Preview: Bring It On the Musical

Broadway just got a little more competitive and a little more cheery. While competition is nothing new for Broadway shows, the latest musical to hit the Great White Way in New York City is redefining all of that while bringing a little cheer into the picture as well. This musical, after a nation wide tour, has finally come to Broadway, Today, Luner on Theatre gives you the inside scoop and a preview look at Bring It On the Musical.

Bring It On the Musical is not your average musical when it comes to the creative team behind this show. The musical features music by Tony Award Winner Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tony Award Winner Tom Kitt with lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Amanda Green. It also features a book by Tony Award Winner Jeff Whitty. Quite a team to tell this story. The musical is a story that follows the stakes of the high competitive world of cheerleading. One cheerleader specially thinks she has it all with her all star team team, boyfriend and a straight path to nationals. However, all that changes when they head to nationals and meet the competition facing the challenges of other squads while learning about the bonds of friendship through the thrill of the competition.

Bring It On the Musical launched a nationwide tour earlier this year on October 30th, 2011 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and has been touring the country ever since. The musical is directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler and is musically supervised by Alex Lacamoire. The musical will kick off on Broadway July 12th, 2012 n previews until it officially opens on August 1st. The production will play a limited engagement at the St. James Theatre until October 7th, 2012. Pictured above is the entire creative team which in total racks up 7 Tony Awards, 2 Grammy’s, a Pulizter Prize and 5 Drama Desk Awards.

Luner on Theatre is happy to welcome this cast of newcomers to Broadway as well! The cast includes Adrienne Warren as Danielle, Ryann Redmond, as Bridget, Taylor Louderman as Campbell, Jason Gotay (Rent) as Randall,Elle McLemore as Eva, Ariana DeBose (Hairspray) as Nautica, Gregory Haney (Memphis) as La Cienega, Neil Haskell(West Side Story, 9 to 5) as Steven, Janet Krupin as Kylar, Kate Rockwell (Legally Blonde, “Grease! You’re the One That We Want”) as Skylar and Nick Womack as Twig.

Ensemble members include Calli Alden, Nikki Bohne, Dexter Carr, Shonica Gooden, Haley Hannah, Rod Harrelson, Casey Jamerson, Dominique Johnson, Michael Mindlin, Adrianna Parson and Bettis Richardson.

Bring It On the Musical also includes a group of highly trained stunt performers who help bring to life the classic cheerleader stunts and high energy movements throughout the entire show. This group of performers includes Antwan Bethea, Danielle Carlacci, Michael Naone-Carter, Courtney Corbeille, Dahlston Delgado, Brooklyn Freitag, Melody Mills, David Ranck, Billie Sue Roe, Sheldon Tucker and Lauren Whitt. These performers not only help bring to life normal theatrical choreography but the new innovative choreography this musical brings with itself.

The rest of the creative team for Bring It On the Musical features a scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Andrea Lauer, lighting design by Jason Lyons, sound design by Brian Ronan, video design by Jeff Sugg and hair design by Charles G. LaPointe. The musical is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions/Glenn Ross, Beacon Communications/Armyan Bernstein and Charlie Lyons, and Kristin Caskey and Mike Isaacson.

Bring It On the Musical comes to life on Broadway this week beginning previews Thursday at the St. James Theatre in New York! Tickets are now on sale! You do not want to miss this once in a life to chance to see this Broadway musical of the future. The musical looks nothing short of innovative and will redefine New York theatre upon hitting the stage. And don’t forget…it’s a limited engagement! For more information, check out Bring It On the Musical’s Official Broadway Website. Also, be sure to check out Luner on Theatre on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter! And of course, check out the rest of Luner on Theatre for all your theatre news you don’t only need but want to know and so much more!

Luner on Theatre Looks Ahead to 2012 Theatre

Happy New Year Everyone! Another year is blooming on Broadway and its looking like its going to be another epic year of theatre in New York City as love stories, death, revolution and classic revivals come to life for the 2012 season! Broadway this year will experience a newsboy revolution, Judy Garland, classic Gershwin tunes, visit Neverland, see Jesus return to the stage and experience tons of new pieces of theatre work set for their Broadway debut. The story never ends especially on Broadway! So sit back and relax as Luner on Theatre brings you a preview and guide to your 2012 Broadway line up of future shows you can look forward to seeing this year in lights!

