Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2012-2013 Season

Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey has announced it's 2012-2013 season. Paper Mill recently was the original location of Newsies which is set to open next month on Broadway! I wonder if this season will have any more hits??

A CHORUS LINE by Marvin Hamlisch
THE SOUND OF MUSIC by Rodgers & Hammerstein
LEND ME A TENOR by Ken Ludwig
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
The NJ Premiere of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID

I think it is definitely a solid season!

LYSISTRATA JONES Gets One Step Closer to a Cast Recording

It's a big news day for the flop LYSISTRATA JONES. First, on Thursday March 1st, the orchestra of the show is set to record the score of the show. While there is no word on when the cast will add vocals. Or a label. Or a release date. This means that the show is getting close to receiving an original cast recording. The only redeeming thing about this I think is Patti Murin's killer vocals.

In other Lyssie news, the cast will reunite for a special one night concert performance of the show at Joe's Pub in NYC on April 9th.

Anyone have any thoughts on Lyssie's successful post-Broadway life? Will anyone be checking out the concert?

Caissie Levy Honors Whitney Houston

Her is Caissie Levy (Ghost, Hair) singing "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" at BROADWAY REMEMBERS Whitney Houston. She sounds great and it's a great tribute to Whitney Houston. Caissie will be returning to Broadway this season in Ghost.

She is amazing and I love her!! Check out her kick-ass belting below.

Sondheim Working on New Musical?

Playbill reports that Stephen Sondheim (Follies, Sweeney Todd) is at work on a brand new musical. He is apparently working with playwright David Ives (Venus in Fur, All in the Timing), and has 20-30 minutes of the new show completed.

There is no current time frame for when the public may see the new work or what the subject matter is.

I for one an SUPER excited to see/hear a new Sondheim musical. Especially with David Ives writing the book.

Kristin Chenoweth Announces Tour

Only a day after Idina Menzel announced her upcoming U.S. tour, her Wicked castmate Kristin Chenoweth has announced that she will be going on a 19-city tour this summer. I bet her tour would be great and I really hope I get to go see it! The cities include:

LOVE NEVER DIES Review

So I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES at the movies tonight. The production, which was filmed live in Melbourne stars Ben Lewis as the Phantom and Anna O'Byrne as Christine.

LOVE NEVER DIES, which is the sequel to Webber's hit THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, follows Christine and Raoul as they come to Coney Island to perform for the Phantom.

[SPOILERS AHEAD]

Overall, I was very impressed with the production. The actors and orchestra beautifully executed Webber's score and the scenic, lighting and costume designs were outstanding. They were all over the top, comedic, and dramatic at the same time, complementing the story and score.

I think Anna O'Byrne was impeccable as the soprano Christine Daae. She sounded beautiful and truly showed Christine's struggle throughout the show between her heart and her mind.

The other standout for me was the boy who played Christine's son Gustave. He was so emotional and sounded beautiful and made you really care for him as a character.

Ben Lewis was good as the Phantom, but he vocally can't beat Ramin Karimloo for me. I think he was mysterious and strong, but not the vocal presence at all times that I think the Phantom should be.

I personally had a problem with Raoul in this production. I think he didn't show his pain enough and wasn't as emotive as I would have hoped. Specifically in "Why Does She Love Me," you couldn't even tell he had been drinking all night. I'm not sure Raoul was portrayed as well as he could have been.

I was impressed with both of the Girys. The actress who played Meg, Sharon Millerchip, was extremely good and really showed the pain Meg feels throughout the musical, but didn't fit my vision of what I think Meg is. Maria Mercedes who played Madame Giry was amazing in all the ways that character should be: strict, strong, and emotional. And her killer voice didn't hurt.

Overall, I enjoyed it a lot and can see how the production has received the response it has in Australia. While I love a lot of the music (Till I Hear You Sing is my favorite Webber song of all time), I think the score was overly repetitive and I think some of the filming did not help show the grandeur that this production seemingly had. I think the story changes since the concept recording and original production are worthwhile and definitely add a new layer to the story. I recommend seeing it and am interested to see what this film does for the show's future in the U.S.

2012 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees Announced

The 2012 Helen Hayes Award Nominees have been announced. The Helen Hayes Awards are the Washington, DC area awards for theatre.

