Joseph Harrison - Page 20

The music of the night will begin playing again in Atlanta soon, for what could be the last time at the Fabulous Fox. The Phantom of the Opera, the smash hit, mega-musical that has become a worldwide phenomenon and a piece of musical theatre history will make its last stop at Atlanta's Fox Theatre June 30 - July 18 before closing this November. I had the pleasure to talk about the tour and this beautiful show straight from the mouth of the Phantom himself, Tim Martin Gleason.

When someone mentions Little House on the Prairie, most people think instantly of the iconic television program, little Laura Ingalls twirling in the field or that unforgettable theme song. But what about the real people behind those memorable characters, and their tough life on the prairie with all its struggles and joys? That is what theatergoers who come to see Little House on the Prairie at the Fox Theatre will experience, as they live the stories of the Ingalls family on stage in this new musical based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. And joyfully leading this stage family will be Melissa Gilbert (Ma) and Steve Blanchard, who plays Charles "Pa" Ingalls in this refreshing new production which comes to the Fox June 15 - 20. I had the chance to talk with Steve about the role, his experience with the show and how he has made a deep and personal connection with this truly remarkable man of the land.

When Mary Poppins flies into London to help out the Banks family, a familiar face is there to greet her with open arms. Her trusted friend and cohort, the chimney sweep and fun-loving Bert, is ready to help Mary share her magic with this family in need. When Mary Poppins, the award winning Broadway production of the timeless classic story, flies into Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre, Bert will be ready to share the magic of this exciting production with local audiences. Playing this role, a role he originated in London and then Broadway, is Gavin Lee, who sat down to share with me his take on his experience with Mary Poppins and the satisfaction of playing such an amazing role.

Lincoln Center Theater, in association with Bob Boyett and NETworks Presentations, will end the run of a new production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's prize-winning musical SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher on April 11th.

According to the Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals History, when the very first national tour of South Pacific played Atlanta's Tower Theatre in February 1953, the Georgia state legislature issued a vehement protest, mainly in response to the song "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught". When the award winning Broadway revival of this classic musical plays Atlanta's Fox Theatre April 6 - 11, the reception should be much different. Singing that haunting song and playing the role of Lt. Joseph Cable will be Anderson Davis. I caught up with Anderson recently and had a chat about his career, his character and the show.

The New Depot Players' The Dixie Swim Club will play through April 3 at Center Street Arts.

Many theater-goers today have a keen sense of what 'musical theatre' should look like. For some, a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic fits the bill. Others may think of some of the mega-musicals that have graced the stage over the years, but for some, a new show like Spring Awakening excites, energizes, and adds a whole new facet to the musical theatre experience. Atlanta audiences will have the opportunity to experience this revolutionary show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre March 9 - 14 presented by Broadway Across America - Atlanta.

The Dixie Swim Club tells the story of five southern women who met on their college swim team and began a lifelong friendship together. Every August, these five women meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to reconnect, laugh with each other and meddle in each other's lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those long weekends that span a period of thirty-three years.

The Shakespeare Tavern's production of Romeo and Juliet has been an Atlanta Valentine Tradition for over 10 years. Students and adults alike flock to this gem of a theater in Midtown Atlanta every February to celebrate love, lust and teenage angst. Because the Tavern practices Original Practice Shakespeare (they are invested in producing shows exactly as the text specifies) you get a real look at the Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare intended: which means tons of laughs, all of that Italian passion and a bawdy good time!

Lincoln Center Theater, in association with Bob Boyett and NETworks Presentations, presents a new production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's prize-winning musical SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher. Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC makes its Atlanta debut at the The Fox Theatre, playing April 6-11 as part of the Broadway Across America - Atlanta 2009-2010 season. For more information on the production, please visit www.SouthPacificOnTour.com.

Broadway's most talked about new musical and the biggest Tony Award®-winner in years is coming to Atlanta. Spring Awakening, the 8-time Tony Award® winning Broadway musical, will play at The Fabulous Fox Theatre from March 9-14, 2010, and is presented by Broadway Across America - Atlanta as part of the 2009-2010 season.

The Atlanta Opera's Zurich General Director Dennis Hanthorn announced today the details of the company's 2010-2011 season, its fourth in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Atlanta Opera's new season, featuring Puccini's beloved La bohème, Gershwin's American classic Porgy and Bess, and Mozart's funny and poignant Così fan tutte, will be presented October 2, 2010 through April 17, 2011. Season tickets are on sale now.

The Shakespeare Tavern's production of Romeo and Juliet has been an Atlanta Valentine Tradition for over 10 years. Students and adults alike flock to this gem of a theater in Midtown Atlanta every February to celebrate love, lust and teenage angst. Because the Tavern practices Original Practice Shakespeare (they are invested in producing shows exactly as the text specifies) you get a real look at the Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare intended: which means tons of laughs, all of that Italian passion and a bawdy good time!

When Mel Brooks' classic Young Frankenstein makes its way to the Fox Theatre stage in its exciting new musical form, a familiar face to fans of Brooks' previous work will be leading the way (and flipping the switches, laughing maniacally, and Puttin on the Ritz). That face belongs to Roger Bart, familiar to many for his Tony nominated role of Carmen Ghia (and later Leo Bloom) in Mel Brooks' critically acclaimed hit The Producers in addition to numerous award winning theatrical, film and television roles. Roger sat down with me recently to talk a little about his career, working with Mel Brooks and the exciting and 'Abby Normal' thrill it is to be bringing this fresh new musical to Atlanta audiences.

The Junior Theatre Fest will pay tribute to the leadership and dedication of Music Theatre International (MTI) Chairman Freddie Gershon by renaming its annual student awards for excellence in theater 'The FreddieG's.' In 1995, he created MTI Education, the first educational division in a major musical theater licensing firm, which over the past 15 years has literally transformed the marketplace for age appropriate performance material for young performers. During this year's festival, taking place January 15-17, composer Stephen Schwartz ('Wicked') will be on hand to celebrate Gershon's accomplishments within musical theatre.

'America's most beloved family musical, ANNIE, is back in an exciting 30th anniversary tour,' states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. 'We are delighted that a whole new generation can experience this classic musical about never giving up hope! And as is our custom, we are adding 25 local girls to the production to make it even more fun. Join us for the timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie when it returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta for 8 performances from January 13-17, 2010. Tickets are on sale NOW at area Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-982-2787 or www.ticketmaster.com.'

Anytime I hear someone mention Annie, songs and images immediately pop in my head. Sometimes those images are of my first trip to the theatre ever when I was just 6 or 7 seeing Annie at the Civic Center here in Atlanta. Sometimes pieces of the memorable score pop up, and other times simply a smile will arise, since Annie is just one of those shows that makes you smile. I recently had the chance to relive those memories and smile again when I sat down to speak with Madison Kerth, who plays Annie in the upcoming Theater of the Stars production at the Fabulous Fox Theatre (January 13 - 17) as well as Lynn Andrews who plays the devious Miss Hannigan.

As a 2009-2010 season special for Atlanta Broadway Series, Billy Crystal will bring 700 SUNDAYS, his Tony Award-winning Broadway blockbuster, to Atlanta's Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre December 16-20, 2009. 700 SUNDAYS, a play performed and written by Mr. Crystal with additional content by Alan Zweibel is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff.

Billy Crystal shines in his critically acclaimed and Tony Award winning performance in 700 Sundays at the Cobb Energy Centre.