Blaine Miller

Birdland Theater presented singer Daniel LeClaire, who make his NYC solo debut on Tuesday, October 2. He was accompanied by a band, which included Mike Underwood, Ron Bryant and Julio Reyes. Daniel's very special guest stars were Ruby Lewis, Jelani Remy, Kennedy Caughill, and Mike Longo. The show included songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Gavin DeGraw and more.

Disney's enduring classic The Little Mermaid is heading to the stage in Charleston, WV! The Charleston Light Opera Guild is excited to bring this fairy tale masterpiece to life at the Clay Center Theater. The hit musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2007, is based on the 1989 animated classic film and features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright. Children of all ages will be delighted as they watch the story of Ariel, Flounder, Ursula, Sebastian, and Prince Eric unfold by the talented professionals in the Charleston Light Opera Guild.

Last Sunday, we ventured into Los Angeles to see two Ventura County theater alumni in a production of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Next to Normal, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that is being staged at the Pico Playhouse. Michelle Lane and Harrison Meloeny were both in Cabrillo Music Theatre's 2015 production of Mary Poppins and have reunited to appear in this highly acclaimed production.

Bipolar disease most often occurs in women creating abnormal behavior patterns, and usually treated with drugs. In the Pulitzer Prize winning Next to Normal, the problem is presented via a wife and mother, Diana (Michelle Lane). Her behavior shows extreme mental instability, and the effects on her husband Dan (Nick Sarando) and teen daughter Natalie (Isa Briones) cause a serious rift in their ongoing relationships. Eventually a heartfelt loss from the past unravels that is at the core of the woman's suffering. Structured in a most unusual way, Next to Normal is akin to a rock opera, but it is not completely sung; there is intermittent dialogue. The most emotional moments, though, come through song, so the music by Tom Kitt and book by Brian Yorkey flow together smoothly, and with the three tiered open set and loosely structured staging, what occurs is an unparalleled musical drama. Now in the intimate space of the Pico Playhouse, the complex drama unfolds crystal clear with fine direction from Thomas James O'Leary and a marvelously skilled ensemble, all of whom sing and act their socks off.

After a 3 month absence, (mostly)musicals made a long-awaited return to the E Spot Lounge on Monday, August 15 with ROAD TRIP, the company's 18th entry in a series of themed cabarets. BroadwayWorld takes you inside the event below!

Third Street Theatre in association with Oddbird Theatricals is thrilled to present the World Premiere, fully-realized production of the Hollywood Fringe Festival Best Musical Award-winning, BRONIES: THE MUSICAL, with music by Joe Greene, book and lyrics by Heidi Powers and Tom Moore, choreography by John Todd, musical direction by Jennifer Lin and direction by Richard Israel. BRONIES: THE MUSICAL began previews Thursday, September 25; will open tonight, September 27 and run through Sunday, November 1 at the THIRD STREET THEATRE, 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood.

Third Street Theatre in association with Oddbird Theatricals is thrilled to present the World Premiere, fully-realized production of the Hollywood Fringe Festival Best Musical Award-winning, BRONIES: THE MUSICAL, with music by Joe Greene, book and lyrics by Heidi Powers and Tom Moore, choreography by John Todd, musical direction by Jennifer Lin and direction by Richard Israel. BRONIES: THE MUSICAL will begin previews on Thursday, September 25; will open on Friday, September 27 and run through Sunday, November 1 at the THIRD STREET THEATRE, 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood.