Coming Up This Week in Theatre - 5/2/2015

BroadwayWorld.com's Upcoming Events calendar for the week - updated on 522015.

Review: New Works (Joffrey Ballet of Chicago) by Scotty Zacher

Due to the NFL draft, Joffrey was moved to the Cadillac Palace rather than the Auditorium. However, the Joffrey Ballet would be compelling in a church basement. Whatever the venue, their per…

Randy Skinner Gives a Toe-Tapping Preview of All Dancing! All Singing! Irving Berlin in Hollywood

Irving Berlin wrote for more Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers films than any other composer, including classics like "Top Hat," "Easter Parade" and "White Christmas.&q…

‘Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris’ at Spotlighters Theatre by Morgan Woodle

Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. And, for the month of May, he’s alive and well at the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, too.  Jacques Brel is “a musical re…

Photo Flash: Saturday Intermission Pics, 5/02- DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, GIGI, THE KING AND I, and More! by BroadwayWorld

It's Saturday, and that means it's time for BroadwayWorld's 'Saturday Intermission Pics' roundup

Exclusive Photo Coverage: Roslyn Kind Returns to 54 Below by Walter McBride

Last night, in the heart of Manhattan, Roslyn Kind the 'hometown girl' who grew up on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge, began a return engagement at 54 Below. The house was packed and t…

Feinberg Forecast: The Landscape Post-Tony Nominations by Scott Feinberg

THR's awards analyst projects several major victories for the play 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' and the musical 'Fun Home.'read more

Sibling directors Kathleen and Rob Marshall help each other

The Marshalls have had a creative one-two punch on stage and screen.

Tonys: Meet the Pre-Teen Siblings Who Are the Talk of Broadway by Scott Feinberg

Sydney Lucas, 11, is a Tony nominee for her work in 'Fun Home,' and her brother Jake, 12, is opposite Kelli O'Hara—for the third time—in 'The King and I.'read more

BWW TV Exclusive: Watch First Three Episodes of New Webseries- UNDERSTUDIES! by Understudies

BROADWAYWORLD.COM, the largest theatre and live entertainment website, is excited to bring youa 72-hour exclusive of UNDERSTUDIES, an award-winning mockumentary web series by co-creators Eli…

"Hamlet" - Sometime Experimentation Doesn’t Quite Work by Byrne Harrison

By Judd HollanderDirector Austin Pendleton tries a novel approach with William Shakespeare’s Hamlet starring Peter Sarsgaard in the title role, now being performed at Classic Stage Company…

"New York Spring Spectacular" - A Very Enjoyable, if Sometimes Over The Top Experience by Byrne Harrison

Reviewed by Judd HollanderThis is not your parent's Radio City Musical Hall Easter Show, or even your older brother's or sister’s. Filled with 21st century technology and brilliantly stage…

"Ghosts" - Sheer Brilliance by Byrne Harrison

By Judd HollanderPhotos by Stephanie BergerA woman trying desperately to exorcise the specters of her past finds instead they've returned full force in Richard Eyre's absolutely riveting ada…

MAD MEN's Bryan Batt to Star in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY by BroadwayWorld

Award winning TV, Film, and Theatre star Bryan Batt will play the role of Edna Turnblad in The Muny's 2015 production of HAIRSPRAY.

Tony Nominations - Where We Are Wrong — Mark Robinson Writes by Mark Robinson

Earlier this week the 2015 Tony Award nominations came out and we have seen the usual barrage of whines and complaints that “so-and-so was snubbed” or “this show was entirely overlooke…

New Whitney Museum Block Party! by New York Theater

The new Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District opened yesterday to the public, and today they are throwing a block party — and free admission….if you’re willing to wait…

How Diana Ross’ daughter learned her dad was Berry Gordy by Barbara Hoffman

Blood will out. Which is why — after her Emmy-nominated turn in the soap “Another World” and launching a real-estate firm — Rhonda Ross is singing again. Backed by an...

Backtrack – Review by Jonathan Baz

**Written by Mick SandsDirected by Tom SandsJulian Glover prepares to hit some unwittingyoung campers for sixBacktrack is an ambitiously self-proclaimed "psychological horror" whose far…

Gunter Grass by John Simon

With Gunter Grass, who just died at age 87, I had a brief friendship. I translated for him on a popular radio show, and I introduced him at his reading at the Y. I also met his charming firs…

‘Incorruptible’ at Rooftop Productions by Caroline Simpson by Caroline Simpson

“Their ideals are high, it’s just their overheads are higher!” They are an ordinary group of monks residing in the Abbey of Priseaux in Priseaux, France. It is the Year of Our Lord 125…

Feature:Why We Shouldn't Get Rid of Earworms at curtainup.com/ by Elyse Sommer

Why We Shouldn't Get Rid of Earworms As Part of the Musical Theater Experience

Cher Attends HAMILTON & Raves, 'I'm Sobbing!' by Pat Cerasaro

Cher loves HAMILTON

Theater Review | New Jersey: Review: A Zany Version of the Romance ‘Ernest Shackleton Loves Me’ in New Brunswick by Michael Sommers

A stressed-out single mother makes her first foray into online dating, and almost instantly receives a call from Shackleton, the celebrated British polar explorer of the early 1900s.

BWW TV: Chatting with the Company of Second Stage's THE WAY WE GET BY- Thomas Sadoski, Amanda Seyfried & More! by BroadwayWorld TV

Second Stage Theatre welcomes film star Amanda Seyfried Les Miserables, Dear John, Mamma Mia, upcoming Ted 2 and Pan in her off-Broadway debut opposite Thomas SadoskiThe Newsroom, Wild, upco…

Review: Memorable music can't save 'Heart of Darkness' by Georgia Rowe

Tarik O'Regan's score is often terrific, and well-sung, but the opera adapted from Joseph Conrad's famed novella lacks dramatic punch. The work is getting its U.S. premiere by Opera Parallel…

Then and Now – Review by Jonathan Baz

***Written by Matt Hookings and Bashford TwinsDirected by Bashford TwinsJulian GloverThen and Now is a short film from Kyle and Liam Bashford, (the Bashford Twins) that sees Julian Glover as…

Seven Devils Playwrights Conference by Nytheater Now

This item from A.P. Andrews Five playwrights from across the country have been selected to develop and present their plays as part of the 15th Seven Devils Playwrights Conference. These writ…

Something Rotten! by Theasy.com

Something Rotten! Broadway, St. James Theatre Reviewed by Linda Buchwald BOTTOM LINE: A fun, entertaining musical that relies too heavily on easy theater references. The premise of Somethi…

Concert Review: Spandau Ballet at 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. by Lynne Menefee

If you tell people you are going to a Spandau Ballet concert, the usual reaction is, “who?” “Remember the song ‘True?’” “Oh, YES! Loved that song! Whatever happened to them?”…

Fuse Dance Review: Boston Ballet’s “Edge of Vision” — Cascades by Arts Fuse Editor

The three choreographers used the streams of sound as an opportunity to provide floods of movement challenges to the terrific dancers of the company.

Review: Have a Great Summer/Chicago Slam Works by Zach Freeman

RECOMMENDED Oh the joys of being a teenager. Making reckless decisions without contemplating an ounce of repercussion. Thinking you know everything but in actuality knowing nothing. Discover…

‘Servant of Two Masters’ at Montgomery College by Joel Markowitz

I had a blast at Montgomery College’s manic and hysterical production of Servant of Two Masters. Filled with humor, manic pacing, gorgeous costumes by Peter Zakutansky, a clever set b…

Theater Review: Promising 'Luck be a Lady' at Asolo Rep by Jay Handelman

A little more "Heart and Soul" is needed in new musical built around Frank Loesser favorites... Read more » The post Theater Review: Promising 'Luck be a Lady' at Asolo Rep appeared fir…

