Musicals in LA

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Musical News for Thursday, March 13, 2014

OPENINGS: Musical Theatre West will present the west coast premiere of S’Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical, created and directed by Ray Roderick, with musical direction by Bret Simmons and choreography by Charlie Williams April 4 – 20 (opening night scheduled for April 5). Five mini-musicals take audiences on a ride through the songs that made the Gershwin brothers the most successful team in musical history. S’Wonderful features over 40 classic hits such as “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Shall We Dance, “ “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” The cast will include Rebecca Ann Johnson, Damon Kirsche, Ashley Fox Linton, Jeff Skowron and Rebecca Spencer. Tickets: (562) 856-1999 x 4 or www.musical.org. Performances takes place at The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach on the campus of California State University, Long Beach.

Upstairs at Vitello’s is presenting FREE late night musical theatre beginning this Friday night (and there's a full bar for purchase!). Join the cast of Zombie Prom, a ghoul-loves-girl rock musical every Friday at 11:00 PM beginning March 14. Seats are currently available for March 14, 21, and 28. For reservations, e-mail zombiepromtickets@yahoo.com with your name and number in your party, and check out their video below.

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced the cast of their upcoming production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. CATS will feature Kelly Provart as Grizabella and Todrick Hall (whose hilarious YouTube video parodies have been seen by millions of viewers) as Rum Tum Tugger. Director/choreographer is Dana Solimando and musical director is John Glaudini.The cast will also include Dane Wagner as Mr. Mistoffelees, Clent Bowers as Old Deuteronomy, Karl Warden as Munkustrap and will also feature Madison Mitchell, Chryssie Whitehead, Neil Dale, Nina Schreckengost, Colette Peters, Derek Lewis, Lauren Decierdo, Daniel Dawson, Brian Steven Shaw, Jamie Joseph, Steven Agdeppa, Melvin Ramsey, Hannah Simmons, Autumn Crockett, Jenna Wright, Jake Dupree and Tiffany Reid. Previews begin Friday, April 18 (opening night is April 19) and the show will run through May 11, 2014 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. Tickets: (714) 994-6310 or www.lamiradatheatre.com

The Grove Theatre is getting ready for Peter Pan, which will run March 28 - April 13. Join Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys as they do battle with Captain Hook and his pirate crew. The show is directed by Kris Kyer (who recently portrayed Dick Van Dyke in Saving Mr. Banks), and who will play Captain Hook. Maeve Riley is Peter Pan. Choreography is by Julio Villegas. Tickets: (909) 920-4343 or www.grovetheatre.com. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.
Chance Theater has announced 26 hours of live performances for its 24hr Chance-a-thon, which will take place on Saturday, March 22 from 10am-11pm, and Sunday, March 23 from 9am-10pm. Throughout the 2-day event, local artists and community members will come together to share their talent in support of Chance Theater’s artistic and educational programs. Events include everything from learning the choreography from Lysistrata Jones to cabaret performances to new plays to live podcasts. I’ve highlighted a few select musical events below but for a complete schedule go to www.ChanceTheater.com/24hr.

Rachel Mount - a cabaret of musical theatre and pop songs
Dis-FUN-ction” - Joanne Juliet Lapointe cabaret about all things grown-up told through song
King of the World - Ana Bomgaars and friends’ unique tribute of songs by Jason Robert Brown
So Happy (Singing) Together - a concert with Robyn and Robert Wallace
Seventh Street Jazz - with Cristiana Franzetti featuring multi-layered melodies, tight harmonies and exciting improvisations to delight audiences of all ages.
The Wild Things Children’s Theatre Troupe – interactive FUN with music for all ages!
Speak the Speech - with OCSA student actors and singers performing monologues, scenes, songs, and even some famous impressions.
Take a Chance! - a musical revue by Ragtag Entertainment
We Will Rock You 2! - with OCSA Senior Commercial Voice students doing original and copy pop and rock tunes backed by a live band.
Inspired - with St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church Choir
Miscast: A Broadway Cabaret! - with Jared Kaitz and friends; a show about performing the roles you have always wanted to play, but have been unable to, due to race, gender, type, etc.