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Paul Batterson - Page 17

Paul Batterson

Since 2013, Paul Batterson has had a secret life: being a volunteer writer for BroadwayWorld. During this time, he has had the pleasure to see some of the best plays, musicals, and concerts, interview some of his personal heroes (Joe Walsh, Steven Page, and Ben Folds) and industry leaders (Andrew Lippa and Nathan Tysen) and watching Columbus theatre scene grow and grow. Batterson graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and from Capital University with a teaching license. He has been married to his lovely wife Nancy for over three decades and has two grown children in Alicia Millerson, an actress in Denver, and Grant Batterson, who is heading to grad school in England.




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First Show:

Marmalade Gumdrops

Favorite Show:

I think EVITA is one of my favorite shows. It is great story telling about an event I knew nothing about and it changed my thinking of what a Broadway show could be.

Favorite Stories:

  • Henry Winkler - As a child growing up in the 70s, a person couldn't get any cooler than the Fonz. Getting a chance to meet Henry Winkler and hear tell the stories of his life journey was amazing.
  • Waiting in line half the adventure for Walsh fans - How many times do you get a chance to meet one of your heroes? It was so interesting to spend three or so hours with fans waiting to meet Joe Walsh at a record signing in his home town of Columbus, Ohio.
  • Squeeze’s Difford ready to test road waters in band’s NomadBand tour - Chris Difford pens some of the most poetic, thoughtful lyrics out there. It was interesting to sit down with him (via the miracle of Zoom) and see how he does it.
  • DEAR EVAN, Thanks For Everything. Sincerely, Columbus. - I truly enjoyed DEAR EVAN HANSEN because of the way it took the audience on a journey through despair to hope. It tackles some of the big issues of today (teenage suicide and social media) in a way that didn't sound preachy or like an afterschool special.
  • TOXIC AVENGER Earns a Glowing Review - You have to love a show whose opening line is a warning: The story we're about to tell you is so disturbing, we've stationed a registered nurse outside in the lobby. She is armed with a tranquilizer dart gun for those needing sedation. She also has Xanax and Vicodin she got off the internet."


BWW Reviews: DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME Spreads Spotlight Equally
BWW Reviews: DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME Spreads Spotlight Equally
July 29, 2013

Nearly every person has experienced a bad date. But judging by the number of tales of woe shared July 27 at the Wall Street Nightclub, the cast of DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME has had experienced, and created, more than their fair share.

BWW Reviews: Black Crowes Pick Up Right Where They Left Off at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
BWW Reviews: Black Crowes Pick Up Right Where They Left Off at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
July 25, 2013

Embarking on their first tour in two years, the Black Crowes showed no signs of rust as they stomped through a 14-song set July 24 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. Fueled by vocalist Chris Robinson and his brother Rich on guitar, the band provided the audience with hits like 'Thick-N-Thin,' 'Jealous Again,' and 'She Talks to Angels.' The Tedeschi Trucks, led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, were the opening act. The Crowes will continue their 'Lay Down With Number 13' tour through December with their last announced stop being Dec. 14 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.

BWW Reviews: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Leaves Audience Hungry For More
BWW Reviews: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Leaves Audience Hungry For More
July 13, 2013

The Otterbein University Theater Department's decision to use a black box theater arraignment for its summer lineup gave its season finale, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, its own set of advantages and one major disadvantage.

BWW Interviews: Devil is in the Details of Otterbein's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
BWW Interviews: Devil is in the Details of Otterbein's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
July 9, 2013

The Devil has undergone many facelifts in pop culture. He's been a slick salesman (Mr. Applegate in DAMN YANKEES), a sleazy lawyer (John Milton in THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE) and even a sexy female (BEDAZZLED).

Photo Flash: Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster on the 'Last Summer on Earth' Tour
Photo Flash: Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster on the 'Last Summer on Earth' Tour
July 8, 2013

The Last Summer on Earth tour, featuring the Barenaked Ladies, the Ben Folds Five and Guster, rolled into Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on July 5 in Columbus, Ohio. Check out the photos from the concert below!

