Beautifiul - The Carole King Musical on Tour

The writing duos of Carole King & Gerry Goffin and Cynthia Weil & Barry Mann wrote many of the top hits of the 1960s and 1970s.  Beautiful- The Carole King Musical tells the story of a sixteen year old girl  from Brooklyn who becomes one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time.  The story is exciting and fun but also very real and emotional, and it is coupled with an incredible B-plot of the relationship between Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.

I had the privilege to see the original Broadway cast including Jessie Mueller as Carole King, who won a Tony for the role, and it was one of the best musicals I had ever seen (and the first time I saw the show I had a standing room only ticket, so I sincerely mean that).  When it was announced that the show would be going on tour I knew I would have to make it a point to see it!

My excitement was further escalated by the announcement that Abby Mueller would be playing Carole King! Yes, she is the sister of Jessie Mueller, but that's not the only reason it's great that she's playing Carole King.  She is also a fantastic musical theater performer in her own right, and she brings her own unique aspects to the portrayal of Carole King.  The rest of the cast is also incredible! Liam Toby plays Gerry Goffin, Ben Fankhauser, who was recently seen as 'Henry' in North Carolina Theatre's production of Next to Normal, plays Barry Mann and Becky Gulsvig plays Cynthia Weil.  And you can't forget about the excellent ensemble of actors who bring the music to life in a big way!

I can't say much of anything that's new about why this show is so incredible and truly a must-see, but I will tell you I got my mom tickets for her birthday and had to basically drag her to see the show with me, but I chose to drag her because I knew she would thoroughly enjoy it. Since we saw the show, she has told every single person she has encountered that they need to get to DPAC immediately and see this fantastic show!

Here are just a few of the local reviews Beautiful - The Carole King Musical has received:

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical is playing at DPAC through October 4 and then moves on to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C..  You can find all of the upcoming tour dates here. Don't miss this incredible show when it comes to a city near you!

NRACT Shines Like the Sun with 9 to 5 the Musical!

A few weeks ago, I told my parents that I would do anything to see 9 to 5 the Musical.  After years of seeing the movie and listening to the original cast recording, I was ready to see the show outside of a few youtube videos.  A random Facebook ad led me to hear about a local production of the show. Well, I did say I would do anything.

     

                                                            Photo courtesy of nract.org.

I was not expecting to be blown out of my seat by the sheer talent, force, and heart of North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre's production.

In 2009, Dolly Parton's musical, 9 to 5, opened on Broadway and earned fifteen Drama Desk Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations.  The show starred Allison Janney (NBC's The West Wing, CBS's Mom), Stephanie J. Block (The Boy From Oz, Wicked), Megan Hilty (NBC's SMASH, Wicked), and Marc Kudisch (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Thoroughly Modern Millie).  While the production was short-lived, it certainly lived on among Dolly and Broadway fans.

Video courtesy of ABC via youtube.

Directed by James Ilsley, NRACT's production brings together some of the area's most talented to bring the show to life.  It should be noted that, unlike other groups, the cast and crew are volunteers - simply coming together to share their love of performing with each other and their audience.

    

               Mary Reilly, Mary Beth Hollmann, and AC Donohue as Judy, Violet, & Doralee. Photo courtesy of nract.org.

The show stars Mary Beth Hollmann, AC Donohue, and Mary Reilly as Violet, Doralee, and Judy respectively.  Alongside them, Bill Andrews plays Mr. Frank Hart, Natalie Turgeon plays Roz Keith, and David Kerman as Joe.  I cannot say how talented every person in the cast is; all have powerful voices that bring down the house in every number.  

A show like 9 to 5 requires a big cast to help carry the musical numbers, but the 18 performers in this production are the epitome of the phrase "less is more."  From the  beginning, a video of Dolly Parton leads the cast through the tale of three women who begin to fight back against their egotistical boss. The same video continues throughout the show providing the audience with a sense of location, as the sets are limited.  Following Dolly's lead, the cast brings audience members into the offices and homes of the characters.

Overall, the production is nothing short of stellar.  As mentioned, everyone involved is a volunteer - simply in it because they care.  It is rare to see a live show in which everyone is performing simply for the joy of performing.  Yes, the singers and actors are talented, but the passion is what makes this show shine like the sun!

9 to 5 runs until July 26!  Get your tickets now!

Be sure to like NRACT on Facebook, twitter, and instagram!  Also, check out their website for information about the rest of the season!

BREAKING NEWS: Julia Murney will join Alli Mauzey for Broadway Voices

It was previously announced that Alli Mauzey will be at GPAC for Broadway Voices on Friday, March 6.  Alli Mauzey was most recently seen as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway.

