Review: Musical Theatre West Brings MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Back to Life in Long Beach
by Michael Quintos - Apr 19, 2024
More like one elongated impromptu jam session than a typical musical, Musical Theatre West's new production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET doesn't involve a complex storyline, but instead focuses on imagining what it must have been like to be in the room where music history happened. The resulting concert-like jukebox musical is a rollicking good time.
Interview: Jill Van Velzer of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Bass Concert Hall
by Victoria Schwarz - Apr 13, 2024
I am delighted to have had a chance to interview Jill Van Velzer who plays the role of Mrs. Burke in GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY. An accomplished actress, Velzer has also toured with productions of Phantom of the Opera and King & I, in addition to acting in numerous regional productions.
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Study Looks to the Preparedness of Arts Orgs to Face Future Challenges
by Alex Freeman - Apr 8, 2024
In a sign of an industry on the rebound, Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles is getting ready to announce a return of programming at the Mark Taper Forum, where production was paused last year while the organization went through a budget crunch. Additionally, following the casting of a Black actress in the role of Juliet, an upcoming West End production of Romeo and Juliet from the Jamie Lloyd Company started dealing with racist backlash online - we’ll show you how the company responded.
What Was Vaudeville- A Brief History
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 31, 2024
Not long ago, venues across the country were selling out houses and packing in crowds- and it wasn't for plays, musicals, or concerts as we know them today. Vaudeville, while its time in the spotlight was short, laid the groundwork for many aspects of modern entertainment and had a profound impact on live theatre. Learn all about it here!
Review: A Breathtaking, Poignant Lens Shines On GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Straz Center
by Drew Eberhard - Mar 28, 2024
“Tonight’s story begins and ends at a guesthouse in Duluth, Minnesota, in the winter of 1934.” These were the opening words spoken by Dr. Walker, as he sets the scene. An evening of love, pain, suffering, interloped with a lush score based on the music of Bob Dylan.
Girl from the North Country, is a dramatic musical with a book by Conor McPherson (The Weir), and songs with music and lyrics by the great Bob Dylan. The show made its Off-Broadway premiere at the Public Theatre from September 30, 2018- December 22, 2018. This transfer featured an all-American cast and was helmed after the successful run at London’s Old Vic a year prior, and following a limited 12-week run shortly thereafter at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End.
Review: Breathtaking 50th Anniversary Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Straz Center
by Drew Eberhard - Mar 7, 2024
An explosive 90-minute sung-through Rock Opera written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Tim Rice, took the Carol Morsani Hall by storm Tuesday evening. This reimagined 50th Anniversary Tour, is the story loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the Passion. It works to interpret the psychology of Jesus, while much of the story’s plot centers on Judas’ disdain for how Jesus is leading his disciples.
The rock opera was initially unable to attain funding, so Webber and composers released the idea as a concept album. Garnering much success, which led to the eventual Broadway stage debut in 1971. Some nine years later the musical had grossed more than $237 million worldwide. It soon became the longest-running West End musical in London, running for 8 years between 1972-1980, and was soon bested by Cats in 1989.
Interview: Michael Orland Enjoys/Loves Being Continuously Booked & Always Giving Back
by Gil Kaan - Mar 1, 2024
The consistently busy musical director Michael Orland books gigs on both coasts juggling the multitude of vocalists all vying to have his piano expertise to accompany them. One of his next shows in Los Angeles will be his Open Mic Event at the Write-Off Room March 22, 2024. Michael managed to answer a few of my queries during his drive to Palm Springs.
Review: MIDDLE OF THE WORLD at Rogue Machine
by Amanda Callas - Feb 21, 2024
At its heart, Middle of the World is something of an unexpected love story between a fallen socialist leader from Ecuador and a young, driven Black finance executive. Middle of the World feels like an elegy, evoking the bittersweet, numbing ache of loss and betrayal. It invokes a sense of loss of an identity, a family, a country.
These Stars of SUCCESSION Have Ties to the Stage
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2024
With Jeremy Strong making his Broadway return in An Enemy of the People this season, BroadwayWorld is exploring some of the others stars of the iconic series Succession, who have ties to the stage.