We have a lot of new productions to cover so let’s kick if off with our 2012 lineup!

The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, which is currently in previews at the Richard Rogers Theatre, officially opens on Broadway January 12th. The musical covers the story of Porgy and Bess on Catfish Row and the concept of African American life in the southern U.S. The musical is proud to be making it’s way to Broadway despite some previous drama from musical theatre composer Stephen Sonheim throwing a little bit of a diva fit when this production first began working in Boston late last year. The musical stars Audra McDonald as Bess and Norm Lewis as Porgy. For more information on the musical, check out the Porgy and Bess Official Broadway Website.

The Road to Mecca is a new play set to be produced by The Roundabout Theatre Company. The play tells the story of an elderly women in South Africa who has turned her home into a epic piece of artwork in the past three years since her husbands death. The play will star Tony Award Winners Rose Mary Harris and Jim Dale. The play will begin previews January 17th at The American Airlines Theatre. For more information, check out Roundabout Theatre’s Website.

Venus in Fur will be making it’s way uptown this year after playing a sold out engagement at The Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre to transfer to the Lyceum Theatre. The story is of an actress who arrives at an audition and before she knows it is more powerful then the director himself. The production stars Tony Award nominee Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy. For more information, check out Venus in Fur on Broadway’s Official Website.

A Streetcar Named Desire is set to be revived on Broadway this year. However, it has to find a Broadway house first as it is one of the many productions this upcoming season still looking for a home! The play follows the life of Blanche DeBois as she is forced to move in with her sister and her husband and face real life lessons in 1940′s New Orleans. The production is set to star Nicole Ari Parker, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Blair Underwood.

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman will return to Broadway this year in a new revival set to star Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Linda Emond and Andrew Garfield. The play follows the story line of Willy Loman, a business man, and his downfall from glory as salesman and how it affects his family. This new production of an absolutely American Classic will begin March 15th, 2012 at The Barrymore Theatre.

Once, the hit new musical based off of the 2007 film of the same name, will finally make it’s way to Broadway this year after years in the works and a successful Off-Broadway run previously. The producers of this new show announced this production transfer to Broadway even before it officially opened Off-Broadway. The new musical features music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh. For more information, check out Once on Broadway’s Official Website.

Jesus Christ Superstar is all the buzz and back on Broadway this year in a much anticipated revival having transferred from a huge success this summer at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The production follows the life of Jesus is his final week of life and focuses our attention on his relationship between him and Judas. The production is set to feature the hit cast that made this production so note worthy at Stratford with a minor change or two, including Upper Darby Summer Stage Alumni Josh Young in the role of Judas! For more information, check out the Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway Official Website.

Disney’s Newsies the Musical may stand in the hearts of Broadway fans as hands down the most anticipated production of the 2012 Broadway season! However, with only 101 performances on Broadway, Disney fans and lovers will only have a limited chance to check out this incredible stage production coming to New York after a successful regional run at The Paper Mill Playhouse previously. Casting has not been announced however it is expected most of the regional cast will transfer. Newsies is a musical based off of the real life Newsboy Strike in New York City in 1899. For more information, check out Newsies on Broadway Official Website.

End of the Rainbow will shine on Broadway later this year in a new musical that tells us the tale of Judy Garland trying to make yet another comeback in her career. The musical follows the personal issues and conflicts that consumed her life later on but is filled with moments of Garland’s performance career that defined her and placed her in history. This is a musical not to be missed after receiving rave reviews in London. Tracie Bennett which reprise her role as Judy Garland in the transfer of this production to Broadway which is set to begin April 2nd at The Belasco Theatre. For more information, check out End of the Rainbow on Broadway’s Official Website.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita will return to Broadway this season in a hit revival of the musical currently set to star Ricky Martin, Elena Roger, Michael Cerveris, Rachel Potter and more at The Marquis Theatre later on Broadway this year April 5th. The musical follows the life Evita in her early life, rise to power, charity work and eventual death. The production is also set to star Wagner Theatre Alumni Christina DeCicco as the stand by for Eva! For more information, check out Evita on Broadway’s Official Website.

Rebecca the Musical is set to make it’s Broadway debut this year based after the Oscar Award winning film of the same of title. The musical follows the life of Maxim De Winter and his estate where he lives with his new wife and housekeeper. However, the spirit of his past wife Rebecca still casts a very dark shadow over the entire household. The musical will begin April 22nd at The Broadhurst Theatre.

