Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 12/11; HEIDI CHRONICLES in Rhode Island, A CHRISTMAS CAROL in Milwaukee and More!

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Rhode Island, Milwaukee, Seattle and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include THE HEIDI CHRONICLES in Rhode Island, the 40th Anniversary of Milwaukee Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Seattle Rep's JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES: UNWRAPPED, just to name a few.

East/Northeast

1. Rhode Island: Editor Andria Tieman reviews THE HEIDI CHRONICLES at Trinity Rep. She says, "Rachel Christopher plays Heidi's best friend Susan Johnston, a woman of conviction and myriad hairstyles. Rachel Gibel plays a series of secondary characters, each distinct and hilarious. Even in smaller parts, Gibel is so genuinely funny that she almost steals the show from everyone else on stage. Gibel and Charlie Thurston, who plays Heidi's gay best friend Peter, are a refreshing addition to the Trinity company." Read more here.

Midwest

2. Cleveland, OH: Editor Roy Berko reviews PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Dobama. He says, "The farce is performed with imaginative staging that enhances the fantasy nature of the work. The production elements are creative. Filled with ropes which become waves of water, doorways which move all over the stage, devices for levitation and Peter's near drowning and flight, the effects, work well. Hanging sheets of filmy gauze create sails, but are also used as devices for a mermaid to hang from and swim through the sea. All that has to be supplied is a little imagination from the viewer and a little effort not to be overwhelmed." Read more here.

3. Milwaukee, WI: Editor Peggy Sue Dunigan reviews the 40th Anniversary of Milwaukee Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL. She says, "Add into this esteemed cast the another delightful Rep Associate Artist Angela Iannone, Ray Jivoff, 2015 American Players Theatre actor Chiké Johnson and Chris Klopatek playing Fred. Debuting this year as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Bethany Thomas alights in song to wake Scrooge from his midnight sleep. The Rep's A Christmas Carolshowcases incredible actors that produce one of the best Carols in the Midwest, if not the country." Read more here.

South

4. Austin, TX: Editor Lynn Beaver reviews a "must see" STEALING BABY JESUS at Hyde Park Theatre. She says, "Bernadette Nason is the consummate performer, holding the rapt attention of her audience with effortless ease. A one man, or woman show may seem easy, it is anything but. It takes an enormous amount of talent to make a theatre full of people hang on your every word, Nason does it all with charm, grace and endless wit." Read more here.

5. Memphis, TN: Editor Joseph Baker reviews Playhouse's I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. He says, " However, for those who gag on eggnog, Playhouse on the Square has squeezed out a few performances of I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, the "slice of life" musical with Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro and Music by Jimmy Roberts. Ironically, it's Playhouse's "gift" to those who prefer to leave their Christmas spirit at home." Read more here.

6. Tampa, FL: Editor Peter Nason reviews THIS WONDERFUL LIFE at Stageworks. He says, "If you're lacking some Christmas cheer this year, then venture over to Stageworks to watch the brilliant Larry Alexander deliver a tour de force in his one man re-creation of It's a Wonderful Life, called quite simply THIS WONDERFUL LIFE by Steve Murray. You'll laugh a lot, but don't worry, you'll shed a tear or two as well." Read more here.

West

7. Tucson, AZ: Editor Maria Rita Meli reviews SNAPSHOTS at Arizona Theatre Company. She says, "Opening in an adorable comedic glory at the Arizona Theatre Company is SNAPSHOTS, a romantic comedy that reimagines the songs of Stephen Schwartz. Fans old and new of Schwartz's previous works will enjoy hearing their favorite, familiar melodies from Godspell, Pippin, the Baker's Wife, and Wicked, to name a few, as we watch the story of a tired, married couple unfold in their upstairs attic." Read more here.

8. Seattle, WA: Editor Amelia Reynolds reviews Seattle Rep's JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES: UNWRAPPED. She says, "Back by popular demand, Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales return for one of the best Christmas shows I have ever seen. Nay, one of the best shows I have ever seen. Granted, I have been a fan of Jinkx Monsoon's ever since I watched her in RuPaul's Drag Race, feeling my Seattle pride soar and my heart race when I got to see her live for the very first time. But I still put on my professional critic's hat the day of the show, knowing that even a star you adore could be apart of a disappointing production. Thankfully, that was far from the case. If anything, Unwrappedshowcased not only Jinkx Monsoon's comedic talents of which I was already aware but of Hoffers-as an actor, singer, and drag performer." Read more here.

International

9. South Africa: Cape Town Opera announces its 2016 season, including SALOME, THE MAGIC FLUTE and CARMEN. The company's young international opera stars have joined forces with a new team of award-winning creative minds to make next year a memorable one for grand opera. Check out the news story here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. Buffalo Editor Michael Rabice reviews the National Tour of ANNIE, which plays at Shea's Buffalo Theatre through December 13. He says, "Lynn Andrews, as the evil Orphange mum Miss Hannigan, was hilarious in her dead pan deliveries, suprisingly agile, limber dancing, and most importantly her strong voice. The orphans were appropriately intimidated by her physical presence, but found enough in her persona to make fun of. Her show stopper "Little Girls" allowed her to shine, incorporating multiple voices and exaggerated body gestures. Billionaire Oliver Warbucks (played by Gilgamesh Taggett) was the blustery business man who becomes enchanted with the young orphan who comes to visit for Christmas. Mr. Taggett has a large, round voice that dealt well with his challenging Act II ballad, "Something was Missing." Read more here."

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