Tuesday, November 3, 2015

San Diego Celebrates the Holidays! Here Comes The Grinch and White Christmas

The Holidays are coming and that means two Christmas favorites will open in San Diego this month. At The Old Globe, everyone’s favorite green meanie is about to make his appearance in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This year J. Bernard Calloway takes on the role of the Grinch in the family-friendly musical beginning November 7 (opening night 11/14). The Annual Tree Lighting on the Old Globe Plaza is Sunday, Nov 15 at 6:00 pm and includes a special performance by the cast. This is a free event so come one, come all for a fun, festive way to kick off your holiday. For all of the holiday events associated with the show visit their website at www.theoldglobe.org


 San Diego Musical Theatre also brings back its latest family holiday tradition, the charming stage version of the beloved movie classic, White Christmas. Featuring a cast of 30, and an onstage 21-piece orchestra, White Christmas runs Nov 27 - Dec 6 at the historic Spreckels Theatre. The show stars David Engel and Jeffrey Scott Parsons as Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, with Allison Spratt Pearce and Tro Shaw as the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. www.sdmt.org

For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Musical News for Thursday July 24, 2014

MUSICAL NEWS: The Garage Theatre and Alive Theatre present Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera August 1-30 at The Garage Theatre. Often described as brutal, scandalous, perverted; yet humorous, hummable and with a happy ending, it is one of the earliest and most successful attempts to introduce jazz into the theatre. With musical direction by Ellen Warkentine (the mastermind behind LOLpera) and longtime director and managing director, Eric Hamme, this evening is going to get weird...that good kind of weird. The cast and band includes Robert Edward, Mark Piatelli, Ellen Warkentine, Ashley Elizabeth Allen, Thomas Amerman, Sarah Chaffin, Dana Benedict, Lysander Ruesehk, Jason Bowe, Stephani Keith, Lizzie Stride, Ethan Zahn, Sally Nguyen, Jeanine Van Dyke, Travis Guerrero, Matthew Proffitt, Daysmel Muniz, John Robertson, Alanah Ntzouras, Matt Kollar and Sumner LeVeque. Choreography is by Angela Lopez. The Garage Theatre, 251 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90813. www.thegaragetheatre.org

A workshop production of It Happened in Roswell: an intergalactic musical will be presented as part of New Musicals Inc.’s summer series at NoHo Arts Center August 3 – 25. The story follows hard-nosed reporter Scoop who thinks he’s just chasing a story to save his sagging career. But when the alien turns out to be a wide-eyed sexy girl whom the Army wants to capture and dissect in the laboratory, well, Scoop discovers he’s in a big pickle: get the story, or get the girl? The cast includes Rory Dunn as the hard-nosed reporter, with Broadway’s Julie Tolivar as the alien. Nathan Ondracek plays a sweet 4F lad who has been too preoccupied trying to communicate with aliens to notice the love of his life, Bessie, right in front of him in the local diner. Deranged former military man Major Nails is played by John McCool Bowers. The cast also includes Amy Bloom, Emma Sperka, Emerson Boatwright, and Carrie Madsen. Music direction is by Ron Barnett. Co-directed by Terrence Atkins and Scott Guy. It Happened in Roswell is written by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal. NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd, in North Hollywood. Tickets are $20 at www.nmi.org.

The Festival of New American Musicals presents an ASCAP staged reading of The Front, based on the 1976 Hollywood movie starring Woody Allen and Zero Mostel, August 19 and 20 at 7:30 pm. Barnsdall Gallery Theater, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90027. Music & Lyrics are by Paul Gordon & Jay Gruska; Book by Seth Friedman; Based on the screenplay by Walter Bernstein. Richard Israel directs the reading, with musical director Keith Harrison. Produced by Marcia Seligson and Michael Kerker. Associate Producer Linda Shusett. For free tickets RSVP to info@lafestival.org

EXTENDED: Chance Theater has extended its run of In The Heights through August 10 with six additional performances. The show was originally scheduled to close on August 3 but will now also play Thursday, August 7 at 8pm, Friday, August 8 at 8pm, Saturday, August 9 at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday, August 10 at 2pm and 7pm at Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center. Tickets: (714) 777-3033 or www.ChanceTheater.com.

