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[post_content] => Wishing someone to break their leg? Sounds crazy, no? But in our little world of theatre, you might say every one of us is beholden to the grand traditions of the stage, trying to sing out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking their neck. It isn’t easy. You may ask, “Why do we stay up here if it’s so dangerous?” We stay because theatre is our home. And how do we keep our traditions alive? That I can tell you in one word: superstition!
With apologies to Bock, Harnick and Stein, the theatre has many superstitions that must be obeyed to ensure a good performance. Some stem from otherworldly beliefs, while others stem from simple logistics.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common myths and superstitions from the theatre:
Whistling while onstage or backstage in a theatre has long been considered bad luck. This superstition stems from the time before mechanized sets and backdrops. Back then, all the rigging for the sets, lighting, etc., was all operated by hand using ropes. As such, the backstage crew was often filled with sailors, as they literally “knew the ropes.” Just like on a ship at the time, commands and signals were given with distinct whistles. Therefore, if an actor or someone else were to nonchalantly whistle, it could cause confusion and ruin the show.
While theatrical costumes are now often bright, flashy and full of color, two colors used to be off-limits for the superstitious actor. Wearing a green or blue costume was once thought of as very bad luck, though for very different reasons.
Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is one of the most popular plays ever written. It’s also believed to be the most cursed — so much so that just saying the name of the play in a theatre is considered very bad luck. Most actors will only refer to it as “The Scottish Play,” “The Bard’s Play” or even “Mac B.”
Some believe that Shakespeare gave his three witch characters actual spell incarnations for lines. As retaliation, a coven of actual witches cursed the play for all eternity. This could seem silly and/or highly doubtful in the modern world, but it’s hard to deny that “Macbeth” has seen more than its fair share of unfortunate incidents.
It’s believed the first occurrence of the “curse” actually happened during the first production of the play. It’s said that the young man playing Lady Macbeth (actors in Shakespeare’s time were, by law, all men) tragically died on opening night and Shakespeare himself had to step in. There have been numerous incidents of actors getting accidentally stabbed during fight scenes. In 1934, four actors had to step into the role of Macbeth due to illness or accidents in one week. It was also the show in which dueling productions caused the great Astor Place Riot in 1849, leaving at least 25 dead and hundreds injured.
Luckily, there is a way to combat the curse! If you say the play-that-must-not-be-named in a theatre, you must run around the building three times, then spin around, curse and beg to be let back in.
If you are ever so lucky to go backstage at the legendary New Amsterdam Theater in New York, you may notice a portrait of a beautiful showgirl hanging on the wall right as you enter. Her name is Olive Thomas, and her picture is there for a very specific reason.
Olive Thomas was a Ziegfeld Girl (and, for a time, was Ziegfeld’s girl) and a silent film star in the early 20th century. Later, she married Jack Pickford, brother of silent film superstar Mary Pickford, and the two had a passionate but volatile relationship. In 1920, they were on a second honeymoon in Paris when tragedy struck. Jack was awakened by Olive screaming, having ingested mercury bichloride that had been prescribed to Pickford to treat his syphilis. She died four days later at age 26. Was it an accident? Was it a suicide? Or was it something more sinister?
However, Olive has not entirely left us. It is widely believed that Olive’s ghost haunts The New Amsterdam, the same theatre where she performed in the Ziegfeld Follies and Midnight Frolics. She can reportedly be seen carrying a small blue bottle (like the one containing the chemicals that killed her) and wearing a green, beaded dress. She even caused a security guard to call the vice president of Disney Theatricals (the owner of the theatre) at 2:30 a.m. in a panic after seeing her. She is said to appear to mainly men and is even known to be naughty and pinch a bottom or two.
The portrait of Olive hangs right by the stage door to the theatre so that the cast and crew can say goodnight to her as the leave to appease her.
Almost every actor knows that it’s bad luck to say “good luck” before a performance. But where does that phrase come from? There are actually many different theories regarding the origin of the phrase, but there’s no hard evidence to prove any of them. Some theories have origins in Ancient Greece, Elizabethan England and the Civil War era. However, it doesn’t seem that the phrase was used until the 1920s.
Some believe that it refers to bowing, which is also known as “breaking the leg” because of the bended knee. Others attribute the saying to an old German toast, “Hals und Beinbruch,” which means “neck and leg fracture.” Still, some say it has to do with the curtain legs, which are the side curtains in the wings of a stage.
Which one is the real origin? The world may never know.
There are several items you are never supposed to use onstage. Peacock feathers are considered bad luck because the pattern on the feather creates an “evil eye.” You are also never supposed to use real money or jewelry onstage. This stems from simply trying to deter theft, which was rampant when theatres were not considered the respectable places they are today.
It’s very bad luck to have a mirror on your set. However, the reason has nothing to do with spirits or omens, but rather lighting. Mirrors can reflect the lighting and disrupt the look of a show, though it sees to have worked out just fine for “A Chorus Line” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
While the “rule of three” usually means that it’s good luck to have things in sets of three, this is not true when it comes to the theatre and candles. Having three lit candles onstage is said to be very unlucky, and the person standing next to the shortest candle will be the next one to get married — or die. While the origin is not perfectly clear, it’s widely believed that this came from the time when theatres were lit with candles and torches, not electricity. Hundreds of theatres burned down in that period, so it’s believed that the superstition stems from trying to eliminate the amount of candles onstage.
Just about every professional theatre in America has a ghostlight. It’s a long, simple pole, usually three to five feet high, with a single bulb that’s either bare or has a wire cage around it. It’s placed onstage every night after the show is finished and everyone has gone home. With everything else in the theatre turned off, the ghostlight will be the only thing still on until work begins the next day. Why?
Well, it turns out the history of the ghostlight isn’t actually super clear. However, there are many myths and legends on hand to try to explain the ritual. One believed by many scholars takes us back to before the invention of the light bulb. Back then, theatres were lit with gas-burning lights that ran on gas generators. A single light would be left, burning all night to alleviate the pressure on the gas lines, which might otherwise build up overnight and cause fires. Then, somewhere along the way, the word “gaslight” morphed into “ghostlight.”
Another theory has it that in 1919, when Actors Equity was first recognized as a union, one of its requirements was that a single light had to be left onstage so that rehearsal pianists could come and set up for rehearsals without having to wait for the house electricians to turn the lights on. Though it’s unclear whether this is true, to this day, some people still refer to the ghostlight as the “Equity Lamp.”
Another famous legend has it that a robber broke into a theatre in the middle of the night, and not knowing about orchestra pits, fell off the stage and broke his leg. He then sued the theatre for negligence — and won! So, ghostlights are there to prevent liabilities. Robber or not, many believe that the reason for the ghostlight is simply to prevent anyone from falling, breaking their neck and becoming ghosts themselves.
Still, the most prevalent reasons given for the ghostlight involve, obviously, ghosts! As all thespians know, most theatres are haunted. Depending on the theatre nerd you talk to, the light is there to either help or hinder said ghosts. Some think that the light shoos away mischievous ghosts who might mess with the sets or costumes if left to their own devices. Since most theatre ghosts were once performers, others think that the light is left on to appease the spirits and give them lighting for their ghostly nighttime theatre.
Whatever the reason, the ghostlight has become a beloved theatre tradition. Record labels, musicals, biographies and many theatre companies have adopted the name “Ghostlight.” It’s come to symbolize those that have tread the boards before us and it’s our way to honor them.
Being involved in countless shows, I’m not ashamed to admit that I have fallen prey to more than one “showmance” in my time. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it is a romance that develops between two people during a production, be it theatre, television or movies. When I was in my early teens, suffering through braces and an unfortunate choice to get bangs, I would find myself crushing on the older actors in the leading roles who barely registered my existence. A misguided part of my brain was certain this was where my romantic future lay, and I dreamt of what it would be like to be noticed by them, to be the one they fell in love with every performance. Until finally, in one production all those years ago, my wish came true.
I auditioned for the play on a complete whim after days of agonizing over whether I would go at all. It was probably the most underprepared I have ever been at an audition, but somehow the director found it all endearing and cast me in the show.
At the first rehearsal, I met my castmates, including one in particular who sought me out. He was to play opposite me as my love interest. He politely shook my hand and told me he was looking forward to working with me before he bid me goodnight. He was tall, classically handsome and charming, like he’d just fallen out of a Ralph Lauren catalogue. He affected almost every girl in the cast and crew, whether they admitted it or not.
It was hard not to notice him. He was articulate, he held doors and he woredress shirts with cashmere sweaters. This was a far cry from the typical boys we were used to, in their offensive T-shirts and hoodies. He rarely socialized with other members of the cast, and his nature was quiet until he stepped onto the stage and came alive in his role. Passionate, reckless, romantic and smart, he played his part with such ease. We all watched him in awe from backstage, and even our director was excited by scoring such a stellar male lead. As rehearsals progressed, it was not surprising that I developed a crush.
I worked hard to fulfill my role opposite him as the love interest and devoted all of my free time to rehearsal and hanging out with my friends in the cast. During rehearsal downtime, we’d often sit together in the audience, which is exactly where one of the girls I’d become close friends with confessed her feelings for my onstage love interest. My heart sank. She couldn’t possibly have known about my crush, as I’d been careful not to mention it to anyone, choosing to pine in silence. The knot in my stomach tightened when she asked for my help to win him over, given my role as his fictional other half. If I refused, I risked losing her friendship, and even messier, I would have to figure out how to explain why I couldn’t help her — open can, worms everywhere. So, I agreed to help.
Rather than try to sort out my emotions, I threw myself full-tilt into the production and being with my show family. Whispers were circulating about our chemistry, and while I denied them, it did nothing to stop the rumor mill and only spurred me on. It was not my finest moment.
However, the more time went on and I got to know my onstage love, the more I actually got to know him. In doing so, I realized something very important: I hadn’t actually known him at all, and I certainly wasn’t infatuated with him. I was attracted to the character he played. My heart longed for his perfectly written stage self in the same way I longed for Heath Ledger’s Patrick Verona from “10 Things I Hate About You.” That was who gave me butterflies in my stomach. I was swooning over the words he spoke to me night after night and the passion he had been told to emote. The real guy was nothing like the man I was pining for.
When the show came to a close and for a short time after, we tried to meet up and hang out together as a group. But the thing that had ultimately bonded us was no longer, and we couldn’t recapture the same magic. The post-show grief hit me like a ton of bricks at the time. Because the end of a production is like the end of a good relationship, it hurt because it mattered.
I came out of my grief long enough to notice a real guy I’d been neglecting in favor of my fantasy man. In spite of the complete brush-off I’d been giving him for nearly two months, he’d come to see the show. Twice. He’d known how important it was to me. As it turns out, the romance I’d wanted had been right in front of me the whole time.
I know this all sounds like the basis for another “High School Musical” movie, and in truth, said guy and I split up a year later. But my first foray into showmance territory did leave its mark on me. I took away some very important lessons that helped me see things with clearer eyes when the opportunity to date a castmate came up again:
Before I saw this musical, I did not know much about the story. The details that have been released to the public about the plot have been pretty vague. What I can tell you without giving too much away is that this story is relatable and familiar, but with a twist. Evan Hansen is someone who feels like he doesn’t matter, and when a tragedy strikes, one little lie spirals out of control and changes everything.
This musical speaks to the part of you that has ever felt lonely or just a little bit lost. Along with identifying with Evan, this show is also relatable for parents who have ever had to deal with a troubled child. This story is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, whose past projects include “Smash,” “Dogfight” and a little film called “La La Land,” composed the music for this show. The story of “Dear Evan Hansen” was actually inspired by an event that took place in Pasek’s childhood. The event caused everyone to want to be a part of something, which is a consistent theme throughout the score of the musical.
From “Waving Through a Window” to “You Will Be Found,” there are definitely some new musical classics in this show. What is most impressive is the emotion that is in every song. From the funnier numbers to the uplifting pieces, every song leaves you feeling something, making the show a bit of an emotional rollercoaster that’s certainly worth riding.
Oh, and Alex Lacamoire of “In the Heights” and “Hamilton” also acted as the musical supervisor on this show.
From the subject matter to the music, this is definitely a modern musical. The set exudes everything it is to be a teen in the 21st century. Physically, it’s a pretty minimal set, but the way the show uses screens to portray all forms of social media to fuel the story is mesmerizing.
Only eight people make up the cast of this musical, which you may find difficult to believe if you’ve already listened to the OBCR. Musically, they are impressive. I’ve gushed about Platt enough, but the power this cast delivers in its vocal performance is amazing and will give you goosebumps.
Then there are the characters they play. Every actor is perfectly suited in his or her role. From Jennifer Laura Thomas and Michael Park’s representation of dysfunctional family members trying to get by to Will Roland’s effective portrayal of a bro-like teen, all of these characters are far more complex than they seem at first glance.
You definitely want to bring tissues to this one. You can try to hold it together, but it probably won’t happen. After the finale, I clapped my own tears into my face. I didn’t even realize I’d cried that much.
Parts of this show are heartbreaking. Parts of this show are hysterically funny. And that’s life. We all just want to feel that we belong, and in the end, that we’ll be found — and that is the message of “Dear Evan Hansen.”
YOUR NAME [SAG-AFTRA] Phone Number/ Email/ Website Height: Weight: (optional) Hair Color: Eye Color: Credits There’s a common misconception that the more credits listed on the page, the more professional you look. However, you almost want the opposite. Choose your best and most recent roles and allow for the blank space to shine through. White space makes it much easier to read. People are typically only going to spend a few seconds looking at your resume, so have your most impressive roles (or, where possible, the ones that relate to the role you’re submitting for) at the top. It’s tempting to keep everything in chronological order, but if the credits are within a similar time frame, it’s much better to have the notable ones listed first. Again, if you had a starring role in high school and are now almost 30, don’t keep that on your resume. Also, don’t put “background work” on your resume unless you were featured or had a line. Depending on the mediums you work in, have bold headings that separate your credits (i.e., THEATRE, TELEVISION, FILM, etc.) If you’re looking to go in for multiple types of projects, create various versions of your resume. When auditioning for theatre, have your theatre credits listed first. The same goes for movies and TV. You want to make it as easy as possible for them to cast you. Credits should always be in three separate columns. The following is the format for listing theatre credits: SHOW NAME, ROLE and THEATRE COMPANY. If there is a notable director or producer, you should definitely put that down, too. Here is an example of how credits should be formatted: BROADWAY Spring Awakening Mortiz Eugene O’Neill Theatre Television and film credits are similar, but should be stylized as follows: PROJECT TITLE, TYPE OF ROLES (not your character), and NETWORK/PRODUCTION CO. (or director/producer if notable). This goes without saying, but you never want to lie on your resume. The truth always comes out! Training/Education Although this portion of your resume is straightforward, it’s one of the most important to ace. Showing you’ve received proper training is incredibly vital. Sure, you might be the next Jennifer Lawrence, harboring heaps of raw talent, but you can’t exactly write that on your resume without sounding pompous. Simply put the name of the institution, class or workshop and instructor. And if you haven’t had an opportunity to train yet, don’t sweat it! Special Skills Time to have fun! This section of the resume is really the only spot where you can add a bit more personality. Depending on how much room there is, list any special skills that you feel set you apart and could be utilized for a future role. There are no strict guidelines for this section, except that what you write should be a skill and not a fun fact. If you put down that you can do some type of accent, that’s awesome! Just make sure you can really do it — you never know when casting will ask to hear it. It can be quirky to have little asides in this section. For example, if you can twist your entire body into a pretzel, you could playfully write, “amateur contortionist (seriously, ask me to do some moves!).”
Overall, use your best judgement while typing up your resume and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
The most common criticism I’ve heard for “Cats” is that there is “simply no plot.” I beg to differ, since the audience learns in the beginning about the Jellicle Ball, when “Old Deuteronomy just before dawn … announces the cat who can now be reborn.” The trip to the Heavyside Layer is the core of the show, and it is the motive for all the cats to introduce themselves and display their various talents while competing to enter the layer.
Another theory I find compelling is that “Cats” can be seen as an allegory for the LGBTQ community’s hardships during the 1980s. The musical’s characters are outsiders in a human-dominated world, just as LGBTQ people are a minority in a heteronormative society. Remember, the musical premiered in the early ‘80s, when the AIDS crisis was just starting to affect the gay and trans community.
Grizabella, whom the other cats shun until she sings “Memory,” is similar to people who have HIV/AIDS and are shunned by people who aren’t educated enough about the virus. In the same way that knowledge about a condition normalizes the presence of the people it affects, the other cats finally accept Grizabella as one of their own after they understand her better. The idea of an LGBT allegory especially resonates in real life, since many LGBT actors in “Cats” (such as Timothy Scott, Reed Jones and Michael Scott Gregory) all succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses. This idea makes “Cats” a surprisingly relevant show, even today.
Another criticism I want to dispel is the so-called “mediocre” score. Like every composer, Lloyd Webber has his detractors, but his musicals are still frequently revived and popular among crowds. What Lloyd Webber’s score lacks in complexity (something his contemporary, Stephen Sondheim, indulges in), they compensate in accessibility. The frequently heard motifs throughout the show — chiefly those that are introduced in the overture — make the melodies easy to remember.
Furthermore, the music in “Cats” is more broad and contemporary than that of your typical ‘80s pop opera. Unlike “The Phantom of the Opera” or “Les Misérables,” the score in “Cats” is inspired by opera (“The Ad-Dressing of Cats”), pop (“The Jellicle Ball”), rock (“The Rum Tum Tugger”) and jazz (Mccavity”).
Moreover, I am continually fascinated by the appeal that “Cats” has to children, especially in community theatre productions of it that feature children. Being a show that is so accessible in terms of both music and production value, it’s no wonder why “Cats” has stood the test of time.
“Lone Star Love,” a country music retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” set in the Civil War-era South, was a success when it premiered off-Broadway in late 2004. After some retooling, the show was set to make its Broadway debut on Dec. 3, 2007, at the Belasco Theater. However, during its pre-Broadway engagement at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater, the show got mixed-to-negative reviews and suddenly scrapped its Broadway plans. So, what changed between Off-Broadway and Broadway? Two words: Randy Quaid.
Quaid, most famous for the role of “Cousin Eddie” in the “Vacation” films, was cast in the lead role of Colonel Falstaff. Quaid and his wife/manager Evi Quaid were allegedly as tyrannical as any Shakespearean villain. Quaid felt at liberty to change lines, blocking and lyrics anytime he saw fit. There were also several arguments over design elements, including the color of his wig and the size of his codpiece. The Quaids’ behavior became more erratic until it got so out of hand that the producers decided to simply close the show.
All 26 actors involved in the defunct production filed charges with Actor’s Equity against the Quaids, claiming, among other things, that he hit an actor several times on the head during a performance, made sexually suggestive comments to cast members and claimed that any actor who made direct eye contact with him onstage would be fired. Actor’s Equity found that the show was forced to close because of the odd and abusive behavior of Quaid, thus depriving the actors of their jobs. Quaid was forced to pay a fine of $81,572, which is a two-week’s salary for the cast and crew, and was banned from the union for life, according to the Backstage.
Oscar Hijuelos’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love” told the story of two brothers from Cuba who come to New York City in 1949 trying to become recording artists. The book had been turned into a film in 1992 starring Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas in his first English-speaking role.
A few years after the movie was released, the film’s director, Arne Glimcher, began working on a stage version that he planned on directing, writing the lyrics to and co-authoring the book with Hijuelos. In 2002, it was rumored to be coming together, with the possibility of Banderas starring alongside Jon Secada and Jennifer Lopez.
Talks apparently fell through, and it wasn’t until 2004 that producer Daryl Roth and her son, future Jujamcyn President Jordan Roth, announced that they would team up for the first time to produce the show. Pre-Broadway tryouts were set for May 31, 2005, at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theater in preparation for the Broadway premiere in July 20 at the Broadway Theatre. Esai Morales (“NYPD Blue”) and Jamie Camil (Rogelio on “Jane the Virgin) were cast as the Castillo brothers. Other cast members included Cuban music star Albita, Christiane Noll and David Alan Grier, who replaced star Billy Dee Williams when he dropped out due to a hip condition.
However, things started looking grim when the show opened to mostly negative reviews in San Francisco. The producers frantically began looking for several show doctors to help with the book, music and direction. While names such as Tommy Tune and Maury Yeston were rumored, the producers eventually hired playwright David Ives to help with the book, Jason Robert Brown to help with the music and Jerry Mitchell to help with the direction. But before the new creative team could even begin work, the producers announced there was no way to meet the current Broadway schedule and decided to close the show out of town.
It’s not uncommon for a show to change its name during its journey to Broadway. “Away We Go!” became “Oklahoma!,” “Elaborate Lives” became “Aida,” “Feeling Electric” became “Next to Normal,” etc. But few shows have had as many name changes as “Busker Alley.
It started in 1969 when the famous Disney songwriter brothers Robert and Richard Sherman (“Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book”) and Disney scriptwriter A.J. Carothers (“The Happiest Millionaire”) wrote a musical version of the 1938 film “St. Martin’s Lane” called “Piccadilly.” It told the story of a simple busker (street performer) who takes a younger woman under his wing and teaches her the art of busking.
However, nothing came of it until 1982, when they began rewriting the show with the new title, “Blow Us a Kiss.” Still, nothing would happen until 1991, when it was announced that Tommy Tune was attached to the project and yet another new title, “Busker Alley.” Initially announced for a May 1992 Broadway opening with a pre-Broadway tryout at Boston’s Colonial Theater, it wasn’t until 1995 that the show got underway with a 16-city tour before heading to the Great White Way.
While touring, the show would go through two more name changes. A survey conducted by the producers, Fran and Barry Weissler, revealed that most people didn’t know what a busker was, so they changed the name to “Stage Door Charley.” Then, for some reason, it was changed about a month later to “Buskers.” Finally, it reverted back to “Busker Alley.”
I can personally attest to this. When I was a child, I was taken to see this show by my grandparents. My ticket said “Stage Door Charley,” my program said “Busker Alley” and my souvenir book said “Buskers.”
After many rewrites, cut songs and cast replacements, the show was to open at the St. James Theater on Nov. 16, 1995. On Oct. 1, however, star Tommy Tune broke his foot during a performance in Tampa, Florida, the last tour stop before Broadway. While Tommy Steele and Gregory Hines were mentioned as possible replacements, the producers decided to end the run.
In 2006, a concert of the show starring Jim Dale would lead to another attempt to bring the show to Broadway, but that production was met with its own set of troubles before it was abandoned.
For a musical audition, this is the most important call. Sometimes, casting will make it easy and assign material to sing, but more often than not, it’s your decision.
