Brooke Papritz News

I remember when, in the 1930's Shirley Temple vehicle POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, poor Jack Haley and Alice Faye had to implore, 'You've Gotta Each Your Spinach, Baby'; and in Circuit's charming (and short) production of PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL, with Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth and Victoria Kern and Music by John Gregor, poor 'Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton' (gleefully played by Marc Gill and Brooke Papritz) have a similar problem with their daughter 'Pinkalicious' (the engaging Carly Crawford, A.K.A. 'Peter Pan' during the Christmas holidays). It seems that the color-preoccupied pint-sizer has a condition known as 'Pinkititis,' wrought by an immoderate obsession with . . . dare I say it? . . . pink cupcakes -- MUDDY'S BAKERY, GIGI'S CUPCAKES, lock your doors!

?In what The New York Times calls "a valentine to the artists of the stage," a group of famous and would-be-famous creative artists have come to their summer home during the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The weekend takes an unexpected turn, and everyone is forced to come to terms with the roles they play in each other's lives.

Kid approved favorite Pinkalicious is coming to The Circuit Playhouse! Based on the popular children's book Pinkalicious, this family friendly musical centers on Pinkalicious who can't stop eating pink cupcakes! Despite warnings from her parents, Pinkalicious ends up diagnosed with Pinkititis which turns her pink from head to toe. At first, it seems like a dream come true, but when it goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure a way out of this pink predicament.

Playhouse on the Square is proud to present the regional premiere of Green Day's American Idiot! American Idiot follows the exhilarating journey of a new generation of young Americans, lead by friends Johnny, Tunny and Will, as they struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world, borne along by Green Day's electrifying score. When the three disgruntled men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, their paths are quickly estranged when Tunney enters the armed forces, Michael is called back home to attend familial responsibilities, and Johnny's attention becomes divided by a seductive love interest and a hazardous new friendship. This high-octane show includes every song from Green Day's album American Idiot, as well as several songs from follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown.

Whether it's fruitcake or eggnog, people love their traditions during the Holiday Season -- and you'd better not disappoint. Memphians are accustomed to cranky 'Ebeneezer Scrooge' hoarding his coins at Theatre Memphis, and in midtown, we're resigned to A TUNA CHRISTMAS at Circuit and PETER PAN at Playhouse on the Square. Just last year, I had seen two -- yes, TWO -- productions of the latter: The version done live on NBC (with an off-center, almost 'sleep walking' Christopher Walken as 'Captain Hook') and the marvelous version directed and choreographed by Jordan Nichols and Travis Bradley at Playhouse. The Playhouse featured players were the unique Morgan Howard (as 'Peter') and the versatile David Foster (as a 'Jack Sparrow'-like 'Hook'); they were alternating the roles with Carly Crawford and Bill Andrews. I am happy to report that I finally was able to see Ms. Crawford and Mr. Andrews assay those roles, and they were equally inspired casting choices (but more about that later).

Memphis' favorite Lost Boy is returning to the Playhouse on the Square stage! Join the Darling children as they adventure to Neverland and meet the terrible pirate Captain Hook, the beautiful Tiger Lily, and the clever fairy Tinkerbell. A trip to Neverland with Peter and his friends will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season. PETER PAN runs November 20th, 2015 - January 10th, 2016.

Memphis' favorite Lost Boy is returning to the Playhouse on the Square stage! Join the Darling children as they adventure to Neverland and meet the terrible pirate Captain Hook, the beautiful Tiger Lily, and the clever fairy Tinkerbell. A trip to Neverland with Peter and his friends will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season. PETER PAN runs November 20th, 2015 - January 10th, 2016.

Memphis' favorite Lost Boy is returning to the Playhouse on the Square stage! Join the Darling children as they adventure to Neverland and meet the terrible pirate Captain Hook, the beautiful Tiger Lily, and the clever fairy Tinkerbell. A trip to Neverland with Peter and his friends will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season.

From what I've gathered, the original production of CARRIE THE MUSICAL would have been a dream project for Bialystock and Bloom, THE PRODUCERS: There's something eyebrow-raising about taking Stephen King's novel CARRIE and drenching it - not just in blood, but in music and lyrics. Evidently, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford felt up to the task, and with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, the musical version became a theatrical reality. However, it's a 'slippery slope' they tread: Do you play something like this 'straight' - or do you decide to go in the direction of 'camp'?

Carrie White doesn't fit in. At school, the popular students torture her; at home, her religiously fanatical mother terrorizes her. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Based on the best selling novel, Carrie the Musical spins an epic tale of torment and revenge.

A delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park's best-selling books brought to life in a genuinely comical musical. We follow the sassy little diva, Junie B. Jones, and her adventures in first grade. As Junie B. starts first grade, a lot of things have changed for her: her friend Lucille doesn't want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie B. has trouble reading the blackboard, and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament, and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.

Carrie White doesn't fit in. At school, the popular students torture her; at home, her religiously fanatical mother terrorizes her. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Based on the best selling novel, Carrie the Musical spins an epic tale of torment and revenge.