 SEASON NEWS: San Diego Musical Theatre has announced its 2015 season at its new home, the historic Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. Shows will include:
West Side Story (Feb. 13 – March 1, 2015) directed by James Vasquez 
Singin’ in the Rain (May 22 – June 7, 2015) directed by Todd Nielson 
La Cage aux Folles (Sept. 25 – Oct. 11, 2015) directed by Larry Raben 
White Christmas (Nov. 27 – Dec. 6, 2015) directed by Todd Nielsen
www.sdmt.org

 FILM: In memory of an incredible talent, Arena Cinema Hollywood will screen the documentary Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me for four showings only. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Tracy Morgan, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. The 81-minute Sundance Selects film is directed by Chiemi Karasawa. Screenings takes place Sat. July 26 and Sun. July 27  at 3:00 pm; Tues. July 29 and Thurs. July 31 at 6:15 pm. Admission is $12.00. Arena Cinema Hollywood, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. (Entrance at rear gate.) Discounted parking is available with validation at lots adjacent to the venue and across the street. For more information, call (323) 306-0676 or go to http://arenascreen.com.

 CONCERTS/CABARET: Kritzerland Tributes Female Songwriters Sunday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm at Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal starring Dan Callaway, Jennifer Kranz, Heather Lee, Lisa Livesay and Shannon Warne, with special guest Kay Cole and musical direction by Tom Griep. The show salutes musical theatre lyricists Carolyn Leigh, Lynn Ahrens, Marsha Norman, Gretchen Cryer, Fran Landesman, Amanda McBroom, and Carole Bayer Sager. Reservations: 818-754-8700.

UPDATE: Tony Award-nominee Obba Babatundé has been set to host Broadway Under the Stars at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre Aug. 16 at 8:00 pm. The Chris Isaacson Presents production stars Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday with Erich Bergen, Rogelio Douglas, Jr., Danny Gurwin and Chad Kimball. David Galligan will direct, and the music director is Gerald Sternbach. Purchase tickets by August 2 and save $5. Discount tickets are available by calling (323) 461-3673 or at www.FordTheatres.org.

 The Grove Theatre in Upland announces a weekend of entertaining tributes to Elton John, Billy Joel and ABBA. On Friday, August 8th, at 8:00 pm, Terry Davies, “The Piano Man,” will present his personal tribute to greats Billy Joel and Elton John featuring a video as the backdrop that will take the audience through the story he sings. On Saturday, August 9th at 8:00 pm, ABBA FAB, featuring Anne Davies, Chelsea Faulds, Scotty Pearson and Nick Davies, performs its tribute to the music of ABBA. Comprised of vocalists and musicians who have toured the world as solo artists and band members, ABBA FAB has come together to create an extremely entertaining ABBA tribute. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786. Tickets: (909) 920-4343, or http://grovetheatre.com/.

 The Los Angeles Jewish Symphony has announced a celebratory concert to commemorate the orchestra’s 20th Anniversary on Sunday, September 7 at 7:30 pm at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. LAJS will be joined by award-winning and critically acclaimed pianist, actor, playwright, producer, and composer Hershey Felder, who has written an overture specifically for this occasion. With the anniversary concert, LAJS will be making its 11th consecutive appearance in the Ford Summer Partnership Concert Series. Tickets: (323) 461-3673 or www.FordTheatres.org.

 For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: , , , , , ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

MUSICAL NEWS for Tuesday, June 3, 2014

MUSICAL NEWS: La Jolla Playhouse will mount the world premiere of Up Here, a new musical comedy featuring book, music and lyrics by the husband-and-wife composing team of Robert Lopez (The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Disney World’s Finding Nemo: The Musical). Up Here will be directed by Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers and will be part of the Playhouse’s 2015/16 season (dates TBA). The musical follows Dan, an ordinary guy with a boring social life, an unused gym membership and a lot going on upstairs. When he finds a potential spark with Lindsay, his attempts at love are jeopardized by his chaotic subconscious mind. Up Here is about moving past ourselves – and those little voices in our head - to find happiness.  www.lajollaplayhouse.org
The Festival of New American Musicals has launched its 7th season, recommending a record 13 new musicals and events in the month of June. Many of them have been featured here on Musicals in LA as well. They are:
The Ghost of Gershwin, an original homage to George Gershwin at the Lonny Chapman Theater, through June 22
Chasing the Song, a world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse through June 15
For the Record: Quentin Tarantino, the popular cabaret show at DBA in West Hollywood, through July 26
Dog and Pony, a world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego, through June 29
Nickel Mines, a world premiere at UC Irvine, through June 7.
Elements, a west coast premiere by the Angel City Chorale, June 6 & 7
Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, a musical cabaret at the new Fifty-Seven in downtown LA, through June
Werewolves of Hollywood Blvd, premiering at the Hollywood Fringe Festival (Lillian Theatre), through June 28
A Little New Music, the Festival joins in showcasing songs from new musicals at Rockwell in Los Feliz on June 10.
Futurefest, the Festival’s annual marathon featuring talented high school and college talent performing songs from new musicals at Rockwell on June 11.
Artland, the first world premiere musical developed at the LA County High School of the Arts, through June 15.
30 Minute Musicals, musical satires of blockbuster movies – Independence Day and Outbreak, at the Hudson Theatre in West Hollywood, through June.
One Singular Sensation, the Festival expands to Napa for Broadway Under the Stars in June and July. For more information about all of the shows, go to www.lafestival.org.
The Grove Theatre will open Oklahoma! this Sat., May 31 and run for 8 performances through Sunday June 15. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece about a romantic rivalry on the Western frontier boasts a collection of classic songs and a spirit that has made it an enduring favorite. Featuring such Broadway favorites as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We're in Love,” “The Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” and the exuberant title song, this brilliant first collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein set box-office records as it ushered in the Golden Age of American musical theater. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786. Tickets: http://grovetheatre.com/

