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Theatre Review: “Dreamgirls” @ Curran Theatre, 09/26/10

01 Oct

There’s not much to say, except for this production of Dreamgirls was stale. It’s a story that focuses on relationships of the the three Dreamettes (later known as The Dreams) – Effie, Deena and Lorrell. With no thought to any of the real relationships, director Robert Longbottom, made his cast work overtime as they tried to connect with each other amidst the sterile environment of the stage. This lead to over zealous performances that became self-indulgent, drowning in disingenuous sentimentality.

First, it was struggle to divide the two worlds: on-stage and off-stage. Again, I place the blame on Longbottom and the set designer, Robin Wagner. While they were trying to be clever with the beautiful moving lighting panels, it became extremely disjointed. The lighting panels became the star of the show. It became a guessing game on how the panels were going to move next and trust me, it was pretty fantastic.

I never felt like I was a part of the action – always an outsider looking in. I could never connect; I never cared.

There was a brief moment in the second act when Deena (Syesha Mercado) and Effie (Moya Angela) sang “Listen” that I connected and got goose-bumps. It was fantastic. Ironically, “Listen” is a new song that was inserted in this production that was recently featured in the movie version of Dreamgirls. (Apparently, Beyonce wanted her shining moment in the movie so “Listen” was written just for her.) Syesha Mercado soared on this particular song. It finally showcased her vocal talent. Part of the reason they shined in this song was the lighting panels were non-existent at this point. The panels had moved far enough upstage that they weren’t upstaging the performers (like they did most of the show).

Angela’s rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” had superior singing but her acting was border-line self-indulgent. Every sentence and feeling was over exaggerated to extent that again, I was taken out of the show. She didn’t let me in. The crowd loved it; I somehow missed it.

I will say that Chester Gregory killed it. He played James “Thunder” Early with such charisma that he had the crowd in the palm of his hand, including myself. We ate it up. He’s a true star.

For a show with so much passion, I left the theatre feeling passionless. It was completely and utterly stale.

 
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Posted by on 10/01/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Broadway, Theatre Review

 

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Listening to Glee: “Audition” – Season 2, Episode #1

20 Sep

How excited are you? I can not wait to see what Season 2 has in store for us! Here’s a synopsis of “Audition” – the first episode of Season 2.

Season 2 begins with more budget cuts looming and the glee kids reeling from their loss at Regionals. In episode 1 “Audition”, the club is in an “Empire State of Mind” as there are new members to recruit in order to make it to New York for Nationals. This episode introduces Sunshine Corazon (Charice) and Sam (Chord Overstreet), but Rachel and Finn don’t see eye to eye on them. Meanwhile, McKinley High has a new football coach, Shannon Beiste (Dot Marie Jones), who immediately shows herself to be a threat to both the glee club and the Cheerios in the all-new “Audition” episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, September 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Audition Track-list:
 “Empire State of Mind” (Jay-Z, Alicia Keys)
“Listen” (Dreamgirls)
“Billionaire” (Travie McCoy, Bruno Mars)
“Telephone” (Lady Gaga, Beyoncé)
“What I Did For Love” (A Chorus Line)

Music Available on iTunes 9/21

For episodic photos and more information on this episode of GLEE, please visit here.
For more info on GLEE The Music visit here: http://www.gleethemusic.com

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Listen below:

“Empire State of Mind”

“Listen”

“Billionaire”

“Telephone”

“What I Did for Love”

 
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Posted by on 09/20/2010 in Glee, Music

 

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2010 September Bay Area Theatre Guide

23 Aug

Can you believe it? School is starting, summer is nearing it’s end and generally it should be very depressing, right? Wrong. There’s so much great theatre happening in September that it should keep you totally occupied from the fall blues. Currently, I have 10 shows scheduled to see in September and I have a feeling that there might be a few more that I sneak in there! It should be a great time to catch up on my shows! Lately, I’ve been so busy with performing in RENT I haven’t had time to see the shows in the area, but September is a different story.

Here’s my schedule and what I recommend seeing:

Smokey Joe’s Cafe – Bus Barn Stage Company: Opening September 2nd and running through October 2nd, 2010, this sizzling cast does more than justice to this smokin’ hot score of 1950′s standards like: “Kansas City”, “Jailhouse Rock” and “Saved”. I can 100% say that this show is not to be missed! (I’m co-musical directing this show.) You can learn more about the cast on the Bus Barn Stage Company’s website and get tickets there.

Get out of the September heat with the jukebox musical that was the most acclaimed of 1995 and nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical!

Website | Get Tickets

The Broadway Critic’s Review: Chicago @ Hillbarn Theatre – 2.5 out of 5 stars

Chicago – Hillbarn Theatre: In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap…until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. Chicago won six Tony Awards!

Chicago is one of my favorite musicals and very interested in checking this one out because I’ve never seen an amateur production of Chicago. Here’s hoping it’s sexy! Runs September 2nd – 26th, 2010.

Website | Get Tickets

The Broadway Critic’s review: She Loves Me @ Center Rep Theatre – 3 out of 5 stars

She Loves Me – Center Rep: She Loves Me is a musical and movie with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock. The musical is the fifth adaptation of the play Parfumerie by Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo, following the 1940 James Stewart-Margaret Sullavan film The Shop around the Corner and the 1949 Judy Garland-Van Johnson musical version In the Good Old Summertime. It would surface yet again in 1998 as the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan feature You’ve Got Mail.

This show is a classic: “the crown jewel of the golden age musicals”. I saw a university production almost 10 years ago and loved it. I can’t wait to see this particular cast because it stars: Dane Paul Andres, Noel Anthony, Evan Boomer, Derek Travis Collard, Jackson Davis, Lynda Divito, Ryan Drummond, Richard Farrell, Zachary Franczak, Emma Goldin, Jason Hite, Mary Kalita, Brittany Ogle, Sharon Rietkerk, Kelsey Venter. I’ve had my eye on Hite, Kalita and Ogle!

Opens September 3rd – October 10th, 2010.

Website | Get Tickets

The Broadway Critic’s review: Black Pearl Sings @ San Jose Rep – 4.5 out of 5 stars

Black Pearl Sings at San Jose Rep: Black Pearl Sings! is the compelling musical drama that tells the story of two extraordinary women – a jailed African-American songstress and a white Library of Congress folk music researcher – whose fates have become intertwined.

A West Coast premiere that you won’t want to miss.

Runs September 2nd – 26th, 2010.

Website | Get Tickets

The Light in the Piazza at Theatreworks: Beneath the Tuscan sun in 1953, this illuminating Broadway hit celebrates the many facets of love with a vibrant heart. A protective American mother is vacationing with her radiant but fragile daughter, who falls head over heels for a passionate young Florentine. To the soaring melodies of what The New York Timescalled “the most intensely romantic score since West Side Story,” all three embark on a life-changing journey beyond danger into light.

This is one of my favorite musicals of all time. Guettel’s score is absolutely magnificent. I’m hearing great things about this production and I’m highly looking forward to revisiting this show at Theatreworks.

Runs August 25th – September 19th, 2010

Website | Get Tickets

Jerry Springer the Opera at Ray of Light Theatre: The only work in history to earn “Best Musical” honors from all four major British award groups, Jerry Springer the Opera is a fascinating mix of high art and low culture. Inspired by America’s most lurid TV talk show, Jerry Springer the Opera channels all the mayhem and excitement that held worldwide television audiences in utter rapture. After opening in London to unprecedented raves, this outlandish, shockingly hilarious opera will rage at the Victoria Theatre in the Mission for six weeks.

Can I say excited? I have the London cast recording, but I think I’m going to wait to listen to it until after I see it because I wanna be shocked!

Running September 10 – October 16, 2010.

Website | Get Tickets

Dreamgirls at Curran Theatre (San Francisco): The all-new stage production of Dreamgirls is coming to the Curran Theatre August 24 through September 26! Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Featuring the unforgettable hits: “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”, “One Night Only” and “Listen”, Dreamgirls returns to the stage in this brand new production that sparkles like never before!

I can’t wait to see my first professional production of Dreamgirls.

Website | Get Tickets

The Broadway Critic’s review: Compulsion @ Berkeley Rep – 5 out of 5 stars

Compulsion at Berkeley Rep: Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin makes his Berkeley Rep debut as Sid Silver, a man obsessed. When he learns about a young girl named Anne Frank and her extraordinary diary, Silver makes it his mission to ensure her tale is heard. But is the manuscript a work of art? A cultural treasure?

