SXSW 2017 COVERAGE: AVETT BROTHERS and Documentary MAY IT LASTMarch 21, 2017SXSW saw a lot of opportunities for new films and documentaries to be premiered. One in particular was a documentary called MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS that explored the Avett Brothers' journey into making their latest album that was recently released called “True Sadness.” In creating this documentary, directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio wanted to share all aspects of the lives' of the Avett Brothers and their band.
BWW Interview: Ben Fankhauser as Barry Mann in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL on TourMarch 20, 2017BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL tells the true story of King's rise to fame as being part of a songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin. With such hits as 'The Locomotion,' 'Up on the Roof,' '(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,' and 'I Feel the Earth Move,' BEAUTIFUL blends King's life with the music that helped define a generation.
SXSW 2017 COVERAGE: Nile Rogers, Frank Oz and More!March 15, 2017How can one cover all the events of SXSW and keep up the schedule for an entire week? It's impossible to see everything. You are bound to miss things you wished you could have seen. And sleep, don't even worry about that. You can sleep when it's all over.
SXSW 2017 COVERAGE: Austin Music Awards Honor Local Austin TalentMarch 13, 2017Awards, awards, and more awards. That's what the Austin Music Awards were all about last night. Sponsored by the Austin Chronicle, and held at Austin City Limits, the awards are a chance for Austin talent to be recognized for talent in many different categories of music.
BWW Interview: Ben Fankhauser as Barry Mann in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL on TourMarch 16, 2017BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL tells the true story of King's rise to fame as being part of a songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin. With such hits as 'The Locomotion,' 'Up on the Roof,' '(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,' and 'I Feel the Earth Move,' BEAUTIFUL blends King's life with the music that helped define a generation. Along with songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, BEAUTIFUL tells their story of how they became some of the most successful songwriters of an era. Recently, BWW, had a chance to chat with actor, Ben Fankhauser who plays Barry Mann, to discuss the show, his role and how BEAUTIFUL is bringing in audiences of all ages as it travels around North America.
BWW Interview: Kaleb Wells as Roger in RENT on TourFebruary 24, 2017With the 20th Anniversary of RENT currently touring North America, audiences are enjoying this production that is close to the original Broadway production. Kaleb Wells plays Roger who struggles with his own personal demons as he follows his dreams. Wells is living his dreams as he portrays Roger during this production.
BWW Interview: Cashelle Butler as Tanya in MAMMA MIA! on TourJanuary 23, 2017MAMMA MIA has been entertaining audiences all over the world and has audiences on their feet singing and dancing to the inspiring music of ABBA. As the Farewell Tour winds down, Broadway World was able to catch up with Cashelle Butler who is playing the role or Tanya. She shares her joy in this exciting role and how she is enjoying the life she always dreamed about.
BWW Interview: Aaron DeJesus as Frankie Valli in THE JERSEY BOYSDecember 5, 2016The JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as they made their way to the top. Their music played on as their personal lives fell apart. While JERSEY BOYS continues to entertain audiences, Aaron DeJesus gave BWW a glimpse into his experiences in the business and taking on the role of Frankie Valli in the Second National Tour of the JERSEY BOYS.
BWW Interview: Leslie Jackson of RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA on TourNovember 23, 2016With ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA playing to sold-out audiences on their current North American Tour, it's no wonder so many have been singing the praises of the fantastic cast who is working hard to entertain. As the tour continues, it will soon be making a stop in Austin, Texas to thrill theater goers at Bass Concert Hall. Leslie Jackson currently plays the role of Marie and is excited to return to the state of Texas where she was raised to perform in this iconic musical that has been loved by so many. BWW caught up with Leslie as she continues to enjoy the part and share her talents with so many.
BWW Review: THE ILLUSIONISTSNovember 3, 2016While THE ILLUSIONISTS consists of seven world class magicians, it is anything but mundane. It has shattered box-office records while entertaining millions. Originally intended to be a short-run production, THE ILLUSIONISTS have performed for mesmerized audiences around the world.
BWW Interviews: Kevin James of THE ILLUSIONISTS on TourOctober 27, 2016Magic is something that entertains millions of people all over the world. There are no language barriers nor issues with interpreting the art. It's just an opportunity to be entertained by talented magicians for an unforgettable two hours. THE ILLUSIONISTS started out as a three-week engagement at Australia's famed Sydney Opera House. Five years later, it tours all over and plays to sold-out audiences wherever they go. Kevin James is one of the original magicians and gave BWW a glimpse into the world of making magic.
BWW Interviews: Andrea Goss of Roundabout Theatre Company's Production of CABARETOctober 20, 2016CABARET is a classic musical with a cast of characters that can only be explained by seeing the show firsthand. Originally based on the story by the Christopher Isherwood novel, Goodbye to Berlin, CABARET'S music is written by the multi-talented team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. As part of the 50th Anniversary Season, the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of CABARET is traveling North America. Andrea Goss currently plays the role of Sally Bowles and she shared with BWW her life experiences and how she prepared to play the role.
BWW Interviews: Andy Richardson from NEWSIES ON TOURSeptember 23, 2016NEWSIES has entertained audiences all over North America as the tour visited many cities. As this current tour wraps up in Austin, Texas, BWW had a chance to visit with San Antonio, Texas native Andy Richardson who plays Crutchie.
BWW Interviews: Ben Davis from THE SOUND OF MUSIC ON TOURSeptember 12, 2016As THE SOUND OF MUSIC made its way into the hearts of many all over the world, Rogers and Hammerstein's songs have made a lasting impression on many. As THE SOUND OF MUSIC tours around North America, BWW caught up with Ben Davis as they prepared to open in San Antonio, Texas.
BWW Interview: Alison J. Murphy and Mark Edward Lang in LUNT AND FONTANNE 'THE CELESTIALS OF BROADWAY'July 21, 2016As the characters Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, Mark Edward Lang and Alison J. Murphy seem to be a perfect fit in the play about the famous Broadway actors. Lang and Murphy are married in real life and have been performing together for many years. Recently visiting San Antonio, Texas, BWW had a chance to sit down and chat with them about their roles and about the show LUNT AND FONTANNE 'THE CELESTIALS OF BROADWAY.'