San Diego Musical Theatre will present Next to Normal directed by Nick DeGruccio, starring Bets Malone (Diana), Robert Townsend (Dan) and Eddie Egan (Gabe), Sept.26 - Oct. 12 at the North Park Theatre. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness as Diane Goodman struggles with bipolar disorder. Tickets: www.sdmt.org.

 TELEVISION: KCET will present two shows for musical fans this week. On Thurs, June 3, 2014 at 10:00 pm, they will air A Broadway Lullaby, a new documentary from award-winning director Barbara Rick. The documentary provides an unprecedented inside look at Broadway’s brightest performers, all uniting to combat breast cancer through the beauty and power of music and art. The film captures the inspiration, rehearsals, recordings and creative process of artists including Victoria Clark, Raul Esparza, Sutton Foster, Marva Hicks, Nikki M. James, Judy Kuhn, Rebecca Luker, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Laura Osnes, Vanessa Williams, Charles Randolph-Wright, Stephen Schwartz, David Shire, and Jules, and musicians Larry Campbell, Dave Eggar, Taylor Eigsti, Gil Goldstein, Fred Hersch, Julian Lage, and many more.  The documentary will also stream online at www.kcet.org. Click Here for more about the documentary and view the teaser below.


 Then on Friday, June 6 at 8:30 pm, Dialogue With Doti, hosted by Chapman University president Jim Doti, will debut. The talk show profiles today’s leaders in business, science, the arts and more. Doti’s first episode features four-time Tony Award®-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Master Class, Ragtime, Kiss of the Spider Woman). McNally will share stories and memories of his life and discusses his play Mothers and Sons which has been nominated for a Tony Award®.

 YOUTUBE: News from across the pond - Episode one if Don’t Let Go is now available on YouTube. The musical film is by Jacob William, a recent Goldsmiths University graduate, and is produced by Seth Chan and directed by Bella Barlow. Don’t Let Go tells the story of Tom (played by William) who, after a car accident leaves him in a wheelchair, fights to save the girl he loves (Annie Kirkman) from an abusive relationship (Roy Ryan). Featuring ten original songs performed live and characters like a reggae-singing Grandma (played by Juliette Kaplan of BBC’s Last Of The Summer Wine), Don’t Let Go is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about embracing life and love in the face of sheer adversity. For more information, go to www.dontletgo.co.uk or www.jacobwilliam.co.uk or check out the video below.


CABARET: Eric Petersen and wife Lisa Marie Morabito will co-host A Little New Music 5 at Rockwell: Table & Stage, June 10 at 8:00 pm. The evening will showcase songs by award-winning writers Buck & Acquisto, Michael Gordon Shapiro, Drew Fornarola, Adam Gwon, Andrew Gerle, Michael Finke, Rosser & Sohne, Atkins & Segal, Salmond & Aronson, Defoe & Sinutoke, Wilmott & Stevens, Sankoff & Hein, and Daniel Maté, with special appearances by musical comedy duo Schoolcraft & Murray, and Milburn & Vigoda. Performers include Julie Tolivar, Anne Torsiglieri, Jennifer Hubilla, Joey Haro, Sophie Oda, Joseph Morales, Amanda Kruger, Daniel David Stewart, Elise Dewsberry, Kailey Swanson, Cassidy Barnes, Travis Joe Dixon and more. Musical Director is Bryan Blaskie. Doors open at 6:30. www.alittlenewmusic.org

