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BWW Reviews: FLASHDANCE: THE MUSICAL Splashes into San Antonio

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:59:25 PST

If you remember when MTV was all videos and you wore legwarmers, then chances are that you remember when the movie FLASHDANCE was released. The year was 1983 and the setting was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A young girl named Alex was trying to live her dream of being a dancer even though she came from a rough background. Alex works in a steel mill by day and dances at a club at night. She works hard and never gives up. In FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL, the plot is similar yet the story is rewritten and the characters were never fully developed. There was no develop a strong storyline and it was at times difficult to follow because of that flaw.

The actors in the show gave great performances overall. Jillian Mueller, who recently joined the cast, does a great job at portraying Alex. Still in her teens, Jillian's youth makes her a great choice for the role. She flawlessly sings such numbers as "Just out of Reach" and "Let Go" that really showcase her vocal range. She dances with ease and comfort, showing that her years of practice and training are paying off.

Matthew Hydzik (Nick Hurley) had the strongest voice of the men in the show and belts out "Enough" with real feeling. And when Matthew and the male ensemble sang "Justice," he blended perfectly with the rest of the caSt. Matthew plays the part of Nick well and the conviction of the character comes through as he sings.

Other strong actors included Dequina Moore who played Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah and Christian Whelan as CC. Each one delivered strong portrayals of their characters despite the weak storyline.

But the standout in the entire evening had to be the ensemble dancers. Talk about excellence. The dancers were phenomenal, especially Ryan Carlson who was a break dancer in certain numbers. He had the audience applauding and cheering as he danced across the stage. The ballet dancers were perfection as well.

Catch FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL at the Majestic Theatre from June 18-23. Tickets can be purchased by going to their website www.majesticempire.com

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeremy Daniel

Matthew Mueller as Nick Hurley in FLASHDANCE

ANYTHING GOES National Tour to Sail into The Fox Theatre, 8/20-25

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:45:00 PST

The national tour of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, the new Broadway revival of Cole Porter's timeless classic musical theatre masterpiece, will make its Atlanta premiere August 20-25, 2013 at The Fox Theatre as part of the Theater of the Stars 2013-2014 series.

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.FoxATLTix.com or by calling 855-ATL-TIXX (855-285-8499). Special group rates for 10 or more are available by calling 404-881-2000, emailing foxgroup@foxtheatre.org or online at www.foxtheatre.org/groupsales.aspx. Half-price tickets are available for the Tuesday and Wednesday performances by using the code "AJC".

Winner of the 2011 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES sails direct from Broadway under the direction ofKathleen Marshall, who won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Choreography. The New York Times calls it "a zesty new revival with knockout numbers and white-hot dancing" while the AP exclaims that it's, "so delightful, so delicious, so de-lovely!"

ANYTHING GOES, the 1934 musical comedy about the lovers, liars and clowns on a transatlantic cruise is "a daffy, shipshape romp!" - Variety. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love... proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.

Rachel York will star as Reno Sweeney with Fred Applegate as Moonface Martin. The principal cast also includes Josh Franklin as Billy Crocker, Jeff Brooks as Purser, Joyce Chittick as Erma, Alex Finke as Hope Harcourt, Dennis Kelly as Elisha Whitney, Vincent Rodriguez III as Luke, Marcus Shane as John, Sandra Shipley as Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt, Edward Staudenmayer as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, and Chuck Wagner as Captain.

The ensemble includes Sarah Agar, Jeremy Benton, Jacqueline Burtney, Jan Leigh Herndon, Kristie Kerwin, Gary Lindemann, Marla McReynolds, Michael Milton, Bobby Pestka, Courtney Rottenberger, Vanessa Sonon, Ryan Steer, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Aaron Umsted, Mackenzie Warren, Sara Andreas, Audrey Cardwell, Sean McKnight, and Tony Neidenbach.

Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES features music and lyrics by Cole Porter; original book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse; and new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. The creative team includes music direction by Jay Alger with additional orchestrations by Bill Elliot, original scenic design by Derek McLane, costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design byBrian Ronan.

Cole Porter's roundup of nostalgic hits in the production include "You're the Top," "Friendship," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "It's De-Lovely," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and, of course "Anything Goes."

The New Broadway Cast Recording of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

Watch KTLA's Jillian Barberie Learn the Iconic FLASHDANCE 'Water Scene'!

