Kate Shindle Sings SPARK OF CREATION

Here is a video of Kate Shindle DESTROYING, I mean singing, "Spark of Creation" from CHILDREN OF EDEN at If It Even Only Runs a Minute 9 at Joe's Pub. She sounds amazing and completely blows the top off of the song. This is a must listen!

Jonathan Groff Performs ANYTHING GOES

Here is Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, Glee) singing the title number from ANYTHING GOES (including the tapping) at MCC's Miscast Gala. Check it out because it rocks!

My Broadway Favorites

I was bored and thought this would be a fun thing to do. I went through my iTunes and chose my favorite song from each cast recording, with the exception of recordings I haven't really listened to enough to have a favorite. Here is my list

Do you guys agree with my choices? Disagree? Have any to add? Comment and let me know!

Gavin Creel Set for BOOK OF MORMON Tour

Gavin Creel (Hair, Thoroughly Modern Millie) is set to play Elder Price in the upcoming first national tour of BOOK OF MORMON!

No other casting for the tour has been announced yet. The tour starts in Denver this summer.

This is AMAZING NEWS! And if I wasn't already planning to see the national tour, I would be now!

Sh-K-Boom to Release Live Recording of Encores' PIPE DREAM

Sh-k-Boom has just announced that they will release a live recording of Encores' upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's PIPE DREAM starring Laura Osnes (Anything Goes) and Will Chase (Smash).

The album will be recorded live from March 28th through April 1st. This will be the first FULL recording of the entire score of this often overlooked show. No release date has been announced yet.

Encores is having a good week for cast recordings and this exciting news!

Jessie Mueller to Be Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS

Jessie Mueller (On a Clear Day...) has been cast as Cinderella in Public Theater's upcoming revival of INTO THE WOODS, set for the Delacorte Theatre this summer.

Also announced for INTO THE WOODS is Jack Broderick (Narrator), Gideon Glick (Jack), Cooper Grodin (Rapunzel’s Prince), Ivan Hernandez (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Tina Johnson (Granny), Josh Lamon (Steward), Laura Shoop (Cinderella’s Mother), and Tess Soltau (Rapunzel).

I'm still excited for who they cast as the Witch, Baker, and Baker's Wife, because, let's face it, those are the roles we really want to know!

Patina Miller, Heidi Blickenstaff Set for FIRST YOU DREAM

Patina Miller (Sister Act) and Heidi Blickenstaff ([title of show], Now. Here. This.) are set to star in the upcoming Kander & Ebb revue FIRST YOU DREAM at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this summer.

FIRST YOU DREAM is replacing the originally scheduled new production of PAL JOEY.

This will be awesome and I'm sad that I won't be in town to see it.

LYSISTRATA JONES OBCR To Be Released on May 15th

The original Broadway cast recording of LYSISTRATA JONES, the short lived musical starring Patti Murin, will be released through Broadway Records on May 15th. The cast will reunite to go into the studio to record vocals on March 28th.

The track listing is as follows:
1. Right Now: Opening
2. Right Now: Party Time
3. Just Once
4. Change the World
5. No More Giving It Up
6. Lay Low
7. I Don’t Think So
8. You Go Your Way
9. Where Am I Now?
10. Writing on the Wall
11. Hold On
12. Don’t Judge a Book
13. Right Now: Operetta
14. When She Smiles
15. Hold On (reprise)
16. The Final Game
17. Give it Up!
18. Never Say Never (Curtain Call)
19. Bonus Track: TBA

Rachel York to Board the U.S.S. American for National Tour

Rachel York (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria) is set to play the role of Reno Sweeney on the upcoming national tour of Roundabout Theatre Company's hit revival of ANYTHING GOES directed by Kathleen Marshall.

I'm interested to see the tour and know nothing about Rachel York, so I will hold out all opinion on this casting choice.

Check out a Promo for Sutton Foster's BUNHEADS

Here is the first teaser promo for Sutton Foster's new TV series for ABC Family, BUNHEADS. The show will premiere in June and run through the summer (hopefully).

It looks alright, but, as always, Sutton looks like she will be amazing!

Lin-Manuel Miranda Sings a Song Cut from IN THE HEIGHTS

Lin-Manuel Miranda just posted this video on his twitter page of himself singing a song that was cut from the Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS. The song was set to be the opening number of the second act.

It's a good song, but not amazing. I understand why they cut it.

NOW. HERE. THIS. Extended Through April 22nd

NOW. HERE. THIS. the new musical by [title of show] team Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, has been extended at the Vineyard Theatre through April 22nd due to popular demand and strong ticket sales.

NOW. HERE. THIS. features Jeff Bowen, Hunter Bell, Heidi Blickenstaff, and Susan Blackwell.