ANMT NEWS: The Academy for New Musical Theatre presents three brand new 15-minute musicals on June 23 and 24 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. The annual 15 Minute Musicals are a decades-long tradition at ANMT and conclude each season’s Core Curriculum of the writers’ workshop, which has been in existence for over 40 years. This season’s theme is Can’t Get Enough: three short musicals about addiction. Shows featured includes The Lover: A Tale of Obsessive Love by Grace Jasmine (book & lyrics) and Ron Barnett (music), Smartest Zombie at Harvard by Bryon Richards (book), Natalie Elder (lyrics) and Marc Macalintal (music); and Spoilers! by Mitch Glaser (book), Mike Shapiro (lyrics) and Erik Przytulski (music). The cast features Noel Britton, Sara Gonzales, Jeffrey Landman, and Kevin Yee, directed by Joshua Finkel, and music directed by Ron Barnett. Tickets are $25 at www.anmt.org.

 SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS: July 15 is the submission deadline for ANMT’s annual Search for New Musicals. Entries are accepted from around the globe and winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support. All entries will receive constructive dramaturgical feedback, and will be entered in the Search contest. The winner of the 2014 Search will be announced by November 15, and will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and will be given a concert reading in Los Angeles. Writers may submit their shows electronically via ANMT's website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form. For more info go to www.anmt.org.

 ANMT’s BIZ OF THE MUSICAL THEATRE BIZ CONFERENCE will take place July 18-20 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. Sign up by June 15 and take advantage of the $100 off early registration discount. Every other year, NMI & ANMT host a prestigious conference on the business side of the musical theatre business. Panelists include award-winning writers, artistic directors, commercial producers, entertainment lawyers, agents, union reps, and social media marketing experts. For information go to www.newmusicalsinc.net and click on DEVELOP and then CONFERENCE.

 ANMT BOOT CAMP: The Academy for New Musical Theatre is offering three courses this summer for musical theatre bookwriters and lyricists as part of the annual Musical Theatre Summer Boot Camp. They are: 

 BEATING BROADWAY - August 5, 7, 12, 14
Instructor: Scott Guy 
Tues/Thur for 2 weeks; 7-10pm 
Using Steve Cuden's book Beating Broadway, these four sessions will detail the 'beats' of the plot line of several successful Broadway musicals

 BOOK LAB - July 12, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 (note no July 19)
Instructor: Elise Dewsberry 
Six Saturday mornings from 10am-2pm 
The Book Lab is designed as an introduction to writing the book of a musical while also outlining the collaborative steps involved in creating a new musical with the whole team.

 OUTLINING ANYWHERE! - July 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18
Instructor: Elise Dewsberry 
Six Monday evenings from 7pm-10pm 
The Outlining Lab is available in-person OR online (or a combination of the two!) Video lectures, exercises, handouts, and tests are all available online.

 For complete course details, prices, early bird discounts and registration info go to www.anmt.org and click on BOOT CAMP.

AWARDS: The Nederlander Organization and Hollywood Pantages Theatre have announced the winners of the 3rd Annual Jerry Herman Awards. KABC 7 Eyewitness News Entertainment Reporter George Pennacchio served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Grand prize winners include Joshua Velez from HArts Academy (Pippin) and Ayla Stackhouse from Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual & Performing Arts (In The Heights). Best actor & actress runners up are Sawyer Patterson from John Burroughs High School, Kelsey Smith from Los Angeles County High School of the Arts, Nick Sparks from Oakwood High School and Julia McDermott from Mira Costa High School. Notre Dame Academy’s Luelle Robles won the “No Small Parts” Award for her role in Hairspray.

 Other award recipients include Sheldon Donenberg and Holly Gould for Best Actor and Actress respectively; Santa Monica High School (Pippin) for Best Musical Staging or Choreography; Marina High School (Crazy for You) for Best Costumes; The Academy of Music at Hamilton High School (Anything Goes) for Best Orchestra; Agoura High School (Into the Woods) for Best Scenic Design; and Chaffey High School (Monty Python’s Spamalot) for Best Technical Crew. www.JerryHermanAwards.com

 For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: , , , , , ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0

Monday, May 5, 2014

Musical News for Monday, May 5, 2014

SEASON NEWS: Laguna Playhouse has announced its 2014-2015 season which will be full of music, memories, midnight, mystery & murder. Here’s a look at the schedule:
  
BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
July 7 - August 19, 2014 (Press Opening July 12)
Buddy Holly’s short yet spectacular career is told through classic songs we all love including “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Not Fade Away,” The Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace,” Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” and many more.

