Kelcey Anyá Performing Arts Academy’s Virtual Summer Summit

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KELCEY ANYÁ PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY PRESENTS

Virtual Summer Summit

A SIX WEEK YOUTH VIRTUAL PERFORMING ARTS EXPERIENCE.

FROM JULY 7-AUGUST 14TH

New York—Brooklyn-based performer, writer, and educator, Kelcey Anyá, announces Kelcey Anyá Performing Arts Academy’s Virtual Summer Summit: A Six Week Virtual Performing Arts Experience for youth ages 10 to 17. Classes are Tuesdays through Fridays from July 7th to August 14th from 3pm-5pm ET. Apply now at www.kapartsacademy.com. Limited seats available.

 

"Just when I began to think there was no space for the performing arts in this new 'normal' I was reminded that in this time, 'When the world stopped, remember, we all turned to artists,'" said Kelcey Anyá. "While we're all at home, the world looked to us for a sense of normalcy and entertainment. So, I created a space that showed our young artists that they are needed, their voices are wanted and that they are supported. KAPPA was founded with our youth in mind. Our mission is to make room and hold space. It is my personal hope that the voices and spirits of our youth be amplified through our Virtual Summer Summit."

 

The KAPAA Virtual Summer Summit runs entirely online offering participants two hours of instruction Tuesday through Friday for six weeks culminating in a final showcase. Participants will attend three classes a week: “Tunes Tuesday” (music production), “Writing Wednesday” (spoken word & playwriting), and “Theatre Thursday” (acting). Courses will be taught Tuesday through Thursday with Fridays reserved for “Feature Friday” where participants receive a special masterclass and Q&A session from industry professionals. Upon completion of the program, participants will walk away with tangible musical and written pieces to add to their portfolios as well as theatrical tools added to their toolbox as they prepare for the upcoming audition season.

 

Teaching artists include award winning actress Devin E. Kessler (Williamstown, Triad Theatre, Axelrod Theatre, NYU Grad Acting c/o 2023), music producer and engineer Aaron “Birdie” Jackson (three self-produced albums and two film scores) and playwright, actor, educator and founder Kelcey Anyá (Stella Adler Studio of Acting, The Billie Holiday Theatre, Statera Arts).

 

Having begun her performing arts career at the tender age of two years old, Kelcey Anyá founded KAPAA with our youth in mind. Trained by the likes of Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the Billie Holiday Theatre, through KAPAA, Kelcey Anyá offers affordable, performing arts training and experience to young people any and everywhere.

 

The public is encouraged to donate what you can to assist in offering scholarships to young performers of color as well as any whose families have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Funds will be collected via Venmo @Kelcey-Anya, Cash app $KelceyAnya as well as a Facebook donation. For more information, find Kelcey Anyá Performing Arts Academy, LLC on Facebook and Instagram.  For social media posts to share, please click here.

 

kapartsacademy.com

 

IG: @KAPArtsAcademy

FB: Kelcey Anyá Performing Arts Academy, LLC

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ABOUT

Kelcey Anyá is a multi-disciplinary performing artist hailing from the bayous of South Louisiana. She began her performance career at the tender age of 2 years old where she began dancing and fell in love with all things performance. Her passion grew when acting and singing entered the picture. A few of her favorite credits include The Stories of Scheherazade (2008), Shakin' The Mess Outta Misery (2013), The Color Purple (2014), and Same Blood (2018).  In April of 2019, Kelcey Anyá wrote, produced and performed her first solo show Out of the Box, followed by choreographing the regional premiere of A Hard Knock Life: A dance adaptation of Annie with Cincinnati Black Theatre Company in June, culminating with receiving her Masters of Arts in Theatre, Performance and Practice with certificates in both teaching and Women's Gender & Sexuality Studies from Miami University (Oxford, Oh) that following August. Upon graduating, she moved to New York City where she is pursuing her passion for making the performing arts more accessible to Black and Brown youth.

STREB Announces Home Season @ Home Performance

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STREB ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL HOME SEASON PERFORMANCE

ACTION HEROES: HOME SEASON @ HOME

The STREB Extreme Action Company brings its signature choreographed feats of physicality, scientifically planned chaos, strength, risk, and elegance to Zoom with 

ACTION HEROES: HOME SEASON @ HOME, June 26, 2020, 7 pm  

Often called the Evel Knievel of dance, founding Artistic Director Elizabeth Streb and her STREB Extreme Action Company have been thrilling and terrifying audiences around the world for over forty years. Following an international tour and a sold-out home season last fall, STREB was set to announce its Spring Home Season on March 12, but instead that day closed their doors to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Since then, STREB has offered an array of Remote programming, from a full semester of children’s classes to free daily adult classes, teen and tween Action Clubs, and even a Virtual Edition of the organization’s signature fundraising event, the Action Maverick Awards, via Zoom. Now, the company invites audiences into the virtual space again for ACTION HEROES: HOME SEASON @ HOME on Friday, June 26, 7 pm. 

ACTION HEROES: HOME SEASON @ HOME will feature a mix of classic repertory footage, contextualized by Elizabeth Streb; some rarely seen pieces that, for one reason or another, have been difficult to re-mount; and two new pieces choreographed by Streb this spring specifically for Zoom - HORIZON LINE, which premiered on May 11 at STREB’s Action Maverick Award Benefit, and BODY GRAMMAR, which the company is currently rehearsing.  ACTION HEROES: HOME SEASON @ HOME will offer audience members the unique opportunity to peer into Streb’s process, see the arc and evolution of the company’s body of work, and witness how an extreme action artist is approaching the new “stage” of Zoom. 

“After making HORIZON LINE, which was created for our Action Mavericks Award Gala, and dealt with the idea of how the Zoom space separates the 9 bodies trapped within their boxes - while also attempting to defy that fact,” says Elizabeth Streb. “Now with BODY GRAMMAR, I am asking if there is content inherent in the body parts of a human being. These questions are an inquiry into what is left to work with when we, STREB Extreme Action Engineers, are left with only the visual. Is it the potent content of human images, and how infinite these can be when viewed in a particular way? Many similar questions remain here in this platform called Zoom.  I am taking the description literally - we are ‘zooming’ in on the particulars of a human being - the hand, the back of the head, the leg, the arm, the elbow. When the body is ‘folded’ the way our joints allow, what images tell what story of the essence of the Human Being? About the shapes it makes, as well as what angle it chooses to be viewed from.  Can we discover any content at all when the body is reduced to the mere essentials of the what and wherefore of the joints of our bodies? Are our Joints Actions verbs? Can we make it seem as if we are crossing ‘county lines’ when for instance one dancer slams into the edge of her neighbors rectangle and pushes  that person explosively across their domain?”

ACTION HEROES: HOME SEASON @ HOME

Friday, June 26, 7:00 pm

Tickets are offered on a sliding scale from $0-$50 and are available at https://streb.org/homeseason/ 

$50 tickets will come with admission to a post-show Q&A with Elizabeth and the Company

Contact Shannon Reynolds: shannon@streb.org for questions about tickets.

About STREB Extreme Action Company

For forty years, STREB has performed in theaters large and small, served as artists-in-residence at the world’s top art museums, and taken its work into the streets and sports stadiums. The company’s extensive international touring calendar has included presentations at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Théâtre du Châtelet, the Musée D’Orsay, Greece’s Summer Nostos Festival, Théâtre de la Ville, Lincoln Center Festival, the Park Avenue Armory, the Fall for Dance Festival, Wolf Trap Foundation, the Walker Art Center, Los Angeles MOCA, the Wexner Center, Spoleto USA, the River-to-River Festival, the Brisbane and Melbourne Festivals and in Chile, Singapore and Taiwan. The company has received commissions to perform publicly at the 2012 London Olympic Festival, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the Whitney Museum of American Arts groundbreaking, the Pan Am Games Arts Festival in Toronto, and the 2004 Cirque du Soleil 20th anniversary celebration performed in front of 250,000 people on the streets of Montreal. The company has also taken their signature extreme action to iconic locations including Grand Central Station, Coney Island’s fairground, the Brooklyn Bridge Anchorage, Madison Square Garden, the mall outside the Smithsonian Institution and more.

In January 2003, STREB moved into a vacant former loading facility and transformed 51 North 1st Street into the STREB LAB FOR ACTION MECHANICS (SLAM). In 2007, STREB purchased SLAM with unprecedented support for building acquisition from the New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, City Council, Mayor’s Office and Brooklyn Borough President’s Office ensuring its future as the home of STREB EXTREME ACTION, the STREB PopAction School and the España-STREB Trapeze Academy. As a performance and presenting venue and an open access education and rehearsal space, SLAM creates community through interaction and experimentation. 