Give STL Day returns to raise money for area nonprofits by Sarah Bryan Miller

Last May’s first-ever Give STL Day brought in more than 13,000 individual gifts ranging from $10 to $5,000, raised more than $1.1 million for 528 local nonprofit organizations and, just as…

Photo Coverage: Broadway's Newest Murderess, Brandy Norwood, Greets Fans Backstage at CHICAGO! by Walter McBride

The Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago just welcomed Grammy Award-winner Brandy Norwood, who made her Broadway debut in the role of Roxie Hart. S…

Photo Flash: Tina Fey, Tonya Pinkins, and More Visit HAMILTON by BroadwayWorld

The world premiere production of Hamilton, inspired by the book 'Alexander Hamilton' by Ron Chernow, with book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Thomas Kail opened Feb…

Doctor Zhivago ** - The Visit ***1/2 - Finding Neverland *1/2 by Barry

                                        By: David ShewardThe 2014-15 Broadway season has come to an end with a flurry of new musicals which opened just…

Photo Flash: Opening Night of Godspeed's GUYS & DOLLS! by BroadwayWorld

Goodspeed Musicals kicks off its 2015 season at theGoodspeed Opera House with the Broadway classic Guys and Dolls. Roll the dice on this winning musical comedy running April 10 - June 20 at …

Photo Flash: First Look at Nancy Anderson, Manna Nichols, Mark Price and More in Goodspeed's GUYS & DOLLS by BroadwayWorld

Goodspeed Musicalskicks off its 2015 season at theGoodspeed Opera Housewith the Broadway classic Guys and Dolls. Roll the dice on this winning musical comedy running April 10 - June 20 at th…

Fuse Film Interview: Director James D. Cooper on “Lambert & Stamp” — Creating The Who by Tim Jackson

Lambert & Stamp will resonate with musicians who have experienced the volatile give-and-take that is needed to sustain and nurture a rock and roll band.

NY Public Library's Curator of Exhibitions Barbara Cohen-Stratyner on Getting Ready for Shakespeare's 400th by Nypl For The Performing Arts

BroadwayWorld.com continues our exclusive content series, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which delves into the library's unparalleled archives, an…

Episode 8 - Never Grow Up: Backstage at FINDING NEVERLAND with Laura Michelle Kelly by Broadway.com

Get tickets to FINDING NEVERLAND: http://www.broadway.com/shows/finding-neverland/ Laura Michelle Kelly's last vlog is full of thanks from the cast of FINDING NEVERLAND and a pretty cool pi…

People's Choice vs. Critic's Choice for "It Shoulda Been You" and "Something Rotten" by Broadway & Me

The average Broadway theatergoer sees four shows a year, according to the Broadway League. The average theater reviewer routinely sees more shows than that in a week. Which may be one reason…

'Rituals' takes over the Storefront Theater by Laura Molzahn

Restless minds produce a restless work in "Rituals of Abundance for Lean Times #14: Curious Reinventions," as Margi Cole and the Dance COLEctive join the Peter Carpenter Performance Project …

Willkommen... And All That Jazz! Kander and Ebb's Biggest Broadway Hits by Sally Henry

With about a zillion original musicals to their name, most of which made it to Broadway, this pair is one of the most famous Broadway songwriting teams of the modern era. Below, revisit thei…

Are West End audiences better than Broadway’s? by Matt Wolf and Mark Shenton

After US movie star John Goodman praised British theatre-goers following his UK stage debut last week, two leading critics discuss whether you get a better class of punter on one side of the…

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 5/2/15- THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE by Stage Tube

Today in 2005, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opened at the Circle in the Square Theatre, where it ran for 1136 performances. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a one …

Review: Król Roger (Royal Opera House)

Szymanowski's 1926 opera in a devastating new production by Kasper Holten

Ghosts by Carey

It isn’t the supernatural that is haunting the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where a shocking and shattering production of Ghosts is presented at the Harvey Theater. Directed by Richard Eyre,…

Iain reviews The King and I (Broadway) 4/2/2015 by Iainlovestheatre

Fuse Theater Review: “The Whole World” — The Monsters Are Us by Ian Thal

The Whole World focuses on the incoherence that lurks underneath the empowering narratives we tell about ourselves.

