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BWW Review: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT at Uptown Players
by Kyle Christopher West - Jul 21, 2018


Life isn't always rainbows, sequins, and platform shoes unless of course, you've taken a seat at one of Uptown Players' frequent musical spectacles. And, although this season's PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT could use a pinch of polishing, the over-the-top extravaganza promises a gay old time.

Touring Tapper to Stage WHITE CHRISTMAS Tap Dances at The Firehouse Theatre This Winter
by Kyle Christopher West - Jul 20, 2018


Mandy Modic spent 2015-2016 traveling the country in her tap shoes as Gladys in Mark Bramble and Randy Skinner's 42ND STREET. The gig that followed was the same show, but a highly publicized reenvisioned production at Drury Lane Theatre in Illinois (where she played Lorraine), which has reportedly been eyeing a Broadway transfer. She's performed professionally with The Marriot Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Paramount Theatre, Theatre at the Center, The Wick Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, and Little Theatre on the Square and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe, not to mention a co-starring role on NBC's short-lived The Playboy Club.

BWW Review: HAIRSPRAY at Dallas Theater Center
by Kyle Christopher West - Jul 12, 2018


Who knew, in 1988, when John Waters debuted his film HAIRSPRAY about life in 1962 Baltimore, that his themes of equal rights acceptance would feel just as urgent in the political and social climate 30 long years later? Fortunately, the hit Broadway musical based on the film, has been belted and blasted at audiences loud and clear since it hit the stage in 2003. Now onstage at Winspear Opera House, Dallas Theatre Center's spirited production reminds us not only of how far we come, but how far we've got left to go.

Complete Casting Announced for THE WEDDING SINGER at The Stolen Shakespeare Guild
by Kyle Christopher West - Jul 9, 2018


The Stolen Shakespeare Guild presents THE WEDDING SINGER with Music by Matthew Sklar, Book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The production runs July 13th - July 29th 2018 at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center in the Sander's Theater, 1300 Gendy St. Fort Worth, TX 76107. Tickets cost $16.00 - $22.00. A pre-show wedding reception with early seating, snacks and wine is available one hour before show time and tickets for the pre-show are an additional $10.00. The Pre-show tickets go off sale 24 hours before show time. Details and tickets are available at www.stolenshakespeareguild.org or call Theater Mania at 1-866-8111-4111. The production is directed by SSG artistic associate Nathan Autrey.

Photo Flash: Junior Players' and University of Texas' DOGFIGHT
by Kyle Christopher West - Jul 8, 2018


Joining forces with the University of Texas at Dallas, Junior Players will soon raise the curtain on a their first summer production: the hit musical DOGFIGHT. The show will run July 12 - 15, 2018 and will be directed by Kelsey Leigh Ervi, with music direction by Mark Mullino and choreography by Micki Saba.

Complete Casting Announced for PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT at Uptown Players
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 26, 2018


Uptown Players and director Ann Nieman have cast an array of celebrity divas to star in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, running July 13-July 29, 2018. Jack Donahue and Blake McIver enthusiastically come to Dallas to make their Uptown debut, leading the cast alongside Dallasites Dana Harper and Kelly Groves, bringing a wide array of illustrious performance experience to the Kalita Humphreys Theater this summer.

Photo Flash: DOGFIGHT at Onstage In Bedford
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 25, 2018


Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. Book by Peter Duchan. Based on the Warner Bros. film and screenplay by Bob Comfort. Directed by Lon Barrera. It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

BWW Review: BRIGHT STAR at Winspear Opera House
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 14, 2018


Scrolling through the nearly 900 musical theatre albums in my iTunes library, it's easy to confirm that Broadway seldom features banjo-led scores, although rare exceptions on and off-Broadway might include MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, THE SPITFIRE GRILL and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM. And although Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's 2016 sleeper-hit musical BRIGHT STAR hardly lasted more than 100 performances, the charming musical lives on, sweeping audiences off their feet through its first national tour, currently onstage at Winspear Opera House.

BWW Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS at WaterTower Theatre
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 14, 2018


Composer and prodigy Jason Robert Brown made his mark in the theatre world with his debut song cycle, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, which played Off-Broadway in 1995 and continues to be produced by/for theatre enthusiasts. And, although he's since had a handful of celebrated, yet unsuccessful Broadway attempts (THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, 13, HONEYMOON IN VEGAS), it's his two-person musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS that is most often seen onstage across the globe. But does the small show survive when stripped of its intimate nature, as in the production currently playing at WaterTower Theatre? The tough answer is both yes and no.

