Cats The Musical

1. The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as "the Jellicle choice" and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

   
   

   
   

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   1. Since Cats first opened on the West End stage in 1981, it has become one of the world’s best known and best loved musicals and has  over $1 billion. With a plot based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and award-winning music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats, originally directed by Trevor Nunn, has since been presented in over 20 countries.

In 1983, "Cats" won seven Tony Awards, including the award for the best musical. This musical is the longest running show in the whole history of musical theatre. The Original London Cast Recording of CATS won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best Cast Album . The next year the Original Broadway Cast Recording  won the same award.

Personally, my favorite things about the show would have to be the costumes and makeup. The actors are covered from head to toe. The makeup design is incredible and a bit different on every actor. They are so unique and intricate. It makes the show come to life. 


              Songs from the musical include:             

                             Jellicle Songs
                                Memory
                            Rum Tung Tugger
                       The Naming Of Cats
                  Grizabella, The Glamour Cat
                           Bustopher Jones

For more information about Cats The Musical:

             http://www.catsthemusical.com
       
       http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com

                    http://www.rnh.com

Until next week…

The Fantasticks

Musically directed by Harvey Schmidt, produced by Marc Routh, staged by Janet Watson, and directed by Tom Jones, The Fantasticks is a show like no other. 

The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart, and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow." See more at: http://www.mtishows.com

The show is based on Les Romanesques by Edmond Restand.

Songs from the musical include:

Try To Remember
Never Say No
Soon It's Gonna Rain
Much More
Round And Round





The show originally opened on Broadway in 1960 and was recently revived in 2006 at the Snapple Theatre Center. 

Have a great week, theatre peeps!

I Do! I Do!

"I Love My Wife!" is something you see a lot on mugs or tee shirts, but did you know that the saying gained its popularity from the musical, "I Do! I Do!" in 1966?

Directed by Gower Champion, produced by David Merrick, and musically directed by Harvey Schmidt, the musical was the first Broadway musical to have a cast of only two people. Mary Martin and Robert Preston starred in the production and critics say that it was a brilliant casting decision.

The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day. Their vows behind them, they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together. We watch as they go through their wedding night jitters, raise a family, and negotiate mid-life crises. Michael eventually admits to his infidelity, and although Agnes is angered by his actions, she forgives him and the couple reconciles. They re-discover how much they really need each other. Then, after 50 years of marriage, the couple leaves their house to the next pair of newlyweds. (See more at: http://www.mtishows.com)

Songs from the show include: "I Love My Wife"; "My Cup Runneth Over" ; "Love Isn't Everything"; "Nobody's Perfect"; "The Honeymoon Is Over"; "Where Are the Snows?"; "When the Kids Get Married"; "Someone Needs

  Me"; "Roll Up the Ribbons"






 ( To the left are headshots of Mary Martin and Robert Preston)

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a live performance of the production. However, there is a video that has been linked on this post that is a recording of some of the music. Take a listen.




Until next week, theatre nerds!

-Olivia

Sweet Charity

Charity Valentine is the eternal optimist. 

While working at a dance club, she is often taken advantage of and continually experiences bad relationships. Finally, she seems to have met a decent fellow in Oscar. Trying to hide her true profession, she lies to him and tells her that she works in a bank. Soon, Oscar asks Charity to marry him. Unfortunately, Oscar discovers Charity's real profession and backs out of the marriage. Nevertheless, Charity continues to remain hopeful that good things will happen in her life.


The original production of Sweet Charity opened in The Palace Theatre in 1966. The first revival of Sweet Charity opened at the Minskoff Theatre in 1986. The latest revival opened in 2005 at Al Hirschfield Theatre. The show had a great team working on it. The creative team included the works of: Bob Fosse, Jerome Minskoff, James Nearlander, Arther Rubin, Joseph Harris, Neil Simon, Dorothy Fields, and Cy Coleman. 

The songs were racy and jazzy as you may imagine after reading the synopsis. "Big Spender,""Too Many Tomorrows,""Sweet Charity," "Where Am I Going?" are just a few of the many songs of this two-act wonder.

Big Spender

The show received many nominations and awards:

• Best Actress in a Musical - Gwen Verdon
• Best Featured Actor in a Musical - John McMartin
• Best Featured Actress in a Musical - Helen Gallagher 
• Best Scenic Design
• Best Direction of a Musical
• 1986 Tony Award Nominations
• Best Featured Actor in a Musical - Michael Rupert
• Best Featured Actress in a Musical - Bebe Neuwirth 
• Best Costume Design
• Best Reproduction (Play or Musical)
• Best Actress in a Musical - Debbie Allen
• 1986 Drama Desk Award Nominations
• Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical - Michael Rupert
• Outstanding Actress in a Musical - Debbie Allen
• Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical - Bebe Neuwirth
• Outstanding Director of a Musical
• Outstanding Orchestration
• 2005 Tony Award Nominations
• Best Revival of a Musical
• Best Actress in a Musical - Christina Applegate 
• Best Choreography
• 2005 Drama Desk Award Nominations
• Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical - Denis O'Hare
• Outstanding Revival of a Musical
• Outstanding Actress in a Musical - Christina Applegate
• Outstanding Set Design of a Musical

For more information, visit:

http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com

http://www.musicalheaven.com/s/sweet-charity/

Until next week, theatre geeks!