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
Oct. 8 – Nov. 2, 2014 (Press Opening October 11)
Written by Joan Didion
Directed by Jenny Sullivan
Starring Linda Purl
This is a remarkable story of loss, journey, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit, based on Joan Didion’s National Book Award winning memoir. The play is a tribute to an extraordinary marriage and a love letter to Didion’s daughter. 

STRIKING TWELVE
Dec. 3 – 28, 2014 (Press Opening December 6)
Book, Music and Lyrics by GrooveLily
A 21st century sensibility combines pop-rock, musical comedy with an old-fashioned uplift. Striking 12 weaves Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fable The Little Match Girl with a modern-day New Year’s Eve twist and is a holiday treat suitable for audiences of all ages.

HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN
Jan. 7 – Feb. 8, 2015 (Press Opening January 10) 
Called “the greatest songwriter that has ever lived,” by George Gershwin, Berlin is known for innumerable American classics such as “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Anything You Can Do,” and “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

MURDER FOR TWO
April 22 – May 27, 2015  (Press Opening April 25)
Book & Music by Joe Kinosian
Book & Lyrics by Kellen Blair
One actor investigates the crime... one actor plays all the suspects... and they both play the piano! This 90-minute musical is a zany blend of classic musical comedy and madcap mystery.

2013/2014 BONUS OPTIONS
MAGIC OF MOTOWN
Aug. 13 – 24, 2014
Featuring fabulous male harmonies, stunning female vocals and a supremely- talented 7-piece back-up band, this fast-moving production honors the Motown legends that brought the world to its dancing feet.

ED ASNER stars as FDR
Nov. 19 - 23, 2014
Asner explores the life of one of America’s best-loved presidents in a powerful one-man play that follows the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from the Inauguration to the trials of World War II.

 Subscriptions: 949-497-2787(ARTS) or at www.lagunaplayhouse.com. Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
MOTHER’S DAY EVENT: Laguna Playhouse presents an Intimate Conversation with Leslie Caron, followed by a screening of Lili on Mother’s Day, May 11, 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Ms. Caron’s longtime friend and producer Vincent Curcio will host the conversation which will be a question-and-answer format similar to “Inside the Actors’ Studio.” The conversation will be followed by an opportunity to meet Ms. Caron and purchase her memoir, Thank Heaven. Ms. Caron will be signing books in the lobby. As a special bonus in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 26th Academy Awards (March 25, 1954) in which Ms. Caron was honored as a Best Actress nominee for her performance in Lili (1953), The Playhouse will be showing a free screening of the film at 7 pm. Concessions will be available. It’s the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear from this living legend. General admission seating is $25 for the Stage and Screen event and book signing. Admission to the film is free. Tickets: (949) 497-2787 or www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

 MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL: San Diego Musical Theatre is offering a $10 discount for tickets to Annie Get Your Gun for Mother’s Day weekend. To get this discount for the special mom in your life, call (858) 560-5740 and mention Mother's Day Special or visit www.sdmt.org and enter promotional code “mom”. Offer valid through opening weekend only in sections A and B (Friday, May 9 at 8pm, Saturday, May 10 at 8pm, and Sunday, May 11 at 2pm). 
OPENINGS: Jim J. Bullock stars in Cabrillo Music Theatre’s rock-and-roll hit Bye Bye Birdie July 18 – 27 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, which features musical direction by Lloyd Cooper, choreography by John Charron, and direction by Lewis Wilkenfeld. America’s rock ‘n’ roll heart-throb drives the teen girls bonkers in this nostalgic, Tony-winning family-friendly Broadway musical. Bye Bye Birdie takes us on a trip to the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, where the nation’s most popular rock-and-roll singer, Conrad Birdie, arrives to give his biggest fan one last kiss before going into the army, and he’ll do it on the Ed Sullivan show.

 The show includes a cast of over sixty and a full orchestra. Joining Bullock as Mr. MacAfee are Zachary Ford as Albert Peterson, Michelle Marmolejo as Rose Alvarez, and Noelle Marion as Kim MacAfee. The cast also includes Austin MacPhee as Conrad Birdie, Harrison Meloeny as Hugo Peabody, and Francesca Barletta as Ursula Merkle. There will be a signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing on Friday, July 23rd, at 8:00 pm. Tickets: (800) 745-3000 or www.cabrillomusictheatre.com. 

