Morgan Karr

Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project Returns to Northwestern

The Johnny Mercer Foundation (JMF) and the American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) at Northwestern University will present the 11th Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project. The weeklong songwriting workshop for emerging songwriters and writing teams will take place from June 19 through 25, on Northwestern's Evanston campus. 

Transcendence Theatre Company's BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS Kicks Off Tonight

Transcendence Theatre Company, producer of the Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Historic Park concert series, announced the company of artists who will appear during the 2015 series of shows running tonight, June 19 through September 13. From June through September on select weekends, visitors to Sonoma County can conclude a day of wine tasting by attending Broadway Under the Stars, the main stage musical concert series presented by Transcendence Theatre Company in the open-air Winery Ruins of Jack London State Historic Park.

Transcendence Theatre Company's BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS Kicks Off 6/19; Lineup Set!

Transcendence Theatre Company, producer of the Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Historic Park concert series, announced the company of artists who will appear during the 2015 series of shows running June 19 through September 13. From June through September on select weekends, visitors to Sonoma County can conclude a day of wine tasting by attending Broadway Under the Stars, the main stage musical concert series presented by Transcendence Theatre Company in the open-air Winery Ruins of Jack London State Historic Park.

Goodspeed's New Musical THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY Begins Tonight

Goodspeed Musicals continues its commitment to innovative, original new works with the engaging musical The Theory of Relativity. Populating the world of The Theory of Relativity is a fresh-faced cast of talented and passionate actors who will bring an inspiring level of truth and energy to the musical. This dynamic musical from the writers of The Story of My Life will run from tonight, May 7, through May 31 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn.

Goodspeed's New Musical THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY Begins Tomorrow

Goodspeed Musicals continues its commitment to innovative, original new works with the engaging musical The Theory of Relativity. Populating the world of The Theory of Relativity is a fresh-faced cast of talented and passionate actors who will bring an inspiring level of truth and energy to the musical. This dynamic musical from the writers of The Story of My Life will run from tomorrow, May 7, through May 31 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn.

Jennifer Apple, Robert Ariza, Jane Bruce, Victoria Cook and More to Star in Goodspeed's THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY This May

Goodspeed Musicals continues its commitment to innovative, original new works with the engaging musical The Theory of Relativity. Populating the world of The Theory of Relativity is a fresh-faced cast of talented and passionate actors who will bring an inspiring level of truth and energy to the musical. This dynamic musical from the writers of The Story of My Life will run from May 7 through 31 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn. Supporting sponsors will be Sheridan College and April 30th Entertainment.

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - Gala Celebration Week

As usual, this past week with the Transcendence Theatre Company has been yet another vivaciously exuberant one. Once again, we connected with tremendous sold out and full of life, audiences...but our final performance of "Music of the Night" was unlike any performance I've ever been a part of. Here in Sonoma, California, we had an intense earthquake (6.2 rating) at 3:23 A.M. on August 24th (the early morning of that show).This was the first earthquake I've ever experienced and it truly shook me to the core. In fact, I've never been so deeply terrified in my twenty some years of life. Our entire house was rocking back and forth, paintings were falling off the walls, large bookshelves were tipping over and of course the power went out. The only light I could see came from the terrifying explosions of electrical boxes bursting outside my bedroom windows. I could feel my heart racing and literally thumping out of my chest. The earthquake only lasted about 45 seconds but felt like 45 hours to me. In that short amount of time, I actually saw my entire life flash before me. In tears, I sat trembling and adrenalized, clutching my dog child, Pearl and boyfriend Stephan Stubbins and I realized how we cannot take a single moment on this Earth for granted. Life is so precious.

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - WITNESS UGANDA and Community Events

Along with the wonderful Broadway Under the Stars concerts that we have at TTC, we also had a tremendous week of other special events including our third Guest Artist concert, Inspiration Initiative Day and our final Skits Under the Stars night. All of these events happened on our days off from the Music of the Night concerts and I feel tremendously inspired by it all. Looking at my calendar this past week made me slightly nervous that I wouldn't have enough time to fit everything in but actually it was all accomplished and enjoyed at the same time. For me, this was an excellent reminder that we are all capable of taking on SO much more than our minds might normally think. There is not a single second to waste with all of life's beauty at our fingertips. That's truly how every delicious day is at TTC. Satisfyingly full.

