“They Weren’t Happy With It” — “Sweet Valley High” Author on Rewriting Her Brother’s Musical Mack & Mabel by Carey

Originally published on Playbill.com View the story online Good news for theatre lovers everywhere: One can still say the words “Mack & Mabel” to Francine Pascal. “Aft…

Nutcracker Rouge by Barry

Steven Trumon Gray, Laura CarelessCompany XIV presented an outstanding revival of their sexy hit holiday show, Nutcracker Rouge, conceived, directed and choreographed by Drama Desk Award nom…

School of Rock review: musical's revamp on stage pleasant but no great shakes by Alexis Soloski

Winter Garden TheatreAndrew Lloyd Webber returns to Broadway with adaption of film but stage version missing charisma Jack Black brought as Dewey FinnPay no attention to the title. School of…

‘Clever Little Lies’ at The Westside Theatre in New York City by Richard Seff

Author Joe DiPietro has delivered a cozy little play that sits comfortably somewhere between situation comedy and family drama. It starts in a tennis club locker room as a brisk and brittle …

'School of Rock' review: Andrew Lloyd Webber's enjoyable return to Broadway

Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn't been a shiny wagon of musical-comedy fun since, perhaps, never. Even in his very good old days, including the 1970 breakthrough of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the st…

Review: A Child's Christmas in Wales

The Irish Repertory Theatre brings Dylan Thomas' poetic holiday nostalgia to DR2 Theatre.

‘The Nutcracker’ at The Washington Ballet at The Warner Theatre by Gina Jun

Resplendent visions of sugarplums danced both on the Warner Theatre stage and in the heads of hundreds of hardy multi-generational audience members Friday evening when the Washington Ball…

Review: 'School of Rock' a crowd-pleasing, upbeat musical by Mark Kennedy

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hard rock's two fingered hand gesture is back on Broadway, thanks to an English lord....

Broadway Review: ‘School of Rock,’ The Musical by Gordon Cox

Andrew Lloyd Webber unleashed his inner child to write the period rock for “School of Rock,” an exuberant feel-good musical based on the beloved 2003 movie starring Jack Black as…

Broadway's 'School of Rock' is saved by the students by Charles McNulty

NEW YORK — The youngsters from the new musical "School of Rock" are on a rescue mission. Not only are they trying to salvage their wacko teacher's dream of transforming their nerdy selves …

'Guys and Dolls' at the Wallis: Pared down but still full of punch by Margaret Gray

The stripper whose wildest dream is of marriage. The high-stakes gambler who falls for a missionary. Both live on the sweet, homely Broadway of Damon Runyon, whose short stories about Depr…

The Lady in the Van Feels Worried to Death by David Edelstein

Nicholas Hytner’s twee film of Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van is the final injury to what was, in its original form, a perfect thing: Bennett’s diary entries recounting the appeara…

Red Carpet Pics! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock Celebrates an Electric Opening Night on Broadw by Matthew Blank

School of Rock – The Musical, the first new Andrew Lloyd Webber show to open on Broadway in a decade, officially opens Dec. 6 at the Winter Garden Theatre, where his Cats ran for n…

‘ReWrapped’ at the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC by David Friscic

The annual Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC  (GMCW) holiday concert entitled ReWrapped was a lively holiday treat that combined cutting-edge musical arrangements with a light, breezy a…

Review: ‘School of Rock’ Teaches the ABCs of Power Chords by Ben Brantley

Starring a bouncing Super Ball of energy named Alex Brightman, this is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s friskiest musical in decades.

Ramin Karimloo: 'In 2002, I was working in a factory. Five years later I was the Phantom' by Imogen Carter

Actor Ramin Karimloo tells how he fell in love as a boy with the title role of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the OperaAfter several years playing the title role in The Phantom of the Oper…

Review: School of Rock

Andrew Lloyd Webber pens a musical adaptation of the 2003 Jack Black comedy.