 For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: , ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0

Monday, April 21, 2014

Musical News for Monday, April 21, 2014

OPENINGS: San Diego Musical Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun starring Beth Malone as Annie Oakley and Steve Blanchard as Frank Butler  May 9-25 (Opening Night is Sat. May 10). Annie Get Your Gun will be directed and choreographed by John Todd with musical direction by Don LeMaster. The cast also includes John Polhamus, Paul Morgavo, Sean Tamburrino, Debbie David, Jeni Baker, Steven Rada, Jim Marshall, Conor Tibbs, Amy Beth Batchelor, Eric Betts, Liz Daniels, Carlos Ferrusca, Siri Hafso, Danny Hansen, Aurore Joly, Tellina Lee, Tamara Rodriguez, Justin Segura, Taylor Simmons, Noah Baird, Ava Bunn, Taylor Coleman and Claire Scheper. www.sdmt.org
Sierra Madre Playhouse will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers May 16 – June 21, directed and adapted by Alison Eliel Kalmus, with musical direction by Leonardo Sciolis and choreography by Angela Nicholas. The Gala opening night performance on Friday, May 16 will be followed by a Champagne reception and light buffet. This new adaptation of The Gondoliers re-sets the action to the U.K. in 1952 and follows a company of Savoyards who plan a production of The Gondoliers for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Missing props, sets and costumes just two days before opening inject enough randomness into the proceedings that would make Noises Off seem like a quiet stroll in the garden. The cast includes Maegan Alexandria, Jenna Augen, Beatrice Barrio-Buchman, Jeff Bratz, MarLee Candell, November Christine, Karim Coleman, Elyse Cook, Matt Damone, Mickey De Lara, Ariel Downs, Sarah Fazeli, Aaron Guest, James Jaegar, Brooke Johnson, Randy Wade Kelley, John King, Kara Masek, DW McCann, Christian McClure, Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper, Olivia O’Neill, Kenn Schmidt, Steven Silvers, John Szura, Leslie Thompson, Sunil Vernekar, Joy Weiser and Jessie Withers. Tickets: (626) 355-4318 or www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
MOTHER’S DAY: This Mother’s Day, the 16th annual Momentum Place creates a fantastical world of aerial and circus performers, dancers and musicians in Theatricum Botanicum’s rustic outdoor amphitheater. Bring your mother to honor the MOMentum in her life - always on the go for others. Now, she can sit back, relax and enjoy an uncommon afternoon of performance delights that are kid friendly and full of surprises. For an extra treat, enjoy a scrumptious brunch in Theatricum’s rustic gardens before the performance. The event is curated by Lexi Pearl and takes place on Sunday, May 11. Brunch: Noon -1:30 pm. Performance: 2 pm at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga CA 90290. Tickets: (310) 455-2322 or www.theatricum.com
CONCERT READING: The Academy for New Musical Theatre will present Got Musical! 2014, featuring musical highlights from shows in development at ANMT on Tues., May 6 at the Colony Theatre. You can see excerpts from 15 brand new musicals written by up-and-coming musical theatre writers. The concert will feature highlights from City of Light by Gabrielle Wagner, Jan Roper, and Julie Weiner, Rails to Ruin by Peter Welkin, Ron Barnett, and Randi Wolfe, Roughing it with Mark Twain by Ken Stone and Jan Powell, OK in Wisconsin by Richard Castle and Matthew Levine, It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal, Smoldering by Mitch Glaser and Marc Macalintal, and The Max Factor Factor by Adrian Bewley, Joseph Blodgett, and Chana Wise.

 Also featured will be selections from the New Voices Project winners by writers under the age of 26. These include 6 by Zach Zadek, Canterbury Tales by Danny Bernstein, and Another Happy Ending by Santino DeAngelo. The cast will feature Academy Repertory Company members Sari Rose Barron, Elise Dewsberry, Scott Guy, Evelyn Halus, David Holmes, Andrea Press, Tedd Szeto, and Peter Welkin, with guest artists Jordan Kai Burnett, Randy Guiaya, Justin Jones, Ryan Ruge, Christina Valo, Gabrielle Wagner; and members of the 4x10 Showcase Company. Ron Barnett at the piano. www.anmt.org

 For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: , , ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0