One Upon A Mattress

Once Upon A Mattress was first created in as a one-act musical by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer at a summer camp. With the help of a few others, they expanded the show.

Mary Rodgers & associates at the piano

Carol Burnett made her mark on the show as Princess Winnifred. She brought much publicity to the show. Ken Berry played Prince Dauntless, Jack Gilford as King Sextimus, and Jane White as Queen Aggravain.

Carol Burnett on the Mattress set

"Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror of a wife, Queen Aggravian, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby. Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless, and in the end, is able to pass the Queen's supposedly impassable sensitivity test. When the Queen still tries to prevent the Prince Dauntless from marrying, he tells her to 'shut up' which ends up breaking the curse on the king. Now able to speak, King Sextimus regains his rightful position as leader of the kingdom, and all is well." (http://www.stageagent.com/shows)

The show began its run in May of 1959 at Phoenix Theatre in New York. The show only ran for about a year and ended its run in July of 1960.

Mattress continues to put a smile on our faces even today. "Shy," "Many Moons Ago," "Girl Named Fred," "Sensitivity," and "Happily Ever After" are songs many of us still hear at auditions and showcases. 

For more information on the show, characters, actors, songs or creators, visit:

http://www.tcm.com/Once-Upon-a-Mattress/

http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com

http://www.bluegobo.com/production

"I've always been SHY!"

Billy Elliot: The Musical

Ah, Billy Elliot. This was the first show I saw on Broadway. I was so inspired and have been ever since. Billy Elliot started its run at the Imperial Theatre in 2008. I saw the show in 2011.

 Billy Elliot focuses on two crises that come head to head in a working-class community in  Country Durham in northeast England. One involves the 1984-1985 coal miners' strike that threatened the well-being of many families whose members struggled to survive while not being able to work. The other centers around 11 year-old Billy Elliot, the son and brother of the  two striking miners, who blows off boxing lessons for ballet classes. At first, his father was quite embarrassed by this, but then he realizes that his son has a real talent. He then sacrifices his own status among his co-workers by helping Billy realize his dream to attend a prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. (http://www.theskykid.com/billy-elliot-musical)


The show became an immediate hit soon after hitting broadway. The musical was in the capable hands of Stephen Daldry who directed it beautifully.


With music by Elton John, lyrics and book by Lee Hall, and Peter Darling as their choreographer, the shows ticket sales were through the roof.

The original cast included David Alverez, Trent Kowalik, Santonio Fontana, Frank Dolce, and many other broadway veterans.

Although the production is mainly dance oriented, it has some pretty incredible songs, too. My personal favorite song is "Electricity." It is so captivating and brought chills to me from the start. I was in total and utter awe. The choreography was… WOW!! Here is a clip…

Until next week, when in doubt, tap out!

Robin Hood

The most celebrated American operetta of the 19th century, Robin Hood was produced by a touring company that presented Chicago, The Bostonians, music by Reginald DeKoven, Lyrics and book by Harry B. Smith, and under the stage direction of Harry Dixton. Robin Hood was known as "The King of the Thieves."

The musical version of the story remains faithful to the familiar legend about Robin and his band of outlaws who dwell in Sherwood Forest and take from the rich to give to the poor. (https://archive.org)

The cast includes some famous thespians such as Tom Karl, Eugene Cowles, Caroline Hamilton, Jessie Bartlett Davis, W.H. MacDonald, Henry Clay Barnabee, and George Frothingham. (http://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/Robin-Hood-)

Robin Hood ran inside the beautiful Standard Theatre located in New York, New York. Its run began on the 28th of September in 1891.






Robin Hood has a brilliant collection of songs. The most popular include: "Song of Brown October Ale"; "Oh, Promise Me!"; "Tinkers' Chorus"; "Ah, I Do Love Thee".

For more information on Robin Hood history or synopsis, check out these links:

http://www.ovrtur.com

http://books.robinhood.com

http://robin.hood.scripts/reads.com

See you next week, thespians!!

Footloose!

"Let's hear it for the boy, let's give the boy a hand!" Footloose is one of my favorites. The show is full of catchy songs that will have you tappin' your foot.

