NEW ORLEANS IS GETTING A “MAKE-OGRE” SHREK THE MUSICAL

DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. are pleased to announce that SHREK THE MUSICAL will play at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for eight performances: Tuesday, May 31 – Sunday, June 5, 2011. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 8 at 11:00 AM.

The role of everyone’s favorite swamp-dwelling ogre, Shrek, will be played by Eric Petersen, who joins the tour from the Broadway production. He recently appeared as the socially challenged Barfee in the National tour of The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Haven Burton, also from the Broadway Company, will play the feisty Princess Fiona. Haven previously played Margo the Dog Whisperer on Broadway in Legally Blonde and understudied Elle Woods. Alan Mingo, Jr. is Shrek’s lovably annoying best friend Donkey. He was an original company member of The Little Mermaid where he played the role of Sebastian, and prior to that played the role of Tom Collins in RENT on Broadway. David F. M. Vaughnplays the vertically challenged villain Lord Farquaad. He, too, joins the tour from the Broadway Company. He also has appeared in Les Misérables and Saturday Night Fever.

Rounding out the cast of misfit fairy tale characters, the peoples of Duloc and Far, Far Away are: Joe Abraham, Holly Ann Butler, Carrie Compere, Emily Cramer, Tyrone Davis, Jr., Sandra DeNise, Hayley Feinstein, David Foley, Aymee Garcia, Brian Gonzales, Derek Hanson, Benjamin Howes, Cara Kem, Sean McKnight, Mara Newbery, Denny Paschall, Sarah Peak, Keven Quillon, Morgan Rose, Jason W. Shuffler, Blakely Slaybaugh, Danielle Soibelman and Julius Thomas III.

“We are thrilled to send SHREK THE MUSICAL to theatres across the country,” said Bill Damaschke, President of DreamWorks Theatricals, “and for American families to experience their favorite ogre and fairy tale creatures live on stage.”

An entirely new musical, SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek!, as well as the DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series.

SHREK THE MUSICAL tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales.

SHREK THE MUSICAL features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize^® winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change), and is directed by Tony Award^®nominee Jason Moore (Avenue Q) and Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Promises Promises). SHREK THE MUSICAL has set and costume designs by Tony Award^® winner Tim Hatley (Private Lives, Spamalot), lighting design by Olivier Award winner Hugh Vanstone (A Steady Rain), sound design by Peter Hylenski(Rock of Ages); choreography by Josh Prince, music supervision by Tim Weil, music direction by Andy Grobengieser, and orchestrations by Danny Troob & John Clancy.

SHREK THE MUSICAL was initiated when Sam Mendes, a big fan of the first Shrek film, suggested the idea of creating a musical to DreamWorks Animation’s Jeffrey Katzenberg around the time the second film was in production. The musical is produced by DreamWorks Theatricals (Bill Damaschke, President of DreamWorks Theatricals and Co-President of Production for DreamWorks Animation) and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. (principals Sam Mendes and Caro Newling).

Schedule and Tickets:

The eight performances are scheduled from Tuesday, May 31 – Sunday, June 5 2011. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, and Sunday at 2:00PM and 7:30PM.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 8 at 11:00 AM. For more information on tickets, visit http://BroadwayInNewOrleans.com,http://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office.  Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations, http://www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 20 or more are available by calling 504-287-0372.

For more information, visit www.ShrekTheMusical.com or http://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com/event/15242. Join the award-winning Shrekster.com, the Official Fan community of Shrek The Musical delivering news, media and exclusive contests to fans of the Shrek Series and Shrek the Musical.  Log in and join the New Orleans group for access to the most up to the date news, information and member’s only exclusive content form Shrek and Donkey’s first “whirlwind, big city adventure” across the country:  www.shrekster.com/neworleans.

Mahalia Jackson Theater is located in Armstrong Park at 801 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Information on the Capital One Bank Broadway Across America-New Orleans series and venue policies and accommodations may be obtained online at www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. Group Sales information is available at 504-287-0372. Box Office information is available at 504-287-0351.

