Review: NEXT TO NORMAL Asks the Hard Questions at Manatee Players
Next to Normal is a 2008 Rock Musical written by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. The plot tells the story of a mother (Diana) who struggles with progressive Bipolar Disorder and how managing the disease and its effects take a toll on her family. The award-winning musical covers such topics as depression, grief, suicide, drug abuse, and ethics of modern psychiatry all set against the backdrop of a suburban lifestyle.
BWW Review: CABARET at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Cabaret is a 1966 musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Joe Masteroff. The original Broadway production became such a hit it inspired several productions and revivals in New York and premiered in London's West End in 1968. Cabaret, the film, was produced in 1972, directed by Bob Fosse, and starred Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey. The film is particularly known for Liza Minnelli's rendition of 'Cabaret', a song she would come to sing in concert halls worldwide. It became her trademark.
Photo Flash: First Look at ASSASSINS at Manatee Performing Arts Center
A multiple Tony Award-winning theatrical tour-de-force, Assassins combines Sondheim's signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation's culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it, embodied by America's four successful and five would-be presidential assassins. Bold, original, disturbing and alarmingly funny, Assassins is perhaps the most controversial musical ever written. The show is currently running at Manatee Performing Arts Center, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Saint Sebastian Players Present FIGMENTS, Now thru 5/20
To conclude its 31st season, the Saint Sebastian Players present the farce Figments, which celebrates writer's block and the power of the imagination, written by Billy St. John. Performances take place tonight, April 27, through May 20.
Did David die? Will Louise be able to stop Winston from killing Veronica? If only playwright Rick Jacobs could get past his massive case of writer's block…not to mention the interruptions from his upstairs neighbor Loni, who he is secretly and desperately in love with, and his typical Jewish mother, who constantly criticizes and cleans. As this farce unfolds, we meet the "figments" of Rick's imagination-his fantasy versions of himself, Loni, his mother and more-as well as the characters from his stalled play. Eventually, the people and the "figments" help Rick resolve the issues in his life-on the page and in real life.