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.
ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE to be Presented At North Coast Repertory Theatre
North Coast Repertory Theatre will present ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE, a dramatic musical experience certain to thrill fans of the iconic singer. Based on the story of Patsy's friendship with Louise Seger, a fan who continued a correspondence with her to the end of her life, this song-filled valentine has garnered enormous success throughout the US.
BWW Review: THE ADDAMS FAMILY A NEW MUSICAL is Creepy Funny at the New Theatre in Overland Park
All things ghoulish, macabre, ghastly, and a little bit frightening are alive and well living within the walls of the Addams Family home. The only place to see this outrageous musical comedy is at the New Theatre in Overland Park. Richard Carrothers directs The Addams Family a New Musical running through September 20 at the dinner theater. Daniel Doss provides musical direction and Katelin Zelon the choreography for the delightful yet maybe a little bizarre musical.
BWW Review: MOTHER FREAKING HOOD! is Mother Freaking Funny in Kansas City
Mother Freaking Hood! is not a play anyone should see once, because that is not near enough times to catch all the humor that causes the audience to erupt with laughter throughout the two-act play. Mother Freaking Hood! opened on Saturday May 30 at the Goppert Theatre inside Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri to roars of laughter. The Moonshine Variety Company production is without a doubt the funniest musical comedy of the theater season in Kansas City.
BWW Review: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW the Cult Classic Opens at UMKC
The cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show opened on Wednesday March 4 at Grant Hall on the campus of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Richard O'Brien wrote the music, lyrics, and book for the tribute to B horror movies and science fiction. The show opened in London running 2,960 performances in several locations. The United States premiere ran for nine months, but the Broadway debut only lasted 3 previews and 45 shows. The musical was adapted to film in 1975 and has the longest running release in film history.
BWW Review: FOOTLOOSE Plays to a Sold-Out House at the Barn Players
Footloose opened to a packed house on Friday January 16 at the Barn Players Theater. Directed and choreographed by Guy Gardner, presented by the Barn Juniors, Footloose features middle school and high school students. Based on the screenplay by Dean Pitchford the stage adaption is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie with music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford.