Brent Wagner
Latest News on Brent Wagner:
Interview: Alexis Michelle Might Just Be the Ultimate Theatre Queen of RuPaul's Drag Race (Jul 28, 2023)
Feature: Inside THE WILD PARTY At Garden Theater (May 9, 2023)
BWW Interview: Theatre Life with Andrew Lippa (May 23, 2022)
Interview: Alexis Michelle Might Just Be the Ultimate Theatre Queen of RuPaul's Drag Race (Jul 28, 2023)
Feature: Inside THE WILD PARTY At Garden Theater (May 9, 2023)
BWW Interview: Theatre Life with Andrew Lippa (May 23, 2022)
BIO
Brent Wagner was chair of the Department of Musical Theatre for 32 years and is credited with building the department into one of the top musical theatre programs in the world. Before joining the Michigan faculty in 1984 he taught at Syracuse University. He has directed musicals and revues throughout North America, from off-Broadway in New York to the Banff Center in Alberta, Canada. He has collaborated with Sheldon Harnick on numerous projects, including a new opera at the O’Neill Theater Center, as well as the world premiere of A Wonderful Life (music by Joe Raposo), and his recent musical Dragons, both of which were staged at the University of Michigan.
Wagner is currently teaching the first-year Introduction to Musical Theatre and the upper-level History of Musical Theatre courses. He holds an Arthur Thurnau Professorship, an award for outstanding instruction at the undergraduate level. Among many responsibilities, Mr. Wagner also directed the senior showcase, presented annually in New York City.
Photos
Videos
STAGE TUBE: University of Michigan Alumni Gather to Honor Brent Wagner
by Ashlee Latimer - Aug 20, 2016
News
Interview: Alexis Michelle Might Just Be the Ultimate Theatre Queen of RuPaul's Drag Race
RuPaul's Drag Race star Alexis Michelle checked in with BroadwayWorld to chat more about her background in theatre, current Broadway inspirations, and more!
RuPaul's Drag Race star Alexis Michelle checked in with BroadwayWorld to chat more about her background in theatre, current Broadway inspirations, and more!
BWW Interview: Theatre Life with Andrew Lippa
Today’s subject Andrew Lippa is an award-winning composer/lyricist whose work spans all forms of music. On June fourth the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will present Lippa’s Unbreakable for two performances only at 3:00 and 8:00pm. The event will be performed at The Lincoln Theatre.
Today’s subject Andrew Lippa is an award-winning composer/lyricist whose work spans all forms of music. On June fourth the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will present Lippa’s Unbreakable for two performances only at 3:00 and 8:00pm. The event will be performed at The Lincoln Theatre.
Michael McElroy Named Chair of University of Michigan's Musical Theatre Program
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance has appointed acclaimed musical theater artist and educator Michael McElroy as the new chair of the school's top-ranking Department of Musical Theatre.
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance has appointed acclaimed musical theater artist and educator Michael McElroy as the new chair of the school's top-ranking Department of Musical Theatre.
Education Spotlight: MEAN GIRLS' Erika Henningsen
Education takes center stage in BroadwayWorld's new Education Spotlight education series. Next up is Erika Henningsen currently charming audiences as the fish out of African watering hole Cady Heron in Mean Girls. Find out how her education played its part in bringing her to Broadway!
Education takes center stage in BroadwayWorld's new Education Spotlight education series. Next up is Erika Henningsen currently charming audiences as the fish out of African watering hole Cady Heron in Mean Girls. Find out how her education played its part in bringing her to Broadway!
Hugh Dennis, Lesley Garrett and John Marquez To Star In THE MESSIAH At The Other Palace
Casting has been announced for The Messiah by the writer of the Olivier Award-winning West End hit The 39 Steps as Patrick Barlow's The Messiah tours the UK this Autumn, before transferring to London's The Other Palace from Monday 3rd December - Saturday 5th January 2018.
Casting has been announced for The Messiah by the writer of the Olivier Award-winning West End hit The 39 Steps as Patrick Barlow's The Messiah tours the UK this Autumn, before transferring to London's The Other Palace from Monday 3rd December - Saturday 5th January 2018.