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:02:40 PST

Jill Ian Barberie, host of the new "Hollywood Mix", visited with Jillian Mueller "Alex" of Flashdance - The Musical, and learned how to recreate the show's iconic water scene during the musical's run at the Segerstrom Center. To watch the segment on KTLA, click HERE!

The Orange County engagement of FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, featured Mueller as Alex and Matthew Hydzik as Nick, with Katie Webber as Tess, Kelly Felthous as Gloria, Dequina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah, David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

Also joining the company were Holly Ann Butler, Claire Camp, Derek Carley, Ryan Carlson, Natalie Caruncho, Lynorris Evans, Thursday Farrar, Charlene Hoffman, Holly Laurent, Jakob Karr, Dan Kohler, Brandt Martinez, Nicholas McGough, Ariela Morgenstern, Rebecca Riker, Andrea Spiridonakos and Lawrence E. Street.

FLASHDANCE launched this year on January 1 at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall with an official opening on Thursday, January 3 and continues on to more than 25 cities with additional bookings to be announced. In addition to the US national touring company, a Second Company of FLASHDANCE will be assembled on Broadway with performances beginning August 2013 for an open-ended engagement.

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing more than $150 million and featuring a Grammy Award- winning soundtrack. FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award- winning title song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," "I Love Rock & Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage.

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas).

The production features scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, projection design by Peter Nigrini and sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge. Hair & wig designs are by Charles LaPointe and make-up design is by Cookie Jordan. The production also features music supervision and vocal and incidental arrangements by Jason Howland, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and dance arrangements by Jim Abbott.

For more information, visit www.flashdancethemusical.com.

Photo Flash: Kids of the Arts' FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY Tour Wraps in Montclair, New Jersey

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:53:50 PST

Kids of the Arts touring production of Freckleface Strawberry The Musical made its final stop at the Alexander Kasser Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. Scroll down for photos from the final performance!

The principle cast featured Alexandra Cseke (The Grinch) as Strawberry, Zachary Mackiewicz (Mary Poppins) as Jake/Fredo Freckle, Scarlett Diaz (Shrek) as the Ballet Girl, Deedee Mann as Mother/Teacher, Gabriella Baldacchino as Emily, Andrew DiTusa as Danny/Frankie Freckle, Alexa Kerner (Shrek) as Jane, Joshua Price as Harry, Zachary Brod (Off-Broadway Pippi Longstocking) as Don Fontaine, Presley Ryan as Baby Brother and Cassidy Hagel (Billy Elliot) as Francine Freckle. The ensemble includEd Brandon Borkowsky, Darian Dalcortivo, John D'Onofrio (ICONic Boyz), Cassidy Hagel, Ireland Horan, Brianna Maida, Roxanne Potes, Ashley Rossi, Jaylah Springer, Molly Weidmaier, Sasha Zitofsky (Radio City Christmas Spectacular) and Daniella Zunic.

Freckleface Strawberry has music and lyrics by Garry Kupper and book by Kupper and Rose Caiola.
The production was directed by Laura Luc, with music direction by Sinai Tabak. Lane Napper choreographed, assisted by Deborah Y. Wilson and Caitlin McGee.

For more information on KOTA's Freckleface Strawberry, visit www.FrecklefaceMusical.com.

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Gabriella Baldacchino and Company

Alexandra Cseke

Zachary Makiewicz, Alexandra Cseke, Cassidy Hagel, Zachary Brod, Andrew DiTusa

Deedee Mann, Alexandra Cseke

Scarlett Diaz, Roxanne Potes, Sasha Zitofsky, Daniella Zunic

Scarlett Diaz, Alexandra Cseke

Sasha Zitofsky, Daniella Zunic

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Company

Alexa Kerner, Scarlett Diaz, Gabriella Baladcchino, Zachary Mackiewicz, Andrew DiTusa, Joshua Price

Alexa Kerner, Zachary Mackiewicz, Scarlett Diaz, Gabriella Baladcchino, Zachary Brod, Andrew DiTusa, Joshua Price, Deedee Mann

John D'Onofrio, Joshua Price, Brandon Borkowsky

Alexa Kerner, Joshua Price, Gabriella Baladcchino, Andrew DiTusa and Company

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Deedee Mann, Presley Ryan, Alexandra Cseke and Company

Alexandra Cseke, Gabriella Baldacchino, Zachary Brod, Andrew DiTusa, Joshua Price, Scarlett Diaz, Zachary Mackiewicz

Presley Ryan, Deedee Mann, Sophie Cohen, Alexa Kerner, Gabriella Baldacchino, Zachary Mackiewicz

Alexandra Cseke

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Deborah Y. Wilson, Caitlin McGee, Laura Luc, Lane Napper

Photo Flash: Kids of the Arts' FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY Off-Broadway

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:51:16 PST

Kids of the Arts touring production of Freckleface Strawberry The Musical recently performed to sold out audiences Off-Broadway at the 47th Street Theater. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek below!