If you’re a veteran to the musical theatre audition circuit, you will probably have an audition book. This is a selection of songs (ranging in style) that you know well and can sing at the drop of a hat, usually kept in one overstuffed binder. It should be a varied repertoire that you really relate to. Look through it (or scour Google and music sheets if you don’t have one) and find the song you think fits the style of the show you’re going for. Again, be certain that you connect to your choice as a person.
Try to be wary of learning a new song, unless you have no choice. It’s best that you know the material like the back of your hand so when you get in the room and your nerves kick in, you can still let your personality shine through. After all, showing your personality gives you a leg up on your competition — no one else is like you!
This sounds like an obvious one, but many people don’t realize that to get work, you have to do a lot of work! Treat the audition like you would a performance because it’s essentially a chance to do what you love. You want casting to see you at your best, so be your best.
A Broadway performer once told me that they treat all of their songs like monologues. They write them out, mark them up with objectives and even read them aloud as they would a monologue. At their core, most songs are inner monologues. People in musicals sing their thoughts because they cannot speak them. So, handling a song like a monologue can help you discover new moments.
In preparation, lots of performers will enlist a vocal coach to assist them with their audition. This is obviously costly, so try to only do this when you feel like you really need it. It’s instrumental to hear the way your songs sounds on the piano and to get your teacher’s feedback on your song cut. Get the most out of your time together by recording your session, if it’s OK with your coach.
Sometimes it’s also useful to hold a rehearsal where you imagine yourself in the room. You can set up your room in an audition format and ask a friend to watch, or simply close your eyes and envision that you are in that space. While singing, you are hopefully going to be in another world, but it truly can help to anticipate your nerves. Go ahead, try it! You’ll be surprised to see how tense it can make you feel even thinking about being there. If you can curb your anxieties during that rehearsal, you’ll be more comfortable and connected in the room.
One of the biggest ways to make an impression is with your choice of clothing. You want to stand out, of course, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw on a sequin top or neon-colored sneakers.
Attempt to pick an outfit that is the essence of the role. For example, if you’re auditioning for “Newsies,” you don’t need to rent an authentic vest and pair of knickers from 1899. Show up in a nice button-down shirt. Or, let’s say you’re auditioning for the role of Anna in “The King and I.” There’s no need to run around like a maniac searching for a hoop skirt when you can simply wear a nice dress. Don’t make it too hard for yourself!
Basically, you don’t want to give casting any reason not to hire you. Spoon-feed it to them by wearing something that gives off the vibe of your character but is already in your closet. Ask a trusted pal for approval!
Overall, choose something that looks good and makes you feel good. And please, for their sake, don’t show up in any type of costume — unless you’re trying to get in the “bad audition” montage on a reality show.
We’ve all been uneasily seated outside the audition room waiting for our turn. We steal glances at our fellow auditioners (who look eerily similar to ourselves), press our ears against the door to listen to them sing and stare through our sheet music, relentlessly hoping it will overtake our brains. However, wasting your time in the waiting room with stressful acts like this is detrimental to the process.
Instead, get to your audition 10 minutes before your time slot (any earlier could annoy casting, since waiting spaces are usually small and they don’t want a lot of people sitting around) and loosen up. Find the bathroom, splash water on your face, do a quick vocal warm-up and, most of all, relax. The more laid-back you are, the easier your audition will be. Reading advice from a performer you admire right before you go can also be beneficial, so have it cued up on your phone!
This may seem obvious, but don’t underestimate the effectiveness of a flier with a great photo to promote a show. Plaster your town or city with them, and let their magic go to work.
Cost: Roughly 10 cents a page for copies at Staples.
Postcards are great for many reasons. First, you can mail them to important people you’d like in your audience. Second, you can put stacks of them in shops and cafes near the theatre to draw in audience members you don’t know.
Cost: Gotprint.com offers 500 postcards for under $25.
Have small stickers made up with your show’s logo, dates and links, and ask a local coffee shop whether it would be willing to stick them on their lids in exchange for a free ad in your show’s program. Each time patrons sip from their coffee cup, they’ll be face-to-face with your show’s cute and effective ad.
Cost: On Vistaprint.com, stickers are roughly 12 cents apiece. You can get 240 stickers for under $30.
Find a local podcast that’s about the arts or the happenings in your town, and ask them to do a segment on your show in exchange for comps to the show.
Cost: The price of a couple tickets.
The good news is, you can choose how much money you’ll put into an ad on social media, so you can spend a little or a lot depending on your budget.
Cost: Up to you!
Does someone you know blog about theatre or local events in your area? Get them to blog about the show by inviting them to a dress rehearsal.
Cost: Free
Even if you don’t personally have a lot of followers, you’ll cover a lot of ground if you get everyone in your cast and crew to post about the show on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Remember to post pictures that will stir intrigue or make people laugh.
Cost: Free
Post about your show on Twitter and turn it into a contest by asking people to retweet. One lucky RT will win a pair of tickets to the show. If you can swing it, throw in some swag, too! Who doesn’t love a free T-shirt?
Cost: Free
OK, so this isn’t always feasible, but the bigger the cast you have, the more people will be in your audience. That’s why sometimes it’s beneficial to have a Cast A and a Cast B for longer-running shows — not to mention understudies.
Is there a part in your show that can be done by a special guest audience member? Give away a small part through social media contests or audience raffles to raise money for the theatre. You’ll get more buzz from patrons who come to see their friend play the butler in one random scene.
Cost: Free
Use sites such as Wix.com to create a free website with all your show’s information. Include fun details about the cast and production process. You can also use the site to promote all your fun contests and ticket giveaways.
Cost: Free - $20
Have your cast volunteer to do some community work while getting the word out about your theatre and its production. One great way to do this is to offer a free acting class to kids in the area taught by members of the cast or the director. It always feels good to give back to the community — and adding some butts in the seats doesn’t feel bad, either.
Cost: Free
I have to admit, I was a bit late in getting this book. I thought I knew all there was to know about the making of this show, but this book dives into all aspects of creating the hit musical. From casting to discussing tech week at The Public, this is a must-read. Aside from the great insights and beautiful images, Miranda has also fully annotated every song in the show. Read the book and fall in love with the musical all over again.
Just think icebreakers. Every time you start a new show and need to get to know the cast, the first rehearsal consists of at least three of these. Funnily enough, it pretty much meant the same thing during Shakespeare’s time. Aside from referring to those awkward get-to-know-you games today, back then it also meant to make someone a little less frigid, i.e., Katherine in “Taming of the Shrew.”
Bet you didn’t know this one had Shakespearean roots! This word was used in such phrases as “What hempen home-spuns have we swaggering here, so near the cradle of the fairy queen?” Yes, it was used a bit differently than it’s used today, but still is all Shakespearean.
Before referring to the trend of putting rhinestones on anything you could get your hands on, this word was used by Shakespeare to describe the sun. Featured in such lines as, “Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes, that have been so bedazzled with the sun that everything I look on seemeth green,” the word had a much nicer meaning a few hundred years ago.
Is anyone surprised Shakespeare is responsible for coining this word? Though the first recorded use of this word was in Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor,” it seems more appropriate to use this line from “Hamlet”: “I’ll rant as well as thou.” Like his creator, Hamlet was not very brief.
More formally spoken in Shakespeare’s work as, “I have not slept one wink,” this one is pretty self-explanatory and is used pretty much the same way today. Whether it be the night before a big audition or all of tech week, this saying is extremely applicable to theatre nerds.
You probably thought this one was created by some physician a couple hundred years ago, but credit goes to Shakespeare yet again. The use of this word has not changed since the late 1500s: “Go make thyself like a nymph o’ the sea: be subject to no sight but thine and mine, invisible to every eyeball else.”
First used in “Macbeth,” the title character says, “Things without all remedy Should be without regard: what’s done, is done.” Today we use this saying in the same way, though not to refer to a recent murder we’ve committed.
It makes sense to start with the first ladies of Broadway: Angelica, Eliza (and Peggy). The beautiful colors of each gown pop from the stage, while each bodice has a design unique to each sister. They definitely know how to make those dresses work for them during the show, rocking the old-school frocks with the fierceness of Beyonce in hot pants.
This Russian romance just began its run on Broadway in November, and the costumes are stunning. The work of Tony Award-winning designer Paloma Young, all of the costumes in the show are a sight to behold. However, Natasha’s high-society gowns contain gorgeous beadwork and beautiful accessories that would look just perfect in your closet.
Who doesn’t love a great suit? Corny’s wardrobe choices are about as colorful and fun as his personality. He manages to pull off outfits that would look downright tacky on anyone else. Case in point: Derek Hough, the most recent Corny Collins, looked nothing but sleek in a variety of flashy suits during “Hairspray Live!”
If you were ever, ever envious of Barbie’s wardrobe, take a stroll through Glinda’s closet. The bright colors, sequins and variety of silhouettes make for dreamy ensembles full of feminine flair.
Designer Catherine Zuber took an old classic and made it modern in the recent revival of “Gigi.” The couture gowns seen onstage are worthy of any awards show red carpet. The chic French styles are any fashionista’s dream.
Let’s begin by saying that Sutton Foster could wear a paper bag and still look amazing. However, she’s certainly not the only actress to play the spunky Reno Sweeney, whose wardrobe is 1930s perfection. Wide-legged pants, fabulous dresses and nautical-inspired pieces are flawless retro fashion.
Leather, leather and more leather. Shakespeare has the suave style of an ‘80s rockstar. Created by popular Broadway costume designer Gregg Barnes, the fitted jacket and knee-high leather boots see the old-school playwright bringing sexy back.
Continuing on the leather theme, who hasn’t wanted to be Bad Sandy with her red high heels and leather pants? From cool to cute, her poodle skirts are equally adorable. Sandy’s wardrobe is certainly versatile, with an outfit for every mood.
There are too many fabulous boots to count. Combine them with the sparkle, the wigs and the extensive array of makeup, and we’ve got a winner. Besides knowing how to make boots, Lola certainly knows how to wear them. Fashion is an art form in this closet.
What we want? Elle Woods’ stylish, Carrie-Bradshaw-sized closet. She takes boring work wardrobes and gives them the makeover we all crave. The clothes are as sassy as her spunky personality and certainly jealousy-inducing.
Photo Credit: KD Markley Elementary[/caption]
Kids and adults alike will enjoy this 90’s nostalgia-based piece. It’s composed entirely in Nintendo synthesizers and follows famous video game characters who find themselves in a bit of a pickle: running out of lives! Their solution? Host a fundraiser for gold rings in order to keep on playing.
Photo Credit: Monica Simoes[/caption]
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s iconic story, The Grunch is a love letter to theatre nerds everywhere. This tale dives into the incredible community that forms when putting on a show, and how we can never take away the “spirit of theatre”. (We dare you to keep your eyes dry during “It’s All Part of the Magic”.)
Photo Credit: The Garden Players[/caption]
A drab and dreary field trip goes awry when Gabby and her classmates get beamed into outer space. The whacky series of events that ensue help Gabby, a girl who gets picked on, become comfortable in her own skin. This show not only brings audiences a great lesson, but features aliens and pirates. Need we say more?
Photo Credit: Richard Lurie[/caption]
This mind-blowing show is like a G-rated version of Lord of the Flies...also with singing. When a backyard birthday bash turns into apocalyptic mayhem, a group of kids must build a new society from scratch -- using only party supplies. It’s quirky, crazy, comedic and, of course, epic.
The Garden Players[/caption]
Monsters aren’t just a figment of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” -- they’re a major player in this thrilling kids musical. In We Are Monsters, human kids sneak into a monster cabaret in an attempt to gain followers for their YouTube channel. What could possibly go wrong?
Photo Credit: Ravi Kohli[/caption]
Historical musicals are all the rage (*ahem* Hamilton) and Beat by Beat Press has got you covered. Tut, Tut is a loosely-based, contemporary take on the story of King Tut. This infamous King of Egypt took the throne at just 10 years old making it the perfect production for pint-sized actors.
Photo Credit: Monica Simoes[/caption]
Imagine a world that takes place “inside” of music. This fantastical show chronicles protagonists Maiden Melody and Radical Rhythm as they embark on an adventure to defeat the Sorcerer of Silence. It’s an adorable, heartwarming journey that you don’t want to miss.
Whether you’re in the car, in the shower or on the bus, you’re just bringing joy to all those around you.
May as well work on that toe, heel, heel, heel, toe, heel combo at the DMV.
Just as long as you’re not the caboose.
Everything has prop or costume potential!
You’ve done so many quick changes in the wings that you’ve lost all sense of modesty.
All those musical theatre ballet classes really did a number on your gait.
Theatre kids are really good at raising the stakes.
Just warming up my instrument!
It’s just more efficient than busting out a pirouette in the green room.
“Auditions have dried up, I’m done for. How have you been?”
Ah, this will come in handy for that “'night, Mother” monologue.
The “Hamilton” cast is way better than that puppy-monkey-baby commercial anyway.
They’re the coolest.
"sushi chef...sushi chef."
“All that glitters is not gold.”
Projection is a skillset you flex regardless of your surroundings.
“Right this way, pip-pip, cheerio.”
Every play you read, cast recording you hear & show you see is an opportunity for your next audition gem.
No, it’s not an unhealthy obsession.
What? They're comfortable, plus you never know when you will need to perform a jazz square.
Hi Mr. Mirror... watch me deliver this line 25 different ways.
This is the most professional option and should be taken by those seeking to legitimately interview a Broadway star. If you’re not doing that, feel free to scroll down to another method. On occasion, publicists or managers will arrange meet and greets, but it’s important to do your research before you reach out.
After your incessant Google searching has produced the current contact information, it’s time for your pitch. Send an email to the star’s rep telling them why you want to speak with their client and why they should let you (you’re basically sharing your own credentials). Broadway folks are usually very generous about doing interviews (even if they’re informal and just for you), but you should remember they are busy people and be respectful of their time.
You’ve stood in the pouring rain, you’ve pushed through crowds and you’ve even jumped out of your seat halfway through the finale — all so you could reserve the best possible spot at the stage door and meet that star. But, have you tried “stage-dooring” (we’ve decided that’s a verb now) a show when you’re not actually seeing it?
The best way to ensure you’re standing right up against that metal gate and directly across the stage door is to get there while the show’s still going on. Pick a show, grab some Starbucks and wait outside the stage door before you know the show is going to get out. Even getting there 10 minutes before the curtain will make a huge difference. This will give you the optimal chance of meeting your favorite star (assuming they’re on that night)!
Sometimes that star you’d do anything to meet isn’t in a show (#depressing) or has moved on to TV and film roles (#ByeSuttonFoster), so there’s no way for a stage door meetup. Cheer up! Many of these stars still do press!
There are plenty of lesser-known talk shows that need to get butts in their studio seats. Some companies will even pay you to fill them (check out On Set Productions)! A great option in New York City is the BUILD Series, a live interview show produced by AOL and Verizon. Everyone from actors to athletes grace the BUILD stage, but you’re obviously more interested in the Broadway folks. And man, do they get a ton! To drop a few names, Lesli Margherita, Kristin Chenoweth, Christian Borle, Sutton Foster and Bernadette Peters have all been seen here.
As a bonus, BUILD’s resident Broadway moderator is Laura Heywood (Broadway Girl herself), who provides delicious tidbits, asks smart questions and speaks the voice of theatre nerds everywhere. The last portion of the taping is an audience Q&A, which means you can ask your favorite star that question that’s been burning in the back of your mind forever (unless it’s super weird or you’re shaking too hard to speak). The greatest part is that when the show is over, audience members have an opportunity to snap a quick picture with their favorite star (as time permits).
By the blessings of the theatre gods, most Broadway talent takes a spin starring in their own cabaret show or participating in a concert. Look out for your star at venues such as 54 Below or Birdland. These intimate spots give you the chance to watch your idol in action very close up. Your star is more likely to hang out and chat with fans after, too, considering these shows are extremely personal and it means a lot to them to have your support.
If you’re pounding the concrete pavement of New York City hoping to nab a role in any show that will have you, gaining insight from your favorite Broadway star is a must. The good news is that performers are some of the kindest souls out there, and they love giving back. From people at the height of their career to staples in Broadway ensembles, the members of the Broadway community are constantly instructing workshops for aspiring performers.
This is obviously not the option for people just looking for a quick selfie or hug, but if you’re hoping to make a connection and learn from your idol, there’s nothing better. Look into companies like RPP for master classes!
Nikki Kim[/caption]
At about eleven, they called the first non-equity group. Unfortunately, the way we signed up, sixteen-year-old, five-foot tall me was in a group with mainly four-foot-nothing eight-year-olds. For once, I could say I was tall! As we waited, I asked the monitor if we had been cut to sixteen bars, and she shook her head with a funny look and giggled a bit. She told me no, and I was relieved. I wanted to sing my first choice, naturally. I pulled my original song, then went in with a slightly faked confidence. I sang “I Know It’s Today” from Shrek the Musical, and really put my focus on telling the story, and I felt it went really, really well. The casting director, Ms. Jillian Cimini, was staring at my resume from the moment I started to sing, writing things down. At the end of my song, I said thank you, picked up my books and turned to leave, and right before I took a step, she stopped me, asked where I was from and what grade I was in. She thought I was a freshman at the oldest and seemed surprised when I said I was actually a Junior. She nodded, thanked me and I left. As I left, I surveyed the room one last time. A lot of kids had shown up while I was in the room, and there was now a line out the door. To my surprise, it was 11:30. I was told to expect to be there until late that night, but we were done. That was it, and it was a lot simpler and less dramatic than I had imagined. So, my dad and I packed up and decided to roam the city that never sleeps.
https://www.halloweentownstore.com/
https://actorstheatre.org/humana-festival-of-new-american-plays/
https://www.renaissancefest.com/
https://www.renfestival.com/
https://www.texrenfest.com/
https://www.centralpark.com/guide/activities/shakespeare-in-the-park.html
https://www.sidetrackchicago.com/
https://www.osfashland.org/
Fans of the memorable Phil Collins music gracing the 1999 movie will enjoy the nine new songs Collins created for the Broadway show. Though the musical version of “Tarzan” was fairly short-lived, it does stay true to the heart of the story. Unfortunately, many critics weren’t sure what to make of the show’s pop-inspired tunes, putting it at the top of our list.
How do you pluck a cast of characters from under the sea and place them on a Broadway stage? With roller skates, of course! Okay, so “The Little Mermaid” doesn’t actually use skates, but the performers do wear Heely-inspired kicks.
With a slew of new songs accompanying the traditional Alan Menken tunes and some Tony nominations in its back pocket, this musical seemed to be either loved or loathed by audiences and critics. Disney’s 2007 production still did quite well and brought a splash of magic to those who fell in love with the classic movie.
The debut of “Aladdin” brought this story to life through a whole new world: musical theatre. The show’s hilariously charming Genie, gruesome villain, timeless romance and a rags-to-riches story translate well to the stage. As a relatively new addition to the Disney on Broadway family, “Aladdin” debuted in New York City in 2014 and received mixed reviews.
Though this show might not touch the iconic film version, it’s still a great experience for families who want to escape into Agrabah.
Though the Broadway musical, written by “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes, takes most of its inspiration from the original novel, it certainly serves up a spoonful of sugar reminiscent of the Julie Andrews movie.
Nothing can compare to seeing Mary soar through the theatre with her umbrella or watching Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps stepping in time as they tap dance up the walls. It’s apparent that that a live adaptation of Disney’s magical nanny is “practically perfect in every way.”
This tale as old as time was brought to life in 1993 when creatives bravely morphed the adored movie into Broadway material. It’s hard to beat lavish dance numbers performed by dancing silverware or a mystified castle in the middle of the woods. The story’s charm, along with its notable music, quickly made this one a fan-favorite.
After sweeping the Great White Way and making its way around the world, “Beauty and the Beast” has proven to be one of Broadway’s best.
The 1992 movie may not be Disney’s most well-known or popular, but the stage version has cultivated quite the following. The story chronicles the Newsboys’ strike of 1899 and includes some of the best choreography in all of Broadway history.
We’re guessing the show’s enormous popularity comes from having all the makings of good theatre: a protagonist we want to root for, spectacular music, a pinch of romance and dance numbers that take inspiration from tap, ballet, jazz and modern. “Newsies” continues to successfully seize the day!
Prior to the mid-’90s, the world hardly expected Disney’s animated feature about a royal lion to translate so well to the stage. During its reign for the past few decades, “The Lion King” has become a theatrical sensation, surpassing “The Phantom of the Opera” in box office earnings.
Looking back, it’s unsurprising that the music of Elton John and Tim Rice, paired with a plot with Shakespearean roots, could be anything other than made for Broadway. Astounding choreography, unique puppetry, elaborate costumes and a heartwarming story make certain that “The Lion King” will stand the test of time. For that, this beloved musical ranks at the top of our list.
Even though “Bonnie and Clyde” was only on Broadway for three months, the show has developed a large cult following. The score is gorgeous, and Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes had wonderful chemistry (not to mention vocal chops). Luckily, there is a cast recording, so we can properly mourn this show’s early closing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtknprFvxE
This four-person musical is only one act, but it features some wonderful, witty songs about show business, from “Secondary Characters” to “I Am Playing Me.” The show follows Heidi, Susan, Jeff and Hunter through the rehearsal process of creating a show. After 103 performances, it probably flopped because it’s unrelatable for audience members who aren’t part of the theatre community, and it’s less flashy and commercial than most Broadway musicals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha3A84MdF1U
This show, based on the famous Stephen King novel, is about a high school girl with telekinetic powers who deals with her religious mother and the high school prom. This show flopped, but it became the inspiration for a book by Ken Mandelbaum called, “Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Flops.” During previews, there was a mixture of standing ovations, thunderous applause and a chorus of boos. Ticket sales didn’t suffer, but the critics ripped the show apart, causing financial backers to pull their money out of the production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gfo3aC8A4Q
It’s kind of nice to know that even Stephen Sondheim isn’t perfect. This musical is about a town that creates a fake miracle in order to bring in tourism. Meanwhile, inmates from the local insane asylum have escaped. The show, originally starring Angela Lansbury, only had nine performances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncyo8EUUCVE
Well, it seems as though this show “will never leave you.” This musical received a revival in 2014, but it had the same lack of success as the original Broadway production. This is a beautifully tragic story about twins in a freak show. Unfortunately, the amazing female power ballad duets weren’t enough to keep the show open after 91 performances (the revival only had 56).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-7loLNvDLA
This show, created by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, is about American and Russian chess champions who face off against each other during the Cold War. The show’s premise probably led to its early closing, with only 68 performances. However, its concept album was very successful and led to the popularity of “Anthem,” “One Night in Bangkok” and “Someone Else’s Story.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J1zN7PwPL8
This show about the “Peanuts” gang actually premiered in 1971, but you probably didn’t hear about it because there were only 32 performances. It wasn’t until the revival in 1999 with Kristin Chenoweth, Roger Bart and Anthony Rapp that this show was put on the map. It is now a crowd favorite and is very popular for school theatre productions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcVa_qe1itE
Sometimes shows just can’t figure out how to sell out at the box office. However, we can still enjoy them through cast albums, YouTube videos and — if we’re lucky — eventual revivals!