Outstanding Director, Resident Play
David Muse, The Habit of Art, The Studio Theatre
David Muse, Venus in Fur, The Studio Theatre
Aaron Posner, Cyrano, Folger Theatre
Charles Randolph-Wright, Ruined, Arena Stage
Serge Seiden, Charlotte's Web, Adventure Theatre
Paata Tsikurishvili, King Lear, Synetic Theater
John Vreeke, A Bright New Boise, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Matt August, Liberty Smith, Ford's Theatre
Keith Alan Baker, Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage
Hunter Styles, Jennifer Harris and Michael Baron, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Toby Orenstein and Lawrence B. Munsey, Chicago, Toby's Dinner Theatre
Eric Schaeffer, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Janet Stanford, Dr. Dolittle, Imagination Stage

Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production
Michael J. Bobbitt and Fabian Barnes, Mirandy and Brother Wind, Adventure Theatre Karma Camp and Brianne Camp, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Dale Anthony Girard, Cyrano, Folger Theatre
Robb Hunter, The Walworth Farce, The Studio Theatre
Susan Shields, Stay, Theater of the First Amendment
Irina Tsikurishvili and Ben Cunis, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Kate Arnold Wernick, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre

Outstanding Musical Direction, Resident Production
Jay Crowder, Liberty Smith, Ford's Theatre
Jon Kalbfleisch, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
James Moore, Follies, The Kennedy Center
Christopher Youstra, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Olney Theatre Center
Christopher Youstra, Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage

Outstanding Set Design, Resident Production
Phil Charlwood, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Daniel Conway, Cyrano, Folger Theatre
David Ghatan, Voices Underwater, Rorschach Theatre
Misha Kachman, A Bright New Boise, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
James Noone, The Habit of Art, The Studio Theatre
Collin Ranney, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Lee Savage, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare Theatre Company

Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production
Colin K. Bills, A Bright New Boise, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Michael Gilliam, Ruined, Arena Stage
Andrew F. Griffin, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Andrew F. Griffin, Othello, Folger Theatre
Chris Lee, The Hollow, Signature Theatre
Tyler Micoleau, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Thom Weaver, Cyrano, Folger Theatre

Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production
Georgi Alexi-Meskhishvili, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Gregg Barnes, Follies, The Kennedy Center
Esosa, Ruined, Arena Stage
Kendra Rai, The Green Bird, Constellation Theatre Company
Chelsey Schuller, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre

Outstanding Sound Design, Resident Production
Chris Baine, A Bright New Boise, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Steven Cahill, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Irakli Kavsadze and Konstantine Lortkipanidze, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Nicole Martin, Voices Underwater Rorschach Theatre
Neil McFadden , An Almost Holy Picture, Rep Stage
Matt Rowe, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Tom Teasley, The Green Bird, Constellation Theatre Company

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Play
Miřenka Čechová, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Margaret Daly, The Habit of Art, The Studio Theatre
Gabriela Fernández-Coffey, After the Fall, Theater J
Catherine Flye, Pride and Prejudice, Round House Theatre
Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Ruined, Arena Stage
Jennifer Mendenhall, Imagining Madoff, Theater J

The James MacArthur Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play
Ben Cunis, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Aubrey Deeker , The Walworth Farce, The Studio Theatre
Chris Dinolfo, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Philip Fletcher, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Ted van Griethuysen, Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare Theatre Company

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Musical
Tracy Lynn Olivera, The Sound of Music, Olney Theatre Center
Nova Y. Payton, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Kirstin Riegler, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Lauren Williams, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Rachel Zampelli, Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Musical
Matthew Delorenzo, Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage
Ricardo Frederick Evans, Dr. Dolittle, Imagination Stage
Kevin McAllister, Parade, Ford's Theatre and Theater J
Jobari Parker-Namdar, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Bobby Smith, The Sound of Music, Olney Theatre Center
Vishal Vaidya, A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Dan Van Why, National Pastime, The Keegan Theatre

Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production
Maximilien A. Baud, Billy Elliot the Musical, The Kennedy Center
Ben Cook, Billy Elliot the Musical, The Kennedy Center
Hayley McElhinney, Uncle Vanya, The Kennedy Center
Hugo Weaving, Uncle Vanya, The Kennedy Center
Patrick Wetzel, Billy Elliot the Musical, The Kennedy Center

Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play
Rena Cherry Brown, Wit, The Bay Theatre Company, Inc.
Jenny Jules, Ruined, Arena Stage
Ira Koval, King Lear, Synetic Theater
Mona Martínez, ¡Ay, Carmela!, GALA Hispanic Theatre
Lizan Mitchell, The Trip To Bountiful, Round House Theatre
Erica Sullivan, Venus in Fur, The Studio Theatre
Irina Tsikurishvili, King Lear, Synetic Theater