A moving story that combines stellar acting with marvelous marionettes, this world-premiere production takes us on a journey from passion to Compulsion.

Website | Get Tickets

The Broadway Critic’s review: La Cage Aux Folles @ Broadway by the Bay – 2.0 out of 5 stars

La Cage Aux Folles at Broadway By the Bay: Travel to St. Tropez where the best of times will happen when family values and outrageous comedy collide in Jerry Herman’s legendary musical La Cage aux Folles. Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this unforgettable and funny tale of unconditional love, and above all, the need to celebrate who we are, features the anthem “I Am What I Am” and the beloved “Song on the Sand.”

Why go to New York City to see this when you can see it here! It will be my first time seeing La Cage Aux Folles and I plan to see the Broadway revival in October!

Website | Get Tickets

The Broadway Critic’s review: Burn the Floor @ Broadway San Jose – 4 out of 5 stars

Burn the Floor at Broadway San Jose – The international dance sensation Burn the Floor visits San Jose direct from its record-breaking run on Broadway! You’ve seen Ballroom dance on shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Now, with Burn the Floor, you will feel, live on stage, all the passion, the drama and the sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous champion dancers, in a true theatrical experience, a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times calls, “Dazzling!”

I missed this on Broadway, so I’m very happy that Broadway San Jose is bringing this to us! Can’t wait!

Runs only one week: September 21 – 26th, 2010. Don’t miss it!

Website | Get Tickets

On My Radar (but don’t have a set date to see it yet):

  • Sweeney Todd at Sunnyvale Community Theatre: 1979′s Tony Award-winning Best Musical, is a rare theatrical event: a heart-pounding thriller told with a howlingly sharp wit, a darkly comic smile, and one of Broadway’s most impressive scores. It features Walter Mayes in the title role. Runs September 17 – October 10th, 2010. Website
  • The Music Man at South Bay Musical Theatre: This award-winning, critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution, thanks to its quirky characters, charmingly humorous dramatic situations, and one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads that have become popular standards (“Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Till There Was You,” “Lida Rose.”) Runs September 25 – October 16, 2010. Website

Anything I missed? What are you most excited to see this upcoming September?

 
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Posted by on 08/23/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, News, Preview, Weekend Picks

 

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Upcoming Events at SHNSF – Broadway San Francisco

06 Aug

The smash hit Broadway musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, is coming to the Golden Gate Theatre for two weeks only, August 17-29!

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!

To purchase tickets, call 888-SHN-1799 or click here.

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The Broadway Critic’s take: When I saw Beauty and the Beast on Broadway in 2006, I wasn’t totally impressed. Actually, I was kind of bored. I’ve been hearing so many wonderful things about it for so many years that I had huge expectations for the show. Knowing that this is a non-equity tour, I have a feeling that it might be a little underwhelming, BUT if you have the money and want your kids to have a magical night at the theatre, than I definitely say go, especially if you haven’t seen it before. Hopefully, it’s a great end to a relaxing summer!

The all-new stage production of Dreamgirls is coming to the Curran Theatre August 24 through September 26!

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Featuring the unforgettable hits: “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”, “One Night Only” and “Listen”, Dreamgirls returns to the stage in this brand new production that sparkles like never before!

To purchase tickets, call 888-SHN-1799 or click here.

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The Broadway Critic’s take: I’m very happy that Dreamgirls is coming to San Francisco. It was hot, hot news when it played the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Everyone was talking about it. Since then, there’s been talk of it transferring to Broadway, but with the recent slow ticket sales in Washington D.C. they actually had to cancel their run there. I can’t wait to see my first professional production of Dreamgirls.

Catch WICKED before it flies away!

This is your last chance to save up to $30 on on Broadway’s Biggest Blockbuster. Order your tickets today for performances through August 15 and save!

Get a $50 ticket (reg. price $80): Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun evening
Get a $75 ticket (reg. price $99): Fri evening, Sat & Sun matinee

Use code 42WEST when purchasing tickets at shnsf.com or the Orpheum Theatre Box Office, or call 415-512-7770.

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The Broadway Critic’s take: If you haven’t seen Wicked yet, then definitely grab your tickets and see it before it closes in San Francisco on September 5th. I saw it twice in San Francisco and enjoyed both times! It’s a great show for the family and has brilliant costumes and sets! I haven’t seen any of the new cast members, but I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed! Make sure you see it before it’s gone!