Upcoming Equity Auditions Sunday, Dec. 6 by Audition Roundup

Updated this week Check out upcoming Equity Auditions from Sunday, December 6, 2015 for both productions in your area and around the country including whatwhenwhere and how to audition

Review: Broadway’s ‘School of Rock’ by Matthew Wexler

by Ryan Leeds The kids are most definitely, all right. From this year’s bundle of cuteness in the latest revival of The King and I, to the dancing defiance that continues to play out in Ma…

School of Rock The Musical Brings High Octane Rock ‘n’ Roll to Broadway

School of Rock – The Musical is based on the 2003 Richard Linklater film featuring Jack Black as a failing rocker who convinces his talented young students to join him in an attempt to win…

School of Rock Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber Returns with a Class of Rock Stars by Jonathan Mandell

In his first original musical on Broadway in a decade, Andrew Lloyd Webber has chosen to adapt a movie with a plot that could hardly be sillier, and supplies a new score that could hardly be…

‘School of Rock,’ disappointingly Jack-less, on Broadway by Peter Marks

NEW YORK — The new musical version of “School of Rock” is now in session, and all of the required elements are in attendance — almost. High-octane exuberance? Here! Decent songs? Pr…

School of Rock: Review, Pics, Video by New York Theater

In his first original musical on Broadway in a decade, Andrew Lloyd Webber has chosen to adapt a movie with a plot that could hardly be sillier, and supplies a new score that could hardly be…

‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ at Annapolis Shakespeare Company by Danielle Angeline

Annapolis Shakespeare Company (ASC) presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landay that will delight audiences of all ages. A play-within-a-play, Annapolis Shakespeare C…

Hey, Where Are You Writing? by Monica Reida

After going five months without writing anything for a publication–although I did write blog posts, an intentionally bad play with a NSFW title and a frantic emotional tweet after seei…

In Exuberantly Goopy ‘School of Rock’, Andrew Lloyd Webber & Julian Fellowes Get Cute As Cats – Broadway Review by Jeremy Gerard

Andrew Lloyd Webber has returned to the magnificent Winter Garden Theatre, for nearly 18 years (1992-2000) home to his now-and-forever musical Cats. School of Rock won’t be leaving any…

TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations + this week’s openings by Mark Shenton

What's opening in London and beyond this week, plus my personal Top Ten of the Week including Bend it Like Beckham and The Winter's Tale

China Doll Review: Al Pacino in a new Mamet play by Jonathan Mandell

David Mamet’s China Doll involves two dramas. There’s the one on stage starring Al Pacino as an old billionaire in something of a cynical primer on wealth and political ambition. Then th…

Impressions of Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, a Dance Company by The Dance Enthusiast

"Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, a Dance Company provides a respite in a vulnerable time." Trina Mannino, Brooklyn.

'School of Rock': Theater Review by David Rooney

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julian Fellowes team up to retool the popular Jack Black movie as a stage musical, enlisting a troupe of gifted preteens.read more

'Grinch' actors re-gift San Diego with 'Who-Tube' by James Hebert

Video series returns with a holiday play on a rock 'n' roll favorite.

Old Globe-USD program for actors has new name by James Hebert

The nationally renowned actor-training program run jointly by the Old Globe Theatre and the University of San Diego has been renamed to honor two local philanthropists.

Former Rockettes reveal life behind the scenes – including a flirty Richard Nixon by Barbara Hoffman

To audiences, they’re a precision dance troupe — a line of sky-high legs and synchronized smiles. But as any Rockette will tell you, theirs isn’t just a job. It’s a legacy. Some 200 …

Chicago Dance Review: THE NUTCRACKER (Joffrey) by Lawrence Bommer

TO HAVE AND HAVE NUT After 28 years the Joffrey Ballet is ending Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker. All good things, it seems, must come to an end. Next year Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s be…

What our bodies say about ourselves by Carrie Seidman

Irish actor and disability activist Robert Softley Gale brings his one-man show, "If These Spasms Could Speak," to Sarasota...... Read more »

THEATER REVIEW: Get into the holiday spirit with 'A Motown Christmas' at WBTT by Susan Rife

 In the holiday mood for a high-energy, joyous cabaret-style performance that truly celebrates the “reason for the season”? You can’t go wrong with “A Motown... Read more »

SCHOOL OF ROCK - Talkin' Broadway's Review by Matthew Murray

Any theatregoer who's seen a play with child actors has seen bad child actors.

Embodied Conversations with Audiences by Chris Grady

I have the memory of a sieve and I don’t read back my blogs. They become a stream of my life, and I am sure I repeat myself often. But hey ho, maybe each repeat reaches a slightly differen…

The Verdict: Read Reviews for Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical School of Rock on Broadway by Playbill Staff

Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock – The Musical officially opened Dec. 6 on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre following previews that began Nov. 9. Rea…

Review: In ‘Quantum Joy,’ Observing the Unreliable Nature of Reality by Alexis Soloski

Victor Morales uses his programming skills to create virtual worlds that ostensibly illustrate concepts in physics like uncertainty.

Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School of Rock" by Robert Kahn

A dozen pint-sized performers bring the heart to Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage update of the 2003 movie about a slovenly sub who brightens the lives of his prep school fifth-graders.

Broken Bone Bathtub, theater in a bathtub by Lindsay Barenz

In the December preview episode, I highlighted Broken Bone Bathtub, a show performed in a private home in the bathroom in the bathtub. David and Shavanna, the co-hosts of the episode, had a …

MTC Farewells Associate Director Leticia Cáceres by Maddi Ostapiw

Melbourne Theatre Company announced on Thursday that Leticia Cáceres, Associate Director for the company, will leave her position at the closing of her contract in December. Of her decisi…

First Nighter: Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'School of Rock' Doesn't Quite Rule by David Finkle

The old theater saying that goes "If you have a great finish, you don't have to worry about anything else" comes close to working for the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Glenn Slater-Julian Fe…

Review: Exit (ICU Ensemble) by Scotty Zacher

Exit may run a little long, but it grabs your attention from start to finish. This is an audacious and successful beginning for ICU Ensemble, and I look forward to watching them thrive in th…

Review Roundup: You're in the Band! SCHOOL OF ROCK Premieres at the Winter Garden Theatre- Updating LIVE! by Review Roundups

Based on the smash hit 2003 film of the same title, SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL, with music from the movie, as well as an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater, a bo…

Chicago Dance Crash moves to rhythms of disaster in 'New Alaska' by Laura Molzahn

What is it about disaster that excites our imaginations? For years, Chicago Dance Crash has produced apocalyptic narratives — "Tribulation and the Demolition Squad" in 2005, "Gotham City" …

School of Rock: Theater review by David Cote

Ever see the pitch-perfect 2003 Jack Black comedy School of Rock? Then you know what to expect from the musical version: fake substitute teacher Dewey Finn frenetically inspiring his charges…

A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES - Talkin' Broadway's Review by Matthew Murray

Christmas classics come in all shapes and flavors: big, small, flashy, simple, sweeping, homespun, electric, candlelight.

THE SAVANNAH DISPUTATION - Talkin' Broadway's Review by Howard Miller

Too bad John Patrick Shanley already had laid claim to the title Doubt by the time Evan Smith got around to penning his own take on matters of faith in 2009.

Violet by Bec Caton

Violet tells the story of a girl searching for something to make her feel complete, yet ultimately along the way she learns to love herself. It’s a story we can all connect with in some wa…

BWW TV: Seth Rudetsky, Adam Pascal, Kerry Butler, and More Talk DISASTER! by BroadwayWorld TV

Get the inside scoop on the show right from the team themselves Below, check out Richard Ridge's conversation with Seth Rudetsky, Adam Pascal, Kerry Butler, and more

'School of Rock' on Broadway: The kids are better than all right by Chris Jones

The third in a savvy trifecta of separate but strikingly similar, mostly British musicals, all about empowering creative kids and their unconventional teachers — and, in the words of the p…

Broadway at the Cabaret - Top 5 Picks for December 7-13, Featuring Christine Pedi, Daniel Reichard, and More! by Louisa Brady

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars Well after Broadway orchestras begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, a…

Obituary: Pina Bausch by Luke Jennings

German choreographer whose bleak vision changed the face of European danceThe work of the German choreographer Pina Bausch, who has died aged 68 of cancer, had a controversial, often violent…

Pina Bausch, German choreographer and dancer, dies by Chris Wiegand

Leading light of modern dance Pina Bausch has died at 68, five days after being diagnosed with cancerThe German choreographer and dancer Pina Bausch died this morning at the age of 68, five …

From XS Churchill to XL Shakespeare: sizing up London's new shows by Mark Lawson

Recent openings present theatregoers with a choice between interval-free one-acters such as Here We Go and epics including Henry VIt struck me recently how useful it would be if theatre tick…

STAGE TUBE: Wayne Brady Takes KINKY BOOTS Audience Suggestions for Free-Style Rap at Curtain Call by Stage Tube

Wayne Brady recently surprised the KINKY BOOTS audience once again with a special rap during curtain call, based on word suggestions for the audience- and all to benefit BCEFA. Check out the…

I Pledge Allegiance to the Band! Meet the Cast of SCHOOL OF ROCK, Opening Tonight on Broadway by Meet The Cast

Based on the smash hit 2003 film of the same title, SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL, with music from the movie, as well as an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater, a bo…

