Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 5/8; GREATER TUNA in Austin, GROUNDED in Portland and More!

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Maine, Austin, Portland, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include Mad Horse's OTHER DESERT CITIES, classic comedy GREATER TUNA in Austin, and GROUNDED in Portland, just to name a few.

East Coast

1. Maine: Editor Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold reviews Mad Horse's OTHER DESERT CITIES, which closes out their season. She says, "Janice Gardner gives an emotionally scathing and truthful performance as Brooke Wyeth, torn between her compulsion to publish her book and her longing for her parents' blessing. Brent Askari paints a subtle portrait of her brother Trip, helplessly caught in the midst of the conflict and ill equipped to do battle." Read more here.

2. New Jersey: Senior Editor Marina Kennedy says that ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME at GSP "is Fantastic," and goes on, "The musicianship of Vigoda and McCollum are outstanding. Vigoda is a classically trained musician, an extraordinary singer and plays the electric violin wonderfully. McCollum displays his excellent vocal ability and has a real talent for the banjo. The score is lively and with unforgettable songs like "Stop Rewind Play Record" by Kat and "We're On Our Way" by Ernest Shackleton and Kat." Read her full review here.

Midwest

3. Madison, WI: Editor Amanda Finn reviews NOT ALWAYS A PARENT at Encore Studio for the Performing Arts. She says, "What is the most profound about this production, however, has nothing to do with the written script. Between several of the shorts are candid video clips of the performers telling stories from their own lives. Heartbreaking tales of destructive familial relationships, finding solace in sustained friendships, and stories about what it means to be unquestionably loved." Read more here.

4. West Virginia: Editor Johnna Leary previews Apollo Civic Theater's ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, which runs May 8-17. "The show is so funny! The script and score are so well written. Whether you're looking for something to cheer you up after a long day or something light the whole family can enjoy, this is the show for you" said Banzhoff. "There is so much to see and hear: music, guffaws, dance , and a little bit of intrigue. There is laughter to be enjoyed and shared and memories to be made. Plus it is a happy ending!" said Farmer. "It is a family show, it is absolutely hilarious, and audiences do not want to miss out on seeing the amazingly talented cast in this show" said Rennes. Want to learn more? Check out her article here.

Southeast

5. Austin, TX: Editor Frank Benge says that GREATER TUNA is still funny after all these years. He goes on, "There is a universality to this script, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, that is the reason it has held up so beautifully over the years. This current production, staged by The Wimberley Players and directed by Aaron Johnson, is a thoroughly enjoyable evening and R. Michael Clinkscales and Will Mercer more than do justice to this Texas treasure." Read more here.

West Coast

6. Los Angeles, CA: Senior Editor Don Grigware reviews ABIGAIL/1702 at ICT. He says, "Under Desai's meticulous direction, the cast are astounding. Cannon makes Abigail a totally caring and likable woman, which is no easy task. Though strong-willed, Abigail is torn apart by her past and without a grip on reality, cannot envision any kind of stability for her future. Cannon gives a truly luminous performance throughout." Read his full review here.

7. Phoenix, AZ: Editor Frank Benge reviews Childsplay's THE THREE JAVELINAS, playing through May 24th. He says, "Ms. Millinger has taken a heroic and successful leap into playwriting and, in collaboration with musical director Todd Hulet, has fashioned an uplifting and charming tale based on characters from the books of Susan Lowell. She reflects the great tradition and values set by Childsplay's highly esteemed founder and artistic director, David Saar, who, it should be noted, is retiring with full confidence that the illustrious beat he set will go on." Read more here.

8. Portland, OR: Editor Krista Garver says that "CoHo Productions' GROUNDED Is a Forceful Reminder of Why Theatre Is Important." She goes on, "GROUNDED is a difficult play -- a well-written, important, difficult play. It requires an actor who can be strong and brash and "just one of the guys," and at the same time so achingly vulnerable and human. Lingafelter is that actor..." Read more here.

9. Brazil: Editor Claudio Erlichman reviews URINTOWN at Experimental Center Theatre in the midst of a water supply crisis in Sao Paulo. Check out his full review here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. Editor Ellen Dostal reviews MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, which has a long stop at Pantages Theatre till June 7th. She says, "There are terrific performances by Jess Nager as Gordy's best friend Smokey Robinson, Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye, and an impressive newcomer, Leon Outlaw, Jr., one of three boys alternating in the role of young Michael Jackson. Reliving the Jackson 5's performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, with psychedelic op art designs pulsating around them on movable panels, made my night. Color floods the stage and it's 1969 all over again. Muse gives weight to the production with beautiful versions of "Mercy, Mercy, Me" and "What's Going On," as Gaye turns his attention to more socially conscious music that remains especially resonant today." Read her full review here.

This week, we would like to welcome David Hung 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!