The Broadway Critic’s review of Wicked

This is your last chance to escape to Neverland!

Performed in the world’s first 360 degree video projection for live theater, PETER PAN flies both cast and audience over Edwardian London. Adored by audiences of all ages, PETER PAN is playing its final weeks at Ferry Park in San Francisco, now through September 5th only!

SHNews customers can save $30 on tickets to PETER PAN now through September 5. Adult tickets are $40 (reg. price $70) and kids tickets are $20 (reg. price $50). Offer Valid on Price Level 1 section B, C, D seats for the following non-peak performances:

Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 2pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 5pm

Use Coupon Code: BELIEVE when purchasing tickets online at peterpantheshow.com, or call 888-PPAN-TIX.

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The Broadway Critic’s take: Yes, here’s another show that you’ll want to take the whole family to before it closes on September 5th! You have a lot of theatre to see before the summer is out. I loved this production, especially Act 2. It took me awhile to grasp the story, as the effects were the main focus during Act 1, but I still ultimately still loved the show by the end. Your kids will love it!

Read The Broadway Critic’s review of Peter Pan

 
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Posted by on 08/06/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, News, Preview

 

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2010 Bay Area Summer Theatre Guide

01 Jun

The summer is quickly approaching and I wanted to feature some of the best theatre in the Bay Area during the months of June, July and August. There’s a huge variety of musicals/plays that will be playing and they are pretty evenly spread across the Bay Area from San Francisco down to San Jose. Of course, you can always go to Artsopolis.com or Theatre Bay Area for a full listing of all performing arts events in the Bay Area but here are the shows that I’m most looking forward to this summer!

JUNE

Red, White & Tuna at San Jose Stage Company – The Stage explodes with laughs this Summer in the South Bay premiere of Red, White and Tuna! The latest bombastic comedy in the Tuna trilogy will sell out, so order tickets now to what critics call “the greatest Tuna of all!” It opens this weekend and runs all the way through July 4th. Obviously, it’s a perfect choice to get you into the patriotic mood! The Broadway Critic will be giving away tickets so make sure you check back soon to win yours!

Tickets | Website

Into the Woods at Diablo Theatre Company – In this fractured fairy-tale fantasy, a baker and his wife cannot have a child unless they do the bidding of the witch next door. Good thing they’ve got neighbors like Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella to help them on their journey in the woods. Who doesn’t love Into the Woods?

June 4th – June 27th 2010

Tickets | Website

The Marvelous Wonderettes at San Jose Rep – LIMITED ENGAGEMENT! These girls are only in town for two weeks. Get your tickets today! Follow the Wonderettes – Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match – from their 1958 Springfield High School prom to their ten year reunion!

June 15th – June 27th 2010

Tickets | Website

Young Frankenstein at Golden Gate Theatre (San Francisco) – Based on the Oscar-nominated smash hit 1974 film, Young Frankenstein is the wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Mary Shelley classic from the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Clive Barnes of the New York Post called Young Frankenstein,“the Broadway musical at its dizziest, glitziest and funniest” while Pat Collins of MY 9 News declared Young Frankenstein “a monster hit.” You have to see this production just for the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” number; it’s spectacular.

June 30th – July 25th 2010

Tickets | Website

Other Shows Still Running in June:

  • Peter Pan at Ferry Landing (San Francisco)
  • In the Heights at Curran Theatre (San Francisco)
  • Little Shop of Horrors at Bus Barn (Los Altos)

JULY

Annie at Broadway by the Bay – This timeless Tony-winning tale of Little Orphan Annie features a cast of unforgettable characters including Miss Hannigan, Lily, Rooster, and Daddy Warbucks. Featuring one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including“It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.”and “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar the whole family will love this classic musical! There’s only 13 performances! It’s directed by Alex Perez and musical directed by Billy Liberatore.

July 15th – August 1st 2010

Tickets | Website


Urinetown at Coastal Rep Theatre – This irreverent comedy pokes fun at American Musical Theatre, our cultural institutions, corporate America, and even petty small town politics. Winner of several Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, Urinetown, the Musical is an outrageous spoof, and a hilarious tale of love, greed, corruption, and revolution in a time of drought, when even ‘restroom activities’ are controlled by the mega-corporation. Fun for the whole family. Directed by Martin Rojas-Dietrich.

