BWW Review: Delightful and Charming YENTL at The New Jewish Theatre
Apparently, due to legal issues with rights that had to be worked out, this version of YENTL, based on the short story "Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy" written by Isaac Bashevis Singer (book by Leah Napolin and Singer), cannot be referred to in its title as a musical. It all has to do with Barbra Streisand's dreary and dreadful (although some people adore it) 1983 musical film version. But, there's no confusing the two once you see this utterly charming adaptation. It adheres closely to Singer's work, while the film veers off into a direction which not only makes little sense, but also butchers the author's intent. That's a shame, but when you're writing, directing, starring, etc, you can tend to lose sight of the actual story, turning it instead into a nothing more than a self-serving star vehicle. Jill Sobule's music (she composed "I Kissed a Girl", oddly enough) provides a genre-hopping mix of styles that may, at times, seem anachronistic, but which serve the tale very well. The New Jewish Theatre's current production is a delight, and I heartily recommend it.
Theatre @ Boston Court, the Geffen and La Mirada Lead 2014 Ovation Award Nominations; Full List!
Nominees for the 2014 LA STAGE Alliance Ovation Awards were announced on the evening of Monday, September 22 at Native Voices at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. The nominations were revealed by past Ovation Award recipients Gigi Bermingham, Brighid Fleming, Parmer Fuller, Jennifer Haley, Brian Kite, Glynn Turman, and John Zalewski, along with LA STAGE Alliance Chief Executive Officer Terence McFarland.
BWW Reviews: The Muny's Kooky and Outstanding Production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Cartoonist and creator of the creepy and kooky characters that make up THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Charles Addams, probably never envisioned his work gracing the Broadway stage, but then, could anyone have imagined that such a thing would come to pass. After all, the original single panel cartoons only hinted at the oddly dark nature of his characters. The rest was fleshed out by a terrific TV show that ran in the early sixties, and a couple of feature films that came along in the early 1990's. The current production of the Broadway show is now playing The MUNY, and it's a riotously amusing presentation that had me and my son laughing at the onstage antics (book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice), and bouncing along to the catchy score (Andrew Lippa). This is an exceptional show that features a great cast who seem to be having an absolutely splendid time. The Addams Family is must-see entertainment.
BWW Reviews: Family Fun as TARZAN Swings into Action at The MUNY
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) got into writing as a lark, musing that he could produce stories that were better than the pulp fiction that was currently on display. Of course, the rest is history, with the prolific author producing a number of memorable series (Tarzan, John Carter, Pellucidar, etc) that are still selling today. His most famous creation, Tarzan of the Apes, became a cultural icon shrewdly marketed in comic strips, novelty items and motion pictures. But, I wonder how the writer would have felt about his hero singing on stage about his conflicts and feelings? Actually, I think he'd be pleased because the story, expanded and slightly altered here and there from Disney's animated film version of TARZAN, still remains true to his original concept (book by David Henry Hwang). And,the MUNY's current production is great family fun that tackles issues of loyalty and love against an action-packed jungle backdrop that cleverly brings to life the creatures that inhabit that world.
TV: Watch Highlights from TARZAN at the Muny with Nicholas Rodriguez, Kate Rockwell & More!
The Muny presents the second show of its 96th season, TARZAN, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone. Nicholas Rodriguez stars in the title role, with Kate Rockwell co-starring as Jane. Joining them are Quentin Earl Darrington as Kerchack, Katie Thompson as Kala, Gregory Haney as Terk,Ken Page as Porter, Michael James Reed as Clayton, Spencer Jones as Young Tarzan, and Nathaniel Mahone as Young Terk. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights below!
Photo Flash: First Look at Nicholas Rodriguez, Kate Rockwell, Quentin Earl Darrington & More in TARZAN at the Muny!
The Muny presents the second show of its 96th season, TARZAN, directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Chris Bailey, with musical direction by Rick Bertone. Nicholas Rodriguez stars in the title role, with Kate Rockwell co-starring as Jane. Joining them are Quentin Earl Darrington as Kerchack, Katie Thompson as Kala, Gregory Haney as Terk, Ken Page as Porter, Michael James Reed as Clayton, Spencer Jones as Young Tarzan, and Nathaniel Mahone as Young Terk.
TV: Watch Highlights from THE ADDAMS FAMILY at The Muny, Starring Rob McClure, Jenny Powers & More!
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 15, 2014
TV: Watch Highlights from TARZAN at the Muny with Nicholas Rodriguez, Kate Rockwell & More!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 26, 2014
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with Ali Ewoldt of the Muny's WEST SIDE STORY
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 5, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Inside Opening Night of the Muny's 2013 Summer Season- Plus Highlights from John O'Hurley in SPAMALOT
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 18, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Meet Michelle Ragusa and John O'Hurley from The Muny's SPAMALOT!
by Stage Tube - Jun 14, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Hunter Foster, Kathy Fitzgerald, and More in PIRATES! at the Muny- Highlights!
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 31, 2012
STAGE TUBE: Patti Murin, Natascia Diaz, Justin Guarini, and More in the Muny's CHICAGO- Performance Highlights!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 26, 2012
