Kyle Christopher West - Page 3

Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. Book by Peter Duchan. Based on the Warner Bros. film and screenplay by Bob Comfort. Directed by Lon Barrera. It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

Scrolling through the nearly 900 musical theatre albums in my iTunes library, it's easy to confirm that Broadway seldom features banjo-led scores, although rare exceptions on and off-Broadway might include MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, THE SPITFIRE GRILL and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM. And although Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's 2016 sleeper-hit musical BRIGHT STAR hardly lasted more than 100 performances, the charming musical lives on, sweeping audiences off their feet through its first national tour, currently onstage at Winspear Opera House.

Composer and prodigy Jason Robert Brown made his mark in the theatre world with his debut song cycle, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, which played Off-Broadway in 1995 and continues to be produced by/for theatre enthusiasts. And, although he's since had a handful of celebrated, yet unsuccessful Broadway attempts (THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, 13, HONEYMOON IN VEGAS), it's his two-person musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS that is most often seen onstage across the globe. But does the small show survive when stripped of its intimate nature, as in the production currently playing at WaterTower Theatre? The tough answer is both yes and no.

Following the success of their debut concert, Beautiful, Anessa Marie and Danny Bristoll, along side several members of the New York theatre and jazz communities are proud to return to the Green Room 42 with an adapted version, A Glimpse of the Rainbow! Directed and produced by Anessa Marie and Danny Bristoll, A Glimpse of the Rainbow celebrates the values of identity, love, and life through the eyes and heart of a trans woman in today's society. Adapted from its original concert version, A Glimpse of the Rainbow will be performed from the vantage point of one woman, while incorporating the many characters who have influenced her journey towards truth and self-identity.

If it's Friday night, the lights are low, and you're looking out for a place to go, catching a musical at Casa Manana is generally a pretty solid option. In all honesty, there are few US theatre companies who can compete with their ability to bring Broadway-caliber entertainment to a regional stage. And although MAMMA MIA is not full of deep meaning, the jukebox hit still is able to scratch your Broadway itch.

It was exactly three years ago that I first spoke with Audrey Cardwell. At that time, she was in the ensemble of CINDERELLA on tour, often stepping in for the title character opposite her boyfriend, Andy Huntington Jones (who later starred in CATS on Broadway). Since then, her life has continued to play out like the fairytale she performed, now bringing her back into town as the leading lady of the new Broadway musical, BRIGHT STAR.

The Wells Fargo Wagon is a-coming down the street and, from July 25th-August 19th, it'll be parked onstage of Farmers Branch's The Firehouse Theatre in their upcoming production of THE MUSIC MAN. Directed by Bruce Coleman, with music direction by Bryce Biffle and choreography by Bethany Lortenzen, the classic musical is sure to be a hot ticket.

Each year, students from across the country participate in the Junior Theatre Festival, known as the "world's largest celebration of young people and musical theatre." Bringing together students, teachers, and Broadway professionals under one roof, the Junior Theatre Festival hosts both East Coast and West Coast activities over an annual three-day-span in January and February.

Marking the musical debut of Dallas' hottest new theatre company, Imprint Theatreworks' MURDER BALLAD opened last weekend in an intimate, in-your-face presentation. It's an edgy, racy immersive rock show, and whether or not the style matches your taste, the impressive cast is not to be missed.

Nearly two hundred years ago, a small, two-day revolution in Paris (The June Rebellion of 1832) brought together crowds of students and working-class French citizens who could no longer stay silent and were prepared to fight to the deaths over working wages and conditions. And, whether you're familiar with this story or not, there's never been a better time to 'hear the people sing' than in the exuberant revival tour of the Broadway staple, LES MISERABLES, now on stage at The Music Hall at Fair Park.

L.I.P Service's MARAT/SADE Continues through May 6th

This Summer, The Firehouse Theatre will present the famous musical fable GYPSY from May 31st-June 17th, directed by Derek Whitener, with musical direction by John Norine Jr. and choreography by Kyle Christopher West. Marilyn Setu serves as assistant director; Kim Velten will stage manage; Costume Design is by Victor Newman Brockwell.

Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of DJC Productions' RUTHLESS

A NEW BRAIN opens this weekend at OhLook Performing Arts Center with performances Friday, April 20th @ 7:30, Saturday, April 21st at 7:30, Sunday, April 22nd at 2:30, Friday, April 27th @ 7:30, Saturday, April 28th @ 7:30 and Sunday, April 29th at 2:30. 

Circle Theatre is pleased to announce the four finalists and four semi-finalists plays in the annual High School Playwriting Project.

[Click and drag to move] Singer-songwriter Anessa Marie and Danny Bristoll along with fellow members of the New York theater and jazz communities are proud to bring the music and lyrics of Anessa Marie to The Green Room 42! Directed and produced by Anessa Marie and Danny Bristoll, Beautiful: the Music and Lyrics of Anessa Marie is a celebration of identity, love, and life through the eyes and heart of a trans woman in today's society. Featuring a full jazz ensemble and music influenced by both jazz and musical theater, Anessa's unique voice offers a raw and unsung exploration of gender identity and the joys and sorrows of transitioning both physically and emotionally in America today. Featuring never before heard songs by an up-and-coming New York composer, this evening promises to speak to anyone who has juggled finding the beauty and love within themselves and the strength to be yourself unabashedly. Beautiful: The Music & Lyrics of Anessa Marie debuts Sunday, April 29, 2018, at 9:30 PM at The Green Room 42, 570 Tenth Ave (4th Floor inside YOTEL) in New York City. Tickets and more information can be found at www.anessamarie.com.

A NEW BRAIN is the energetic, sardonic, often comical musical about composer Gordon (inspired by Finn) during a medical emergency. Gordon collapses and awakes in the hospital. Fearing he will die with his greatest songs still inside of him, he begins writing the songs from his hospital bed, amidst several hallucinations featuring various people whom he has encountered. The score contains musical theatre staples 'Sailing,' 'The Music Still Plays On,' 'Change,' and 'Heart and Music.'

At first glance (or at least throughout the first act), Broadway's hit musical WAITRESS, which opened last week at the Musical Hall at Fair Park, seems to be sugar-coated and overstuffed. With its country-pop tunes and slow-but-sweet pacing, the first course lacks substance, instead offering just enough fluff to spoil your appetite. But, when the second portion is finally served, a meatier musical unfolds full of heart.

What's the best way to banish audition jitters? By being prepared and confident. Rebecca Lowrey can determine exactly what you need to show in an audition so that all you have to worry about is looking great (and fighting traffic). But first, an important distinction: A vocal coach is not the same as a voice teacher. Traditional voice lessons work best on a consistent, long-term schedule, while Rebecca's audition prep session can fit into your schedule on an as-needed basis. All experience levels are welcome.

Based on the beloved story written by Louisa May Alcott, the adventures of the four March sisters is brought to vivid musical life in Little Women, the Musical. The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters -- Meg, the oldest, a romantic, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and artistic, playful Amy -- live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield. Filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these 'Little Women' to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America. With buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that 'sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.'