Lazarus by Doug Marino

New York Theater Workshop is known for its bold, interpretive, and artistic productions.  This latest installment is no different.  Based on a 1963 novel, The Man Who Fell to Earth…

These Paper Bullets by Doug Marino

Now rockin' the stage over at the Linda Gross Theater of The Atlantic Theater Company is a play with music that has more effervescence than some musicals.  The title and origins of the …

Private Lives/ Shaw Chicago Theater Company by Kevin Greene

RECOMMENDED Written almost ninety years ago, Nöel Coward’s comedy “Private Lives” explores the undiscovered country of couplehood where the heat of love can sometimes burn with hate. …

‘The Lion King’ remains a theatrical wonder by Hedy Weiss

That global musical hit, "The Lion King," remains a beauty - a miraculous flight of imagination and a masterpiece of artistic craft on every level. The post ‘The Lion King’ rema…

'Guys and Dolls': Theater Review by Jordan Riefe

Tony-winner Mary Zimmerman stages a stark version of Frank Loesser's rich musical classic that never skimps on wit or charm.read more

A toast to Twelfth Night: comedy of ale, pranks and passion by Liam Williams

Shakespeare’s play is a paean to pleasure thanks to Sir Toby Belch, whose revelry chimes with the festive season“Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes …

Get McKinty – he’s up there with Elmore | Letters by Letters

I am sorry to see that your roundup of the year’s best thrillers (Review, 5 December) makes no mention of Adrian McKinty, whose intelligent, razor sharp thrillers star a deeply flawed Roya…

Exclusive Photo Coverage: Perez Hilton and James Snyder Sing an ELF Duet for Carols For A Cure! by Genevieve Rafter Keddy

Throughout the holiday season, BroadwayWorld will be bringing you our exclusive photo coverage from inside the recording room. Below, go behind the scenes with Perez Hilton and James Snydera…

Judith Clurman & Essential Voices USA Sing Christmas by Sandi Durell

      by: Magda Katz   This time of the year we get to cover many a Christmas show around the city and many are enjoyable.  But once in a while there is a show that make…

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Sandi Durell

  An evocation of a simpler time and a lovely, warm way to spend a holiday evening.     By Joel Benjamin   Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales is the misty-eye…

QUEEN ANNE – RSC, Stratford by Johnny Fox

For a period in history of which I had almost no knowledge, I found it wildly entertaining and equally informative – excellent on the personal relationship between Anne and Sarah Churchill…

The Lion King review: Broadway smash hit keeps rolling along by Chris Jones

It now has been 18 years since Julie Taymor's "The Lion King" bowed on Broadway, and the tour that officially opened at the Cadillac Palace Theatre Friday has been carting giraffes on stilts…

TV Theatre Review: “The Wiz LIVE” on NBC by Guest Author

By Mariana Howard, NY Theatre Guide For the past two years, NBC has attempted to create a holiday television event by airing a star-studded live musical in prime time. 2013’s The Sound of…

Weekly Theatre Podcast: Little Eyolf, Evening at the Talk House, Ben Hur by As Yet Unnamed London Theatre Podcast

This week the London theatre bloggers discuss Wallace Shawn's An Evening at the Talk House at the National, Richard Eyre's revival of Ibsen's Little Eyolf at the Almeida and comedy Ben Hur a…

VIVA MAX demo sampler and script going back to novel and material presented pre-JLM by Fred Landau

Links to YouTube For the original Jan 2018 presentation version's  "colorful characters highlights promo sampler" - https://youtu.be/F8t4Q9memhIand some more demos are at https://youtu.…

Fuse Coming Attractions: December 6 through 15—What Will Light Your Fire This Week by Arts Fuse Editor

Arts Fuse critics select the best in film, theater, dance, music, visual arts, and author events for the coming week.

The Lion King review: Broadway smash hit keeps rolling along by Chris Jones

It now has been 18 years since Julie Taymor's "The Lion King" bowed on Broadway, and the tour that officially opened at the Cadillac Palace Theatre Friday has been carting giraffes on stilts…

Feature: Actress Laura Donnelly on new writing, bullying and acting by Sam Grist

Taking time out of her lunch break for a quick chat on a Tuesday afternoon, talking over a particularly bad line and my broken microphone, actress Laura Donnelly declared her love for new t…

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical/Broadway In Chicago by Mary Kroeck

RECOMMENDED What do the songs “The Loco-Motion,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” and “It’s Too Late” all have in common? Aside from being number one hits, they were all penned by …

Robert Loggia obituary by Ronald Bergan

Actor best known for his roles in Scarface, The Sopranos and BigAlthough the supporting actor Robert Loggia, who has died aged 85 after suffering from Alzheimer’s, played more than 200 ro…

Michael Riedel’s ‘Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway’ by Jesse Oxfeld

A rollicking, authoritative and valuable history of Broadway.