Broadway dresser Lacie Bonanni[/caption]
I always make sure I’m wearing an apron with multiple pockets. I make sure I have an array of safety pins and a little pair of scissors. And, you always want to have a light. I use a headlamp that looks like I’m going mining for coal. Some people use what’s called a “bite light,” a little light you put in your mouth and bite down on to give you some light backstage. Also water, Tylenol and some kind of chocolate for those two-show days.
This musical is everything that was so magical about Old Hollywood. The catchy songs, classic dance numbers, gorgeous costumes and old-school romance will melt your heart this holiday season. The live stage version usually makes the rounds in a national tour and also plays at regional theatres around the world during the holidays. Not able to catch it live? The film version is just as charming, with all-star performances from Hollywood legends Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvX3krCL-Lo
Another classic charmer, “Holiday Inn” is sure to have you dancing. Interestingly, the film version of the show first featured the song “White Christmas,” sung by Bing Crosby, and was so popular that it spurred the creation of the musical film by the same name a decade later. “High School Musical’s” Corbin Bleu has put his dancing shoes back on to star in “Holiday Inn” on Broadway. While the musical differs from the film versions, both are a delightful dose of nostalgia for the holiday season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n32JKaZoToY
Theatre Nerds have known for years that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. With that notion in mind, “Elf the Musical” was created for the Broadway stage in 2010 and still finds its way onto stages all over the country during the holidays. NBC also created a stop-motion version of the musical back in 2014, featuring the voice of Jim Parsons, aka Sheldon from “The Big Bang Theory.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9pMdNYWD9Q
Ralphie and the infamous leg lamp come to life in the musical stage adaptation of the beloved Christmas movie. The show has been enjoying a national tour this year, ending in Michigan at the end of December. You can also try to catch the show in one of the many regional productions that take place every year as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQzcy1XeBcI
There’s a reason Dr. Seuss’ delightfully odd cast of characters has endured for all these years. Generations have grown up with the whimsical world of Whoville and the well-known songs that remind us of childhood Christmases. With two popular film versions, the original cartoon and a live-action film, it was only natural that a stage show be created as well. Check your local theatre scene for a live stage version, or curl up and enjoy one of the two film versions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGKYp08T7A
If you happen to live in the Chicago area, you’re in luck! Catch all of your favorite Peanuts characters at the Broadway Playhouse throughout the holiday season. Charles Schultz’s Christmas classic has stood the test of time for more than 50 years, and it just wouldn’t be the holidays without his jazzy piano tunes. If you don’t own a copy of the original film, you can catch it on Dec. 22 on ABC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo
Whistling while onstage or backstage in a theatre has long been considered bad luck. This superstition stems from the time before mechanized sets and backdrops. Back then, all the rigging for the sets, lighting, etc., was all operated by hand using ropes. As such, the backstage crew was often filled with sailors, as they literally “knew the ropes.” Just like on a ship at the time, commands and signals were given with distinct whistles. Therefore, if an actor or someone else were to nonchalantly whistle, it could cause confusion and ruin the show.
While theatrical costumes are now often bright, flashy and full of color, two colors used to be off-limits for the superstitious actor. Wearing a green or blue costume was once thought of as very bad luck, though for very different reasons.
Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is one of the most popular plays ever written. It’s also believed to be the most cursed — so much so that just saying the name of the play in a theatre is considered very bad luck. Most actors will only refer to it as “The Scottish Play,” “The Bard’s Play” or even “Mac B.”
Some believe that Shakespeare gave his three witch characters actual spell incarnations for lines. As retaliation, a coven of actual witches cursed the play for all eternity. This could seem silly and/or highly doubtful in the modern world, but it’s hard to deny that “Macbeth” has seen more than its fair share of unfortunate incidents.
It’s believed the first occurrence of the “curse” actually happened during the first production of the play. It’s said that the young man playing Lady Macbeth (actors in Shakespeare’s time were, by law, all men) tragically died on opening night and Shakespeare himself had to step in. There have been numerous incidents of actors getting accidentally stabbed during fight scenes. In 1934, four actors had to step into the role of Macbeth due to illness or accidents in one week. It was also the show in which dueling productions caused the great Astor Place Riot in 1849, leaving at least 25 dead and hundreds injured.
Luckily, there is a way to combat the curse! If you say the play-that-must-not-be-named in a theatre, you must run around the building three times, then spin around, curse and beg to be let back in.
If you are ever so lucky to go backstage at the legendary New Amsterdam Theater in New York, you may notice a portrait of a beautiful showgirl hanging on the wall right as you enter. Her name is Olive Thomas, and her picture is there for a very specific reason.
Olive Thomas was a Ziegfeld Girl (and, for a time, was Ziegfeld’s girl) and a silent film star in the early 20th century. Later, she married Jack Pickford, brother of silent film superstar Mary Pickford, and the two had a passionate but volatile relationship. In 1920, they were on a second honeymoon in Paris when tragedy struck. Jack was awakened by Olive screaming, having ingested mercury bichloride that had been prescribed to Pickford to treat his syphilis. She died four days later at age 26. Was it an accident? Was it a suicide? Or was it something more sinister?
However, Olive has not entirely left us. It is widely believed that Olive’s ghost haunts The New Amsterdam, the same theatre where she performed in the Ziegfeld Follies and Midnight Frolics. She can reportedly be seen carrying a small blue bottle (like the one containing the chemicals that killed her) and wearing a green, beaded dress. She even caused a security guard to call the vice president of Disney Theatricals (the owner of the theatre) at 2:30 a.m. in a panic after seeing her. She is said to appear to mainly men and is even known to be naughty and pinch a bottom or two.
The portrait of Olive hangs right by the stage door to the theatre so that the cast and crew can say goodnight to her as the leave to appease her.
Almost every actor knows that it’s bad luck to say “good luck” before a performance. But where does that phrase come from? There are actually many different theories regarding the origin of the phrase, but there’s no hard evidence to prove any of them. Some theories have origins in Ancient Greece, Elizabethan England and the Civil War era. However, it doesn’t seem that the phrase was used until the 1920s.
Some believe that it refers to bowing, which is also known as “breaking the leg” because of the bended knee. Others attribute the saying to an old German toast, “Hals und Beinbruch,” which means “neck and leg fracture.” Still, some say it has to do with the curtain legs, which are the side curtains in the wings of a stage.
Which one is the real origin? The world may never know.
There are several items you are never supposed to use onstage. Peacock feathers are considered bad luck because the pattern on the feather creates an “evil eye.” You are also never supposed to use real money or jewelry onstage. This stems from simply trying to deter theft, which was rampant when theatres were not considered the respectable places they are today.
It’s very bad luck to have a mirror on your set. However, the reason has nothing to do with spirits or omens, but rather lighting. Mirrors can reflect the lighting and disrupt the look of a show, though it sees to have worked out just fine for “A Chorus Line” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
While the “rule of three” usually means that it’s good luck to have things in sets of three, this is not true when it comes to the theatre and candles. Having three lit candles onstage is said to be very unlucky, and the person standing next to the shortest candle will be the next one to get married — or die. While the origin is not perfectly clear, it’s widely believed that this came from the time when theatres were lit with candles and torches, not electricity. Hundreds of theatres burned down in that period, so it’s believed that the superstition stems from trying to eliminate the amount of candles onstage.
Just about every professional theatre in America has a ghostlight. It’s a long, simple pole, usually three to five feet high, with a single bulb that’s either bare or has a wire cage around it. It’s placed onstage every night after the show is finished and everyone has gone home. With everything else in the theatre turned off, the ghostlight will be the only thing still on until work begins the next day. Why?
Well, it turns out the history of the ghostlight isn’t actually super clear. However, there are many myths and legends on hand to try to explain the ritual. One believed by many scholars takes us back to before the invention of the light bulb. Back then, theatres were lit with gas-burning lights that ran on gas generators. A single light would be left, burning all night to alleviate the pressure on the gas lines, which might otherwise build up overnight and cause fires. Then, somewhere along the way, the word “gaslight” morphed into “ghostlight.”
Another theory has it that in 1919, when Actors Equity was first recognized as a union, one of its requirements was that a single light had to be left onstage so that rehearsal pianists could come and set up for rehearsals without having to wait for the house electricians to turn the lights on. Though it’s unclear whether this is true, to this day, some people still refer to the ghostlight as the “Equity Lamp.”
Another famous legend has it that a robber broke into a theatre in the middle of the night, and not knowing about orchestra pits, fell off the stage and broke his leg. He then sued the theatre for negligence — and won! So, ghostlights are there to prevent liabilities. Robber or not, many believe that the reason for the ghostlight is simply to prevent anyone from falling, breaking their neck and becoming ghosts themselves.
Still, the most prevalent reasons given for the ghostlight involve, obviously, ghosts! As all thespians know, most theatres are haunted. Depending on the theatre nerd you talk to, the light is there to either help or hinder said ghosts. Some think that the light shoos away mischievous ghosts who might mess with the sets or costumes if left to their own devices. Since most theatre ghosts were once performers, others think that the light is left on to appease the spirits and give them lighting for their ghostly nighttime theatre.
Whatever the reason, the ghostlight has become a beloved theatre tradition. Record labels, musicals, biographies and many theatre companies have adopted the name “Ghostlight.” It’s come to symbolize those that have tread the boards before us and it’s our way to honor them.
1. No Whistling Backstage!
Whistling while onstage or backstage in a theatre has long been considered bad luck. This superstition stems from the time before mechanized sets and backdrops. Back then, all the rigging for the sets, lighting, etc., was all operated by hand using ropes. As such, the backstage crew was often filled with sailors, as they literally “knew the ropes.” Just like on a ship at the time, commands and signals were given with distinct whistles. Therefore, if an actor or someone else were to nonchalantly whistle, it could cause confusion and ruin the show.
2. No Green or Blue Costumes!
While theatrical costumes are now often bright, flashy and full of color, two colors used to be off-limits for the superstitious actor. Wearing a green or blue costume was once thought of as very bad luck, though for very different reasons.
Green costumes were thought to be bad luck for two reasons:
- Everyone wants to be in the spotlight, right? Well, back in the day when the first spotlight was invented, it worked by burning a chemical called quicklime. This gave it its original nickname, “the limelight.” True to its name, the limelight had a greenish glow to it, so if an actor wore green, he or she might not be visible when hit by the spotlight.
- The other reason green was deemed unlucky has to do with famed actor/playwright Molière. In 1673, Molière was performing in his play, “The Imaginary Invalid,” when he suffered a coughing fit onstage brought on by tuberculosis and started to hemorrhage. He finished his performance (talk about dedication) but died a few hours later, still in costume. The color of the costume? Green, of course. It was considered unlucky ever since.
3. “The Scottish Play”
Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is one of the most popular plays ever written. It’s also believed to be the most cursed — so much so that just saying the name of the play in a theatre is considered very bad luck. Most actors will only refer to it as “The Scottish Play,” “The Bard’s Play” or even “Mac B.”
Some believe that Shakespeare gave his three witch characters actual spell incarnations for lines. As retaliation, a coven of actual witches cursed the play for all eternity. This could seem silly and/or highly doubtful in the modern world, but it’s hard to deny that “Macbeth” has seen more than its fair share of unfortunate incidents.
It’s believed the first occurrence of the “curse” actually happened during the first production of the play. It’s said that the young man playing Lady Macbeth (actors in Shakespeare’s time were, by law, all men) tragically died on opening night and Shakespeare himself had to step in. There have been numerous incidents of actors getting accidentally stabbed during fight scenes. In 1934, four actors had to step into the role of Macbeth due to illness or accidents in one week. It was also the show in which dueling productions caused the great Astor Place Riot in 1849, leaving at least 25 dead and hundreds injured.
Luckily, there is a way to combat the curse! If you say the play-that-must-not-be-named in a theatre, you must run around the building three times, then spin around, curse and beg to be let back in.
4. “Goodnight Olive”
If you are ever so lucky to go backstage at the legendary New Amsterdam Theater in New York, you may notice a portrait of a beautiful showgirl hanging on the wall right as you enter. Her name is Olive Thomas, and her picture is there for a very specific reason.
Olive Thomas was a Ziegfeld Girl (and, for a time, was Ziegfeld’s girl) and a silent film star in the early 20th century. Later, she married Jack Pickford, brother of silent film superstar Mary Pickford, and the two had a passionate but volatile relationship. In 1920, they were on a second honeymoon in Paris when tragedy struck. Jack was awakened by Olive screaming, having ingested mercury bichloride that had been prescribed to Pickford to treat his syphilis. She died four days later at age 26. Was it an accident? Was it a suicide? Or was it something more sinister?
However, Olive has not entirely left us. It is widely believed that Olive’s ghost haunts The New Amsterdam, the same theatre where she performed in the Ziegfeld Follies and Midnight Frolics. She can reportedly be seen carrying a small blue bottle (like the one containing the chemicals that killed her) and wearing a green, beaded dress. She even caused a security guard to call the vice president of Disney Theatricals (the owner of the theatre) at 2:30 a.m. in a panic after seeing her. She is said to appear to mainly men and is even known to be naughty and pinch a bottom or two.
The portrait of Olive hangs right by the stage door to the theatre so that the cast and crew can say goodnight to her as the leave to appease her.
5. “Break a Leg”
Almost every actor knows that it’s bad luck to say “good luck” before a performance. But where does that phrase come from? There are actually many different theories regarding the origin of the phrase, but there’s no hard evidence to prove any of them. Some theories have origins in Ancient Greece, Elizabethan England and the Civil War era. However, it doesn’t seem that the phrase was used until the 1920s.
Some believe that it refers to bowing, which is also known as “breaking the leg” because of the bended knee. Others attribute the saying to an old German toast, “Hals und Beinbruch,” which means “neck and leg fracture.” Still, some say it has to do with the curtain legs, which are the side curtains in the wings of a stage.
Which one is the real origin? The world may never know.
6. No Peacock Feathers!
There are several items you are never supposed to use onstage. Peacock feathers are considered bad luck because the pattern on the feather creates an “evil eye.” You are also never supposed to use real money or jewelry onstage. This stems from simply trying to deter theft, which was rampant when theatres were not considered the respectable places they are today.
7. No Mirrors!
It’s very bad luck to have a mirror on your set. However, the reason has nothing to do with spirits or omens, but rather lighting. Mirrors can reflect the lighting and disrupt the look of a show, though it sees to have worked out just fine for “A Chorus Line” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
8. Three Lit Candles
While the “rule of three” usually means that it’s good luck to have things in sets of three, this is not true when it comes to the theatre and candles. Having three lit candles onstage is said to be very unlucky, and the person standing next to the shortest candle will be the next one to get married — or die. While the origin is not perfectly clear, it’s widely believed that this came from the time when theatres were lit with candles and torches, not electricity. Hundreds of theatres burned down in that period, so it’s believed that the superstition stems from trying to eliminate the amount of candles onstage.
9. The Ghostlight
Just about every professional theatre in America has a ghostlight. It’s a long, simple pole, usually three to five feet high, with a single bulb that’s either bare or has a wire cage around it. It’s placed onstage every night after the show is finished and everyone has gone home. With everything else in the theatre turned off, the ghostlight will be the only thing still on until work begins the next day. Why?
Well, it turns out the history of the ghostlight isn’t actually super clear. However, there are many myths and legends on hand to try to explain the ritual. One believed by many scholars takes us back to before the invention of the light bulb. Back then, theatres were lit with gas-burning lights that ran on gas generators. A single light would be left, burning all night to alleviate the pressure on the gas lines, which might otherwise build up overnight and cause fires. Then, somewhere along the way, the word “gaslight” morphed into “ghostlight.”
Another theory has it that in 1919, when Actors Equity was first recognized as a union, one of its requirements was that a single light had to be left onstage so that rehearsal pianists could come and set up for rehearsals without having to wait for the house electricians to turn the lights on. Though it’s unclear whether this is true, to this day, some people still refer to the ghostlight as the “Equity Lamp.”
Another famous legend has it that a robber broke into a theatre in the middle of the night, and not knowing about orchestra pits, fell off the stage and broke his leg. He then sued the theatre for negligence — and won! So, ghostlights are there to prevent liabilities. Robber or not, many believe that the reason for the ghostlight is simply to prevent anyone from falling, breaking their neck and becoming ghosts themselves.
Still, the most prevalent reasons given for the ghostlight involve, obviously, ghosts! As all thespians know, most theatres are haunted. Depending on the theatre nerd you talk to, the light is there to either help or hinder said ghosts. Some think that the light shoos away mischievous ghosts who might mess with the sets or costumes if left to their own devices. Since most theatre ghosts were once performers, others think that the light is left on to appease the spirits and give them lighting for their ghostly nighttime theatre.
Whatever the reason, the ghostlight has become a beloved theatre tradition. Record labels, musicals, biographies and many theatre companies have adopted the name “Ghostlight.” It’s come to symbolize those that have tread the boards before us and it’s our way to honor them.
Do you follow any of these traditions? Have any theatre superstitions of your own? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 9 Theatre Superstitions Explained [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 9-theatre-superstitions-explained [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-23 10:02:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-23 15:02:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=7070 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 2 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 7040 [post_author] => 440 [post_date] => 2017-02-22 09:56:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-22 14:56:54 [post_content] => I’ve always been a sucker for a good romance. An embarrassingly significant portion of my misspent youth involved watching romantic comedies with my friends and longing for the day that Freddie Prinze Jr. would walk into my school, pull me out of social Siberia and announce to everyone that he’d always been in love with me. A rousing choreographed number would follow this whole scene, of course. You can see I had a flair for the dramatic, so it’s no surprise to anyone that I spent the rest of my free time taking part in a variety of theatrical productions.
Being involved in countless shows, I’m not ashamed to admit that I have fallen prey to more than one “showmance” in my time. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it is a romance that develops between two people during a production, be it theatre, television or movies. When I was in my early teens, suffering through braces and an unfortunate choice to get bangs, I would find myself crushing on the older actors in the leading roles who barely registered my existence. A misguided part of my brain was certain this was where my romantic future lay, and I dreamt of what it would be like to be noticed by them, to be the one they fell in love with every performance. Until finally, in one production all those years ago, my wish came true.
I auditioned for the play on a complete whim after days of agonizing over whether I would go at all. It was probably the most underprepared I have ever been at an audition, but somehow the director found it all endearing and cast me in the show.
At the first rehearsal, I met my castmates, including one in particular who sought me out. He was to play opposite me as my love interest. He politely shook my hand and told me he was looking forward to working with me before he bid me goodnight. He was tall, classically handsome and charming, like he’d just fallen out of a Ralph Lauren catalogue. He affected almost every girl in the cast and crew, whether they admitted it or not.
It was hard not to notice him. He was articulate, he held doors and he woredress shirts with cashmere sweaters. This was a far cry from the typical boys we were used to, in their offensive T-shirts and hoodies. He rarely socialized with other members of the cast, and his nature was quiet until he stepped onto the stage and came alive in his role. Passionate, reckless, romantic and smart, he played his part with such ease. We all watched him in awe from backstage, and even our director was excited by scoring such a stellar male lead. As rehearsals progressed, it was not surprising that I developed a crush.
I worked hard to fulfill my role opposite him as the love interest and devoted all of my free time to rehearsal and hanging out with my friends in the cast. During rehearsal downtime, we’d often sit together in the audience, which is exactly where one of the girls I’d become close friends with confessed her feelings for my onstage love interest. My heart sank. She couldn’t possibly have known about my crush, as I’d been careful not to mention it to anyone, choosing to pine in silence. The knot in my stomach tightened when she asked for my help to win him over, given my role as his fictional other half. If I refused, I risked losing her friendship, and even messier, I would have to figure out how to explain why I couldn’t help her — open can, worms everywhere. So, I agreed to help.
Rather than try to sort out my emotions, I threw myself full-tilt into the production and being with my show family. Whispers were circulating about our chemistry, and while I denied them, it did nothing to stop the rumor mill and only spurred me on. It was not my finest moment.
However, the more time went on and I got to know my onstage love, the more I actually got to know him. In doing so, I realized something very important: I hadn’t actually known him at all, and I certainly wasn’t infatuated with him. I was attracted to the character he played. My heart longed for his perfectly written stage self in the same way I longed for Heath Ledger’s Patrick Verona from “10 Things I Hate About You.” That was who gave me butterflies in my stomach. I was swooning over the words he spoke to me night after night and the passion he had been told to emote. The real guy was nothing like the man I was pining for.
When the show came to a close and for a short time after, we tried to meet up and hang out together as a group. But the thing that had ultimately bonded us was no longer, and we couldn’t recapture the same magic. The post-show grief hit me like a ton of bricks at the time. Because the end of a production is like the end of a good relationship, it hurt because it mattered.
I came out of my grief long enough to notice a real guy I’d been neglecting in favor of my fantasy man. In spite of the complete brush-off I’d been giving him for nearly two months, he’d come to see the show. Twice. He’d known how important it was to me. As it turns out, the romance I’d wanted had been right in front of me the whole time.