A Gentlemen’s Guide to Stage Door Etiquette by Patrick Roberts

AM New York recently ran a “rub and run” article about Gigi star Vanessa Hudgens and how “So over” High School Musical she is. According to the blurb, after a performance of Gigi, no…

The Broadway Wallflower by Vinnie Costa

I’m very pleased to announce a new feature on Broadway Adjacent, The Broadway Wallflower. Stay tuned, in only momrnts, I’ll be publishing the first of, I’m hoping, many, ob…

Never Grow Up: Backstage at Finding Neverland with Laura Michelle Kelly, Episode 8: Thank You! by Broadway.com

Laura Michelle Kelly's last vlog is full of pirate parties and hearty thanks from the cast of Finding Neverland.

Q&A: Nick Wyman

Name:  Nick WymanWhere are you from?  Born Portland, ME, raised in Summit, NJBroadway credits: a bunch – [ed. note: check out his PlaybillVault page!]How did you hear you’d booked …

Cleveland Opera Theater asserts itself on cultural scene with new 'Tosca' production at Masonic Auditorium (preview) by Zachary Lewis

Even as it prepares a full-scale production of Puccini's "Tosca," its largest effort to date, Cleveland Opera Theater - formerly known as Opera Per Tutti - is advancing rapidly wit…

Macbeth (Shakespeare; dir. Dave St-Pierre) Schauspiel Frankfurt by Holger Syme

What happens when a German theatre hires a French Canadian choreographer to direct a play by Shakespeare? Something very Canadian. Dave St-Pierre’s staging of Macbeth at the Schauspiel Fra…

Greg Sinclair: musician/performance artist by Georgia Snow

Musician and performance artist Greg Sinclair began his career as a cellist and composer before branching into theatre and performance art, much

Matthew Bourne: ‘I don’t go anywhere near the dancefloor at weddings’ by Candice Pires

The choreographer, 55, on being surrounded by beautiful people, his friendship with Fred Astaire’s daughter, and becoming an orphanI went to church as a kid, but mainly for the showbiz asp…

Blogs: Guest Blog: What will theatres be like in the future?

From La-Z-Boy seats to flying ice creams, an irreverent glimpse at the future of theatregoing from SeatPlan.com

Eric Coble's 'Fairfield,' opening at the Cleveland Play House, pans for comic gold in political correctness gone awry by Andrea Simakis

Fans of "South Park" will find much to snicker at in "Fairfield." Like Trey Parker and Matt Stone, playwright Eric Coble takes a machete to all sacred cows.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland Ends 2015 Season with ‘Innovations’ by Mary P. Johnson

Ballet Theatre of Maryland closed its most successful season to date with three performances of Innovations – a program of classical and contemporary dance – on April 17-19, 2015 we…

Bugsy Malone – Review by Jonathan Baz

Lyric Hammersmith, London****Play by Alan ParkerWords and Music by Paul WilliamsDirected by Sean HolmesZoe BroughThe list of gangster movies inspired by 1920’s prohibition-era Chicago …

Review: Side Man/American Blues Theater by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom

RECOMMENDED If Neil Simon had written “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” about musicians, rather than television writers, the likely result would have resembled Warren Leight’s “Side Man.�…

BWW's On This Day - May 2, 2015

Here are the Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End shows which opened on May 2 along with all of the upcoming show openings, closings and special events

Getting To Know The Real Story Was Key To Broadway's 'King And I' Revival by Jeff Lunden

The musical's heroine was inspired by an English-Indian governess who really did travel to the king of Siam's court. The revival, directed by Bartlett Sher, has received nine Tony nomination…

Getting To Know The Real Story Was Key To Broadway's 'King And I' Revival by Jeff Lunden

The musical's heroine was inspired by an English-Indian governess who really did travel to the king of Siam's court. The revival, directed by Bartlett Sher, has received nine Tony nomination…