‘Joy Ride,’ by John Lahr by Caryn James

A collection of Lahr’s profiles and reviews from more than 20 years at The New Yorker.

Pacino in Mamet’s China Doll: Review, Pics by New York Theater

David Mamet’s China Doll involves two dramas. There’s the one on stage starring Al Pacino as an old billionaire who gets snared in a vague conspiracy of power and political corruption. T…

Ryan Gosling’s Scarecrow Sharpens ‘Saturday Night Live’ Parody Of ‘The Wiz Live!’ by Jeremy Gerard

UPDATE, 9:30 AM: Adds full cast of The Wiz Live! parody, below. The cold opening — Taran Killam and Cecily Strong as Donald and Melania Trump at Christmas — sucked, and even the …

Review: ‘Misery’ on Broadway by Matthew Wexler

Follow The Broadway Blog on Facebook and Twitter! Misery loves company, or so the saying goes. Screenwriter/playwright William Goldman has adapted his 1990 film for the stage, which in turn,…

Theatre Review: ‘The 39 Steps’ at Washington College by William B. Alderson

They say slapstick is dead. But if they would have seen the Tawes Theatre at Washington College Saturday night, they would concur. The 39 Steps is a melodrama play adapted from the 1915 nove…

Photo Coverage: Leapin' Lizards! ANNIE Preps for NYC Return at the Kings Theatre by Jennifer Broski

Brooklyn's newly restored Kings Theatre 1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY will present the all-new U.S. tour of the beloved musical Annie in a limited 16 performance only engagement at the ven…

Kim’s Convenience is a story of the Canadian immigrant experience by Brad Wheeler

Hit play written by Ins Choi for the Soulpepper Theatre Company is mounting yet another run this month in Toronto, this time at Bluma Appel Theatre

NEWS: Mamma Mia! extends booking at Novello Theatre to Oct 2016 by Caroline Hanks-Farmer

Mamma Mia! extends its West End booking period at the Novello Theatre until October 2016.

‘George is Dead’ at The Klunch by Amy Kotkin

The Klunch, a newly formed theater company launched by Ian Allen, former artistic director of Cherry Red Productions,  inaugurated its first season with the DC premiere of George is Dead, a…

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 12/6/15- Ira Gershwin by Stage Tube

Happy Birthday, Ira Gershwin A lyricist, Gershwin collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. With George…

Photos, Videos, and More! Study up on SCHOOL OF ROCK in Time for Tonight's Opening by Sally Henry

Based on the smash hit 2003 film, SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a pre…

ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER • R-S Theatrics by Andrea

Playwright Rajiv Joseph’s 2008 drama places a delicate art at its center. Origami, with its precise execution of intricate folds, makes a fitting prism to look through at three people, suf…

BEN HUR Tricycle, Kilburn by Libby Purves

WHO NEEDS CHARLTON HESTON?    I have a weakness for schlock-historical movie epics, due to a regular childhood treat when I was at school in France and my Dad and I would sneak down th…

‘Bastian & Bastiana’ at The In Series by Jessica Vaughan

Bastian & Bastiana is the In Series’ answer to the usual annual holiday traditions  — a charming, little opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, written when he was only 12 years-old.…

JOBS: AYT Weekly Jobs Round-Up: December 6 by James Lillywhite

Are you looking for work in the arts industry? Each week we at A Younger Theatre are featuring the best job applications from across the arts spectrum. Whether you’re looking for permanent…

Kate McKinnon Cracks Up Ryan Gosling (And Everyone Else) With Alien Abduction Tale – ‘Saturday Night Live’ by Jeremy Gerard

Ryan Gosling lost it big time — several times, in fact — on last night’s Saturday Night Live, and we were with him all the way. Yeah, we know that breaking character is a M…

Should Latina/o Roles Be Cast with Non-Latina/o Actors? by HowlRound

By Magdalena Gómez, Irma Mayorga, Marisela Treviño Orta, Elaine Romero, Martín Zimmerman. Playwrights Magdalena Gómez, Irma Mayorga, Marisela Treviño Orta, Elaine Romero, and Martín Zi…

Meet the Cast of ‘George is Dead’ at The Klunch: Part 3: Kerri Rambow by Joel Markowitz

In Part 3 of a series of interviews with the cast of George is Dead, meet Kerri Rambow: Joel: Please tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on our local stages? Kerri Rambow…

Top Ticket for Dec. 6-12 by Carly Maga - Special To The Star

A touring Phantom, a mashed-up Messiah and a Cree cabaret.