I know this all sounds like the basis for another “High School Musical” movie, and in truth, said guy and I split up a year later. But my first foray into showmance territory did leave its mark on me. I took away some very important lessons that helped me see things with clearer eyes when the opportunity to date a castmate came up again:
1. Your cast-mate is not their character
And neither are you. Any actor who is worth their salt will play the character so convincingly that they are transformed right before your eyes. For those few hours a night, they are the person that they play, taking on their emotions and experiences. But then, the curtain falls and they go back to being the person you may not have anything in common with. Get to know the person offstage and make sure you like them just as much.2. Chemistry is not always transferrable
Just because you have electricity onstage doesn’t mean you’ll have it in reality. Sometimes you’ll get lucky, and it works out that you have just as much fire outside of the theatre. My married friends who began their relationships as showmances can attest to that. But it’s not always the case. That being said, it doesn’t mean you can’t forge a great friendship instead.3. You’re too close to be objective
Ever heard the phrase, “It’s hard to see the forest through the trees?” In this case, it’s true. Just because you think this is a romance for the ages doesn’t mean it is. They may not even feel the same way about you. Always remember that objects in the mirror may appear closer than they really are.4. It’s not worth ruining friendships over
My friend quickly recovered from her crush once our show wrapped, and we remained close for several years after. Neither of us ended up with that guy, and I’m glad we didn’t, since I would have missed out on a beautiful friendship.5. There is no such thing as secrets backstage
Few secrets can be kept under wraps when you spend so many waking hours with a group of people. Rumors will start, but try not to get swept up in the excitement or let it sway your decisions. Just trust your gut and be sure you’re ready for all the scrutiny.6. The show ends eventually
You’re in it, mind, body and soul. So while it may feel like the whole experience of the show and the people you’re with will last forever, it doesn’t. You will grieve and feel like you’ll never find something that good again, but ultimately, you will. It won’t be the same, but it will be fantastic in its own way. It’s been years since my first showmance experience, but I like to think I’ve grown somewhat wiser in the romance department. My heart no longer flutters at the sound of every well-delivered romantic line. Unless it’s uttered by Heath Ledger in front of a 1964 Dodge Dart with a gorgeous apology guitar. Some things never change.
Have a showmance experience of your own? Leave a reply in the comments below...
[post_title] => What I Learned From My First Showmance [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => learned-first-showmance [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-22 09:56:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-22 14:56:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=7040 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 9 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6587 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2017-02-21 10:25:38 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-21 15:25:38 [post_content] => From performing lifts and jumps to endlessly trying not to get sick, one of the most important parts of being a performer is staying fit. Part of every great workout is having a playlist that keeps you energized and motivated. The next time you need go-to songs for the treadmill or weights, here are 15 tracks that will suit you perfectly:1. “My Shot” from “Hamilton”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK4Wk_8PbcI Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop-influenced sound in “Hamilton” is perfect for that motivational build during the tougher parts of working out. In true “Hamilton” fashion, this song’s spirit will help you “talk less, smile more.”2. “So Much Better” from “Legally Blonde”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hKrd0QFMYo The Act 1 finale of this upbeat, high-energy show is a great go-to for fast-paced activities. To borrow another song title from the show, Elle’s turning point as a character will get you “whipped into shape” for sure.3. “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I320ZDJxfJk As one of the greatest show tunes in contemporary musical theatre, this song will generate excitement that will never bring you down, even during the toughest reps of your workout.4. “You’re in the Band” from “School of Rock”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxxUnczjkfc Sometimes you just need the energy of a bunch of kids to keep going on that grind. This number should do the trick!5. “What I Was Born to Do” from “Bring It On: The Musical”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr20tq1qQD8 One of the more athletic musicals to hit Broadway in recent years, this show oozes in competitiveness and dance-heavy numbers that will make aerobics and cardio worthwhile.6. “I’m Alive” from “Next to Normal”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAhgX7RleDQ Because honestly, who isn’t muttering this song’s title in relief after a strenuous time at the gym?7. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef-qYxmJbGU While your heart’s keeping time to the speed of sound, you’re sweating away to seek the best results for your body. Keep it up!8. “Carnaval del Barrio” from “In the Heights”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=covOud6aewQ This irresistible Latin-style jam is a great choice for Zumba and will leave you and your dancers proclaiming “Wepa!” after a fun session.9. “Sex Is in the Heel” from “Kinky Boots”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EvruybO2oc No workout — or should we say werrrrrk-out — is complete without at least one song from this outrageously fun show.10. “Hot Honey Rag” from “Chicago”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mtwWu3vMQM Both the physically exhausting choreography and the upbeat jazz music speak for themselves here to keep you hyped up during your routines.11. “The River of Dreams/Keeping the Faith/Only the Good Die Young” from “Movin’ Out”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plIi5TGaq_U This thrilling medley is a fantastic piece for dance-heavy workouts that would leave even Twyla Tharp breathless.12. “My Dead Gay Son” from “Heathers”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k8DwNoAYQY Working out to this “fancy-free and reckless” song will make people who envy your physique ask yourself, “What’s their damage?”13. “The Angry Dance” from “Billy Elliot”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKZUzVLqBTY The rage these characters feel during this song will help you push through to your physical limits, especially during weight training.14. “Take Me to Heaven (Reprise)” from “Sister Act”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hDv4YIl7iw Let this song be your prayer or divine calling to keep pushing through the end of your gym time.15. “Make Me Stronger” from “Memphis”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpm4x_3eT-g The title says it all. Your dedication and self-motivation always pay off in the end.Did we leave out your favorite workout show tune here? Let us know your picks in the comments below...
[post_title] => 15 Best Broadway Showtunes For Workouts [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 15-best-broadway-showtunes-workouts [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-07-11 18:11:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-07-11 22:11:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6587 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 26 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6869 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2017-02-18 10:06:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-18 15:06:59 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=33] [post_title] => Quiz: How Well Do You Know These 'Hamilton' Stars? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => quiz-how-well-know-hamilton-stars [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-07-11 18:11:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-07-11 22:11:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6869 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6920 [post_author] => 639 [post_date] => 2017-02-17 09:54:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-17 14:54:57 [post_content] => One of the biggest shows this season, “Dear Evan Hansen” is taking Broadway by storm as audiences flock to go see this nearly sold-out show. Directed by Michael Greif (“Rent,” “If/Then”), this original new musical is refreshing in a season filled with many shows based on films and books. Once you walk into the theatre, you will be captivated by the story and title character. Here are six things to expect from this new breakout musical:1. A Relatable Story
Before I saw this musical, I did not know much about the story. The details that have been released to the public about the plot have been pretty vague. What I can tell you without giving too much away is that this story is relatable and familiar, but with a twist. Evan Hansen is someone who feels like he doesn’t matter, and when a tragedy strikes, one little lie spirals out of control and changes everything.
This musical speaks to the part of you that has ever felt lonely or just a little bit lost. Along with identifying with Evan, this show is also relatable for parents who have ever had to deal with a troubled child. This story is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
2. Ben Platt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_CNqKA2t9M No longer on the sidelines in “Pitch Perfect,” Platt takes center stage in a brilliant and heartwarming performance. Platt plays a teenager who is just trying to find his place in the world and feel like he belongs. The emotion he exudes, along with his vocal performance, is something you have to see to believe. To be fully committed to his role throughout the entire show looks emotionally and physically draining, but he never misses a beat. It’s very difficult not to feel for this character from the first scene to the last.3. The Music
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, whose past projects include “Smash,” “Dogfight” and a little film called “La La Land,” composed the music for this show. The story of “Dear Evan Hansen” was actually inspired by an event that took place in Pasek’s childhood. The event caused everyone to want to be a part of something, which is a consistent theme throughout the score of the musical.
From “Waving Through a Window” to “You Will Be Found,” there are definitely some new musical classics in this show. What is most impressive is the emotion that is in every song. From the funnier numbers to the uplifting pieces, every song leaves you feeling something, making the show a bit of an emotional rollercoaster that’s certainly worth riding.
Oh, and Alex Lacamoire of “In the Heights” and “Hamilton” also acted as the musical supervisor on this show.
4. The Set
From the subject matter to the music, this is definitely a modern musical. The set exudes everything it is to be a teen in the 21st century. Physically, it’s a pretty minimal set, but the way the show uses screens to portray all forms of social media to fuel the story is mesmerizing.
5. A Real Team Effort
Only eight people make up the cast of this musical, which you may find difficult to believe if you’ve already listened to the OBCR. Musically, they are impressive. I’ve gushed about Platt enough, but the power this cast delivers in its vocal performance is amazing and will give you goosebumps.
Then there are the characters they play. Every actor is perfectly suited in his or her role. From Jennifer Laura Thomas and Michael Park’s representation of dysfunctional family members trying to get by to Will Roland’s effective portrayal of a bro-like teen, all of these characters are far more complex than they seem at first glance.
6. Lots and Lots of Tears
You definitely want to bring tissues to this one. You can try to hold it together, but it probably won’t happen. After the finale, I clapped my own tears into my face. I didn’t even realize I’d cried that much.
Parts of this show are heartbreaking. Parts of this show are hysterically funny. And that’s life. We all just want to feel that we belong, and in the end, that we’ll be found — and that is the message of “Dear Evan Hansen.”
What do you love most about Dear Evan Hansen? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 6 Things To Expect From Dear Evan Hansen [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 6-things-expect-dear-evan-hansen [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-17 17:12:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-17 22:12:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6920 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6899 [post_author] => 712 [post_date] => 2017-02-16 10:53:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-16 15:53:48 [post_content] => Although we don’t always like the notion, as performers, we are brands, and as brands, we must market ourselves in the best light possible. Aside from a headshot, the resume is an actor’s No. 1 tool for auditioning. Designing a resume correctly is sometimes an utterly painful process, but always an imperative one. In the theatre world, production teams are inundated with actors vying for a part in their show. To get even an audition is a triumph. So, think of your resume as your golden ticket that will set you apart and show the casting team you deserve to be seen. While this process is subjective, here is an overall guide for putting together an exceptional acting resume:Sizing
Here’s a semi-obvious reminder: Your resume should always fit on a single page. Although digital is taking over, a lot of casting directors still prefer a physical copy. Your resume should be printed and stapled to the back of your headshot. As an industry standard, headshots are 8x10 inches. This means your resume should be cut down to that size as well so it’s flush. Stores like Staples have cutting boards you can use, so consider printing your resume there and then trimming off the excess paper. On a related side note, get your headshot printed at a place that specializes in producing actors’ headshots to size. For you city folk, Reproductions.com is top-notch.Aesthetics
Well-crafted resumes are like chameleons: They have the ability to both blend in and stand out. It should blend in the sense that it encapsulates the standard look of a resume. Most teams don’t have time to adjust to some wildly formatted “Look at me, I’m different!” style. That being said, your resume should still stand out enough. While a typical format is good to use, there are liberties that can be taken to make it more “you.” The biggest one is your font. Choose a font that fits your personality — nothing crazy, of course! However, if it’s legible and will separate you from all those Times New Romans out there, go for it. You can also play around with color — albeit sparingly. Your name, which should be in the largest font on the page, is a great place to change colors. Again, don’t go nuts and use a hot pink or something, but a subdued color can make your name pop suitably.Name/Heading Information
As stated previously, try out your name in a color and fun font. If you have representation, you should put their logo beside your name. Also include the following information:- Union affiliations (SAG-AFTRA or Equity, etc.), if any.
- The contact information you list should be the best way to reach you. Generally that’s your phone number and email. Don’t put your full address. You can also list your website or IMDB page.
- Personal information such as height, weight, hair color and eye color. Don’t write your age unless you’re under 18.
- You can also put your voice part here if you’re interested in musical theatre.
YOUR NAME [SAG-AFTRA] Phone Number/ Email/ Website Height: Weight: (optional) Hair Color: Eye Color: Credits There’s a common misconception that the more credits listed on the page, the more professional you look. However, you almost want the opposite. Choose your best and most recent roles and allow for the blank space to shine through. White space makes it much easier to read. People are typically only going to spend a few seconds looking at your resume, so have your most impressive roles (or, where possible, the ones that relate to the role you’re submitting for) at the top. It’s tempting to keep everything in chronological order, but if the credits are within a similar time frame, it’s much better to have the notable ones listed first. Again, if you had a starring role in high school and are now almost 30, don’t keep that on your resume. Also, don’t put “background work” on your resume unless you were featured or had a line. Depending on the mediums you work in, have bold headings that separate your credits (i.e., THEATRE, TELEVISION, FILM, etc.) If you’re looking to go in for multiple types of projects, create various versions of your resume. When auditioning for theatre, have your theatre credits listed first. The same goes for movies and TV. You want to make it as easy as possible for them to cast you. Credits should always be in three separate columns. The following is the format for listing theatre credits: SHOW NAME, ROLE and THEATRE COMPANY. If there is a notable director or producer, you should definitely put that down, too. Here is an example of how credits should be formatted: BROADWAY Spring Awakening Mortiz Eugene O’Neill Theatre Television and film credits are similar, but should be stylized as follows: PROJECT TITLE, TYPE OF ROLES (not your character), and NETWORK/PRODUCTION CO. (or director/producer if notable). This goes without saying, but you never want to lie on your resume. The truth always comes out! Training/Education Although this portion of your resume is straightforward, it’s one of the most important to ace. Showing you’ve received proper training is incredibly vital. Sure, you might be the next Jennifer Lawrence, harboring heaps of raw talent, but you can’t exactly write that on your resume without sounding pompous. Simply put the name of the institution, class or workshop and instructor. And if you haven’t had an opportunity to train yet, don’t sweat it! Special Skills Time to have fun! This section of the resume is really the only spot where you can add a bit more personality. Depending on how much room there is, list any special skills that you feel set you apart and could be utilized for a future role. There are no strict guidelines for this section, except that what you write should be a skill and not a fun fact. If you put down that you can do some type of accent, that’s awesome! Just make sure you can really do it — you never know when casting will ask to hear it. It can be quirky to have little asides in this section. For example, if you can twist your entire body into a pretzel, you could playfully write, “amateur contortionist (seriously, ask me to do some moves!).”
Overall, use your best judgement while typing up your resume and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
Want a professional example? Download Robert's acting resume HERE
Hey Theatre Nerds! Do you have a tip to add? Let us know in the comment section below...
Click Here To Learn How To Setup, Build And Launch Your Personal Actor Website
[post_title] => How To Write An Eye-Catching Acting Resume [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-write-acting-resume [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://theatrenerds.com/how-to-setup-build-launch-your-personal-actor-website/ [post_modified] => 2018-10-01 01:08:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-01 05:08:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6899 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 2 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6891 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2017-02-15 13:28:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-15 18:28:42 [post_content] => For better or worse, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” has become the musical so many people love to hate. Consequently, the scathing vitriol that critics have toward the show makes fans feel, in Grizabella’s words, all alone in the moonlight. Considering its long-lasting popularity on Broadway and the West End, fans of the show (such as me) often wonder whether the hate for the show is really justified. Call me crazy, but I’ve never thought so. Allow me to explain why there is more to “Cats” beneath all the Jellicle flair.“Allegorical Cats, Metaphorical Cats…”
The most common criticism I’ve heard for “Cats” is that there is “simply no plot.” I beg to differ, since the audience learns in the beginning about the Jellicle Ball, when “Old Deuteronomy just before dawn … announces the cat who can now be reborn.” The trip to the Heavyside Layer is the core of the show, and it is the motive for all the cats to introduce themselves and display their various talents while competing to enter the layer.
Another theory I find compelling is that “Cats” can be seen as an allegory for the LGBTQ community’s hardships during the 1980s. The musical’s characters are outsiders in a human-dominated world, just as LGBTQ people are a minority in a heteronormative society. Remember, the musical premiered in the early ‘80s, when the AIDS crisis was just starting to affect the gay and trans community.
Grizabella, whom the other cats shun until she sings “Memory,” is similar to people who have HIV/AIDS and are shunned by people who aren’t educated enough about the virus. In the same way that knowledge about a condition normalizes the presence of the people it affects, the other cats finally accept Grizabella as one of their own after they understand her better. The idea of an LGBT allegory especially resonates in real life, since many LGBT actors in “Cats” (such as Timothy Scott, Reed Jones and Michael Scott Gregory) all succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses. This idea makes “Cats” a surprisingly relevant show, even today.
“Singing at Astronomical Heights…”
Another criticism I want to dispel is the so-called “mediocre” score. Like every composer, Lloyd Webber has his detractors, but his musicals are still frequently revived and popular among crowds. What Lloyd Webber’s score lacks in complexity (something his contemporary, Stephen Sondheim, indulges in), they compensate in accessibility. The frequently heard motifs throughout the show — chiefly those that are introduced in the overture — make the melodies easy to remember.
Furthermore, the music in “Cats” is more broad and contemporary than that of your typical ‘80s pop opera. Unlike “The Phantom of the Opera” or “Les Misérables,” the score in “Cats” is inspired by opera (“The Ad-Dressing of Cats”), pop (“The Jellicle Ball”), rock (“The Rum Tum Tugger”) and jazz (Mccavity”).
Moreover, I am continually fascinated by the appeal that “Cats” has to children, especially in community theatre productions of it that feature children. Being a show that is so accessible in terms of both music and production value, it’s no wonder why “Cats” has stood the test of time.
Unashamed Felinity
Speaking of production value, “Cats” was an innovative show for its time. It pushed the boundaries for makeup, prosthetics and costumes and featured demanding, animalistic choreography. The wildly flamboyant looks for “Cats” preceded the designs for the fantastical characters of musicals such as “Wicked” and “Bat Boy.” Its marketing and publicity on Broadway were also clever, relying less on star power and heavily on word-of-mouth, mostly by the curiosity surrounding posters of the iconic logo. The original Broadway production won seven Tony Awards and was also the longest-running Broadway musical from 1997 to 2006. “Cats” may sharply divide critics, but the musical has unequivocally left its mark (dare we say … paw?) on musical theatre. I hope the musical’s influence around the world continues to make lasting memories for all those who experience it.Have any other thoughts about “Cats?” Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => A Personal Defense of ‘Cats’ [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => personal-defense-cats [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-15 13:28:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-15 18:28:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6891 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 9 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6717 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2017-02-11 10:59:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-11 15:59:10 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=29] [post_title] => Quiz: Match The Lyric To The Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => quiz-match-lyric-rodgers-hammerstein-musical [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-11 10:59:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-11 15:59:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6717 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6804 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2017-02-04 09:12:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-04 14:12:46 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=30] [post_title] => Quiz: Can You Guess The Movie Musical Just By A Screenshot? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => quiz-can-guess-movie-musical-just-screenshot [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-07-04 15:10:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-07-04 19:10:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6804 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6820 [post_author] => 717 [post_date] => 2017-02-03 11:07:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-03 16:07:48 [post_content] => The phrases “aiming for a Broadway bow in…” or “intended for Broadway” often don’t amount to more than a press release. But when a show has announced a Broadway theatre and opening date and put up its marquee, it’s a pretty safe bet the show will be happening. However, there are a few shows that sadly fell just short of opening their doors. A musical version of “Bus Stop” called “Cherry” had put up ads in Times Square in 1972 but never emerged. A musical version of the movie “Paper Moon” was announced for the Marquis Theater in 1993 and put up its marquee until plans fell through. And then there’s “Rebecca,” which is a whole article in and of itself. Here are three more examples of shows that came so close to a Broadway bow and what led to them being merely could-have-beens:1. “Lone Star Love”
“Lone Star Love,” a country music retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” set in the Civil War-era South, was a success when it premiered off-Broadway in late 2004. After some retooling, the show was set to make its Broadway debut on Dec. 3, 2007, at the Belasco Theater. However, during its pre-Broadway engagement at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater, the show got mixed-to-negative reviews and suddenly scrapped its Broadway plans. So, what changed between Off-Broadway and Broadway? Two words: Randy Quaid.
Quaid, most famous for the role of “Cousin Eddie” in the “Vacation” films, was cast in the lead role of Colonel Falstaff. Quaid and his wife/manager Evi Quaid were allegedly as tyrannical as any Shakespearean villain. Quaid felt at liberty to change lines, blocking and lyrics anytime he saw fit. There were also several arguments over design elements, including the color of his wig and the size of his codpiece. The Quaids’ behavior became more erratic until it got so out of hand that the producers decided to simply close the show.
All 26 actors involved in the defunct production filed charges with Actor’s Equity against the Quaids, claiming, among other things, that he hit an actor several times on the head during a performance, made sexually suggestive comments to cast members and claimed that any actor who made direct eye contact with him onstage would be fired. Actor’s Equity found that the show was forced to close because of the odd and abusive behavior of Quaid, thus depriving the actors of their jobs. Quaid was forced to pay a fine of $81,572, which is a two-week’s salary for the cast and crew, and was banned from the union for life, according to the Backstage.
2. “The Mambo Kings”
Oscar Hijuelos’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love” told the story of two brothers from Cuba who come to New York City in 1949 trying to become recording artists. The book had been turned into a film in 1992 starring Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas in his first English-speaking role.
A few years after the movie was released, the film’s director, Arne Glimcher, began working on a stage version that he planned on directing, writing the lyrics to and co-authoring the book with Hijuelos. In 2002, it was rumored to be coming together, with the possibility of Banderas starring alongside Jon Secada and Jennifer Lopez.
Talks apparently fell through, and it wasn’t until 2004 that producer Daryl Roth and her son, future Jujamcyn President Jordan Roth, announced that they would team up for the first time to produce the show. Pre-Broadway tryouts were set for May 31, 2005, at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theater in preparation for the Broadway premiere in July 20 at the Broadway Theatre. Esai Morales (“NYPD Blue”) and Jamie Camil (Rogelio on “Jane the Virgin) were cast as the Castillo brothers. Other cast members included Cuban music star Albita, Christiane Noll and David Alan Grier, who replaced star Billy Dee Williams when he dropped out due to a hip condition.
However, things started looking grim when the show opened to mostly negative reviews in San Francisco. The producers frantically began looking for several show doctors to help with the book, music and direction. While names such as Tommy Tune and Maury Yeston were rumored, the producers eventually hired playwright David Ives to help with the book, Jason Robert Brown to help with the music and Jerry Mitchell to help with the direction. But before the new creative team could even begin work, the producers announced there was no way to meet the current Broadway schedule and decided to close the show out of town.
3. “Busker Alley”
It’s not uncommon for a show to change its name during its journey to Broadway. “Away We Go!” became “Oklahoma!,” “Elaborate Lives” became “Aida,” “Feeling Electric” became “Next to Normal,” etc. But few shows have had as many name changes as “Busker Alley.
It started in 1969 when the famous Disney songwriter brothers Robert and Richard Sherman (“Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book”) and Disney scriptwriter A.J. Carothers (“The Happiest Millionaire”) wrote a musical version of the 1938 film “St. Martin’s Lane” called “Piccadilly.” It told the story of a simple busker (street performer) who takes a younger woman under his wing and teaches her the art of busking.
However, nothing came of it until 1982, when they began rewriting the show with the new title, “Blow Us a Kiss.” Still, nothing would happen until 1991, when it was announced that Tommy Tune was attached to the project and yet another new title, “Busker Alley.” Initially announced for a May 1992 Broadway opening with a pre-Broadway tryout at Boston’s Colonial Theater, it wasn’t until 1995 that the show got underway with a 16-city tour before heading to the Great White Way.
While touring, the show would go through two more name changes. A survey conducted by the producers, Fran and Barry Weissler, revealed that most people didn’t know what a busker was, so they changed the name to “Stage Door Charley.” Then, for some reason, it was changed about a month later to “Buskers.” Finally, it reverted back to “Busker Alley.”