Chat w/ L. Steven Taylor, MUFASA of THE LION KING MUSICAL

After 22 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 100 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 15 or more years and three others running 20 or more years.

L. Steven Taylor plays MUFASA on the broadway in The Lion King. Taylor made his Broadway debut in The Lion King in 2006. His film and TV credits include The Electric Company, Last of the Ninth, Made For Each Other and Game Over. After performing in the ensemble of The Lion King and being the understudy, he took on the principal role of Mufasa in Broadway’s The Lion King on July 10, 2015.

Art Shrian Tiwari had a wonderful chat with Steven, you can listen to it below.

You can listen to the full podcast with review of The Lion King musical and interview with both Bradley Gibson (Simba) and L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa) below:

Learn more about THE LION KING and buy your tickets at the link below

http://www.lionking.com/tickets







Chat w/ Bradley Gibson, SIMBA of THE LION KING MUSICAL

After 22 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 100 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 15 or more years and three others running 20 or more years.

Bradley Gibson plays adult SIMBA in the broadway production of The Lion King Musical. Before starring as Simba in The Lion King, Bradley Gibson was seen in the Broadway production of A Bronx Tale and Rocky. His off-Broadway credits include Love’s Labour’s Lost (The Public Theater) and The School For Scandal (Red Bull Theater). He has also been seen on the national tour of Chicago and in The Last Goodbye at the Old Globe. On screen, he's been seen in Mozart of the Jungle. A self professed Disney kid, he grew up watching Disney shows and movies, The Lion King being one of his favorites. Now he has spent over an year on the Broadway stage, bringing this character to life.

Art Shrian Tiwari had a wonderful chat with Bradley, you can listen to it below.

You can listen to the full podcast with review of The Lion King musical and interview with both Bradley Gibson (Simba) and L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa) below:

Learn more about THE LION KING and buy your tickets at the link below

http://www.lionking.com/tickets







New 42nd Street and New Victory Present Unga Klara’s 'Because I Say So'

Avant Garde Performance Art for the Under Five SetN.Y. Premiere December 12-22, 2019, at The Duke on 42nd Street

Full of joy, tracksuits and tutus, Because I Say Sois a physical theater work from acclaimed Swedish theater company for young audiences Unga Klara. With derring-do, daring dance and a look at the world from the perspective of kids, this one of a kind production asks the question: What if kids had absolute agency? Because I Say Sois part of the New Victory season at The Duke on 42nd Street in New 42nd Street Studios for a holiday engagement from December 12 - 22, 2019.

In the unique universe of Because I Say So,Unga Klara helps us consider why kids have so little influence in their own lives, and on society as a whole. Inspired by Elisabeth

Young-Bruehl’s book, Childism, which explores the notion that children have their own autonomy, Unga Klara set out to create a work that centers around the child’s perspective. Renowned for its cutting-edge theater work tackling complex issues through heightened movement and avant garde aesthetics, Unga Klara frequently works with young people and continually creates work that explores the role and experiences of children in modern society.

As Sweden’s first and only theater with a national assignment for young audiences, Unga Klara has established a strong tradition of theater with kids’ perspectives at its core. Led by Artistic Directors Farnaz Arbabi and Gustav Deinoff, Unga Klara’s other works include My True Selves, a play about identity for the grade school set; Girls Will Make You Blush, a dance theater piece about girlhood and puberty for ages 12-15; and X,a play about Swedish colonialism and racism for ages 15 and older.

Because I Say Sois directed by Farnaz Arbabi, featuring collaborators and performers Klas Lagerlund, Rita Lemivaara, David Nzinga, Joel Mauricio, Isabel Ortiz, Lisette T. Pagler, Nina Rashid, Maria Salah, Bianca Traum and Sakib Zabbar.

Gustav Deinoff and Farnaz Arbabi are co-artistic directors, Jenny Kronberg is the Costume & Set Designer, Daniela Krestelica is the Mask & Costume Designer, Johan Sundén is the Lighting Designer, Foad Arbabi is the Composer & Sound Designer, Daniela Kullman is the Dramaturg, Anne Jonsson is the Movement Coach, Céline Marcault is the Assistant Director and Ellen Dynebrink is the Textile Designer.

Learn more about Because I Say So at NewVictory.org.

Public Performance Schedule:

Thursday, December 12 at 4pm Friday, December 13 at 4pm
Saturday, December 14 at 10am / 1pm Sunday, December 15 at 10am / 1pm

Thursday, December 19 at 4pm Friday, December 20 at 4pm
Saturday, December 21 at 10am / 1pm Sunday, December 22 at 10am / 1pm*

*sign-interpreted performance

BECAUSEI SAYSO,performing at The Duke on 42nd Street in New 42nd Street Studios (229 West 42nd Street),has a running time of 35 minutes with no intermission, and is recommended for ages 3-5.

Learn more about BECAUSEI SAYSOon the New Victory website at NewVictory.org.

Ticket Information

Full-price tickets for BECAUSEI SAYSOare $20. Tickets are available online (www.newvictory.org/visitor-info) and by phone (646.223.3010).

To purchase tickets in person, the New Victory box office is located at 209 West 42nd Street (between 7th / 8th Avenues). Box office hours are Sunday & Monday from 11am-5pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.

About The New Victory Theater

The New Victory Theater brings kids to the arts and the arts to kids. Created in 1995 on iconic 42nd Street, this nonprofit theater has become a standard-bearer of quality performing arts for young audiences in the United States. Reflecting and serving the multicultural city it calls home, The New Victory is committed to arts access for all students, teachers, kids, families and communities of New York to experience and engage with the exemplary international programming of theater, dance, circus, music, puppetry and opera on its stages. A leader in arts education, youth employment and audience engagement, The New Victory Theater has been honored by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, by Americans for the Arts with a national Arts Education Award, and by the Drama Desk for "providing enchanting, sophisticated children's theater that appeals to the child in all of us, and for nurturing a love of theater in young people."

About New 42nd Street Studios

New 42nd Street Studios, including the black box theater The Duke on 42nd Street, cultivates new ideas in the performing arts through exceptional services and spaces that empower artists to do their best work. Duke on 42nd Street artists access quality performance space at highly-subsidized rates that include ticket services, production equipment and venue usher support from the New 42 Youth Corps, a career success program that equips students with mentoring, academic resources and flexible employment. Owned and operated by New 42nd Street, a nonprofit whose mission is to make extraordinary performing arts a vital part of everyone’s life from the earliest years onward, New 42nd Street Studios welcomes the season’s biggest musicals and plays, as well as numerous nonprofit performing arts companies. From early development to opening night, New 42nd Street Studios are dedicated to performing artists and the spells they cast.

About The New 42nd Street

Founded in 1990, The New 42nd Street is an independent nonprofit organization charged with the continuous cultural revival of 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, building on the foundation of seven historic theaters to make extraordinary performing arts and cultural engagement part of everyone’s life. The New 42nd Street fulfills this purpose by ensuring the ongoing vibrancy of 42nd Street’s historic theaters; supporting performing artists in the creation of their work at the New 42nd Street Studios and The Duke on 42nd Street; creating arts access and education at The New Victory Theater, New York’s premier theater for kids and families; and through the New 42nd Street Youth Corps, its model youth development initiative, which pairs life skills workshops and mentorship with paid employment in the arts for NYC youth. Inspired by the city it serves, The New 42nd Street is committed to the transformational power of the arts.

Lonny Price to direct Evan Kinnane, Lee MacDougall, and Thom Allison in Theatre Calgary’s THE LOUDER WE GET

16 talented high school students, 2 amazing songwriters, and 1 inspiring true story. Watch our new music video for The Louder We Get, based on the true story of Marc Hall. This video was co-sponsored by Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre and 4K Film Production (https://4kfilmproduction.com/).

Calgary – Theatre Calgary's Artistic Director Stafford Arima (Allegiance, Broadway; Carrie, Off-Broadway revival; Altar Boyz, Off-Broadway), along with Solo Productions’ Mary Young Leckie (Maudie, Mary’s Wedding), are thrilled to officially announce the creative team and casting for The Louder We Get, based on the true story of Marc Hall, with book by Kent Staines, lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal, and music by Colleen Dauncey.

