Jerry Jay Cranford
Latest News on Jerry Jay Cranford:
Review: DISNEY'S NEWSIES at New Theatre & Restaurant (Jul 16, 2024)
Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Announces Two Opera Commissions For Audiences Of All Ages (Aug 15, 2023)
Review: DREAMGIRLS at New Theatre & Restaurant (Jul 13, 2023)
Review: DISNEY'S NEWSIES at New Theatre & Restaurant (Jul 16, 2024)
Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Announces Two Opera Commissions For Audiences Of All Ages (Aug 15, 2023)
Review: DREAMGIRLS at New Theatre & Restaurant (Jul 13, 2023)
BIO
A professional actor, singer and dancer, he has performed on Broadway (Les Miserables), international and national tours (Les Miserables, Evita European Company as featured dancer, Singing in the Rain as Don, Anything Goes as Billy), regional stages, television and spent 3 years as the Genie in Disneyland's stage musical Aladdin. While at Disney, he served as a clinician teaching workshops in music history, music theory and improvisation. He has also performed as a principal with the acclaimed Kansas City Lyric Opera in their production of Turandot. In 2013, the MUNY Theatre of St. Louis hired Jay as dance captain to aid in staging their production of Les Miserables and perform in Shrek the Musical working with Broadway stars John Tartaglia, Julia Murney, Norm Lewis, Hugh Panaro and the producer Mike Isaacson, 2015 Tony Award Winner for the musical FunHome. He has served as director/choreographer for the world premiere of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure and A Year with Frog and Toad at the Coterie Theatre named one of the countries top five children’s theaters by Time magazine, the regional premiere of Everyday Rapture working with original star Sherie Renee Scott and librettist Dick Scanlan, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Les Miserables for the Merry Go Round Theater in New York, Aladdin and Peter Cottontail III for Kansas City Starlight Theatre at the Kauffman Performing Art Center and received two Ovation Nominations in Vancouver, BC for his production of The Marvelous Wonderettes. Jay performed as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as Gomez in The Addams Family for The New Theatre and as John Wilkes Booth in Assassins for Spinning Tree Theatre. Most recently, Jerry Jay was selected Best Director of a Professional Musical by Broadway World Kansas City for his production of Newsies and he directed and choreographed Starlight Theatre's production of Hairspray selected as Kansas City's Best Professional Musical Production. He was also selected by the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Council as Best Director of a Musical for his production of Newsies which also won Best Musical. Professor Cranford has been a proud member of Actors Equity for nearly 30 years but none of the above credits compare to the joy of being a husband and father to two beautiful daughters.
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STAGE TUBE: LES MISERABLES Starts a Revolution at the MUNY- Watch Highlights of Norm Lewis, Hugh Panaro & More!
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 16, 2013
News
Review: DISNEY'S NEWSIES at New Theatre & Restaurant
This production of NEWSIES, directed and choreographed by Jerry Jay Cranford and assisted by Christina Burton, features a cast of twenty-two dancers and singers, plus constantly in motion LED backdrops, a bridge flown high off the stage floor, combined with three matching stair/tower units strategically moving about the stage, and an eleven-piece orchestra.
This production of NEWSIES, directed and choreographed by Jerry Jay Cranford and assisted by Christina Burton, features a cast of twenty-two dancers and singers, plus constantly in motion LED backdrops, a bridge flown high off the stage floor, combined with three matching stair/tower units strategically moving about the stage, and an eleven-piece orchestra.
Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Announces Two Opera Commissions For Audiences Of All Ages
General Director and CEO Deborah Sandler Kemper has announced the commission of two operas created to be presented in community spaces where audiences of all ages gather. The Haberdasher Prince by the twin-sister creative team of composer Rosabella Gregory and librettist Dina Gregory will premiere in April 2024. Maya and the Magic Ring by composer Lori Laitman and librettist Dana Gioia will premiere in spring 2025.
General Director and CEO Deborah Sandler Kemper has announced the commission of two operas created to be presented in community spaces where audiences of all ages gather. The Haberdasher Prince by the twin-sister creative team of composer Rosabella Gregory and librettist Dina Gregory will premiere in April 2024. Maya and the Magic Ring by composer Lori Laitman and librettist Dana Gioia will premiere in spring 2025.
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.
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.
ANNIE Brings the Sun Out at White Theatre
Now running on the stage of the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center’s Overland Park campus is a very credible production of 1977’s “Annie.” It is the first new, full, live, Broadway Style indoor production to tread the boards of this very nice auditorium in sixteen months.
Now running on the stage of the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center’s Overland Park campus is a very credible production of 1977’s “Annie.” It is the first new, full, live, Broadway Style indoor production to tread the boards of this very nice auditorium in sixteen months.
GODSPELL Kicks Off Starlight's 2021 Advent Health Broadway Series
Starlight welcomes Godspell to its stage for the very first time Tuesday, June 22 – Sunday, June 27.
Starlight welcomes Godspell to its stage for the very first time Tuesday, June 22 – Sunday, June 27.
GODSPELL to Kick Off Starlight's 2021 AdventHealth Broadway Series June 22-27
Starlight will welcome Godspell to its stage for the very first time Tuesday, June 22 – Sunday, June 27. This refreshing retelling of the Gospel of Matthew is a sensational musical production that is uplifting, celebratory and fun. Godspell includes songs by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, such as the popular hit “Day by Day.”