Shaking the Box of Tradition by HowlRound

By Joe C. Klug. Scenic designer Joe Klug considers how the proscenium stage impedes engagement and connection with an audience.

London review: JANE EYRE by Toby Zinman

STAGE TUBE: Paris Cast of CATS Performs 'Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats' by Stage Tube

The cast of the Paris production of CATS for its Paris run opened at Theatre Mogador on 2nd October, and now, BroadwayWorld has footage of the cast performing at a recent telethon event. Wat…

Fuse Music Feature: Top Jazz Albums of 2015 by Michael Ullman

How does one keep a big band together long enough to make such brilliantly evocative sessions as that by Maria Schneider and the others listed here?

Cassetteboy vs DJ Rubbish review – surgical satirists struggle to translate by Ian Gittins

New Cross Inn, London Far from the sharp satire of their fastidious video mash-ups, the duo’s live ‘comedy disco’ opts for a studentish broad-brush approachThe satirical duo Cassettebo…

Features: WhatsOnStage Advent calendar: Day 6

Free tickets and offers throughout the month of December

REVIEW: Loserville, Union Theatre ✭✭✭ by Danny Coleman-Cooke

By Danny Coleman-Cooke Loserville is a production full of E numbers; bright and sweet but likely to overload you. It’s a derivative script and score made as good as it can get by some tale…

This Week's Picks! A New Purple Reign, Lin-Manuel Miranda Stays Up Late, Elf Sparkles Back to NYC & More! by Pete Croatto

Hey, you, dreading your office holiday party! As long as you circulate between the buffet and the bar, you’ll be OK—but gassy. Just bring some antacids and focus on the kick-asse…

PIAF – Charing Cross Theatre by Johnny Fox

As diminutive interpreters of popular song go, Edith Piaf outshone Paige ‘as daylight doth a lamp’ and entered French national consciousness close behind ‘Marianne’ as a symbol of tr…

Winter Rhythms: The Songs of Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan by Sandi Durell

        by Joe Regan Jr.           There was yet another terrific show in the Winter Rhythms 2015 series Friday night December 4 when the honoree…

Winter Rhythms 2015 – Unconventional by Sandi Durell

    by Joe Regan Jr.   The second night, December 3 at Urban Stages of the wonderful Winter Rhythms 2015, was a thrilling and funny dramatic program entitled “Unconventional…

Dick Whittington and His Cat review – deliciously traditional cockney panto by Michael Billington

Wilton’s Music Hall, London Roy Hudd plays his first pantomime dame – amid a medley of time-tested jokes and cockney standards – in this witty, warm, unadulterated delightIt comes as a…

REVIEW: Blues Brothers Xmas Special, Arts Theatre ✭✭✭✭ by Christine Firkin

By Christine Firkin This is a Xmas Special that doesn’t hammer home the same old Christmas songs ad nauseam. Instead it gives Blues Brothers enthusiasts plenty of the music they know and l…

BWW's On This Day - December 6, 2015

Here are the Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End shows which opened on December 6 along with all of the upcoming show openings, closings and special events

Feldberg: Pacino remains Broadway's most marketable star

Al Pacino is the extremely rare performer who’ll fill a Broadway theater, year in and year out, no matter what.

Quizzes: Test your theatre knowledge: WhatsOnStage Awards

This week's quiz is all about the #WOSAwards

Nish Kumar's Christmas Q&A: 'I’m a prolific self-gift-giver' by Tom Meltzer

The standup comedian reveals his secret for effective Christmas shoppingHi Nish! Are you feeling Christmassy yet?Yeah I am, actually. I’m doing a short film for Sky 1 that comes out over C…

Review Roundup: First International Production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY by BroadwayWorld

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group ATEG brings the first international production of the book-to-stage adaptation of Robert James Waller's THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY to Manila. The p…

Music review: Labadie and SLSO deliver a stylish 'Messiah' by Sarah Bryan Miller

Amy Kaiser's chorus is distinguished by its nimbleness.