I can personally attest to this. When I was a child, I was taken to see this show by my grandparents. My ticket said “Stage Door Charley,” my program said “Busker Alley” and my souvenir book said “Buskers.”
After many rewrites, cut songs and cast replacements, the show was to open at the St. James Theater on Nov. 16, 1995. On Oct. 1, however, star Tommy Tune broke his foot during a performance in Tampa, Florida, the last tour stop before Broadway. While Tommy Steele and Gregory Hines were mentioned as possible replacements, the producers decided to end the run.
In 2006, a concert of the show starring Jim Dale would lead to another attempt to bring the show to Broadway, but that production was met with its own set of troubles before it was abandoned.
Are there any shows that came close to a Broadway run but ultimately stopped short that you wanted to see? Ever experience anything like this? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 3 Times The Marquee Went Up But The Show Did Not [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 3-times-marquee-went-up-but-show-did-not [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-04-22 10:51:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-04-22 14:51:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6820 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 6 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6623 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2017-01-31 09:47:22 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-31 14:47:22 [post_content] => Some of the most well-known musicals to English-speaking audiences did not always premiere in English. For example, did you know that the original French production of “Les Misérables” premiered in Paris in 1980? Foreign-language musicals from Europe often have the privilege of being performed throughout Europe in the language of each respective country.Since North America often misses the boat on these shows, here are 11 foreign-language musicals from the other side of the pond:
1. “Roméo et Juliette: de la Haine á l’Amour”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gh81PYERlM Gerard Presgurvic’s French musical, based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” premiered in Paris in 2001. It was the breakout show for French singers Damien Sargue and Cecilia Cara. The song “Les rois du monde” was a pop hit in both France and Belgium. The musical has been produced all over Europe, including a 2013 production in the play’s setting of Verona.2. “Notre Dame de Paris”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lefbtf5jjbg Another massively popular French musical, this show premiered in Paris in 1998. It spawned the single “Belle,” the best-selling 1998 pop song in both France and Belgium. Although it never played in New York, an English-language production played in Las Vegas in 2000.3. “Monte Cristo”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOmK2PnN0II One of the only Russian musicals to be internationally recognized, this musical is based on the Alexandre Dumas novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo.” After opening in Moscow in 2008, the show toured China and South Korea. Like the aforementioned musicals, “Monte Cristo” follows the pop-opera style of several musicals based on classic novels.4. “Mozart, l’opera rock”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtTlVYG9o8Y Based on the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this musical premiered in Paris in 2009 before opening in Belgium and Switzerland. The musical’s song “Tatoue-moi” was a No. 1 hit in France in 2009. A proposed Broadway run of the musical has yet to occur.5. “Rebecca”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-SZOwrhTds Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier, this German-language musical premiered in Vienna in 2006 and was later produced in Budapest, Helsinki and Tokyo. Aside from several workshop performances and West End readings, the musical languished in Broadway development hell, but its producers now aim for a 2017 Broadway opening.6. “Elisabeth”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pazuQ--rYls Based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, this German-language musical opened in Vienna in 1992 and has since been produced in Tokyo, Osaka, Budapest and Seoul. Having been seen by 10 million patrons, it is the most successful German-language musical of all time.7. “Soldier of Orange”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7_146DNskE Based on the 1977 Dutch film of the same name, this musical premiered in Katwijk in 2010. The musical, which takes place during World War II, was first produced in a former airbase that was converted into a theatre.8. “Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1euCWiPGzqQ Premiering in Madrid in April 2005, this Spanish-language jukebox musical is based on the songs of José María Cano and Nacho Cano (both ex-members of Mecano). In a similar plot to “Rent,” this musical is about a group of struggling artists in Madrid battling with drugs and the AIDS crisis. It has since played in Mexico City and Barcelona.9. “Kristina from Duvemala”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2idVI73ais Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (ex-members of ABBA), this musical is based on Vilhelm Moberg’s book series about a poor Swedish family that immigrates to the United States. After premiering in Malmö, Sweden, in 1995, the musical had a concert performance in Minneapolis the next year before it eventually moved to Carnegie Hall in 2009. It has also been produced in Gothenburg, Helsinki and Jessheim.10. “Hamlet”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI6Ldc8ExLg This Czech-language version of the classic Shakespearean tragedy premiered in Prague in 1999 and closed there in 2012. The rock musical’s score has been compared to “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and the show has also been produced in Seoul.11. “14-18”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m75ImoH9Cgk This Flemish musical about World War I premiered in Mechelen, Belgium, in April 2014. The Nekkerhal, the venue of the premiere, satisfies the gargantuan demands of this show, which include a 135-ton moving platform, 11 enormous set pieces and a cast of 99 actors.Think of a musical that we left out? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 11 Foreign-Language Musicals You Need To Hear [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 11-foreign-language-musicals-you-need-to-hear [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-31 09:48:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-31 14:48:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6623 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 26 [filter] => raw ) [11] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6639 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2017-01-28 08:00:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-28 13:00:02 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=27]Try Another Quiz: Can We Guess What Green Room Personality You Are?
[post_title] => Quiz: Can We Guess Which Character Type You Are? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => quiz-can-guess-character-type [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-07 11:11:19 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-07 15:11:19 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6639 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 2 [filter] => raw ) [12] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6606 [post_author] => 712 [post_date] => 2017-01-25 09:05:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-25 14:05:44 [post_content] => Auditioning for a musical can be one of the most harrowing processes in the world, especially the singing portion. However, if you prepare ahead of time, it doesn’t need to be scary. Here are four tips for acing your next vocal audition:1. Choose the Right Song
For a musical audition, this is the most important call. Sometimes, casting will make it easy and assign material to sing, but more often than not, it’s your decision.
If you’re a veteran to the musical theatre audition circuit, you will probably have an audition book. This is a selection of songs (ranging in style) that you know well and can sing at the drop of a hat, usually kept in one overstuffed binder. It should be a varied repertoire that you really relate to. Look through it (or scour Google and music sheets if you don’t have one) and find the song you think fits the style of the show you’re going for. Again, be certain that you connect to your choice as a person.
Try to be wary of learning a new song, unless you have no choice. It’s best that you know the material like the back of your hand so when you get in the room and your nerves kick in, you can still let your personality shine through. After all, showing your personality gives you a leg up on your competition — no one else is like you!
2. Rehearse Your Heart out
This sounds like an obvious one, but many people don’t realize that to get work, you have to do a lot of work! Treat the audition like you would a performance because it’s essentially a chance to do what you love. You want casting to see you at your best, so be your best.
A Broadway performer once told me that they treat all of their songs like monologues. They write them out, mark them up with objectives and even read them aloud as they would a monologue. At their core, most songs are inner monologues. People in musicals sing their thoughts because they cannot speak them. So, handling a song like a monologue can help you discover new moments.
In preparation, lots of performers will enlist a vocal coach to assist them with their audition. This is obviously costly, so try to only do this when you feel like you really need it. It’s instrumental to hear the way your songs sounds on the piano and to get your teacher’s feedback on your song cut. Get the most out of your time together by recording your session, if it’s OK with your coach.
Sometimes it’s also useful to hold a rehearsal where you imagine yourself in the room. You can set up your room in an audition format and ask a friend to watch, or simply close your eyes and envision that you are in that space. While singing, you are hopefully going to be in another world, but it truly can help to anticipate your nerves. Go ahead, try it! You’ll be surprised to see how tense it can make you feel even thinking about being there. If you can curb your anxieties during that rehearsal, you’ll be more comfortable and connected in the room.
3. Choose the Right Clothes
One of the biggest ways to make an impression is with your choice of clothing. You want to stand out, of course, but that doesn’t mean you need to throw on a sequin top or neon-colored sneakers.
Attempt to pick an outfit that is the essence of the role. For example, if you’re auditioning for “Newsies,” you don’t need to rent an authentic vest and pair of knickers from 1899. Show up in a nice button-down shirt. Or, let’s say you’re auditioning for the role of Anna in “The King and I.” There’s no need to run around like a maniac searching for a hoop skirt when you can simply wear a nice dress. Don’t make it too hard for yourself!
Basically, you don’t want to give casting any reason not to hire you. Spoon-feed it to them by wearing something that gives off the vibe of your character but is already in your closet. Ask a trusted pal for approval!
Overall, choose something that looks good and makes you feel good. And please, for their sake, don’t show up in any type of costume — unless you’re trying to get in the “bad audition” montage on a reality show.
4. Use the Time in the Waiting Room
We’ve all been uneasily seated outside the audition room waiting for our turn. We steal glances at our fellow auditioners (who look eerily similar to ourselves), press our ears against the door to listen to them sing and stare through our sheet music, relentlessly hoping it will overtake our brains. However, wasting your time in the waiting room with stressful acts like this is detrimental to the process.
Instead, get to your audition 10 minutes before your time slot (any earlier could annoy casting, since waiting spaces are usually small and they don’t want a lot of people sitting around) and loosen up. Find the bathroom, splash water on your face, do a quick vocal warm-up and, most of all, relax. The more laid-back you are, the easier your audition will be. Reading advice from a performer you admire right before you go can also be beneficial, so have it cued up on your phone!
Bonus Tip: After you go, let it go! You’ve done the best you can, so don’t bother obsessing over the outcome. What will be will be!
[post_title] => 4 Ways To Nail Your Next Vocal Audition [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 4-ways-to-nail-your-next-vocal-audition [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-25 09:19:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-25 14:19:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6606 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [13] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6663 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2017-01-24 09:05:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-24 14:05:04 [post_content] => Nuggets of wisdom can be found in the best of Broadway. Theatre is constantly reminding us to make change, never give up and embrace our most unique traits. With a new year upon us, we’ve compiled a list of inspirational quotes plucked from your favorite musicals.Here are 14 mantras to take with you into 2017:
You can change the world if you change your mind. (Kinky Boots)
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise! (Les Misérables)
Being true to yourself never goes out of style. (Legally Blonde)
Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor. (Into the Woods)
I’m through accepting limits ‘cause someone says they’re so. Some things I cannot change but ‘til I try, I’ll never know. (Wicked)
If we’re always starting over every brand new morning, then we’re always starting out with the end in doubt. (If/Then)
Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. (The Lion King)
She warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within (Beauty and the Beast)
Just be who you wanna be. (Kinky Boots)
Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow till you find your dream. (The Sound of Music)
Who cares what happens when we’re dead? We shouldn’t think that far ahead. The only latter day that matters is tomorrow. (The Book of Mormon)
I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow. (Wicked)
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other path, no other way, no day but today. (Rent)
Look, a new day has begun… (Cats)
Have another favorite inspirational quote from a Broadway musical? Share it in the comments below...
[post_title] => 14 Inspirational Musical Theatre Quotes For The New Year [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 14-inspirational-musical-theatre-quotes-new-year [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-24 09:15:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-24 14:15:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6663 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 24 [filter] => raw ) [14] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6330 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2017-01-22 13:01:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-22 18:01:17 [post_content] => The Broadway runs of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid” have shown that these tales as old as time can be part of our (Broadway) world. Even outside of the Disney canon, “Shrek” spawned a successful Broadway musical that is now a popular choice for community theatre groups. The popularity of animated films throughout American cinematic history leaves us wondering what other animated films might do well on the Great White Way.Here are 10 animated movies that should be made into Broadway musicals:
1. “The Emperor’s New Groove”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT4ySwoh27Q One of the more underrated post-Disney Renaissance films, “The Emperor’s New Groove” contains unforgettable characters, scenes, dialogue and two awesome songs written by Sting. Originally called “Kingdom of the Sun,” the film’s plot initially included the evil witch Yzma wanting to capture the sun to retain her youth. Although “Snuff Out the Light” (sung by Eartha Kitt) was cut from the film version, perhaps it can get another chance onstage.2. “Cats Don’t Dance”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1eBuuJqc44 This long-forgotten 1997 film was Gene Kelly’s last film project before he died. The movie is about Danny, a feline newcomer to Hollywood who aims to get better storylines for animal actors. It features songs by Randy Newman, best known for his Pixar collaborations.3. “Quest for Camelot”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHDkmINbefQ This 1998 movie, based on the novel “The King’s Damosel,” is about a young woman who seeks to return the sword Excalibur to its stone to restore peace to Camelot. The songs are written by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager, who were both massively successful songwriters throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.4. “Hercules”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa0lMzaljTk One of the few movies from the Disney Renaissance to not have its own stage version, “Hercules” fuses Gospel styles with more pop-leaning show-tune sounds. Aside from its catchy score, there’s enormous potential to brilliantly stage Hercules’ fight scenes with those gargantuan monsters!5. “The Prince of Egypt”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biVEtQQ_9mo Dreamworks’ first cel animated film contains songs written by Broadway legend Stephen Schwarz. A whitewashing controversy cancelled a stage reading of the movie’s planned musical adaptation early last year. However, the increase of shows for people of color (such as “The Color Purple” revival and “Hamilton) hopefully boosts “The Prince of Egypt’s” chance of an eventual Broadway run.6. “Spirited Away”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXuk9QqQkk This Studio Ghibli modern classic is the highest-grossing Japanese film in history and has all the makings of a hit show: character development, romance, a balance of comedy and drama and a large ensemble. With the popularity of Frank Wildhorn’s “Death Note” musical in Japan and Korea, a Broadway adaptation of “Spirited Away” would send Ghibli fans flocking worldwide to see it.7. “Mulan”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSS5dEeMX64 Another Disney Renaissance film lacking its own Broadway version, “Mulan” benefits from powerful songs such as “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” Its unique story and setting help it stand out among other Disney films. Like “The Prince of Egypt,” Mulan would be another great opportunity to showcase racial diversity in musical theatre.8. “The Swan Princess”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnKDXTckacs Loosely based on Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” ballet, this film featured the singing voices of musical theatre veterans Liz Callaway and David Zippel. It’s one of the more notable non-Disney-animated romances of the ‘90s and has music similar in style to that of Alan Menken and other great Disney composers.9. “Pocahontas”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk33dTVHreQ Here is yet another Disney Renaissance film not yet to have a Broadway run. The “Pocahontas” soundtrack features classic Disney songs such as “Colors of the Wind,” which won Menken and Schwartz an Oscar at the 1996 Academy Awards.10. “Coraline”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO3n67BQvh0 Based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, this movie is known for its creepy, visually stunning scenes. Coraline, a young girl who discovers an idealized parallel world, realizes her fantasy has a dark secret. With a lack of horror musicals on Broadway, the cult status of “Coraline” could perhaps start a new theatrical trend in New York.Did we leave out your favorite animated film? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 10 Animated Movies That Should Be Broadway Musicals [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-animated-movies-broadway-musicals [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-22 13:25:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-22 18:25:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6330 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 9 [filter] => raw ) [15] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6552 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2017-01-19 09:09:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-19 14:09:26 [post_content] => Putting up a show is a lot of hard work — and requires money. Once the costumes, lights and stage have been paid for, people often forget about the promotional aspect of the production and simply don’t know how to market on a shoestring budget.Here are some ways you can advertise your next project with little to no money:
1. Fliers
This may seem obvious, but don’t underestimate the effectiveness of a flier with a great photo to promote a show. Plaster your town or city with them, and let their magic go to work.
Cost: Roughly 10 cents a page for copies at Staples.
2. Postcards
Postcards are great for many reasons. First, you can mail them to important people you’d like in your audience. Second, you can put stacks of them in shops and cafes near the theatre to draw in audience members you don’t know.
Cost: Gotprint.com offers 500 postcards for under $25.
3. Stickers
Have small stickers made up with your show’s logo, dates and links, and ask a local coffee shop whether it would be willing to stick them on their lids in exchange for a free ad in your show’s program. Each time patrons sip from their coffee cup, they’ll be face-to-face with your show’s cute and effective ad.
Cost: On Vistaprint.com, stickers are roughly 12 cents apiece. You can get 240 stickers for under $30.
4. Podcast
Find a local podcast that’s about the arts or the happenings in your town, and ask them to do a segment on your show in exchange for comps to the show.
Cost: The price of a couple tickets.
5. Facebook Ads
The good news is, you can choose how much money you’ll put into an ad on social media, so you can spend a little or a lot depending on your budget.
Cost: Up to you!
6. Blog
Does someone you know blog about theatre or local events in your area? Get them to blog about the show by inviting them to a dress rehearsal.
Cost: Free
7. Social Media
Even if you don’t personally have a lot of followers, you’ll cover a lot of ground if you get everyone in your cast and crew to post about the show on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Remember to post pictures that will stir intrigue or make people laugh.
Cost: Free
8. RT Contest
Post about your show on Twitter and turn it into a contest by asking people to retweet. One lucky RT will win a pair of tickets to the show. If you can swing it, throw in some swag, too! Who doesn’t love a free T-shirt?
Cost: Free
9. A Bigger Cast
OK, so this isn’t always feasible, but the bigger the cast you have, the more people will be in your audience. That’s why sometimes it’s beneficial to have a Cast A and a Cast B for longer-running shows — not to mention understudies.
Cost: Free
10. Guest Roles
Is there a part in your show that can be done by a special guest audience member? Give away a small part through social media contests or audience raffles to raise money for the theatre. You’ll get more buzz from patrons who come to see their friend play the butler in one random scene.
Cost: Free
11. Website
Use sites such as Wix.com to create a free website with all your show’s information. Include fun details about the cast and production process. You can also use the site to promote all your fun contests and ticket giveaways.
Cost: Free - $20
12. Community Service
Have your cast volunteer to do some community work while getting the word out about your theatre and its production. One great way to do this is to offer a free acting class to kids in the area taught by members of the cast or the director. It always feels good to give back to the community — and adding some butts in the seats doesn’t feel bad, either.
Cost: Free
Do you have any tips to promote on a budget? Add them in the comments below...
[post_title] => How To Promote Your Show On A Shoestring Budget [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-promote-your-show-on-shoestring-budget [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-08-06 20:17:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-08-07 00:17:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6552 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 3 [filter] => raw ) [16] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6535 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2017-01-18 11:35:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-18 16:35:59 [post_content] => [show-logos orderby='none' category='broadway-basic-tees' activeurl='new' style='boxhighlight' interface='hcarousel' tooltip='false' description='true' limit='0' filter='false' carousel='false,4000,false,false,500,10,true,false,true,1,0,1' img='200,218'] Streaming services such as Spotify can increase certain musicals’ profiles by making their cast albums more easily accessible. In fact, the “Hamilton” cast album was streamed 500 million times in 2016. Unfortunately, not every cast recording has the privilege of getting exposure through Spotify, often because of record label issues or the album being out of print.Because several shows are long forgotten this way, here is a list of 11 cast recordings Spotify has yet to acquire:
1. “The Magic Show” (1974 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8lPyY8hEmw The 35th longest-running Broadway musical, this Stephen Schwartz show starred Cheryl Barnes (“Hair”), David Ogden Stiers (“Beauty and the Beast)” and Dale Soules (“Orange Is the New Black”) in some of their earliest roles. The show was nominated for two Tony Awards in 1975. Although there is a Canadian filmed production, the musical has yet to be revived on Broadway. GET ON AMAZON2. “The Pirate Queen” (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPxjy1NIgUQ Based on a 1986 historical novel by Morgan Llewellyn, this show was written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil (“Les Misérables”) and starred Stephanie J. Block and Hadley Fraser. It opened in 2007 but closed after 85 performances. The cast recording has since gone out of print. GET ON AMAZON3. “21 Chump Street” (2014 Original Radio Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_LrnWWhch8 Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this 15-minute musical was based on an NPR episode about a high schooler who is arrested after selling drugs to impress a police officer. The mini musical has been performed in Brooklyn, London and Sydney. GET ON AMAZON4. “Big Fish” (2013 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHoNw263X50 Andrew Lippa’s adaptation of the 2003 Tim Burton film ran for 98 performances in late 2013. Norbert Leo Butz received universal acclaim for his performance as Edward Bloom. The musical has since been produced in Victoria, Munich and Orlando. GET ON AMAZON5. “Sail Away” (1961 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZDiE9iY3j4 Noel Coward’s penultimate Broadway musical was a star vehicle for future Broadway legend Elaine Stritch. Stritch created the role of Mimi Paragon, a cruise director who has to put up with annoying passengers. She reprised the role in a 1999 Carnegie Hall production. GET ON AMAZON6. “Starmites” (1989 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvRLrtOdsqo This unusual musical opened on Broadway in 1989, closed after 60 performances and was nominated for six Tony Awards. “Starmites,” which is about a girl who creates a fantasy world from various comic book characters, is a popular choice among junior-high audiences. GET ON AMAZON7. “Triumph of Love” (1998 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzij9bdpHhQ This musical, based on a 1732 French play, ran for 85 performances and starred Betty Buckley, who earned a Tony nomination as Hesione. The musical follows the pop-opera style of “Miss Saigon” and “Jekyll and Hyde.” GET ON AMAZON8. “Bombay Dreams” (2002 Original London Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPdBCxXRPw4 This Bollywood-themed musical mixes original songs with tunes from popular Bollywood films. After opening in London in 2002 and Broadway in 2004, the North American tour began in February 2006. GET ON AMAZON9. "A Doll’s Life” (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6VMLWNKos4 One of the most colossal Broadway flops ever, this Comden and Green musical premiered on Broadway in 1982 and closed after just five performances. However, it did receive three Tony nominations, including one for actor George Hearn. GET ON AMAZON10. “Chess” (1988 Original Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhqud-xjAi4 While the original West End production of this musical ran for three years, the original Broadway production lasted only two months in 1988. Despite its short Broadway run, the show was nominated for two Tony Awards and was David Carroll’s penultimate Broadway musical before his untimely death in 1992. GET ON AMAZON11. “Heathers” (2014 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAmmc7VFiZY One of Laurence O’Keefe’s more recent efforts, this musical based on the 1988 dark comedy film ran for four months Off-Broadway. Although Spotify features four of the musical’s songs, the streaming service does not offer the whole cast album. GET ON AMAZONDid we leave out one of your favorite hard-to-find albums? Let us know in the comments!
[post_title] => 11 Wonderful Cast Recordings You Can’t Find On Spotify [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 11-wonderful-cast-recordings-you-cant-find-on-spotify [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-18 12:23:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-18 17:23:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6535 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 12 [filter] => raw ) [17] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6509 [post_author] => 639 [post_date] => 2017-01-16 11:41:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-16 16:41:36 [post_content] =>Today is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 36th birthday!
