Review: THE QUEEN'S CARTOONISTS'S HOLIDAY HURRAH at Smothers Theatre
by Amanda Callas - Dec 8, 2023
The Queen’s Cartoonists execute jazz with exquisite polish, verve, cheeky humor, and manic energy, recalling the early days of hot jazz in the 1920s and 30s. Holiday Hurrah shines bright and merry with the most vivacious, high-energy of holiday tunes.
Review: FUNNY GIRL On Tour Is a Parade with Light Showers �" Dr. Phillips Center
by Aaron Wallace - Dec 8, 2023
Early on, when Katerina McCrimmon breaks into “I’m the Biggest Star” — one of the beltier Brice numbers — it’s easy to think that lighting has struck thrice. There isn’t a note in the sweeping scale of this score that escapes her rangy, room-rattling voice. But when it comes time for the iconic “Don’t Rain On My Parade'...
BWW Q&A: Matt Gutschick of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Rose Theater
by Joshua Wright - Dec 6, 2023
The world’s favorite holiday classic will give the gift of Christmas cheer to Omaha audiences when Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer flies onto The Rose stage, Dec. 1 - 23, 2023. Based on the 1964 Rankin & Bass Claymation television special, The Rose’s production will feature puppetry and other fun elements to create the characters from the North Pole, the Island of Misfit Toys and the Abominable Snowman, Bumble.
Review Roundup: Timothée Chalamet Leads WONKA Movie Musical Prequel; What Do Critics Think?
by Michael Major - Dec 4, 2023
Willy Wonka is back in the new musical prequel starring Timothée Chalamet. From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman and producers Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly (“Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical”), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music. Find out what critics thought and read reviews now!
Review: A Dazzling Revival of FUNNY GIRL Ushers in All the Laughs at Straz Center for The Performing Arts
by Drew Eberhard - Dec 1, 2023
Funny Girl is a semi-autobiographical comedic musical about the life and times of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, and her tumultuous relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. With a musical score by Jules Styne, lyrics by Bob Merill, and featuring a book by Isobel Lennart, Funny Girl first opened on Broadway in 1964 featuring Barbara Streisand in the starring role, and was produced by Fanny’s own son-in-law Ray Stark.
The first Broadway production received 8 Tony Nominations at the 18th Annual Awards Ceremony, and the OBC (Original Broadway Cast) Recording was inducted into the Grammy’s Hall of Fame in 2004.
Previews: FUNNY GIRL at Straz Center
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Nov 27, 2023
Funny Girl follows the life of Fanny Brice, a talented and ambitious young woman from New York's Lower East Side who dreams of making a name for herself in show business. The narrative takes the audience through the highs and lows of Fanny's career, highlighting her comedic prowess and undeniable charm. At its core, the musical explores love, resilience, and pursuing one's dreams.
Belmont University Musical Theatre's HELLO, DOLLY! Boasts An Embarrassment of Riches
by Jeffrey Ellis - Nov 18, 2023
It only takes a moment whenconductor Jo Lynn Burks raises her baton and the first notes of the overture are heard to remember that Herman’s score includes a treasure trove of Broadway chestnuts, including “So Long, Dearie,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Elegance,” “It Only Takes A Moment,” “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” as well as the title tune.
Review: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Connor Palace
by Roy Berko - Nov 6, 2023
What did our critic think of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Connor Palace? David Greene, the Senior Vice President of Programming at Playhouse Square, informs theater-goers in his program notes for GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY that “it is a non-traditional musical which features songs by music legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bob Dylan.”
Review: FUNNY GIRL at The Hippodrome
by Timoth David Copney - Oct 25, 2023
What did our critic think of FUNNY GIRL at The Hippodrome? When I was a kid, I wanted nothing so much as to be Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl. I mean, it literally shaped my career aspirations. And I desperately wanted to see the stage version, having practically worn out my LP of the Broadway musical.
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Blumenthal Performing Arts
by Perry Tannenbaum - Oct 20, 2023
They haven't fixed the clunky storytelling or finally used actual Fanny Brice material, but FUNNY GIRL still scores big when it comes equipped with an electrifying lead and a top-notch cast.
BBC to Run Extensive Shakespeare Season to Celebrate 400th Anniversary of First Folio
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Oct 11, 2023
The BBC is celebrating this extraordinary anniversary with an ambitious season of content across TV, Radio, BBC iPlayer & BBC Sounds exploring why, 400 years on, Shakespeare's relevance and influence is as strong as ever. A wealth of programming featuring major actors and leading experts, including new documentaries, performance, music, drama, comedy, news coverage and the best of the BBC archive, as well as special items on flagship BBC shows, will celebrate the man, his world and his timeless writing.
How Often Are Broadway Plays Adapted Into Musicals?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 8, 2023
This time, the reader question was: With Purlie Victorious returning to Broadway, what are other plays that were revived on Broadway after their musical adaptations premiered?