The Robert Prosky Award for Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Play
Mitchell Hébert, After the Fall, Theater J
Irakli Kavsadze, King Lear, Synetic Theater
James McMenamin, Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo, Arena Stage
Michael Russotto, A Bright New Boise, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Ted van Griethuysen, The Habit of Art, The Studio Theatre
Paxton Whitehead, The Habit of Art, The Studio Theatre

Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical
Nancy Anderson, Side By Side By Sondheim, Signature Theatre
Jessica Lauren Ball, The Sound of Music, Olney Theatre Center
Carolyn Cole, Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Kelly Karbacz, Liberty Smith, Ford's Theatre
Jan Maxwell, Follies, The Kennedy Center
Bernardine Mitchell, His Eye is On the Sparrow, MetroStage

Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical
Rob McQuay, Dr. Dolittle, Imagination Stage
Euan Morton, Parade, Ford's Theatre and Theater J
Geoff Packard, Liberty Smith, Ford's Theatre
Tom Story, Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage
Alan Wiggins, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Olney Theatre Center

Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
Cate Blanchett, Uncle Vanya, The Kennedy Center
Leah Hocking, Billy Elliot the Musical, The Kennedy Center
Rozina Kambos, Return to Haifa, Theater J
Melanie Marshall, Fela!, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Amy Morton, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Arena Stage

Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Lex Ishimoto, Billy Elliot the Musical, The Kennedy Center
Tracy Letts, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Arena Stage
J. Mark McVey, Les Misérables, The Kennedy Center
Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Richard Roxburgh, Uncle Vanya, The Kennedy Center

Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play
¡Ay, Carmela!, GALA Hispanic Theatre
Birds of a Feather, The Hub Theatre
Cyrano, Folger Theatre
The Habit of Art, The Studio Theatre
King Lear, Synetic Theater
Oedipus El Rey, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
The Walworth Farce, The Studio Theatre

Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Musical
A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Liberty Smith, Ford's Theatre
Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage
The Sound of Music, Olney Theatre Center

Outstanding Non-Resident Production
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Billy Elliot the Musical, The Kennedy Center
Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Arena Stage
Equivocation, Arena Stage
Uncle Vanya, The Kennedy Center

Outstanding Production, Theatre for Young Audiences
A Year With Frog and Toad, Adventure Theatre
Aladdin's Luck, Imagination Stage
Charlotte's Web, Adventure Theatre
Dr. Dolittle, Imagination Stage
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Adventure Theatre

The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical
Beertown, devised by dog & pony dc, dog & pony dc
Birds of a Feather, by Marc Acito, The Hub Theatre
Cyrano, by Edmond Rostand, translated by Michael Hollinger, adapted by Michael Hollinger and Aaron Posner, Folger Theatre
The Heir Apparent, adapted by David Ives from the comedy by Jean-François Regnard, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Imagining Madoff, by Deb Margolin, Theater J
Lungs, by Duncan Macmillan, The Studio Theatre
Wonderful Life, adapted by Helen Pafumi and Jason Lott, The Hub Theatre

Outstanding Resident Musical
Follies, The Kennedy Center
Hairspray, Signature Theatre
Liberty Smith, Ford's Theatre
Pop!, The Studio Theatre 2ndStage
Side By Side By Sondheim, Signature Theatre
The Sound of Music, Olney Theatre Center

Outstanding Resident Play
A Bright New Boise, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Cyrano, Folger Theatre
King Lear, Synetic Theater
Ruined, Arena Stage
Venus in Fur, The Studio Theatre

New JUNGLE BOOK Stage Adaptation to Premiere in Chicago

A new stage adaptation of Disney's The JUNGLE BOOK will premiere at Chicago's Goodman Theatre from June 27th-July 28th, 2013. The new production will be directed by Mary Zimmerman. Mary Zimmerman also adapted Disney's hit movie for the stage.

I'm excited to see how Disney's next new musical does.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL Confirmed to Hit Broadway in Early 2013

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that it's hit West End musical MATILDA: THE MUSICAL will indeed hit Broadway in early 2013.

Principal casting is set to start in March in New York City.

I'm not sure how interested I am in this musical, but I'm not surprised it's coming to Broadway.

Idina Menzel Announces New Tour Dates

Idina Menzel has added new tour dates to her wildly successful Symphony tour (which will be released on CD/DVD on March 6th). The new dates are:

More dates will be announced in the future. I'm excited for her to go on tour again!!