It’s been a pretty long and hectic year for this actor/composer/writer/theatre supernerd. From Broadway to Disney, he has been pretty nonstop. If he was this amazing at 36, it’s hard to imagine what he’ll do at 37.Here are 10 things we loved Miranda for this year:
1. His Inspiring Tweets
https://twitter.com/Lin_Manuel/status/804596222027853824 Who else on Twitter gives their fans a creative good morning and goodnight tweet every single day? Add that to awesome pictures of him nerding out with other stars, travel pics and just overall inspirational messages.2. “Hamilton the Revolution"
I have to admit, I was a bit late in getting this book. I thought I knew all there was to know about the making of this show, but this book dives into all aspects of creating the hit musical. From casting to discussing tech week at The Public, this is a must-read. Aside from the great insights and beautiful images, Miranda has also fully annotated every song in the show. Read the book and fall in love with the musical all over again.
3. That One Time SNL Became All About Theatre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkjjtX83-Cc Straight from the opening monologue, you knew this was going to be a very theatre-intensive episode. Even during the commercial breaks, all they could do was show advertisements for “Aladdin” and “Hello, Dolly!” From “Hamilton” to “The Music Man,” this episode had it all, and Miranda didn’t skip a beat. And let’s not forget the epic music video about cast parties.4. The Mixtape
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-GkrrE5gvI Miranda has proven to be the gift that just keeps giving. Just when we’ve stopped listening to the “Hamilton” cast album a million times, we’re gifted the “Hamilton Mixtape.” Miranda took cut songs, his favorite R&B artists and even wrote some new songs that turned into this. We can even expect a second volume next year.5. The Best Episode of Drunk History
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZNHRE96q6Y This past fall, Miranda showed off his extensive knowledge about his favorite founding fathers in an episode entirely dedicated to Alexander Hamilton. There is drinking, guest appearances by Chris Jackson and Questlove, and, of course, a quick singalong to Semisonic’s “Closing Time.”6. His Mission to Get Rid of Ticket Bots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-MaZjlOJ5E This year, Miranda became a huge advocate to fight ticket bots. As if it’s not hard enough already to see “Hamilton” on Broadway, the bot issue has made it that much more difficult. These bots can get tons of tickets at once for any event and resell them for five times the price. Miranda wants this to stop, and has made it his mission in New York.7. All of His Talk Show Appearances
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWpdYfbyW-k Miranda appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late Show,” “Rachel Ray” and many more this year. of course, most of these appearances included doing some freestyle, but perhaps one of the most memorable interviews was when Miranda told Ellen his entire family reenacted a famous “Sound of Music” number in Austria. That, and he then proceeded to freestyle about cold showers.8. Charity for “Hamilton” tickets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FgucRblEDY Miranda took the “Hamilton” lottery a step further and auctioned off a bunch of experiences for donating to multiple charities this year. Not a bad way to remind people to spread the love.9. “Moana”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93lrosBEW-Q In case conquering the theatre world wasn’t enough, Miranda is now involved in a ton of projects for Disney. Aside from being featured in the next “Mary Poppins” film and being named to have a role in the live-action Little Mermaid, Miranda helped create Disney’s latest hit, “Moana.” A great film for all ages, “Moana” features an empowering heroine and has a beautiful score. Not to mention, Miranda had a little too much fun making an evil Sebastian-like character with an incredibly catchy song.10. Love Is Love Is Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3frkqULr008 “Hamilton” and Miranda were the stars of the Tony’s this year. Though the performances were brilliant, one acceptance speech in particular stood out. Even in the rough times of 2016, Miranda was there to remind us what was important. Happy birthday, Lin-Manuel Miranda!Let us know in the comments what you’re looking forward to seeing Miranda do next year!
[post_title] => 10 Reasons To Celebrate Lin-Manuel Miranda On His Birthday [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-reasons-celebrate-lin-manuel-miranda-birthday [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-16 16:49:33 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-16 21:49:33 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6509 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [18] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6480 [post_author] => 395 [post_date] => 2017-01-13 10:26:16 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-13 15:26:16 [post_content] => For the past couple months, the big trend on YouTube has been silly, fun and a bit inexplicable. YouTubers take videos and systematically speed them up or slow them down each time a word or phrase is sung or spoken, resulting in an Alvin and the Chipmunks-level voice that very rapidly descends into the zippy sound of fast-forwarding at the end. Mainstream examples include “The entire ‘Bee Movie,” but every time they say ‘Bee,’ it gets faster,” which has garnered a whopping 15 million views, and a slew of versions featuring Smash Mouth’s famed song “All Star,” among others. With the resounding success of the musical “Hamilton,” and the notorious creativity of its fans, it’s no surprise that it has been subjected to the same fast-speed treatment as other popular videos. Here are some our favorites:1. “Alexander Hamilton,” but every time they say his name, it gets faster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZLjJLtLrSM Is it just me, or does George Washington’s part (1:44) sound even cooler at this speed?2. “My Shot,” but every time they say “Shot,” it speeds up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ETV7QzeIg And we thought it was hard rapping Hamilton’s solo normally!3. “Non Stop,” but every time Hamilton is asked why or how he does something, it gets faster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmScKwpoYDU The end of this is the exact definition of impossible.4. “The Schuyler Sisters,” but every time they sing “Work,” it gets faster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_Ek2gNUrU This is a good one when you want to be reminded how often the word “Work” is actually sung in this one song.5. “Aaron Burr, Sir,” but it gets faster every time they say, “Sir”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-ZsI4UTdig Well, that escalated quickly.6. “Guns and Ships,” but every time they say “Lafayette!” it gets faster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ozO4B-q9M Daveed Diggs would definitely be able to handle this speed, noooo problem. BONUS: In case you have 45 minutes of spare time and want to listen to the complete first act of the show in a chipmunk voice, here’s “‘Hamilton Act 1’ but every time a main character’s name is said, it speeds up.” Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dim3PvIoayEWhat are your favorite sped-up videos? Has the internet moved beyond “Hamilton” and started tackling your other favorite Broadway shows? Let us know in the comments!
[post_title] => Our Favorite Sped-Up 'Hamilton' Songs On YouTube [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => favorite-sped-up-hamilton-songs-youtube [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-13 10:27:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-13 15:27:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6480 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [19] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6171 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2017-01-12 10:19:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-12 15:19:06 [post_content] => From glow tape mishaps to hunger pains, we all know the strife tech week can cause. Let’s celebrate the joys and sorrows of the most beloved and feared week through the tweets of theatre nerds everywhere.1. Tech week brings stress, a lack of sleep and, apparently, fire hazards.
https://twitter.com/jrosefior/status/7808506941233233922. Wardrobe malfunctions are inevitable.
https://twitter.com/emilyboudrot/status/7808769936969687063. How did thespians survive pre-Siri?
https://twitter.com/CailinHurleyy/status/7911265026035630084. Tech brings out the inner motivational speaker in some...
https://twitter.com/Banjomin2247/status/7912442652086845445. ...And dietary confusion in others.
https://twitter.com/k10danek/status/7918757559573749766. You can play hide-and-go-seek with mic tape.
https://twitter.com/_peytonmwright_/status/7941133612859351047. You’ll develop an unhealthy obsession with glow tape.
https://twitter.com/SydLaRue/status/7936475386750197768. A sort-of romantic dinner atmosphere.
https://twitter.com/_whiterthanyou_/status/7886315486858526729. Dramaturgs do tech right.
https://twitter.com/chloeloos/status/78854334924648038410. Long days are fun days!
https://twitter.com/babycupid97/status/78827433951476940811. Celebrating the miracle that is a tear-free day.
https://twitter.com/katrinamwilson/status/78607646156017254512. The OCD techie’s nightmare.
https://twitter.com/MATSHIELDS/status/78513018749520691313. There will be some improvising.
https://twitter.com/Annika_Marks/status/78444359904796262414. Snow White don’t care — it’s tech week.
https://twitter.com/mags_moo/status/77873573656875417615. Technology does not mix with set paint.
https://twitter.com/TisforTonya/status/77870140167324876916. And this sums up everyone in the production right now.
https://twitter.com/lizmassie/status/783757969661960193Do these tweets describe your life during tech week? What are your favorite tech week-related stories? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 16 Tweets That Perfectly Sum Up Tech Week [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 16-tweets-perfectly-sum-tech-week [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-12 10:19:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-12 15:19:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6171 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [20] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6437 [post_author] => 639 [post_date] => 2017-01-11 09:35:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-11 14:35:05 [post_content] => It’s pretty hard to escape the words of William Shakespeare, arguably the world’s greatest playwright. You’ve likely studied his work in class or performed in one of his shows. Despite the great love theatre nerds have for Shakespeare, some find fault with his language, claiming it’s too difficult to understand. In all fairness, some of it is. The guy also created nearly 2,000 new words that we still use in the English language. We use so many words and phrases by him on a daily basis and don’t even realize it. We’re used to hearing the cliche “To be, or not to be” used without much thought or the classic “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo,” but here are 10 words and phrases you might not know came straight from the pen of Shakespeare:1. “Break the Ice” — “Taming of the Shrew”
Just think icebreakers. Every time you start a new show and need to get to know the cast, the first rehearsal consists of at least three of these. Funnily enough, it pretty much meant the same thing during Shakespeare’s time. Aside from referring to those awkward get-to-know-you games today, back then it also meant to make someone a little less frigid, i.e., Katherine in “Taming of the Shrew.”
2. “Swagger” — “Henry V” and “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Bet you didn’t know this one had Shakespearean roots! This word was used in such phrases as “What hempen home-spuns have we swaggering here, so near the cradle of the fairy queen?” Yes, it was used a bit differently than it’s used today, but still is all Shakespearean.
3. “Bedazzled” — “The Taming of the Shrew”
Before referring to the trend of putting rhinestones on anything you could get your hands on, this word was used by Shakespeare to describe the sun. Featured in such lines as, “Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes, that have been so bedazzled with the sun that everything I look on seemeth green,” the word had a much nicer meaning a few hundred years ago.
4. “Come What May” — ”Macbeth”
via GIPHY Though you may think “Moulin Rouge” helped catapult this saying to popularity, Shakespeare is the one to thank for this saying. When Shakespeare used it in “Macbeth,” it went a little something like, “Come what come may, time and the hour run through the roughest day.” Try putting that into song.5. “Love Is Blind” — “The Merchant of Venice”
via GIPHY One of the most overused romantic sayings in history, this phrase first sprung up in “The Merchant of Venice.” Shakespeare wrote, “But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the petty follies that themselves commit, for if they could Cupid himself would blush to see me thus transformèd to a boy.” This one has pretty much kept its meaning through the years.6. “Rant” — “Hamlet”
Is anyone surprised Shakespeare is responsible for coining this word? Though the first recorded use of this word was in Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor,” it seems more appropriate to use this line from “Hamlet”: “I’ll rant as well as thou.” Like his creator, Hamlet was not very brief.
7. “Green-Eyed Monster” — “Othello”
via GIPHY Responsible for coining “green-eyed” in “Merchant of Venice,” Shakespeare took it a step further in “Othello” with “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster.”8. “Not Slept a Wink” — “Cymbeline”
More formally spoken in Shakespeare’s work as, “I have not slept one wink,” this one is pretty self-explanatory and is used pretty much the same way today. Whether it be the night before a big audition or all of tech week, this saying is extremely applicable to theatre nerds.
9. “Eyeball” — “The Tempest”
You probably thought this one was created by some physician a couple hundred years ago, but credit goes to Shakespeare yet again. The use of this word has not changed since the late 1500s: “Go make thyself like a nymph o’ the sea: be subject to no sight but thine and mine, invisible to every eyeball else.”
10. “What’s Done Is Done” — “Macbeth”
First used in “Macbeth,” the title character says, “Things without all remedy Should be without regard: what’s done, is done.” Today we use this saying in the same way, though not to refer to a recent murder we’ve committed.
Did any of these words surprise you? Do you have any other Shakespearean words that you use constantly? Let us know in the comments!
[post_title] => 10 Words And Phrases You Didn't Know Came From Shakespeare [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-words-and-phrases-you-didnt-know-came-from-shakespeare [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-04-23 09:51:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-04-23 13:51:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6437 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [21] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6327 [post_author] => 440 [post_date] => 2017-01-10 08:00:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-10 13:00:32 [post_content] => If you are a theatre lover, you’ve probably wished at one time or another that your life was like a Broadway musical. Life would be incredible if it were socially acceptable to burst into a spontaneous musical number in public, complete with your own perfectly choreographed backup dancers. Now, imagine for a moment that you could also have a Broadway character’s wardrobe, including all the dazzling colors, fabrics and accessories. *Insert longing sigh here*Here are 10 Broadway characters closets we dream of raiding:
1. The Schuyler Sisters — “Hamilton”
It makes sense to start with the first ladies of Broadway: Angelica, Eliza (and Peggy). The beautiful colors of each gown pop from the stage, while each bodice has a design unique to each sister. They definitely know how to make those dresses work for them during the show, rocking the old-school frocks with the fierceness of Beyonce in hot pants.
2. Natasha Rostova — “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”
This Russian romance just began its run on Broadway in November, and the costumes are stunning. The work of Tony Award-winning designer Paloma Young, all of the costumes in the show are a sight to behold. However, Natasha’s high-society gowns contain gorgeous beadwork and beautiful accessories that would look just perfect in your closet.
3. Corny Collins — “Hairspray”
Who doesn’t love a great suit? Corny’s wardrobe choices are about as colorful and fun as his personality. He manages to pull off outfits that would look downright tacky on anyone else. Case in point: Derek Hough, the most recent Corny Collins, looked nothing but sleek in a variety of flashy suits during “Hairspray Live!”
4. Glinda — “Wicked”
If you were ever, ever envious of Barbie’s wardrobe, take a stroll through Glinda’s closet. The bright colors, sequins and variety of silhouettes make for dreamy ensembles full of feminine flair.
5. Gigi — “Gigi”
Designer Catherine Zuber took an old classic and made it modern in the recent revival of “Gigi.” The couture gowns seen onstage are worthy of any awards show red carpet. The chic French styles are any fashionista’s dream.
6. Reno Sweeney — “Anything Goes”
Let’s begin by saying that Sutton Foster could wear a paper bag and still look amazing. However, she’s certainly not the only actress to play the spunky Reno Sweeney, whose wardrobe is 1930s perfection. Wide-legged pants, fabulous dresses and nautical-inspired pieces are flawless retro fashion.
7. William Shakespeare — “Something Rotten”
Leather, leather and more leather. Shakespeare has the suave style of an ‘80s rockstar. Created by popular Broadway costume designer Gregg Barnes, the fitted jacket and knee-high leather boots see the old-school playwright bringing sexy back.
8. Sandy — “Grease”
Continuing on the leather theme, who hasn’t wanted to be Bad Sandy with her red high heels and leather pants? From cool to cute, her poodle skirts are equally adorable. Sandy’s wardrobe is certainly versatile, with an outfit for every mood.
9. Lola — “Kinky Boots”
There are too many fabulous boots to count. Combine them with the sparkle, the wigs and the extensive array of makeup, and we’ve got a winner. Besides knowing how to make boots, Lola certainly knows how to wear them. Fashion is an art form in this closet.
10. Elle Woods — “Legally Blonde”
What we want? Elle Woods’ stylish, Carrie-Bradshaw-sized closet. She takes boring work wardrobes and gives them the makeover we all crave. The clothes are as sassy as her spunky personality and certainly jealousy-inducing.
Which Broadway character’s wardrobe would you love to have? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => Broadway Characters’ Wardrobes We’d Love to Raid [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => broadway-characters-wardrobes-wed-love-to-raid [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-07 00:25:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-07 05:25:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6327 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [22] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6336 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2017-01-09 10:56:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-09 15:56:20 [post_content] => Though we love a good rendition of Once Upon a Mattress or Seussical, there’s a whole slew of lesser-known musicals just waiting to be performed by young actors. In fact, Beat by Beat Press, a boutique publishing company founded by NYC playwrights, is dedicated to creating and licensing original children’s musicals that are total game-changers for your next production.They have an entire repertoire of cool shows. Here are seven of our favorite:
1. Press Start!
[caption id="attachment_6337" align="alignleft" width="700"] Photo Credit: KD Markley Elementary[/caption]
Kids and adults alike will enjoy this 90’s nostalgia-based piece. It’s composed entirely in Nintendo synthesizers and follows famous video game characters who find themselves in a bit of a pickle: running out of lives! Their solution? Host a fundraiser for gold rings in order to keep on playing.
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
2. The Grunch
[caption id="attachment_6338" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Photo Credit: Monica Simoes[/caption]
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s iconic story, The Grunch is a love letter to theatre nerds everywhere. This tale dives into the incredible community that forms when putting on a show, and how we can never take away the “spirit of theatre”. (We dare you to keep your eyes dry during “It’s All Part of the Magic”.)
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
3. Space Pirates!
[caption id="attachment_6339" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo Credit: The Garden Players[/caption]
A drab and dreary field trip goes awry when Gabby and her classmates get beamed into outer space. The whacky series of events that ensue help Gabby, a girl who gets picked on, become comfortable in her own skin. This show not only brings audiences a great lesson, but features aliens and pirates. Need we say more?
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
4. The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever
[caption id="attachment_6340" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo Credit: Richard Lurie[/caption]
This mind-blowing show is like a G-rated version of Lord of the Flies...also with singing. When a backyard birthday bash turns into apocalyptic mayhem, a group of kids must build a new society from scratch -- using only party supplies. It’s quirky, crazy, comedic and, of course, epic.
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
5. We Are Monsters
[caption id="attachment_6341" align="alignleft" width="640"] The Garden Players[/caption]
Monsters aren’t just a figment of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” -- they’re a major player in this thrilling kids musical. In We Are Monsters, human kids sneak into a monster cabaret in an attempt to gain followers for their YouTube channel. What could possibly go wrong?
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
6. Tut, Tut
[caption id="attachment_6343" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Photo Credit: Ravi Kohli[/caption]
Historical musicals are all the rage (*ahem* Hamilton) and Beat by Beat Press has got you covered. Tut, Tut is a loosely-based, contemporary take on the story of King Tut. This infamous King of Egypt took the throne at just 10 years old making it the perfect production for pint-sized actors.
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
7. Musicville
[caption id="attachment_6344" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Photo Credit: Monica Simoes[/caption]
Imagine a world that takes place “inside” of music. This fantastical show chronicles protagonists Maiden Melody and Radical Rhythm as they embark on an adventure to defeat the Sorcerer of Silence. It’s an adorable, heartwarming journey that you don’t want to miss.
Listen to the soundtrack and learn more HERE
[post_title] => 7 New Children’s Musicals Every Theatre Kid Should Know About
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[post_content] => Since its inception in 2005, YouTube has become a platform not just for original content, but also for discovering fresh, young talent. Several content creators have gone beyond cyberspace and have broken out into other mediums. For example, Todrick Hall’s recent performance as Lola in “Kinky Boots” makes us wonder who else from the YouTube community would have a shot on the Great White Way.
Here are 10 YouTubers who we feel have some serious potential to star on Broadway:
1. Thomas Sanders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR6_3Brz1dA This Vine and YouTube personality has made no secret of his love for Disney films and Broadway. In 2015, he starred as J.D. in Gen Y Production’s staging of “Heathers.” Earlier this year, his show “Ultimate Storytime” had a U.S. tour and had its own cast album released on iTunes.2. Sam Tsui
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_7hCDs62u8 Known for his collaborations with fellow YouTuber Kurt Schneider, Sam Tsui has been thrilling YouTube with his covers and originals since 2008. While he attended Yale University, he had lead roles in productions of “Baby, “Bat Boy, “[title of show]” and “Rent.” He starred in the web series “College Musical,” which later became a full-length film. Today, he continues to tour the world with both his YouTube covers and original music.3. Scott Hoying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBckSfLjAu4 The baritone lead for the Pentatonix and one half of the YouTube channel Superfruit, Hoying has had massive success in the music industry already — and at 25 years old! Along with his friend Mitch Grassi, he has guest-starred on “Bones” and created a series called “Hip-Hop Goes Broadway.”4. Mitch Grassi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdNSi07T5GQ The tenor lead for the Pentatonix and the other half of Superfruit, Mitch Grassi was active in musical theatre as a teenager. He starred in his high school’s production of “Urinetown” and covered songs from “Spring Awakening” and songs by Scott Alan, a popular songwriter in NYC circles.5. Casey Breves
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhcNecoadjw Although maybe not quite as famous as the aforementioned stars, Casey Breves has had the most classical vocal training. He has performed in several productions with the Yale Opera, toured the country with Chanticleer and has frequently collaborated with his husband, Sam Tsui.6. SAARA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi_aZIHJl-g This Finnish-born YouTuber rose to fame in 2014 with her viral videos of imitating languages and musical styles. She later scored a deal with Capitol Records but is now an independent musician. She has appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “ON With Mario Lopez” and continues to cover songs and perform original content.7. GloZell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtIw4SAJheM This comedian/singer/vlogger has collaborated with Todrick Hall, Miranda Sings, and a bunch of other famous YouTubers. She has a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Florida and has covered everything from Christmas carols to modern pop songs (often comedically). She continues to charm viewers with her exuberant personality and hilarious content.8. Colleen Ballinger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R3c_3zk1tc Famous for her Miranda Sings character, Colleen Ballinger tours the country performing as herself and Miranda. A vocal performance graduate from Azusa Pacific University, she also created the role of Circe in the Off-Broadway production of “Odyssey: The Epic Musical.” With all of her incredible versatility, including a recent Netflix series, we hope Ballinger makes the full transition to Broadway sooner rather than later!9. Diamond White
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7qFa0oza0 Another frequent collaborator with Kurt Schneider, Diamond White had her big break as a finalist during the second season of “The X Factor U.S.” After finishing in fifth place, she had several gigs as a voice actress and as a guest star on various sitcoms. She gained a new fan base on YouTube through cover songs. Her powerful belting register makes her ideal for Broadway.10. Alyson Stoner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8neE8tuIVZM A former child actress known for her roles in “Cheaper by the Dozen” and the “Step Up” series, Alyson Stoner was also a backup dancer for Missy Elliott and Eminem. In recent years, she has cultivated a YouTube channel for covers and original music. With her dancing, acting and vocal skills, Stoner is the whole package for Broadway.Think of any YouTubers we should add here? Let us know your picks in the comments below...