July 23rd – August 21, 2010

Tickets | Website

RENT at City Lights Theatre – This fresh and daring spin on Puccini’s La Bohème follows the triumphs and tragedies of eight young Greenwich Village bohemians. As the spectre of the AIDS virus looms and threatens to cut short their time together, this small band of artists and thinkers finds beauty in the grit and grime of Manhattan and comes to realize that there is, truly, “no day but today.” (Disclosure: I’m playing Mark in this production.)

July 24th – August 29th 2010

Tickets | Website

Anything Goes at Foothill Musical Theatre – Anything Goes spotlights Cole Porter’s deloveliest hits, including Friendship, I Get a Kick Out of You, All Through the Night, Blow Gabriel Blow, You’re the Top, It’s Delovely, and the classic title song. Award-winning director Jay Manley helms these seafaring shenanigans with musical direction by Catherine Snider and choreography by Dottie Lester-White.

July 23rd – August 15th 2010

Tickets | Website

AUGUST

Beauty and the Beast at Golden Gate Theatre (San Francisco) – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to San Francisco! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. Just so you know, this is the non-equity tour.

August 17th – August 29th 2010

Tickets | Website

Menopause, The Musical at California Theatre (San Jose) – Since March 2001, the hilarious show Menopause The Musical has entertained and inspired women from coast-to-coast and internationally. Menopause The Musical is the work of writer Jeanie Linders. This uplifting 90-minute production includes parodies from the ‘60s and ‘70s and ‘80s. It culminates with a salute to women who are experiencing The Change.

August 18th – August 22nd 2010

Tickets | Website

Dreamgirls at SHNSF (Theatre not announced yet) – Direct from Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls comes to San Francisco this summer! Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Do not miss this one!

August 24th – September 26th 2010

Tickets (not on sale yet) | Website

Upcoming Shows in the Fall & Beyond:

  • The Light in the Piazza – Theatreworks – August 25th – September 19th 2010
  • Smokey Joe’s Cafe – Bus Barn Theatre – September 2nd – October 2nd 2010
  • La Cage Aux Folles – Broadway by the Bay – September 16th – October 3rd 2010
  • Burn the Floor – Broadway San Jose – September 21st – September 26th 2010
  • The Music Man – South Bay Musical Theatre – September 25th – October 16th 2010

Enjoy your summer! Be sure to tell us what your favorite productions are in the comments, Facebook or Twitter!

 
2 Comments

Posted by on 06/01/2010 in Bay Area Theatre, Broadway, News

 

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Broadway News Round Up #15

01 Apr

Each week, The Broadway Critic will be featuring the news that you don’t want to miss! A lot has happened since we posted about American Idiot and Come Fly Away.

  • There are reports that there are four shows that are eyeing Broadway for next season:
  • Out of those four, I think three will happen, two will be successful and one will be a critical hit, but no one will go. Can you guess which?
  • Should bloggers wait till opening night to post their reviews? Or should the old ways of the press die and let new media reign supreme? Fellow theatre bloggers, Gratuitous Violins and Chris Caggiano report. What do you think? I might be posting my opinion later this week on the very subject.
  • The Memphis cast album was finally released this week in stores and on iTunes. It sure did take a long time for them to nationally release this cast album. I’ve had it for months and hopefully my post inspired you (or maybe not) to buy it. Did you buy it and what do you think of it? I’m finding it somewhat non-intriguing. I wonder how it will fare at the Tony Awards this year. I have a feeling that it will get nominated for several awards and overlooked by most, only winning one or two.
  • BroadwayWorld.com is reporting that Phantom of the Opera will be closing this June. Does Andrew Lloyd Weber not want both of his shows running at the same time? Read more info here. (I say, CLOSE IT!)
  • Everyone is getting a little excited for City Center Encores! production of Anyone Can Whistle starring Sutton Foster, Raul Esparza and Donna Murphy. You can check out some of the rehearsal footage here. I wish I was in NYC to see this! I’ve seen Foster and Esparza perform in several different shows and I absolutely love watching them! They are some of my favorite actors on Broadway right now.
  • CLOSING NOTICES: All About Me and The Miracle Worker are both closing prematurely on Sunday, April 4th, 2010. Am I surprised? Not really. I never understood why All About Me even had an audience. And, while A Miracle Worker sounded amazing and I heard great things about it, I think it opened a few weeks too early to survive the March slump.