I am glad to hear this and wish I would have the opportunity to see it.

NEWSIES Cast Recording to Be Released April 10th; Hear Songs Now

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Disney's newest hit NEWSIES will be released on April 10th on iTunes before being available in stores on May 15th. You can pre-order it on iTunes here. For the physical CD, which will be shipped on April 30th if you pre-order, click here.

In addition, they have put "Carrying the Banner" and "Seize the Day" online to listen to now! (and they are great)! Check them out here!

The physical CD will include three bonus tracks including an acoustic version of "Sante Fe" and extended versions of "King of New York" and "Sieze the Day."

The full track listing is as follows:
1. Overture
2. Santa Fe (Prologue)
3. Carrying the Banner
4. The Bottom Line
5. That's Rich
6. I Never Planned on You/Don't Come a-Knocking
7. The World Will Know
8. Watch What Happens
9. Seize the Day
10. Santa Fe
11. King of New York
12. Watch What Happens (Reprise)
13. The Bottom Line (Reprise)
14. Brooklyn's Here
15. Something to Believe In
16. Once and For All
17. Finale

CD Only Bonus Tracks (not available on digital downloads):
Santa Fe (Performed by Jeremy Jordan accompanied by Alan Menken)
Seize The Day (Full Song with Dance Break)
King of New York (Full Song with Dance Break)

I'm so excited and I've pre-ordered it!!!

REVIEW: Disney's NEWSIES

Last weekend I went to see Disney's newest hit NEWSIES, based on the cult-hit film of the same name. In short. I LOVED IT!

The thing that really stands out is the dancing. Everywhere imaginable throughout this show, there was an amazing mix of jazz, tap, and ballet that really showcased the scope and power of the cast's collective talent.

Jeremy Jordan, starring as the leader of the Newsies' rebellion Jack Kelley, blew the show out of the water with the score perfectly fitting his voice. Jordan also was perfect in exuding the gruff New York ruffian that Jack Kelly is.

Kara Lindsay also stood out as the brand new character, Katherine, the love interest for Jack Kelley. Lindsay kind of reminded me of a mixture of Laura Osnes and Rose Hemingway (How to Succeed). She was awesome and I see her being a big star in the near future.

As amazing as it was, there were some sound issues which will hopefully be fixed by the time previews end. The set was really cool and was perfect for this kind of show because of how versatile the metal structure was.

I highly recommend RUNNING to see Newsies ASAP!!! It was by far one of the best shows I've ever seen!

PS Classics to Release New MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Cast Recording

PS Classics has announced that it will release a new recording of the 2012 New York City Encores! cast of Stephen Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. The new CD will be released on July 10th. The album features Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), Colin Donnell (Anything Goes) and Celia Keenan-Bolger (Peter and the Starcatcher).

The track listing is:

Disc One:
1. Overture
2. Merrily We Roll Along
3. That Frank
4. First Transition
5. Like It Was
6. Franklin Shepard, Inc.
7. Second Transition
8. Old Friends
9. Growing Up
10. Third Transition
11. Not a Day Goes By
12. Now You Know

Disc Two:
1. Entr' acte
2. Gussie’s Opening Number
3. It's a Hit!
4. Fourth Transition
5. The Blob Part I / Growing Up (Reprise)
6. Good Thing Going
7. The Blob Part II
8. Fifth Transition
9. Bobby and Jackie and Jack
10. Not a Day Goes By (Reprise)
11. Sixth Transition
12. Opening Doors
13. Seventh Transition
14. Our Time
I am so freaking excited for this and can happily say I've already pre-ordered it!!!

Corbin Bleu to be Broadway's Next Jesus

Corbin Bleu (High School Musical, In the Heights) will return to Broadway on April 17th as Jesus in the current revival of Stephen Schwartz's GODSPELL at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

Current Jesus, Hunter Parrish (Weeds) will leave the production on April 15th so he can return to taping Showtime's hit series WEEDS.

I don't know how I feel about Corbin in this role when Parrish is amazing, but only time can tell...

Sondheim Approves Transfer of Ball/Staunton Led SWEENEY

Stephen Sondheim has voiced his approval of a Broadway transfer of the hit new production of SWEENEY TODD, currently playing in the West End's Adelphi Theatre and starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton.

While this doesn't necessarily mean it will happen, it definitely makes it a lot more likely and possible for a Broadway transfer to occur. I think it would be awesome and I can't wait to hear the recording when it comes out next month!

Megan Hilty Signs Record Deal

There isn't much info here, but according to an interview with BroadwayWorld, Megan Hilty, currently starring in NBC's SMASH, has signed a record deal and will start work on a debut solo record soon.

We don't know what sort of sound to expect or a label or anything else for that matter, but this is great news!!