The Louder We Get follows the true story of former Ontario native Marc Hall, who fought for his right to take his boyfriend to the high school prom. 17 years later, the meaning and message of Marc’s story are just as important today, as it motivates and inspires people to embrace equality and stand up for who they are. It is a story about speaking up for what you believe, standing up for someone you care about, and making the change.

The Louder We Get will be directed by Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard - revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Master Harold and the Boys, Broadway; Scotland, PA, Off-Broadway), along with Co-Director Matt Cowart (Sunset Boulevard - revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, 110 in the Shade, Broadway).

“I am so delighted to be coming to Calgary to work with my old friend Stafford Arima on this exciting new Canadian musical,” says Price. “Kent, Akiva and Colleen have written an invigorating show about empowerment— about young people standing up and fighting for what they believe in. There’s a lot we can learn from the young people of today, and we need to.”

The show will feature Evan Kinnane in the role of Marc Hall. Mr. Kinnane can currently be seen on Broadway in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. His other US regional work includes Ragtime, Gypsy, Singin’ in the Rain, and A Chorus Line. The Louder We Get also features Canada’s Lee MacDougall (Come From Away, Broadway) and Thom Allison (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Broadway).

Marc Hall recalls his first meeting with Kinnane. “Shorty after Evan was cast, I received a surprise phone call from him. As you can imagine, it’s a bit surreal to speak with someone who is going to play you in a musical, “ says Hall. “I’m excited to share my story with him, I think he will be amazing at bringing it all to life, and sharing the message and meaning of the show.”

Rounding out the international creative team will be Musical Director Joshua Zecher-Ross (Be More Chill, Broadway; Mary & Max - A New Musical, Theatre Calgary), Orchestrator Justin Goldner (funkybutter.com), Choreographer Rebecca Howell (Moulin Rouge! The Musical - Assoc. Choreographer, Broadway; The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4: The Musical, West End), Set designer James Noone (Sunset Boulevard - revival, Lady Day at Emerson’s

Bar and Grill, A Time to Kill, Broadway), Costume designer Cory Sincennes (Billy Elliot the  Musical, Theatre Calgary), Lighting designer Jason Hand (Stratford Festival, Mary’s Wedding), Sound designer Joshua D. Reid (A Christmas Carol, Geffen Playhouse; The Ferryman - Associate Sound Design, Broadway), and Assistant Choreographer is Lia Given (Hamilton - performer, West End).

The cast of The Louder We Get also includes Calgary and Canadian talent returning to Theatre Calgary including Rielle Braid (Much Ado About Nothing), Kevin Corey (Billy Elliot the Musical), Naomi Costain (The Drowsy Chaperone), Deann DeGruijter (The Drowsy Chaperone), Alexa Elser (As You Like It), Fionn Laird (Billy Elliot the Musical), Ryan Maschke (Billy Elliot the Musical), Katie McMillan (Mary & Max - A New Musical), Glen Mills (Billy Elliot the Musical), Joel Schaefer (Billy Elliot the Musical), and Scott Olynyk (Billy Elliot the Musical). Making their Theatre Calgary debuts are Devin Cecchetto, Nick Dolan, Alexandra Gratton, Kira Guloien, Isidora Kecman, Jamie Mayers, Kolton Stewart, and Roel Suasin.

The Louder We Get runs at Theatre Calgary January 28 - February 22, 2020, in the Arts Commons Max Bell Theatre, in Calgary Alberta, Canada. Tickets are on sale now at theatrecalgary.com. 

Quotes:

Stafford Arima, Artistic Director, Theatre Calgary:

“It brings me so much pride to have this new production, with a brand new creative team, of The Louder We Get debut at Theatre Calgary. I first met Lonny Price eighteen years ago when I was the Associate Director on the Broadway production of A Class Act. Lonny has remained a dear friend and colleague since we first met, and it brings me so much joy to have him direct this incredible musical.”

Mary Young Leckie, Producer, The Louder We Get:

“Theatre Calgary, under the artistic direction of Stafford Arima is taking big bold steps creating an incubator and a launching pad for new musicals!  The Louder We Get is a perfect fit!  A big, bold Musical full of heart and soul, unforgettable songs and a story that has been inspiring kids around the world since Marc’s story broke in 2002, The Louder we Get is going to ROCK Calgary Audiences on its journey to THE WORLD!

Learn more:

Founded on July 1, 1968, Theatre Calgary is Calgary's first and largest professional theatrical company. Our mission is to stimulate, provoke, and delight through ambitious programming created to ignite local, national, and international engagement. We are a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and operate within the jurisdiction of the  Canadian Theatre Agreement. For more information, visit us at theatrecalgary.com and follow on Instagram, Twitter , and Facebook.

THE LION KING CELEBRATES 22ND ANNIVERSARY ON BROADWAY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Broadway’s award-winning best musical THE LION KING celebrates its 22nd anniversary on Wednesday, November 13 at the Minskoff Theatre.

In the past year alone, The Lion King hit several historic milestones. In May the entertainment blockbuster reached over 100 million guests worldwide, in June the Broadway production hit 9,000 performances, and this past October the London production celebrated its 20th anniversary in the West End. This summer several of the show’s creators including Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer — collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

ABOUT THE LION KING

After 22 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 100 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 15 or more years and three others running 20 or more years.  Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; on tour across North America, Japan, and the U.K. & Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment titles in box office history.          

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor continues to supervise new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as a co-producer.

In the Broadway company of THE LION KING:

“Scar” is played by STEPHEN CARLILE, L. STEPHEN TAYLOR is “Mufasa,” TSHIDI MANYE is the baboon shaman “Rafiki,” CAMERON POW portrays the hornbill bird “Zazu,” BEN JEFFREY is the warthog “Pumbaa” and FRED BERMAN is the meerkat “Timon.”  Mufasa’s son, “Simba,” the lion prince born to be king, is played by BRADLEY GIBSON and ADRIENNE WALKER is the lioness “Nala.” 

The show also features JAMES BROWN-ORLEANS (“Banzai”), BONITA J. HAMILTON (“Shenzi”) and ENRIQUE SEGURA (“Ed”).  The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between HAVEN ALEXANDER and JESUS DEL ORDEN and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between SURI MARRERO and ALIYA “JO” RAMEY.

For more information, visit LionKing.com

CHAT W/ MAJOR ATTAWAY, THE Genius "Genie" OF BROADWAY’S ALADDIN

Get tickets to ALADDIN: http://www.broadway.com/shows/aladdin-broadway/ In this episode of Character Study, ALADDIN's Major Attaway takes us inside the lamp to witness how he goes from a gentleman to a Genie. FEATURING Major Attaway DIRECTED BY Alexander Goyco

The Broadway company of the Disney musical Aladdin welcomed and celebrated the return of Major Attaway in the role of the Genie beginning September 23 at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Attaway followed Michael James Scott, who played his final performance on September 22. Attaway previously played the Genie on Broadway from February 2016 through February 2019.

The cast currently features Clinton Greenspan in the title role, Arielle Jacobs as Jasmine, Tony nominee Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Brian Gonzales, Mike Longo, and Brad Weinstock as Aladdin’s sidekicks Babkak, Kassim, and Omar, respectively, JC Montgomery as Sultan, and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago.

Art Shrian had a interesting chat with Major Attaway about his character, Genie-us, his exciting, well-celebrated comeback at Broadway’s Aladdin and a lot more wonderful stuff! Listen to this mynewyorkeye exclusive interview below:

Based on the Oscar-winning animated film—which was recently adapted into a live-action feature—Aladdin is now in its sixth year on Broadway.

The Disney Theatrical Productions title features music by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman, Tony and Oscar winner Tim Rice, and Tony nominee Chad Beguelin, with a book by Beguelin. The production is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw.

ABOUT MAJOR ATTAWAY 

(Genie). Joyous Broadway Debut!  National tour: Aladdin (Genie). Regional: Hot Mikado (Mikado), Stagger Lee (T-Bone), Hands on a Hardbody (Ronald), Little Shop of Horrors (A2), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Ken), Frosty the Snowman (Frosty). 

Television: “Orange Is the New Black” (DeShaun McAdams).  Video Games: “Borderlands 3 (Clay),” “Battleborn” (Ghalt).

Follow on: @majorattaway #BigTexGenie

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Aladdin on Broadway, 5 current and former Genies - Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart, current star Michael James Scott, tour Genie Major Attaway, and current Broadway standbys Juwan Crawley and Deonte L. Warren - stopped the show following today's matinee with a medley of Aladdin hits.

