Joseph Harrison - Page 14

If you ask the average theater-goer their opinion of Shakespeare, you are bound to get a variety of answers. Some will immediately begin gushing about which of the bard's plays they have seen, which they like the best, or which they don't care for. Others will pretend to be fans, but make excuses anytime they are invited to one of his plays. But some will just say outright, 'I hate Shakespeare', or in the case of Andrew Rally the television star who finds himself in the middle of a surreal, and altogether paranormal situation, 'I Hate Hamlet!' That, however, is soon to change.

When considering musical theatre, one often immediately thinks of the classics - those shows that tell an age old story with soaring and lyrical songs peppered with engaging dance numbers and beautiful costumes. Those plays certainly have their place in the world, but in the past decade or so, a new genre of musical has come into the mix - the jukebox musical, a genre that takes pre-existing music, usually from popular bands, and creates a theatrical plot around them. While some theater purists might look down on this style of show, all one has to do is look around the audience at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, CT to know that jukebox musicals are alive and well.

How does one find "the real"? That is the question that "Youth" the protagonist in PASSING STRANGE asks himself as he takes the audience along on his long journey of self-discovery. In this the second production of their seventh season, Playhouse on Park in West Hartford has taken a chance on a lesser known piece - one that, while it did receive critical acclaim in its original New York production, is not necessarily a household name, even among theater aficionados. But sometimes, a lack of previous knowledge or a following can be just the key to creating a new and fresh experience as an audience. And this reviewer certainly experienced something unique and brilliant, and dare I say "real" on the Playhouse stage.

It's always a thrill to make your first visit to see a new theatre company. A lack of context creates a blank slate with limitless possibilities. That was my experience when I attend my first production by the Opera House Players at the lovely Broad Brook Opera House in Broad Brook, CT. Situated a bit off the beaten path, it is not the type of place you would simply stumble upon, but upon arrival I could immediately tell this place was certainly something special to the community. This feeling was further validated by the faithful theater-goers in attendance on opening night of The Opera House Players' current production of MAN OF LA MANCHA. The first thing I noticed was the excitement in the air from the audience. The packed house (which, by the way, is always a good sign, especially on opening night) was abuzz in anticipation of the show. The theater itself is set on the top floor of the former Broad Brook Woolen Company building which was built in 1892. With a long history of being a gathering place for the town, the theater obviously holds a special place in people's hearts.

It's a tricky thing when a popular film is adapted for the musical stage. Sometimes it works and sometimes it simply falls flat. For A WONDERFUL LIFE, presented by Goodspeed Musicals, it falls somewhere in-between. To be fair, It's A Wonderful Life is not just a "popular film", it's practically an American institution, so the audience for A WONDERFUL LIFE, the musical adaptation by Sheldon Harnick (Book and Lyrics) and Joe Raposo (Music) most likely come to the show with a very clear expectation of what they will see. They expect encounters with George Bailey as he sacrifices his own dreams for those of his family and neighbors, the harrowing scene where, despondent, he decides to take his own life, Clarence the guardian angel, the truly detestable Mr. Potter, a lovely Mary, some fun "Hee Haw"s with Sam Wainwright, and let's not forget Zuzu's petals.

When NEWSIES takes the stage at the Bushnell on Tuesday, October 13, Hartford audiences will have the rare opportunity to be the first to see six new principals perform in this smash hit musical. This high energy, youthful show relies heavily on its dancing to tell the timeless story of the underdogs standing up for what they believe in. So, I thought it fitting that I was able to chat with Andrew Wilson, NEWSIES Dance Captain and to hear about life on the road, some touching stories of devoted 'Fansies' and how it feels 'Carrying the Banner' all over the country in this feel good, family friendly production.

At the beginning of the premiere production of Playhouse on Park's seventh season, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, we learn that we are present for the last class taught by Morrie Schwartz, and that Mitch Albom, the author of the book on which the play is based, will be the sole student. But seated in the audience, I felt that wasn't exactly true. I too, was a student of Morrie's, learning along with Mitch, the life lessons that he conveyed in such a straightforward and loving way.