Natalie Weiss Reminds Us Why She Is A Star

Here is a video Natalie Weiss (one of my favorite singers/actresses) posted to her YouTube page last night. It is a "6 minute Les Mis" showcasing all of Les Mis's big numbers while using pop tunes to back it up. He is amazing and hilarious and everything anyone could ask for in a singer. Check it out!

Sheryl Crow Musical to Debut in San Francisco

The new musical DINER, based off of the movie of the same name, will debut this fall in San Francisco at the SHN Curran Theatre. The musical will feature music by popular musician Sheryl Crow and be directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes, Grease).

The musical is set to debut on Broadway in the fall of 2013 after this strictly limited engagement out of town tryout.

This could be interesting. Not sure how I feel about Sheryl Crow writing a musical.

PRINCE OF BROADWAY to Hit Broadway in November

PRINCE OF BROADWAY, the new musical about 21 time Tony Award Winner Harold Prince, will officially hit Broadway in November at an unnamed theatre. Prince will direct the musical and Susan Stroman will choreograph. The book will be written by David Thompson.

Linda Lavin (The Lyons) and Sierra Boggess (Love Never Dies, Master Class) will star. The rest of the cast includes Sebastian Arcelus (Elf, Jersey Boys), Sierra Boggess (Master Class, The Little Mermaid), Tony Award nominee Daniel Breaker (Shrek the Musical, Passing Strange), Josh Grisetti (Enter Laughing, the Musical; After the Ball), Tony Award winner Shuler Hensley (Young Frankenstein, Oklahoma!), Richard Kind (The Producers, “Spin City”), Amanda Kloots-Larsen (Follies – 2011), Tony Award winner LaChanze (The Color Purple, Once on this Island), Caroline O’Connor (Chicago, Moulin Rouge), Tony Award nominee David Pittu (Is He Dead?, Lovemusik) and Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner (Billy Elliot, Side Show). [Broadwayworld.com]

Due to this commitment, Sierra Boggess will no longer star as "I" in the upcoming musical REBECCA, originally set to open this spring, but will now open in the fall after securing the necessary funding.

This is a great cast and is bound to be a great production.

SMASH REVIEW: Episode 7 "The Workshop"

This week's SMASH saw the much anticipated workshop of MARILYN actually take place in front of investors and characters' family and friends. The drama was high and it was a really great episode. Not to mention Bernadette Peters' debut as Ivy's mom, Leigh Conroy.

The workshop was really good, and I really liked how we got bits of every song we've heard so far as well as clips from previous episodes that made up parts of the workshop (at least in Ivy's head). Ivy's solo version of "Let Me Be Your Star" gave me chills and I also loved the reprise that included the full chorus that they used over the curtain call.

Bernadette Peters was perfect as Ivy's stage mom and a famed actress. She also killed her rendition of "Everything's Coming Up Roses." I'm so excited to see her come back in the role during the season finale.

The preview for the next episode set up a lot of drama and betrayal and I'm interested to see where it goes. The major negative I have right now: this week's songs aren't on iTunes.

Sutton Foster's BUNHEADS to Debut in June

The new ABC Family series BUNHEADS, starring Broadway star Sutton Foster (Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie), will debut this summer on June 11th.

In BUNHEADS, "Foster [is] playing a Las Vegas showgirl who marries and relocates to her husband's small town to work at her mother-in-law's dance studio. Foster's mother-in-law is played by fellow theatre veteran Kelly Bishop."

I'm super excited for Sutton to be on TV so I can see her more frequently!! Anyone else?

Glee's Grant Gustin Singing One of My Favorite Songs

Here is a video of Grant Gustin (Glee's Sebastian) singing one of my favorite songs of all time live in concert. The song is "Run Away With Me" from Kerrigan and Lowdermilk's THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY OF SAMANTHA BROWN. Check it out!!

NEWSIES Officially Extending through August 19th

NEWSIES, Disney's newest musical on Broadway, is officially extending its limited run at the Nederlander Theatre through August 19th. This comes after less than one week of previews and is really exciting news! (I saw it and it was amazing, full review coming soon).

Tickets for the extended period go on sale on March 20th (aka tomorrow). I highly recommend EVERYONE seeing this show!! Check out a video from the cast below!

Scott Alan's Top 14 Stars

Scott Alan has announced his top 14 choices (in no particular order) for his I'M A STAR CONTEST throughout the day with the help of Michael Buckwood, Ellyn Marsh and Jenna Leigh Green. They are all really great so check them out and comment if any truly speak to you!!