‘Memphis’ at The Warner Theatre by Derek Mong

Hockadoo! After a few toe-tapping hours at The Warner Theatre with the cast of Memphis and their inspired singing and dancing, I still have no idea what “Hockadoo” means, but I know—wi…

THE VISIT - Remembrance of things past by Oscar E Moore

Claire Zachanassian’s (Chita Rivera) entrance is eagerly awaited by both the downtrodden townspeople of Brachen Switzerland – thinking she will save them - and New York audiences anxious…

Così fan tutte - coming soon to Digital Theatre by Digital Theatre

Alexander McQueen play: James Phillips on bringing the fashion designer's life to the West End

Can a subject be too interesting for drama? That was playwright James Phillips’s fear when he began to think about the life of the late great, fashion iconoclast Alexander McQueen. For tho…

'A Streetcar Named Desire' is ballet that tells a story by Laura Molzahn

"Why the hell is this not yet a ballet?" choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa asked herself the first time she read Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Spotlight On...Florent Mehmeti by Michael Block

Name: Florent MehmetiHometown: Prishtina, KosovaEducation: Theatre and Film DirectingFavorite Credits: Doruntine, Three Fat Germans, Invisible wallsWhy theater?: Challenge with facing live a…

Blog: How to make a One Man/Woman Show work by Jack Cray

Image by Actorul at Flickr Creative Commons. By default I’m a director, but occasionally I enjoy working the other side of the fence, on the stage. Doing both can actually be very benefici…

Guest Blog: Lilac Yosiphon on “an impenetrable immigration wall” by Lilac Yosiphon

When I first moved to London, all I had were three things: two flatmates who worked in Camden, a cat, who they’d apparently adopted during a wild night out in Clapham, and ‘Chester’. A…

Fringe festivals are important, and Edinburgh and Brighton are just the start by Julian Caddy

A few days ago, Lyn Gardner wrote in her Guardian blog that we should dispense with the term ‘fringe’, that it had become pejorative,

JOBS: AYT Weekly Jobs Round-Up: May 2 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…

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Thom Dibdin

✭✭✭✭✭ Perfect equation: Visually slick and intellectually enthralling, the National Theatre's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nigh…

Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf? Not the Royal Ballet by Judith Mackrell

Wayne McGregor suspects both Woolf lovers and ballet traditionalists will be wary of his adaptation of her novels. But, he tells Judith Mackrell, she, too, was no stranger to riskChoreo…

B Street’s ‘Jacksonian’ falls short

“The Jacksonian” is Beth Henley’s new play. B Street take a chance on a dark tale of a life falling apart. The lead actors deliver compelling performances. … Click to Continue &…

Brighton festivals stay true to form with eclectic line-up by Natasha Tripney

Now a major milestone in the international cultural calendar, the Brighton Festival – complemented by the Brighton Fringe, one of the largest

Theater News: The Little Foxes Set to Play at Goodman Theatre

The family drama is the next installment in the theater's 90th anniversary season.

Lorna Luft: ‘There’s no book called How to be a Legend’s Child’ by Nick McGrath

At 16, Lorna Luft ran away from the pressure of being Judy Garland’s daughter. It took until her 50s to come to terms with the impact of her mother’s life and death on her childhood Cont…

URINETOWN's Jonathan Slinger Is West End's New 'Willy Wonka', Beginning Tonight by BroadwayWorld

URINETOWN's Jonathan Slinger is set to star as 'Willy Wonka' in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, beginning toinght, May 2, 2015 for a run through April 201…

Cynthia Nixon Stars in Lifetime's STOCKHOLM, PENNSYLVANIA, Premiering Tonight by TV News Desk

Lifetime is set to premiere the film Stockholm, Pennsylvania StockholmPennsylvania tonight, May 2, at 8pm ETPT. Starring Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Saoirse Ronan Atonement, Golde…

Jessica Grove Joins DUETS with The Write Teacher(s) at 54 Below Tonight by BroadwayWorld

Jessica Grove, who most recently appeared on Broadway in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch, will join DUETS with The Write Teachers at 54 Below tonight, May 2.

