Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays from Musicals in LA
Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays to you and yours this holiday season!
May your 2010 be filled with happy people, extraordinary shows, and music that makes your heart sing.
Cheers!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Reprise Casting for Carousel Complete
Reprise Theatre Company has announced casting for its upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel, which runs January 26 - February 7 at UCLA's Freud Playhouse. Michael Michetti, co-artistic director of The Theatre at Boston Court, will direct, with choreography by Lee Martino and musical direction by Darryl Archibald.
Alexandra Silber stars as Julie Jordan, direct from her critically acclaimed portrayal of Julie Jordan in Carousel at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End. Joining her are Robert Patteri as Billy Bigelow (Scarlet Pimpernel, Beauty and the Beast.) and veteran character actor M. Emmet Walsh as the Starkeeper.
The cast also features Jane Noseworthy as Carrie, James Leo Ryan as Jigger, Victoria Strong as Cousin Nettie, and Andy Taylor as Enoch Snow. The ensemble includes Eydie Alyson, Seth Belliston, Bradley Benjamin, Jessica Carter, Blake Ewing, Christopher Guilmet, Chris Holly, Tracy Lore, Kim Mikesell, Gregory North, Candy Olsen, Allison Paraiso, Jo Patrick, Sean Smith, Leslie Stevens, John Todd, and Scott Weber.
Director Michael Michetti says of the Reprise mounting, “Some signature elements of Reprise's approach, including minimalist sets and an on-stage orchestra, are being turned to our advantage as we create a production that emphasizes both the story's sense of community as well as the intimacy of its central love story. By stripping away some of the bows and frills usually associated with Carousel, and by exploring the simple, working-class New England culture of the period, we hope this production will allow the audience to hear this beloved play in a whole new way, integrating its moving story with the epic beauty of Rodgers & Hammerstein's score and the vibrant spectacle of its dances.”
Carousel will preview January 26 and open on January 27, continuing its run through February 7 at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse. Tickets are available online at www.reprise.org/ or through the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 310-825-2101.
Alexandra Silber stars as Julie Jordan, direct from her critically acclaimed portrayal of Julie Jordan in Carousel at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End. Joining her are Robert Patteri as Billy Bigelow (Scarlet Pimpernel, Beauty and the Beast.) and veteran character actor M. Emmet Walsh as the Starkeeper.
The cast also features Jane Noseworthy as Carrie, James Leo Ryan as Jigger, Victoria Strong as Cousin Nettie, and Andy Taylor as Enoch Snow. The ensemble includes Eydie Alyson, Seth Belliston, Bradley Benjamin, Jessica Carter, Blake Ewing, Christopher Guilmet, Chris Holly, Tracy Lore, Kim Mikesell, Gregory North, Candy Olsen, Allison Paraiso, Jo Patrick, Sean Smith, Leslie Stevens, John Todd, and Scott Weber.
Director Michael Michetti says of the Reprise mounting, “Some signature elements of Reprise's approach, including minimalist sets and an on-stage orchestra, are being turned to our advantage as we create a production that emphasizes both the story's sense of community as well as the intimacy of its central love story. By stripping away some of the bows and frills usually associated with Carousel, and by exploring the simple, working-class New England culture of the period, we hope this production will allow the audience to hear this beloved play in a whole new way, integrating its moving story with the epic beauty of Rodgers & Hammerstein's score and the vibrant spectacle of its dances.”
Carousel will preview January 26 and open on January 27, continuing its run through February 7 at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse. Tickets are available online at www.reprise.org/ or through the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 310-825-2101.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
El Segundo Launches “Broadway In The Park” in 2010
A brand new summer theatre festival, Broadway In The Park, is set to debut in El Segundo next summer.
Founded by long-time South Bay resident Jeff Cason, Broadway In The Park will feature professional musical theatre under the stars in El Segundo’s Recreation Park. A mix of professional and local talent will appear on stage – accompanied by a live orchestra – to present a fully-staged, classic Broadway musical.
“I am so thrilled to partner with the El Segundo community to bring this summer musical event to the South Bay,” says Executive Producer Jeff Cason. “We want to create an experience that hearkens back to small-town Americana – where the whole town gets together and shares music, dancing, and cotton candy on a warm summer night. This is the reinvention of community theatre.”
The festival boasts a Pre-Show every evening before the main event where pre-selected local artists and performance groups can present their work for the community. Broadway In The Park also plans to partner with local merchants to offer themed food – from popcorn to box dinners – for early evening picnics before the show.
A key part of the organization’s mission is to build support for other theatres in the area. Cason adds, “We believe that theatre needs support more than ever to thrive and stay relevant in the 21st century. Arts companies spend too much energy fighting for resources. What if we shared resources instead? We support and believe in our South Bay arts community and know that by sharing the love, we all benefit.”
The Company plans to announce their summer production in January 2010 and tickets will go on sale early February, available online and at select retail locations.
For more information, visit www.esbroadway.com/ or view the blog for South Bay theatre updates, http://esbroadway.blogspot.com/.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
South Coast Rep's Ordinary Days Cast Set
South Coast Rep begins 2010 with the west coast premiere of Adam Gwon’s Ordinary Days January 3 – 24 with opening night on January 8. From the bustling streets to the quiet rooftops, Ordinary Days tells the story of four young New Yorkers trying to find their way as they become intricately connected through a series of funny and fortuitous events that prove ordinary days can be simply extraordinary.
