The Sherman Brothers News

Today we continue our extensive consideration of the best Tony Awards clips of all time, culled from over sixty years worth of shows, as we look ahead to the 2012 ceremony on June 10 by saluting a true triple-threat times two whose Tony-winning Best Musical, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, provided fodder for yesterday's selection - actor/director/choreographer Tommy Tune. (more...)

Today we are kicking off the 2012 InDepth InterView Tony Awards Series with the director/choreographer of the hottest hit of the 2011-2012 theatrical season, NEWSIES, that was recently awarded with a boatload of Tony Award nominations, in addition to a short-running show that has a very vocal group of advocates and supporters that also received a handful of Tony noms, BONNIE & CLYDE - the passionate and visionary Jeff Calhoun. Discussing all aspects of his mega-hit with Disney’s NEWSIES and his success d’estime with Frank Wildhorn’s BONNIE & CLYDE, as well as all about his years spent developing both, Calhoun illustrates his process and sheds some light on many aspects of the creation of the wildly different vehicles, as well as his opinions on the theatrical environment of today. Additionally, Calhoun outlines his experiences working with NEWIES and BONNIE & CLYDE breakout stars Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes - both Tony nominees - as well as his many years spent as an associate choreographer for legendary Tony-winning master director Tommy Tune creating many remarkable musicals such as GRAND HOTEL and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Plus, Calhoun conveys his infectious enthusiasm for his craft and discusses what drives him to create while also sharing his humbled appreciation for the recognition of both his new musicals this season by the Tony Award committee and reflecting on his vast multitude of experiences in the theatre so far in his career - everything from starring in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and MY ONE & ONLY on Broadway to choreographing THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and BUSKER ALLEY with Tommy Tune and transitioning into directing/choreographing with the hit revivals of GREASE, BIG RIVER, PIPPIN, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (with Graciele Daniele), BELLS ARE RINGING, as well as GREY GARDENS and the rest. All of that and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation with one of Broadway’s best! (more...)

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, adapted for the stage from the MGM Motion Picture by Jeremy Sams and Ray Broderick with music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre from the 16th of November. The show will be directed in Australia by Roger Hodgman and features sets and costumes by renowned English designer Anthony Ward. (more...)

On Sunday April 29 Melody Hollis presented the new installment of Melodyland at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. Incorporating some different songs into the set like "I'm the Greatest Star", "Tchaikovsky", "You've Got a Friend in Me", "Hamlet" and a couple of others, material she has performed in Kritzerland shows since last summer, Hollis has turned 14 since she last did the show ...and is now a self-described "woman". In spite of this humorous, laugh-guaranteed joke of the grownup fully emerging from the little girl, one can clearly see the changes in physical development and at the same time sense the increased sense of self-awareness and freedom. She is taller, prettier and blossoming nicely into an intelligent young lady - and who says 'home schooling' doesn't work? Bruce Kimmel has written some very cute material for her, and she is learning how to make it work optimally. As she continues to blossom and grow over the next few years, Hollis' vocal instrument, considering her immense talent, should mature beautifully. And maybe, just maybe, if luck will have it...she might just get that chance to sing "I'm the Greatest Star" on Broadway as the newest Fanny Brice in that still awaited, much anticipated, first ever revival of Funny Girl. She can do it! I know I have my fingers crossed for her! (more...)

Olney Theatre Center today announced two special cabaret performances by DC- Area favorites Felicia Curry, George Dvorsky, JJ Kaczynski, Tracy Lynn Olivera and Chris Youstra called Ebony, Ivory and Ink. The cabaret will feature some of the most beloved musical classics and is scheduled to take to Olney Theatre Center’s Mainstage on Friday, May 4 and Saturday May 5, 2012. (more...)

ComingSoon.net reports that Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson have officially signed on to star as Walt Disney and P.L. Travers in the John Lee Hancock directed film Saving Mr. Banks. (more...)

Deadline.com has updated their previous scoop about casting for the upcoming SAVING MR. BANKS film writing that "things are heating up with [Tom] Hanks to potentially star with Emma Thompson." *Update: The two actors have officially signed on for the film. (more...)

SHANA FARR “Whistling Away the Dark: Through Songs of Julie Andrews” will perform at the METROPOLITAN ROOM February 25th (7:00pm) March 15th (9:30pm). $20.00 Music Charge / Two Drink Minimum, Food also available. (more...)

The marquees of Disney’s New Amsterdam Theatre, home of the musical Mary Poppins, along with the Minskoff and Nederlander Theatres, which house Disney Theatrical Productions’ The Lion King and Newsies, will dim this evening at 7:01 in memory of legendary songwriter Robert Sherman, who died yesterday in London at 86. (more...)

Disney songwriter Robert B. Sherman died yesterday, March 5, in London. The Academy and Grammy Award winner, who is honoured along with his brother Richard Sherman with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was 86. Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company released the following statement on his passing: (more...)

When the sad news came out this morning that famed Disney songwriter Robert B. Sherman died yesterday, March 5, in London, some of our first thoughts here at BroadwayWorld went out to Tony-winner Marc Shaiman. Shaiman had been a huge proponent of the incredible 'THE BOYS - The Sherman Brothers' Story' documentary and it was his enthusiasm that sent us off to see the fantastic film, and our lives were better off for it. We asked Marc to put together some of his thoughts on Robert Sherman and are proud to present them below. (more...)

To commemorate the death of Robert Sherman, who died yesterday in London, aged 86, here is the trailer for the 2009-10 Disney documentary THE BOYS: The Sherman Brothers STORY. (more...)

Disney songwriter Robert B. Sherman died yesterday, March 5, in London. The Academy and Grammy Award winner, who is honoured along with his brother Richard Sherman with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was 86. (more...)

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. "Kinky Boots" and "The Jungle Book" try out, Sarah Siddons and Windy City host benefit concerts, new works from Josh Schmidt and more, the Leap Day connection plus "Mansical!" (more...)

SHANA FARR “Whistling Away the Dark: Through Songs of Julie Andrews” will perform at the METROPOLITAN ROOM February 25th (7:00pm) March 15th (9:30pm). $20.00 Music Charge / Two Drink Minimum, Food also available. (more...)

SHANA FARR “Whistling Away the Dark: Through Songs of Julie Andrews” will perform at the METROPOLITAN ROOM February 25th (7:00pm) March 15th (9:30pm). $20.00 Music Charge / Two Drink Minimum, Food also available. (more...)

The Metropolitan Room announces March performances. (more...)

According to Deadline.com, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep might star in an upcoming film about the making of Disney's 'Mary Poppins.' Titled 'Saving Mr. Banks,' the film features a screenplay by Kelly Marcel. Though neither has officially signed on for the movie, the duo would play Walt Disney and author P.L. Travers respectively. (more...)

On Sunday January 8 at 7:00 pm, the El Capitan Theatre presents a very special concert -- A TRIBUTE TO RICHARD M. SHERMAN, with international concert and recording artist Rob Richards, the theatre’s own house organist, performing on the world famous El Capitan Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. (more...)

On Sunday January 8 at 7:00 pm, the El Capitan Theatre presents a very special concert -- A TRIBUTE TO RICHARD M. SHERMAN, with international concert and recording artist Rob Richards, the theatre’s own house organist, performing on the world famous El Capitan Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. (more...)