Chat w/ Clinton Greenspan, the Title Star of Broadway’s Aladdin

Get Tickets to ALADDIN: https://www.broadway.com/shows/aladdin-broadway/ Go beyond the palace walls as as Clinton Greenspan turns into the title star of Disney's ALADDIN before a show.

The Broadway company of the Disney musical Aladdin welcomed Clinton Greenspan, who starred in the North American tour of Aladdin, in making his Broadway debut. He succeeded Jacob Dickey. Major Attaway has returned to the role of the Genie on Broadway which began on September 23. Attaway previously played the Genie on Broadway from February 2016 through February 2019.

Based on the Oscar-winning animated film—which was recently adapted into a live-action feature—Aladdin is now in its sixth year on Broadway.

Art Shrian had a wonderful chat with Clinton Greenspan about his role as Aladdin, his experience at Broadway performing our much-loved disney character and a lot more! Listen to the whole interview below:

About Clinton Greenspan:

Clinton Greenspan (Aladdin) is making his Broadway debut in Aladdin! National Tour: Aladdin. Other credits include Romeo & Juliet; Dreamgirls (Dallas Theater Center) and Fiddler on the Roof (Casa Manana). NYMF (2014). Studied at KD Conservatory. Insta: @clinton_patrick

Aladdin cast:

The cast currently features Arielle Jacobs as Jasmine, Tony nominee Jonathan Freeman as Jafar, Brian Gonzales, Mike Longo, and Brad Weinstock as Aladdin’s sidekicks Babkak, Kassim, and Omar, respectively, JC Montgomery as Sultan, and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago.

The Disney Theatrical Productions:

The Disney Theatrical Productions title features music by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman, Tony and Oscar winner Tim Rice, and Tony nominee Chad Beguelin, with a book by Beguelin. The production is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw.

A Glimpse of "Broadway Back to School Gala" Event

The Broadway stars and student Thespians shared the stage at Edison Ballroom for the 5th Broadway Back to School Gala supporting the Educational Theatre Foundation. The event honoring Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s dedication to educational theatre featured some of the biggest names in Broadway, including legends Chita Rivera and Patti LuPone, host Laura Benanti, John Cariani, Gavin Creel, Evan Ruggiero, Carla Stickler, Alex Stone, and J. Harrison Ghee who appeared as Crystal Demure.

Also Read: http://www.mynewyorkeye.com/theater-news/fifth-annual-broadway-back-to-school-gala

Full Casting Announced as Rehearsals Begin for The Frozen North American Tour

The Frozen North American tour will launch in Schenectady, NY prior to an official opening at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles this fall.

As previously announced, the Frozen North American tour will star Caroline Bowman as Elsa and Caroline Innerbichler as Anna, the sisters at the heart of the joy-filled musical. Joining them are principal cast members Austin Colby (Bowman’s husband) as Hans, F. Michael Haynie as Olaf, Mason Reeves as Kristoff, Jeremy Morse as Weselton, and Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as Sven.

Rounding out the principal cast are newly announced company members Stella Cobb (Young Anna), Alyssa Kim (Young Elsa), Jaiden Klein (Young Elsa), and Arwen Monzon-Sanders (Young Anna).

Frozen will also feature Caelan Creaser, C.K. Edwards, Michael Everett, Berklea Going, Michael Allan Haggerty, Tyler Jimenez, Hannah Jewel Kohn, Marina Kondo, Dustin Layton, Nika Lindsay, Tatyana Lubov, Adrianna Rose Lyons, Ralph Meitzler, Kelly Methven, Michael Milkanin, Kyle Lamar Mitchell, Jessie Peltier, Naomi Rodgers, Daniel Switzer, Zach Trimmer, Brit West, and Natalie Wisdom.

From the producers of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, will launch a North American tour this fall, commencing in Schenectady, NY prior to an official opening at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has emerged as the biggest hit musical of the last two Broadway seasons, breaking four house records at its New York home, the legendary St. James Theatre.

For more information, including a list of currently announced cities, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour.

“Disney’s struck gold! Sumptuous sets, gorgeous costumes, and plenty of special effects to wow the audience!” raves the New York Post. “With the magic, the dancing, and all those iconic tunes, Frozen was born to be a stage musical!” exclaims the Evening Standard, and The Telegraph declares, “Frozen will burn up Broadway for years to come!”

In addition to the Broadway company and the North American tour launching this fall, Frozen’s global footprint will soon expand to include London, Australia, Japan, and Hamburg.

A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first.

Frozen is melting hearts on Broadway in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Joining them on a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards are Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).

The design team for Frozen includes scenic and costume design by two-time Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram, lighting design by six-time Tony winner Natasha Katz, sound design by seven-time Tony nominee Peter Hylenski, video design by Tony winner Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, makeup design by Anne Ford-Coates, and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.

Two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus is music supervisor and creates vocal, incidental and dance arrangements. He is joined on the music team by Tony nominee Dave Metzger (orchestrations), Chris Montan (executive music producer), David Chase (additional dance arrangements), and Faith Seetoo (music director).

An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

Frozen is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

Frozen North American Tour Company Bios

CAROLINE BOWMAN (Elsa). Broadway credits include Elphaba in Wicked and Nicola in Kinky Boots (opening and closing casts). She has been seen on tour around the world in Evita (Eva Perón, Helen Hayes Award nominee), Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), Grease (Rizzo), and Fame (Carmen). Favorite regional credits include Louise in Gypsy (Cape Playhouse), Eva Perón in Evita (Vancouver Opera), Natalie/Ed in All Shook Up (Muny) and Narrator in Joseph... (Toby’s, HH nom). Endless gratitude to Soffer/Namoff, Innovative Artists, Rachel Hoffman, and Telsey and Co.! Love always to Mom, Dad, Bobby and her handsome husband Austin Colby. BFA Penn State University. God is good. Instagram: @carolinebowman5.

CAROLINE INNERBICHLER (Anna) is excited to share this beautiful story with you! Credits include: Little House on the Prairie (national tour); Guys and Dolls, Little House on the Prairie (Guthrie Theater); Mamma Mia!, White Christmas, The Sound of Music, The Pirates of Penzance (Ordway Center); Grease, The Little Mermaid, Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie (Chanhassen Dinner Theatres); Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Ensemble Theatre Company); Hair (7th House Theater); Ragtime (Park Square Theatre). Heartfelt gratitude goes to Rachel, Tim, and Liz. Love to her family, her tribe, and her beloved Nathan. Dedicated to Basil and Cecily. @carolineinnerb

AUSTIN COLBY (Hans). Proud husband to Elsa, Caroline Bowman. On this adventure together with our 80+ pound German shepherd, Kodak. Most recently seen Off-Broadway in Jersey Boys. Other credits include The Sound of Music (national tour), West Side Story (Signature Theatre), Smokey Joe’s Café (Arena Stage), South Pacific (Drury Lane). Many thanks to Rachel, Telsey + Co, and the entire Disney team for this opportunity. Love to my family, friends, and KMR for their endless support. @austinvcolby

F. MICHAEL HAYNIE (Olaf). Broadway: Wicked, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Holler If Ya Hear Me. Off-Broadway: Carrie (MCC), Dogfight (Second Stage) and others. Regional: Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Ogunquit), Found (PTC), and others. TV/film: “Jesus Christ Superstar Live!” (NBC); “Peter Pan Live!” (NBC); Not Fade Away (Paramount). Thanks to my moms, dad, JP, FF&FA, the (M)orons, and Nicolosi & Co. @fmichaelhaynie

MASON REEVES (Kristoff) is absolutely thrilled to be making his Disney debut! Regional: Footloose (Ren, MUNY); Mamma Mia! (Sky, Connecticut Repertory Theatre); Guys and Dolls (Bucks County Playhouse). University: We Are Proud to Present… (Actor 2), Passing Strange (Terry), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Jesus of Nazareth). Film: Inhuman (Elliot).  Mason is from Cave Creek, Arizona and studied Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan. So much love to friends and family for their support! Masondreeves.com. Instagram: @rasonmeeves. 

JEREMY MORSE (Weselton). Broadway OBC/1st national/ART: Waitress (Ogie). Off-Broadway: Bloodsong of Love by Joe Iconis (Drama Desk nom - Lo Cocodrillo) at Ars Nova. Select regional: Walnut Street: How To Succeed… (Finch); Paper Mill: Oliver! (Noah Claypole); Goodspeed: Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby). Special thanks to his parents, HH, RH, Telsey. Love to his buon little wife, Alex. NYU Steinhardt. jeremymorse.net, @jeremycmorse.