Monday, January 27, 2014

Musical News for Monday, January 27, 2014

MUSICALS: China: The Whole Enchilada, a provocative musical comedy that sheds light on the absurdity of ignorance and intolerance will open a mid-week run at Sacred Fools Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday, Feb. 4th at 8:00 pm. The irreverent comedy musical condenses the 5,000 year history of China into a 90 minute show performed by three people. One loves China, one is paranoid that China is going to overthrow the world at any moment, and the third keeps getting China confused with Japan. In this new production of Mark Brown’s award-winning book and lyrics, director Allison Bibicoff fuses her unique artistic intellect with Sacred Fools foundation of experimental comedy, resulting in a multimedia hurricane of humor from actors Andi Dema, Gregory Guy Gorden, and Gina Torrecilla.  Tickets are $15 at www.sacredfools.org or by calling (310) 281-8337.
La Jolla Playhouse has added the U.S. premiere of the musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame, written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, featuring a book by Peter Parnell and directed by Scott Schwartz to its 2014/15 season. Produced by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, the musical will run Oct. 28 – Dec. 7 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and featuring the Oscar-nominated score from the 1996 Disney animated classic, it features a lush, emotionally rich score. This brand-new production highlights the music’s orchestral power and choral beauty in an intimate retelling of the famous love story. Peter Parnell finds a bold, highly-theatrical take on the moving tale of the scorned bell-ringer Quasimodo, the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda and the dashing Captain Phoebus in 15th century Paris. The creative team also includes Josh Bergasse, choreographer; Michael Kosarin, music supervisor and arranger; Michael Starobin, orchestrator; Alexander Dodge, scenic design; Alejo Vietti, costume design; Howell Binkley, lighting design and Gareth Owen, sound design. Tickets to the 2014/2015 season will be available in mid-February through a subscription purchase only by calling the Patron Services Department at (858) 550-1010 or www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org.

 CONGRATULATIONS: At Saturday’s grand opening of Chance Theater’s new home, Wylie Aitken, a major arts supporter and chair of the California Arts Council, announced that he has made a $250,000 contribution to name the new home of the Chance after his lovely wife, Bette Aitken. The new name will be the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center. The official dedication ceremony will be scheduled soon. For those who want to support the Chance’s efforts to complete its capital campaign fundraising, there are still naming opportunities available, ranging from the theater stage to the sound system. You can even adopt a chair in the new theater for $2,500. To make a pledge, or for more information, call Chance Theater’s Development Director Erika C. Miller at (714) 970-0592.

 The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has announced its 2013 nominations and special awards for excellence in Los Angeles, Orange County and Ventura County theatre. The 45th Annual LADCC ceremony will take place on Monday, March 17, 2014 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $40 (plus service fee) and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/565317. Doors open at 6:30pm for pre-show appetizers and a no-host bar, and the ceremony begins at 7:30pm. Special award recipients include The Ted Schmitt Award for the World Premiere of an Outstanding New Play (Kemp Powers), The Margaret Harford Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatre (LA Theatre Works), The Joel Hirschhorn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre (David Elzer), The Milton Katselas Award for Career or Special Achievement in Direction (Bart DeLorenzo), and a brand new award, The Kinetic Lighting Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatrical Design (Angela Balogh Calin). For a complete list of nominees and more information, go to www.ladramacriticscircle.com

 Congratulations to the 2013 BroadwayWorld/Los Angeles Award Winners announced today. For a list of winners, go to http://bit.ly/1ebTbmD.

CABARET/CONCERTS: Noted cinema expert, critic and host of TV’s “Turner Classic Movies,” Robert Osborne will host the 30th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) S.T.A.G.E. Goes to the Movies, being held on Saturday, May 10th at the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. David Galligan directs for the 30th time with John McDaniel returning as Musical Director. A celebration of cinema, S.T.A.G.E. Goes to the Movies promises to be a spectacular event highlighting many of the most memorable musical moments in Hollywood’s vast film library. Hollywood celebrity columnist Rona Barrett will narrate a stunning costume cavalcade of remarkable cinematic  creations, long-time critic Rex Reed will a take a turn as a performer along with recording legend Helen Reddy and Saturday Night Fever’s Donna Pescow. Additional performers include Obba Babatunde, Mary Beth Black, Patrick Cassidy, Mary Jo Catlett, Carole Cook, David Engel, Julie Garnye, Bill Hutton, Heather Macrae, Pat Marshall, Donna McKechnie, Patricia Morrison, Janis Paige, Valarie Pettiford, Jake Simpson and Kevin Spirtas. Tickets: www.stagela.com

 AUDITIONS: San Diego Musical Theatre will hold auditions for Annie Get Your Gun on April 21st and 22nd. Director: Todd Nielsen. Choreographer: John Todd. Musical Director: Don LeMaster. Please prepare a brief song from traditional musical theatre repertoire showing your vocal range. Have second piece available if asked. Bring sheet music in your key and two headshots and resumes. An accompanist will be provided. To schedule an appointment, please email jill@sdmt.org. Specify if you will be coming to the Singer Call OR the Dance Call and if you are Equity or Non-Union. Singer Call will be Friday, Feb. 21 from 5:00 - 10:00 pm. and Saturday, Feb. 22 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Dance Call will be Saturday, Feb.22 at 10:00 am and some may be asked to sing. Children attend Singer Call only. Callbacks are Sunday, Feb. 23rd from11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Audition location: San Diego Musical Theatre, 4652 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111. For a complete breakdown of roles and more information, go to www.sdmt.org/audition. 

