John Lasiter News

One of the most daring and innovative musicals of all time launches The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' 50th anniversary season. Follies, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman and directed by Rob Ruggiero, opened September 7 and runs through October 2 on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at highlights of the show below!

One of the most daring and innovative musicals of all time launches The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' 50th anniversary season. Follies, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman and directed by Rob Ruggiero, runs tonight, September 7, through October 2 on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!

One of the most daring and innovative musicals of all time will launch The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' 50th anniversary season. Follies, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman and directed by Rob Ruggiero, runs tonight, September 7, through October 2 on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts.

Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, has just announced complete casting for Mel Brooks' award-winning musical The Producers, directed by Don Stephenson and choreographed by Bill Burns. The Producers features music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and the original Broadway direction and choreography by Susan Stroman.

One of the most daring and innovative musicals of all time will launch The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' 50th anniversary season. Follies, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Goldman and directed by Rob Ruggiero, runs September 7 - October 2 on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts.

Meredith Willson's classic musical, THE MUSIC MAN, gets a lively and engaging workout on the stage of The MUNY. It's a show near and dear to my heart since I played the lead in a high school production many moons ago. It's also why I especially wanted my son to see it. Happily, he thoroughly enjoyed the show, and while there were some mistakes here and there, it was still an uplifting charmer that was filled with a slew of memorable songs and moments.

The Muny presents The Wizard of Oz, running now through June 22. The Wizard of Oz is directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, and music directed by Valerie Gebert. Scroll down for a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew during the June 16th performance of the show!

THE WIZARD OF OZ opens The MUNY's 98th season this year, and it's a lively and colorful production that provides an enjoyable experience for kids of all ages. This is an excellent presentation of one of The MUNY's most beloved shows, filled with fine performances and enough action to keep even the tiniest of tykes fully engaged. Yes, I know the unseasonably hot weather we're currently experiencing is a consideration for a lot of patrons, but with the fans running at full blast, you'll find it's a lot more comfortable than you would expect. My son and I had a blast, and this is the fourth production of the musical he's seen, and as he said, easily the best. It's a perfect show to take the family to, and one I know that you'll have an absolutely wonderful time seeing. It's also a larger than life spectacle that fits the expansive MUNY stage like a glove.

The Muny is currently presenting its season opener, The Wizard of Oz, now through June 22. The Wizard of Oz is directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, and music directed by Valerie Gebert. Go inside opening night with the cast below!

The Muny presents The Wizard of Oz now through June 22. The Wizard of Oz is directed by John Tartaglia, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, and music directed by Valerie Gebert. Check out a first look at the cast onstage below!

Dorothy's visit to The Land of Oz will kick off the summer season on June 13th.

Randy James' all male repertory dance company, 10 Hairy Legs, returns to Crossroads Theatre, New Brunswick for its fourth consecutive annual appearance on Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 pm.

Hartford's Smash Holiday Hit Christmas on the Rocks returns to TheaterWorks, November 27 through December 23, 2015.

Pittsburgh Public Theater's season begins with the timeless drama The Diary of Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Directed by Pamela Berlin (The Glass Menagerie, Clybourne Park, Red), The Diary of Anne Frank runs September 24 - October 25, 2015 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org. The Diary of Anne Frank is presented by PNC. The "Family Matters" ticket package, especially for families attending the performance, is underwritten by The Fine Foundation. The play is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. Meet Jenni Barber (who plays Ado Annie) in the video below!

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at some backstage shots below!

It's most certainly a renowned and respected classic of musical theatre, and the fact is that it's so popular that you're likely to find a production playing somewhere in the world at any given moment. One of my early reviewing assignments was covering the show back in 2007, the last time it played here. Of course, I'm talking about Rodgers and Hammerstein's iconic OKLAHOMA!. This lovingly rendered production breathes new life into a show that's an absolute natural for the outdoor setting that The MUNY's stage provides. See it, and be enriched by a vibrant presentation that's a perfect way to introduce your family to the considerable charms of this musical, as well as the venue staging it!

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast partying the night away below!

The Muny presents OKLAHOMA!, which began performances on August 10 and runs through August 16, 2015, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcherrestages Stroman's choreography. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast partying the night away below!

The Muny presents its production of Oklahoma! (August 10-16) directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Susan Stroman and music directed by Kevin Stites. Ginger Thatcher will restage Ms. Stroman's choreography.