Brian Shepard News

Earlier this month, six time Tony nominee Danny Burstein and Christian Dante White  assumed the role of Alfred P. Doolittle and Freddy Eynsford-Hill in Lerner & Loewe's My Fair Lady, directed by Bartlett Sher, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). Check out a first look at the duo in action below!

Christian Dante White will assume the role of Freddy Eynsford-Hill in Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY, directed by Bartlett Sher, beginning Tuesday, January 8 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). He succeeds Jordan Donica who originated the role in this award-winning production.

Tony Award winner Laura Benanti just assumed the role of Eliza Doolittlein its award-winning production of Lerner & Loewe's My Fair Lady, directed by Bartlett Sher, for a limited engagement through Sunday, February 17. Check out highlights of Benanti in action below!

Maine seems to be enjoying a theatrical renaissance with large and small companies vigorously engaged in producing a wide range of repertoire throughout the state. Several of the leading professional theatres have become destinations in and of themselves - (witness the inclusion of Maine State Music Theatre and Ogunquit Playhouse in Scott Andrews' upcoming book, Vacationland) - while venerable community groups continue to raise the bar for their work. I am privileged to get to sample these performances as Broadway World's Maine editor and to be able to compare many of them favorably with shows I see across the country, in New York and London. These are my personal choices of the best in Maine for 2018, grouped by theatre company and show. MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATRE delivered a 60th anniversary season that redefined the meaning and substance of 'gala.'

The new Off-Broadway comedy Popcorn Falls opened just last night, October 8, at the Davenport Theatre (354 W 45th Street). The production, written by James Hindman, is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Christian Borle, in his New York directorial debut. Popcorn Falls stars Adam Heller and Tom Souhrada, playing over twenty roles in under ninety minutes.

In the midst of what has proved to be an extraordinary week for the company, Maine State Music Theatre fans turned out in a capacity crowd at the Curtis Memorial Library's final Peek Behind the Curtain panel to celebrate the concluding events of this Diamond Jubilee season. In the Brunswick season's penultimate week, MSMT presented nine performances of its smash hit, Singin' in the Rain, as well as two sold-out gala 60th anniversary concerts and a free Concert on the Mall that drew close to 2500 people. The panel, moderated by BWW's Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold, featured Nicolas Dromard, Kate Fahrner, Brian Shepard, and Kim Sava, the stars of the production, two returning stars closely associated with MSMT's history, Sue Cella and K.K. Preece, as well as Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark. The resulting discussion, which focused on the joyful new staging by Marc Robin of Singin' in the Rain and the special anniversary events, was filled with warmth, laughter, and substance.

As its main stage finale in this Diamond Jubilee season, Maine State Music Theatre chose to present the stage version of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Singin' in the Rain. With its book by Betty Comden/Adolph Green, and songs by Nacio Herb Brown/Arthur Freed), based on the famed MGM musical, this iconic classic receives a production that recreates the glitter of Hollywood's Golden Age on a dazzlingly grand scale. MSMT's staging, directed/choreographed by Marc Robin, sparkles with the effervescence of fine champagne, bubbles with energy and originality, exudes sunshine and joy, and offers its audiences an exhilarating, entirely magical entertainment experience.

Replying to a question about how he has chalked up such an impressive performance roster, Broadway triple threat actor Brian Shepard, who plays Cosmo Brown in Maine State Music Theatre's new production of Singin' in the Rain, smiles and says," Good fortune, a lot of hard work, and I LOVE this! I am doing what I have always wanted to do. It was this or bust. I never had a fallback."

Maine State Music Theatre closes its 60th Anniversary season with the smash hit, Singin' in the Rain. This classic hit runs from August 8-25.

'I think the audience is going to eat up Singing' in the Rain. It is live theatre where anything can happen, and the talent in this cast is really amazing,' enthuses the star of Maine State Music Theatre's new production of the beloved classic, which begins its run at Brunswick's Pickard Theater on August 8th. For Nicolas Dromard, the opportunity to play Don Lockwood is a dream come true. 'It's taken me thirty-one years, but here I am,' he says with a big grin.

Maine State Music Theatre closes its 60th Anniversary season with the smash hit, Singin' in the Rain. This classic hit runs from August 8-25.

Singin' In The Rain, the classic Tony nominated musical based on the wildly famous MGM film, is certainly a must see among theatre attendees. With a Screenplay by Betty Comden & Adolph Greene and Music by Naico Herb Brown & Arthur Freedes, the incarnation at Northport's John W. Engeman Theatre will surely have you leaving the theatre with a smile. Running through July 1st, closing out their dazzling 11th season, the delightful incarnation is strongly directed by Engeman vet Drew Humphrey.

The John W. Engeman Theater announces the cast and creative team for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. Performances begin on Thursday, May 17 at 8:00pm and run through Sunday, July 1, 2018.

Experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden age. It's 1927 and Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the toast of Tinseltown - until 'talkies' come on the scene. Of course, you remember Gene Kelly splashing his way through the famous MGM film - the greatest movie musical ever made. BroadwayWorld is taking you inside the opening night after party. Check out photos below!

Experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden age. It's 1927 and Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the toast of Tinseltown - until 'talkies' come on the scene. Of course, you remember Gene Kelly splashing his way through the famous MGM film - the greatest movie musical ever made. But have you seen it live?

The John W. Engeman Theater announces the cast and creative team for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. Performances begin on Thursday, May 17 at 8:00pm and run through Sunday, July 1, 2018.

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