Scott Alan Announces Performers for Live CD/Concert

Composer Scott Alan (whom I love) has announced the performers for his April 30th Birdland concert which will be recorded and released as his first ever live CD. The event is already sold out, so there is no hope of getting tickets. Guess we will all have to wait for the live CD due out this fall.

The artists include Shoshana Bean, Stephanie J. Block (Anything Goes, 9 to 5), Sierra Boggess (Love Never Dies, Master Class), Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis (Wicked), Christopher Jackson, Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde), Mykal Kilgore, Caissie Levy (Hair, Ghost), Stuart Matthew Price, Lea Salonga (Les Miserables), Melissa van der Schyff, Oliver Tompsett, Willemijn Verkaik, Natalie Weiss, and Raena White as well as Marc Broussard and RJ Helton. There will also be an unknown as chosen through Alan's I'm a Star Contest.

Songs that I know will be performed will be Natalie Weiss singing "I'm a Star" and Sierra Boggess singing "Always." I'm not sure what else will make the cut.

In addition, there will be a pre-recorded bonus track featuring Ramin Karimloo (Love Never Dies) and Hadley Fraser (Pirate Queen) which I am super excited for.

I love Scott Alan's music and most of the performers announced. I CANNOT wait to hear this live album. It will be AMAZING!!!

Check out the New PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Commercial

Here is a new commercial for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, opening next month on Broadway after a sold out Off-Broadway run. The play stars Adam Chanler-Baret, Christian Borle, and Celia Keenan-Bolger.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Begins Work On New Musical

Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, EVITA, and more, has begun working on a new musical. Webber, who has said in interviews he only writes about things he is passionate about is investigating a musical based on the Profumo affair in the U.K.

I don't know anything about the Profumo affair so don't know how well it will serve as a musical, and it's obviously in the very early stages, but I am interested in seeing if we see a new ALW musical soon. Plus, I always love a new ORIGINAL musical. They are so few and far between.

PORGY AND BESS to Receive Cast Album

PS Classics has just announced that it will record a two-disc recording of the current Broadway cast of The Gershwin's PORGY AND BESS in mid-March. The two disc-set will be released on May 8th, but will ship two weeks earlier if you pre-order from PS Classics (I know I will be).

The cast features Audra McDonald (Ragtime, Private Practice) and Norm Lewis (Little Mermaid, Les Mis). Also featured will be David Alan Grier (Race, Dreamgirls).

PS Classics has done a great job with recordings in the past so I'm really excited to hear this one.

Stephanie J. Block to Replace Sutton Foster in ANYTHING GOES

Stephanie J. Block (9 to 5) is set to replace Sutton Foster as Reno Sweeney in the hit revival of ANYTHING GOES. Foster will be leaving the production on March 11th to start work on her upcoming tv series BUNHEADS. Block, who previously covered the role in November for three weeks while Foster was on hiatus, will begin performances on March 15th.

I think Block is a great choice to replace Foster (who is impossible to replace) and will help keep the show a success.

SMASH REVIEW! Episode 3

[SPOLER ALERT}
So I finally watched this week's SMASH, entitled Enter Mr. DiMaggio, and I still really like this show! I really am loving the original music and I think the drama and plot line, although sort of predictable, is very fun and good for this sort of show.

I think Will Chase did a really good job in his guest role as Joe DiMaggio, especially in the songs he sings. He and Megan Hilty blend really well together and his onscreen tension with Debra Messing was fantastic! I'm excited to see more of his character.

The thing I really took from this week's episode, which brings us closer to the looming workshop, was how AMAZING Anjelica Huston is as an actress. Her scenes were magnetic and I couldn't stop thinking how great she was every time she was on screen.

This was a good setting things up episode and didn't add too much to the plot, but I see a lot of good, interesting things on the horizon.

Sneak Peak of GW's HAIR

Here is a sneak peak of The George Washington University's production of HAIR (that I am in). Enjoy, and if you are in the DC area, check it out this weekend!!!

Alice Ripley's New Single BEAUTIFUL EYES

Here is Alice Ripley's new single, Beautiful Eyes. It is a fun jazzy song and Alice sounds really good on the song. I really like it and hope you guys do too!! Comment with your thoughts! And make sure to buy it now on iTunes!

Disney Announces Official NEWSIES Song List

Disney has announced the song list for the upcoming Broadway production of NEWSIES. Obviously, it is subject to change, but this is the general idea of the show's order. It looks good and I am really excited!


