Blog / Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Check here for the latest musical news with links to all your #StageFaves performers, shows and theatres. Also look out for our regular #GetSocial features and contributions from our syndicate media partners including MyTheatreMates.com and the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society.
How gutted are you? As the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) confirms that all West End performances are now cancelled until at least 28 June 2020, the Broadway transfer of Sondheim's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, due to run 11 June to 5 September 2020 at the Savoy Theatre, has postponed its season until some point in 2021.
2020
An original cast recording of The Prince Of Egypt, the new musical based on the acclaimed DreamWorks Animation film, will be released on Ghostlight Records in digital and streaming formats on 3 April 2020. A physical CD will be available later this year.
2020
Composers are being asked to write ‘A Song for our Time’, an original song to be recorded by West End stars and a huge virtual choir with all proceeds going to Acting For Others. The final song will be chosen by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown.
2020
We are taking a moment to step away from all the current stories of theatre closures to seek some distraction in celebrating legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday. So we’ve picked FIVE of our favourite performances from previous concerts, from the divine Barbara Cook’s rendition of ‘Losing My Mind’ to Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters giving an iconic rendition of ‘Move On’ from Sunday In The Park With George. Oh, and Patti LuPone, Elaine Stritch and Simon Russell Beale might make an appearance too. Hope you enjoy and do let us know your favourites too.
2020
Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O’Bree attending the opening of The Prince Of Egypt at London’s Dominion Theatre. In the same week that the run of this epic production was extended by seven weeks, until 21 October 2020, Perry was busy catching up with the stars on the Red Carpet (Kerry Ellis, Jay McGuiness, Elaine Paige) as well as the creative team, including legendary composer Stephen Schwartz and his son Scott, the show’s director.
A Doctor and a Queen, namely Waitress’ Gavin Creel and Six The Musical’s Alexia McIntosh, were on hand today to announce the 2020 Olivier Awards nominations, just a month before the ceremony takes place on 5 April at the Royal Albert Hall. So now the celebrations have begun, particularly in the & Juliet, Fiddler On The Roof, Dear Evan Hansen and Mary Poppins camps, all of which have received plenty of love from the nominating panel. So who are you hoping leaves with the big prizes on the day?
2020
It’s been quite a week for the London production of The Prince Of Egypt with its official opening at London’s Dominion Theatre and news announced that the show’s run will be extended for a further seven weeks, with tickets available for the period up to 21 October 2020.
2020
Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O’Bree attending the opening of Be More Chill at London’s The Other Palace. After the UK premiere production received a well-deserved standing ovation, Perry got the chance to catch up with the show’s producers, composer and lyricist Joe Iconis, director Stephen Brackett and cast members Scott Folan, Blake Patrick Anderson, Stewart Clarke, Miracle Chance, Renee Lamb, Millie O’Connell and Eloise Davies. Here’s the chance to hang out with all of them.
The reception for the UK premiere of Be More Chill has been anything but frosty with news announced that the fan favourite will now run in London until 14 June 2020. The extended season for Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz’s show will make it the longest-running musical at The Other Palace.
2020
We’ve heard a lot about the grown-ups appearing in the London production of The Prince of Egypt at the Dominion Theatre, based on the celebrated DreamWorks Animation film, but now it’s time for the cast of young performers to shine.
2020
It’s hard to believe but a decade has passed since Stephen Clark and Howard Goodall’s musical adaptation of Erich Segal’s novel Love Story premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre before a run at the West End’s Duchess Theatre. To mark the anniversary, original cast members Michael D. Xavier, Emma Williams and Peter Polycarpou will star in a special concert at the Cadogan Hall on 17 May 2020.
What a Christmas present for Olivier Award winners Giles Terera (well known to musical theatre fans for playing Aaron Burr in the original West End production of Hamilton) and director and choreographer Stephen Mear (Mary Poppins, White Christmas, Hello, Dolly!, Gypsy) who have received a MBE and CBE respectively in the New Year Honours List. Not to forget The Lion King and Billy Elliot composer (and general superstar) Elton John who becomes a Companion of Honour.
Here’s a must-see for musical theatre fans: the London premiere of a new version of Stephen Schwartz’s RAGS The Musical, originally premiered on Broadway in 1986, with an all-star cast led by Dave Willetts, Sam Attwater and Carolyn Maitland. Join Faves founder Terri Paddock on Thursday 16 January 2020 to talk to the company.
Fresh from its success at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, Joseph Stein, Stephen Schwartz and Charles Strouse’s heart-warming and powerful show RAGS The Musical will transfer to London’s Park Theatre from 9 January to 8 February 2020, with Carolyn Maitland, Dave Willetts and Sam Attwater leading the cast as Rebecca, Avram and Bronfman respectively.
The players are in place for the cult show Be More Chill, fresh from Broadway and now in transit to London’s The Other Palace for the UK premiere from 12 February to 3 May 2020. Scott Folan and Blake Patrick Anderson take the lead roles of Jeremy Heere and Michael Mell, while Renee Lamb and Millie O’Connell (formerly known as Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn in Six The Musical) also join the line-up.
2019
Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O’Bree attending the opening of White Christmas at London’s Dominion Theatre. Check out who Perry chatted to on the Red Carpet (including several of TV’s Loose Women) and watch his post-shows interviews with all the stars of the fabulously festive show including Danny Mac, Dan Burton, Danielle Hope, Brenda Edwards and Michael Brandon. Not feeling in a Christmassy mood? This show could do the trick.
2019
Formerly of Girls Aloud, award-winning singer Nicola Roberts will make her stage debut in Josie Rourke’s critically acclaimed and Olivier Award-winning production of City of Angels at London’s Garrick Theatre in March 2020.
2019
Following its UK premiere at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre this year, Stephen Schwartz’s RAGS The Musical transfers to London's Park Theatre from 9 January to 8 February 2020, with a press night on 14 January. The season includes an exclusive "Evening with Stephen Schwartz" on 12 January.
There was so much love online for Joe Iconis’ Be More Chill score in 2018 that he creatives brought it back, first Off-Broadway and then for a run on the Great White Way. Now the show which boasts a Tony-nominated score is transferring to London’s The Other Palace, with the UK premiere production running from 12 February to 3 May 2020. Get ready because the Squips are coming.
2019
Are you dreaming of a White Christmas featuring the talents of Danny Mac, Dan Burton, Michael Brandon, Brenda Edwards, Danielle Hope and Clare Halse? Then you are in for a treat when White Christmas opens at the Dominion Theatre in November 2019.