John Scherer News

The Denver Center Theatre Company presents the highly anticipated new adaptation of Meredith Willson's classic musical, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. Based on the book by Richard Morris, the revitalized production will feature a new book and additional lyrics by three-time Tony Award nominee Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and showcase never before heard songs from Willson's prolific body of work with musical adaptation by Michael Rafter (Violet). The production began previews on September 12 and opens tonight, September 19, in The Stage Theatre. It will be directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes).

The St. Louis Muny's cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, which ran from July 14th through 20th, created a video remix of Beyonce's 'Pretty Hurts.' The remix is very much in the style of the show itself, as each of the actors is clad in creepy, kooky, monster-like costumes.

The Denver Center Theatre Company today announced the complete cast and creative team for the highly anticipated new adaptation of Meredith Willson's classic musical, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. Based on the book by Richard Morris, the revitalized production will feature a new book and additional lyrics by three-time Tony Award nominee Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and showcase never before heard songs from Willson's prolific body of work with musical adaptation by Michael Rafter (Violet). The production opens for previews on September 12 in The Stage Theatre and will be directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes).

Cartoonist and creator of the creepy and kooky characters that make up THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Charles Addams, probably never envisioned his work gracing the Broadway stage, but then, could anyone have imagined that such a thing would come to pass. After all, the original single panel cartoons only hinted at the oddly dark nature of his characters. The rest was fleshed out by a terrific TV show that ran in the early sixties, and a couple of feature films that came along in the early 1990's. The current production of the Broadway show is now playing The MUNY, and it's a riotously amusing presentation that had me and my son laughing at the onstage antics (book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice), and bouncing along to the catchy score (Andrew Lippa). This is an exceptional show that features a great cast who seem to be having an absolutely splendid time. The Addams Family is must-see entertainment.

The Muny presents the fourth show of its 96th season, The Addams Family, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, choreographed by Vince Pesce, with musical direction by Ben Whiteley. The show begins tonight, July 14 and runs through July 20, 2014.

Producers Betty Ann Besch Solinger and Alice Chebba Walsh will present a private stage reading of the new musical SENSE & SENSIBILITY THE MUSICAL on June 12 and June 13, 2014 in New York. Based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, SENSE & SENSIBILITY THE MUSICAL had a critically acclaimed world premiere in 2013 at the Denver Center Theatre Company. SENSE & SENSIBILITY THE MUSICAL features a book and lyrics by Jeffrey Haddow, music by Neal Hampton and direction, and musical staging by Tony Award nominee Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime).

Pioneer Theatre Company's production of SWEET CHARITY is a zany, zingy concoction filled with life and all that comes with it.

The Muny has announced the principle casting for its fourth show of its 96th season, The Addams Family, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, choreographed by Vince Pesce, with musical direction by Ben Whiteley. The Addams Family is sponsored by Missouri Lottery.

Charity Hope Valentine is a dancehall girl who dreams of love and believes the man of her dreams is just around the corner. A great score, including the songs 'Hey Big Spender!' and 'If My Friends Could See Me Now,' incredible dancing - originally choreographed by Broadway legend Bob Fosse - and one of the most memorable heroines of the past sixty years combine to make Sweet Charity a must-see show. Never before produced at PTC, Sweet Charity is a razzle-dazzle closer for the 2013-14 season.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents the hilarious play Noises Off by Michael Frayn and directed by Edward Stern. This highly entertaining comedy will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, March 19-April 13, 2014.

It's 'Hooray for Captain Spaulding, The African Explorer!' and hooray for the entire cast of ANIMAL CRACKERS who pay (and play) fitting homage to the Brothers Marx in this comedy music production at Baltimore's Center Stage.

The St. Charles Singers, the internationally recognized professional chamber choir founded and conducted by Jeffrey Hunt, will launch its celebratory 30th season of choral artistry with a concert titled "Luminescence," to be presented in St. Charles on October 5 and Wheaton October 6.

Rehearsals began Tuesday for Animal Crackers, the first production of Center Stage's 2013-14 Season. This classic American musical comedy is set to feature City Paper Best Actor Bruce Nelson as Groucho Marx playing the ineffable Captain Spaulding. Under the direction of Northlight Theatre Artistic Director BJ Jones-who previously directed Center Stage's smash production of A Skull in Connemara-Animal Crackers begins previews on September 4 and runs through October 13.

The uproarious production of Marc Camoletti's Boeing-Boeing that landed at Northport's John W. Engeman Theatre is indeed a brilliant night of theatre. Directed by BT McNicholl, the show runs through May 5th at the Long Island venue and let me tell you that the talented cast will put even the biggest sour-puss in a good mood.

Fasten your seat belt for 'a roaring ride that will take you up, up and away.' Previews begin on Thursday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m.; with the official opening on Saturday, March 23 at 8:00 p.m. and running through May 5, 2013.

Announcing the cast and creative team for the comedic flight, Boeing Boeing. Fasten your seat belt for a roaring ride that will take you up, up and away. Previews begin on Thursday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m.; with the official opening on Saturday, March 23 at 8:00 p.m. and running through May 5, 2013.

Pittsburgh Public Theater's MADE IN AMERICA season reaches its highpoint with 1776, the biggest production in Public Theater history. This Tony-winning Best Musical features book by Peter Stone and music & lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Directed by Ted Pappas, 1776 runs tonight, Jan. 24 - Feb. 24, 2013 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District.

The St. Louis Theater Circle has just announced the nominees for the 2013 Louie Awards, honoring excellence in professional theater. The ceremony is set to take place on March 11 at the Gaslight Theater (358 North Boyle Avenue). To reserve tickets, email stltheatercircle@sbcglobal.net.

Pittsburgh Public Theater's MADE IN AMERICA season reaches its highpoint with 1776, the biggest production in Public Theater history. This Tony-winning Best Musical features book by Peter Stone and music & lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Directed by Ted Pappas, 1776 runs Jan. 24 - Feb. 24, 2013 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District.

Before his untimely death in a plane crash in the mid-1980's, playwright Larry Shue had penned two community theatre staples, The Nerd and THE FOREIGNER. While I'm not a big fan of the former, the latter is a fast-paced farce brimming with humor that builds to a hilariously satisfying climax. The current production by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is nicely mounted and features a fine cast and direction that takes full advantage of the comic opportunities presented.