Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 5/15; BIG FISH in Milwaukee, KISS ME KATE in Memphis and More!

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Rhode Island, Milwaukee, Italy, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include BIG FISH at First Stage in Milwaukee, KISS ME KATE in Memphis, and THE WHO'S TOMMY in LA, just to name a few.

East

1. Rhode Island: Editor Larry O'Brien reviews 2nd Story's ENTERTAINING MR. SLOAN. He says, "Ed Shea directed this piece, and it must be him we can thank for eschewing English accents. He got solid efforts from his actors and the rest of the production staff. ENTERTAINING MR. SLOAN is neither a fun filled romp nor wholesome fun, but rather represent Orton's view that things are falling apart and the center cannot hold." Read his full review here.

Midwest

2. Cleveland, OH: Senior Editor Roy Berko goes behind the scenes and shares the story of Cleveland Play House's Tony Award. You don't want to miss this inspiring article! Check it out here.

3. St. Louis, MO: Editor Chris Gibson reviews The New Jewish Theatre's MY MOTHER'S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING. He says, "This is well crafted show that speaks to its audience on many levels (book, music and lyrics by David Hein and Irene Sankoff), covering such touchy subjects as faith, politics, and the genuine love two individuals can have for one another, with heartfelt sentiment and catchy tunes. It's often laugh out loud funny, but it also produced a tear or two, at least for me, all while tackling topics that are front and center in the country we live in, and globally as well." Check out his full review here.

4. Milwaukee, WI: Editor Peggy Sue Dunigan says that BIG FISH at First Stage is "brilliant." She goes on, "Kärin Kospischke's utterly lush costumes--whether Rána Roman's eerie and seductive swamp witch--the circus characters or Clarke's affectionate Sandra, combined with Whiting's big ensemble choreography and Jason Fassl's exceptional lighting breathe magic into every scene." Read more here.

South

5. Orlando, FL: Editors Matt Tamanini and Kimberly Moy offer their picks for the 2015 Orlando International Fringe Festival, including THE REPLUBLIC, ANNE FRANKENSTEIN, THE LION QUEEN and more. Check out their full roundup here.

6. Memphis, TN: Editor Joseph Baker reviews KISS ME KATE at Playhouse on the Square. He says, "The cast for KISS ME, KATE is effervescent and talented. Steven Michael Zack, brought into the show late as a replacement for another actor, strikes a magnificent pose as "Fred" (in fact, an artistic rendering of him wittily recalls the famous Renaissance portrait of a youthful Henry VIII -- a delightful touch), and having performed the part before, brings confidence, joy, and a fine voice to the part. Katie Hahn's "Lillian" is a marvel -- vocally and otherwise." Read more here.

Southeast

7. Austin, TX: Editor Frank Benge reviews Part I of Trouble Puppet's THE WARS OF HEAVEN. He says, "The performers; Noel Gaulin, Travis Bedard, Gricelda Silva, Parker Dority, Zac Crofford, Katy Taylor, Ellie McBride, and Julie Moore, do a good job with the characters and it is in these moments that the piece is the most captivating. The sound design by K. Eliot Haynes and media design by Chris Owen are both excellent." Read more here.

West Coast

8. Los Angeles, CA: Editor Gil Kaan offers a spectacular review of East West Players' THE WHO'S TOMMY, saying, "East West Players has done it again with their spectacular production of The Who's Tommy. With an incredible band, vibrant vocals from the entire cast and stunning visuals, this 'little' theatre easily matches and betters many larger house productions." Read his full review here.

9. Italy: Editor Francesco Vittorino reviews TU MI SALVERAI. Read the full report here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. Minneapolis Editor Kristen Hirsch Montag interviews CAMELOT's Tim Rogan, which comes to Saint Paul's Ordway Center for Performing Arts this week. On the question of how this production is different from others in the past, he says: "The creative team really wanted to focus this story on the love triangle between Arthur, Guenevere and Lancelot, because they felt that is the core of this musical. They eliminated anything that detracted from that focus with the approval of the Lerner and Loewe estate. Furthermore, the Lancelot and Guenevere relationship has really evolved with this production." Read the full interview here.

This week, we would like to welcome Marina Kamen as our newest editor in our expanded region of Fitness.

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!