Footloose, the musical version, is based on the screenplay for the 1984 film. Footloose is the story of a boy named Ren and his mother who move to a small Midwestern town when his parents divorce. Here, dancing is prohibited by the Reverend within the city limits because years earlier four teenagers, on of which was the Reverend's son, were killed in a car crash coming home from a dance. The Reverend's other child, Ariel, becomes enchanted with Ren. Ren challenges the Reverend and the City Council on the law. After a ton of soul searching, the Reverend has a change of heart and sees that dancing is not a crime.

Despite generally poor reviews, it ran for a year and a half on Broadway at the Richards Rodgers Theatre in 1998. There was recently a revival movie in 2011 staring Julianne Hough that was wildly popular. The movie did much better than the live performances.

The cast involved many amazing performers including Jeremy Kushneir, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Cathrine Cox, and many others.

The creative design and directing company included Walter Bobbie, A.C. Ciulla, Dodger

Endmol, Theatricals, Tim Snow, Dean Pitchford, and Kenny Loggins.

Footloose is a classic story that has found a way into our hearts. "Dancing Is Not A Crime," and neither is "Cutting loose, Footloose…"

Terrible puns everywhere. Sorry, I'm "Learning to be Silent." Haha, "I Must Confess" that last one was on purpose…

To read more about the classic production or to buy a copy of the recent revival film, visit:

http://www.libraryvideocompany.com/Footloose

http://www.imdb.com

http://www.tennessean.com

http://www.footloosemovie.com

Until next week, theatre nerds!

The Music Man

Seventy-six trombones in the big parade! You don't have to be a musical theatre nerd to know this one! This is  from the inspiring musical, The Music Man.

The story of the Music Man begins on the 4th of July, 1912, in River City, Iowa. Harold Hill, a conman, sells music lessons to the town and promises a grand marching band. He is a charmer and a salesman. During the show, Hill and the town's librarian Marian Paroo fall in love.

The show had a nice run beginning in 1957 in the Majestic Theatre. With music, book & lyrics by Meredith Wilson, Kermit Bloomgarden producing, Morton Da Costa directing, and Onna White as the show's choreographer, the musical ran to be

the third longest of all of the decade's musicals.

After the role of Harold Hill was rejected by several actors, it was finally accepted by Robert Preston. Preston gave a memorably dynamic performance in his first appearance on the musical stage. He also repeated the part in the film version of the show.

The Music Man has so many memorable songs that never seem to escape your soul. From beautiful ballads such as "Goodnight, My Someone," to spunky upbeat songs like, "Trouble," no one leaves the theatre in a bad mood after hearing these tunes. A personal favorite of mine is "Seventy-Six Trombones" and it always makes me smile. Check out this video from the film version of the show:

For more information about the show or National
Touring Cast, go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/



Stay out of trouble, theatre geeks.
                                                                         

Wicked

The first time I saw Wicked, I was in love. Now, 4 years later I still am. Wicked is one of those musicals that will always stick with you. No matter where you go, or what you do, it will always be in your heart.  

With music and lyrics by the glorious Stephen Schwartz, you already know it's a great show. Wicked is well known for it's famous songs such as Defying Gravity, Popular, The Wizard and I, etc. 

                         

Wicked is loosely based on MaGuire's interpretation on the story of the Wizard of Oz. MaGuire thought that it would be more interesting if the audience could see the story from the perspectives of the witches. Obviously, it is.

Summarization: 

The Shiz University, presided over by headmistress Madame Morrible, is where student witches Eplhaba, "Wicked Witch of the West," and Glinda, "the Good Witch," become the most unlikely pair of best friends. Within the show, the origins on Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Yellow Brick Road, munchkins, and the Wizard are all explained. The production captivates audiences with major plot twists that you would have never expected. 

The show began its successful run in 2003 at Gershwin Theatre and is currently on Broadway today. Wicked is one of the most popular shows of all time and I believe that it deserves to be. The production has Joe Mantello as their director (http://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/joe-mantello/profile/) and Wayne Cilento (http://www.masterworksbroadway.com) as their choreographer, so I would expect nothing less than perfection. 

For more information about the cast or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.wickedthemusical.com/broadway-tickets

Have a wicked weekend, theatre nerds!

Broadway's Cinderella Casts Keke Palmer and Sherri Shepherd to Inspire Audiences

Keke Palmer and Sherri Shepherd invited to join Cinderella's Broadway  Ball!

Broadway's Cinderella has been all of the rage recently. Previously, Carly Rae Jepsen (Call Me Maybe Artist) starred as Cinderella in the hit musical. The Broadway smash has been wildly popular and has ticket sales soaring at an all time high. 

"This is UNBELIEVABLE." Keke tells interviewers about the recent casting. You may remember Keke Palmer from her unforgettable roles such as Akeelah (Akeelah and the Bee), Izzy Daniels (Jump In!), True Jackson (True Jackson VIP), etc. Everyone is talking about Keke's placement as Cinderella. "For me, coming from film and TV, and also being the first African American to play it on Broadway… It never occurred to me, and I have to find myself taking a moment in and i want to do my very best." Palmer says. Well said, Keke!