Broadway in New Orleans Unveils its 2011-2012 Season

After a hugely successful second season back in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, Broadway Across America is pleased to announce the line up for the 2011-2012 Broadway in New Orleans Season. Playing at Mahalia Jackson Theater, the series, which features classics to contemporary, includes:

The Addams Family                                                     September 15 - 24, 2011

Rock of Ages                                                                November 1 - 6, 2011

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific                      November 29 - December 4, 2011

Blue Man Group                                                           January 31 - February 5, 2012

Disney’s The Lion King                                                March 14 - April 15, 2012

  

According to David Skinner, general manager of the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, “New Orleans continues to be one of the top cities in the United States for professional touring theater. With today’s announcement of the 2011-12 Season, we are excited to bring some of the best shows from Broadway to audiences in the Gulf South.

“We are thrilled New Orleans was selected as the city to launch the national tour of The Addams Family, and are also pleased that Broadway in New Orleans will offer the Gulf South premiere engagement of Disney’s The Lion King, one of the most impressive and popular musicals on Broadway. We expect demand will be great so The Lion King is scheduled to perform 40 shows in a five-week period. The season is rounded out with the Pulitzer prize-winning South Pacific; and we introduce Rock of Ages and Blue Man Group as perfect alternative complements to the line-up.”

Season tickets are on sale now!

Five-show Broadway in New Orleans season ticket packages are on sale now, and prices start at $128. For more information, patrons can visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or call the Broadway Across America Season Ticket Hotline at 1-800-218-SHOW (7469) during extended renewal hours of Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Current Season Ticket Holders will receive renewal packets in the mail in the next two weeks but can view their renewal invoice online now at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com. The renewal deadline is Monday, April 18. Season Ticket Holders enjoy the privilege of premium seating locations, priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket insurance, and exchange privileges on their existing seats. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Groups of 15 or more can reserve seats now by calling 504-287-0372.

September 15-24, 2011

The Addams Family is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy, based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, features a book by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice with music and lyrics by Drama Desk-winning composer Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party). The creative team also includes choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks. Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.

November 1-6, 2011

It’s five-time, Tony Award-nominated smash-hit musical Rock of Ages, a hilarious, feel-good love story.  In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80’s. Rock of Ages, an arena-rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on! Critics call it “Impossible to resist! - Charles Isherwood, New York Times and "Rock and comedy in perfect proportion!" - David Cote, Time Out.

West Side Story is here!!!!

Last night was the premier of the fantastic Broadway musical, West Side Story, on its tour in New Orleans. The Mahlia Jackson Theater provided a friendly environment for the traveling show to perform and really made you feel like you were in 1960’s Brooklyn, with hit songs such as, “Tonight,” “America,” “Somewhere,” and “I Feel Pretty.”

The show featured great singing, outstanding choreography, and of course and unforgettable plot. A gang rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, and a romance between two people from different backgrounds, makes for thrilling storyline that really keeps people on their toes. The fight scenes between the Sharks and the Jets featured exciting and dramatic dancing.

The intense drama during the 2nd Act really brought the play to life. The actors and actresses put everything they had into this performance, and made it a truly enjoyable show for everyone.

Check out Good Nola story about event.

Schedule and Tickets:
The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 2:00PM and 7:30PM.

Tickets starting at $25. For more information on tickets, visit http:// www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 20 or more are available by calling 504-287-0372.

*Photo Credit: http://www.westsideontour.com/

West Side Story Comes to New Orleans

That’s right! One of the world’s greatest love stories will be showing in New Orleans from March 15th through the 20th, West Side Story. West Side Story is a musical based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It’s an energetic musical based around gang warfare between the Jets and the Sharks in New York City in the 1950s.

Hitting Broadway over fifty years ago on September 26, 1957 at Winter Garden Theatre, this unforgettable musical left New York speechless, and now has a chance to bring that fun and excitement to New Orleans at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Get prepared to see unbelievable singing and dancing bringing to life the story of love and ethnic/social relations.

The main characters bringing West Side Story alive in New Orleans are Kyle Harris as Tony and Ali Ewoldt as Maria. A few additions will be made to this performance from past shows, such as the use of Spanish dialogue and terminology, giving the story an interesting touch. Director, Arthur Laurentz says the show is coming back as a revival, making it more universal and timeless.

New Orleans own, Joey McKneely will be reproducing the choreography for the performance, making the musical a little more special for New Orleans. Joey McKneely’s work can be seen on Broadway productions such as Smokey Joe’s Café, The Life, Twelfth Night, The Wild Party, The Boy from Oz, and many others.

