BWW Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Winspear Opera House
The 1991 Disney film Beauty and the Beast is a spectacular work of animated musical storytelling. Belle, a type of feminist in a sense (at least within the context of Disney, especially when compared to Ariel, who taught millions of young girls just two years earlier that it is important to change who you are for a man), is an independent, intelligent, and beautiful young woman who reads and finds pleasure in the pursuit of knowledge. She has found her voice and she demands to be heard. So naturally, the whole town thinks she is crazy. A heroine of this caliber is a lot to live up to in any fairy tale and such a fanciful, witty and heartfelt presentation seems impossible to duplicate, but that's what I expect from a Broadway production. I expect seats that can cost a good $120 to rival the magic created by the brilliant animators working with Disney in the early part of that transitional decade. Unfortunately, the touring Broadway musical produced by NETworks Presentations does not live up to this expectation. In fact it falls quite short of perpetuating the wonder and depth established in the original film. I brought my twin 6-year-old daughters to the show and they loved it. Certainly it was quality enough to entertain a kindergartener, but is that really what Dallas should grow to accept as quality theatrical art. We have a booming and continuously growing art scene and so-called 'Broadway' productions such as this should not be tolerated in our community. Broadway is supposed to be a leader in the creation of quality art, not the preservation of an industry that overcharges audiences, underpays artists, undermines unions, and whose primary mission is not artistic success but financial success.
Death Takes a Holiday... A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER Sets Winter Closing on Broadway
Death is but the next great adventure for Broadway's A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. BroadwayWorld learned this evening that the Tony Award-winning Best Musical will play its final performance on the Great White Way on Sunday, January 17, 2016. Producer Joey Parnes announced the news today. The musical's record-breaking run at the Walter Kerr Theatre will have played nearly 1,000 performances on Broadway, and its Tony Award-winning star, Jefferson Mays, will have died more than 6,000 deaths as various members of the illfated D'Ysquith family.
Two-Time Olivier Nominee to Join A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER on Broadway
It was announced today that two-time Olivier Award nominee Scarlett Strallen will take over the role of 'Sibella' in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, which won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, beginning Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Her predecessor Lisa O'Hare exits the production on February 8, 2015 after originating the role at Hartford Stage, then in San Diego at The Old Globe, and finally on Broadway at The Walter Kerr Theatre.
Tony Winner to Join 2014's 'Best Musical' A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
It was announced today that Tony Award-winner Carole Shelley will join the cast of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, which won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical. She will be stepping into the role of Miss Shingle on October 28th. Jane Carr, who originated the role, will play her final performance on October 26th.
ICYMI: BroadwayWorld's Mega-Roundup of All Things Tony Awards!
Now that we've all had a sufficient amount of time to recover from the excitement of the big night, treat yourself today to some highlights from ALL of the festivities. Below, BroadwayWorld is excited to bring you a Mega-Roundup of 2014 Tonys coverage!
GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE, HEDWIG, Neil Patrick Harris & More Win at the 80th Annual Drama League Awards!
The 80th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon is being held this afternoon, May 16, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square, where winners will be announced for Distinguished Production of a Play, Distinguished Production of a Musical, Distinguished Revival of a Play, Distinguished Revival of a Musical, and the much coveted Distinguished Performance Award. This year's event, which began at noon, is hosted by Broadway veteran Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
BroadwayWorld is updating the winners live! Check back in to find out who took home the big awards!
2014 Drama League Award Nominations Announced - Shows, Stars & More!
Co-Hosts Judith Light and Christopher Sieber announced the nominations for the 2014 Drama League Awards, including Distinguished Production of a Play, Distinguished Production of a Musical, Distinguished Revival of a Play, Distinguished Revival of a Musical, and the much coveted Distinguished Performance Award. The 2014 Drama League Nomination announcement begins the month of celebrations leading up to the 80th Annual Drama League Awards, which will be held at the Marriott Marquis Times Square (1535 Broadway) on Friday, May 16, 2014 at noon hosted by Broadway veteran Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER Hits Landmark 1,000th Stage Death on Broadway
At a press conference earlier today, the cast of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder announced that the production just reached the landmark 1,000th death of its leading man. Jefferson Mays, playing eight members of the D'Ysquith clan, is knocked off eight times in each performance, or sixty-four times each week. Mr. Mays has reached 1,000 stage deaths faster than any lead actor in Broadway history. At the press conference, Mr. Mays' co-star, Bryce Pinkham, presented Mr. Mays with an honorary 'death certificate' on behalf of the entire cast.
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER Cast Recording Set for 2/25 Digital Release
Ghostlight Records has announced the release of the original Broadway cast recording of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, the new musical currently running at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The album - produced by Joel Moss and Kurt Deutsch, with Joey Parnes serving as Executive Producer - will be released by digital outlets on February 25 with the disc available in stores and online April 1. The physical CD features a 40-page booklet with complete lyrics, color photos, a synopsis by librettist Robert L. Freedman and an essay by renowned theater writer and critic David Cote. To pre-order, visit click here.
