Lauren Blackman News

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... returned to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys and Understudies from AIN'T TOO PROUD; BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER; WICKED; KISS ME KATE; BE MORE CHILL; A STRANGE LOOP and ANASTASIA on Monday, September 9th.

AT THIS PERFORMANCEa?? returns to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys and Understudies from AIN'T TOO PROUD; BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER; WICKED; KISS ME KATE; BE MORE CHILL; A STRANGE LOOP and ANASTASIA on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH at 7 PM.

To stage the beloved cultural icon that is THE WIZARD OF OZ offers any theatre company a herculean challenge: one which requires stretching the imagination to the limits to create a universe where reality is redefined and fantasy is fulfilled. In short, it demands stunning stagecraft and brilliant artistic vision. And it is just that kind of theatrical magic which Maine State Music Theatre's new production co- directed by Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark boldly and beautifully realizes.

a?oeIn the musical they all learn that the thing they believe is missing is already inside of them. We all have within us everything we think we are deficient in a?" everything we need to become the person we are supposed to be.a?? Actor David Girolmo is speaking of the lesson his character, the Cowardly Lion, learns in the stage version of L. Frank Baum's iconic classic THE WIZARD OF OZ, which runs from August 7-24 in a spectacularly fantastical production co-directed by narc Robin and Curt Dale Clark at Maine State Music Theatre.

a?oeHELLO, DOLLY! is the classic American musical,a?? affirms its star Charis Leos. And her colleagues and cast mates on the panel, Lauren Blackman, Matt Gibson, and Jason E. Simon, enthusiastically concur. Not only does it have a perfect score, a heartwarming book, colorful characters, and a healthy dose of irresistible comedy, but it is also infused with some messages of lasting significance. It is these takeaway meanings that these cast members are eager to discuss with BWW's Maine editor Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold at MSMT's PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN on July 24 at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

Just as Dolly Gallagher Levi makes a stunning entrance to the unforgettable strains of her signature song, so MSMT's new production of the Jerry Herman classic HELLO, DOLLY! takes command of the Pickard stage with a joie de vivre and heartwarming tenderness and delivers an evening sparkling with laughter, love, and life. In a production directed by Donna Drake, choreographed by Rhonda Miller and performed by an ensemble of true stars, HELLO, DOLLY! offers the audience a magnificently memorable score, daring and dazzling dancing, and a cast of embraceable characters whose story unfailingly tugs at the heartstrings.

"My favorite line in musical theatre history is the one where Irene says, 'Dolly, the world is full of wonderful things!' When I said it in rehearsal the first time to Charis [Leos], I broke down in tears. It's a thought I repeat to myself if I am down. Irene is saying, 'Take risks, go enjoy this wonderful world!'" Actress Lauren Blackman is talking enthusiastically about her upcoming portrayal of Irene Malloy in Maine State Music Theatre's new production of HELLO, DOLLY!, which runs July 17 - August 3, 2019, at the Pickard Theater in Brunswick. Blackman returns not only to a beloved role, but also to friends and a theatre company and community she calls "home." Last season, she appeared briefly in the gala 60th Anniversary Concert, but it has been almost four years since she graced the stage in a major role - last in 2015 as Marion in THE MUSIC MAN and before that in 2013 in MARY POPPINS. Those intervening years have, indeed, been fruitful ones for Blackman - filled with all kinds of wonderful things!

Maine State Music Theatre is going to Yonkers for its third show of the season, Hello, Dolly! from July 17 - August 3.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre presents the first production of the 2019 Nutmeg Summer Series: 'Mamma Mia!,' the Tony Award-nominated musical based on the songs of ABBA.

What happens if you take the upbeat and danceable pop music of a Swedish supergroup, place it in a beautiful sun-drenched setting, add in a dash of comedy, some athletic dancing, and a pinch of bright colors, and wrap it all in a simple, but entertaining, story? You get MAMMA MIA!, the hit musical featuring the music of ABBA,  which is the first musical offering in the 2019 Nutmeg Summer Series at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) at the University of Connecticut. The CT Rep, once again under the artistic direction of Terrence Mann (who also serves as the director of this production), is offering MAMMA MIA! as one of only two shows this summer season (down from the typical three) in order to give more people the opportunity to see each production.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre presents the first production of the 2019 Nutmeg Summer Series: "Mamma Mia!," the Tony Award-nominated musical based on the songs of ABBA.  

Transport Group has announced initial casting for Sweet Charity-its musical in this season's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces casting for the first production of the 2019 Nutmeg Summer Series: "Mamma Mia!," the Tony Award-nominated musical based on the songs of ABBA.  The cast includes Broadway actors Jessica Hendy (Broadway's "Cats," "Aida"), Jennifer Cody (Broadway's "Shrek", "Urinetown" & CRT's "Noises Off"), Lauren Blackman (Broadway's "Anastasia"),  and Bradley Dean (Braodway's "The Last Ship", "Dear Evan Hansen"). As previously announced, Terrence Mann will direct with choreography by Mary Ann Lamb and Jessica Walker. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale at crt.uconn.edu or 860-486-2113.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, after two successful years on Broadway, the musical adaptation of the hit animated film, Anastasia will play its final performance on today, March 31, 2019. Upon closing, Anastasia will have played 808 regular and 34 preview performances at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street).

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced full casting for its production of Marie, Dancing Still - A New Musical, the gorgeous new work from Tony Award-winning authors Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once On This Island) and five-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers, Contact).

In the video below, watch as Judith Caspari (Anya) Milan van Waardenburg (Dimitri) sing 'In A Crowd Of Thousands' from the upcoming Germany debut of ANASTASIA!

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, the musical adaptation of the hit animated film, Anastasia will play its final performance on Sunday, March 31, 2019 after two successful years on Broadway. In honor of the show's incredible two-year run, we're living in the land of yesterday and taking a look back at the show's Broadway opening night in April 2017.

After two successful years on Broadway, the musical adaptation of the hit animated fil, ANASTASIA will play its final performance on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

The producers of Anastasia have announced that Cody Simpson has extended his engagement in the hit musical for eight additional weeks. Simpson made his Broadway debut as "Dmitry" on November 29, 2018 and will continue to star in the Broadway production through April 14, 2019.