Starlight will welcome Godspell to its stage for the very first time Tuesday, June 22 – Sunday, June 27. This refreshing retelling of the Gospel of Matthew is a sensational musical production that is uplifting, celebratory and fun. Godspell includes songs by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, such as the popular hit “Day by Day.”
Kansas State Theatre's Kansas Theatre Works Podcast Presents ONE DEAD, ONE DYING
K-State Theatrea??s Kansas Theatre Works Podcast will present One Dead, One Dying by Laura Camien.
K-State Theatrea??s Kansas Theatre Works Podcast will present One Dead, One Dying by Laura Camien.
Spinning Tree Theatre to Conclude the 2019-20 Season with LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Spinning Tree Theatre will conclude the 2019-20 season April 17 - May 3 with Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. The 1983 musical, based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, has music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Harvey Fierstein. La Cage aux Folles won the 1984 Tony Award for Best Musical, and both Broadway revivals (2005 and 2010) won Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical.
Spinning Tree Theatre will conclude the 2019-20 season April 17 - May 3 with Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. The 1983 musical, based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, has music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Harvey Fierstein. La Cage aux Folles won the 1984 Tony Award for Best Musical, and both Broadway revivals (2005 and 2010) won Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical.
BWW Review: CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at New Theatre & Restaurant
It doesn't much matter whether you happen to be Lutheran, Catholic, another flavor of Protestant, Jewish, or Muslim. All places of worship surely have CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES like these.
It doesn't much matter whether you happen to be Lutheran, Catholic, another flavor of Protestant, Jewish, or Muslim. All places of worship surely have CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES like these.
Spinning Tree Theatre Presents the Kansas City Premiere of GIRLFRIEND
Spinning Tree Theatre continues 2019-20 season January 24 a?" February 9 with rock musical Girlfriend. Kansas City premiere, based on Matthew Sweet's 1991 hit rock album by the same name, has music/lyrics by Sweet and book by Todd Almond.
Spinning Tree Theatre continues 2019-20 season January 24 a?" February 9 with rock musical Girlfriend. Kansas City premiere, based on Matthew Sweet's 1991 hit rock album by the same name, has music/lyrics by Sweet and book by Todd Almond.
Winners Announced for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards
We are pleased to announce the winners for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Nominations were reader-submitted and voted on by you - the local theatergoers!
We are pleased to announce the winners for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Nominations were reader-submitted and voted on by you - the local theatergoers!
Final Chance to Vote for the BWW Kansas City Awards!
It's the last week to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
It's the last week to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Just Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 2018 BWW Kansas City Awards!
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Three Weeks Left To Vote For the BWW Kansas City Awards!
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Vote For The 2018 BWW Kansas City Awards; BETWEEN TWO WORLDS Leads Best New Work!
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Vote For The 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards; ONE MAN TWO GOVERNORS Leads Best Play!
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
BWW Review: HAIRSPRAY at Starlight Theatre Kansas City
Audience on a Hairspray High this summer at the Starlight in Kansas City. Hang onto your sandals - this show's gonna knock your socks off. Hairspray is showing at the Starlight Kansas City July 27 through Aug. 2nd, 2018
Audience on a Hairspray High this summer at the Starlight in Kansas City. Hang onto your sandals - this show's gonna knock your socks off. Hairspray is showing at the Starlight Kansas City July 27 through Aug. 2nd, 2018
Tony Nominee Brad Oscar Leads HAIRSPRAY at Starlight Theatre
Starlight Theatre has announced that Broadway star and two-time Tony nominee Brad Oscar will lead the cast of the musical comedy phenomenon Hairspray, playing Starlight Theatre July 27-Aug. 2, as part of the 2018 Shawnee Mission Health Broadway Series. Hairspray's director, principal and ensemble cast will also include a number of performers with Kansas City roots, many of whom are making their return to the Starlight Theatre stage!
Starlight Theatre has announced that Broadway star and two-time Tony nominee Brad Oscar will lead the cast of the musical comedy phenomenon Hairspray, playing Starlight Theatre July 27-Aug. 2, as part of the 2018 Shawnee Mission Health Broadway Series. Hairspray's director, principal and ensemble cast will also include a number of performers with Kansas City roots, many of whom are making their return to the Starlight Theatre stage!
Two Time Tony Nom Brad Oscar To Play Edna In Kansas City HAIRSPRAY
Welcome to the 60's, Kansas City! Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon, plays under the stars for six performances, Friday, July 27 - Thursday, Aug. 2, and Starlight is pleased to announce that Tony Award nominee Brad Oscar recently joined the cast. Oscar will portray the iconic role of Edna Turnblad, 16-year-old Tracy's mother who hasn't left their apartment in years - but whose life is about to change when her teenage daughter's dreams become reality.
Welcome to the 60's, Kansas City! Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon, plays under the stars for six performances, Friday, July 27 - Thursday, Aug. 2, and Starlight is pleased to announce that Tony Award nominee Brad Oscar recently joined the cast. Oscar will portray the iconic role of Edna Turnblad, 16-year-old Tracy's mother who hasn't left their apartment in years - but whose life is about to change when her teenage daughter's dreams become reality.
BWW Review: NEWSIES at White Theatre
Two sold out audiences leaped to their feet in group appreciation of 'Disney's Newsies,' a co-production of the Jewish Community Center's White Theatre (in Overland Park) and The Coterie Theatre (normally operating out of Crown Center).
Two sold out audiences leaped to their feet in group appreciation of 'Disney's Newsies,' a co-production of the Jewish Community Center's White Theatre (in Overland Park) and The Coterie Theatre (normally operating out of Crown Center).
Videos