Spencer Liff

Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE

VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of.  How did that come about for both of you? Ellenore Scott:  Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival. Ayodele Casel:  I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in.  Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.

Broadway Dreams to Launch 2024 Summer Intensive Tour

Broadway Dreams is launching its 2024 Summer Intensive Tour, offering aspiring performers the chance to train with top industry professionals in various cities.

Interview: Spencer Liff's Passionate About REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL & Playing It Forward

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Reefer Madness, a new revised version Reefer Madness the Musical will open May 30, 2024 at The Whitney. I talked to director/choreographer Spencer Liff during the early days of rehearsals, so casting hadn’t been finalized. Members of the original creative team reuniting to produce are: actors Kristen Bell, Christian Campbell and Alan Cumming, creators Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, Andy Fickman, who directed 2005's Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical, and America Olivo Campbell.

Anthony Norman, Nicole Parker & More to Star in REEFER MADNESS in LA

Reefer Madness is returning to LA in May. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Arizona Theatre Company to Hold General Auditions For 24/25 Season

Arizona Theatre Company will hold general auditions for Equity and Non-Equity performers for the 2024/2025 Season. Learn audition details!

Interview: Alaska Thunderf**k Reunites With Joey McIntyre For DRAG: THE MUSICAL

DRAG: The Musical, written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderf**k (with Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon), will be returning to The Bourbon Room March 15, 2024 on its way to its New York debut. Emmy-nominated Spencer Liff again directs and choreographs, this time with the cast of Alaska, Nick Adams, Joey McIntyre, Jujubee, Manila Luzon, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, Nick Laughlin, Jamie Torcellini, J. Elaine Marcos and Kayden Koshelev. I had already interviewed Alaska for the 2022 production. This time Joey McIntyre was able to join my Q&A.

Listen: Hear Alaska Thunderf*ck & Nick Adams Sing 'It's A Drag' From DRAG THE MUSICAL

Alaska Thunderf**k and Nick Adams collaborate for the new release, 'IT'S A DRAG', a fresh addition to DRAG: The Musical ahead of their run of LA shows at The Bourbon Roomh. “It's a Drag” is a welcomed addition to DRAG: The Musical's already dynamite soundtrack which echoes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rent, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Kristen Bell & Alan Cumming Join Producing Team of REEFER MADNESS LA Revival

The campy cult favorite musical Reefer Madness will make its triumphant return to Los Angeles for a special 25th-anniversary revival, with a starry list of producers.

Joey McIntyre To Return To DRAG: THE MUSICAL at the Bourbon Room in March

Joey McInytre will return to the cast of DRAG: The Musical this March at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood. Learn more about the shows and see how to purchase tickets.

REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL Will Return to Los Angeles For a 25th Anniversary Production

Reefer Madness: The Musical will soon return to Los Angeles to celebrate its 25th anniversary, featuring access to the nearby 'Reefer Den'.

Alaska's DRAG: THE MUSICAL to Return to The Bourbon Room Ahead of NYC Run

The award-winning DRAG: The Musical will return to The Bourbon Room in Hollywood for a limited run of performances this March. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Review: SCROOGE! at Arizona Theatre Company

Arizona Theatre Company's adaptation of SCROOGE! ~ the most notable element missing in this largely unsuccessful adaptation is any sense of a true Dickensian backdrop. Runs through December 30th.

60 Broadway Dreams Students to Unite in NYC for the 2023 SHOWCASE

ABroadway Dreams will present its annual NYC Showcase on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 7 PM at The Gatsby Mansion.

Review: East West Players Presents Energetic SPRING AWAKENING

Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play about a group of young students ill-informed about their budding sexuality, this 2006 Broadway adaptation is buoyed by its alt-rock score by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik. EWP's new production boasts a pleasantly diverse cast blessed with excellent singing voices.

Spencer Liff, Alysha Umphress & More to Join Broadway Dreams UK Intensive

Experience the thrill of Broadway as renowned arts organization, Broadway Dreams, brings its first-ever UK intensive to aspiring performers. Join in for an unparalleled experience in the heart of the United Kingdom. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway across the pond.

Broadway Dreams Launches 2023 Summer Intensive Tour IMMERSE YOURSELF

Broadway Dreams (Annette Tanner, Founder & President), a leading non-profit performing arts training program, is kicking off its 2023 Summer Intensive Tour “Immerse Yourself” this week in Nashville, TN.

Connor Gallagher, Laura Osnes, and More To Teach With BROADWAY DREAMS at Belmont Beginning This Month

Broadway Dreams (Annette Tanner, Founder & President), the premier performing arts education organization, has announced another intensive in Nashville, TN from Monday, May 29 to Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Belmont University.

12 Days Left To Vote For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Long Beach Playhouse Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 19th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

Latest Stats Released For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; at Broadwater Black Box Leads Best Ensemble Performance!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 12th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

Latest Standings Released For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Long Beach Playhouse Leads Favorite Local Theatre!

The latest standings as of Monday, December 5th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.