[post_title] => 10 YouTubers Who Should Star On Broadway [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => youtubers-who-should-star-on-broadway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-08 10:35:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-08 15:35:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6321 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 13 [filter] => raw ) [24] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6191 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2017-01-07 08:00:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-07 12:00:23 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=25]Try Another: Only A Real Theatre Nerd Can Ace This Quiz
[post_title] => Quiz: How Many Thespian Terms Do You Know? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-many-thespian-terms-do-you-know [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://theatrenerds.com/only-a-real-theatre-nerd-can-ace-this-quiz/ [post_modified] => 2018-10-01 11:23:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-01 15:23:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6191 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [25] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6310 [post_author] => 440 [post_date] => 2017-01-06 13:38:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-06 17:38:48 [post_content] => Have you ever practiced your Tony Award acceptance speech in your free time? Do you dream of becoming the next Shakespeare, Rodgers, Hammerstein, Sondheim, Lloyd Webber or Miranda but have no idea where to start? Deciding the plot, setting and characters can be just as hard as writing the show itself. It’s easy to get frustrated and quit before you even start. Self-doubt and fear are the biggest dream killers.The truth is, you might not create a blockbuster hit, but you can’t win if you never throw your hat into the ring. So, why not take a shot?
To help you get started, here are some ways to inspire your writing:
1. Pay Attention
There are stories everywhere. Instead of putting in your headphones and burying your head in your phone, try observing the world around you. This is especially useful on public transportation. Listen to what people are saying and observe the potential characters near you. Tip: Carry a notepad or note application on your phone, you never know when something you see will inspire an idea. When inspiration does come, you want to be ready!2. Read the News
Real life is full of great ideas. So, read the news, and read it widely. Check out all of the different sections available in the publication. Something might spark your interest! Tip: No time for reading? A wise professor once told me that a great writing exercise when inspiration has disappeared is to go through the newspaper, select a headline without reading the article and write a creative story based on that headline.3. Write What You Know
It can be daunting to take on an unknown subject for your first kick at the can. So, pick a topic you already know a lot about, or write about yourself. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first full-length musical, “In the Heights,” was based the New York City neighborhood he grew up in. His character of Abuela Claudia was inspired by a surrogate grandmother from his childhood summers spent in Puerto Rico. Miranda was able to tap into his experiences and use them to generate a Tony Award-winning score and musical. Tip: Jot down experiences that have impacted you, then begin to outline each one to see how much of a complete story is there.4. Take A Break
It's amazing how busy we can be without every taking time to relax and restore our body, soul, & mind. Even pausing work for a 10-15 minute walk can stimulate your brain in ways you never imagined. Many creatives say their best ideas come away from the office. One big example of this is Hamilton's creator/writer Lin-Manuel Miranda. His idea for "Hamilton: An American Musical" came to him while vacationing in Mexico.It’s no accident that the best idea I’ve ever had in my life — perhaps maybe the best one I’ll ever have in my life — came to me on vacation Lin-Manuel Miranda
5. One Plus One
Find two ideas and put them together to make an original idea. Sure, zombies have been done. And doctors working to fight off a zombie epidemic have been done. But say that zombie was a doctor working to fight off the zombie epidemic. Suddenly, you have a new and interesting idea, all because you put two of them together.6. History Repeats Itself
You don’t have to look much further than a history textbook to find great stories. Past events are the basis for at least a dozen movies that come out every year, and even hit musicals such as “Hamilton.” So, don’t snooze in your history class. Take a step into the past — you never know what you might find. Example? A newsboy strike in 1899 was the basis for the Broadway hit "Newsies"7. Ask, “What If?”
This simple question could turn an ordinary idea or situation into something extraordinary. It’s a great excuse for the imagination. This is even a useful way to put a twist on an already written idea. The musical “Wicked” is the perfect “what-if.” What if the Wicked Witch of the West wasn’t bad? What if Dorothy was the villain? What if the roles were reversed? These questions took an old idea and made it fresh, leading to a bestselling book and an iconic musical.8. A Picture’s Worth 50,000 words
Similar to the headline idea, find a photo without any captions or explanations and write the creative story of that photo. Magazines, newspapers, Pinterest and Tumblr are all helpful places to look for pictures to get your creative juices flowing.9. Seek Collaboration
Sure, you can be a lone wolf out there penning your masterpiece, but good things come in pairs. In many cases, two brains is better than one. A high percentage of Broadway shows, movies, and TV series have multiple writers/collaborators. Though the main ideas come from you, creative partners can help bring new perspective and talents to the project. After all, what was Rodgers without Hammerstein? How to find collaborators?- Join a meetup group on a site like Meetup.com
- Join a Facebook group for playwright's like This One
- Attend a playwright's workshop in your city
How do you find inspiration for show writing? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => How To Find Inspiration To Write A Hit Show [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-find-inspiration-to-write-a-hit-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-07 01:18:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-07 06:18:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6310 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [26] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6165 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2017-01-04 12:03:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-04 16:03:55 [post_content] => [show-logos orderby='none' category='thespian-tees-2' activeurl='new' style='boxhighlight' interface='hcarousel' tooltip='false' description='true' limit='0' filter='false' carousel='false,4000,false,false,500,10,true,false,true,1,0,1' img='200,218'] Showfolk are in a special group all their own, which is why when we find one another, we tend to stick together and act, well, a little distinct. If you’re a member of the tribe, you’re probably guilty of doing a few of the things listed below. Don’t worry — you’re definitely not alone.1. You randomly belt out showtunes.
Whether you’re in the car, in the shower or on the bus, you’re just bringing joy to all those around you.
2. You tap dance whenever you’re waiting in a line.
May as well work on that toe, heel, heel, heel, toe, heel combo at the DMV.
3. You’re always suggesting a massage circle.
Just as long as you’re not the caboose.
4. You’d never throw anything away.
Everything has prop or costume potential!
5. You’ll change your clothes in front of anyone.
You’ve done so many quick changes in the wings that you’ve lost all sense of modesty.
6. You walk overly turned out.
All those musical theatre ballet classes really did a number on your gait.
7. You get a teensy bit overdramatic — occasionally.
Theatre kids are really good at raising the stakes.
8. You’ve been seen stretching in some odd places.
Just warming up my instrument!
9. You practice choreography with your hands.
It’s just more efficient than busting out a pirouette in the green room.
10. The auditions you’ve had lately directly correlates with the answer to the question, “How have you been?”
“Auditions have dried up, I’m done for. How have you been?”
11. When something upsetting happens, you file it away in the “Things That Make Me Cry” file.
Ah, this will come in handy for that “'night, Mother” monologue.
12. You celebrate the Tonys like regular people celebrate the Super Bowl.
The “Hamilton” cast is way better than that puppy-monkey-baby commercial anyway.
13. You’ve been known to freak out over fog and snow machines.
They’re the coolest.
14. You've accidently scared a stranger while doing a vocal warmup exercise
"sushi chef...sushi chef."
15. You quote Shakespeare in everyday conversation.
“All that glitters is not gold.”
16. You talk loudly.
Projection is a skillset you flex regardless of your surroundings.
17. You slip in and out of accents on occasion.
“Right this way, pip-pip, cheerio.”
18. You’re always on the lookout for a great audition song or monologue.
Every play you read, cast recording you hear & show you see is an opportunity for your next audition gem.
19. You save every Playbill and program from every show you’ve ever seen.
No, it’s not an unhealthy obsession.
20. You've worn your character shoes out in public.
What? They're comfortable, plus you never know when you will need to perform a jazz square.
21. You talk to the mirror... a lot!
Hi Mr. Mirror... watch me deliver this line 25 different ways.
What’s your favorite theatre kid-ism? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 21 Signs That You're A Theatre Kid [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 21-signs-youre-a-theatre-kid [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-04 13:26:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-04 17:26:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6165 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 3 [filter] => raw ) [27] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 6117 [post_author] => 712 [post_date] => 2017-01-01 15:08:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-01 19:08:13 [post_content] => We all have people who inspire us, and as theatre nerds, those people tend to be Broadway stars. You know, the performers you dream about meeting but fear that if you do, you’ll collapse into a puddle of mush and stain their angelic feet. Well, if you’re dying to meet the greatest on the Great White Way, try one of the routes below. They’re the best (and least creepy) ways to go:1. Reach Out to Their Publicist or Manager
This is the most professional option and should be taken by those seeking to legitimately interview a Broadway star. If you’re not doing that, feel free to scroll down to another method. On occasion, publicists or managers will arrange meet and greets, but it’s important to do your research before you reach out.
After your incessant Google searching has produced the current contact information, it’s time for your pitch. Send an email to the star’s rep telling them why you want to speak with their client and why they should let you (you’re basically sharing your own credentials). Broadway folks are usually very generous about doing interviews (even if they’re informal and just for you), but you should remember they are busy people and be respectful of their time.
2. Stage-Door It Like a Pro
You’ve stood in the pouring rain, you’ve pushed through crowds and you’ve even jumped out of your seat halfway through the finale — all so you could reserve the best possible spot at the stage door and meet that star. But, have you tried “stage-dooring” (we’ve decided that’s a verb now) a show when you’re not actually seeing it?
The best way to ensure you’re standing right up against that metal gate and directly across the stage door is to get there while the show’s still going on. Pick a show, grab some Starbucks and wait outside the stage door before you know the show is going to get out. Even getting there 10 minutes before the curtain will make a huge difference. This will give you the optimal chance of meeting your favorite star (assuming they’re on that night)!
3. Attend a Live Talk Show
Sometimes that star you’d do anything to meet isn’t in a show (#depressing) or has moved on to TV and film roles (#ByeSuttonFoster), so there’s no way for a stage door meetup. Cheer up! Many of these stars still do press!
There are plenty of lesser-known talk shows that need to get butts in their studio seats. Some companies will even pay you to fill them (check out On Set Productions)! A great option in New York City is the BUILD Series, a live interview show produced by AOL and Verizon. Everyone from actors to athletes grace the BUILD stage, but you’re obviously more interested in the Broadway folks. And man, do they get a ton! To drop a few names, Lesli Margherita, Kristin Chenoweth, Christian Borle, Sutton Foster and Bernadette Peters have all been seen here.
As a bonus, BUILD’s resident Broadway moderator is Laura Heywood (Broadway Girl herself), who provides delicious tidbits, asks smart questions and speaks the voice of theatre nerds everywhere. The last portion of the taping is an audience Q&A, which means you can ask your favorite star that question that’s been burning in the back of your mind forever (unless it’s super weird or you’re shaking too hard to speak). The greatest part is that when the show is over, audience members have an opportunity to snap a quick picture with their favorite star (as time permits).
4. Go to a Concert
By the blessings of the theatre gods, most Broadway talent takes a spin starring in their own cabaret show or participating in a concert. Look out for your star at venues such as 54 Below or Birdland. These intimate spots give you the chance to watch your idol in action very close up. Your star is more likely to hang out and chat with fans after, too, considering these shows are extremely personal and it means a lot to them to have your support.
5. Social Media
https://twitter.com/LauraBenanti/status/485608584353312768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Social media obviously won’t necessarily let you come face-to-face with your favorite Broadway performer, but it can let you speak with them. Plus, lots of stars encourage you to reach out! Some will even go live on Facebook or hold contests on their Twitter page. Try commenting on their Facebook post or tweeting them a well-thought-out question. Social media is also a great tool for letting you know where that star is — not to say you should stalk them! For example, check out that person’s social pages before you wait by the stage door in the cold rain. Stars are known to write little apologies on Twitter if they can’t linger at the stage door after a show.6. Take a Master Class With Them
If you’re pounding the concrete pavement of New York City hoping to nab a role in any show that will have you, gaining insight from your favorite Broadway star is a must. The good news is that performers are some of the kindest souls out there, and they love giving back. From people at the height of their career to staples in Broadway ensembles, the members of the Broadway community are constantly instructing workshops for aspiring performers.
This is obviously not the option for people just looking for a quick selfie or hug, but if you’re hoping to make a connection and learn from your idol, there’s nothing better. Look into companies like RPP for master classes!
Has one of these methods worked for you? Do you have a great story about meeting your favorite Broadway performer? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 6 Non-Creepy Ways To Meet Your Favorite Broadway Star [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 6-non-creepy-ways-to-meet-your-favorite-broadway-star [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-01 17:13:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-01 21:13:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=6117 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 4 [filter] => raw ) [28] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5649 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-12-24 11:41:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-24 15:41:56 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=24] [post_title] => Quiz: Which "Mamma Mia!" Song Best Describes Your Life? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => which-mamma-mia-song-best-describes-your-life [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-24 11:42:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-24 15:42:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5649 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [29] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3697 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-12-23 13:12:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-23 17:12:02 [post_content] => When we think of a child’s audition, most of us think of the “drama mamas” out there or the little girls playing Matilda on Broadway, and we become overwhelmed. Trust me, you’re not alone. This was my first thought when I woke up to a Broadway World EPA notice for the role of Small Alison in the National Tour of Fun Home. My head started swirling with the worst possible scenarios, like the Dance Mom/Theatre Mom stereotype, not being able to audition (mainly because I am non-Equity/non-union, which means I have to wait for all the Equity kids to audition first, then pray to be seen) among other things. But, on January 2nd, 2016, I decided to face my “fear” of child auditions in New York City and go try for the role of Small Alison in the National Tour of Fun Home. Let me give you a little background on myself. I am a very small seventeen-year-old girl, standing at only five feet tall. (I was sixteen at the time of the January audition.) I often get asked if I am eleven to thirteen years old, and since Small Alison is ambiguous in age and the casting breakdown said nine to eleven, we (meaning my dad and me, the person who would accompany me) decided I could look eleven and go for it. It was quite a feat for me because I’d been told in the past by my dad that he didn’t think I was quite “ready” for professional auditions because I started performing at nearly fifteen years of age. For some reason I just wasn’t as excited about this big opportunity as I felt I should be. I had never been to a big audition like this because I am currently working in the Atlanta market, so this was quite anxiety-provoking for me. A good anxiety, yes, but anxiety nonetheless. I had less than a week to prepare an audition song and know exactly how to navigate an audition like this. Running from acting coaching to vocal coaching, we were told the exact same thing. “Get there EARLY. Be ready to sit on the street. I would get there at about 7am if it’s a 9am sign in.” So, naturally, I took the advice gratefully.Before
The night before the audition, we flew into NYC. The flight was just long enough for me to look over my audition material and center myself so I could get to bed as soon as we hit our hotel. I had decided to wake up at 4:15 in the morning and did so with ease. (Hamilton, Kinky Boots, Newsies, Legally Blonde and Wicked make a great waking up/energizing playlist for those of us who aren’t normally morning people.) Once the water had boiled for my tea and I was ready to go, we headed out. I observed how incredibly peaceful New York City is at 6:30 in the morning. We headed to Ripley-Grier Studios and were the first ones there. My dad and I were shocked and went to make sure we were in the right place because we were alone. We expected to see lines of kids going out the door, and not just us! The security guard laughed and said he’d never seen a little kid here so early and so energetic and happy. My dad playfully groaned, knowing he could’ve gotten more sleep. He let us sit down in the lobby until we were allowed to go to the fourth floor.During
At eight, once we were allowed upstairs, the competition started to arrive. There were about four kids and five adults, and naturally, we all started to talk. No one thought I was over twelve, and I started to laugh quietly saying that I was sixteen. No one believed it. I was so worried that these moms would be the quintessential theatre moms that we all dread, but they were actually quite kind. We all had a lot in common, except for the fact that I was in Atlanta and hadn’t auditioned like this before. We all signed an unofficial sign-up list, and that was trashed come 9am. The monitor (who is a person who monitors the audition and helps the casting director wrangle the people auditioning) wouldn’t accept it, and I started to worry. “How many Equity kids would be here? Will I even be able to audition?” I took a deep breath, and the monitor asked all the Equity kids to sign in. To my surprise, there were only three of them. Then, she asked EMC members to sign in. EMC members are Equity Member Candidates, or people who aren’t part of Equity yet but are working towards enough weeks to become Equity. Another small, calm line of kids and moms went up. The monitor then took out another pen, slammed it on the table, pushing it as far away from her as possible and said “non-Equity kids” before throwing up her hands, like she was defeated. I have a feeling she knew the pandemonium that was about to ensue. It was absolute madness. All of the other kids were pushing to get a spot in line. I ended up getting the second non-Equity spot, so I was pretty satisfied. Then, we sat and waited. A lot of people had told me me to be tunnel visioned at auditions, but I personally don’t like to do that; I like to listen and know what’s going on so hopefully I’m not surprised. I think one little girl probably knew that a few of us would do that, because she left the room, ran back into the room like a tornado and started yelling: “Sixteen bars, mommy! They cut us to sixteen bars!” We had been told we could sing an entire song, so I saw a lot of kids panic, looking over their sheet music more intently. I had personally experienced a cut like this a few weeks back when I auditioned at one of the big Disney cattle calls. They cut us from sixteen bars to eight, so I went ahead and cut extra songs for this audition. [caption id="attachment_5809" align="alignleft" width="240"] Nikki Kim[/caption]
At about eleven, they called the first non-equity group. Unfortunately, the way we signed up, sixteen-year-old, five-foot tall me was in a group with mainly four-foot-nothing eight-year-olds. For once, I could say I was tall! As we waited, I asked the monitor if we had been cut to sixteen bars, and she shook her head with a funny look and giggled a bit. She told me no, and I was relieved. I wanted to sing my first choice, naturally. I pulled my original song, then went in with a slightly faked confidence. I sang “I Know It’s Today” from Shrek the Musical, and really put my focus on telling the story, and I felt it went really, really well. The casting director, Ms. Jillian Cimini, was staring at my resume from the moment I started to sing, writing things down. At the end of my song, I said thank you, picked up my books and turned to leave, and right before I took a step, she stopped me, asked where I was from and what grade I was in. She thought I was a freshman at the oldest and seemed surprised when I said I was actually a Junior. She nodded, thanked me and I left. As I left, I surveyed the room one last time. A lot of kids had shown up while I was in the room, and there was now a line out the door. To my surprise, it was 11:30. I was told to expect to be there until late that night, but we were done. That was it, and it was a lot simpler and less dramatic than I had imagined. So, my dad and I packed up and decided to roam the city that never sleeps.
Round 2
Fast forward to a normal morning in June. Just like any other teenager, I woke up and the first thing I did was look at my phone. When I opened my Facebook, the first thing that popped up on my newsfeed is Kids on Tour posting an update about Fun Home having an open call for Small Alison and John. I shot up and almost started crying (as dramatic as that is) and immediately downloaded the audition material. That day, at lunch, I broke the news to my dad who unhesitatingly asked when the audition was. We decided about two days later to go. (Ironically, my dad asked my mom if we could go right as the My Ring of Keys promo video that I was asked to be in came out, and my mom said that we had to go audition then.) So, in two weeks, we’d be heading back to NYC to audition once again for Small Alison. Before we left home, we decided that the first audition was too good to be true. We had been told to expect a huge wait and everyone to be unfriendly, but the exact opposite was true! We decided to adjust the game plan for the big day and get there earlier to accommodate more kids because it was an open call, not an Equity call. The big day came, we got to Pearl Studios at 6:30. Again, my dad and I were the first ones there, and I received another groan. The building was locked so we stood outside. As time went on, another girl and her mother joined me. The girl was only an inch shorter than me. She and her mother were quite nice, and we talked the entire time. Around 8:00am they let us in the building to sit in front of the elevator. The sign in was at 10 again, and there were only four of us at 8 in the morning. This surprised everyone there and my dad had a thought. He pulled out his notebook and made a sign in list, passing it down and having everyone sign in. As the list was being passed down, I noticed there were girls of all shapes and sizes. Some “Matilda” sized, (4’0”-4’5”) some medium sized, and then some “tall” girls (around 4’10’-5’0”). I learned quickly that we were all just kids, and could all have a lot of fun together. Around 9:00, they let us upstairs and we all spread out through the studio. The talking stopped a little but quickly picked back up, unlike before where the talking never ceased. I sat next to some of the Matilda sized girls, and they were quick to bring out their Broadway show cards, and we all laughed, talked, and traded. They didn’t seem to be fazed by the fact that I was older, or maybe they just thought I was their age and tall. I’ll never know. Around 10:15am, there were about 20-30 kids there, which was surprising because there were lines out the door in January. Ms. Cimini was back again. She announced that she would take the sign-up list and that she was going to start auditions now instead of at 11am. She let the monitor line us up, and I was first. Now, being first is not all it’s cracked up to be in my opinion. I was sort of “thrown into” the action, which stressed me out a little. I sang the audition cut of Ring of Keys first, and I felt that went well, and I went to read my side (which I thought I had memorized) and completely blanked, probably because I’m used to having my second to center myself. Moral of the story: if a casting director says you can use your side, always hold it in your hand, no matter how well you think you have it memorized. Afterwards, I was asked questions about why I came back, where I was from, and how I was schooled. The two casting directors smiled, said thank you, and waved at me as I was leaving. Although I didn’t do quite as well as I had hoped on my side, I still felt good about my audition. Either way, it was done, and there was no reason to dwell on it any longer. I skipped out of Pearl Studios at 11:15am incredibly surprised. I honestly thought that the previous audition experience had been a one-off, but it seems to be that you can get out of an audition in a more than timely matter if you show up extra early.Conclusion
Going into a New York audition was definitely intimidating at first, but I quickly realized that it was like almost any audition I had been to in Atlanta. I don’t think kids or parents, for that matter, should be scared of the child audition. Both auditions were some of the most organized and simple auditions I’ve ever been to. Personally, I know there were things I wish I would’ve known or things I could’ve done better, but I wouldn’t have traded this experience for the world.Post by TN community member Nikki Kim
Questions for Nikki about child auditions? Leave a comment below...
[post_title] => What Professional Auditions Are Like For A Child Actor [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-professional-auditions-are-like-for-a-child-actor [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-23 13:13:00 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-23 17:13:00 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3697 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [30] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5276 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2016-12-22 12:10:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-22 16:10:23 [post_content] =>1. Samuel French (LA, UK)
This heaven on earth is chock full of scripts, books, music, plays, audition tracker calendars, and more. An epic pit-stop for any theatre lover. https://www.samuelfrench.com/bookstore2. The Nuart Theatre Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show (LA)
The Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles has been serving up debauchery and disorder every Saturday at midnight since 1988, all thanks to Sins O’ The Flesh, the Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast and their love of fishnets and theatre. https://sins.la/ https://www.landmarktheatres.com/los-angeles/nuart-theatre/film-info/the-rocky-horror-picture-show3. Halloween Town (LA)
This Halloween and horror shop is open all year for any thespian’s costume, make-up, wig, mask, and other theatre needs (wants).
https://www.halloweentownstore.com/
4. Ford’s Theatre (Washington D.C.)
What theatre lover wouldn’t want to visit one of the oldest and most epic theatres to grace our history books? A working theatre, museum, and monument- Ford’s Theatre is a utopia of theatrical pleasure. https://www.fords.org/home/performances-events5. Humana Festival (Louisville, Kentucky)
The Humana Festival is an internationally renowned festival that celebrates and showcases contemporary American theatre and its playwrights. This is where you go to rub elbows with top theatre elite and to witness some of the most groundbreaking theatre of today.
https://actorstheatre.org/humana-festival-of-new-american-plays/
6. Broadway (NYC)
Because what passionate theatre lover isn’t swept off their feet by the Great White Way? Just standing still and taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and general hubbub is enough to make any theatre nerd shed a tear.