Spring has sprung and whether it means April showers or May flowers, one thing is certain - opportunities abound for some great theatre in Atlanta. In this, our first spring preview story we aim to highlight some of the most anticipated shows this season. From regional premiere musicals to emotional drama, there is certainly plenty to choose from for Atlanta theatre fans of all ages! Check out just a few of the great productions playing the Atlanta area this spring!

There are certain stories that when they are mentioned bring a sparkle to both the young and the young at heart. One of those, I believe, is the timeless P.L. Travers classic, Mary Poppins. Whether you are talking about the original book, the classic Disney movie or the new theatrical production, Mary Poppins has truly lived up to her reputation - "practically perfect in every way." Carrying the baton, or rather, the parrot-handled umbrella when the show returns to Atlanta is Maddy Trumble and I had the pleasure of chatting with her and learning about her experience with the show. Here's a hint, it can be summed up in one word - supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will welcome the Tony Award Winning Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET as part of the 2012/2013 season, playing at the Fox Theatre from tonight, March 12-17, 2013.

Atlanta families will want to make a beeline for the upcoming production of The Adventures of Mighty Bug at Center for Puppetry Arts. From today, January 31 - March 17, the Center takes audiences on a trip to Bugville, a jumpin' little insect community that swings to the Bugville Boogie and the sweet sounds of WBUG Radio star Morpha Butterfly. Watching over the ants, fleas, crickets, water spiders, beetles and bees is the one and only Mighty Bug, a superhero with super strength, smelling, hearing and flying abilities. But the evil arachnid, Scorpiana, also has her eye on Bugville, and she has assembled a group to attack the crawling city. Filled with plenty of insect trivia and facts, this comic book style adventure story will give audiences the chance to be a fly on the wall as good battles evil and the future of Bugville hangs on the line.

THE PRODUCERS, the winningest musical in Broadway history, returns to Atlanta after an 8 year absence playing the Fox Theatre tonight, January 25 - 31.

As an actor, there is nothing like playing a leading role in a hit Broadway musical. Add to that having the chance to perform the role in front of a hometown audience, filled with family and friends, and you have the story of Stacey Todd Holt, who will play Leo Bloom, the budding theatrical producer in Mel Brooks' hit musical, The Producers when it plays the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 25 - 31, produced by Theater of the Stars. I had the chance to talk to Stacey about his Atlanta roots, his long-time professional relationship with Susan Stroman and what exactly made him "Want to be a Producer".

Following a 2011 smash hit opening engagement in Atlanta, BLUE MAN GROUP returns to the Fox Theatre tonight, January 15 -20 and tickets are on sale now.

If you have heard of Blue Man Group or experienced one of their previous productions or tours, you know how unique and exciting their world famous productions can be. Filled with experiences that defy categorization, Blue Man Group is best known for multi-media performances that feature three bald and blue characters who take the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent and visually stunning. When the tour returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 15 - 20 after a highly successful visit in 2011, Atlanta audiences will have another chance to experience the Blue phenomenon. Featuring classic moments and brand new content, Blue Man Group is sure to please. The "Blue Men" are usually men of few (or more accurately, no) words, but I got one of them, Russell Rinker, a veteran Blue Man, to speak long enough to tell me a little about himself, this exciting new production and why audiences of all ages are in for a real treat.

Ring in the New Year at Dad's Garage Theatre! Tonight, December 31st at 7pm and again at 10 pm - we'll be providing our audience with a belly full of laughs and somewhat palate-able champagne! As per usual, you'll see a cavalcade of ridiculous improvised games and scenes starring a collection of the finest improvisers from our Ensemble. And - because this show sells out every year, we've added a second show! There's one starting at 7pm for those of you that want to ring in the New Year somewhere else and one starting at 10pm for those of you that want to ring in the New Year with us jerks. Either way - you get a glass of champagne and a patented Dad's Garage toast. It's win/win! Come watch our peaches drop!