Ghost the Musical is set to transfer to Broadway this year after a successful run in the West End this past year. The musical is set to star Richard Fleeshman and Caissie Levy who will reprise their roles from the West End. The story is based off of the film of the same name and follows the story of Sam and Molly who are a couple attacked one night. Sam is killed but is caught between the real world and what comes next. He tries to get in contact with Molly to let her know she is in danger. The musical is set to begin April 23rd at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. For more information, check out Ghost the Musical on Broadway’s Official Website.

Nice Work If You Can Get It is a new Broadway musical this year set to bring back to life classic Gershwin hits in a new hit musical starring Kelli O’Hara and Matthew Broderick. The musical follows the story of Jimmy Winter who is about to get married but meets bootlegger Billie Bendix and everything gets thrown upside down. The musical is set to begin April 24th at The Imperial Theatre on Broadway. For more information, check out Nice Work If You Can Get on Broadway’s Official Website.

Peter and the Starcatcher will fly uptown to Broadway this year after receiving much praise during a successful downtown run last year in New York. The play, which features music, is the story of Peter before he becomes the iconic figure of Peter Pan in a wild play filled with imagination and so much more. This production like many others this season is also currently facing the issue of locating a Broadway home. However, it is expected a home for this show will be announced soon. For more information, check out Peter and the Starcatchers on Broadway’s Official Website.

And thats a wrap everyone! What a long and epic list of upcoming productions on Broadway! Due to space and time limitations, Luner on Theatre has excluded a couple upcoming Broadway productions also aiming for a spot on The Great White Way this year. However, we will most definitely be covering every single piece of theatre that comes to Broadway this year so have no fear! Check Out all the official Broadway websites for more information and Luner on Theatre as we bring you all the theatre news you not only need but want to know!

Preview: Bonnie & Clyde

Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen! Not only as the Luner on Theatre Preview series continues but as we introduce you to our next show up in the line up. Breaking its way into The Great White Way with a bang for sure, based off of the true story of the two famous convicts themselves, please welcome our next Broadway Preview Bonnie & Clyde.

Bonnie & Clyde is a new musical based off the true story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the tag team outlaws that became folk heroes during their crime spree through out the Great Depression. The pair was not only known however though for their stealing spree but also their love interest. Both combined into an epic story are what make the mounting of this new musical. The musical quite literally follows a story of the pair as they take part in their crime spree are arrested and continue to escape and be captured. Their story and love ends in a dramatic shootout that will end the show.

Of course, when mounting a musical of such an epic couple – one needs an epic couple to take on the roles of each. Taking on the role of Bonnie is Laura Osnes (Anything Goes) and Jeremy Jordan (Newsies) in the role of Clyde. The rest of the production also features Melissa van der Schyff (Big River) as Blanche Barrow, Claybourne Elder (Road Show) as Buck Barrow, Joe Hart (The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public) as Sheriff Schmid and Louis Hobson (Next to Normal) as Ted Hinton, plus Talon Ackerman, Rozi Baker, Leslie Becker, Mimi Bessette, Alison Cimmet, Dan Cooney, Jon Fletcher, Kelsey Fowler, Victor Hernandez, Sean Jenness, Katie Klaus, Michael Lanning, Garrett Long, Matt Lutz, Marissa McGowan, Cassie Okenka, Justin Matthew Sargent, Jack Tartaglia and Tad Wilson.

Bonnie & Clyde is a new musical that features a book by Ivan Menchell, music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black. This musical is making its Broadway debut and first time in New York. The production was put up at the La Jolla Playhouse in California from November 10th, 2009 to December 20th, 2009. The production was then put up around the same time again a year later at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Florida in 2010. Now almost another year to these dates, the musical has finally made it to Broadway. The production begins previews TODAY at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre with an official opening set for December 1st, 2011.

Jeff Calhoun

The creative team starts off with  Jeff Calhoun, recent director of Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse, at the helm again as Director. The rest of the team includes Tobin Ost scenic and costume designing the production, Michael Gilliam for lighting design, John Shivers sound desiging, Aaron Rhyne designing all the projects, Telsey + Company taking care of Casting, Charles LaPointe hair and wig designing, Ashley Ryan for make up design, Steve Rankin as flight director, Neil A. Mazzella and Paul J. Smith as production stage managers. Kathleen Raitt, Jerry Frankel, Jeffrey Richards, Barry Satchwell Smith and Michael Jenkins are all producers for the new production.