Freckleface Strawberry was just like every other girl - except she had bright red hair and something worse... freckles! This upbeat children's musical, based on the beloved New York Times Best Selling book by Julianne Moore, teaches a wonderful lesson abouT Loving the skin you are in.

The principle cast features Alexandra Cseke (The Grinch) as Strawberry, Zachary Mackiewicz (Mary Poppins) as Jake/Fredo Freckle, Scarlett Diaz (Shrek) as the Ballet Girl, Deedee Mann as Mother/Teacher, Gabriella Baldacchino as Emily, Andrew DiTusa as Danny/Frankie Freckle, Alexa Kerner (Shrek) as Jane, Joshua Price as Harry, Zachary Brod (Off-Broadway Pippi Longstocking) as Don Fontaine, Presley Ryan as Baby Brother and Cassidy Hagel (Billy Elliot) as Francine Freckle. Dancers include Brandon Borkowsky, Darian Dalcortivo, John D'Onofrio (ICONic Boyz), Cassidy Hagel, Ireland Horan, Brianna Maida, Roxanne Potes, Ashley Rossi, Jaylah Springer, Molly Weidmaier, Sasha Zitofsky (Radio City Christmas Spectacular) and Daniella Zunic.

Freckleface Strawberry has music and lyrics by Garry Kupper and book by Kupper and Rose Caiola. Directed by Laura Luc, with music direction by Sinai Tabak, and Choreography by Lane Napper (Nickelodeon's "Victorious").

Final performances take place on Saturday, June 15th at the Alexander Kasser Theater in Montclair, NJ. For tickets and more information visit www.FrecklefaceMusical.com.

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Scarlett Diaz, Gabriella Baldacchino, Alexa Kerner, Zachary Mackiewicz, Andrew DiTusa, Joshua Price, Zachary Brod

Company

Gabriella Baldacchino, Alexandra Cseke, Zachary Mackiewicz, Alexa Kerner

Zachary Brod, Alexandra Cseke, Andrew DiTusa, Zachary Mackiewicz, Cassidy Hagel

Company

Scarlett Diaz, Alexandra Cseke, Sasha Zitofsky, Roxanne Potes

Joshua Price, Zachary Mackiewicz, Scarlett Diaz, Gabriella Baldacchino, Andrew DiTusa, Alexa Kerner, Zachary Brod

Zachary Brod, Gabriella Baldacchino, Zachary Mackiewicz, Alexa Kerner, Andrew DiTusa, Joshua Price, Scarlett Diaz

Deedee Mann, Zachary Mackiewicz, Alexa Kerner, Scarlett Diaz, Zachary Brod, Gabriella Baldacchino, Joshua Price, Andrew DiTusa, Alexandra Cseke

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Zachary Mackiewicz, Scarlett Diaz, Zachary Brod, Joshua Price, Gabriella Baldacchino, Alexa Kerner, Andrew DiTusa

Scarlett Diaz, Zachary Brod, Andrew DiTusa, Presley Ryan, Deedee Mann, Jete Laurence, Alexa Kerner, Gabriella Baldacchino

Alexandra Cseke and Company

Alexandra Cseke, Gary Kupper

Gary Kupper with members of the cast

Laura Luc, Gary Kupper, Lane Napper

Lane Napper, Deborah Y. Wilson, Laura Luc, Caitlin McGee and the cast of Freckleface Strawberry

Laura Luc, Lane Napper

BWW Interviews: Characters' Psychology Intrigues DREAMGIRLS Star, Kelvin Roston, Jr.

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:47:50 PST

It is hard to connect the soft-spoKen Young actor with whom I am conversing to the soul-singing, hip-swinging rogue he is playing onstage at the Pickard Theatre. Indeed, the more we chat, the more Kelvin Roston, Jr., who plays James "Thunder" Early in the Maine State Music Theatre hit production of Dreamgirls, seems to be full of surprises.

