Becky Whitcomb

I witnessed the best stage effects I have ever seen anywhere (including Broadway), when  on Saturday, July 20, I had the pleasure of seeing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Sharon Playhouse, in Sharon, CT!   While this story is likely familiar to most people, the Sharon Playhouse grips the audience right from the start, not merely by elevating the Enchantress into the air, but by having the Young Prince transformed into the Beast, on stage, in front of the whole audience, in a manner of seconds, with effective use of strobe lights, a successful undertaking of a greater magnitude than what people can expect in a typical magic show, much less a musical!  Without providing any spoilers, for those of you familiar with how the story ends, that happens on stage too, right before our eyes, with effective use of strobe lights.  Lighting Designer Jamie Roderick deserves a lot of credit for working what appears like magic, on the stage.  Every show I have seen at Sharon Playhouse has been wonderful, but this is the best!

This fun and family friendly musical, adapted from the original Disney film, brings to life “a tale as old as time” of a selfish prince who is turned into a hideous monster and must win the affection of a beautiful, young girl in order to regain his humanity. This musical includes the classic scores of “Be Our Guest”, “If I Can't Love Her”, “A Change in Me”, the title song “Beauty and the Beast” and many more. The magical musical offers humor, romance, and excitement for all ages.

Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, CT under the management of Artistic Director Alan M-L Wager and Managing Director Robert Levinstein, announces the casting and creative teams for its 2019 60th Anniversary mainstage summer season.

Sam Underwood helmed a reading of SCRUBS: 'MY MUSICAL' Featuring Tony nominee Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q), Garth Kravits (The Drowsy Chaperone), and More at Gemini & Scorpio Loft on September 27.

Casting has been announced for the Orange County engagement of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from January 14 - 19, 2014.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) began earlier this week on July 8th and will continue through July 28th. An additional slate of special events, free events, staged readings and several educational panel discussions will be announced shortly. Below, check out a roundup of photos of this year's casts!

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) and Melodion Theatre present The Hills Are Alive!. Performances will take place from July 25 through July 26 at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd Street. Official Opening is set for July 25.