Reading for Schwartz’s first opera scheduled in the New Year

Stephen Schwartz, the famed lyricist and composer responsible for the smash hit musical Wicked, has announced that a reading for his first-ever opera, “Seance on a Wet Afternoon,” will be held Jan. 18-20 at Brooklyn’s South Oxford Space and Manhattan’s Rose Studio of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, according to an article published on muscialstephenschwartz.com.\

The three-day reading session is part of the concert series “American Opera Project’s First Chance Program” and will also include readings from Conrad Cumming’s “The Golden Gate” and Moni and Mina Yakim’s “Unruly Horses,” according to Broadway World. Cast will include: soprano Lauren Flanigan, Caroline Worra, Michael Zegarski, Jessica Miller, Daniel Neer, Lucas Richter, Grant Clarke, Daniel Hoy, Garrett McClenahan and Katie Micha. The series will be overseen by American Opera Project’s artistic director Steven Osgood as conductor and pianist Charity Wicks.

Schwartz, who was also at the helm of many other major Broadway hits such as Pippin, The Magic Show and Godspell, has scheduled the official world premiere of his first opera for Oct. 31, 2009, at the Grand Theatre in Santa Barbara, Calif., according to musicalschwartz.com. Seance on a Wet Morning, which is based loosely on a novel by Mark McShane and the major motion picture by Bryan Forbes, is about a psychic named Myra who reads into people’s lives by holding seances in which she talks to her deceased eleven-year-old son, Arthur.

For a thrilling evening at the theater, be sure to check out Seance on a Wet Morning or grab a pair of Wicked tickets for one of the shows, either on Broadway or at LA’s Patages Theater or Chicago’s Ford Center for Performing Arts. Visit Stubhub.com today and check it out!

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 31, 2007 - Post a comment

‘Wicked’ master class offered Jan. 19 by Broadway Artist Alliance

A one-day master class for those interested in the smash hit Broadway musical Wicked will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 by the Broadway Artists’ Alliance, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young aspiring talents further develop and hone their acting careers by acquiring the proper vocal and performance techniques.

Usually instructed by a cast member from the particular show, the master-class sessions have an upstanding reputation for offering up the best and brightest stars - including many Tony Award winning actors and actresses - to give insight and advice to participants, according to an article published Saturday, Dec. 22 on BroadwayWorld.com.

Students are typically between the ages of 10 and 21 and the master classes are usually limited to those pre-teens and teens who are returning class veterans or have been recruited or received special guest invitations to the session, according to articles on BroadwayWorld and the official Broadway Artists’ Alliance Web site. Classes are limited toe 15-20 participants and registration stops two weeks before the scheduled date or when the session hits capacity, according to the BAA site. The Wicked master class is $250 per person and those interested can find more information at BAA’s official site or by calling (212) 561-9429 All master classes are held at the BAA headquarters, 209 West 40th St., Suite 202, NewYork, NY. 

Is your teen interested in pursuing an acting career? This might be the perfect workshop for him or her to attend. And if you still have no idea what your teen is raving about, then now might also be the perfect time to book a pair of Wicked tickets at Stubhub.com!

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 28, 2007 - Post a comment

Pre-order Idina Menzel’s new album at Amazon.com now!

Idina Menzel, a Broadway actress who recently won a Tony Award for her role as Elphaba in the smash hit musical Wicked, has announced that her new album, “I Stand,” is available for pre-sale on Amazon.com, and those lucky fans who pre order will also receive an album containing two additional unreleased songs, as well as a customized Idina tote bag and a 20-page colored-photo booklet, according to an article posted Sunday Dec. 23 at Broadwayworld.com.

Menzel’s album - which will officially be in stores by Jan. 29th - will be shipped to those who pre-ordered on that day, as well. The move to online shopping has been a huge and reoccuring trend over the past few years, and it only continues to become a bigger industry, with similar  world of theater fans.  Many devoted and anxious fans are beating stores to the punch and pre ordering their copies at online shopping venues such as Amazon.com, according to Broadway World - a theater news site that has created a huge buzz around Menzel and her work both on and off Broadway. “I Stand” will be the third album by the singer/actress, who also starred in the hit Broadway production Rent recently appeared in the Disney major motion picture  Enchanted, which is still playing in theaters.

Menzel, although busy with her many commitments, still had time to give several interviews about her new endeavors, calling her role in Enchanted - which is only her third appearance in a major motion picture -  “a great experience to learn.” If fans want to learn more about Menzel, then be sure to visit her official site, www.idinamenzel.com.

Still haven’t seen a Broadway production live and in person? Check out Wicked tickets at Stubhub.com today and get the best deals!