COLLIN BAJA (Sven at certain performances). Broadway: Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus; Hello, Dolly!; Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark; Equus. Film: The Producers, Across the Universe. Television: “Tales of the City,” “Political Animals,” “Divorce,” “Key & Peele.” Training: The Juilliard School, The William Esper Studio. Collin is represented by CESD, Wilhelmina Models, and is also a certified professional life coach with A-PlanCoaching. You can find him directly at A-plancoaching.com, @collinbaja. 

EVAN STRAND (Sven at certain performances) grew up as a professional ballet dancer from Huntington Beach, CA, and has now transitioned into acting and singing as well. Some of his favorite works have been Zoot Suit at the Mark Taper; The Reddi Wip Man in “Hairspray Live!;” Sweet Charity at the Freud; ABC’s “Grey's Anatomy;” and many more. He is delighted to make his Broadway touring debut as Sven with Frozen! Thank you to my parents, JC Gutierrez with MSA, and William Blaylock and Brian Espinosa at Optimism Ent.

STELLA R. COBB (Young Anna) is thrilled to be making her Broadway national tour debut! She would like to thank her teachers and peers at The Conservatory School, MA. Many thanks to KTM, CTG, Telsey and Disney for making her dreams come true!  Love to Mom, Dad and Mason. Website: stellacobb.biz. Instagram: @offficialstellacobb.

ALYSSA KIM (Young Elsa) is a bay area resident and thrilled to make her Broadway touring debut. Regional: Matilda (Lavender, CCMT), The Sound of Music (Gretl, FMT), The Music Man (Gracie Shin, BBB). Special thanks to God, Martha, CMTSJ, Telsey, and Frozen team. Love to parents and young brother, Alan. @official.alyssakim

JAIDEN KLEIN (Young Elsa). Credits: National tour: The Grinch (Annie Who); Off-Broadway: Emergency Musical (Lilly); Regional: Les Miserables (Young Cosette) and Annie (Molly); TV: HBO's “I Know This Much is True” (Marie Sexton), PBS's “Mother Goose Club” (Mary). Thanks to Disney/Frozen team, Telsey, Sherry Kayne, Theresa Pittius & Nancy Carson for believing in me. Love to Mom, Dad & Ash. @JaidenKleinOfficial

ARWEN MONZON-SANDERS (Young Anna) is thrilled to be making her Broadway tour debut. Special thanks to God, Telsey + Co., Frozen Team, Take 3 Talent, Dream Maker Talent, Mom, Dad, Donovan, Sunshine, and baby Ocean. Family, friends, teachers, couches, thanks for believing in me. I love you all. IG: @arwen_take3. 

CAELAN CREASER (Ensemble). National tour debut! Select Regional: Jersey Boys (Phoenix Theatre), Guys and Dolls (Arizona Broadway). ASU MT ’19. Endless thanks to God, my family, Bloc, and the Frozen team! For my little sister, Brielle! @caelan_c

C.K. EDWARDS (Ensemble). Broadway: Billy Elliot, After Midnight, Shuffle Along. Off-B’way & tours: Book of Mormon; I Heart Bob; Cotton Club Parade; Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope. Regional: Scottsboro Boys, 42nd Street, My One and Only.

MICHAEL EVERETT (Ensemble). Michael’s credits include: Disney’s Aladdin, Riverdance, High Button Shoes, and Sophisticated Ladies to name a few. He’d like to thank his family for their continued support and is so excited to be working with Disney again. @TheMichaelEverett

BERKLEA GOING (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the Frozen family!  Off-Broadway: City Center Encores! High Button Shoes. Regional: St. Louis MUNY, Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, TUTS.  Thank you to Telsey, CESD and, as always, her family.

MICHAEL ALLAN HAGGERTY (Ensemble). National tour debut. Regional: The Unsinkable Molly Brown (The Muny), Jersey Boys (North Shore Music Theater). B.F.A Musical Theater Boston Conservatory. Laguardia High School Dance Alumni. Thanks to CESD, family and friends! Instagram: @mike_a_haggerty.

TYLER JIMENEZ (Pabbie, Ensemble). Charlotte, NC native. BFA Syracuse University. TV/film: 73rd Annual Tony Awards, Do You Dance Ms. Parker. National tour: Joseph... Dreamcoat. Regional theaters: Westchester Broadway Theater, Syracuse Stage, Arrow Rock Lyceum. ILYMT. IG @Tylerbo10.

HANNAH JEWEL KOHN (Ensemble). Disney's Beauty and the Beast (national tour), Candide, LaCampana Sommersa (NYCO), Grease (PCLO), Mary Poppins (Paper Mill Playhouse), Holiday Inn, and Mamma Mia!. “Fosse/Verdon” FX promos. Love to my family & The Mine. @hannahjewelkohn

MARINA KONDO (Queen Iduna, Ensemble). Tour: The King & I. Off-Broadway: Road Show (NYCC), KPOP (Ars Nova), Made in America (The Public). Regional: The Muny. TV: “Succession” (HBO). BFA, University of Michigan. Love to family, Nick, BRS/Gage, and Telsey & Co.!

DUSTIN LAYTON (Swing). Broadway: King Kong, Anastasia, An American in Paris, and The Phantom of the Opera. Other: assistant choreographer, An American in Paris (West End, Tokyo, international tour), Phantom national tour. Proud member AEA. @dustinklayton. Make someone smile today.

NIKA LINDSAY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of the Frozen tour! She made her professional debut in Disney Cruise Line's Aladdin directly after graduating from AMDA NY. Beyond thankful for my family, friends, and Telsey. IG: nikalindsay.

TATYANA LUBOV (Ensemble) is thrilled to be touring with Disney’s Frozen! Last seen as Ella in the national tour of Cinderella. Much love to family, friends, and Andrew! BFA & Anthropology from UW-Stevens Point. Many thanks RKS! @taluna13

ADRIANNA ROSE LYONS (Ensemble). Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Pasadena Playhouse); Rock of Ages (Las Vegas); Million Dollar Quartet (tour and Norwegian Cruise Lines); Hair, Spamalot, Mamma Mia! (Hollywood Bowl); 42nd Street (3D Theatricals); Cabaret, American Idiot (La Mirada Theater). Insta/Tw: @adrianna___rose.

RALPH MEITZLER (Swing) thinks joining the Frozen Family is Hygge! Broadway: Rock of Ages. Other theater: Piece of My Heart; Something Rotten!; A Sign of The Times; Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Hairspray. Love to Rexy, Trish, Gardener & my Rock! @ralphmeitzler

KELLY METHVEN (Ensemble) is originally from Atlanta, GA and received his BFA in musical theatre at the University of Oklahoma. He is incredibly excited to be spreading Disney magic around the country with Frozen! @kellymethven

MICHAEL MILKANIN (Oaken, Ensemble). Broadway: Kinky Boots (Hooch; George u/s). Tours: Kinky Boots (dance captain/swing), Bat Out Of Hell (Denym; Falco u/s).  Regional: Beauty and the Beast (u/s Beast, Paper Mill), The Who’s Tommy (ensemble, Kennedy Center). @mmilkanin

KYLE LAMAR MITCHELL (King Agnarr, Ensemble). Broadway: The Lion King. A graduate of Yale University, favorite productions include A Chorus Line, The Wiz and Parade. Endless love to his friends, family, and his superhuman Mom!

JESSIE PELTIER (Swing). National tour debut! Regional: Muny (Music Man, Mamma Mia!), TUTS (Jerome Robbins’ Broadway), MTW (Nice Work..., Hello Dolly!), PCLO. Oklahoma City University Grad. Endless love to my family. Special thanks to Bloc and Telsey + Co. @jessiepeltier

NAOMI RODGERS (Ensemble) just graduated from AMDA in February of 2019 and is debuting in her first national tour with Frozen. She just finished a production of Legally Blonde this summer playing Pilar. Jeremiah 29:11 #WEWON.

DANIEL SWITZER (Ensemble). Broadway: Mean Girls. National tour: Wicked (u/s Boq), Newsies (Race, u/s Davey), Cats (Mungo). Film: Newsies. Originally from St. Louis, MO, loves warm hugs and his family! @danyoswitzer

ZACH TRIMMER (Ensemble). Tours: Hairspray (Corny u/s), Avenue Q (Princeton/Rod u/s). Selected regional: Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy - Sacramento Music Circus), West Side Story (Tony - Engeman and Westchester), Gypsy (Tulsa - Pittsburgh CLO), Holiday Inn (Jim - Canadian premiere). Instagram: @zach.trimmer.

