-4040. Group orders of 20 or more may be placed by calling 615-782-7060. (more...)