Sherri Shepherd is also excited to play the role of Madame. "Eight shows a week? Uh-uh!! How am I supposed to do that?" Shepherd jokes to interviewers. "Sherri will be a delightful addition to the cast. She keeps us on our toes and laughing." says the show's writer. (http://www.broadway.com) Shepherd is most well known for her TV show, The View. Audiences are pumped to see Shepherd perform. Interviewers from www.BroadwayInterviews.com, asked Sherri Shepherd what she thinks about having Keke being the first black Cinderella. Shepherd responded, "You have little brown boys and girls who will look up and see her and realize that the impossible is possible! I think that little chocolate boys and girls are just going to LOVE her! My son already has a little crush on Keke!"

 

(Ballroom Scene)

                  

(

To purchase tickets or read more about the magical production, view the following pages:

http://cinderellaonbroadway.com/tickets, http://www.broadway.com/shows/cinderella/, https://www.telecharge.com/Broadway/Cinderella/Overview

Have a magical weekend, theatre nerds!

RIP Joan Rivers

      What an eventful week in the world of theatre! The most tragic, by far, was the fact that  the amazing Tony nominee, Joan Rivers, passed away Thursday of this week. At 81 years old, Rivers was an iconic comedian and supporter of the arts. 

         Rivers was not only a comedian, but a fashion icon, actress, writer, producer, and mother. She touched the lives of many and her unexpected death left many in tears. Twitter was blowing up within minutes of her death. (https://twitter.com/#ripjoanrivers) #RIPJoanRivers currently has over 100,000 tweets. 

        Melissa Rivers, Joan's daughter, made the courageous decision to let her mother rest in peace. Melissa took her Joan off of life support and spent every last minute with her mom. She reports to TMZ, "She passed peacefully at 1:17 PM surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Mount Sinai hospital for the amazing care they have provided for my mother." For more information, visit http://www.tmz.com. Melissa explains how proud she is of her mother. "She has a big heart." Melissa says.  

         During her lifetime, Joan Rivers did many things worth remembering. Since this is a musical theatre blog, we must not brush over the fact that she was Tony nominee! Her nomination was for best actress in a play. Unfortunately, Rivers did not win the award, but what an amazing honor it is to be nominated. She has been a cheerleader for the arts since she first began her career 50 years ago. Joan was well rounded in all subjects of the arts. Including theatre, writing, and television, Joan lived a remarkable life and she will be in our thoughts forever. 

                            RIP Joan Rivers. May you still critique our wardrobes from heaven. 

              

                                  

                           Visit Joan's memorial page: www.joanriversmemorial/ripjrivers.com

                                                                See you next week.

Aladdin: The Musical

Theatre Buff? Looking for the hottest news on all things Broadway? You are at the right place. Welcome to Stage Door. This is where we spill all of the drama, on and offstage, within our little theatrical world. 

This week's topic is the Disney Classic movie, Aladdin The Musical. (http://www.aladdinthemusical.com/tickets) Originally televised in 1992, the magical show had been confirmed that it would soon hit Broadway. In 2011, the show began to pick up speed and eventually hit the stage earlier this year. 

Aladdin is a street-urchin who lives in a busy town with his best friend who happens to be a monkey names Abu. When Princess Jasmine gets tired of being forced to remain within the palace that overlooks the city, she sneaks out and accidentally meets Aladdin. Unfortunately, the evil Jafar, who is the sultan's advisor, has Aladdin thrown in jail. Aladdin soon becomes caught up in Jafar's plot to rule the land with the  aid of a magical lamp. Legend has it that only a certain someone can retrieve the lamp from the Cave of Wonders. Aladdin may be that certain someone, but it is not enough to marry Jasmine.

Jonathan Freeman, who adapted the role of Jafar on Broadway, drew many audience members in and made them feel like a part of this magical production. The actors who portrayed Aladdin and Jasmine (Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed) astonished all who were lucky enough to get tickets. To purchase tickets online, visit http://www.broadway.com/shows/aladdin-broadway/.

With Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw and original music by Alan Menken, tickets blew through the roof. Ticket sales went unbelievable well; grossing out over $29 million for all Disney Classics including this unforgettable hit. To many, it was no surprise. This Tony Award winning phenomenon is a force to be reckoned with. 

(Original Broadway Cast of Aladdin The Musical)

What amazed many was a tribute made to recently deceased actor, Robin Williams. The cast of Aladdin, conducted by the current Genie on Broadway, James Monroe Iglehart, sang "Friend Like Me" performed by audience and cast in Williams honor. This video has gone viral. 

Until next week, have fun and sing loud.