ALL DANCING! ALL SINGING! Irving Berlin Dance Revue Comes to 92Y Tonight by BroadwayWorld

We're reaching for the moon, putting all our eggs in one basket, dancing cheek to cheek and pouring our hearts into a song, because it's time to face the music and dance All Dancing All Sing…

Ed Asner and Mark Rydell Set for OXYMORONS Benefit at Malibu Playhouse Tonight by BroadwayWorld

Malibu Playhouse presents a one-night benefit performance of 'OXYMORONS' tonight, May 2 at 8 p.m. starring Ed Asner and Mark Rydell, written and directed by Brian Connors.

Success stinks: ‘Veep’ and ‘House of Cards’ were better before their leads became president by Elisabeth Vincentelli

When people get what they want on a TV series, it’s bad news for the show. Just look at what’s happened on “House of Cards,” and is currently unraveling on...

Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks Longevity Of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA On Broadway & Beyond by Pat Cerasaro

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Istanbul welcomes the man behind the music

Video Flash: Robin De Jesús Will Wreck You With His "Wrecking Ball"

The Wicked star takes on Miley Cyrus in his new cabaret act.

The Visit - Chita Rivera, Broadway royalty takes her revenge by Oscar E. Moore

Over the years this musical has had a series of face lifts resulting in this uneven production that sports some magical moments and some wrinkles along the way.

Yale Rep's 'Elevada:': He's Losing His Identity. She's Finding Hers. It's Love by Frank Rizzo

The show: "Elevada" at Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven.

Going From Broadway to Racing’s Biggest Stage by Melissa Hoppert

Philip S. Birsh, the president and chief executive of Playbill, owns Tencendur, the Wood Memorial runner-up, who will compete in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Acclaimed Off-Broadway Hit Every Brilliant Thing Launches Second U.K. Tour by Olivia Clement

The Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre Company production of Every Brilliant Thing, which played an extended run at Off-Broadway's Barrow Street Theatre earlier this year, l…

Broadway Has Gone to the Dogs! Meet the Pooches Who Have More Broadway Credits Than You by Talaura Harms

Within hours of her new headshot being uploaded to the Playbill Vault, Trixie had gained a spot in the top five most popular "people" pages. But Trixie isn't a person. She'…

Benjamin Scheuer’s One-Man Show The Lion Begins in Portland Today by Carey Purcell

The Lion, Benjamin Scheuer's acclaimed autobiographical coming-of-age musical, begins performances at the Portland Center Stage in Oregon May 2.

Playbill Video Week in Review: Tony Noms, On the Town Hunks, Zorba, Living Legend Chita Rivera by Mark Ezovski

Playbill was extra busy with video coverage this week — the sailors of On the Town were up to some hijinks at NYC's South Street Seaport, Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parke…

Stage Views: Something Rotten! Star Heidi Blickenstaff On Hedwig, The Visit, Happy Fella and More by Andrew Gans

Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they're looking forward to and more.

10 Controversies That Rocked the 20th-Century Theatre World by Robert Simonson

On May 10, 1849, a melee arose in Astor Place in lower Manhattan. Thousands took to the streets. By the time the riot was over, more than two dozen were dead, more than 100 injured and the m…

Playbill Vault’s Today In Theatre History: May 2 by David Gewirtzman and Anne Bradley and Robert Viagas

1887 Birthday of Vernon Castle who, with wife and dancing partner Irene Castle, would redefine not just what dancing represented on Broadway, but the kind of music used for that dancing. He …

From Sondheim to Lloyd Webber, The 10 Songs About Not Being in Love by Ben Rimalower

Playbill.com correspondent Ben Rimalower offers a collection of the essential duets that are not love songs.

Broadway Actors Duet With Broadway Hopefuls Tonight at 54 Below by Michael Gioia

Duets with The Write Teacher(s) is held May 2 at 54 Below. Broadway actors from Newsies, Side Show and Jersey Boys duet with Broadway hopefuls.