Matt Duck - Kiss the Air


Jack Beaston - Kiss the Air


Mindy Pack - I'm Here


Alexander Sage Oyen - Now


Honey Ribar - Domino


Paul Ianniello - Over the Mountains


Laura Ashley Greer - I'm a Star


Sidonie Smith - Home


Cherry Torres - Home


Heather Traska - I'm A Star


Camille - 1+1


Nick Pitera - The Distance You Have Come


Philly Lopez - Home


Stephanie Wood - Watch Me Soar

REVIEW: The Book of Mormon on Broadway

On March 11th (I know I'm running behind), I went to see THE BOOK OF MORMON after buying tickets in October. Well, I can say, even with Ben Schrader filling in for Josh Gad as Elder Cunningham, this show was WELL WORTH THE WAIT!

As someone who knew every word to the cast recording by heart, I still was surprised with the hilarity and humor and absolute perfection of the score and book. Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Bobby Lopez have crafted what was definitely one of the best musicals I have ever seen. I enjoyed that there were more little musical interludes not included on the recording and the book was hilarious. The one thing I will say is I did not think that the show was as risque as people made it seemed and I think all of the difficult subjects were handled well and respectfully.

I also really liked how much deeper the storyline was than I expected based on the recording. I think a message really can be garnered through what everyone goes through, especially the Elder Price storyline.

Technically, the show was awesome with a really intricate but simple set and a lighting design that really helped promote the storyline. The costumes were also amazing.

The one thing I was not expecting that really wowed me was the dancing. Based on the score, I was not expecting the level of dance that was portrayed on stage and Casey Nicholaw did an above and beyond job choreographing this show.

While all of the actors were amazing, Andrew Rannells just really wowed and shone through all the amazing performances. Rory O'Malley and Nikki M. James were great too, but Rannells just blew the show out of the water, hitting every note and moment perfectly. Ben Schrader did a respectable job in his first weekend understudy-ing Josh Gad as Cunningham, and while overshadowed by the rest of the cast (I think because he was just not as comfortable with the role yet), he was a good Cunningham.

All I can say is...GO SEE THIS SHOW!!

Jekyll & Hyde Officially Set For Broadway

The upcoming national tour of JEKYLL & HYDE featuring American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages) is officially set to debut on Broadway in April 2013 following the tour according to a casting notice.

This is interesting news and I am not going to keep my fingers crossed that this actually becomes a reality, but that may just be the pessimist in me speaking.

Sacha Baron Cohen and More Confirmed for Les Mis Movie

Sacha Baron Cohen has been confirmed to play Thenardier in the upcoming film of Les Miserables directed by Tom Hooper. Also announced is Daniel Huttlestone (Oliver!) as Gavroche, Daniel Evans, Hannah Waddingham and Hadley Fraser.

This is exciting news and rounds out an already amazing cast! I am really excited for this to come out!!

MATILDA Leads Olivier Award Nominations - See Them All

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL leads the Olivier Award nominations with 10. Check out the full nominations below!

Best New Play:
Collaborators at the Cottesloe theatre
Jumpy at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
The Ladykillers at the Gielgud theatre
One Man, Two Guvnors at the Lyttelton theatre

Best Revival
Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse
Flare Path at the Theatre Royal Haymarket
Much Ado About Nothing at the Wyndham’s theatre
Noises Off at The Old Vic Theatre

Best Entertainment and Family
Derren Brown - Svengali at the Shaftesbury theatre
Midnight Tango at the Aldwych Theatre
Potted Panto at the Garrick theatre
The Tiger Who Came To Tea at the Vaudeville theatre

Best Actress
Celia Imrie for Noises Off at The Old Vic Theatre
Lesley Manville for Grief at the Cottesloe theatre
Kristin Scott Thomas for Betrayal at the Harold Pinter theatre
Marcia Warren for The Ladykillers at the Gielgud theatre
Ruth Wilson for Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse

Best Actor
James Corden for One Man, Two Guvnors at the Lyttelton theatre
Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller for Frankenstein at the Olivier theatre
David Haig for The Madness of George III at the Apollo Theatre
Douglas Hodge for Inadmissible Evidence at the Donmar Warehouse
Jude Law for Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse

Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Mark Addy for Collaborators at the Cottesloe theatre
Oliver Chris for One Man, Two Guvnors at the Lyttelton theatre
Johnny Flynn for Jerusalem at the Apollo Theatre
Bryony Hannah for The Children’s Hour at the Harold Pinter theatre
Sheridan Smith for Flare Path at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Best Actress in a Musical
Kate Fleetwood for London Road at the Cottesloe theatre
Sarah Lancashire for Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello theatre
The Matildas for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge theatre
Scarlett Strallen for Singin’ In The Rain at the Palace theatre

Best Actor in a Musical
Bertie Carvel for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge theatre
Nigel Lindsay for Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Reece Shearsmith for Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello theatre
Paulo Szot for South Pacific at the Barbican Theatre

Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Sharon D Clarke for Ghost The Musical at the Piccadilly theatre
Sophie-Louise Dann for Lend Me A Tenor The Musical at the Gielgud theatre
Nigel Harman for Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Paul Kaye for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge theatre
Katherine Kingsley for Singin’ In The Rain at the Palace theatre

Best New Musical
Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello theatre
Ghost The Musical at the Piccadilly theatre
London Road at the Cottesloe theatre
Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge theatre
Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Best Musical Revival
Crazy For You at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Singin’ In The Rain at the Palace theatre
South Pacific at the Barbican Theatre
The Wizard Of Oz at the London Palladium

Best Director
Sean Foley for The Ladykillers at the Gielgud theatre
Nicholas Hytner for One Man, Two Guvnors at the Lyttelton theatre
Rufus Norris for London Road at the Cottesloe theatre
Matthew Warchus for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge theatre

Best Theatre Choreographer
Peter Darling for Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge theatre
Javier De Frutos for London Road at the Cottesloe theatre
Stephen Mear for Crazy For You at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Andrew Wright for Singin’ In The Rain at the Palace theatre

Best Lighting Design
Anna Christie designed by Howard Harrison at the Donmar Warehouse
Frankenstein designed by Bruno Poet at the Olivier theatre
Ghost The Musical designed by Hugh Vanstone at the Piccadilly theatre
Matilda The Musical designed by Hugh Vanstone at the Cambridge theatre

Best Set Design
Ghost The Musical designed by Rob Howell at the Piccadilly theatre
The Ladykillers designed by Michael Taylor at the Gielgud theatre
Matilda The Musical designed Rob Howell at the Cambridge theatre
One Man, Two Guvnors designed by Mark Thompson at the Lyttelton theatre

Best Costume Design
Crazy For You designed by Peter McKintosh at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Matilda The Musical designed by Rob Howell at the Cambridge theatre
Shrek The Musical designed by Tim Hatley at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
South Pacific designed by Catherine Zuber at the Barbican Theatre

Best Sound Design
Ghost The Musical designed by Bobby Aitken at the Piccadilly theatre
Frankenstein designed by Underworld and Ed Clarke at the Olivier theatre
The Ladykillers designed by Ben and Max Ringham at the Gielgud theatre
Matilda The Musical designed by Simon Baker at the Cambridge theatre

Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester for Mogadishu at the Lyric Hammersmith
Theatre Royal Stratford East in association with the Barbican and Traverse Theatre for Roadkill
Donmar Warehouse for Salt, Root And Roe at the Trafalgar Studios 2
The Royal Court for The Village Bike at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Best New Opera Production
English National Opera’s Castor And Pollux at the London Coliseum
English National Opera’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the London Coliseum
English National Opera’s The Passenger at the London Coliseum
ROH2’s Clemency (in association with Scottish Opera) at the Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House

Outstanding Achievement in Opera
ENO for the breadth and diversity of its artistic programme
Amanda Holden for her translation of Castor And Pollux at the London Coliseum
Richard Jones for his direction of Anna Nicole and Il Trittico at the Royal Opera House and The Tales Of Hoffmann at the London Coliseum
Mark-Anthony Turnage for his composition of Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House and Twice Through The Heart at Sadler’s Wells.

Outstanding Achievement in Dance
The Design Team for their work on the Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland at the Royal Opera House
Edward Watson for his performance in The Metamorphosis at the Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House
Sylvie Guillem for her performance in her production of 6000 Miles Away at Sadler’s Wells
Tommy Franzen for his performance in ZooNation’s Some Like It Hip Hop at the Peacock theatre

Best New Dance Production
DESH by Akram Khan Company at Sadler’s Wells, choreographed by Akram Khan
Gardenia by Les Ballets C de la B at Sadler’s Wells, directed by Alain Platel and Frank van Laecke
The Metamorphosis by ROH2 at the Linbury Studio, choreographed by Arthur Pita
Some Like It Hip Hop by ZooNation at the Peacock, choreographed by Kate Prince, Tommy Franzen and Carrie-Anne Ingrouille

Because I Can: Matt Doyle - One Song Glory

I just found this video and it is AMAZING! Matt sounds awesome singing one of my favorite musical theatre songs of all time! Just do yourself a favor and listen!

Benanti, Murin Set for Upcoming Pilots

Laura Benanti (Gypsy, Women on the Verge) and Patti Murin (Lysistrata Jones) have both been cast in upcoming pilots for next season.

Benanti will star in GO ON on NBC, where she recently starred in the short lived The Playboy Club. According to Deadline, the series focuses on 'Ryan (Perry), an irreverent yet charming sportscaster who, trying to move on from a loss, finds surprising solace in the members of his mandatory support group.' Benenti will play a tightly-wound support group leader.