Broadway's D'Vorah Bailey returns to The Metropolitan Room with WISHFUL THINKING
Broadway singer and actress D'Vorah Bailey returns with her solo cabaret show, Wishful Thinking, at The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
Broadway singer and actress D'Vorah Bailey returns with her solo cabaret show, Wishful Thinking, at The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
D'Vorah Bailey in WISHFUL THINKING at the Metropolitan Room
???????Broadway singer and actress D'Vorah Bailey returns with her solo cabaret show, Wishful Thinking, at The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
???????Broadway singer and actress D'Vorah Bailey returns with her solo cabaret show, Wishful Thinking, at The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
D'Vorah Bailey Stars in WISHFUL THINKING at The Metropolitan Room
Broadway singer and actress D'Vorah Bailey returns with her solo cabaret show, Wishful Thinking, at The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
Broadway singer and actress D'Vorah Bailey returns with her solo cabaret show, Wishful Thinking, at The Metropolitan Room on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
BWW Interview: Actor Etai Benson on Touring, Films and Being AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Actor Etai Benson sings and dances his way to The Hobby Center this month in Theatre Under the Stars' production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. Today, Benson joins us to talk life on the road, dole out some advice, and explain what it's like playing an American in Paris -- spoiler -- 'S Wonderful'!
Actor Etai Benson sings and dances his way to The Hobby Center this month in Theatre Under the Stars' production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. Today, Benson joins us to talk life on the road, dole out some advice, and explain what it's like playing an American in Paris -- spoiler -- 'S Wonderful'!
STAGE TUBE: University of Michigan Alumni Gather to Honor Brent Wagner
When Tony Award winners step up to the podium to give their acceptance speeches, along with parents and fellow collaborators, there is a group of people that seems to crop up in the list of 'thank yous' more than any other: educators. For most artists, they have a teacher, or professor, or mentor who they can trace back to the reason that they fell in love with the theatre in the first place. On May 16, 2016, a group of over 300 University of Michigan Alumni-led by Celia Keenan-Bolger and Gavin Creel-gathered together for a one-night-only, sold-out performance to honor the beloved long-time Musical Theatre Department Chair, Brent Wagner.
When Tony Award winners step up to the podium to give their acceptance speeches, along with parents and fellow collaborators, there is a group of people that seems to crop up in the list of 'thank yous' more than any other: educators. For most artists, they have a teacher, or professor, or mentor who they can trace back to the reason that they fell in love with the theatre in the first place. On May 16, 2016, a group of over 300 University of Michigan Alumni-led by Celia Keenan-Bolger and Gavin Creel-gathered together for a one-night-only, sold-out performance to honor the beloved long-time Musical Theatre Department Chair, Brent Wagner.
Miriam Shor, Sheldon Harnick, Jack O'Brien & More Join MAIZE & BLUE ON BROADWAY Benefit Lineup
Maize & Blue on Broadway is a one-night-only benefit concert on May 16, 2016 at 7PM at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street) to celebrate the University of Michigan and its renowned Musical Theatre Department, as well as honor its longtime chair, Brent Wagner, who is retiring in May after 32 years of being the department's heart and soul.
Maize & Blue on Broadway is a one-night-only benefit concert on May 16, 2016 at 7PM at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street) to celebrate the University of Michigan and its renowned Musical Theatre Department, as well as honor its longtime chair, Brent Wagner, who is retiring in May after 32 years of being the department's heart and soul.
Gavin Creel, Hunter Foster, Celia Keenan-Bolger Will Celebrate University of Michigan in MAIZE & BLUE ON BROADWAY
Maize & Blue on Broadway is a one-night-only benefit concert on May 16, 2016 at 7PM at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street) to celebrate the University of Michigan and its renowned Musical Theatre Department, as well as honor its longtime chair, Brent Wagner, who is retiring in May after 32 years of being the department's heart and soul.
Maize & Blue on Broadway is a one-night-only benefit concert on May 16, 2016 at 7PM at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street) to celebrate the University of Michigan and its renowned Musical Theatre Department, as well as honor its longtime chair, Brent Wagner, who is retiring in May after 32 years of being the department's heart and soul.