Musical director for the show is Dennis Castellano. Appearing in the cast will be Nancy Anderson (Claire), David Burnham (Jason), Deborah S. Craig (Deb) and Nick Gabriel (Warren).
Adam Gwon is a rising musical theater writer named one of "50 to Watch" by The Dramatist magazine and who has been hailed "an extremely talented composer and lyricist" who "is seriously going places." (The New York Sun, StageSpace.com). His musical Ordinary Days also will be produced in the 2009-10 season at Roundabout Theatre Company, Adirondack Theatre Festival, and Human Race Theatre Company.
Post Show Discussion Nights for the South Coast Rep production are Tuesday, January 12 and Wednesday, January 13 and an ASL interpreted performance for the Deaf community is Saturday, January 23, 2010, 2:30pm. Tickets are available now at http://www.scr.org/.
Whisper House Cast & Creative Team Announced at The Old Globe
Old Globe executive producer Lou Spisto today announced the complete cast and creative team for the world premiere of Duncan Sheik and Kyle Jarrow’s new musical, Whisper House. Peter Askin helms the show, musical director is Jason Hart and the dance director is Wesley Fata.
Emmy Award winner Mare Winningham will headline the show playing Lilly. She last appeared at The Old Globe as Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie and is currently appearing in the world premiere of the Frank Wildhorn musical, Bonnie and Clyde, at La Jolla Playhouse
Set in 1942 at the height of World War II, Whisper House is the story of an 11-year-old boy, Christopher (Eric Brent Zutty), who lives with his Aunt Lilly in a haunted New England lighthouse following the death of his father. All of the songs are performed by the ghosts, played by David Poe and Holly Brook, and embody the boy’s subconscious thoughts and fears. When Christopher begins to hear strange music seeping through the walls, is his imagination getting the best of him, or is he receiving warnings of the very real dangers that lie ahead? Whisper House is a touching and beautiful story about how we should embrace, rather than fear, the unknown.
The talented cast also features Arthur Acuña as Yasuhiro, Kevin Hoffman as Lieutenant Rando and Ted Koch as Charles. The creative team for Whisper House includes Michael Schweikardt (Scenic Design), Jenny Mannis (Costume Design), Matt Richards (Lighting Design), Dan Moses Schreier (Sound Design) and Richard Costabile (Stage Manager).
Whisper House will run January 13 – February 21, with opening night scheduled for January 21 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are currently available by subscription only. Single tickets will go on sale on December 13 at noon and can be purchased online at www.theoldglobe.org/, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.
Duncan Sheik will also perform in concert at the Globe prior to the run of Whisper House with special guest, David Poe. Sheik has toured extensively this year and will perform songs from Whisper House and his other acclaimed albums. Tickets are currently available to subscribers and single tickets will go on sale Friday, December 11 at noon.
Labels: old globe
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Old Globe's GRINCH is a Winner
I have been officially “grinched.” Yes, I saw the live stage version of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for the very first time and it was absolutely delightful from beginning to end. The Old Globe in San Diego has produced this Christmas musical favorite for the past twelve years and I can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than with everyone’s favorite green one-of-a-kind bad guy.
This Grinch, played by Jeff Skowron, is a character. He swaggers. He oozes. He’s funny. He can do a soft shoe with a top hat and cane and make you believe he was born for the spotlight. And he can also stop you when you least expect it and bring you to tears, for this Grinch is also charming and full of surprises. It’s a true transformation that reminds us just what the season is all about.
The story is told by the Grinch’s old dog Max (Martin Van Treuren) as he passes through Whoville one last time. He remembers himself as a young pup (played by a lovable Logan Lipton) and invites the audience into the world of the Whos down in Whoville, who love Christmas and all that it stands for. From there it’s the familiar story we’ve all grown to love.
The choral harmonies of the opening number, “Welcome Christmas” (Fah Who Doraze), are beautifully sung by the Who ensemble, and everyone is dressed in story book pink, red and white. The set itself looks like it has jumped right out of the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. You’ll find plenty of laughs in the story (book and lyrics are by Timothy Mason and music is by Mel Marvin), some unexpected moments like tiny Who puppets singing carols in the town, and a large dose of heart in the form of Cindy Lou Who (double cast as Shea Starrs Sibe and Anna Bahen).
Director Benjamin Endsley Klein and musical director John Samorian bring out the best in their talented cast, which also includes Steve Gunderson as Papa Who, Anne Fraser Thomas as Mama Who, Kurt Norby as Grandpa Who, Eileen Bowman as Grandma Who, and a large ensemble of characters making up the citizens of Whoville. They shine throughout, and especially in a comically fun shopping number called “It’s The Thought That Counts.”
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! will run through December 27. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theoldglobe.org/, by phone at 619-23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.
Tickets are also available for Grinch Family Day, an engaging family celebration for children of all ages that takes place on Sunday, December 20 from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The event includes an afternoon of crafts, games, treats and merriment on the Globe’s Copley Plaza and tickets to a live performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in the Old Globe Theatre at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. All proceeds support the Globe’s education and community programs for young people. For tickets to Grinch Family Day, contact the Globe Box Office at 619-23-GLOBE.
Labels: old globe