Murin will star in an untitled CBS comedy series. According to Deadline, the series is about 'an ensemble of young people trying to achieve their creative dreams in these tough financial times.' Murin will play a clothing designer.

These both have the makings to be good, but with the way TV has been lately, we will have to wait and see.

REBECCA Back on Track for Broadway

REBECCA, the new musical that was set to open earlier this spring, but was derailed due to funding is back on track for a fall 2012 opening at the Broadhurst theatre after A Streetcar Named Desire closes this summer.

No casting has been announced yet for the upcoming production, but Sierra Boggess was attached to the project before it got postponed.

We'll see if it actually happens this time...

UPDATE: Sierra Boggess will not be starring as planned due to PRINCE OF BROADWAY. Her replacement will be announced in the coming weeks

It's Official! Barbara Streisand to Star in Julian Fellowes' GYPSY Film

Barbara Streisand, one of Broadway's most famous leading ladies, will officially star in the new film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents' GYPSY as Mama Rose. Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) will adapt the show for the screen.

We don't know much more about the film at this moment, but this is very exciting news on all levels and I can't wait for it!!!

REVIEW: Lincoln Center Theatre's OTHER DESERT CITIES

On Saturday March 10th, I saw OTHER DESERT CITIES at the Booth Theatre. OTHER DESERT CITIES stars Stockard Channing, Judith Light, Justin Kirk, Stacy Keach, and Elizabeth Marvel by Jon Robin Baitz.

I thoroughly enjoyed this play about a wealthy Hollywood family with their own secrets and drama (like every good Hollywood family). I thought the standout of the play was how wonderfully acted it was on every level and I think it was overall a fantastic play and I understand why it is getting the reviews it is.

Stockard Channing was brilliant as the scheming, appearance-conscious Polly Wyeth. She maintained poise and power throughout the show and was AMAZING. Likewise, Stacy Keach shined as her husband. I think Marvel was strong as their daughter Brooke, but think she was not quite as strong as everyone around here. That being said, she was still great.

I think the set was gorgeous and elegant and I immediately could tell this was a rich, Hollywood family's house, before the lights in the house even dimmed. I did at times have trouble hearing the show, as there were no microphones whatsoever. The lighting was relatively basic, but was sufficient for the simple technical requirements of this show.

I highly recommend going to see this wonderful show, especially before this supremely talented cast leaves!!

New London Production of SWEENEY TODD to Get Cast Recording

The hit new 2012 London revival of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD starring Michael Ball (Les Miserables) and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter) will receive a new cast recording from First Night Records to be released on April 10th. I'm really excited to hear this!! Check out the track listing below:

1. Prelude / The Ballad of Sweeney Todd

2. No Place Like London 

3. Worst Pies in London 

4. My Friends / The Ballad of Sweeney Todd 

5. Johanna 

6. The Ballad of Sweeney Todd

7. Wait

8. Kiss Me

9. Ladies in their Sensitivities 

10. Pretty Women

11. Epiphany

12. A Little Priest 

13. God, That’s Good! 

14. Johanna (Reprise) 

15. By the Sea 

16. Not While I’m Around

17. Searching

18.The Judge’s Return

19. Final Scene

20. The Ballad of Sweeney Todd

Pascal and Glover Extend MEMPHIS Contracts

Adam Pascal (Rent) and Montego Glover have extended their contracts with the Tony Award-winning musical MEMPHIS through October 2012. In addition, on March 14th, Memphis will celebrate its 1000th performance since opening.

MEMPHIS is a great show and I'm excited to see that these two great stars have extended their contracts with the show! Thoughts?

REVIEW: RED at Arena Stage

On Friday night I went to see RED at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. All I can say is WOW! I have loved RED since the first time I read the script last year (I've even performed a scene from it in an acting class) and I am so glad I finally got the opportunity to see a fully staged production.

The first thing I noticed when I entered was the set. It was an AMAZING set that really made you felt like you were in Rothko's studio. The set went floor to ceiling with an amazing canvas up-center that changed throughout the show to hold different murals from Rothko's Seagram series.

Ed Gero was superb in making audiences really feel ROTHKO. He played him in a pompous, powerful way, but in a way that audiences could still really feel for him and were less worried about his pretentiousness and really cared for him as a character.

Patrick Abrams, who played Rothko's assistant Ken, was good, but I felt he sort of was suffocated under Gero's performance. He was good but I felt like he left a lot of Ken to be desired and I think he was not as multi-dimensional as I would have liked. He did a good job in this difficult role, and he definitely didn't detract from this amazing performance.