Santa Fe (Prologue)- Jack and Crutchie

Carrying The Banner- Company
The Bottom Line- Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen, Hannah and Nunzio
That’s Rich- Medda
Don’t Come A-Knocking- Jack, Katherine and Bowery Beauties
The World Will Know- Jack, Davey, Les and Newsies
The World Will Know (Reprise)- Jack, Davey, Les and Newsies
Watch What Happens- Katherine
Seize the Day- Company
Santa Fe- Jack
King of New York- Davey, Les, Katherine and Newsies
Watch What Happens (Reprise)- Jack, Davey, Katherine and Les
The Bottom Line (Reprise)- Pulitzer, Seitz and Mayor
Brooklyn’s Here- Spot Conlon and Newsies
Something to Believe In- Jack and Katherine
Seize the Day (Reprise)- Newsies
Once and For All- Jack, Davey, Les, Katherine, Darcy, Bill and Newsies
Seize the Day (Reprise)- Newsies
Santa Fe/ Carrying the Banner/ King of New York (Finale)-Jack and Company

Cyndi Lauper/Harvey Fierstein Musical KINKY BOOTS to Premiere in Chicago

Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper's new musical KINKY BOOTS, based on the movie of the same name, is set to have a premiere in Chicago at the Bank of America Theatre in October, with hopes to transfer to Broadway soon after in the 2013 season.

KINKY BOOTS had an invite-only workshop in New York this month and has been in development for at least three years. This will serve as Lauper's first ever musical score. Fierstein is a an established book writer with credits including La Cage Aux Folles and Newsies.

This could be interesting. I'm holding out on a verdict.

Broadway Star Appears on THE VOICE

Tony Vincent, who made his Broadway debut as Roger in RENT in 1999 and originated the role of St. Jimmy in Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT, is now a contestant on the NBC series THE VOICE.

Vincent used the Queen hit "We Will Rock You" as his audition and was [SPOILER ALERT] picked as a member of Team Cee Lo. I'm loving the Broadway presence on The Voice this season! Check out a video of Vincent below!

Colin Donnell Cast in CW's ARROW

Colin Donnell (Anything Goes, Merrily We Roll Along) has been announced to be starring in the CW's upcoming TV series ARROW, which chronicles the story of the famous super hero the Green Arrow.

Donnell is set to play Tommy Merlyn, a playboy and best friend to the lead character, who is excited to hear the Green Arrow is back, only to learn he has changed.

I'm excited for this show and the fact that Colin Donnell is in it, makes it more exciting!

David Alan Grier and Cast of PORGY AND BESS Perform on Fallon

Here is a video of David Alan Grier and the cast of PORGY AND BESS performing "It Ain't Necessarily So" on Jimmy Fallon's Broadway Week. It's a great performance and I personally really want to see this production. Or at least get a recording.

 

Poker Face from Idina's BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY

Idina Menzel (Wicked, Rent) has posted a preview video from her live CD/DVD, BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY on her Facebook page. The preview is of her singing Lady GaGa's "Poker Face." It's a great video and I'm really excited for the CD/DVD to be released!! Check it out!

 

Boyd Gaines, Margaret Colin Join THE COLUMNIST

Boyd Gaines (Gypsy, Driving Miss Daisy) and Margaret Colin (Gossip Girl, Arcadia) have both been announced to be joining John Lithgow in David Auburn's new play THE COLUMNIST on Broadway. The play, opening in April, is about the power of the columnist in mid-century America. In this case, Lithgow's character is king.

Gaines will be playing Lithgow's brother, while Colin will be playing his wife. All three are great actors and I think Auburn is a genius (I loved Proof), so I'm really excited for this show!

New HOW TO SUCCEED Cast EP Feat. Nick Jonas to Be Released

It has just been announced that Broadway records will be releasing an EP recording of the current hit revival of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING featuring Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges. There hasn't been an announcement of what tracks will be on the EP, so we will have to keep an eye on that. I am sure that "I Believe in You" and "Brotherhood of Man" will definitely be on it.

The EP will be released sometime this spring and was recorded yesterday Feb. 19th. I think it's a good sales technique to re-record some of the recording with this new high profile cast change, and I will probably get a copy when it comes out. I only wish they had done one with Darren Criss too. Oh well.

Check Out a Song from ONCE

Here is Steve Kazee singing the song "Gold" from ONCE: THE MUSICAL, based on the feature film, that will transfer to Broadway next month after an extremely successful Off-Broadway run. I really enjoy the song and am excited to hear more/see more of the show. The cast recording will be released on March 13th.