BWW Reviews: Last Summer on Earth Tour Hits All the Right Notes
July 7, 2013

It's always a tricky thing trying to find the right combination of two big-name bands to tour with each other. Finding four bands to fit together as a package is next to impossible. The Last Summer on Earth tour, which rolled into Columbus on July 5, struck that rare balance with the combination of Boothby Graffoe, Guster, the Ben Folds Five and the Barenaked Ladies.

BWW Interviews: New Players Theater's Contrasting Plays TAMING OF THE SHREW and HENRY IV, PART ONE
BWW Interviews: New Players Theater's Contrasting Plays TAMING OF THE SHREW and HENRY IV, PART ONE
July 8, 2013

Among its many assets, Columbus, Ohio has an abundance of college students, research facilities, and, according to Kate Tull, Shakespearean actors.

BWW Interviews: Sam Ray and Sean Murphy of Otterbein's BOEING, BOEING
BWW Interviews: Sam Ray and Sean Murphy of Otterbein's BOEING, BOEING
June 7, 2013

If Sean Murphy comes off the stage after his performance in the Otterbein University production of the comedy BOEING, BOEING and doesn't need a shower, then the senior didn't do his job.

BWW Reviews: Weathervane Rolls Winner on GUYS AND DOLLS
BWW Reviews: Weathervane Rolls Winner on GUYS AND DOLLS
June 2, 2013

Part of the challenge of presenting a classic musical like GUYS AND DOLLS is trying to keep something that everyone is familiar with coming across like a stale piece of bread. Since its Broadway premiere in 1950, nearly every high school drama department and community theater has taken the shot at the Frank Loesser-penned musical for nearly six decades. 'Luck Be A Lady' has become a calling card for Las Vegas and many artists including duets by Frank Sinatra and Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Dee Snider and Clay Aiken have tried their hand at the song.

BWW Reviews: WHIPPING MAN Leaves its Mark
BWW Reviews: WHIPPING MAN Leaves its Mark
May 6, 2013

Gallery Players and the New Players Theatre team up to present a gripping Civil War drama

BWW Reviews: Otterbein Production of HOW TO SUCCEED Succeeds
BWW Reviews: Otterbein Production of HOW TO SUCCEED Succeeds
May 3, 2013

Donica and Tinder head up talented cast of memorable characters in lively show in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

BWW Reviews: X Marks the Spot for Twenty One Pilots Return to Columbus
BWW Reviews: X Marks the Spot for Twenty One Pilots Return to Columbus
April 28, 2013

Local boys Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun enthrall a sold-out concert at Lifestyles Community Pavilion

BWW Interviews: Otterbein University's HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING Is a Tall Order
BWW Interviews: Otterbein University's HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING Is a Tall Order
April 7, 2013

Jordan Donica makes the most of a rare opportunity as a lead in musical

BWW Interviews: Meg Chamberlain and Brent Ries Prepare for Unusual VISIT to Ohio State
BWW Interviews: Meg Chamberlain and Brent Ries Prepare for Unusual VISIT to Ohio State
February 25, 2013

Meg Chamberlain and Brent Ries tackle Durrenmatt's tragicomedy at Thurber Theatre

BWW Reviews: THE WHO: A 'Dinosaur' That Still Packs a Bite
BWW Reviews: THE WHO: A 'Dinosaur' That Still Packs a Bite
February 19, 2013

Although Townshend and Daltrey are now in their late 60s, the Quadrophenia tour shows the Who are just as powerful and relevant as they were in 40 years ago.

BWW Interviews: Sam Ray of Otterbein's AFTER THE FALL - Talks Challenges, Stamina of Cast and More
BWW Interviews: Sam Ray of Otterbein's AFTER THE FALL - Talks Challenges, Stamina of Cast and More
February 8, 2013

Otterbein University will present Arthur Miller's AFTER THE FALL on March 7-10 and March 14-16 at the Fritsche Theatre on 30 S. Grove Street in Westerville. The play presents a rare glimpse into the mind of the playwright and his failed marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe.






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