Theatre World (i)

Interview: James Van Eaton Talks about His New Play, AN HONEST APOLOGY, at FreeFall Stage

Sacramento is brimming with new works in theatre this month, and one play that I am particularly looking forward to is by former Sacramento-based playwright James Van Eaton. The premiere of his Oscar Wilde-inspired An Honest Apology will be performed at FreeFall Stage beginning with their annual Valentine’s Day Dessert on February 14th. BroadwayWorld spoke to James about feminism, video games, and all things Wilde.

Student Blog: MT Student Ins and Outs

There are some parts of 2023 I want to take with me and some I want to leave as I step into the new year. I decided to compile some of my MT Ins and Outs for 2024.

Student Blog: 2023 Jimmy Award Nominee Denver Dickenson Jr. on Defying Expectations and Thriving with Versatility

In this interview, I got to sit down with Denver Dickenson Jr., one of my personal role models as a performer. They spent their summer in New York representing AZ at the Jimmy Awards as a nominee before moving there to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre at Pace University. I hope you enjoy reading this interview as much as I enjoyed conducting it.

Student Blog: A Love Letter to BA Theatre Majors

You inspire me everyday with your bursting creativity, your wide array of talents and skills, and your insightful knowledge and appreciation of all areas of theatrical production and performance.

Interview: Blair St. Clair Is Going Back to Their Musical Theatre Roots with LEGALLY BLAIR

On February 2 and 3, The Green Room 42 will present the nightclub debut of Blair St. Clair, the drag star, recording artists and vocalist, in 'Legally Blair,' a new show about their life, liberty, and the pursuit of dreaming wide awake. Blair recently checked in with BroadwayWorld to chat all about the new show!

Review: Original play SO… THAT HAPPENED is on at Milnerton Playhouse

It’s always exciting when one of the Cape Town societies puts on original work. SO… THAT HAPPENED is made even more interesting in that it’s a sequel or a follow-up from another original work. I really loved that director and writer Werner Asher Steffen and Milnerton Players were able to bring back the original cast as well.

Student Blog: How Did I Get Here?

It all started in November of 2021 when one of my friends was visiting New York City for the first time. Being the theatre fan I am, I insisted that we saw a Broadway show together. He suggested a show called David Byrne’s American Utopia. “Sounds good to me,” I responded, “but quick question - Who’s David Byrne?”

Student Blog: How Did I Get Here?

It all started in November of 2021 when one of my friends was visiting New York City for the first time. Being the theatre fan I am, I insisted that we saw a Broadway show together. He suggested a show called David Byrne’s American Utopia. “Sounds good to me,” I responded, “but quick question - Who’s David Byrne?”

Student Blog: Six Mainstream Artists Who Should (And I Hope, Will) Write a Musical

After my previous blog about how jukebox musicals should not be looked down upon in the theatre world, I got to thinking about which of my favorite artists would have the best jukebox musicals. Here are six female artists from the twenty-first century whom I believe should write a musical or have a jukebox musical.

BWW Interview: Matthew Alvin Brown and Jared Blount on the Enduring Power of HEDWIG

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is a cult-classic, a powerhouse genre-defining rock musical that truly rocks. Hed-Heads are still in love with her story 23 years later. In this exclusive interview, Oklahoma City's Hedwigs Matthew Alvin Brown and Jared Blount break down what this character means to them, and how she changed the narrative on live theatre.

West End Bake Off 2020 Announces Virtual Event

The West End Bake Off is back! Following four hugely successful years of West End shows creating and selling their best bakes, this year the focus is on you! Due to the current pandemic, the fans are asked to bake at home and post photos of their theatrical baking creations using the hashtag #WEBO2020 on Twitter and Instagram.

BWW Exclusive: Rodney Earl Jackson Jr. - 'Navigating Racism and Creating My Vision of America in Professional Theatre'

Rodney Earl Jackson Jr., Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company has penned an article exclusively for BroadwayWorld, discussing his personal journey in the world of theater, how The San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company came to be and more.

BWW Interview: Jan Sport Opens Up About Her Path from Musical Theatre to Musical Queen

Rupaul's Drag Race is feeling the Jantasy this season, as the show welcomed one of its most musical queens in its herstory. Jan Sport (known to viewers as just Jan) joined the competition for its 12th season when it premiered just weeks ago on VH1.

BWW Interview: Actress Roslyn Cohn Shares High Points In Her Theatrical Career Thus Far

Actress Roslyn Cohn is remarkably versatile. She is nominated for a BWW Award this year for The Sound of Murder at Theatre 40. In our converrsation she tells our readers about her work and who and what she admires in the acting profession. Tell us about your BWW nomination for The Sound of Murder at Theatre 40. What kind of character did you play? RC: I was excited to get a nomination for this show as we didn't get the amount of reviews we should have

BWW Review: NYNE'S CABARET A DAZZLING, CAUTIONARY TALE at Portico

I was a blank page and opening night, the NYNE cast of Cabaret left permanent marks all over me. A latecomer to the live theatre world, I knew a movie and musical existed, and it is important to me to cross this classic musical off my list of must-sees. I'd heard some of the songs because they occasionally popped up in musicals playlist on Spotify, but had no idea what the show is about. I try not to research before going to a performance because I want to see if the cast can tell me the story. The uneasy juxtaposition of a seedy cabaret of sexy guys and girls in lingerie where anything could happen, showcased in a church community center only added to this stunning, provocative production. The show would have lost its impact without the choice of live music, under the masterful direction of Joseph Scarbrough. I had no idea the audience would be entertained by a titillating cabaret while the world is falling apart. I didn't realize a musical written in 1966, revised in 1998, would sadly be art imitating life.

BWW Interview: Sarah Smith Talks RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at The Fox Theatre - It's Incredible Magic!

Rodger's + Hammerstein's Cinderella, the 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, is here this weekend for a limited engagement at the Fox Theatre in Detroit as part of the Fox Theatre Series. With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Cinderella combines the story's classic elements - glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn't let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too. BroadwayWorld Detroit had a moment to speak with Sarah Smith, currently on the road with Cinderella, about her character and the magical show. Read our conversation with her below to get excited when Rodger's Hammerstein's Cinderella comes to Detroit for a magical time this weekend!

BWW Review: The Message of RENT Holds Strong Despite Many Problems

RENT on FOX, the live musical event, began its broadcast with the words 'previously recorded' on the screen. Brennin Hunt, who plays Roger Davis in the show, broke his foot during dress rehearsal, which led to the decision that instead of airing live, FOX would broadcast the taped dress rehearsal performance. Unfortunately, this resulted in a show that was not at 100%, however, despite all of the trouble, there were many moments that shined through.

OBIE Winner Melia Bensussen Named Artistic Director of Hartford Stage

David R. Jimenez, President of the Board of Directors of Hartford Stage, announces that OBIE Award-winning director Melia Bensussen has been named the next Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning theatre. She will assume the role in June.

BWW Interviews: BIANCA DEL RIO On Her Book, HURRICANE BIANCA 2, And Returning to the Stage

Bianca Del Rio is sitting on a tour bus, laughing. 'You'd be surprised what you can get away with in drag. Trust me, I'm proof!'

BWW BLOG: What I Learned From High School Theatre

Jess here. As some of you may know, I just graduated from a performing arts high school. Now that I'm on summer vacation I've taken some time to reflect upon my experiences in the high school theatre world. I thought I'd share some observations/insight with my fellow thespians, and attempt to shed a little light on topics that remain a mystery.