Technically, the lighting really accentuated the colors in the scenery and really added to the performance. It made the reds in the paintings pop in a way I didn't know possible.

The sound on the other hand, was good, but way too loud for this small theatre and completely drowned out the speaking.

Overall, putting the faults aside, I loved this production and was so glad I got to see it! I forsee another Helen Hayes award in Gero's future.

A Broadway Weekend!

Hi all,

So I spent the weekend in NYC and had a HUGE theatre weekend and will be updating with reviews of what I saw throughout the week. So you can know what's coming up, I saw RED at Arena Stage (in DC), OTHER DESERT CITIES, SEMINAR, and THE BOOK OF MORMON. So get ready!

Vote in Our New Poll

Vote in Upstage Left's newest and first monthly poll. This month's poll is about which upcoming cast recording you are most excited for. There are a lot of great options coming out this month, so vote for the one you are most excited for!!

The poll can be found in the right sidebar of the homepage!

Danielle Hope Set to Go from Oz to Paris by Joining LES MIS

Danielle Hope, last seen as Dorothy in the West End's THE WIZARD OF OZ, will be taking over the role of Eponine in the West End's production of LES MISERABLES. Also joining her, will be Geronimo Rauch and Tam Mutu (Love Never Dies) as Jean Valjean and Javert respectively.

I am guessing these are good choices (Sierra Boggess approves according to Twitter), but we'll have to see. Check out the video below of Danielle Hope singing "On My Own."

SMASH Episode 5 REVIEW: "Let's Be Bad"

So I think Let's Be Bad has been one of my favorite episodes so far in terms of everything but the music. I think the story is really building up (I'm loving the building rivalry between Ivy and Karen) and I think that the Julia story line is building very well.

I do have to say though that "Let's Be Bad" has been my favorite number yet. It was awesome seeing the full production with sets, lights, costumes, and acting. Not just the in rehearsal number.

I am really interested to see what is going to happen in the next few episodes as the workshop comes closer. I am really loving this show and hope it keeps up the quality.

The New ANYTHING GOES Logo

Here's the new logo for the hit ANYTHING GOES now that Sutton Foster is leaving. Stephanie J. Block will be taking her place starting March 15th. It's nice but I miss Sutton!

Track Listing for BONNIE & CLYDE Original Cast Recording

According to Amazon, here is the tracklisting for the upcoming Broadway cast recording of Frank Wildhorn's ill-fated BONNIE & CLYDE. Luckily for us, this recording features tons of the super talented Laura Osnes (Anything Goes) and Jeremy Jordan (Newsies). I'm so excited for it!

1. Prologue: How 'Bout A Dance (Orchestra)
2. Picture Show (Kelsey Fowler, Talon Ackerman, Laura Osnes & Jeremy Jordan)
3. This World Will Remember Me (Jeremy Jordan & Laura Osnes)
4. You're Going Back To Jail (Melissa Van Der Schyff, Claybourne Elder, Alison Cimmet, Garrett Long, & Marissa McGowan)
5. How 'Bout A Dance (Laura Osnes)
6. When I Drive (Jeremy Jordan & Claybourne Elder)
7. God's Arms Are Always Open (Michael Lanning, Melissa Van Der Schyff, & Ensemble)
8. You Can Do Better Than Him (Louis Hobson & Jeremy Jordan)
9. You Love Who You Love (Laura Osnes & Melissa Van Der Schyff)
10. Raise A Little Hell (Jeremy Jordan)
11. This World Will Remember Us (Jeremy Jordan & Laura Osnes)
12. Made In America (Michael Lanning & Ensemble)
13. Too Late To Turn Back Now (Laura Osnes & Jeremy Jordan)
14. That's What You Call A Dream (Melissa Van Der Schyff)
15. What Was Good Enough For You (Jeremy Jordan & Laura Osnes)
16. Bonnie (Jeremy Jordan)
17. Raise A Little Hell (reprise) (Jeremy Jordan, Claybourne Elder, & Louis Hobson)
18. Dyin Ain't So Bad (Laura Osnes)
19. Dyin Ain't So Bad (reprise) (Laura Osnes & Jeremy Jordan)
20. How 'Bout A Dance (reprise) (Laura Osnes)
21. BONUS TRACK: This Never Happened Before (Jeremy Jordan & Laura Osnes)

Scott Alan Announces Fleeshman, Osnes for Live CD

Scott Alan just tweeted that three more amazing performers are being added to his live CD. He announced that Laura Osnes (Anything Goes, Bonnie & Clyde), Broadway's biggest up-and-comer, Richard Fleeshman (Ghost), and Jane Monheit will also perform at the star-studded concert.

Already announced performers 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.

This is shaping up to be the concert and album of THE CENTURY!