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 27, 2007 - Post a comment

Broadway company of ‘Wicked’ gets awarded top fundraiser at ‘Gypsy of the Year’

The Broadway production of the smash hit musical Wicked earned the title of top fundraiser of the year in the 2007 “Gypsy of the Year” competition, which generates money annually toward the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS foundations, raising a total of $208,406 in proceeds, according to an article published Tuesday, Dec. 18 by BroadwayWorld.com.

The 19th annual competition of it’s kind, this year’s “Gypsy of the Year” generated $3,927,000, beating out the previous high record of $3,420,000 in 2004 and reinforcing the power of Broadway, off-Broadway and national touring theater productions to the ever present theater community, according to the article.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the community for their truly generous, indeed heroic, efforts following the strike,” Tom Viola, executive director of BC/EFA, said. “There is no other community, no other business or industry, which has joined hands in a grassroots fundraising effort as the theatrical community has with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Together we have indeed made a difference in the lives of thousands: those in and out of ‘the business’ who depend on the social services of The Actors’ Fund; as well as over 400 food banks, health clinics and AIDS and family service organizations across the country who benefit from your generous fundraising efforts on behalf of BC/EFA.”

The Los Angeles production of Wicked  was a close runner-up to Jersey Boys in the national tour fundraising category, helping to generate more than $200,000 in revenue. This year, 17 shows contributed to helping raise the record-breaking grand total, with many chorus line, Broadway and off-Broadway individuals donating six weeks of intensive acting time toward variety show competitions productions. The event is held annually and more information can be found at www.broadwaycares.org.

Still haven’t seen a Broadway production? Now is a great time to check out a pair of Wicked tickets at Stubhub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 21, 2007 - Post a comment

‘Behind the Emerald Curtain’ moves to Fridays at LA’s Pantages Theatre

For those who have already seen the smash hit musical production of Wicked and still want more, the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles is offering a great solution every Friday at 6 p.m. starting Jan. 1: “Behind the Emerald Curtain.” An hour-long performance that features the cast of the LA-based musical, “Behind the Emerald Curtain” is an inside look into the creative journey of putting together a major Broadway production, including insight into how the design and performances are handled, as well as how the musical was produced and marketed, according to an article published Saturday, Dec. 15 at BroadwayWorld.com.

“Behind the Emerald Curtain” has been offering Wicked fans a look into the production of the musical since Sept. 2005, when the performance originally opened at Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre. Now the show is also offered at the National Tour locations of Los Angeles and Chicago, although starting Jan. 1, the schedule will change at LA’s Pantages Theatre from Tuesday’s at 5 p.m. to Friday’s at 6 p.m.

Besides the performance, fans also get a chance for a guided tour through the official “Behind the Curtain” Museum, which features an elaborate set model, an up close looks at award winning designer Susan Hiferty’s costumes and actual props and wigs from the show. After the performance, the show concludes with a a Q and A session with cast members, providing fans with additional chances to have their most personal questions about the show answered.

If you still haven’t seen this production, then what are you waiting for? Now is a great time to get a pair of “Behind the Emerald Curtain” and Wicked tickets. Check out tickets prices and availability at Stubhub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 20, 2007 - Post a comment

Los Angeles’ ‘Wicked’ gets new Madame Morrible; popular TV personality takes the stage

Joanne Worley, an actress best known for her guest appearances on “The Andy Williams Show,” “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The Tonight Show,” will join the cast of the Los Angeles production of Wicked starting Jan. 9 at the Pantages Theatre, according to an article published Wednesday, Dec. 19, at BroadwayWorld.com.

Worley’s extensive musical career has included roles in Carnival, The Drowsey Chaperone, Grease, Hello, Dolly!, The Mad Show and Follies. The Los Angles production of Wicked has broken several records, winning 15 major awards - including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards - and is still as successful as it was when the national tour first began, almost a year ago, according to the article. The original recording for Wicked by the Broadway cast has been one of the fastest selling Broadway recordings in years and was recently certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, according to BroadwayWorld.

Wicked  is a musical based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by famed composer Stephen Schwartz. The story of Glinda, the Good Witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch, unfolds with a magical mystery that has been capturing the undivided attention of audiences since the musical first debuted on Broadway in 2004. Now, close to four years later, the smash hit musical is still making waves.

Still looking to see a live theater production? Whether in New York, Los Angeles or another location, Wicked tickets are available and are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Check out Stubhub.com and book a pair today for the next show!