And while Wildhorn’s last piece on Broadway, Wonderland, was a huge flop to the community – this production looks very promising having been worked for some time now. Wildhorn has also described the music as flirting with rockabilly, blues and gospel. I personally cannot wait to see this production not only for the material it covers but for the promising look it has for Broadway.

Wanna see Bonnie & Clyde? You can because PREVIEWS BEGIN TONIGHT! This new production will most definitely be hitting Broadway with a BANG so make sure you check it out soon! Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes and a classic story of love and trouble – thats what we’re talking about. Previews begin tonight with an official opening set for December 1st. For more information, check out the Official Website for Bonnie & Clyde on Broadway! And of course, stay tuned to Luner on Theatre as we continue to bring you news of Bonnie & Clyde and the rest of Broadway as we bring you your need to know theatre news! Also- Thank you to Playbill.com for the photos used in this article!

Preview: Godspell

Hello Everyone! If you hadn’t noticed yet, we’ve decided to spread out our “Preview” series through out the season. Thats because we want to give you the most up to date accurate information close to the production beginning on Broadway as possible. And as for now, our series continues with another fantastic revival headed to Broadway this season and another religious piece; Godspell.

Godspell is “a musical based upon the Gospel according to St. Matthew”. The famous one liner about this musical really says it all. Godspell is a musical thats a series of verses from the Gospel according to Matthew and puts them into song to create the musical we know today. However, don’t mind the fact that three of the verses are only recorded in the Gospel according to Luke! (Awkward) Anyways, the musical includes all of your favorite heavenly figures such as Mary, Jesus, Judas and John the Baptist. However, a fantastic company is always around to back up any of these figures in song or dance.

Click Here to Hear Stephen Schwartz talk about Godspell

The  production is set to feature a very talented and bright cast. Leading them all is Hunter Parrish, best known from the hit television show Weeds, in the role of Jesus. The rest of the cast includes Uzo Aduba, Nick Blaemire, Celissa Henderson, Morgan James, Joaquina Kaulkango, Eric Michael Krop, Telly Leung, Corey Mach, Julia Mattison, Lindsay Mendez, George Salazar, Wallace Smith as Judas and Anna Marie Perez De Tagle.

Godspell is a musical by Stephen Schwartz and  John-Michael Tebelak. The musical began as a project of Stephen Schwartz’s when he was still attending Carnegie Mellon University. The production moved to Off-Broadway in 1971 where it played for 5 years before transferring to Broadway in 1976. Broadway producer Ken Davenport is at the lead for producing this musical’s epic return to Broadway. This production of Godspell is being directed by Daniel Goldstein  and features choreography by Christopher Gattelli. Goldstein was at hand behind the well known production  of Godspell that took place at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2006 and has reunited his team of designers for this Broadway production. However, it won’t be the same production by any means. This production team has “reimagined” Godspell for the Circle in the Square Theatre which is where the revival is currently sent to play.

EPIC FACT: The current upcoming revival of Godspell is set to play the Circle in the Square Theatre. This theatre is not only Broadway’s only “in-the-round” theatre but is located next to the Gershwin Theatre. The Gershwin Theatre is currently home to Wicked, another Stephen Schwartz musical, now its its 7th year on Broadway. With Godspell currently moving into the Circle in the Square Theatre, Stephen Schwartz’s first ever work on Broadway (Godspell) and latest work on Broadway (Wicked) will literally be seated next to each other on Broadway.

The rest of the creative team for Godspell includes a scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Miranda Hoffman, lighting design by David Weiner, sound design by Andrew Keister, orchestrations by Michael Holland and musical direction by Charlie Alterman.

So, Prepare Ye selves for an epic return of another rocking religious musical, Godspell! Previews for Godspell on Broadway begin October 13th, 2011 (this Thursday!) with an official opening set for November 7th, 2011. The production is currently set to play as an open run. So, experience a musical that changed it all and experience Godspell on Broadway returning this week! Thank you to Playbill.com for the photos used in this post! For an inside perspective on the behind the scenes work of Godspell, check out Producer Ken Davenport’s Blog on Godspell. You can also check out Godspell’s Official Broadway Website. And of course, Luner on Theatre will continue to bring you all your theatre news about Godspell and more as the season continues and we’ve only just begun!

