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]

Like so many people around the world, I count Wicked as one of my all-time favorite musicals. Its success on Broadway and around the world is a testament to its universal appeal. I have seen it four times, and when people ask me for recommendations for what to see on Broadway or on tour, I ask them first if they have seen Wicked yet. It's a crowd pleaser and often opens people up to the world of musical theatre (including my own previously skeptical father, who is now in the process of wearing o... [Read more]

The fourth and fifth episodes of Smash were definitely juicy. In the rehearsal room, Karen's star power threatens Ivy, motivating her to push her former competition even farther out of her spotlight. But even though she gets Karen booted out of a number, Derek's belief in the fresh-faced star causes him to put them in an awkward position; Ivy is clearly mortified at being given lessons on how to interpret Marilyn from the Broadway newcomer. In reality, there is only room for one star in any show... [Read more]

Broadway fans, especially those who aren't lucky enough to live near the theatre mecca, have had a lot to celebrate over the past decade with the releases of film versions of some of the biggest hit musicals ever to hit the Great White Way. The 2002 release of the Oscar-sweeping hit Chicago, starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, and Queen Latifah paved the way for a new generation of movie musicals. Soon thereafter came Phantom of the Opera (2004), starring Gerard Butler ... [Read more]