New West End Production of SWEENEY TODD to Receive Cast Recording

The upcoming revival of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD on the West End in London will receive a cast recording in the near future. The revival stars Michael Ball (Les Miserables, Hairspray) as Sweeney and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter).

Ball tweeted today that the upcoming production would definitely be getting a cast recording in the near future. This is awesome news!

GHOST: THE MUSICAL Opens New Block of Tickets on the West End

GHOST: THE MUSICAL, which is set to open on Broadway next month, has announced that the hit West End run will be opening a new block of tickets.

Starting March 28th, tickets will be on sale for GHOST through April 20th, 2013. This is really good news and I am curious to see if GHOST is such a huge hit on Broadway as well!

A Little Self-Promotion: HAIR

I wanted to just mention that I will be performing in The George Washington University Department of Theatre & Dance's production of HAIR: The American Tribal Rock Musical this weekend, February 23-26.

I am in the Tribe, but for those that don't know HAIR, the tribe is featured prominently throughout the show.

The show is directed by Roberta Gasbarre, artistic director of the Washington Revels. For more info on the show, check out GW TRDA's website here.

I hope any DC area readers come out and see the show!

Alice Ripley to Release New Single

Alice Ripley, who won a Tony for her role as Diana Goodman in the musical NEXT TO NORMAL, will release her new solo single "Beautiful Eyes" on Tuesday February 21st. The single will be release to digital retailers such as iTunes.

I don't know how I feel about this. I am not generally a fan of her solo stuff but I'm going to hold judgment until I hear it.

BOOK OF MORMON and THE KING'S SPEECH Set for West End

The highly popular musical THE BOOK OF MORMON and THE KING'S SPEECH, the basis for for the 2010 Oscar-winning film, are set to open on the West End in the near future. The Book of Mormon is set to open in the spring of 2013 with no casting yet announced.

THE KING'S SPEECH is set to transfer to the West End's Wyndham's Theatre on March 27 of this year after a UK tour. The successful play is also set to transfer to Broadway this fall.

Both big name shows are sure to be huge successes.

Christian Borle, Adam Chanler-Berat, Celia K-B to Return to PETER AND THE STARCATCHER on BWay

The producers of the new play PETER AND THE STARCATCHER just announced that Christian Borle (Smash, Legally Blonde), Adam Chanler-Berat (Next to Normal, Rent), and Celia Keenan-Bolger (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), the stars of the rave-reviewed Off-Broadway play, will star in the Broadway transfer as well.

The show begins previews at the Brooks Atkinson theatre on March 28th with opening night scheduled for April 15th.

I have read great reviews of the Off-Broadway production and am really excited for it to move to Broadway with the original cast. I hope I get to see it!

Lawsuit Settled with Julie Taymor for SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK

The producers of SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK have reached an agreement with original creator and one time director Julie Taymor (Lion King). The settlement says that Taymor will receive full royalties for work as creator and director of the New York production of SPIDER-MAN. The settlement does state however that Taymor's work is officially completed and she will have no future involvement with any versions of the show or possible future productions.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL to Hit Broadway in 2013

There are reports that MATILDA: THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children's novel, will hit Broadway in the spring of the 2013 season, Michael Reidel reports.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL is currently a hit on the West End in London, so it is no surprise that a Broadway transfer is imminent.

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL features music by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.

I honestly don't know if I'm excited for this or not. Only time will tell.

MY FAIR LADY, THE MOUNTAINTOP, and More Set for Arena Stage's Upcoming Season

Arena Stage, one of DC's premiere theatre companies, announced its 2012-2013 season today. The full season includes:

ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
MY FAIR LADY
World Premiere of PULLMAN PORTER BLUES
David Lindsay Abaire's GOOD PEOPLE
Mary Zimmerman's METAMORPHOSES
MARY T. & LIZZY K.
Katori Hall's THE MOUNTAINTOP
OTHER DESERT CITIES

I am really excited for this season and hope I get to see as much of it as possible!

NEWSIES to Release Cast Recording!

The new Broadway musical NEWSIES based on the Disney film of the same name will have an original cast recording through Ghostlight Records due out later this spring. Check out more info in the video below.

The musical features music by Alan Menken (Little Mermaid) and a book by Harvey Fierstein. It stars Jeremy Jordan and Andrew Keenan-Bolger.

I am so excited that there will officially be a cast recording because the music I have heard is great and can't wait to actually see the show in March!!!

