BWW Reviews: Musical Theatre West Revisits the Glorious Feeling of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
by Michael L. Quintos - Jul 24, 2015
As the cliche goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. That is perhaps partly the philosophy behind the rather faithful stage adaptation of the gloriously wonderful movie musical SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, now once again charmingly replicated in a smile-inducing local production at Musical Theatre West that continues through July 26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. An almost scene-by-scene, note-for-note recreation of the superb cinematic masterpiece, the musical theater iteration of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN smartly and painstakingly reenacts every key moment and memorable musical happenstance from the 1952 movie that many have since heralded as one of the best movie musicals of all time. With MTW's latest revival specifically, director/choreographer Jon Engstrom has helmed a joyful production worth experiencing, whether it's your first or hundredth time. And, yes, it rains on stage... and it's a sight to behold!
BWW Reviews: A Classy SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at MTW
by Don Grigware - Jul 14, 2015
To those newer generation theatre and movie fans who do not remember 1952's blockbuster hit film Singin' in the Rain, directors Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green and costars Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds all contributed to making it the smash that it was... and still is. The zany lightweight hit transferred to the stage in the early 80s and showed the craziness that may have happened when the big movie studios were transitioning from silents to talkies in the late 20s. Now in a classy revival at Musical Theatre West (MTW) in Long Beach, it's all brought back to exuberantly colorful life by skilled director Jon Engstrom and a delicious company of triple threats through July 26 only.
Musical Theatre West's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 10, 2015
Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain runs tonight, July 10, through July 26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage.
Musical Theatre West's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Opens This Friday
by BWW News Desk - Jul 8, 2015
Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain runs July 10-26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage.
Musical Theatre West to Present SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, 7/10-26
by Tyler Peterson - May 28, 2015
?Musical Theatre West (MTW) is Singin' in the Rain July 10-26 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Featuring all of the beloved songs, splashy dance numbers, and comedic antics, this two-time Tony nominated musical delivers the best of the beloved film, live on stage. Tickets are now on sale at the MTW Ticket Office, online at www.musical.org, or by calling (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. Ticket prices start at $20. And, by popular demand, a matinee preview performance on Saturday, July 11, 2pm is now on sale with great seats still available!
Photo Flash: First Look at Music Theatre Wichita's 42ND STREET
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 5, 2014
Music Theatre Wichita's 43 summer season comes to a conclusion with "42nd Street," directed and choreographed by original cast member Jon Engstrom, and featuring Damon Kirsche as Julian Marsh, Tracy Lore as Dorothy Brock, Tessa Grady as Peggy Sawyer, and Shonn Wiley as Billy Lawlor. Patty Reeder appears as Maggie Jones, partnered by Robert Ariza as Bert Barry, with Timothy W. Robu as Abner Dillon and Ryan Vasquez as Pat Denning. Tapping their way into several major numbers are Amy Baker Schwiethale as "Anytime" Annie, Jacob Chancellor as dance director Andy Lee, Katie Wesler as Phyllis, Becca Petersen as Lorraine, and Emily Pirtleas Diane.
Saladino Dance Productions to Present SINGIN' AND DANCIN' IN THE RAIN at Lyric Theatre, 2/22-23
by Carol Kassie - Jan 31, 2014
Saladino Dance Productions' Rome Saladino and Marina Putane have assembled a superb eight-member ensemble to perform Singin' and Dancin' in the Rain, their tribute to Hollywood's legendary song and dance man, Gene Kelly. The show consistently received standing ovations when it played at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and the Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College.
BWW Reviews: MTW Opens 60th Season with Tap-Tastic 42ND STREET Revival
by Michael L. Quintos - Nov 8, 2012
To high-kick-start its 60th anniversary season, Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA is presenting a glossy, high-energy revival of what could be the Great Grand-Daddy of all backstage musicals: 42ND STREET. This terrific, tap-tastic new production continues performances at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center through November 11.
Photo Coverage: Musical Theatre West's 42ND STREET Opening Night Curtain Call & Party
by Lily Lim - Oct 28, 2012
42nd STREET opened last night, October 27th, at Musical Theatre West, and runs for 12 performances through November 11, 2012. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, each show is created from the ground up at its rehearsal studios in Long Beach using a blend of both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood and national tours, as well as the best in local talent. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!
Damon Kirsche, Tracy Lore and More Set for Musical Theatre West's 42ND STREET; Full Cast Announced
by BWW
News Desk - Oct 26, 2012
Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer, has announced the cast of the ultimate Broadway musical, featuring the largest MTW cast in years. 42nd STREET, previewing October 26th, opening on October 27th and running for twelve performances through November 11, 2012. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, each show is created from the ground up at its rehearsal studios in Long Beach using a blend of both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood and national tours, as well as the best in local talent.
Damon Kirsche, Tracy Lore and More Set for Musical Theatre West's 42ND STREET; Full Cast Announced
by BWW News Desk - Oct 5, 2012
Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer, has announced the cast of the ultimate Broadway musical, featuring the largest MTW cast in years. 42nd STREET, previewing October 26th, opening on October 27th and running for twelve performances through November 11, 2012. As with all Musical Theatre West productions, each show is created from the ground up at its rehearsal studios in Long Beach using a blend of both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood and national tours, as well as the best in local talent.
BWW Reviews: Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido Offers Enjoyable Stepping Out
by Don Grigware - Apr 18, 2012
Stepping Out by British TV writer Richard Harris is not a musical, although it was turned into one in 2010. It's a play with music and is set in Northern England in 1984, the same time period and place as Billy Elliot. It's the tale of eight women and one man who take a weekly local tap class in their church hall. Workers and mates by day, these folks are generally disillusioned and unhappy, each for a different reason, and without the class, they might just cash it in. What you see on stage, now at the Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido, are the amateur characters as they arrive at class and spill their guts for a brief time about their various issues and how they adapt themselves to each other and to learning how to tap. First efforts are rusty at best, but as the play proceeds, the group get to know and tolerate each other and to tap better, and eventually are given a chance to participate in a local one-night annual entertainment gala. My first misgiving with the play is that you never get to know each person thoroughly or totally understand their motivations, but after careful consideration, what you see is what you get: an entertainment that brings the people together, that brings a much needed joy into their lives ... and to the audience at large. It's real, funny and musically fun - about a mini Chorus Line but with amateur dancers whose stories do not involve the profession - and that by itself is enough to give it universal appeal.
STAGE TUBE: Backstage with the Cast and Crew of SOUTH PACIFIC at Music Theatre Wichita
by Courtnie Mele - 2014-06-21 12:55:06
STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights from Music Theatre Wichita's SOUTH PACIFIC with Erin Mackey
by Tyler Peterson - 2014-06-13 12:55:22