Blog / Sunday in the Park With George
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.
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
Molly Lynch and Oli Higginson will star as Cathy and Jamie in Jonathan O’Boyle’s new production of Jason Robert Brown’s Drama Desk Award-winning musical The Last Five Years when it plays at Southwark Playhouse from 28 February to 28 March 2020.
2019
Following its success at the Open Air Theatre, Jamie Lloyd’s fresh interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita will transfer to London’s Barbican Theatre for just eight weeks in the summer of 2020.
2019
Stiles and Drewe and Elliot Davis’ musical Soho Cinders, a deliciously naughty satirical twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, will have a nine-week run at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.
Ready to step in time? Amy Griffiths, Claire Moore, Claire Machin, Jack North and Barry James are doing just that as they join Zizi Strallen, Charlie Stemp, Joseph Millson and Petula Clark in the new production of Mary Poppins which returns to its original West End home, the Prince Edward Theatre, from 23 October 2019.
2019
Phone rings, door chimes, in come the 2018 West End cast recording of Company. In the same week as Marianne Elliott’s groundbreaking production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s legendary musical comedy triumphed at the Critics’ Circle Awards, the digital download and streaming release has been made available and the fans can’t wait!
2019
It seems that Marianne Elliott’s production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company at the Gielgud Theatre, featuring a female lead for the first time, hasn’t just been a favourite with audiences. The show won in both musical categories at the 2018 Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards today: for Best Musical & Best Designer for Bunny Christie.
2019
Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park’s awesome staging of Jesus Christ Superstar was a sell-out in 2016 and 2017. Now the iconic musical (Pope Francis is a fan) is on its way back, transferring to the Barbican Theatre for 60 performances from 4 July to 24 August 2019. So what do you think of the new trailer?
2018
Even after two hugely successful seasons in 2016 and 2017, it was still hard to say our farewells to Regent’s Park’s memorable staging of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Chris Superstar. Now we are looking forward to welcoming it back next year when it transfers to the Barbican Theatre for 60 performances from 4 July to 24 August.
2018
Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O’Bree attending the West End opening of COMPANY at the Gielgud Theatre, probably the most eagerly-anticipated musical theatre opening of 2018. Perry was there on the Red Carpet and at the after-party to grab selfies (with Patti LuPone, no less) and chat to stars of Marianne Elliott’s gender-bending production, including those important guys: Ben Lewis, Richard Fleeshman, Matthew Seadon-Young, Jonathan Bailey, Alex Gaumond & Gavin Spokes. We’ll drink to that!
It was smiles all round as The Stage Debut Awards 2018 recognised breakthrough talent in the shape of Amara Okereke, the first actress of colour to play the role of Cosette, Louis Gaunt for his performance in Grange Park Opera’s Oklahoma! and composer Gus Gowland for his show Pieces of String at Mercury Theatre, Chichester. Have you seen any of their work?
In yet another twist for the much-anticipated production of the Sondheim and George Furth classic, opening at the West End’s Gielgud Theatre from 26 September 2018, Jonathan Bailey will play Jamie (originally written as Amy) and Alex Gaumond is his devoted boyfriend. But don’t worry, the song ‘Not Getting Married’ today remains!
2018
Fresh from its season at the London Palladium, the musical adventures of Ratty, Toad, Mole & Badger in The Wind in the Willows will be enjoyed by a new audience at Easter with screenings across the UK & Ireland.
2017
Guess who is hiding among the plants at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre? None other than Audrey II! LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has been announced as the big 2018 summer musical at this beautiful outdoors theatre and it couldn't be a more perfect fit. Which of your #StageFaves would you like to see in the cast?
2017
We always love the amazing concerts and unique performances at Live At Zedel and the announcement of their Autumn/Winter season has us - dare we say it - excited for the summer to end! *cue gasps from the front row!* The unique live entertainment concept at The Crazy Coqs will host loads of StageFaves over the next few months, so get your diary out, take a gander at the talent on show and get your booking fingers out...
Disney musicals are now a family favourite and a staple on both sides of the theatrical pond. Musical Theatre Appreciation Society's Charlie Reynolds looks back on some of the biggest hits and the biggest flops in the back catalogue...
2016
Following the success of Sunday at the Musicals, we at #StageFaves are delighted to once again team up with producer Paul Burton as digital media partner for his next London concert. SUMMER AT THE MUSICALS, held once again in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, takes place at the Phoenix Arts Club on Sunday 28 August 2016 at 5pm. And, in our latest line of events and first nights, #StageFaves will be there to cover it live! Will you?