If you’re in New Orleans around the 15th you must stop by the Mahalia Jackson Theater and see West Side Story. With nothing but great reviews this love story revival will leave you wanting more!

Schedule and Tickets:
The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 2:00PM and 7:30PM.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 14 starting at $25. For more information on tickets, visit http:// www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 20 or more are available by calling 504-287-0372.

*Photo Credit: http://www.westsideontour.com/

West Side Story Comes to New Orleans

The tour of the current smash hit Broadway production of WEST SIDE STORY is visiting New Orleans for eight performances from Tuesday, March 15 – Sunday, March 20, 2010 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday, January 14.

Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction will be recreated for the tour by David Saint, the Associate Director on Broadway. The original Jerome Robbins choreography is reproduced by Tony Award-nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life), who is originally from New Orleans.

The new Broadway cast album of WEST SIDE STORY won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album on January 31, 2010. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

The new Broadway production began previews at the Palace Theatre on Broadway Monday, February 23, 2009, opened to critical acclaim breaking box office records at the Palace Theatre on Thursday, March 19, 2009, and recouped its $14 million investment after running only 30 weeks. The Broadway production played its final performance January 2, 2011. The musical played 27 previews and 748 regular performances, making it the longest-running production of the groundbreaking musical in Broadway history. The original production, which had held the record, played 732 performances on Broadway.

WEST SIDE STORY features scenic designs by James Youmans (Gypsy), costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard (The Farnsworth Invention, The Who’s Tommy), lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Gypsy, Jersey Boys), sound design by Tony Award nominee Dan Moses Schreier (Gypsy, A Catered Affair) and hair by Mark Adam Rampmeyer (The Farnsworth Invention).

WEST SIDE STORY is written by three theatrical luminaries: two-time Tony Award winner Arthur Laurents (book) and multiple Tony and Grammy Award winners Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) in his Broadway debut.

WEST SIDE STORY is produced by Kevin McCollum, James L. Nederlander, Jeffrey Seller with Terry Allen Kramer, Sander Jacobs, Roy Furman / Jill Furman Willis, Robyn Goodman / Walt Grossman, Hal Luftig, Roy Miller and Broadway Across America.

Schedule and Tickets:
The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 2:00PM and 7:30PM.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 14 starting at $25. For more information on tickets, visit http://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 20 or more are available by calling 504-287-0372.

General Information:

Also playing at Mahalia Jackson Theater in 2011 are: SHREK THE MUSICAL, May 31- June 5 and a special 5-performance run of The Color Purple, February 11-13.

Spamalot: Find Your Grail

Do you love Monty Python? If so, you will love “Spamalot”! I was invited to attend the opening night performance, and it did not disappoint. Spamalot is a humorous, fun, light-hearted romp through all of your favorite Monty Python material. Based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Spamalot” takes all of the best parts of the movie and expands upon them, interspersed with new material. Not only does “Spamalot” spoof 10^th century England, it also parodies Broadway shows. Theatergoers will appreciate references to other musicals. “Spamalot” also includes a several Vegas-style numbers and a dance by the “Laker Girls.” The cast of “Spamalot” even managed to throw in a “Who dat!” and a reference to Drew Brees. Without wanting to give too much away, the finding of the grail was a surprise, and the finale was a cute way to wrap up the musical.

“Spamalot” is showing at the Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Theater, which was beautifully renovated after Hurricane Katrina. I have been to several shows at Mahalia Jackson. It is a relatively small theater and there is not a bad seat in the house. For “Spamalot,” I sat in the “Parquet” section; these seats are near the back of the first level, but they are excellent.  Go see this entertaining musical and see for yourself!

“Monty Python’s Spamalot” showing now through Sunday evening, with matinee performances Saturday & Sunday.

Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Theater, 1419 Basin Street

For tickets call 504-287-0351 or visit http://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com/

Spamalot Comes To Town

It’s now time for yet another wonderful Broadway production to make its way to New Orleans!   The Tony Award-winning Best Music of 2005, Monty Python’s Spamalot will be in New Orleans! This extremely funny production tells the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail. Expect dancing especially from knights, chorus lines, Frenchmen, killer rabbits and more. Can you really get any better than that? Monty Python’s is a group of British actors that begun performing in the 60s. I can’t wait to see the remake of this wonderful show.  Spamalot will come alive in New Orleans for eight performances starting on December 14, 2010 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Don’t miss yet another wonderful chance to experience Broadway right here in our home of New Orleans!