He is modest about his vocal gifts, and he tells me that he "still doesn't consider himself a dancer" (though he studied with Katherine Dunham in East St. Louis); nonetheless, he is bringing down the house each night with his thrilling numbers. He reveals that his college degree is in psychology, not theatre - that his dramatic training came afterwards in a three-year internship at the Black Repertory Company of St. Louis, and he tells the story of coming to his profession as an actor with a sense of quiet astonishment.

"It all started in St. Louis, " Roston recounts. My grandfather was a pastor, and I was a musician for the church, so my singing started there." He tells how both heand his cousin were on the high school football team and how he persuaded his cousin to join him in acting in the school plays. For Roston it was a pleasant pastime, but his cousin Ronald became hooked and went on to become a theatre major at college. After college, it was Ronald 's turn to encourage Kelvin. "I was working for airlines at that time, and he said to me "Why aren't you working with Black Repertory Company? It's such a jewel right here in the city.'"

Roston says he was hesitant because of the "iffy nature" of the business, but he began to hang around, and started to take some of Ron Himes' classes. "People started to notice me and have me run scales on the piano. Then Himes put me in a reading, and at end of season I won the audition to play Joe Hardy in a production of Damn Yankees, set in the Negro Leagues, and that was my first professional job!"

"After that season, I knew I wanted to learn more - to become a real artist, so I joined the internship program. For the next three years I was very busy, working on the main stage, touring, taking master classes. I was able to build my resume before going to Chicago."

After being graduated from the St. Louis internship program, Roston decided to move to Second City. "Chicago was the next step for me. It amazes me how many opportunities there are - all the Broadway shows and the repertory companies like the Court Theatre, Steppenwolf, the Goodman, not to mention the Black Ensemble Theatre."

It was in Chicago at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre that Kelvin Roston, Jr. first played Jimmy Early and worked with director Marc Robin, whom he credits with teaching him so much and helping to advance his career. "It has been awesome working with Marc. He gives you freedom, but he also has a very specific vision. He will ask you a question that he doesn't want answered, but he wants you to consider it and that aids in characterization."

Asked how he sees the character, he tells about an amusing meeting in downtown Brunswick, where Dreamgirls in currently playing. "I ran into a lady in the supermarket last night, and she told me how much she had loved the show and Jimmy's character. 'He's a dog but he is so likeable,' she told me." The actor agrees: "He is a real person, and Marc wanted him to be a flawed person." What Roston says he tried to avoid was any kind of caricature of the entertainer. "He is sometimes played for the spectacle like a wild man, a kind of buffoon. I researched the historical Jimmy Early and tried to find the right kind of grimy voice for the character."

Portraying historical performers has been something Kelvin Roston, Jr. has done quite a bit of in his young career. One of his most notable recent roles has been the title part in The Jackie Wilson Story which opened the spectacular new Black Ensemble Theatre's performing space on N. Clark in Chicago in November 2011. Roston had played in several shows at Jackie Taylor's remarkable African-American company, among them Ain't Nothing but the Blues and The Sensational Songs of the Sixties, but playing legendary musician Jackie Wilson was a big break. The role had been originated in 2000 by Chester Gregory, and Roston says, "I had big shows to fill. Jackie Taylor put me in a bunch of stretching and dancing classes to learn some Jackie Wilson's movement. It was a lot of work, but I do work hard," he confided. Still, the actor had a bout of nerves before the opening and said to Taylor, "Are you sure you think I can do this? And she said, 'You're going to do it!' It proved to me I could do a whole lot more than I imagined," he adds. Not only did he have to recreate Jackie Wilson's dancing and stage charisma, but he also had to find the voice. "His singing was so very clean, and he could hit unbelievable notes," Roston recalls.

The fascination with famous African-American performers has led Kelvin Roston, Jr. to another of his signature roles, that of Donny Hathaway in a one-man show he created entitled The Psychology of Genius. Roston has performed this show in St. Louis and is in talks to reprise it at the Congo Square Theatre in Chicago in the near future. The Hathaway project grew out of some workshops at the Black Repertory Theatre in St. Louis. Roston shares his motivation for choosing this story. "Because of my degree in psychology and as a tribute to my mother who has dealt with bipolar issues, I grew interested in understanding what Donny Hathaway was going through emotionally and mentally and how he translated all that into his music. (Hathaway suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and committed suicide at age thirty-four.) "I set it in his room in Essex House hotel on night of suicide. Normally when people commit suicide they try to tie up loose ends. His last loose end was to ask himself 'Why do people call me a genius?' He has hallucinations of all these people in the room, and he asks them to help him figure out the answer. He revisits his songs along the way. Then when he feels he has figured it out, he suddenly realizes the people have vanished. 'Oh, there was no one in first place.' So he sings one more song and then...." Roston breaks off before describing Hathaway's plunge from his hotel window. "That's the show in a nutshell. It's exhausting but worth it," he says softly.