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - Music of the Night

After Ben Vereen's legendary show here at Transcendence Theatre Company, we TTC artists are continuously reflecting on the cherished wisdom and inspiration that Ben has left deeply rooted into our hearts. One moment in particular that I continue to think about is when I asked Ben if he was excited for his show and he replied with a gigantic grin and both hands in the air, 'I wake up excited! Everyday!' I also surrendered my hands into the air and said 'Me too!' And then I realized that I was standing outside a vineyard of grapes, giggling with Ben Vereen about how we must live each day to the fullest... Later he also shared with our company, 'Don't knock em' dead. They're already dead, knock em' into life!' Those epic words will stick with me forever. Basically, when I grow up, I want to be like Ben Vereen!

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - Another Openin, Another Show

Another Openin, another show….or another 6 shows, rather!

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - More Fantastical Family Night

'I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.' - Jack London

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - Fantastical Family Night

As Transcendence Theatre Company prepares to open "Fantastical Family Night" of the Broadway Under the Stars concert series, I wanted to let you in on some of the fun that we've been having. Along with leading an incredibly special Broadway Kids Camp that was more inspiring than I could ever have imagined (see previous blog), I've loved every second of making magic with this uniquely amazing group of TTC artists.

BWW Blog: Libby Servais of Transcendence Theatre Company's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - Broadway Kids Camp

Broadway kids camp is well under way with Transcendence Theatre Company. The campers are an inspiring bunch of kids (ages 8-18) that are creating absolute magic together. Watching them discover and fly with their own artistic freedom is really special. They've been rehearsing choreography and music that they'll be performing with the adult TTC artist's this weekend in "Fantastical Family Night" of TTC's Broadway Under The Stars series. To start each day of camp we all gather and hold hands in a gigantic circle. One of our TTC artists leads us in a group activity to make sure everyone is aligned and ready for the day!

Transcendence Theatre Company to Present Carrie Manolakos & Morgan Karr in Concert, 8/1-2

The Transcendence Theatre Company will present Carrie Manolakos and Morgan Karr in concert at Landmark Vineyards as the second offering from the Transcendence Artist Series on August 1st and 2nd.

Broadway in South Africa Holds Final Program with Chicago Children's Choir this Month

Since 2009, Broadway South Africa has conducted empowerment through the arts programming in disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa. The organization has raised close to $500,000, helping to improve the lives and future's of student's dramatically affected by poverty, violence, abuse, and HIV/AIDS.

2014 Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project Set for 6/22-28 in Evanston

The Johnny Mercer Foundation and the American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) at Northwestern University will present the 9th Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project. The weeklong songwriting workshop for emerging songwriters and writing teams will take place from June 22 through 28, on Northwestern's Evanston campus.

Alex Newell, Morgan Karr, Lindsay Pearce & More to Sing Joey Contreras at Rockwell: Table & Stage on 2/10

After multiple sold out shows in NY, musical pop songwriter Joey Contreras takes on L.A. for his West Coast concert debut on February 10th. Billed as Joey Contreras and Friends, the Rockwell: Table and Stage concert will feature songs from his ?rst album, Love Me, Love Me Not as well as offer a sneak peak of his upcoming record, Young Kind of Love. Audiences of all ages will be able to relate to the stories and adventures of Joey's emotionally-driven and musically infectious tunes.

TV Exclusive: BREAKING DOWN THE RIFFS w/ Natalie Weiss- I Got Trouble

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest, most comprehensive theatre site on the net, recently announced the newest addition to its line-up of original, engaging, star-filled TV programs- YouTube sensation and Broadway vet Natalie Weiss with her hit series that's sure to entertain - BREAKING DOWN THE RIFFS. We are excited to exclusively bring you the latest episode, in which Natalie breaks down the riffs of Christina Aguilera with Morgan Karr. Check out the full episode below!

My Top 20 Songs of 2013

In 2013, I turned 28, which apparently is one of several years at the end of your 20s where basically your life hits the fan and sudden changes surround you. I looked around, and everyone else seemed so happy. Then, I breathed and realized that I have plenty to be happy about. In 2013 I became BroadwayWorld.com's official theatre recording critic and have been exposed to some incredible albums since accepting that title. Some I have loved; others I have not. Regardless of my feelings towards the albums themselves, these are the top 20 songs from 2013 I simply cannot get out of my mind.

Photo Coverage: Jason Robert Brown Returns to 54 Below!

Tony winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last 5 Years, 13, Songs for a New World) returns to 54 Below after last year's sold-out engagement to perform tunes both new and old, hilarious and poignant, caustic and inspiring from his diverse & prolific catalogue. The event features his band, The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, and cast members from Honeymoon In Vegas (premiering this fall at Paper Mill Playhouse), The Bridges of Madison County (opening on Broadway in February) and the winners of the online JRB Karaoke Competition. Check out photos from the concert below!