New shows that are starting previews and/or opening on Broadway in the next couple weeks:

  • 4/01/10: Red (opening)
  • 4/04/10: Lead me a Tenor (opening)
  • 4/06/10: La Cage aux Folles (previews)
  • 4/11/10: Million Dollar Quartet (opening)
  • 4/18/10: La Cage aux Folles (opening)
  • 4/20/10: American Idiot (opening)
  • 4/22/10: Sondheim on Sondheim (opening)
  • 4/25/10: Promises, Promises (opening)

Until next week…

 
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Posted by on 04/01/2010 in Broadway, News

 

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Two New Shows Coming to Broadway, Summer 2010

29 Mar

While nothing is official, The Broadway Critic has heard reports that two new shows are coming to Broadway in Summer 2010. There are no official dates on either shows, but I assume they’ll be opening late summer, early fall (similar to how Finian’s Rainbow and Ragtime opened). Hopefully, these two shows will fair better than Finian’s Rainbow and Ragtime.

What’s most interesting, is the fact that both shows are successfully touring before their Broadway run. Usually, it’s the other way around – Broadway, then tour – but not with these two shows.

The first show that’s planning on transferring to Broadway after their successful tour across the USA is the Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of The Little House on the Prairie.

Little House on the Prairie finishes their first national tour in Kansas City, MO on June 27th, 2010. The closest that it’s coming to the Bay Area is Sacramento on April 14th – 25th, 2010. You can better believe I’m going to try to drive up there and see it! I figure that since they are finished the end of June, that they will probably be starting previews on Broadway in August and possibly opening in September.

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s inspirational stories take on a brand new frontier in this uplifting new musical. An award-winning team has collaborated to make this one of the best new musicals in decades! The team includes: superlative direction by internationally acclaimed Francesca Zambello (Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Broadway); a riveting book by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee); a wondrous score by Oscar Winning composer Rachel Portman; lyrics by Donna di Novelli and finally: Melissa Gilbert, who played “Laura” in the beloved TV series, joins the cast as “Ma.”

It too has been getting great reviews around the country and now it’s ready to take the chance to see if Broadway has room for some country charm.

The Little House on the Prairie Website

The second show that’s coming to Broadway this fall is the widely successful Apollo Theatre revival of Dreamgirls.

This revival of Dreamgirls brings back the original show, but acknowledges and embraces the almost 30-year journey since its creation. Robert Longbottom teams with co-choreographer Shane Sparks of TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance” to infuse the show with fresh, contemporary movement and style. The cast is filled with some of today’s most talented young stars and, of special importance, this new Dreamgirls will be launched at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater, highlighting the show’s themes of talent and discovery like no production before it.

As you can tell, this particular production is special and the audiences have loved it. It currently has dates to play in San Francisco on August 24th – September 26th. But interestingly enough, those dates are not on the Dreamgirls website. Have they changed their mind and decided Broadway instead? If so, it will probably end up on Broadway late September but if it does go to San Francisco then you should plan on an October preview and November opening for this new revival. If they don’t end up coming to San Francisco, believe me I’ll be buying a ticket to see this on Broadway. If it does, you’ll see a review this summer. Either way, I’m stoked to see this being revived on Broadway. It’s time.

Dreamgirls Touring Website

Playbill.com hasn’t even reported either of these shows are coming to Broadway, but I heard that they are currently casting for both for the Broadway-bound productions. (Check out Playbill.com’s full list of upcoming Broadway shows here.) I’m waiting for an official announcement because we all know that casting a show isn’t the same as actually producing one. (Please refer to Spiderman: Turn of the Dark.) But, my bets are in – both of these shows will show up on Broadway next season.

Which one are you most excited about?

 
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Posted by on 03/29/2010 in Broadway, News

 

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2009: Broadway Performances

01 Dec

If you missed the the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (like I did) then here they are – all in one place – for your viewing pleasure:

Hair

West Side Story

Ragtime

Dreamgirls

Bye Bye Birdie

Shrek

Billy Elliot

Rockettes

Did I miss anyone? Let us know what your favorite performance was?


 
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Posted by on 12/01/2009 in Broadway

 

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