"I have been fortunate to do some things close to my heart," Roston says of these experiences. He also feels blessed as an African-American actor to have had as many opportunities as he has had. He admits that in general there do need to be more African-American equity companies in the country, but he feels at present there is an increasingly rich repertoire for Black performers.

Asked what projects are on tap for him in the future, Roston says he will be taking his Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls to Japan in July and August, is in consideration for a new play, Detroit 67, and will likely play in August Wilson's Seven Guitars at the Court Theatre in Chicago. He says he enjoys the challenge of working in straight drama as well as musicals and aspires to the roles of Curtis in Dreamgirls and Levee in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

"It amazes me that I am actually making my living doing theatre!" he says with genuine wonder in his voice.

"A bit of a journey from a Bachelor's degree in psychology?" I muse. Kelvin Roston, Jr. chuckles and shakes his head. "Not really," he smiles. And I reflect perhaps the actor's odyssey - his fascination with the inner motivations of his characters has not been a detour at all, but rather a homecoming.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Maine State Music Theatre

Michael Jackson Tribute THE ULTIMATE THILLER to Launch National Tour in Medford Oregon on 6/13

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:32:30 PST

The Ultimate Thriller "The" Tribute to Michael Jackson is set to wow audiences across the country, opening Thursday, June 13th in Medford, OR. The Tour continues with stops in Red Rocks, CO; Austin, TX; Phoenix, AZ; among many others. The complete Tour itinerary, consisting of arenas and theatres, can be found at TheUltimateThriller.Com

The Ultimate Thriller "The" Tribute to Michael Jackson is the most authentic and exciting concert tribute to Jackson's legacy. It was created with the greatest admiration and respect for Jackson. The show combines parts of two of Jackson's legendary tours: the Guinness World Record-breaking "The Bad World Tour" (1987) and his 1992 "Dangerous World Tour," to bring his best hits live on stage once again, including "Man in the Mirror," "Black or White," "Beat it," "Billie Jean," "Thriller," and many more unforgettable songs. The two-hour spectacle also includes The Jackson 5 hits among other selections.

For millions of people Michael Jackson was iconic. For nearly four decades he epitomized pop music culture around the world. He wrote the soundtrack for a generation, influencing fashion, lifestyles and dances in the process. He was one of the most successful artists in pop history, selling more than 750 million albums - including "Thriller," charting 14 Number One songs in the US, winning 18 Grammy Awards, and performing the single most successful concert series at London's Wembley Stadium.

The Ultimate Thriller production consists of a full live band, authentic costumes, back-up singers, dancers and of course an MJ. Choreography is by LaVelle Smith and Mic Thompson. LaVelle is a five-time MTV Video Music Award winner for best choreographer and a principal dancer for Michael on the "Dangerous," "Bad," and "History" tours; and Mic spent eight years as a principal dancer with Michael and can be seen in the videos for "Dangerous" and "Ghosts;" Audio consultant is Michael Prince, was Jackson's longtime recording engineer for all of his live performances. Their insight and experience with Michael Jackson provide unparalleled authenticity to this production.

The Ultimate Thriller "The" Tribute to Michael Jackson, is co-produced by Robert Hyman, Larry Berfond, and Jeffrey Chrzczon in association with Columbia Artists Theatricals.

For the cast and crew of The Ultimate Thriller, this was so much more than just putting together a show and going on tour. This has been a labor of love for every single person involved with this production. For the singers, it is about getting an amazing opportunity to perform the songs of the artist they have admired their entire lives, in front of thousands of people. For the dancers, it is a chance to learn and execute some of the world's best-known choreography. For the band, it is knowing that they are going to get to play some of the best music ever produced. And for the production staff and crew, it is about bringing out the best in the performers and being a part of something special.