Curtain Up: The news from the last week by Matt Merritt

being laid up on the sofa has allowed me to keep my head above water with the volume of theatre news emerging lately, so I thought this would be a good time to start my new weekly round-up o…

Susan Elkin: Drama UK crisis has made a bad muddle even worse by Susan Elkin

When Drama UK was formed in 2012 from a merger of Conference of Drama Schools and National Council for Drama Training, it

Ma Ma Ma Mad – Essential viewing for audiences who want more from their theatre by Bobbi-Lea Dionysius

Sometimes you head along to the theatre as a reviewer and have no idea what you are going to witness – hits and misses are part of the job. Last night I saw the most humble, extraordinari…

Les Miserables, Brisbane by Bobbi-Lea Dionysius

Les Misérables has been rousing audiences to their feet all around the world for more than 30 years. I remember listening to the 6-album vinyl records over and over because the music was …

Naomi Wallace by John Simon

Naomi Wallace’s “Night Is a Room” was recently playing at the Signature Center, the third part of a trilogy from their playwright in residence. Wallace has received every conceivable a…

Mark’s Critical Digest: Linda, Funny Girl, The Girls, Oliver!, Barbarians and Macbeth by Mark Shenton

Reviews digest of openings in London, Leicester and Leeds from national critics for new productions of Linda, Funny Girl, The Girls, Oliver!, Barbarians and Macbeth.

Here We Go review – matters of life and death by Susannah Clapp

Lyttelton, LondonCharacters discuss their own demise and flickering moments are captured in this short, idiosyncratic work by Caryl ChurchillNearly 20 years ago, the RSC put on a collection …

Funny Girl review – Sheridan Smith makes Streisand’s role her own by Susannah Clapp

Menier Chocolate Factory, LondonSmith redefines ‘funny’ as Broadway pizzazz feels the pinch in the Menier’s fastest-selling show everOh, what a double-take can do. When Sheridan Smith�…

Linda review – Noma Dumezweni is a knockout by Susannah Clapp

Royal Court, LondonPenelope Skinner’s play about the invisibility of older women is fierce and rousing, and certainly doesn’t suffer from the loss of original lead Kim CattrallIt is not …

Oliver! review – full of oom-pah-pah by Clare Brennan

Curve, LeicesterA dynamic production full of contrast, strong performances and brisk musical direction polish the classic musical to a shinePaul Kerryson’s production cleverly plays with c…

Wheeldon/ McGregor/ Bausch review – a happy birthday bash for Boulez by Luke Jennings

Palais Garnier, ParisThe Paris Opera Ballet celebrates Pierre Boulez’s 90th birthday with a strong triple bill that features two British choreographersLast week, the Paris Opera Ballet pre…

Chris Isaak a man of many voices by Tom Lanham

Bay Area rockabilly revivalist Chris Isaak is proud of his latest release, “First Comes the Night,” which he recorded mostly in Nashville with country producers Dave Cobb and Paul Worley…

‘A Christmas Carol’ at The Little Theatre of Alexandria by Jacqueline Brown

I don’t think I know one person who doesn’t know A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Last night, I attended The Little Theater of Alexandria’s visually stunning and enter…

Squigs Climbs to the Top of Mount Rock to Celebrate School of Rock's Opening Night on Broadway by Broadway.com

No one can stop the School of Rock! Directed by Laurence Connor, Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical officially begins sticking it to the man at the Great White Way's Winter Garden Th…

Opening Night: Andrew Lloyd Webber Makes His Broadway Return as School of Rock Opens

Alex Brightman and Sierra Boggess star in the new musical, inspired by the 2003 Jack Black film, tonight.

Theater News: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Lands at American Repertory Theater

The new immersive staging of the musical begins tonight.

Where To Find This Week's 'Nutcrackers' by Christopher Arnott

We have magically entered the prime nutcracking period of the year, with presentations of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Ballet" rushing at you like so many mice with cute little swords. Here are…

Exclusive! Mary J. Blige and Ben Stiller Hit Hamilton by Joseph Marzullo

Grammy winner Mary J. Blige, who played Evillene in The Wiz Live!, was on hand at the Dec. 4 performance of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda's acclaimed new musical that fuses the contem…

LYSISTRATA JONES Broadway Cast Reunites Tonight at Feinstein's/54 Below by BroadwayWorld

Go Greek with the LYSISTRATA JONES reunionShort-lived but much loved Broadway cult favorite LYSISTRATA JONES is beingcelebrated in a special reunion concert at NYC cabaret hotspot Feinstein'…

Tony Bennett, John Legend & More Set for SINATRA 100 - AN ALL-STAR GRAMMY CONCERT on CBS Tonight by TV News Desk

CBS, The Recording Academy and AEG Ehrlich Ventures will honor the remarkable legacy of nine-time GRAMMY Award winner Frank Sinatra with SINATRA 100 - AN ALL-STAR GRAMMY CONCERT.