'Beautiful' Trans Singer-Songwriter Anessa Marie Returns to the Stage at The Green Room 42
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 12, 2018


Following the success of their debut concert, Beautiful, Anessa Marie and Danny Bristoll, along side several members of the New York theatre and jazz communities are proud to return to the Green Room 42 with an adapted version, A Glimpse of the Rainbow! Directed and produced by Anessa Marie and Danny Bristoll, A Glimpse of the Rainbow celebrates the values of identity, love, and life through the eyes and heart of a trans woman in today's society. Adapted from its original concert version, A Glimpse of the Rainbow will be performed from the vantage point of one woman, while incorporating the many characters who have influenced her journey towards truth and self-identity.

BWW Review: MAMMA MIA at Casa Manana
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 9, 2018


If it's Friday night, the lights are low, and you're looking out for a place to go, catching a musical at Casa Manana is generally a pretty solid option. In all honesty, there are few US theatre companies who can compete with their ability to bring Broadway-caliber entertainment to a regional stage. And although MAMMA MIA is not full of deep meaning, the jukebox hit still is able to scratch your Broadway itch.

BWW Interview: Audrey Cardwell of BRIGHT STAR at Winspear Opera House
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 8, 2018


It was exactly three years ago that I first spoke with Audrey Cardwell. At that time, she was in the ensemble of CINDERELLA on tour, often stepping in for the title character opposite her boyfriend, Andy Huntington Jones (who later starred in CATS on Broadway). Since then, her life has continued to play out like the fairytale she performed, now bringing her back into town as the leading lady of the new Broadway musical, BRIGHT STAR.

BWW Review: Let GYPSY Entertain You at The Firehouse Theatre
by Amanda England - Jun 7, 2018


At nearly 60 years old, GYPSY still has a story to tell - and the story being told at Firehouse Theatre now through Sunday, June 17th should not be missed! From lead players to ensemble, this bold musical fills every inch of the theatre with big talent, beautiful costumes, and impressive choreography that does not miss a beat.

Swarner, Bell, and Soldo to Lead THE MUSIC MAN at The Firehouse Theatre
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 6, 2018


The Wells Fargo Wagon is a-coming down the street and, from July 25th-August 19th, it'll be parked onstage of Farmers Branch's The Firehouse Theatre in their upcoming production of THE MUSIC MAN. Directed by Bruce Coleman, with music direction by Bryce Biffle and choreography by Bethany Lortenzen, the classic musical is sure to be a hot ticket.

BWW Feature: DFW STUDENTS SELECTED TO FILM BROADWAY DANCE DVDS
by Kyle Christopher West - Jun 3, 2018


Each year, students from across the country participate in the Junior Theatre Festival, known as the "world's largest celebration of young people and musical theatre." Bringing together students, teachers, and Broadway professionals under one roof, the Junior Theatre Festival hosts both East Coast and West Coast activities over an annual three-day-span in January and February.

The Firehouse Theatre Announces Holiday 2018 Show
by Kyle Christopher West - May 8, 2018


The Firehouse Theatre is thrilled to announce IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS as the final show of their 2018 season, with opening night scheduled for Friday, November 30th and performances running through Sunday, December 16th, 2018. BroadwayWorld.com Senior Editor Kyle Christopher West is set to direct and choreograph the holiday musical, with John Norine Jr. serving as musical director.

BWW Review: MURDER BALLAD at Imprint Theatreworks
by Kyle Christopher West - May 6, 2018


Marking the musical debut of Dallas' hottest new theatre company, Imprint Theatreworks' MURDER BALLAD opened last weekend in an intimate, in-your-face presentation. It's an edgy, racy immersive rock show, and whether or not the style matches your taste, the impressive cast is not to be missed.

BWW Review: LES MISERABLES at Music Hall At Fair Park
by Kyle Christopher West - Apr 29, 2018


Nearly two hundred years ago, a small, two-day revolution in Paris (The June Rebellion of 1832) brought together crowds of students and working-class French citizens who could no longer stay silent and were prepared to fight to the deaths over working wages and conditions. And, whether you're familiar with this story or not, there's never been a better time to 'hear the people sing' than in the exuberant revival tour of the Broadway staple, LES MISERABLES, now on stage at The Music Hall at Fair Park.

L.I.P Service's MARAT/SADE Continues through May 6th
by Kyle Christopher West - Apr 26, 2018


L.I.P Service's MARAT/SADE Continues through May 6th

Shelby-Martin, Lorentzen, and Pine to Lead the Cast of GYPSY at The Firehouse Theatre
by Kyle Christopher West - Apr 23, 2018


This Summer, The Firehouse Theatre will present the famous musical fable GYPSY from May 31st-June 17th, directed by Derek Whitener, with musical direction by John Norine Jr. and choreography by Kyle Christopher West. Marilyn Setu serves as assistant director; Kim Velten will stage manage; Costume Design is by Victor Newman Brockwell.

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