Just as the appeal of Michael's music spanned multiple generations, so does the homage paid by The Ultimate Thriller. The show brings together youthful passion and time-tested wisdom with but one goal: share in the magic, the music and the energy that Michael gave the world. Michael Jackson was the incarnation of the American dream. He was one of a kind. The Ultimate Thriller is a musical bow to the superstar.

For more information, visit www.theultimatethriller.com

MARY POPPINS Tour to Close; Amateur Rights Coming in Fall 2014

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:11:38 PST

Mary Poppins, one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years, will see more than 40 new professional productions take flight between summer 2013 and summer 2014, including summer 2013 runs at The MUNY in St. Louis, MO, Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, UT, and Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick, ME. Internationally, licensed productions continue around the world, including productions in Hungary, Iceland, The Czech Republic, and Estonia.

The North American tour of Mary Poppins, which began on March 11, 2009 in Chicago, IL, recently concluded its four year run in Anchorage, AK on June 2, clearing the way for professional regional productions to follow. One of the most successful national tours of recent years, the production played 1,650 performances in 80 cities and delighted over three million audience members.

A select group of distinguished high schools have been selected to pilot Mary Poppins for the high school market in 2013-14. Amateur rights, licensed through Music Theater International, are expected to be available in fall 2014. Groups can sign up at www.mtishows.com for "fast track" notification to receive an e-mail when the show becomes available for licensing. A complete catalogue of Disney musicals available for license can be found at www.disneytheatricallicensing.com.

Mary Poppins received its world premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End in December 2004. Following its successful three-year London run, the production launched an acclaimed U.K. tour.

The Broadway production of Mary Poppins officially opened on November 16, 2006, recouping its initial Broadway investment within 52 weeks of its premiere. The record-breaking production closed at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 3, 2013 after 2619 performances and more than six years. With attendance totaling nearly four million guests, the Broadway production was seen by more people in the last six years than any Broadway show except Wicked and The Lion King. It closed as the 22nd longest running show in Broadway history, ranking between Best Musical winners Hairspray and Avenue Q on the list of long runs.

Mary Poppins has also played to enormous success in a UK tour, Holland, Australia and New Zealand. The first-ever Spanish language production continues in Mexico City.

The musical is the winner of 44 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony, Olivier, Helpmann and Evening Standard awards.

Photo Flash: WAR HORSE's Joey Visits the UK, US, Germany and Australia

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:05:43 PST

As he continues to perform on stage in the West End, Joey, the equine star of The National Theatre's internationally acclaimed stage production War Horse, has been seen throughout the past week catching up with his colleagues throughout the UK, the US, Germany and Australia.

Monday 3 June 2013: Joey helped launch Gefährten - the German language production of War Horse which opens in October 2013 at the historic Stage Theater des Westens in Berlin. Joey was spotted at Brandenburg Gate with Philipp Lund and Heinz Hoenig, who will play Albert and Ted Narracott.

Tuesday 4 June 2013: Joey was seen on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. War Horse is playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre until 30 June before the production and its Australian cast move on to the Lyric Theatre in Brisbane from6 July.

Wednesday 5 June 2013: Joey met two mounted command horses, Sardelli and Adonis, in Providence, Rhode Island to tie in with the opening night at Providence Performing Arts Center - part of War Horse's ongoing tour of America.

Thursday 6 June 2013: Joey met HRH The Princess Royal at the official re-opening of The Horse's Trust's Home of Rest for Horses. The Horse's Trust is the world's first horse charity and it's Home of Rest in Spleen, Buckinghamshire provides retirement and respite for working animals, some having served with the police and the army.

Tuesday 11 June 2013: Joey visited Edinburgh Castle with Associate Puppetry Director Finn Caldwell to celebrate the production's forthcoming performances at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh - part of War Horse's tour of the UK and Ireland which starts in Plymouth in September.

Tuesday 11 June 2013: Gary Barlow meets Joey on stage at the New London Theatre in the West End, the London home of War Horse, after seeing a performance of the show.

War Horse, which has now been seen by over 3.7 million people worldwide, received its world premiere at The National Theatre in October 2007. Now celebrating its sixth year on the London stage, Nick Stafford's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's book continues to play to sell-out houses at the New London Theatre in the West End. Having won multiple awards internationally, War Horse is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris and designed by Rae Smith, with puppet direction, design and fabrication by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting by Paule Constable, and movement and horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick, with video design by Leo Warner and Mark Grimmer, songmaker John Tams, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Christopher Shutt.

