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Look below for full lists of nominees by category and by show. The nominations for the 2013 Tony Awards were announced today by Sutton Foster (Anything Goes, TV's Bunheads) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (...Spelling Bee, TV's Modern Family). Leading the pack with an amazing 13 nominations is Kinky Boots, the musical written by pop star Cyndi Lauper ("Girls Just Want to Have Fun") and Broadway regular Harvey Fierstein (Hairspray). Following closely are Matilda (12), which was a smash hit in London las... [Read more]

Theatre Review: Sister Act

April 23, 2013
1992's Sister Act was one of the best comedies of the 90s, and its huge success is not forgotten today. Closely followed by a 1993 film sequel (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit), it went on to inspire a musical adaptation that premiered at California's Pasadena Playhouse in 2006, London's West End in 2009, and on Broadway in 2011. Like the film, the musical has become a phenomenon with productions all around the world and now one touring the United States. I caught the show in my city, and I'm he... [Read more]
Valentine's Day is upon us, and lovers everywhere are looking for the perfect date night. A show is a great addition to any night out, and with so many to choose from, there's a good fit for every couple. Cozy up next to each other and get ready to laugh, cry, and marvel at a live spectacle of your choice. Are you into dramatic plays or lighthearted musicals? Dance or acrobatics? Classic stories or quirky tales? Take your pick from this list and make this Valentine's Day one to remember. (1) Ma... [Read more]
There is no question that Thanksgiving is all about the feast. What could be better than a roast turkey accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce and followed by an irresponsible amount of pie? But between loaded forkfuls of green bean casserole or pumpkin cheesecake, you might notice that there are other things going on. At TL, we always have our eyes on the best in live entertainment, and Thanksgiving has a lot to offer in the way of music, sports, and theatre. Music Now, ... [Read more]
Financing a Broadway musical is no easy task. With initial budgets ranging from a few million dollars (Newsies cost just $5 million to mount) to staggering sums (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark racked up costs totaling $75 million, a new record for the industry), producers have their work cut out for them. But Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza, the lead producers of Rebecca, a musical adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's gothic novel, have come up against possibly the worst complications a show could ... [Read more]

Theatre Review: Mary Poppins

October 1, 2012
Over the past several decades, Mary Poppins has been a cherished part of the lives of millions of children around the world. The original 1934 stories by P.L. Travers and the classic 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke have kept the story alive and relevant, and now, the Broadway musical is enchanting a whole new generation of fans, young and old alike. Thankfully, the stage version of Mary Poppins preserves nearly every song from the film. Favorites like "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Jol... [Read more]
As the new Broadway season starts picking up speed, all of the empty houses are steadily being filled by a variety of shows: musicals and plays, new shows and revivals, and even concerts and comedy. Take your pick (or picks) from this list of shows that are bringing new life to the Great White Way. NEW MUSICALS Scandalous: Broadway leading lady Carolee Carmello (Parade, Mamma Mia!) portrays Aimee Semple McPherson, the most famous person you've never heard of. In a story that could be ripped fro... [Read more]
The timeless songs of the Gershwins have once again proven a worthy framework on which to hang a quirky and funny new musical. But the score isn't the only part of Nice Work If You Can Get It that harkens back to a time gone by. This show is a straight up 1920s farce and features all of the charm of the roaring decade in a neat little package. From the throw-back costumes to the rum-running gangsters defying prohibition to make their living, this show oozes the nostalgia of a romanticized time g... [Read more]
Sadly, Marvin Hamlisch passed away Monday night. And if you don't know who he is, you have probably seen (or, more likely, heard) something from his extensive list of life accomplishments. With a career spanning a half a century, including theatre, live music performance, film, and television, and touching the lives of millions, he will be missed. Read up below on just some of this man's many notable achievements. (1) He wrote music for some serious Broadway hits. Ever heard of a little show ca... [Read more]
Gore Vidal is a respected and prolific novelist, screenwriter, essayist, and playwright whose work spans over a half a century. Known for his unapologetic social and political commentary, he has produced some of the most compelling works of our era. His 1960 play The Best Man has enjoyed success on Broadway and in a 1964 film adaptation. I had the chance to see the most recent Broadway revival at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, and thanks to its all-star cast and timely political drama, it was a ... [Read more]
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