BWW Review: SISTER ACT Brings Joyful Noise to Musical Theatre West, Ends 4/24
Though that comedy device of rewritten song lyrics is (unfortunately) not utilized for the film's musical stage adaptation, still, much of the spirit and basic plot architecture of the original movie remains in SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL, which features all-original songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater, as well as a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (with additional material contributed later by playwright Douglas Carter Beane). Currently, Musical Theatre West's admirable regional production of this Tony-nominated Broadway musical comedy is finishing out its final weekend of performances at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through April 24. Goofy and full of cutesy charm MTW's regional production definitely brings in the (joyful) noise and the funk to Long Beach. So what makes the show enjoyable? Well... for lack of a better phrase... it's all about the nuns.
BWW Review: Jubilant SISTER ACT Will Raise You Up at MTW
Sister Act the Musical started out in 2006 at the Pasadena Playhouse, premiered in London's West End in 2009 and then underwent serious revisions before coming to Broadway in 2011. I remember liking the first mounting in 2006 with many reservations. Since I loved the 1992 film so much, I didn't feel that the stage version was particularly faithful...no pun intended.
Well, with all the 2011 changes, MTW's revival of the Broadway version is tops, a joyful, tuneful, splashy romp that never lets down, with a tremendous cast, stellar direction from Michael Matthews and soulful choreography from Daniel Smith. Douglas Carter Beane, who penned the screenplay To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar and the Tony nominated play The Little Dog Laughed, added new book material for the national tour, included here, and this contributes substantially to molding a sleek and unforgettable show.
Musical Theatre West to Present SISTER ACT, 4/8-24
Musical Theatre West (MTW) presents Sister Act, Broadway's feel-good musical comedy at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center April 8-24. Based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg hit film, written by Joseph Howard, the five-time Tony nominated Broadway sensation features an award winning creative team with original score and music by composer Alan Menken (Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Newsies, Little Shop Of Horrors), lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Tangled), book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (Cheers), additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu, The Little Dog Laughed ). The reinvented musical adaptation is filled with heavenly music with a disco beat, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story that will have audiences dancing in the aisles! Tickets are now on sale at www.musical.org or by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. Tickets start at $20.
BWW Reviews: Nostalgic I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE at the Peabody Opera House
When I was growing up, I Love Lucy was a morning television staple, even though it had been off the air for many years. Reality shows have since replaced pretty much all of the stuff I grew up on, at least on the major networks, but you can still find the re-runs on stations like Me TV, which cater to the boomer generation with their lineup of classic programs. If you were lucky enough to be at the Peabody Opera House this weekend (April 17-19, 2015), you had the opportunity to see a recreation of two episodes of this iconic show with their presentation of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE. This touring production is one you should definitely check out if you're into nostalgia, or just need a good laugh.
National Tour of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE! Visits PPAC Tonight
I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! America's favorite foursome -- Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel - will be live on stage and in color for the first time at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) tonight, February 24 - March 1, 2015. I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE is part of the Taco/White Family Foundation Broadway Series.
National Tour of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE! Visits PPAC This February
I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! America's favorite foursome -- Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel - will be live on stage and in color for the first time at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) February 24 - March 1, 2015. I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE is part of the Taco/White Family Foundation Broadway Series.
Tickets to I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE at Aronoff Center Now On Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the national tour of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE, the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history as part of the 2014-2015 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth. Tickets prices start at $29 and are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. Group orders of ten or more may be placed by calling 513.369.4363.
I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE Returns to Chicago Tonight
Broadway In Chicago has announced that I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE, the hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history, which is produced under license from CBS Consumer Products, will return to Chicago by popular demand during its 2014-15 National Tour. The production, which began with extended sit-down productions in Los Angeles and Chicago and became an audience favorite across the country, will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe) tonight, Dec. 9 through Dec. 14, 2014.
Tickets to I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE at Cobb Energy Centre Now On Sale
Gas South presents I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE, the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history. The show will make its Atlanta premiere at the Cobb Energy Centre March 13, 14 & 15, 2015. Tickets prices range from $45 - $65 and are on sale now to the general public at www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.735.3000 or at the Cobb Energy Centre Box Office.
Tickets to I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE at Moran Theater On Sale Today
The national tour of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE makes its Jacksonville premiere at the Times-Union Center's Moran Theater from Tuesday, March 17th through Sunday, March 22nd for eight performances only. Tickets go on sale Today, December 5th at 10AM through the FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase, the official presenter of the Jacksonville show.
Tickets to I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE at Moran Theater On Sale 12/5
The national tour of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE makes its Jacksonville premiere at the Times-Union Center's Moran Theater from Tuesday, March 17th through Sunday, March 22nd for eight performances only. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 5th at 10AM through the FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase, the official presenter of the Jacksonville show.
I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE Coming to Atlanta in 2015
Gas South presents I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE, the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history. The show will make its Atlanta premiere at the Cobb Energy Centre March 13, 14 & 15, 2015. Tickets prices range from $45 - $65 and are on sale to the general public Friday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. at www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.735.3000 or at the Cobb Energy Centre Box Office.
Tickets to I LOVE LUCY's Chicago Return On Sale this Week
Broadway In Chicago has announcde individual tickets for the Chicago return of I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE, the hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history, will go on sale to the public Friday, Oct. 10 at 10:00 a.m. I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe) for a limited one-week engagement December 9-14, 2014.
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at I LOVE LUCY Tour, Opening in Toronto Tonight!
by Christina Mancuso - Oct 15, 2013