SMASH REVIEW! Episode 2

{SPOILERS AHEAD}

So I very much enjoyed the second episode of NBC's new hit series SMASH! The episode centered around the rounds of grueling callbacks to find Marilyn. The creative team of the musical was torn over Karen (Katherine McPhee) or Ivy (Megan Hilty). I really liked how you really could not tell who was going to get the role and they treated the actresses as equals. The music stayed on par with the past episode; especially the new Shaiman original "20th Century Fox Mambo" and Hilty's cover of Carrie Underwood's "Crazy Dreams," which felt like a completely different song from the original.

Throughout the episode I couldn't decide who I wanted to be Marilyn, so the show was successful in making viewers feel the struggle the characters were going through. In the end, I think I am happy with the decision to have Ivy be Marilyn. I'm excited to see where it goes. Check out some songs from the episode below:

Original Broadway Cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG to Join Encores!

Members from the original Broadway company of Stephen Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG will join the current cast of MWRA at City Center ENCORES! to perform the finale of the show together on February 14th. The two casts will sing the famous song, "Old Friend" together.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG plays at Encores! through February 19th and is starring Colin Donnell, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Celia Keenan-Bolger.

Off-Topic! Jennifer Hudson Honors Whitney Houston at Grammy Awards

I know this isn't theatre-related, but I thought it was so good and necessary to post. So I am going to do it anyway. Last night at the Grammy Awards, Jennifer Hudson performed a last minute tribute to Whitney Houston, who died Saturday evening in a Los Angeles Hotel. Check out the moving performance below.

BOOK OF MORMON Wins Grammy

The cast recording for the BOOK OF MORMON won the Grammy Award last night for Best Musical Theatre Album, beating the revivals of Anything Goes and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

A Grammy is just one award BOM can add to its growing list of accolades.

Also, for the first time, Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells also received Grammys as "featured vocalists" on the cast recording.

I am by no means surprised and think they definitely deserved it!

Preview IDINA MENZEL's Live Album & Track Listing

Click this link to get a sneak peak at two songs from Idina Menzel's new live CD/DVD BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY. I saw this concert last fall and she was AMAZING! The songs sound great and I am so excited for the DVD and CD to come out!!! The songs to preview are "Defying Gravity" from WICKED and "Tomorrow." Check it out and comment with your thoughts!

Here is the final track listing for the CD/DVD:
1. Life of the Party
2. I'm Not that Girl
3. Love For Sale/Roxanne
4. Funny Girl/Don't Rain on my Parade
5. Asleep on the Wind
6. No Day But Today
7. Poker Face
8. Look to the Rainbow
9. Good Morning Walker/I Feel Smoochie
10. Where or When (feat. Taye Diggs)
11. Heaven Help My Heart
12. For Good
13. Defying Gravity
14. The Way We Were
15. Tomorrow

I'm so excited!!!

Lea Michele to Reprise Spring Awakening Role?

E! Online reports that Lea Michele is in talks to reprise her role as Wendla in the upcoming movie adaptation of SPRING AWAKENING. Michele, who broke out after her role in the Broadway musical, is not a surprising choice for the role in the movie adaptation. Personally, I think she is getting a little old for the role and that the casting director should look elsewhere, because although a good choice, I don't think Lea Michele is the BEST choice for the role. Just my two cents. Thoughts?

Alicia Key's STICK FLY to Close

STICK FLY, a new play produced by superstar Alicia Keys, will play its final performance on February 26th. At that date, it will have played 24 previews and 92 regular performances. STICK FLY stars Dulé Hill ("THE WEST WING"), Mekhi Phifer ("ER"), and Tracie Thoms (RENT).


It was a relaxing weekend on Martha’s Vineyard ... until the baggage got unpacked. Meet the LeVays. When two adult sons independently choose to introduce their girlfriends to the parents on the same weekend, sibling rivalries flare, opinions clash, class distinctions divide and family secrets unravel

LOVE NEVER DIES Theatrical Trailer

Here's the theatrical trailer for the two-night only screening of Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES. I'm really excited to see it and think it looks great!!

Hugh Jackman to "SUDDENLY" Sing a New Song in LES MIS Movie

The Les Mis movie, starring Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, will feature a new song written by original composer Claude Michel-Schonberg for Jackman's character, Cameron Macintosh has confirmed.

The song, entitled "Suddenly" will be written by the entire original songwriting team from the original London production.