Preview: The Mountaintop

Our Preview Series Returns! And this post is an exciting one! Not only because this is the first EVER play on Broadway to be featured on Luner on Theatre in our “Preview” series, but because the piece we are about to feature is something truly special. This fall, a story we do but really don’t know will come to life on Broadway in a production titled The Mountaintop.

From the name alone, you’re not exactly about to tell what Broadway’s The Mountaintop is about. So what is it all about? Producers have released the following statement about the production:

“The Mountaintop is a reimagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, after delivering his legendary ”I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. When room-service is delivered by a young woman with a mysterious identity, King is forced to confront his past, as well as his legacy to his people.”

Something important also worth mentioning is that this piece is a brand new play writte by Katori Hall. The production is also set to be directed by Kenny Leon.

As of right now, there is only one big name attached to this production. However, that wasn’t always the case. Set to star in this production as Martin Luther King Jr is Academy Award Nominee Samuel L. Jackson. An interesting choice for sure considering Jackson’s only other Broadway experience is being an understudy in The Piano Lesson. He also holds a credit Off-Broadway in the original production of A Solider’s Play. And of course, he is well known for his multiple roles in various Hollywood films.

Another name previously attached to this production that is no longer set to be a part of it was Halle Berry. She had expressed interest in this project since the very beginning but had to pull out recently due to “Child Custody Issues” according to a statement from her agent. So instead, stepping up into the role of the maid from the motel is now Angela Bassett.

So, if you want to be truly inspired this fall, check out The Mountaintop which is coming to Broadway. Previews begin September 22nd with an official opening set for October 13th at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway. I have to admit while I myself am more of a musical person, I do plan on seeing this production. I have a feeling it will not only be reminiscent of the late King but also eery to experience the thoughts and too brief life of someone who truly helped shape America into what it is today. For ticket information on The Mountaintop, check out the Official Website for the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Also, be sure to stay tuned to Luner on Theatre as we bring you anymore news or coverage of The Mountaintop on Broadway.

Fall Preview: Follies

Hello Everyone! Luner on Theatre has decided after much success last season to bring back a series that gives you a little inside scoop on shows about to make their way onto Broadway for the upcoming season. So, sit back and get a sneak peek as Luner on Theatre proudly re-launches its “Preview” series and we welcome our first new production of the new season, Follies!

This first preview will be a little bit different from the other upcoming ones because this production has already started previews on Broadway! However, we still wanted to give you the inside scoop on this production.

What should you know about Follies? How about we start with the story? Follies follows the story of reunion about to take place at a crumbling Broadway Theatre involving past performers of Weismann’s Follies. This production played at the Broadway theatre between World Wars. The story line follows two sets of couples, Benjamin & Phyllis Rogers Stone and Buddy & Sally Durant Plummer, who are attending the reunion. Both Sally and Phyllis were showgirls with the Follies. However, while the couples may seem fine, they are not happy at all with their marriages. Sally is in love with Ben, Buddy is having an affair on the side and Ben is so into himself that Phyllis feels abandoned. The girls end up performing some of their favorite old time numbers which sometime end up being with the ghosts of who they once were.

Click Here for a Sneak Peek into Broadway’s Follies!

Bernadette Peters

Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters (A Little Night Music, Gypsy, Annie Get Your Gun) leads the cast as Sally in the latest revival. Four time Tony Award nominee is Jan Maxwell (The Royal Family, Lend Me A Tenor, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) stars as Phyllis. Ron Raines (Show Boat, The Unsinkable Molly Brown) is all about himself in this production as he stars as Ben Stone. And finally Danny Burstein (Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, South Pacific, The Drowsy Chaperone) is not the nice guy in this production as he stars as Buddy in this production.

Follies debut on Broadway on April 4th, 1971 and opened at the Winter Garden Theatre. Follies features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman. This most recent production began at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. where it ran from May 21st – June 19th 2011. It was decided shortly after that the production would transfer to Broadway. The production is directed by Eric Schaeffer and features choreography by Warren Carlyle.

Jan Maxwell

While this most recent revival on Broadway is much anticipated, believe it or not, Follies was only last revived ten years ago in 2001 by Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City. However, this production compared to that one are worlds apart. This most recent production from The Kennedy Center played to 95% capacity through out its entire run and has been hailed by critics as a truly significant piece of musical theatre. The four leads mentioned above all transfered with the production from DC as well as  Elaine Page who stars as Carlotta in the production. The show features a 28 piece orchestra and 41 member cast.

