Review: DREAMGIRLS at New Theatre & Restaurant
The point of musical theater (for most people) is pure entertainment, and the New Theatre & Restaurant original production of 1981’s DREAMGIRLS hits the bullseye. DREAMGIRLS is directed by Jerry Jay Cranford and stars a comparatively large, twenty-one member cast backed by an eight-piece orchestra. Cranford has assembled a cast of Broadway belters and fine dancers to tell the tale of a Supremes-like black female singing trio around 1960 and in the decade to follow.
The show is flashy and impeccably costumed. The set, while relatively simple, is technically superior. LED screens are used across the background to simulate locations. Not much was spared when the producer was asked to fund this production. Choreography by Courtney German is frenetic, well drilled, and perfectly appropriate for this genre. The musical score is spectacular by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen. Several numbers (including the title track) became number one hits outside the show.
Jawan M. Jackson and Amber Wright Welcome New Baby Boy
BroadwayWorld congratulates Jawan M. Jackson and Amber Wright on the birth of their new baby! Jackson, who last appeared on Broadway in Ain't Too Proud, took to Instagram to share the news. Brayden Kingslee Jackson was born on April 17 at 12:43pm.
LOVE ACTUALLY? THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY All-Chicago Cast Announced
Right Angle Entertainment announces the all-Chicago cast of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody. The Chicago production of the off-Broadway hit is a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually. The musical is written by Bob and Tobly McSmith, creators of the smash hits The Office! A Musical Parody and Friends! The Musical Parody, with music and orchestration by Basil Winterbottom.
JB Smoove To Host Boys & Girls Clubs Of America Pacific Youth Of The Year Gala
Boys & Girls Clubs of America will honor Club members and Club alum and announce the 2018 Pacific Youth of the Year at their annual Youth of the Year Gala on July 12, 2018 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. The evening will feature a special performance by Aliyah Moulden, The Voice Season 12 finalist, from Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra. Andrew Tennenbaum, President at Flashpoint Entertainment, and Dean A. Spanos, Controlling Owner and Chairman of the Board, Los Angeles Chargers, will chair this annual event which has been held in Los Angeles for more than 28 years. Actor/Comedian and Boys & Girls Club Alumnus JB Smoove will emcee the program.
Brelby Studio Series Presents SPACE JUNK
Brelby's Studio Series presents 'stripped down' productions of brand new original plays that are either Arizona or World Premieres. Brelby is committed to supporting and cultivating up and coming playwrights and directors, because we believe that they are the future of theatre.
BWW Review: Outstanding PETER AND THE STARCATCHER at Brelby Theatre Company
Now and then, but not often, a theatregoer experiences theatre that is THEATRE. Not theatre that tries to be film or television, but theatre that has the audacity to be theatrical. Theatre wherein the actor looks the witness in the eye and says, 'I know you know I'm an actor, and I know you're sitting there experiencing this with me. I know you see the lights and the seams in the muslin walls and the painted wood grain on the scenery. And I feel your heartbeat, and we're all breathing this air together.'
Brelby's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Takes Glendale by Storm Today
About his (and Ridley Pearson's) prequel to Peter Pan, writer/humorist Dave Barry said, 'When you write for adults, unless you happen to write some kind of transcendent classic, it's pretty much forgotten within a few months. But kids read a book, and tell their friends, and tell their brothers and their sisters, and they read it again. There's a lot longer shelf life.'