BRIT WEST (Bulda, Ensemble). Broadway/tours: The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Legally Blonde. Regional favorites: Twelfth Night (Yale Rep), West Side Story (Hollywood Bowl/LA Philharmonic), Sister Act. Infinite thanks to Telsey and Disney. @brit_west.

NATALIE WISDOM (Swing). Broadway: Groundhog Day, Billy Elliot. Tours: Matilda (u/s Miss Honey, Mrs. Wormwood), Billy Elliot (dance captain). BFA: Webster Conservatory. Warm hugs to Mom, Dad, and Zach. Huge thanks to Kent, Stef, and Ashley. @natwisdom.

 


APPLES AND ORANGES STUDIOS, JUDITH MANOCHERIAN AND STREAMING MUSICALS TO RELEASE

No One Called Aheadfollows Ben as he seeks a weekend getaway but gets more than he bargained for when he begins to receive a series of visits from several astonishing women from the great beyond. This darkly comic romance with a contemporary pop-rock score explores how life can change in an instant. For this artist, alone in the woods with his life on the line and his potential still undiscovered, the answer proves not what he expected.

Apples and Oranges Studios, Judith Manocherian, and Streaming Musicals announce the release of their latest soundstage musical, No One Called Ahead, coming to your favorite device on June 13, 2019. Filmed as a hybrid between film and stage, No One Called Ahead launches for streaming at NoOneCalledAhead.com, where you can also view the trailer.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

No One Called Ahead follows Ben as he seeks a weekend getaway but gets more than he bargained for when he begins to receive a series of visits from several astonishing women from the great beyond. This darkly comic romance with a contemporary pop-rock score explores how life can change in an instant. For this artist, alone in the woods with his life on the line and his potential still undiscovered, the answer proves not what he expected.  

Written by Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre, Emma, Daddy Long Legs), produced by Apples and Oranges Studios (An American in Paris, Memphis, HAIR, Emma), Judith Manocherian (The Prom, The Lifespan of a Fact, Once On This Island), and Streaming Musicals (Emma), No One Called Ahead features Justin Matthew Sargent (Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, Rock of Ages), Lora Lee Gayer (Holiday Inn, Follies), Ann Harada (Avenue Q, Cinderella), Storm Lever (Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Freaky Friday), Morgan Weed (The Greatest Showman, American Psycho), and Pamela Winslow Kashani (Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast).  Tim Kashani directed the film, with scenic design by Dara Wishingrad, costume design by Daryl Stone, lighting design by Benjamin Weill, sound design by Julian Evans, choreography by Michele Lynch, and cinematography by Nate Hochstetler. 

For more information on No One Called Ahead, visit NoOneCalledAhead.com. 

ABOUT APPLES AND ORANGES

Forged by husband and wife team Tim and Pamela Kashani, Apples and Oranges Studios creates a marriage of technology and the arts. Eschewing tradition, Apples and Oranges Studios combines the team’s diverse involvement in the entertainment industry with experience in the tech start-up and enterprise IT worlds to develop and produce new musicals in cutting-edge ways. Utilizing revolutionary tools and complex data analysis to build audiences and drive business, Apples and Oranges Studios endeavors to tell compelling stories with strong commercial viability.

Tim Kashani recently announced a partnership with the Shubert Organization called Broadway Tech Accelerator, an environment for entrepreneurs in technology to accelerate early-stage startups in the live entertainment sector. From candle footlights to holograms, Broadway embraces new technology. However, a number of complexities in the ecosystem prove daunting to many startups and notoriously challenging to break through. With high barriers to entry, and a relatively small number of venues, live entertainment remains one of the true remaining frontiers for technologists to have a major impact. Broadway Tech Accelerator provides a unique environment to fast track business development by connecting entrepreneurs to industry leaders, major institutions, infrastructure and real-world testing environments.

Together, the Kashanis are also the creators of THEatre ACCELERATOR, an immersive musical theatre development intensive for promising storytellers.  Beginning with book, music, and lyrics, participants develop their shows in a collaborative environment.  Utilizing cutting-edge technology and lean development methods, mentors interact with the artists, while THEatre ACCELERATOR team provides frequent feedback throughout the process.  Staff and storytellers collaborate to design a custom distribution plan that includes brand development and audience analysis to get stories in front of the right audiences.  Applying the model that accelerates technology start-ups, THEatre ACCELERATOR treats storytellers as founders creating an opportunity to interact with experts in storytelling, production, distribution, and the business of show business.

Through strategic innovation to advance the arts, Apples and Oranges Studios is committed to changing the future of storytelling. Learn more at NYCOC.com. For more information on the Broadway Tech Accelerator, visit BwayAccelerator.com, and for more information about THEatre ACCELERATOR, visit NYCOC.org/TA.

ABOUT JUDITH MANOCHERIAN LLC

In the world of film, Judith Manocherian helped produce Liberte, A Call To Spy before joining the team of No One Called Ahead. Broadway credits as Co-Producer include The Prom, The Lifespan Of A Fact and the Tony Award winning, Once On This Island. In the Off-Broadway arena, Judith was an Associate Producer of Smart Blonde and Smokey Joe’s Cafe as well as Co-Producer of RRRED and Goldstein. Judith is thrilled to help bring No One Called Ahead to life; a new hybrid of film and theater.  

ABOUT STREAMING MUSICALS

Streaming Musicals is a new platform that is designed to be a playground for writers, actors, directors, and designers.  It is a way to create and brand musicals worldwide that would otherwise have no way of finding an audience. 

The Sound Stage Musical allows writers, composers, directors and producers to build a show themselves and share it with the world in a responsible economic fashion while creating an enormously satisfying version of the show that will live forever and help ignite future stage productions all over the world. 

The key to this new platform is profit-sharing with the artists who create the musicals.  This allows Streaming Musicals to keep production values high and production costs low -- making stage musicals more accessible, affordable and sustainable in the 21st Century. 

The first production, Emma, was released in October 2018 and is available to be streamed as a rental or purchase on StreamingMusicals.com along with No One Called Ahead and all future releases.  Sign up today for email updates and never miss the next release.  Learn more at StreamingMusicals.com. 

Disney on Broadway 25th Anniversary Medley Performance on "Good Morning America"

The stars of Disney Theatrical’s three current Broadway hits, Aladdin, Frozen, and The Lion King, appeared live on “Good Morning America” to sing a medley of Disney Broadway tunes from the past 25 years in celebration of Disney Theatrical Productions’ 25th anniversary.

The medley included:

“Be Our Guest” performed by Ryann Redmond (Olaf in Frozen)

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” performed by Syndee Winters and Bradley Gibson (Nala and Simba in The Lion King)

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” performed by Patti Murin (Anna in Frozen)

“You’ll Be In My Heart” performed by Arielle Jacobs and Ainsley Melham (Jasmine and Aladdin in Aladdin)

“Under the Sea” performed by L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa in The Lion King)

“Carrying the Banner” performed by the Company

“Friend Like Me” performed by Michael James Scott (Genie in Aladdin)

“Let It Go” performed by Caissie Levy (Elsa in Frozen)

CLICK HERE for video of the performance!

CELEBRATES FIVE “GENIE-US” YEARS ON BROADWAY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Flying Into Sixth Broadway Year, Title Emerges as

One of the Biggest Stage Hits of Recent Years,

Grossing Over $1 Billion Worldwide

Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical, continues to reach a whole new world as it celebrates five “genie-us” (USA Today) years on Broadway on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the New Amsterdam Theatre (previews began February 26, 2014).  Aladdin is the fourth Disney Theatrical Productions show (following Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King,and Mary Poppins) to play five or more years on Broadway.  With six productions on four continents, Aladdin is a worldwide phenomenon that has grossed over $1 billion and welcomed over 10 million guests.

As it approaches its 5th anniversary, Aladdin has broken 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and proven itself an enormous and enduring hit, joining a small, exclusive group of blockbusters.  With a gross of over $350 million to date, only two megahits of the last decade (The Book of Mormon and Hamilton) have grossed more in their first five years.  With attendance of over 3 million theatergoers in five years, it has been seen by more people in that period than any Broadway show except Wicked. 

As of the 5th anniversary of Aladdin on Broadway, the Genie has granted Aladdin 6,294 wishes, there have been 83,920 fireworks set off in the New Amsterdam Theatre, and the magic carpet has flown 63 miles.