For more information and tickets, visit http://www.mahaliajacksontheater.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS).

RAIN: The Beatles in New Orleans

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Broadway show RAIN, a Beatles tribute band, at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. It felt like the Beatles were back for another concert in New Orleans 46 years after their concert in City Park. RAIN was a wonderful experience- it felt like I was transported back in time to an actual Beatles concert.

The set was fairly simple. It consisted of the band along with antique looking speakers flanked by two large screens at either end of the stage. These screens broadcasted age-specific images based on the set RAIN were playing at the time. That is, the concert started when the Beatles first came to the US. The screens showed opening credits to the Ed Sullivan Show, and when the curtain raised, the “Applause” signs were lit up and the audience was made to feel like we were back in February of 1964 on Ed Sullivan’s set. They also showed imagery specific to the song. As we moved into the 70s there were trippy looking images on each screen to accompany the fake smoke engulfing the stage. At other times during RAIN’s performance of over 200 Beatles classics, these screens showed screaming fans from actual Beatles shows. These were especially hilarious- you saw girls fainting from seeing the Beatles live at Shea stadium and people trying to storm the field while police carried them away. You could literally feel the emotion of the fans and could understand from the music in front of you as well as the multitude of fans on the screens and around you what it must have actually been like to see the Beatles live. The screens also featured political demonstrations and famous images of the time to make the audience further feel that they were going back in time.

RAIN: A Tribute To The Beatles

Do you remember “My Guitar Gently Weeps” or maybe “Can’t Buy Me Love”? Well here comes your chance to sing and dance along in your chairs to the Beatles! All you Beatles fans out there, it’s now your time to re-live your passion for one of the most iconic musical groups. Prepare yourself for RAIN…. Its coming to New Orleans on November 3, 2010 at Mahalia Jackson Center. RAIN will cover the music of The Beatles with their multi-media experience! You will not only get a chance to hear some of your favorites but watch some great footage from the 1960s. The RAIN cast includes Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr) and Steve Landes (John Lennon), and Mark Lewis (keyboards, percussion)


Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 8PM
Tickets: On Sale Now for $20 and up



RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles is part of the 2010/2011 CAPITAL ONE BANK BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA - NEW ORLEANS SEASON. A 4-show mini-package is available now and starts at $89. Anyone interested in becoming a Season Ticket Holder should contact 800-218-SHOW (7469) Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or log on to www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

Cirque Dreams illumination opens in New Orleans!

If you don’t do anything else you HAVE to see Cirque Dreams illumination. This has to be one of the most fascinating shows I have seen in a long time. I definitely thank Broadway across America and Mahalia Jackson Theater of Performing Arts for bringing this performance to New Orleans. 

Cirque Dreams illumination was created by Neil Goldberg with an original score by Jill Winters and David Scott. The show was based around phenomenal performances constructed in a dream world. The illusion and stunts of this performance was amazing. The show came to life with wirewalkers, aerialist, balancers, dancers and more. The unique cast came together to build a sensational and unique show.

Igor Berstov and Elena Berestova debut in America their perch balancing, which is rarely performed in the world. Perch balancing consists of one performer balancing atop a pole that is being balanced by another performer.  Seeing that right before my eyes was amazing. Evegeny Vasilenko, wire walker performed for the first time in America on the newly invented motorized aerial slack wire. I was terrified yet intrigued all at the same time at the high level of balance this person had.  Andrey Moraru, chair climber, premiered his chair climbing dance and at 6’2, is the tallest hand balancer. There are definitely more great performances and contortion to stare in amazement at Cirque Dreams illumination.

I sat in admiration at the first quadruple “spinning cube” act in the world. Uranmandakh Amarsanaa, Buyankhishig Ganbaatar, Erdenesuvd Ganbaatar, and Odgerel Oyunbaatar are absolutely some of the best contortionist I ever seen.  Another favorite performance was by Vladimir Kurzyamov and Olga Kurzyamova, a clothing magician and fashion illusionist. Watching Olga change clothing had me sitting there in shock. This among all of the performances was mind-blowing.


You definitely need to see this show for yourself. Tickets start at $25 and the show runs September 28th through October 3rd. You can purchase tickets at the Mahalia Jackson Box office or Ticketmaster. For more information, check here.