War Horse is produced in the West End by The National Theatre and National Angels

For more information, visit: warhorseonstage.com

Joey the Horse, Philipp Lind (Albert Narracott) and Heinz Hoenig (Ted Narracott) launch the Berlin production of War Horse. Photo credit Stage Entertainment

Joey the Horse visits Edinburgh Castle. Photo credit National Theatre B

Joey the horse meets mounted command horses at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Photo credit Kim Kalunian, WPRO

Joey the horse meets HRH Princess Anne at The Horses Trusts Home of rest for Horses. Photo credit David J Cauchi

Joey the Horse in Sydney, Australia. Photo credit Global Creatures

Gary Barlow meets Joey the Horse at the New London Theatre. Photo credit Ellie Kurttz

Jenny Fellner and Kathy Fitzgerald Join WICKED National Tour in July

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:48:43 PST

The company of the second North American tour of WICKED is thrilled to welcome John Hillner as Dr. Dillamond and Jenny Fellner as Nessarose on Monday, July 1 in Milwaukee, WI and Kathy Fitzgerald as Madame Morrible on Wednesday, July 10 in Houston, TX.

Hillner starred on Broadway as Georges in the Tony Award winning revival of La Cages Aux Folles. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia!, Footloose, The Graduate, Company, Crazy For You. TV credits include "Seinfeld," "Law and Order," "Cold Case," "Num3ers" and "Person of Interest."

Fellner previously played the role of Nessarose in the Broadway company of WICKED. Other Broadway credits include Linda English in Pal Joey and Sophie inMamma Mia! She starred in the First National Tour of All Shook Up as Natalie/Ed. TV Credits include "Blue Bloods" and "Law & Order: SVU."

Fitzgerald played the role of Madame Morrible in the Broadway company of WICKED for a year and a half. Other Broadway credits include Roz in 9 to 5 (Outer Critics nomination), Swingin' on a Star (Drama Desk nomination) and Shirley Markowitz in The Producers. TV/Film credits include "Smash," "Mercy," "One Life to Live," The Producers, andOur Idiot Brother.

Hillner, Fellner and Fitzgerald join a cast that includes Jennifer DiNoia as Elphaba, Hayley Podschun as Glinda and Walker Jones as The Wizard.

The company also features David Nathan Perlow (Fiyero), Alex Wyse (Boq) and Alyssa Fox (Standby for Elphaba) with Kerry Blanchard, Jane Brockman, Bridie Carroll, Lilli Cooper, Haley Ann Dorling, Michael Drolet, Anna Eilinsfeld, Peter C. Ermides, Ryan Patrick Farrell, Natalie Fotopoulos, Dominic Giudici, Lauren Haughton, Zach Hensler, Joel Ingram, Ryan Jackson, Jillian Kates, Becca Kloha, Allison Leo, Sam Lips, Sterling Masters, Marissa Miller, Dashi' Mitchell, Amy Quanbeck, Jay Reynolds Jr., Wayne Schroder and Justin Wirick.

WICKED begins performances in Milwaukee, WI on June 12 and runs through July 7. Good seats are still available and are on sale now at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee, by phone at 414-273-7206, or online at Ticketmaster.com/wicked or MarcusCenter.org and all Ticketmaster outlets. Hillner and Fellner will join the tour on Monday, July 1.

Fitzgerald will join WICKED in conjunction with the tour's opening in Houston, TX. WICKED will play July 10-August 11 at the Hobby Center. Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., all Ticketmaster outlets, and online atwww.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Houston, and www.ticketmaster.com/wicked. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (800) 982-2787.

WICKED, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Disney's Enchanted, Academy Award winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman ("My So Called Life," "Once And Again" and "thirtysomething"), is based on the 1995 best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. The musical is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who's Tommy, How To Succeed...). WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

WICKED features set design by Tony Award winning Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony winner Susan Hilferty(Spring Awakening, Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony nominee Kenneth Posner (Tony Award winner for The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King). Stephen Oremus is the show's music director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

WICKED has "cast quite a spell" (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.

WICKED has been declared "A Cultural Phenomenon" by Variety and "The Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly. There are currently seven productions worldwide: New York, London, Holland, Japan, Australia/New Zealand and two concurrent North American Tours. Globally, WICKED has amassed over $2.9 billion in ticket sales and has been seen by 36 million people worldwide in its nine year history.

Grammy Award-Winning Cast recording available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED log on to www.wickedthemusical.com.