Melissa Heckscher

Cirque du Soleil has two weeks left at its temporary home under the Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier. Before it heads out of town, we got the behind-the-scenes scoop about one of the show's biggest acts.

BroadwayWorld talks with Nicholas Hambruch about playing Shrek on tour—including how he got into theater, how he got the part of Shrek (even without knowing the Scottish accent)—and about that time his pants split down the middle live on stage.  

In the end, the show is all about seduction, and it has all the dark, gritty sex appeal of a dingy French Quarter speakeasy. That is to say: It’s got the sultry rhythm and blues to sweep you into the fun even if you don’t know exactly why you’re there.

It’s been 17 years since Ben Decter started writing a musical about his daughter, Addie’s, battle with childhood epilepsy and how it has changed his family. Now, after numerous rewrites, readings, workshops, and emotional rehearsals, the show is finally making its stage debut.

While the show’s darker ending may leave younger audiences a bit shell-shocked, there’s no denying the infectious energy of this production. The songs, the performances, and the fun all come together in a show that will have you humming 'Bop sh-bop' long after the final curtain.

Anyone who has kids — or knows anyone with kids — will want to check out the upcoming workshop production of a new comedy, Parents In Chains, written by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jay Martel and directed by Andy Fickman (Heathers The Musical, Reefer Madness) and starring Jason Alexander, Kristen Bell, Yvette Nicole Brown and others. 

BroadwayWorld talks to Broadway veteran Catherine Brunell on how joining the already-established cast & crew of Mrs. Doubtfire was like “crashing a family Christmas party,” and how performing in Mrs. Doubtfire brings her to tears every night. 

BroadwayWorld talks with House of Spirits creators Justin and Melissa Meyer about what it takes to throw their annual immersive event, a 'haunted' cocktail mixer at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale.

Today's new incarnation of Ringling Bros famed Barnum & Bailey Circus has no ringmaster, no animals, and no clowns. Consequently, circus-goers may not know what to expect when they buy their popcorn and sit down to watch the show, which runs in Orange County August 16-18 and in LA August 23-25. 

Eight-year-old Camden Kwok and 12-year-old William Foon never want to grow up. At least, not while they're starring in the national touring production of PETER PAN, as Michael and John. So what's it like being a kid on tour? BroadwayWorld took some time out of the young actors' busy schedules to find out.

An interview with LA’s infamous drag queen 'Clair Voyance,' who will be performing with her fellow “Broadway Divas”— along with a full dance ensemble — for the fifth installment of the popular Broadway Divas Drag Brunch at the Segerstrom Center for the Art’s Samueli Theater Aug. 18.  

The 90-minute 'My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical, playing at the Irvine Theater Company through August 10, pokes fun at the rom-com genre’s formulaic “Love always wins” conventions while fully embracing its tropes.

5-Star-Theatrical’s gorgeous and faithful production of Sound of Music, playing through July 28 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, delivers the classic show that we know and love — no more, no less — with stellar performances, stunning sets, and an energetic cast that will keep even the smallest audience members entertained. 

A dark, musical retelling of the classic damsel-in-distress fairy tale, Cinderella's Castle—which was funded by Kickstarter after a massive buzz online—features an original 80s-esque 'synth-pop' soundtrack, elaborate puppetry, and a cast of 10.  

While it’s true that the story lacks the emotional punch of Broadway faves like Dear Evan Hansen or Les Miserables—or the catchy pop hits of Tony winners like Hamilton or Moulin Rouge—Encore Theatre Group's production of Addams Family is simple and digestible fun.

Ticket holders expecting the sprawling 360-degree LED screens of viral exhibitions like the Van Gogh or Monet 'Immersive Experiences' should know: This is not that. What it is, however, is a gorgeously produced play that fans of Frida Kahlo—the Mexican painter known for her brilliantly colored self-portraits and tumultuous relationship with muralist Diego Rivera—will appreciate.

Katerina McCrimmon talks to BroadwayWorld about the rigorous demands of playing Fanny, what it’s like to work with the iconic Melissa Manchester, and how her high school boyfriend’s mom predicted she would land the role someday. 

Nocturne Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast hits all the right notes. Fans of the original story will be delighted with the stellar performances of their favorite songs, while fans of Meyer2Meyer’s macabre touch will relish the costumes and the overall ambiance of the Nocturne Theatre itself

BroadwayWorld talks with Marcus M. Martin about what it's like playing 'Genie' eight shows a week in Aladdin, how he got here (including running on a treadmill while singing 'Friend Like Me' to get in shape for the part), and what's next for the new touring Broadway star. 

Magic Castle Live on Stage, May 18 at the United Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, is the first public show put on by Hollywood's Academy of Magical Arts. But good luck getting a ticket for the sold-out show.