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 19, 2007 - Post a comment

Original Broadway Fiyero returns to ‘Wicked’ cast alongside Block, Ashford, Wolpe

David Burnham, who originated the role of Fiyero in Broadway’s smash hit musical Wicked, returns to the stage Jan. 8 at Gershwin Theatre as the prince who attends Shiz University and ultimately becomes the love interest of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed in the New Year by Stephanie J. Block, according to an article published by BroadwayWorld.com.
The production, which also features actress Annaleigh Ashford in the long-time role as Glinda the Good Witch and actor Lenny Wolpe as the Wizard, is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and features the writing and musical talents of composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.

Burnham, who was also a original cast member of The Light in the Piazza for which he received the 2007 Best Actor Helen Hayes Award and the Garland Award for his role as Fabrizio in the show’s national tour, and also starred in the musical Jesus Christ Super Star. He recently produced a debut self-titled album, which has received critical acclaim since its release last year.

If you still haven’t seen a live theater production, what better time than now and what better show than Wicked? Get a pair of Wicked tickets for the whole family at Stubhub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 18, 2007 - Post a comment

‘Wicked’ Award-winning designer works on mucial revival of ‘The Homecoming’

Tony Pinter’s 40th anniversary revival of the Tony Award-winning musical The Homecoming opened Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Cort Theatre with a stellar cast and crew, including Golden Globe award-winner Ian McShane of the hit TV show “Deadwood” and award-winning designer Eugene Lee, who is most well known for his work with the hit musical Wicked and the new major motion picture “Sweeney Todd.”

The production - which also stars two-time Tony Award nominee Tony Esparaz, Tony-nominee Eve Best and Oscar-nominee Michael McKean -  paints the portrait of lust, betrayal and seduction when a dysfunctional family who is welcoming home an estranged brother and competing for the attention of his new wife, according to an article published Sunday, Dec. 16, at BroadwayWorld.com. Reviews of “The Homecoming” often refer to the musical, written by Harold Pinter, as “his most sexually provocative work” within a story that is both “edgy and compelling.”

Now as this musical makes another big break on Broadway, be sure to  catch it and all the other live productions that are thriving in the theatre world. Get The Homecoming and Wicked tickets today at Stubhub.com and make sure to bring the whole family to revel in the joys of live theater!

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 17, 2007 - Post a comment

Sebastian Arcelus: from ‘Wicked’ to pop sensation in ‘Jersey Boys’

Broadway actor Sebastian Arecelus, who is most well-known for his role as Fiyero in the major musical Wicked as well as his role as Roger in Rent and Jan in Good Vibrations, will now star as Gaudio in the Broadway production of Jersey Boys at the August Wilson Theatre starting Jan. 10, according to an article published Wednesday, Dec. 12 by Broadway World.

Jersey Boys is a Tony Award-winning musical with a soundtrack that received a 2007 Grammy Award for best musical show album. The production tells the story of Frankie Valli and his band The Four Seasons - a group of four white-collar boys from “the wrong side of the tracks” who became the biggest American pop sensations starting in the 1960s and continuing into the 1990s.

Arcelus has played the role of many characters in famed Broadway productions and the new endeavor should prove to be just what he needs to further boost his career. Still haven’t seen this award winning production? Grab the entire family and make sure to book a pair of Jersey Boys or Wicked tickets right here and right now at Stubhub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 14, 2007 - Post a comment

Idina Menzel makes appearance Jan. 21 in The 24 Hour Musicals on Broadway

Former Wicked actress Idina Menzel will be one of many stars to appear in the production of 24 Hour Musicals, Monday, Jan. 21 at Joe’s Pub. The event, which is a day-long affair (as the title indicates) when actors, composers and lyricists write and then perform four new pieces, will boast a star-studded line up of musical cast members, including Menzel, Victoria Clarke, Dennis O’Hare, Tracey Thomas, Cheyenne Jackson, Mo Rocca and Nellie McKay, according to an announcement at Exchange NYC’s official Web site.

Menzel, who is getting ready to release her third solo album “I Stand” containing the recently released single “Brave,” played the original Elphaba in the smash hit musical Wicked. Menzel and the many other actors and actresses involved in 24 Hour Musicals will be putting in their time for a good cause. Proceeds from the day will go to the Exchange, a theatre production company in New York that reinterpret classic texts and supports development in order to create the classics of the future, according to the article. The event, which is held annually in the fall, has supported a host of famed actors and actresses in the past - such as Billy Crudup, Brooke Shields and Chris Rock - and famed writers and directors who are known to consistently produce quality entertainment in what many refer to as “an obscenely short amount of time.”

Tickets for the event start at $300 for dinner and the show and if you still haven’t seen a live Broadway production, then what are you waiting for? Get a pair of 24 Hour Musicals or Wicked tickets at Stubhub.com and get the best deal out there. Don’t waste time!

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on December 13, 2007 - Post a comment


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