Jeffrey Kare

Based on Ron Chernow's 2004 biographical book titled Alexander Hamilton, this musical tells the true story of America's $10 Founding Father. The story begins when he was an immigrant who came to New York from the West Indies. Eventually, he became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was later named the nation's first Treasury Secretary.

Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel of the same name. The Great Gatsby is set on Long Island, near New York City during the Jazz Age. The story centers on mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession to reunite with his former lover Daisy Buchanan. This was one of two musical adaptations to have premiered within the past couple of years. The other being Gatsby: An American Myth, which debuted in Boston in 2024.

Come From Away is based on a true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small Canadian town turned into an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander's air strip on September 11th, 2001.

1776 tells the true story of how the United States of America was born. We follow John Adams as he attempts to convince members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for American independence from the shackles of the British monarchy.

From April 1st-19th, Theatre Raleigh will be presenting the Tony-winning musical COME FROM AWAY at the De Ann S. Jones Theatre. Sara Jean Ford and I previously spoke in 2023 talking about North Carolina Theatre’s production of MARY POPPINS.

On March 13th & 14th, the North Carolina Symphony will be presenting HOLLYWOOD HITS. Two guest vocalists are coming down to the Triangle area to perform iconic songs from memorable movies and binge-worthy TV such as A STAR IS BORN, TOMMY, ROCKETMAN, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, ROCK OF AGES, LOVE ACTUALLY, TOP GUN, ELVIS, and more.

Inspired by the music and upbringing of Alicia Keys. Hell’s Kitchen follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world. Along the way, we meet her dynamic family, a musical mentor who changes her life, and the neighborhood that helps her grow up.

On February 13th & 14th, the North Carolina Symphony will be presenting BRAVO BROADWAY. Three guest vocalists are coming down to the Triangle area to perform showstoppers from beloved Broadway musicals such as WICKED, RENT, HAMILTON, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and more. I recently got to speak with each of them.

Based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel of the same name. Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a Polish-American college student who during the Great Depression, loses both of his parents in a car accident. As a result, he jumps on a moving train unsure of where the road will take him. Yet, he finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life, and love, beyond his wildest dreams.

Based on Michael Curtiz’ 1954 Academy Award nomination film musical of the same name. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas follows veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have formed a successful song-and-dance act after World War II.

Based on S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel of the same name as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation. The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ as they battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. Together, the Greasers fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that doesn't accept them.

Based on Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel, My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, a Caribbean-set retelling of the original fairy tale of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen.

In June 2016, my mom and I went to New York during Tony Awards weekend. On the day of the telecast, we both walked all the way to the Beacon Theatre (where the ceremony was taking place) while rehearsal was going on

Based on Maria von Trapp’s 1949 memoir titled The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. The Sound of Music tells the true story of Maria Rainer, a young, free-spirited, but troublemaking postulant at a convent in Salzburg, Austria. Knowing how irresponsible she is, the Mother Abbess sends her to Salzburg to serve as the governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp.

From October 7th-12th, the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be gracing the stage of the Durham Performing Arts Center. Taking on the starring role of Maria Rainer is Cayleigh Capaldi.

What We Leave Behind is a completely original musical that explores the impact of chronic illness on a family. When Jenny, a musical theatre composer is diagnosed with breast cancer, it seems as though her world has come crashing down around her.

Based on Disney's 1991 Academy Award-winning animated film musical of the same name as well as Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s classic French fairy tale. Beauty & the Beast follows Belle, a bright, beautiful young woman who doesn't seem to fit in with her village.

From September 2nd-14th, the national tour of Disney’s BEAUTY & THE BEAST will be gracing the stage of the Durham Performing Arts Center. Taking on the role of MRS. POTTS is actress Kathy Voytko. Read our interview with Kathy!

The Wiz is an all-Black musical reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story follows Dorothy, a young girl who lives on a farm in Kansas, until a cyclone arrives, picks up her house, and blows her away to the fantastical land of Oz.

Jackie Dempsey is the co-founder and co-artistic director of Squonk. The Pittsburgh-based theatrical performance group has played everywhere from Broadway to the Kennedy Center, and now they're bringing their playful, collaborative energy to North Carolina on August 23rd and 24th.