Again just a reminder, previews for Follies have already begun on Broadway! Previews started at The Marquis Theatre in Times Square on August 7th, 2011 and the production will officially open September 12th, 2011. The production is only set to run for a limited time at this theatre. So if you’re in New York and wanna see this incredible production of Follies while it is still here, do it! You won’t regret seeing this lavish production that is decked out with costumes, sets, an orchestra and big Broadway voices to give you that feeling of a true classic Broadway show for the 2011 revival of Follies! For more information, check out Follies Official Broadway Website. And stay tuned as Luner on Theatre continue to bring you all your theatre need to know news!

Spring Preview: Anything Goes

All Aboard! Pack your suitcases, grab your boarding passes and hop on board! My “Spring Preview” series continues as Roundabout Theatre Company proudly presents the Broadway revival of Anything Goes!

What does Roundabout want you to know about the show? Well…”When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this hilariously bumpy ride are some of musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including ‘You’re the Top,’ ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow,’ ‘It’s De-Lovely,’ ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’ and ‘Anything Goes.’” (Cited from Playbill.com)

Click here for the TV commercial about Anything Goes! (Only 15 Seconds!)

Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Shrek the Musical) leads the revival cast as Reno. Broadway legend Joel Grey (Private Lives) who is most famous for originating the role of the Emcee in Cabaret, plays the role of Moonface Martin. Laura Osnes (South Pacific, Grease, Bonnie and Clyde) plays Hope Harcourt. Other names attached to the show are Colin Donnell, Jessica Walter, Adam Godley, John McMartin and Walter Charles.

Click here to listen to Sutton Foster and others talk about the new revival!

The musical, which first premiered on Broadway in 1934, has music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The original book is by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse. A new book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman was used and created for the 1987 Broadway revival and will be used for the 2011 revival as well. Kathleen Marshall will direct and choreograph the revival.

The musical hasn’t received much attention since the 1987 Broadway revival despite a revival of the show in 2002 in London’s West End. Many are excited to see what Tony Award winner Sutton Foster will produce this time considering her performance, no matter what show, always scores big. Also, excitment over the return of Joel Grey is about. Anything Goes will actually be 1 of the only 2 revivals on Broadway this season. (The other is How to Succeed in Business…starring Daniel Radcliffe)

Anything Goes will begin previews March 10th, 2011 at the newly named Stephen Sondheim theatre. An official opening is set for April 7th, 2011.

Spring Preview: Sister Act

Hello everyone! I hope you have caught up on any articles you’ve missed that I recently posted. For now, let’s continue on with my “Spring Preview” series. Next up, Sister Act.

Hold onto your crosses Broadway! This new musical, which is transferring from London’s West End, is about to rock Broadway in a divine way!

The producers have released the following statement: ”When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood.” (Cited from Playbill.com)

Sadly, the only name currently associated with the show is Patina Miller who will play the part of Deloris Van Cartier. She also originated this role in the London premiere production of Sister Act. Luner on Theatre will report more on casting details once they become publicly known.

While the show’s cast currently lacks names, the production team does not. Stage Entertainment UK produces with lead producer Whoopi Goldberg to bring the 1992 film to life on the Broadway stage. (Whoopi Goldberg created the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the original film). Also, such big names exist like Alan Menken who writes the music with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Cheri and Bill Steinkellner provide the book. Four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks will direct the Broadway debut.

Click here for a preview trailer on the show!

The original London production design team will reunite to create to show on Broadway. The team includes Anthony Von Laast as choreographer, Klara Zieglerova set designing, Lez Brotherston designing costumes, Natasha Katz lighting it all and Mick Potter designing sound.

The musical has become a notable production of the West End and has gained much success since its premiere including recently its album reaching the number 1 spot on itunes in England. The musical is highly anticipated on Broadway fr its premiere on the American stage bringing disco fever to Broadway for the first time in years.

Click here to view “I will follow him” from the 1992 film

Sister Act will begin previews March 24th, 2011 with an official opening set for April 20th, 2011. The show will play at The Broadway Theatre.

Spring Preview: Wonderland

Let the series continue! Here’s the second article in Luner on Theatre‘s “Spring Preview” series. Next Show? Wonderland. A New Alice. A New Musical.