BWW Interviews: Andy Huntington Jones Talks Romance, Broadway, And What It's Like To Be The Prince
BWW Interviews: Andy Huntington Jones Shares What It's Like To Be The Prince In CINDERELLA
BWW Interviews: Andy Huntington Jones Shares What It's Like To Be The Prince In CINDERELLA
Photo Flash: Laura Osnes Joins Daniel Reichard in Concert at Birdland
The Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud to host the return of Broadway and concert star Daniel Reichard, who returned to Birdland on Sunday, May 10 at 6pm, with a show celebrating the music and lyrics of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The evening featured selections from the celebrated songwriting team's catalogue, including rarely-heard jewels and treasured classics alike. Scroll down for photos!
The Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud to host the return of Broadway and concert star Daniel Reichard, who returned to Birdland on Sunday, May 10 at 6pm, with a show celebrating the music and lyrics of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The evening featured selections from the celebrated songwriting team's catalogue, including rarely-heard jewels and treasured classics alike. Scroll down for photos!
GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Jen Sese of 'Carrie'
Jen was a preschooler when 'Carrie' had its ill-fated debut on Broadway and is now part of its resuscitation.
Jen was a preschooler when 'Carrie' had its ill-fated debut on Broadway and is now part of its resuscitation.
BWW Interview: Lippa Awarded Harrison Commision at Texas State
Composer-in-Residence Andrew Lippa and the head of the Musical Theatre department (and Broadway alum) Kaitlin Hopkins took some time to speak to BroadwayWorld about their upcoming collaboration. In addition to Lippa's presence at Texas State next week (during which he will be working on his new musical, The Man In The Ceiling), TSU's Musical Theatre students will be doing a production of Lippa's The Wild Party in Spring 2011. Read on to see what Lippa and Hopkins had to say about this exciting venture!
Composer-in-Residence Andrew Lippa and the head of the Musical Theatre department (and Broadway alum) Kaitlin Hopkins took some time to speak to BroadwayWorld about their upcoming collaboration. In addition to Lippa's presence at Texas State next week (during which he will be working on his new musical, The Man In The Ceiling), TSU's Musical Theatre students will be doing a production of Lippa's The Wild Party in Spring 2011. Read on to see what Lippa and Hopkins had to say about this exciting venture!
UM Dept. of Musical Theatre Presents Starry 25th Anniv Concert 3/21
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Department of Musical Theatre presents a special 25 th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 21 at 8 PM in Hill Auditorium. Featuring current students of the department and alumni in collaboration with members of the UM Symphony Band, the 25 th Anniversary Concert celebrates the silver anniversary of this program with a wide variety of musical numbers, dances and musical theatre overtures. Faculty members Brent Wagner, Linda Goodrich, Mark Madama direct and choreograph, with Cynthia Kortman Westphal conducting members of the University Symphony Band.
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Department of Musical Theatre presents a special 25 th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 21 at 8 PM in Hill Auditorium. Featuring current students of the department and alumni in collaboration with members of the UM Symphony Band, the 25 th Anniversary Concert celebrates the silver anniversary of this program with a wide variety of musical numbers, dances and musical theatre overtures. Faculty members Brent Wagner, Linda Goodrich, Mark Madama direct and choreograph, with Cynthia Kortman Westphal conducting members of the University Symphony Band.
UM Dept. of Musical Theatre Presents Starry 25th Anniv Concert 3/21
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Department of Musical Theatre presents a special 25 th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 21 at 8 PM in Hill Auditorium. Featuring current students of the department and alumni in collaboration with members of the UM Symphony Band, the 25 th Anniversary Concert celebrates the silver anniversary of this program with a wide variety of musical numbers, dances and musical theatre overtures. Faculty members Brent Wagner, Linda Goodrich, Mark Madama direct and choreograph, with Cynthia Kortman Westphal conducting members of the University Symphony Band.
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Department of Musical Theatre presents a special 25 th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 21 at 8 PM in Hill Auditorium. Featuring current students of the department and alumni in collaboration with members of the UM Symphony Band, the 25 th Anniversary Concert celebrates the silver anniversary of this program with a wide variety of musical numbers, dances and musical theatre overtures. Faculty members Brent Wagner, Linda Goodrich, Mark Madama direct and choreograph, with Cynthia Kortman Westphal conducting members of the University Symphony Band.
Broadway Bullet Interview: Spelling Bee's New Actors
This week, we talk to Jenni Barber and Stanley Bahorek about their move to Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from regional productions.
This week, we talk to Jenni Barber and Stanley Bahorek about their move to Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from regional productions.
Videos