The scale and reach of the show’s popularity continues on a parallel track internationally, as the show’s global footprint has expanded to include productions that continue playing in Tokyo, Hamburg, London and Australia and a tour across North America.

Aladdin stars Ainsley Melham (original Australian Aladdin) as Aladdin, Arielle Jacobs (In the Heights, Wicked) as Jasmine, Michael James Scott (The Book of Mormon,Something Rotten!) as the Genie, and Tony Award® nominee Jonathan Freeman (Mary Poppins, The Producers, She Loves Me) as Jafar, bringing to the stage the role he indelibly created in the animated film. The show also features Brian Gonzales, Mike Longo, and Brad Weinstock as Aladdin’s sidekicks Babkak, Kassim, and Omar, JC Montgomery as Sultan and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago.  Juwan Crawley, Dennis Stowe and Deonté L. Warren stand by for several principals.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, The Prom).

In a cast of 36, Aladdin also features Malik Akil, Kathryn Allison, Netanel Bellaishe, Mike Cannon, Damian Chambers, Alicia Charles, Lauryn Ciardullo, Jacob Dickey,Mark DiConzo, Josh Drake, Tiffany Evariste, Jacob Gutierrez, April Holloway, Amber Owens, Jamie Kasey Patterson, Bobby Pestka, Ariel Reid, Tyler Roberts, Trent Saunders, Jaz Sealey, Angelo Soriano, Katie Terza, Travis Ward-Osborne and Paige Williams. 

Aladdin, adapted from the Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical.  Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.  This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award®-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song.  The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.

The production team also includes illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira.  The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. 

For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com. 

Issa Rae, Marsai Martin & Regina Hall Launch LITTLE GLOW UP CHALLENGE

LITTLE has launched the #LittleGlowUp Challenge – inspired by the popular trend online, the #TenYearChallenge. We invite you to share your side-by-side glow-up photos using the hashtag.

LITTLE social pages will feature fan posts on our official channels as well.

Issa Rae, Marsai Martin and Regina Hall, among other film talent will post on their own channels today!

LITTLE

In Theaters April 12, 2019

Trailer: https://imdb.to/2XGBebs

Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall) is transformed into her younger self (Marsai Martin) at a point in her life when the pressures of adulthood become too much to bear.

Written & Directed By: Tina Gordon

Produced By: Will Packer

Starring: Issa Rae, Regina Hall, Marsai Martin

LEOLA GOES DEEPER INTO LADY LAND AT THE GREEN ROOM 42 ON THURSDAY, APRIL 11

Photo by Ron Glow -TICKETS ON SALE

Creator Will Nolan and producer Wayward Creatives have announced that Leola’s Lady Land! returns to The Green Room 42 (570 Tenth Ave, 4th Floor inside YOTEL) on Thursday, April 11 at 7.00pm for the next show in her 2019 residency at the venue. 

Written and performed by Nolan, each edition of Lady Land! is a healing sermon from Leola, your favorite Kelly Clarkson-worshipping, senior citizen, redneck lesbian who is on a mission to serve up some much-needed national group therapy, one audience at a time.  On April 11, Leola goes Deeper Into Lady Land! to explore the Gospel according to Kelly Clarkson. This edition of the show is a celebration of the second coming – Ms. Clarkson’s birth – from the perspective of a simple gal of 72 who began to discover her sexuality when she tumbled out of the closet and into the arms of Jesus’s little sister, Kelly.

Winner of the Long Island City Flying Solo Festival two years in a row, Leola has appeared across the country in a variety of fringe festivals, regional theaters, and middle-aged birthday parties doing her best to bring you Dame Edna’s hillbilly cousin giving a TED Talk.  The 2018 Atlanta Fringe Festival called Leola a “...touching performance,” and [a] “fantastic character with a great connection to the audience,” as well as “wildly hilarious, deeply intellectual and poignant.”

“Some people are called to slice meat at the Piggly Wiggly deli counter, some people are called to preach the good word of Kelly Clarkson – I’m that rare breed of senior citizen, redneck lesbian who’s called to do both,” said Leola. “Mama Earth and all her babies desperately need some healin’ during these messy times we are livin’ through. And no place is messier than New York City. On April 11, we are going to reconnect with ourselves, reconnect with each other, and find our inner American Idol. Because in the words of Kelly Clarkson, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Except for gators. Gators will kill you.

Tickets are $15-40 and available by visiting bit.ly/LADYLAND.  Leola’s residency continues throughout 2019 on June 13th, September 12th, October 24th and December 5 that 7.00pm. 

BIO

WILL NOLAN (Creator)hails from Atlanta, but has been in the New York City area since 1994. A performer, writer and director, Will spent several years as the male half of the sketch comedy duo Naked Dog Walking, giving birth to Leola. Will continues to perform as part of the highly successful Mortified series in New York. He’s had pieces published and animated for Mortified, and filmed a pilot for Comedy Central.  Check out his animated monologue on YouTube. Besides writing for Naked Dog Walking and Mortified, Will has written numerous plays, including When the Mayonnaise Goes Bad with Stephen Kaplan. His plays have been produced throughout New York City. He is a husband and father living in Northern New Jersey, and is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild of America.

WAYWARD CREATIVES (Producer) is a producer and incubator of emerging creatives in live performance and film.  Visit WaywardCreatives.com for more information.

FOLLOW ON:

Photos From "Women's Day on Broadway!"

Read previous Article on “Women’s day on broadway 2019 inspiring changemakers”:

http://www.mynewyorkeye.com/theater-news/womens-day-on-broadway-2019-inspiring-changemakers

New Musical MANDELA to Hold Private Industry Reading

A private, invitation only industry reading of the new musical Mandela will be held on Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15, 2019.  Mandela has music and lyrics by two South African composer/lyricists signed to Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky, with a book by Laiona Michelle (Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical).  This reading is directed by Schele Williams (Rent, Motown: The Musical), with music direction by Alvin Hough, Jr. (Once On This Island). Fifth Estate Entertainment (Nathan Gehan/Jamison Scott) serves as general manager for the reading.  The reading will be attended by Nandi Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, on behalf of the Mandela family who have officially partnered with the show. The company includes a combination of both South African and American performers. 

Mandela stars Quentin Earl Darrington (Once On This Island, CATS) as Nelson Mandela, Sasha Allen (Hair, Pippin) as Winnie Mandela, and Jeremy Landon Hays (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables) as the Warden.  The cast also includes Emmanuel Castis (Jersey Boys), Carrie Compere (The Color Purple, Holler If Ya Hear Me), Alvin Crawford (The Lion King, Miss Saigon), Emerson Davis (Once On This Island, Annie Warbucks), Ntomb'khona Dlamini (The Lion King, Sarafina), Jason Forbach (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables), Alexa Green (Wicked), Bonita Hamilton (The Lion King), Atandwa Kani (Black Panther, Dangerous House), Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Motown the Musical),  Micailah Lockhart (My Love Letter to Broadway with Kristen Chenoweth, PBS' American Songbook), JayMcKenzie (Beautiful, Memphis), Phindi Mkhizwe-Wilson (The Lion King), Danny Rothman (Sweeney Todd, Loophole), Antoine L.S mith (Carousel, The Color Purple), Vishal Vaidya (Groundhog Day, How To Succeed...), Antonio J. Watson (This Ain't No Disco), and Mia Mei Williams (Once On This Island).

Mandela explores the epic story of Nelson Mandela’s political struggle to lead South Africa out of Apartheid into democracy and freedom, as well as the exceptionally powerful, personal story of what Madiba and his loved ones endured as a family throughout the years of struggle for the liberation of South Africa.

MandelaTheMusical.com

Tenor Byron Singleton and Soprano Eilin O'Dea in "A Night at the Opera" (3/23 & 30)

Tenor Byron Singleton and Spinto Soprano Eilin O'Dea with Maestro Brian Holman at the piano will take the audience on an unforgettable musical and dramatic journey.

Byron Singleton, Eilin O'Dea, Brian Holman. (Left to right) Photo credit-Jonathan Slaff.

On March 23 and 30, Fusion Theatre will present Tenor Byron Singleton and Spinto Soprano Eilin O'Dea in "A Night at the Opera," an evening of extracts (duets and arias) from "Aida," "Tosca" and "Madama Butterfly," at Marc A. Scorca Hall of National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Ave., 7th floor.  Musical direction is by pianist Maestro Brian Holman. 