That's So RAVEN! She's Joining SISTER ACT

It's official! After reports last month, Raven Symone (That's So Raven, The Cosby Show) will replace Patina Miller as Deloris van Cartier in Broadway's SISTER ACT, she just announced on The View!

Raven will begin performances on March 27th, but Patina will leave the production sooner on March 18th. I think Raven will be a good choice to replace Miller and I am excited to see how she does because only time will tell if she can make the transfer to Broadway!

Kennedy Center Announces 2012-2013 Season

The Kennedy Center has announced it's upcoming season!!! It includes national tours of War Horse, Book of Mormon, Anything Goes, and Million Dollar Quartet. It also will include productions of Jekyll & Hyde and Irving Berlin's White Christmas.

Finally, there will be an original production of THE GUARDSMAN.

This is an exciting season and I hope to see most of it!

Kristen Bell, Emily Watson Set for SOME GIRLS Film

Kristen Bell has just been announced to join the film adaptation of Neil LaBute's SOME GIRLS. Bell will play Bobbi and will play opposite Adrien Brody.

UPDATE: Emily Watson has also just been announced for the film. Emily Watson has many stage credits, many classical with the Royal Shakespeare company.

I love Neil LaBute's work and think this will be a really funny movie.

A New FRAT-TASTIC Musical - ANIMAL HOUSE?

It has just been reported that there will be a new stage musical of ANIMAL HOUSE, based off of the hit comedy movie of the same name.

The score will be written by popular music group The Barenaked Ladies and a book by Michael Mitnick. Casey Nicholaw (BOOK OF MORMON) will direct and choreograph.

This could be really good or not so much. We'll have to wait and see!

New Details About New Sondheim Musical ALL TOGETHER NOW

BroadwayWorld has announced new details on the upcoming Stephen Sondheim/David Ives new musical that was first reported last week. Apparently in a recent interview, Sondheim has given new details about the project. Here is what was reported:

The musical, reportedly follows a similar structure to Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, in which the storytelling occurs in reverse chronological order. He tells The Times that the project centers on “two people and what goes into their relationship...We’ll write for a couple of months, then have a workshop. It seemed experimental and fresh 20 years ago. I have a feeling it may not be experimental and fresh any more.” Sondheim began the project in 1991. He explains further: “I’m writing very slowly. It’s hard to get back on the bicycle... I have spent the past four years writing books [Finishing the Hat and Look, I Made a Hat], so I’m rusty."

I'm so excited for this!!!

Watch "8," The Star-Studded Reading

Watch last night's reading of "8," written by Dustin Lance Black starring an all star cast including Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Martin Sheen, Jane Lynch, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matthew Morrison, and more below! "8" is a play written describing the case surrounding Proposition 8 which would allow homosexual couples to marry. It's a fantastic reading with a fantastic cause. Watch below!

  

BONNIE & CLYDE Cast Recording to be Released 4/24

The original Broadway cast recording of Frank Wildhorn's most recent flop, BONNIE & CLYDE, will be released on April 24th through Broadway Records. The album will feature Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan.

I am really excited for this album and I am interested in hearing the music from this show. I really liked WONDERLAND, Wildhorn's last flop, so anticipate that I will like this one too. I also love Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes.

Lastly, Jeremy Jordan tweeted that he has a strange feeling that the NEWSIES cast recording would have a street date before BONNIE & CLYDE (woot!).

Justin Long and Jeff Goldblum to Come to SEMINAR

Jeff Goldblum, recently seen on GLEE as Rachel Berry (Lea Michele)'s father, will take over for Alan Rickman in SEMINAR on Broadway on April 3rd. In addition, Justin Long (famous for Apple's I'm A Mac ads) will also join the cast on April 3rd.

I love Alan Rickman, so it will be sad to see him go, but I think Justin Long is great addition to the show and I'm sure Jeff Goldblum will be fantastic. I am trying to see it before the casting changes occur, but even if I don't I'm excited for this show.

Chita Rivera Set for THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, Aiming from Broadway

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced its upcoming 2012-2013 season, which is aiming for Broadway runs. The headlining show, a new revival of THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, will star Chita Rivera.

The season will also feature PICNIC by William Inge and THE UNAVOIDABLE DISAPPEARANCE OF TOM DURNIN by Steven Levenson.

I am really excited for Roundabout's new revival because Anything Goes was so good! And Chita Rivera is great!

Laura Osnes, Brooke Shields Set for THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Laura Osnes (Bonnie & Clyde, Anything Gooes) will star as Maria in a one night only staging of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Carnegie Hall on April 24th.

The one night show will also star Tony Goldwyn (Promises, Promises) as Captain von Trapp, Brooke Sheilds (Addams Family) as Elsa Schraeder.

This seems interesting and who knows, could be good...