Matthew Murphy News

Dear Readers, you know I’m not a fan of the bio musical. Very few get it right with jamming too many songs in or a bad book. Unfortunately, “MJ” the Michael Jackson bio musical currently playing at the Paramount suffers from both of those things, and more.

Betty Boop is making her stage debut...and thanks to Jasmine Amy Rogers in the role, she’s making a real star turn. I truly didn’t know what to expect when BOOP! THE MUSICAL was announced. How would a cartoon character featured primarily in animated shorts from 1930-1939 make her way into a 2023 musical? The answer ends up being a conventionally plotted, enjoyable visual wonder with some classic big musical numbers. BOOP! THE MUSICAL brings the bops and good vibes.

I remember trying to watch Moulin Rouge when the movie came out in 2001 and only getting about halfway through it. I have to confess I found the story rather trite and entirely predictable, only elevated by the inclusion of lots of catchy pop songs. So I was delightfully surprised when I saw the current iteration of this piece as a Broadway musical. Here I was all set to cast my weary, cynical eye on one more story of the ‘ho with a deadly disease (they do seem to be disproportionately prone to tuberculosis), but I was thoroughly entertained by this dazzling, dizzying, diamond of a show.

Get a first look at Jordan Fisher in Hadestown!

Get a first loo at photos and video of Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.

Funny Girl is a semi-autobiographical comedic musical about the life and times of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, and her tumultuous relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. With a musical score by Jules Styne, lyrics by Bob Merill, and featuring a book by Isobel Lennart, Funny Girl first opened on Broadway in 1964 featuring Barbara Streisand in the starring role, and was produced by Fanny’s own son-in-law Ray Stark. The first Broadway production received 8 Tony Nominations at the 18th Annual Awards Ceremony, and the OBC (Original Broadway Cast) Recording was inducted into the Grammy’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has revealed the cast of the highly anticipated Illinoise, a new kind of musical based on Sufjan Stevens’ acclaimed concept album.

While it might not be on the top of your must-see list, if this cast comes to your town, it is a musical you will be glad you saw!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child welcomes some new leading cast members for its sixth year making magic on Broadway! See Cara Ricketts, Daniel Fredrick, Jane Bruce and the rest of the company in new production photos!

Funny Girl follows the life of Fanny Brice, a talented and ambitious young woman from New York's Lower East Side who dreams of making a name for herself in show business. The narrative takes the audience through the highs and lows of Fanny's career, highlighting her comedic prowess and undeniable charm. At its core, the musical explores love, resilience, and pursuing one's dreams.

Experience the captivating world of 35mm: A Musical Exhibition, where photography and music intertwine to tell unique stories. Little Triangle presents this thrilling song cycle, featuring a range of musical styles and exploring themes of love, loss, and the human experience. Don't miss this underperformed musical at Flight Path Theatre from November 30 to December 9, 2023.

Alex Edelman’s “Just For Us” extends at the Mark Taper Forum for six performances only December 19 to 23.

Injecting diversity, switching genders pell-mell, and even gifting us with a gay couple, Marianne Elliott's overhaul of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY isn't more illuminating or revelatory than the 1970 original. But the horseplay and the gay wedding-day shenanigans are wildly entertaining - and the superb score still transcends the George Furth book.

'MJ' was a slick production with an extremely talented cast who executed some elite singing and dancing, and I know that the show is a crowd-favorite currently with numerous Tony Awards under its belt. Still, it did not strike me as significantly better or even different than any of the other bio-jukebox musicals that have been coming out.

See photos of Spain Off-Broadway at the Tony Kiser Theater!

The Tony Award-winning Best Musical Comedy Monty Python's Spamalot celebrates opening knight tonight at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street).   Read the reviews!

AIN'T TOO PROUD at ASU Gammage ~ the enjoyment of watching synchronized moves performed under the bright, intense spotlights while hearing Motown songs sung and sounding every bit as good as the originals. Runs through November 19th.

Get a first look at photos of Spamalot on Broadway! See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

What did our critic think of COMPANY at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis?

Tickets have gone on sale for Perelman Performance Arts Center's spring musical productions starting for members and Citi cardmembers first on Citi Entertainment.