Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 5/26; TAMING OF THE SHREW in DC, HOSTAGES in Phoenix and More!

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Washington, DC, Phoenix, Singapore and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include a "bold, new" THE TAMING OF THE SHREW in DC, HOSTAGES in Phoenix, and an interview with Simon Gleeson on the Singapore return of LES MIS, just to name a few.

East/Northeast

1. Washington, DC: Editor Barbara Johnson reviews a "bold" THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at Shakespeare Theatre Company. She says, "Comic timing is essential in Shakespeare, and this cast is up to the task. Andre De Shields, triple-cast as Gremio/Vincentio/Curtis, is an expert at dying a slow, drawn-out death. Tom Story deftly delivers priceless lines as Hortensio, and Gregory Linington lays the physical comedy on thick as Grumio." Read more here.

2. Philadelphia, PA: Editor Kelli Curtin reviews KISS ME, KATE at Act II Playhouse. She says, "Act II Playhouse's production of KISS ME, KATE is a show that is imbued with energy and full of delightful musical numbers. It has a sensational score by Cole Porter that will please audiences. This show, under the direction of Peter Reynolds and with the incredible choreography by Maggie Anderson, is a reminder of the timeless melodies of Porter and it has a cast that will entertain audiences. KISS ME, KATE at Act II Playhouse shines and will have members of the audience smiling from start to finish." Read more here.

3. Boston, MA: Editor Jan Nargi reviews IN THE BODY OF THE WORLD at A.R.T. She says, "The play could easily stand on its own, but there's no question that Ensler's own charismatic presence and willingness to bare her own body and soul make this A.R.T. production that much more electric. She brings the audience along with her every step of the way, enticing us to become a part of her body and her world. In fact, at the end of the play the audience is invited to tour the set, enjoying the tropical garden that represents a magnificent rebirth." Read more here.

Midwest

4. Minneapolis, MN: Editor Jill Schafer reviews Guthrie Theater's TROUBLE IN MIND. She says, "And I'm happy to report that TROUBLE IN MIND succeeds on so many levels. First of all, it's hilarious, engaging, and entertaining, and offers a behind the scenes look at the theater world we love so well. But more importantly, it talks about racism, sexism, classism, ageism in a smart and nuanced way that has as much resonance in today's world as it did in the 1950s NYC theater world depicted in the play." Read more here.

West Coast

5. Los Angeles, CA: Editor Gil Kaan reviews GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES at Hindman/Hudson Backstage Theatre. He says, "John Hindman deftly directs his two very talented actors effectively communicating Joseph's smart, age-appropriate dialogue. Each scene begins with larger-than-life graphics of the age Kayleen and Doug will be presenting. In between scenes, the two actors can be seen lit overhead, or backlit, while hidden in plain sight changing their costumes to the outfits appropriate for their age they're to portray next. Kudos to Movement Consultant Sarah McCarron for 'choreographing' the quick changes." Read more here.

6. Denver, CO: Editor Christi Esterle reviews 9 TO 5 at the Fine Arts Center. She says, "All three female leads get their opportunity to shine. Mosser, all big hair, big earrings, and big heart, gradually reveals Doralee to be both smarter and stronger than she appears. Roth's Violet, a widow working to support herself and her teenage son, perseveres in the face of adversary and has several sweet moments with Joe (an adorable Zachary Seliquini Guzman), a junior accountant who pays her court. But the heart of the evening is DeDominici's Judy, who enters the story as an overdressed housewife forced into the workplace after her husband abandons her for a much younger woman." Read more here.

7. Phoenix, AZ: Editor Herbert Paine reviews HOSTAGES at the Herberger Theater Center's Kax Stage. He says, "Todd Michael Isaac and Mike Traylor deliver riveting and captivating performances as Meadows and Ted, isolated in a sterile cell and united only by their shared Kafkaesque despair. In a chilling and gut-wrenching opening scene, the two are blindfolded and chained to a radiator." Read more here.

8. Salt Lake City, UT: Editor Blair Howell reviews JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at The Empress Theatre. He says, "North has a pleasing voice and a pleasant stage presence. As Narrator, she's the primary storyteller, and she has the audience engaged from the get-go. The vocals of the very appealing Hebda, a veteran of larger stages, are powerful and full of expression. His Joseph commands the stage. Both performers clearly relish their roles and take great pride in their respective casting." Read more here.

International

9. Singapore: Editor Rocky Christopher Fajardo interviews Simon Gleeson in the Singapore return of LES MISERABLES. On the original production, Gleeson says, "I remember how the music stirred me, how the story made me feel. How terribly inspired I was," he continues. "It was like a guilty pleasure because I didn't share it. I didn't want to. Singing for me as a child was something I did just for myself. Performing the role is the complete opposite. I don't do it for me at all. All of it is shared and given to the audience. But it is the same great feeling of going through this powerful story." Read more here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. North Carolina Editor Jeffrey Kare reviews the National Tour of IF/THEN at Durham Performing Arts Center. He says, "In the lead role of Elizabeth, Broadway alum Jackie Burns does a very impressive job taking on that same character while going through two different timelines. She even has a number in Act I that had the audience laughing. She is well-joined by a great cast that also includes Anthony Rapp (best known as the original Mark Cohen in Rent) as Elizabeth's college friend Lucas, he also shares a fun little scene with North Carolina native English Bernhardt in Act II; Tamyra Gray (who was a finalist on the first season of American Idol) as Elizabeth's neighbor Kate; andMatthew Hydzik as Liz's love interest Josh." Read more here.

STUDENT BLOGGERS! We'd like to feature a few of our student bloggers below!

*BONUS* - Did you know that we have 15 BWW spinoff sites, including TV, Movies, Dance, Opera, Classical Music, Books, Food & Wine, Fitness and more? Browse our site for all the latest in theatre, entertainment and other news and information!

This week, we welcome new high school bloggers: De'Ja Williams (St. Louis), Ben Helzner (Pennsylvania), Anna Sera (Phoenix), and Cassandra Hsiao (Los Angeles); new college bloggers: Allison Rambler (Philadelphia) and Casey Mink (NYC). We'd also like to welcome Gabriela Giusti who will be blogging on her road to the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. New regular contributors include: Brendan Daly in Ireland, Chelsey Robichaud (Montreal), and Michael Goodacre who will be blogging on our Fitness site.

Want to join our growing team? We have positions available in several U.S. regions and International countries! Contact christina@broadwayworld.com for more information!