"It was something that Alain and Claude-Michel came up with, after a passage in the book, which beautifully explains what happens when [Valjean] takes Cosette from the inn and looks after her. Herbie's written a lovely lyric to it, and we're all delighted how it seems to fit into the film version," Macintosh said

In addition, the film is set to have live singing as opposed to dubbed, recorded tracks. I am extremely excited for that.

I think the potential for a new song is great and I personally am so excited to hear it!!

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Opening at Encores! Tomorrow Night

Stephen Sondheim's "flop" MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG will open in a concert form at NY City Encores! starring Colin Donnell (Anything Goes), Lin Manuel-Miranda (In the Heights), and Celia Keenan-Bolger (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). The production will run from Feb. 8-19th and will hopefully show the strength of Sondheim's work after a few updates to the script and score have been made. Check out a rehearsal clip below.

The Voice Star with a Musical Theatre Past

Chris Mann, who appeared Sunday night on NBC's The Voice, has a past in musical theatre. He can be heard on new musical theatre composers Kooman & Dimond's album OUT OF OUR HEADS, singing "Drift." He's really good! He will be performing on the show with Christina Aguilera as his mentor. Check him out below!!

Singing Kooman & Dimond's DRIFT

On The Voice

Sutton Foster Pilot Picked Up by ABC Family

Sutton Foster (Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie), two time Tony Winner (and possible my favorite person ever), is going to star in a new drama BUNHEADS. The pilot has been picked up by ABC Family, Deadline reports.

BUNHEADS stars Sutton Foster as Michelle, a Las Vegas showgirl who impulsively marries a man and moves to his sleepy coastal town, and takes an uneasy role at her new mother-in-law’s dance school.


While I'm excited to see Sutton on TV, I hope this doesn't mean she won't be on Broadway in the near future.

SMASH Premieres!

So the new Broadway-themed musical drama SMASH premiered last night on NBC. While it has been available online for almost three weeks (I almost forget what happened it's been so long), it premiered to a solid 7.1/13 rating, falling just short of the ratings THE VOICE and TWO AND A HALF MEN received.

Personally, I think it was really well done on all levels with great singing, dancing, and acting. Both Megan Hilty and Katherine McPhee broke out and will most definitely become stars. The original songs (written by HAIRSPRAY's Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman) were catchy and showcased the stars' voices well and made me want Marilyn: The Musical to be a reality. I'm excited to hear and see more and hope the show keeps up the high quality.

Check out my favorite song of the show "Let Me Be Your Star" below!

REVIEW: La Cage Aux Folles National Tour

Last night, instead of watching the Super Bowl, I went to go see the National tour of La Cage Aux Folles at the Kennedy Center starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber. Overall, it did not blow me away but I had a very fun time.

From the minute a character in drag came out to entertain the crowd before the show started through the final curtain call, I was consistently impressed with the classiness but hilarity of the show's drag-centered plotline. I thought Christopher Sieber was AMAZING, but I think George Hamilton left a lot to be desired. I also had some trouble with the sound of the show, and could rarely hear the chorus over the orchestra.

The costumes and set were beautiful and elegant which suited the show very well. I thought the choreography was at times simple and at some times fantastic and elegant (including the now mandatory tap number).

Overall, I don't think I wasted time or money in seeing the tour of the 2010 Tony Best Revival winner.

Rating: 8/10

NBC Shows Perform BROTHERHOOD OF MAN

Last night during the Super Bowl, a new NBC commercial debuted that featured the casts of various NBC shows singing a version of How to Succeed's BROTHERHOOD OF MAN. It was hilarious and fantastic and was super creative! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It featured the likes of Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Megan Hilty, Katherine McPhee, Rainn Wilson, and more. Enjoy!!

New Jason Robert Brown Musical Headed to Broadway!

According to Broadwayworld, Jason Robert Brown's new musical HONEYMOON IN VEGAS is set to open on Broadway in Spring 2013 after a debut in Toronto. The musical is based off of the movie of the same name. I am so excited to hear a new JRB musical!!

"Based on the Castle Rock Entertainment Motion Picture of the same title, Honeymoon in Vegas features music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown and a book by Andrew Bergman (director and screenwriter of the film). Gary Griffin (The Color Purple) will direct."

AUGUST: OSCAR WINNER?!?

Tracy Lett's Pulitzer-winning drama August: Osage County has gotten the greenlight from the Weinstein Company to beginning filming the feature film adaptation. The film will star Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts as the leads. It is sure to be a huge success and with these actresses, it is guaranteed to rock!

The film is looking to have a release date of Fall 2013, with filming to begin later this year. Anyone else excited?