Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 4/10; A CHORUS LINE in Columbus, THE HOBBIT in Detroit, NEW JERUSALEM in Miami and More!

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Buffalo, Columbus, Detroit, Brisbane and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include NEW JERUSALEM at Gablestage in Miami, A CHORUS LINE at Short North Stage in Columbus, THE HOBBIT at Detroit's Actors Theatre Company, just to name a few.

East Coast

1. Buffalo, NY: Editor Mark C. Floyd interviews poet Carly Weiser, who talks about her poetry and what's happening in town. She reveals, "As cliché as it sounds, I didn't choose poetry, it chose me. I was invited to attend the first College Street Art Gallery Open Mic in 2013, which was a stomping ground for unknown and under-appreciated artists. These were every day people, just trying to get a few words off their chest every Thursday between drinks on Allen. I was instantly hooked and starting writing. I discovered early on that I was a fan favorite because of my subject material. When I started to have women coming up to me after the reading saying, "I wish I had the courage to say what you do up there," I knew I had a voice worth pursuing." Read her full review here.

2. Central PA: Editor Kelli Curtain reports on new musical, NATIONAL PASTIME at Bucks County Playhouse. She says, "Playing the two leads are Spencer Plachy and Janine DiVita. Plachy plays Barry the radio station owner and he gives this role heart and a sense of sentimentality. DiVita plays the no-nonsense "big city" Chicago lawyer, Karen, who is intent on selling the radio station after the death of her father. DiVita brings an underlying sensitivity and human touch to the role that helps to make this character a bit more three-dimensional especially as she appears to grow emotionally throughout the show. The tale of these characters is rather predictable, but these two actors are strong and have a nice chemistry on stage that help to keep the audience interested in their storyline." Read her full review here.

Southeast

3. Miami, FL: Editor Roger Martin reviews NEW JERUSALEM at Gablestage. He says, "Abdiel Vivancos brings charm, wit and fervor to Spinoza as he tries to reason with his accuser and those who threaten excommunication. Stephen G. Anthony as Abraham van Valkenburgh, in essence prosecuting for the Christian burghers, is the strongly grounded voice of authority; Larry Bramble, as Saul Levi Mortera, the Chief Rabbi, hesitant at first as he struggles to express his love for the young Spinoza, ultimately finds strength in his beliefs and becomes the towering and vengeful leader." Read more here.

4. Nashville, TN: Senior Editor Jeffrey Ellis reports on the announcement of Nashville Rep's new season, which includes RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN, CHICAGO, A CHRISTMAS STORY, and more. Check out the full announcement here.

Midwest

5. Columbus, OH: Editor Paul Batterson reviews A CHORUS LINE at Short North Stage. He says, "However Williams and Descutner are only part of a talented group of actresses. Samantha Gershman (Cornelius) lights up the stage with her ballad, "Nothing" and takes on lead vocals for "What I Did For Love." Chrissy Stridsberg (Bebe), Brooke Walter (Maggie), Ayana Freeman (Connie) and Lauren Schorr (Judy) are just part of the talented ensemble." Read his full review here.

Northeast

6. Detroit, MI: New editor David Musselwhite reviews THE HOBBIT at Detroit's Actors Theatre Company. He says, "Commanding the stage as Gandalf is Tim Stone, who portrays the wizard's raw power with endearingly folksy humor. Stephanie Stoiko, a theatre student at Wayne State University, plays a timid Bilbo Baggins who bumbles amusingly, as hobbits are inclined to do, but grows in confidence as the journey continues. A standout performance is delivered by Erykah Bommarito as Bombur, one of the gang of dwarves." Read more here.

West Coast:

7. Portland, OR: Editor Krista Garver reviews Artist Rep's THE PRICE. She says, "The cast is phenomenal. Michael Elich perfectly portrays Victor's struggle to reconcile different versions of events as well as his current situation with the life he might have had. In Esther (Victor's wife, played by Linda Alper), we see a woman who has spent decades supporting her husband, and resenting it, and who now wants a little something for herself. Michael Mendelson as Walter has the kind of calmness that can only come from having been to the bottom and back." Read her full review here.

8. Los Angeles, CA: We are thrilled to feature new guest blogger, Briana Cuoco, who is blogging on L.A.'s AMERICAN IDIOT. She says, "When we sat down for our first full cast rehearsal at the start of the week, I was blown away by the absolutely ridiculous talent of the people around me. How I managed to weasel myself in there I have absolutely no idea... these people will melt your heart telling these stories." Read her blog here.

Australia

9. Brisbane Australia: New Editor Bonny Loo reviews THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at the Brisbane Arts Theatre. He says, "The young cast at Brisbane Arts Theatre sang competently to a five-piece band under the musical direction of Samara Marinelli. Sheinkin's libretto, which garnered a Tony, is fast-faced and filled with gags, punch-lines and hilarious example sentences." Read more here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. The National Tour of JERSEY BOYS is playing in Raleigh at the Durham Performing Arts Center through April 12. Editor Jeffrey Karasarides says, "Jersey Boys is very invently staged by Des McAnuff with some slick choreography by Sergio Trujillo. With a full sound system that includes about 120 speakers, it's thanks to sound designer Steve Canyon Kennedy that you really feel the rush like a rolling ball of thunder during the musical sequences." Read his full review here.

This week, we would like to welcome Andria Tieman as our newest contributing editor in Rhode Island.

Want to join our growing team? We have positions available in several U.S. regions and International countries! Contact christina@broadwayworld.com for more information!