Julia Murney, known for her roles as Elphaba in Wicked, Queenie in The Wild Party, and Florence in Chess will join Alli Mauzey on stage in Garner for Broadway Voices on Friday, March 6.  Her work in regional theatre and cabaret performances leave audiences in awe of her powerful voice.  Her vocals, added with Alli Mauzy's, will be a pleasant treat for Garner audiences.

Alli Mauzy and Julie Murney

(Photo courtesy of broadway.com)

We are sure that this will be an amazing concert and tickets are still available! 

In the meantime, check out this awesome video of these two divas in action!

For more information about Broadway Voices, check out Garner Performing Arts Center website and Twitter. 

Be sure to follow Julia Murney on Twitter and check out her website. 

Theater People: Michael Mayer

Michael Mayer's work has been seen by many, having directed hit shows Spring Awakening, American Idiot, Thoroughly Modern Millie, just to name a few.  Now, his latest show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, is taking Broadway by storm.

Michael Mayer was asked to direct the orignal production of Hedwig, but his own musical, Triumph of Love, got a theater.  He told Patrick that he had to make a "Sophie's choice."  Now, the show has made its way back to him.  

Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the story of Hansel, a man who fell in love with a US soldier in East Berlin.  In an effort to be with the love of his life, undergoes a botched sex change and becomes Hedwig.  The story is told as one giant flashback, in the form of a giant monologue from Hedwig.

       

Neil Patrick Harris, most known for his roles on Doogie Houser, MD and How I Met Your Mother, is now headlining the show as Hedwig.  This is a new role for Harris, which Michael says is "delicious."  There is an opportunity for fans of Harris and fans of Hedwig to come together in one place.  Neil, according to Mayer, has a lot of freedom in the role, which can be seen in recent news.  If he wanted to, Neil could come out into the audience and interact with them.  Along with him, Kinky Boots star, Lena Hall, is playing the role of Yitzhak.  In a few short months, the rocker has transformed from Charlie Price's fiance to Hedwig's transgender husband.  

Michael Mayer is credited with discovering and/or kickstarting the careers a long list of performers, including Allison Janney, Kristin Chenoweth, Jonathan Groff, Jessie Mueller, Lea Michele and Lindsay Mendez - just to name a few.  It is not that he looks for star power, but he has been blessed with performers that match well with the work.  

Michael and Patrick discuss his many works: Thoroughly Modern Millie, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Spring Awakening, and American Idiot.  

For more information about Hedwig, follow Neil Patrick Harris, Lena Hall, and Michael Mayer on twitter. 
Get more information on tickets here.

Be sure to check out the upcoming episodes of Theater People, as they are sure to be great interviews!! 
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and follow them on twitter!

Theater People: Michael Urie

Episode six of the incredible Theater People podcast brings us an interview with the fabulously talented Michael Urie. You may know Michael from his role on Ugly Betty, as Bud Frump in How to Succeed or from his current role in the one-man play Buyer and Cellar.  He the podcast,and his interview with Patrick, is insightful and wildly entertaining.

Listen here!

The interview begins with an insight into Michael's background, such as the fact that he is actually a classically trained graduate of Julliard's prestigious drama division.  He is currently starring in the off-Broadway play Buyer and Cellar,  recounts a synopsis of the play (which sounds amazing) and talks about his time with the show so far, in which he plays seven characters.  He discusses what would happen if something went terribly wrong during the show and whether or not he has pages of the script in books around the set.

It's so interesting to hear from actors about their education and their process and how they feel the two things are intertwined.  It is especially interesting given that actors bring different walks of life and educational backgrounds to the roles they play.  Michael Urie is no exception.  Patrick and Michael discuss  his process and his experience with playing multiple characters.  It is very intriguing to hear his answer given his formal education in the dramatic arts.  Especially interesting is how he chose to play the character of Barbra Streisand in the play.

You can't talk to Michael Urie and not talk about Ugly Betty! Interestingly enough, he was only supposed to be in the pilot episode as a co-star, but his immediate friendship with Vanessa Williams, and her subsequent advice, helped him become a series regular.

They go on to discuss Michael's time in New York and experience with theater beginning with The Temperamentals.  They go on to talk about Angels in America and Michael's extensive experience with the play and book.  They end by talking about his Broadway debut in How to Succeed and how he "weaseled his way in" to the part.

This episode, like every episode they put out, is 100% worth the listen! Go listen to it immediately and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and follow them on twitter!