Stephen Colbert Returns as Host of 38th Annual KENNEDY CENTER HONORS Tonight by TV News Desk

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced Stephen Colbert will return to host the 38th annual Kennedy Center Honors tonight, December 6, 2015.

Tony Winner John Cullum Stars in Christmas Classic, Opening Tonight Off-Broadway by Olivia Clement

John Cullum, whose career on Broadway spans 60 years, five Tony nominations and two wins, stars in the Irish Repertory Theatre's Off-Broadway staging of A Child's Christmas in Wa…

Fiddler on the Roof Celebrates Hanukkah with Performances, Interviews and Readings Today by Andrew Gans

The new Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, which is currently in previews at the Broadway Theatre, celebrates the first night of Hanukkah with four events Dec. 6.

Your Sunday Afternoon Zen: Barry Conrad sings ‘Let It Sing’ from Violet by Erin James

You’re in for a real treat this afternoon with the gorgeous vocals of Barry Conrad on display as he performs the powerful yet subtle number ‘Let It Sing’ from Jeanine Tes…

Tzeitel’s Hanukkah Blog: Fiddler’s Alexandra Silber Shares a Festival of Light with Jessica Hecht, D by Andrew Gans

Alexandra Silber, who is playing Tzeitel in the new, Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, shares the meaning of Hanukkah with Playbill.com readers. The singing actress made her Broadway …

A Star-Studded Week in Nightlife: Don’t Miss Billy Porter, Wayne Brady, Andra Burns, Laura Benanti a by Olivia Clement

Playbill.com offers the best of after-hour shows! Click on the links to take you to the event websites and to purchase tickets directly.

New Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical School of Rock Opens on Broadway Tonight by Robert Viagas

School of Rock – The Musical, the first new Andrew Lloyd Webber show to open on Broadway in a decade, officially opens Dec. 6 at the Winter Garden Theatre, where his Cats ran for n…

Schools of the Stars: Where School of Rock The Musical Cast and Creators Went to College by Sarah Jane Arnegger

Where the principals of the Broadway musical School of Rock pursued their college studies.

So You Think You Can Broadway? Theatre’s “SYTYCD” Contestants Talk Shop in the Studio by Yvette Kojic

It's time to get out your jazz hands and lace up those dancing shoes! We catch up with a few former Top 20 "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants turned hottest Broadway perf…

Spend An Afternoon with Sheldon Harnick Today! by Andrew Gans

Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick, currently represented on Broadway with the revival of Fiddler on the Roof, takes part in an afternoon interview Dec. 6 a…

Christina Bianco, Jackie Burns, Wesley Taylor and More Celebrate A Very Broadway Holiday Tonight by Olivia Clement

A host of Broadway favorites kick off the holiday season with a concert of comedic holiday songs at Feinstein's/54 Below titled A Very Broadway Holiday Dec. 6. The evening featu…

10 Musicals We Would Love to See Telecast Live by Joe Gambino

The Wiz Live! has come and gone (and it's still all we can talk about). From the glitzy costumes to the incredible new orchestrations and flawless performances, we loved NBC's take o…

Billy Porter, Stephanie J. Block, Max von Essen, Julia Murney Sparkle Tonight by Andrew Gans

Scott Nevins' Sparkle: An All-Star Holiday Concert is presented in Manhattan Dec. 6 at 7:30 PM at The Cutting Room (44 East 32nd Street).

Stephen Colbert Hosts 2015 Kennedy Center Honors Tonight by Robert Viagas

Stephen Colbert, host of the CBS talk show "The Late Show," emcees the Dec. 6 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, saluting singer-songwriter Carole King, actresses Cicely Tyson and…

Broadway reviews: New York stages offer moving 'Allegiance,' innovative 'Spring Awakening' by Sharon Eberson / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

NEW YORK — This season’s Broadway offerings include the new musical “Allegiance,” inspired by star George Takei’s experiences in a Japanese internment camp during World W…

2Do this week, Dec. 5-12: Cultural events around Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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