The producers of the show are advertising it in the following manner: ”A new spin on the classic story of Alice and her Looking-Glass world,Wonderland is about a modern-day woman who goes on a life-changing adventure far below the streets of New York City, where a colorful cast of strange but familiar characters help her rediscover what’s really important. Featuring a fresh, contemporary pop score from the creator of Jekyll and Hyde, Wonderlandarrives on Broadway this spring following two sold-out national stage premieres.” (Cited from Playbill.com)

The show, despite being transfered from Tampa, carries big names in the production. Leading it all is Janet Dacal (In the Heights) playing the mother whose name is Alice. She is the mother of of Chloe played by Carly Rose Sonenclar (Les Miserables, Little House on the Prairie). Another big name to the production, Tituss Burgess, has recently stepped away from the production in which he was role of the Caterpillar. Stepping up to bat as the new Caterpillar is E. Clayton Cornelious. (Tituss’ reasons for stepping away are unknown at this time)

Other big names include Darren Ritchie as the White Knight, Jose Llana as El Gato, Karen Mason as the Queen of Hearts, Kate Shindle as the Mad Hatter and Edward Staudenmayer as the White Rabbit.

Click here for a video preview of the upcoming production

The creative team for this show has completely reinvented the piece known as “Alice in Wonderland”. Gregory Boyd is at the helms directing the piece. Boyd also co-wrote the book along with Jack Murphy. A completely new style of  music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Jack Murphy spices up the entire piece to really help create this new image of Alice. Marguerite Derricks choreographs.

The production has been in workshops since 2005 and finally developed into a working piece in Tampa in 2009 where it played at The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. It transferred to Houston in 2010 where it played at the Alley Theatre. It closed in Houston  in 2010 only to return to Tampa in late 2010/early 2011 before making it’s Broadway debut this spring.

Many aren’t sure what to expect out of this latest rendition of the classic “Alice in Wonderland” story but the future looks bright. The show which is budgeted at $3.3 million dollars already has recouped at least $2 million of that playing to a house 96% full through out its entire Tampa 2010-2011 run. Not only are the story and music looking strong, but so are many of the technical aspects which are reported to be one of a kind. (Especially the costumes)

Wonderland will begin previews on March 21st, 2011 at The Marquis Theatre with an official opening set for April 17th, 2011.

Spring Preview: Catch Me If You Can

Here is our first article in a series of blog posts looking forward to the 2011 spring season on Broadway. First up, Catch Me If You Can.

Catch Me If You Can, according to the producers, “captures the astonishing true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a world-class con artist who passed himself off as a doctor, a lawyer, and a jet pilot — all before the age of 21. With straight-arrow FBI agent Carl Hanratty on Frank’s trail, we’re off on a jet-setting, cat-and-mouse chase, as a jazzy, swinging-sixties score keeps this adventure in constant motion. In the end, Agent Hanratty learns he and Frank aren’t so very different after all, and Frank finds out what happens when love catches up to a man on the run.” (Cited from Playbill.com and Broadway.com)

The show is one of the most anticipated shows of the spring season holding such big names as Aaron Tveit (Next to Normal, Wicked) playing the part of Frank Abagnale Jr., Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Is He Dead?) playing the role of Carl Hanratty, Tom Wopat (Sondheim on Sondheim, Annie Get Your Gun) playing the role of Frank Abagnale Sr and Kerry Butler (Xanadu, Hairspray) playing the role of Brenda Strong. All four have been nominated for Tony Awards at some point in their previous theatre career.

To see photos of the cast who started rehearsal today (January 24th) at New York’s 42nd Street Studios, click here

The big names don’t stop with the cast! Tony award winners names line the categories for book, music and lyrics. The book is by Terrance McNally, music by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. The duo is known best for their work on Hairspray. Jack O’Brien directs the piece with Jerry Mitchell choreographing.

Click here to hear Aaron Tveit sing “Live in Living Color” from Catch Me If You Can. (Trust me, you want to listen)

As for theatre goers, I speak for many when I say the return of Norbert Leo Butz and Aaron Tveit to the New York stage is highly anticipated. The production which is the latest Broadway bound musical based off of a previous film of the same name is looking to be one of the most promising ones with big names involved ranging through the cast, technical design staff and production team.

Catch Me If You Can will begin previews March 7th, 2011 at the Neil Simon Theatre . The show will official open on April 10th, 2011. An official cast recording is expected later this year. A cast photo is featured below.