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Review: WAITRESS at Playhouse On The Square

Musical theatre is known for showcasing the extraordinary. From GYPSY to MOULIN ROUGE to an ogre named SHREK, the most unusual protagonists imaginable are what are on display. Phantoms, witches, cats and even puppets (AVENUE Q) are what audiences have come to expect. Musicals are built for “transportation.”
THE PROM Comes to Playhouse on the Square

Playhouse on the Square, in partnership with Circuit Playhouse, Inc. Super Sponsor Dr. Thomas Ratliff and Playhouse on the Square Season Sponsor Dorothy O. Kirsch, presents The Prom.
JERSEY BOYS Comes to Playhouse on the Square in June

Oh, what a night! The Broadway smash hit, chronicling the rise and eventual breakup of the legendary doo-wop group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, makes its Regional Premiere in the Bluff City! Featuring chart-toppers like “Sherry,” “Beggin,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man.” Jersey Boys is an exciting walk down memory lane of the Golden Era of American Music.
Theatre Memphis Announces Winners of The 38th Annual Ostrander Awards

The 38th annual Ostrander Awards, spotlighting excellence in theater in Memphis, was a night that Theatre Memphis could truly celebrate.
A Family Favorite Returns for Playhouse on the Square's Holiday Series

Playhouse on the Square, in partnership with super sponsor, Dr. Thomas Ratliff, welcome everyone's favorite, precocious First Grader to The Circuit Playhouse in the musical version of the hit children's book series.
Photo Flash: New Shots from INTO THE WOODS at Theatre Memphis

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS runs now through April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after. BroadwayWorld has a fresh set of production photos below!
Photo Flash: First Look at INTO THE WOODS, Opening This Week at Theatre Memphis

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS will open March 11 and run until April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after. Scroll down for a first look at the cast onstage!
Photo Flash: First Look at INTO THE WOODS, Opening This Week at Theatre Memphis

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS will open March 11 and run until April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after. Scroll down for a first look at the cast onstage!
Theatre Memphis to Present INTO THE WOODS

Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods will open March 11 and run until April 3, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. This storybook fantasy is a musical journey with an original story based on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. A childless baker and his wife set out on a mission to begin a family but must break a Witch's curse. Their travels bring them to interact with characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and more. The show is a delightful romp with a dose of reality thrown in the mix that makes one question happily ever after.
AMERICAN IDIOT Set for Playhouse on the Square

Playhouse on the Square is proud to present the regional premiere of Green Day's American Idiot! American Idiot follows the exhilarating journey of a new generation of young Americans, lead by friends Johnny, Tunny and Will, as they struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world, borne along by Green Day's electrifying score. When the three disgruntled men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, their paths are quickly estranged when Tunney enters the armed forces, Michael is called back home to attend familial responsibilities, and Johnny's attention becomes divided by a seductive love interest and a hazardous new friendship. This high-octane show includes every song from Green Day's album American Idiot, as well as several songs from follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown.
The Circuit Playhouse's CARRIE Begins in October

Carrie White doesn't fit in. At school, the popular students torture her; at home, her religiously fanatical mother terrorizes her. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Based on the best selling novel, Carrie the Musical spins an epic tale of torment and revenge.
Playhouse on the Square to Present CARRIE THE MUSICAL

Carrie White doesn't fit in. At school, the popular students torture her; at home, her religiously fanatical mother terrorizes her. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Based on the best selling novel, Carrie the Musical spins an epic tale of torment and revenge.
Playhouse on the Square's PETER PAN Begins Tonight

The boy who won't grow up is flying back to the Memphis stage! Wendy, John, and Michael Darling's world is turned upside down when Peter Pan swoops into their nursery. He leads them to Neverland where they encounter the cunning and evil Captain Hook, villainous pirates, a crafty crocodile, and the sprightly fairy Tinker Bell. Featuring classic songs such as 'I Gotta Crow,' 'Neverland,' and 'I'm Flying,' Peter Pan promises to touch, inspire, dazzle, and charm all generations.
Playhouse on the Square to Present PETER PAN, Begin. 11/21

The boy who won't grow up is flying back to the Memphis stage! Wendy, John, and Michael Darling's world is turned upside down when Peter Pan swoops into their nursery. He leads them to Neverland where they encounter the cunning and evil Captain Hook, villainous pirates, a crafty crocodile, and the sprightly fairy Tinker Bell. Featuring classic songs such as 'I Gotta Crow,' 'Neverland,' and 'I'm Flying,' Peter Pan promises to touch, inspire, dazzle, and charm all generations.
BWW Reviews: Circuit Playhouse Remembers THE FANTASTICKS

Just a few weeks ago I was dodging a falling chandelier at the Orpheum's staging of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; at the 'Phantom Event' held prior to the play, I was reminded of all the physical (as well as fiscal) requirements for properly staging this production. I kept thinking, 'How many small, financially strapped towns would breathe a sigh of relief if the proceeds from such a production were to come their way?' Well, that's one extreme of theatre. Tonight I was exposed to the opposite; Circuit Playhouse's production of Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones' allegorical THE FANTASTICKS reminded me of Thornton Wilder's minimalism in the staging of OUR TOWN. If musicals like PHANTOM and LES MISERABLES are the 'central air' of theatre, THE FANTASTICKS is rather like a quaint little oscillating fan. Yet, its breeze can be refreshing.
Playhouse on the Square Presents HAIRSPRAY, Now thru 7/13

It's 1962, the '50s are out, and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, 'The Corny Collins Show' and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!
Playhouse on the Square to Present HAIRSPRAY, 6/20-7/13

It's 1962, the '50s are out, and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, 'The Corny Collins Show' and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!
Playhouse on the Square Presents THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Now thru 3/30

During World War II, the gifted young Jewish girl chronicles her rapidly changing life as she and 7 others hide in an attic to avoid the terrors of Nazi rule. This transcendently powerful adaptation by Wendy Kesselman tells a deeper story by incorporating Holocaust survivor accounts and newly discovered writings from Anne Frank's diary.
Playhouse on the Square to Present THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, 3/14-30

During World War II, the gifted young Jewish girl chronicles her rapidly changing life as she and 7 others hide in an attic to avoid the terrors of Nazi rule. This transcendently powerful adaptation by Wendy Kesselman tells a deeper story by incorporating Holocaust survivor accounts and newly discovered writings from Anne Frank's diary.

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