Eilin O'Dea founded Fusion Theatre in 2016 to fulfill her concept that synthesizing the worlds of theater and opera can provide the ultimate theatrical experience.  O' Dea describes this as "the culmination and joining of both great art forms."  The company injected operatic arias into Sartre's "No Exit" in 2016 and Anouilh's "Antigone" in 2017.  Now it is giving its first opera performance.  Fusion chose three of the best known and loved operas of all time to launch their Opera Series.  The excerpts presented will be representative of the dramatic and musical journey of each of the chosen operas and the performers, dual-trained as classical actors/opera singers, aim to maintain their absolute commitment to dramatic truth.

The performances will be in Italian without surtitles. 

Byron Singleton (Tenor) made his solo Carnegie Hall debut in "Beyond Boundaries," a concert featuring the music of Bernstein and Sondheim. He has sung in eleven productions with the chorus at the Metropolitan Opera. His career highlights include Cavaradossi in "Tosca" with MORE Opera conducted by Maestro Anton Coppola, the title role in "Les Contes D'Hoffmann" with Vocal Productions NYC, Manrico in Vera Musica Opera's production of "Il Trovatore, Rodolfo in "La Boheme" with the Crotan Symphony, Tenor Soloist in Verdi's Requiem and Foresto in "Attila" with Empire Opera, Riccardo in "Un Ballo in Maschera" at Symphony Space and Der Steuermann in "Der Fliegende Hollander" with the United Nations Orchestra.  Recently he was a guest performer with the NY City Slickers' Bluegrass to Broadway concert at Feinstein's/54 Below. 

Eilin O'Dea (Spinto Soprano) is an award-winning Irish actress and soprano who trained at the prestigious LIR Academy, Trinity College, Dublin and the Conservatory of Music, Dublin. She has performed both in concert and operatic platforms including as guest soprano at St George’s Hall, UK, Mansion House, Dublin, Edgerton Performing Arts, Symphony Space, Broadway, American/Irish Historical Society, New York. She is best known to-date for her groundbreaking interpretations of the works of James Joyce, where she has merged music into Joyce's text.  She received numerous Culture Ireland awards that have allowed her bring her work here to the United States. Among her favorite opera roles to date are Tosca, Aida, Cio Cio San, Suor Angelica and Leonora (La Forza del Destino). O'Dea's performances as a theater actress have consistently received enthusiastic notices.  Theater critic Belinda McKeown described her performance as Madama Cassandra at a sold out Symphony Space Selected Shorts engagement as "staggering." Her performances as Joyce's Molly Bloom have been described as "rich, passionate, compelling" (Irish Theatre Magazine), "O'Dea is every inch the sensualist Joyce imagined" (Irish Times) and "brilliant" (Sunday Business Post).

Brian Holman (Musical Director, Piano) has been described as “dazzlingly talented” (The Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe) and wielding a “magic baton” (Brooklyn Eagle).  This past season, he was named Principal Conductor of New Rochelle Opera, where he led a new production of La Bohème, and returns this season to conduct "La Traviata." His debuts this season include appearances with Red River Lyric Opera ("Suor Angelica," "Gianni Schicchi"), Inland Northwest Opera ("Le nozze di Figaro"), Opera Orlando ("Les contes d’Hoffmann"), and a special Christmas concert with the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and tenor Amine Hachem at Casino du Liban. Recent engagements include Cleveland Opera Theater ("Amelia Lost"), Marble City Opera ("La Traviata"), Harare International Festival of the Arts (opera gala with Baroque 2000 Chamber Orchestra), Film Fest Tucson ("The Mine With the Iron Door"), Mediterranean Opera Festival in Sicily and Merkin Concert Hall ("Tosca"). He has worked with New York City Opera, Opera Africa, Treasure Coast Opera, New York Metro Vocal Arts Ensemble, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Pops Orchestra and Ensemble Mise-En.

Costume design for "A Night at the Opera" is by Dahlia Barakat.

ABOUT FUSION THEATRE

Fusion Theatre launched in January, 2016 with a staged reading of James Joyce's "The Dead" at Theater Row, in which operatic tenor Byron Singleton and soprano Eilin O'Dea sang many of the Irish ballads referred to in Joyce's work.  This was followed September 19-25, 2016 with a short proof-of-concept run of Sartre's "No Exit" at Walkerspace Theatre.  That production opened with operatic arias representative of the transition as between life and death and the instant in between. 

In 2017, Fusion presented the Lewis Galantière translation of Anouilh's "Antigone" at Theatre Row's Studio Theatre, infusing the play with operatic selections from five classic operas based on the Greek myth.  The production was critically applauded for its acting, singing and staging.  (See below.)

The company draws its casts from a tiny pool of classically trained actors who are also accomplished opera singers.  The two performers of "A Night at the Opera," Eilin O'Dea and Byron Singleton, initially met while working in regional opera. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

Fusion Theatre will mount its opera-charged version of Sartre's "No Exit" from April 5 to 25, 2019 as the opening production of a new OOB venue, The Theater at 244, located at 244 West 54th Street, 10th floor.  Over the rest of the year, Fusion will conduct an extended residency there.

REVIEWS OF PAST FUSION THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

"ANTIGONE," 2017

The multi-talented and creative Eilin O’Dea brings the maximum of dramatic tension to the role of Antigone. Byron Singleton combines down-to-earth self-interest with a touching sympathy in his role as First Guard, and with his fine tenor voice he provides a thoroughly enjoyable rendition of Manrico’s aria, 'Deserto Sulla Terra,' from Verdi’s Il Trovatore....The operatic music was  thought-provoking, enriching and a pleasure to hear, and did a good job of advancing the Fusion Theater’s point that there’s value in merging classical theater and opera." -- Yvonne Korshak, Let's Talk Off-Broadway

 "Fusion Theatre brings 'Antigone' to life like never before through their unique blend of dialogue and classic opera....The acting, singing, and staging were all exceptionally well done. All in all, this is an 'Antigone' you won't soon forget." -- Erin Kahn, Stage Buddy

 "The insertion of operatic arias to this rich interweaving of motivations adds yet another element to Anouilh’s play, and the actors, when they sing, display their fine classical training." -- Roberta Pikser, theaterscene.com

 "Eilin O’Dea gives a superb performance as Antigone....In fact, the entire cast is first-rate....this production is excellent, exquisite, a great success – and congratulations to Fusion Theatre!" -- Steve Capra, New York Theatre Critic blog.

 "NO EXIT," 2016

The 2016 production of No Exit was a proof-of-concept showcase and was not reviewed.  The upcoming production April 5 to 25 at The Theater at 244 will be the production's official opening.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS TO "A NIGHT AT THE OPERA"

Fusion Theatre will present "A Night at the Opera" March 23 and 30 at 8:00 PM at Marc A. Scorca Hall of National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Ave., 7 fl.  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4075758 or by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006

Critics are invited to both performances of "A Night at the Opera" (March 23 and 30 at 8:00 PM).

YEHUDA HYMAN’S THE MAR VISTA OPENS on Tuesday, March 12, 2019

The Mar Vista: In Search of My Mother’s Love Life opens on, Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Ford Foundation Studio Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W 42nd St).  The Mar Vista is a comical and heartbreaking new play created by award-winning Brooklyn-based playwright and choreographer Yehuda Hyman. At the center of the story is the bond between Hyman and his mother, Sara, a strong-willed, very funny, and deeply romantic Russian-Jewish woman with a colorful and mysterious past.

A cast of 6 actors travels 90 years and several continents in this surprising family saga−the mysteries of Istanbul, a forbidden WWII wartime romance, a gay boy growing up in the 1960s in a family of immigrants in West L.A., Romani dances, Greta Garbo’s face, dancing till dawn in Hollywood, and above all, the enduring power of lost love.  The show stars Hyman, Amanda Schussel, Ron Kagan, Ryan Daniel Pater, Jacob Perkins, and Ezra Bloom. 

It is conceived by Hyman and brought to life through collaboration with executive producers Barbara Nagel, Rosanne Braun, and creative producers Allison Bressi and Madeleine Goldsmith.The creative team includes Amy Page (costume design), Lewis Folden (scenic consultant), Zach Blane (lighting design), and Ezra Bloom (sound design), with Octopus Theatricals (business manager), Will Jennings (production manager), Kate Ann Wilson (production stage manager), and Katherine Boener (assistant stage manager). 

Tickets are $35, with student tickets priced at $20, and are available on http://bit.ly/TheMarVistaTickets.

  • Valid student ID must be presented at will call for student tickets. 

  • Performances run through March 23, 2019 on Tuesdays-Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 7.30pm, and Sundays at 2.30pm.