 For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: , , , ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0

Monday, October 28, 2013

Musical News Around Town for October 28, 2013

 

MUSICALS: Casting has been announced for the Los Angeles return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King which will play the Hollywood Pantages Nov. 20, 2013 – Jan. 12, 2014. The production features Patrick R. Brown as Scar, L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as Rafiki, Nick Cordileone as Timon, Andrew Gorell as Zazu, Ben Lipitz as Pumbaa, Jelani Remy as Simba, Nia Holloway as Nala, Keith Bennett as Banzai, Rashada Dawan as Shenzi and Robbie Swift as Ed. The role of Young Simba is alternated between Jordan A. Hall andNathaniel Logan McIntyre, and the role of Young Nala is alternated between Nya Cymone Carter andZyasia Jadea Page. Tickets:  www.HollywoodPantages.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, or 1-800-982-2787. 

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts presents the second show in its 2013-14 Programs for Young Audiences series, Story Pirates Greatest Hits Show. This 60-minute fast-paced, hilarious sketch comedy musical is recommended for audiences ages 4 and up. Performances are Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. A collection of the best stories and songs adapted from stories written by elementary school students, Story Pirates will delight and surprise with puppets, enlivening songs and outrageous sketches, all the while motivating kids to pick up a pencil and write down their own fantastic adventures. Story topics run the gamut, from Kung Fu ninja babies fighting crime to cats flying and tickle monsters that rule the world. All seats are $8 for children and $12 for adults. For more info go to www.LaMiradaTheatre.com or call (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. The theater is located at 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada, CA. Parking is free.

The Old Globe has announced that its 2014 summer season will feature Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, which made its world premiere at The Old Globe in 1986. This inventive reimagining by Fiasco Theater originated at McCarter Theatre Center and will run July 12 – Aug. 10, 2014. The musical masterpiece weaves together beloved fairy tales, then ventures into the unknown territory of life after “happily ever after.” Directors Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld conjure a mythical world of theatrical invention where an ordinary rope becomes Jack’s famous beanstalk, a ladder becomes Rapunzel’s enchanted tower, and the power of transformation creates a beguiling theater of the imagination. www.oldglobe.org

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is back for the holidays at San Diego Musical Theatre  December 12 - 22. The beloved movie comes to life at the Birch North Park Theatre featuring a lush Irving Berlin score played by an onstage 22-piece live orchestra. Call for tickets (858) 560-5740 or go to www.sdmt.org. 

 CABARET/CONCERT: Starr Quality – A Rick’s Picks Actors Fund Benefit Concert and Musical Tribute to the life and legacy of Rick Starr will take place Thursday, Nov. 21 at Hollywood’s Catalina Jazz Club. Doors open at 6:30 and the performance begins at 8pm. Come help salute renowned music historian Rick Starr, former manager of the legendary sheet music store Hollywood Sheet Music. Performers scheduled to appear include George Ball, Michele Brourman, Keith David, Nancy Dussault, Dianne Fraser, Julie Garnyé, Ilene Graff & Ben Lanzarone, Babbie Green, Evelyn Halus & Oliviana Marie, Bruce Kimmel & Adryan Russ, Michelle Lee, Gregg Marx, Amanda McBroom, Karen Morrow, Ali B Olmo, Joan Ryan and more, with musical director Tom Griep, Randy Landas on Bass, and Denise Fraser on Drums. Directed by David Galligan. All proceeds will be donated to The Actors Fund. Tickets are $50 for Ringside Seating, $30 General Admission, plus 2-drink minimum. Click Here for tickets.

 MUSE/IQUE’s “Uncorked Series” presents Girl/Band featuring a screening of documentary film The Girls in the Band and post-screening interactive panel discussion and musical interludes. With Rachael Worby/curator; Judy Chaikin/film director, Mindi Abair/saxophone and other artists TBA, Monday, Nov. 11. Cocktail Hour begins at 6 pm, with music by the Westridge High School Jazz Ensemble, followed by Film Screening at 7 pm. Avon Distribution Center, 2940 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91121. Tickets and more information: (626) 539-7085 or www.muse-ique.org.

 For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page

Labels: , , , ,

CLICK HERE to comment 0