Heidi Scheuermann - Page 6

This past Saturday, producer Mark Cortale brought to the Lupin Theater stage a concert featuring the Tony Award winning, triple threat, ABC Family Bunheads actress Sutton Foster with Broadway pianist and Sirius XM radio star Seth Rudetsky. The concert was the second in the Broadway series to be held at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts this Spring.

You've probably seen the movie, but what does FLASHDANCE the Musical have that the movie doesn't? One word. Sas. That's right ladies and gents. Broadway veteran Rachelle Rak has taken on the role of Tess in this brand new musical that is currently sweeping across the US.

On Sunday, January 27 the Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) ended their run of AVENUE Q at the North Star Theater in Mandeville, LA. AVENUE Q was once described to me as "Sesame Street for big people," and I do not think I have heard a more accurate description. The cast is made up of people and puppets, and includes very adult content. While there are many good lessons to be learned from this show, it is not for the easily offended. It takes sensitive subjects such as racism and homosexuality, and makes light of them in a blunt and honest way.

Last night was the first concert in a series that producer Mark Cortale, along with SiriusXM radio star Seth Rudetsky, is brining to the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA). The first guest of the series was Patti LuPone, known for her roles in EVITA, LES MISERABLES, ANYTHING GOES, SWEENY TODD, and GYPSY among others. The format for the performance was very laid back. Discussion between Rudetsky and LuPone was intermingled with singing some of their favorite show tunes.

Coming to the Mahalia Jackson Theater on January 8 is the national tour of the hit show JERSEY BOYS, which allows audiences a close up look at Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons' rise to stardom. The show features hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Walk Like a Man." I recently spoke with Jason Kappus, who plays Four Seasons member Bob Gaudio, about the show, the music, and life on tour.

This past year proved to be an exciting one for theatre in New Orleans, especially with the Broadway Across America tours that made their temporary homes in the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Up next in 2013, the Mahalia Jackson Theater will host Jersey Boys, Flashdance, Million Dollar Quartet, and Wicked. Also in 2013, Seth Rudetsky will host a concert series at NOCCA featuring Broadway Talents Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster, Megan Mullally, Audra McDonald, and Betty Buckley. You won't want to miss these events!

MARY POPPINS has been a Disney favorite for so many children, including myself, for quite some time. The story is one that most can relate to whether a child is learning about growing up and developing love and respect, or a parent is learning about nurturing their children and understanding that kids need time to just be kids. While the lessons of the story are important, it is the music, dance, and characters that truly make this story exciting and magical.

LES MISERABLES is one of the most beloved stories by theatre fans all around the globe. Based on the book by Victor Hugo, it tells the story of one man's fight for redemption and touches on the universal themes of forgiveness, love, and loyalty. Jason Forbach plays Enjolras in the current U.S. Tour cast. Originally from Kansas, Jason grew up playing music and later went on to earn a Master of Arts in vocal performance. He finally realized his passion for musical theatre and moved to New York to pursue the dream. Jason was kind enough to answer some questions about his experiences defending the barricades.

STOMP is a show unlike any other in the theatrical world. It features a cast of multi-talented performers from a variety of backgrounds, who use everyday objects such as brooms, paint cans, drumsticks, bins, and even tractor tire inner tubes to create music. I recently had the opportunity to speak with cast member Andres Fernandez. Mr. Fernandez, originally from Hawaii, has backgrounds in music and dance. In high school he played trombone, and later went on tour throughout Hawaii singing and dancing with his brother. He has now been a part of the STOMP cast for 15 years.

This 1960s inspired musical tells the tale of Seymour (Alexander Sibley), an assistant to Mr. Mushnik (Ed Morvant) at a skid row flower shop who discovers a new breed of plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Seymour later finds love with Audrey (Charlotte Voelkel), rescues her from an abusive relationship with Dr. Scrivello (Cameron Welch) in a rather unconventional way, and they live happily ever after… or do they?

The best way to describe ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD is to compare it to Disney's The Lion King 1 ½. The Lion King is loosely based on Shakespeare's HAMLET, and Simba's pals Timon and Pumba have often been associated with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. In The Lion King 1 ½, the audience watches the story unfold from the perspectives of Timon and Pumba. Similarly, in ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, the title characters enlighten their audience on their perspective of what was happening in Denmark. A prior knowledge of HAMLET makes this play much easier to understand.

Sunday, June 17 was The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival's first matinee performance of William Shakespeare's HAMLET, directed by Clare Moncrief. The show was held in Lupin Theater inside of Dixon Annex on Tulane University's campus.

Theatre in New Orleans this summer offers selections that cater to the Shakespeare lover as well as musicals that the whole family can enjoy. Here are the top 5 picks: HAMLET will be playing at Dixon Performing Arts Center in June. This performance is part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival, which is hosted at Tulane University every summer (http://neworleansshakespeare.tulane.edu/blog/)