7. Drama Books (NY)
Another book haven for thespians of all kinds. Nestled in the heart of the theatre district in New York makes this a paradise for any NYC bound theatre lover. https://www.dramabookshop.com/8. Renaissance Festivals (Minnesota, Ohio, Texas… to name a few)
Ren Faires bring out the thespian in everyone with their brightly colored costumes, dancers, musicians, jousting, sword swallowing, jesting, storytelling, crafts, art, jugglers and more. And then, of course, there’s the food.
https://www.renaissancefest.com/
https://www.renfestival.com/
https://www.texrenfest.com/
9. Shakespeare in the Park (NYC)
Held annually in the park at Delacorte Theatre. Free for all who are willing to wait in line for tickets. A time-honored New York theatre tradition.
https://www.centralpark.com/guide/activities/shakespeare-in-the-park.html
10. Shotspeare (Las Vegas)
A place where Shakespeare and Liquor unite. Reminiscent of real Shakespearian days where the audience members drank and interacted with the happenings on stage. During Shotspeare, five actors perform with swords whilst the audience declares when to make them drink. Fun for any theatre nerd over 21. https://www.shotspeare.com/11. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The world's largest arts festival is held with a castle (literally) as a backdrop. Every august people from all over the world pack Scotland's capital city to see the cutting edge performances. The atmosphere is filled with life as performers try out material, develop their works, and seek attention from potential producers. This is about as close to Thespian Disneyland as it gets. https://www.edfringe.com/12. Sidetrack (Chicago)
This Boystown bar is known for their frozen cocktails and their showtune Sundays and Musical Mondays. The perfect place for any showboating musical theatre diva.
https://www.sidetrackchicago.com/
13. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Nested in the tiny town of Ashland, OR is one of the longest running shakespeare institutions in the U.S. Since 1935, the festival has been performing high-quality Shakespeare works. Producing eleven plays per season, this is certainly an oasis for those who love the Bard (not to mention the town is surrounded by natural hot springs). don't forget to see a show in the outdoor elizabethan theatre.
https://www.osfashland.org/
Have a thespian oasis to add to the list? Let's keep em' coming, leave a reply below...
[post_title] => Theatre Nerds Bucket List: 13 Thespian Paradises You Must Visit [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => theatre-nerds-bucket-list-13-thespian-paradises-you-must-visit [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://actorstheatre.org/humana-festival-of-new-american-plays/ [post_modified] => 2019-12-14 10:13:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-12-14 15:13:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5276 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 8 [filter] => raw ) [31] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5717 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-12-20 11:57:09 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-20 15:57:09 [post_content] => Bringing Disney magic to the stage was a game-changer for musical theatre. With live adaptations raking in audiences from around the world, Disney on Broadway certainly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Beloved films such as “Frozen,” “Pinocchio,” “The Jungle Book” and “Alice in Wonderland” are slated to get their own stage lift in the coming years.In the meantime, we’ve ranked Disney’s Broadway shows from worst (a relative term, since they’re all amazing) to best:
7. ‘Tarzan’
Fans of the memorable Phil Collins music gracing the 1999 movie will enjoy the nine new songs Collins created for the Broadway show. Though the musical version of “Tarzan” was fairly short-lived, it does stay true to the heart of the story. Unfortunately, many critics weren’t sure what to make of the show’s pop-inspired tunes, putting it at the top of our list.
6. ‘The Little Mermaid’
How do you pluck a cast of characters from under the sea and place them on a Broadway stage? With roller skates, of course! Okay, so “The Little Mermaid” doesn’t actually use skates, but the performers do wear Heely-inspired kicks.
With a slew of new songs accompanying the traditional Alan Menken tunes and some Tony nominations in its back pocket, this musical seemed to be either loved or loathed by audiences and critics. Disney’s 2007 production still did quite well and brought a splash of magic to those who fell in love with the classic movie.
5. ‘Aladdin’
The debut of “Aladdin” brought this story to life through a whole new world: musical theatre. The show’s hilariously charming Genie, gruesome villain, timeless romance and a rags-to-riches story translate well to the stage. As a relatively new addition to the Disney on Broadway family, “Aladdin” debuted in New York City in 2014 and received mixed reviews.
Though this show might not touch the iconic film version, it’s still a great experience for families who want to escape into Agrabah.
4. ‘Mary Poppins’
Though the Broadway musical, written by “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes, takes most of its inspiration from the original novel, it certainly serves up a spoonful of sugar reminiscent of the Julie Andrews movie.
Nothing can compare to seeing Mary soar through the theatre with her umbrella or watching Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps stepping in time as they tap dance up the walls. It’s apparent that that a live adaptation of Disney’s magical nanny is “practically perfect in every way.”
3. ‘Beauty and the Beast’
This tale as old as time was brought to life in 1993 when creatives bravely morphed the adored movie into Broadway material. It’s hard to beat lavish dance numbers performed by dancing silverware or a mystified castle in the middle of the woods. The story’s charm, along with its notable music, quickly made this one a fan-favorite.
After sweeping the Great White Way and making its way around the world, “Beauty and the Beast” has proven to be one of Broadway’s best.
2. ‘Newsies’
The 1992 movie may not be Disney’s most well-known or popular, but the stage version has cultivated quite the following. The story chronicles the Newsboys’ strike of 1899 and includes some of the best choreography in all of Broadway history.
We’re guessing the show’s enormous popularity comes from having all the makings of good theatre: a protagonist we want to root for, spectacular music, a pinch of romance and dance numbers that take inspiration from tap, ballet, jazz and modern. “Newsies” continues to successfully seize the day!
1. ‘The Lion King’
Prior to the mid-’90s, the world hardly expected Disney’s animated feature about a royal lion to translate so well to the stage. During its reign for the past few decades, “The Lion King” has become a theatrical sensation, surpassing “The Phantom of the Opera” in box office earnings.
Looking back, it’s unsurprising that the music of Elton John and Tim Rice, paired with a plot with Shakespearean roots, could be anything other than made for Broadway. Astounding choreography, unique puppetry, elaborate costumes and a heartwarming story make certain that “The Lion King” will stand the test of time. For that, this beloved musical ranks at the top of our list.
Do you have a favorite Disney production gracing the Broadway stage? Share in the comments below...
[post_title] => A Ranking Of Disney's Broadway Shows From Worst To Best [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => ranking-of-disneys-broadway-shows-from-worst-to-best [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-20 20:04:16 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-21 00:04:16 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5717 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 7 [filter] => raw ) [32] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5725 [post_author] => 714 [post_date] => 2016-12-18 15:48:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-18 19:48:55 [post_content] => It’s a sad fact of theatre that no show can last forever (although we’re betting “Hamilton” might prove us wrong). Sometimes, wonderful shows leave us far too soon. However, no matter how awesome the cast or how beautiful the score, there’s nothing for some shows to do but join a legendary list of Broadway’s worst-selling shows. Even though some shows are panned by critics, some flops will always have a special place in our hearts:‘Bonnie and Clyde’
Total Broadway Performances: 36
Even though “Bonnie and Clyde” was only on Broadway for three months, the show has developed a large cult following. The score is gorgeous, and Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes had wonderful chemistry (not to mention vocal chops). Luckily, there is a cast recording, so we can properly mourn this show’s early closing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtknprFvxE
‘[Title of Show]’
Total Broadway Performances: 102
This four-person musical is only one act, but it features some wonderful, witty songs about show business, from “Secondary Characters” to “I Am Playing Me.” The show follows Heidi, Susan, Jeff and Hunter through the rehearsal process of creating a show. After 103 performances, it probably flopped because it’s unrelatable for audience members who aren’t part of the theatre community, and it’s less flashy and commercial than most Broadway musicals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha3A84MdF1U
‘Carrie: The Musical’
Total Broadway Performances: 5
This show, based on the famous Stephen King novel, is about a high school girl with telekinetic powers who deals with her religious mother and the high school prom. This show flopped, but it became the inspiration for a book by Ken Mandelbaum called, “Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Flops.” During previews, there was a mixture of standing ovations, thunderous applause and a chorus of boos. Ticket sales didn’t suffer, but the critics ripped the show apart, causing financial backers to pull their money out of the production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gfo3aC8A4Q
‘Anyone Can Whistle’
Total Broadway Performances: 9
It’s kind of nice to know that even Stephen Sondheim isn’t perfect. This musical is about a town that creates a fake miracle in order to bring in tourism. Meanwhile, inmates from the local insane asylum have escaped. The show, originally starring Angela Lansbury, only had nine performances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncyo8EUUCVE
‘Side Show’
Total Broadway Performances: 91
Well, it seems as though this show “will never leave you.” This musical received a revival in 2014, but it had the same lack of success as the original Broadway production. This is a beautifully tragic story about twins in a freak show. Unfortunately, the amazing female power ballad duets weren’t enough to keep the show open after 91 performances (the revival only had 56).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-7loLNvDLA
‘Chess’
Total Broadway Performances: 68
This show, created by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, is about American and Russian chess champions who face off against each other during the Cold War. The show’s premise probably led to its early closing, with only 68 performances. However, its concept album was very successful and led to the popularity of “Anthem,” “One Night in Bangkok” and “Someone Else’s Story.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J1zN7PwPL8
‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’
Total Broadway Performances: 32
This show about the “Peanuts” gang actually premiered in 1971, but you probably didn’t hear about it because there were only 32 performances. It wasn’t until the revival in 1999 with Kristin Chenoweth, Roger Bart and Anthony Rapp that this show was put on the map. It is now a crowd favorite and is very popular for school theatre productions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcVa_qe1itE
Sometimes shows just can’t figure out how to sell out at the box office. However, we can still enjoy them through cast albums, YouTube videos and — if we’re lucky — eventual revivals!
Did we forget your favorite flop? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 7 Broadway Flops That We Still Love Anyway [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => broadway-flops-that-we-still-love-anyway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-18 17:12:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-18 21:12:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5725 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 36 [filter] => raw ) [33] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5618 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-12-17 11:35:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-17 15:35:20 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=23] [post_title] => Quiz: Which Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical Are You? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => which-andrew-lloyd-webber-musical-are-you [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-17 11:35:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-17 15:35:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5618 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 4 [filter] => raw ) [34] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5686 [post_author] => 717 [post_date] => 2016-12-13 16:36:28 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-13 20:36:28 [post_content] => I recently sat down with the stunningly beautiful Broadway dresser Lacie Bonanni, which was fairly easy because she is my wife! Lacie has been a dresser on Broadway for more than five years and worked at “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” the 2014 revival of “Cabaret” and is currently at “Something Rotten!” at the St. James Theatre. I always love watching her give backstage tours and seeing how fascinated people are about all the goings-on in the backstage world and finding out exactly what a dresser does. Here are some of the most common questions she gets asked:What Is a Dresser?
Well, a dresser is a member of the wardrobe department whose job it is to assist their assigned actors into costume and help with any changes, especially quick changes. More often, a dresser will be assigned two or more people to dress. Star dressers or principal dressers are the ones who are assigned to or requested by one actor, often the lead of the show. We also occasionally help with repairs, and there is a thing called “day work” where all the clothes get repaired and cleaned, steamed and ready for the show. Every show has its own unique duties, too. In my current show, “Something Rotten!” we have to put tape over all the taps of the tap shoes so that the actors aren’t slipping on the stage when wearing them.How Did You Get Into Dressing?
My way in was not the usual way. My mom was a dresser for many years. She worked on “Rent,” “Nine,” “Jersey Boys, “On the Twentieth Century” and many more. So I’ve always known that world. I also worked in the costume shop in college and worked in costumes for TADA! Youth Theater, an amazing children’s theatre program in the city. Years later, my mother was working on “Spider-Man” and they suddenly needed another dresser, and very quickly I was suggested and brought in the next day. And I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s seriously one of the best jobs.What’s the Most Difficult Part of Dressing?
Hmm, I mean, quick changes can be difficult, but once you do it for a little while, it becomes like clockwork. One of the most difficult positions, though, is a swing dresser. As you know, Broadway shows have swing actors — actors who know every role in the show and can replace anyone at a moment’s notice. Well, dressers have the same position. Every dresser has a “track,” which is where they go and when, whom they dress, where and when they have to move to get out of the way of a set change, etc. And a swing dresser has to know everyone’s tracks and to be able to fill in as needed. I enjoyed being a swing dresser, as it kept me on my toes and allows you to see how the whole machine of a show really works from many different perspectives.What Is the Fastest Change You’ve Had to Do?
I have done many changes that are quite fast or crazy (giant egg costumes, anyone?) One of my most involved quick-change was during “Spider-Man.” I had less than 30 seconds to get an actor out of about seven pieces of clothing, including a full head mask, and into six different pieces! But I’ve seen or heard about some pretty crazy quick-changes. In fact, my friend Fran Curry, one of the best dressers in the biz, had a great video taken of her doing one of Kelli O’Hara’s complicated quick-changes during “The King and I.”What Are the Items You Always Have to Have on You?
[caption id="attachment_5689" align="alignleft" width="225"] Broadway dresser Lacie Bonanni[/caption]
I always make sure I’m wearing an apron with multiple pockets. I make sure I have an array of safety pins and a little pair of scissors. And, you always want to have a light. I use a headlamp that looks like I’m going mining for coal. Some people use what’s called a “bite light,” a little light you put in your mouth and bite down on to give you some light backstage. Also water, Tylenol and some kind of chocolate for those two-show days.
Have You Ever Been a Dresser for a Celebrity?
I have, actually. I was very fortunate to be Sienna Miller’s dresser during her stint in “Cabaret.” She was the nicest, most wonderful person! I loved her. People also ask me what the major difference is being a star dresser versus an ensemble dresser. I think the major difference is you become somewhat like an assistant, at least when they’re in the theatre. Making sure they have tea, helping with fan mail, organizing backstage visits, etc. It was a great experience.What’s the Biggest Mishap That’s Happened to You During a Show?
Nothing too severe, thankfully. During “Something Rotten!” one of the ensemble girls’ opening costume split down the back, and we had to do a very fast repair so she could wear it again later in the show. There’s also a point in the show where a bunch of men’s coats are placed along the back wall and every ensemble guy runs upstage and grabs their coat. Well, sometimes if there is an understudy or swing on, the coats don’t always get put in the right places, and we’ve had some actors grab a jacket that’s either way too big or way too small, but it’s too late and they’ve got to go on with the number.How Do I Get Into the Dressing Business?
There’s no one way to get into wardrobe work. If you are still in school, volunteer in your school’s costume shop or at a local theatre. Touring shows also often hire local dressers for each stop, so you should inquire at your closest theatre that hosts national tours. If you’re in the city and hoping to be a dresser, try getting as many credits as you can, wherever you can. Try Off-Broadway, children’s theatres, etc., and meeting as many people in the business as you can. Connections are always helpful for any job, really. Apply to be a day worker, too. Besides the ironing and steaming and such, there are stitchers who repair all the costumes during the day, shoppers who buy fabric and material for repairs or new costumes and a laundry person who takes care of all the laundry for the show, which, believe me, is no easy task. And then, just start dropping your resumes off at all the theatres in the city. [post_title] => What It's Like To Be A Broadway Dresser [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-its-like-to-be-a-broadway-dresser [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-13 17:24:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-13 21:24:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5686 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 7 [filter] => raw ) [35] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5696 [post_author] => 440 [post_date] => 2016-12-12 12:12:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-12-12 16:12:51 [post_content] => ‘Twas the weeks before Christmas, and all around the world, Theatre Nerds everywhere sang, dance and twirled. Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care, hoping Santa would deliver their Tony Award there. And while we can’t promise Santa will bring a Tony this year, we have a few festive musicals that promise holiday cheer. Here are six musicals sure to get you in the holiday mood:1. ‘White Christmas’
This musical is everything that was so magical about Old Hollywood. The catchy songs, classic dance numbers, gorgeous costumes and old-school romance will melt your heart this holiday season. The live stage version usually makes the rounds in a national tour and also plays at regional theatres around the world during the holidays. Not able to catch it live? The film version is just as charming, with all-star performances from Hollywood legends Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvX3krCL-Lo
2. ‘Holiday Inn’
Another classic charmer, “Holiday Inn” is sure to have you dancing. Interestingly, the film version of the show first featured the song “White Christmas,” sung by Bing Crosby, and was so popular that it spurred the creation of the musical film by the same name a decade later. “High School Musical’s” Corbin Bleu has put his dancing shoes back on to star in “Holiday Inn” on Broadway. While the musical differs from the film versions, both are a delightful dose of nostalgia for the holiday season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n32JKaZoToY
3. ‘Elf’
Theatre Nerds have known for years that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. With that notion in mind, “Elf the Musical” was created for the Broadway stage in 2010 and still finds its way onto stages all over the country during the holidays. NBC also created a stop-motion version of the musical back in 2014, featuring the voice of Jim Parsons, aka Sheldon from “The Big Bang Theory.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9pMdNYWD9Q
4. ‘A Christmas Story’
Ralphie and the infamous leg lamp come to life in the musical stage adaptation of the beloved Christmas movie. The show has been enjoying a national tour this year, ending in Michigan at the end of December. You can also try to catch the show in one of the many regional productions that take place every year as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQzcy1XeBcI
5. ‘Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical’
There’s a reason Dr. Seuss’ delightfully odd cast of characters has endured for all these years. Generations have grown up with the whimsical world of Whoville and the well-known songs that remind us of childhood Christmases. With two popular film versions, the original cartoon and a live-action film, it was only natural that a stage show be created as well. Check your local theatre scene for a live stage version, or curl up and enjoy one of the two film versions!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGKYp08T7A
6. ‘Charlie Brown Christmas The Musical’
If you happen to live in the Chicago area, you’re in luck! Catch all of your favorite Peanuts characters at the Broadway Playhouse throughout the holiday season. Charles Schultz’s Christmas classic has stood the test of time for more than 50 years, and it just wouldn’t be the holidays without his jazzy piano tunes. If you don’t own a copy of the original film, you can catch it on Dec. 22 on ABC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo
What is your favorite holiday musical? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 6 Musicals That Will Put You In The Holiday Spirit [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 6-musicals-that-will-put-you-in-the-holiday-spirit [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-12-12 12:16:21 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-12-12 16:16:21 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=5696 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 36 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 7070 [post_author] => 717 [post_date] => 2017-02-23 10:02:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-23 15:02:43 [post_content] => Wishing someone to break their leg? Sounds crazy, no? But in our little world of theatre, you might say every one of us is beholden to the grand traditions of the stage, trying to sing out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking their neck. It isn’t easy. You may ask, “Why do we stay up here if it’s so dangerous?” We stay because theatre is our home. And how do we keep our traditions alive? That I can tell you in one word: superstition! With apologies to Bock, Harnick and Stein, the theatre has many superstitions that must be obeyed to ensure a good performance. Some stem from otherworldly beliefs, while others stem from simple logistics. Let’s take a look at some of the more common myths and superstitions from the theatre:1. No Whistling Backstage!
Whistling while onstage or backstage in a theatre has long been considered bad luck. This superstition stems from the time before mechanized sets and backdrops. Back then, all the rigging for the sets, lighting, etc., was all operated by hand using ropes. As such, the backstage crew was often filled with sailors, as they literally “knew the ropes.” Just like on a ship at the time, commands and signals were given with distinct whistles. Therefore, if an actor or someone else were to nonchalantly whistle, it could cause confusion and ruin the show.
2. No Green or Blue Costumes!
While theatrical costumes are now often bright, flashy and full of color, two colors used to be off-limits for the superstitious actor. Wearing a green or blue costume was once thought of as very bad luck, though for very different reasons.
Green costumes were thought to be bad luck for two reasons:
- Everyone wants to be in the spotlight, right? Well, back in the day when the first spotlight was invented, it worked by burning a chemical called quicklime. This gave it its original nickname, “the limelight.” True to its name, the limelight had a greenish glow to it, so if an actor wore green, he or she might not be visible when hit by the spotlight.
- The other reason green was deemed unlucky has to do with famed actor/playwright Molière. In 1673, Molière was performing in his play, “The Imaginary Invalid,” when he suffered a coughing fit onstage brought on by tuberculosis and started to hemorrhage. He finished his performance (talk about dedication) but died a few hours later, still in costume. The color of the costume? Green, of course. It was considered unlucky ever since.
3. “The Scottish Play”
Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is one of the most popular plays ever written. It’s also believed to be the most cursed — so much so that just saying the name of the play in a theatre is considered very bad luck. Most actors will only refer to it as “The Scottish Play,” “The Bard’s Play” or even “Mac B.”
Some believe that Shakespeare gave his three witch characters actual spell incarnations for lines. As retaliation, a coven of actual witches cursed the play for all eternity. This could seem silly and/or highly doubtful in the modern world, but it’s hard to deny that “Macbeth” has seen more than its fair share of unfortunate incidents.
It’s believed the first occurrence of the “curse” actually happened during the first production of the play. It’s said that the young man playing Lady Macbeth (actors in Shakespeare’s time were, by law, all men) tragically died on opening night and Shakespeare himself had to step in. There have been numerous incidents of actors getting accidentally stabbed during fight scenes. In 1934, four actors had to step into the role of Macbeth due to illness or accidents in one week. It was also the show in which dueling productions caused the great Astor Place Riot in 1849, leaving at least 25 dead and hundreds injured.
Luckily, there is a way to combat the curse! If you say the play-that-must-not-be-named in a theatre, you must run around the building three times, then spin around, curse and beg to be let back in.
4. “Goodnight Olive”
If you are ever so lucky to go backstage at the legendary New Amsterdam Theater in New York, you may notice a portrait of a beautiful showgirl hanging on the wall right as you enter. Her name is Olive Thomas, and her picture is there for a very specific reason.
Olive Thomas was a Ziegfeld Girl (and, for a time, was Ziegfeld’s girl) and a silent film star in the early 20th century. Later, she married Jack Pickford, brother of silent film superstar Mary Pickford, and the two had a passionate but volatile relationship. In 1920, they were on a second honeymoon in Paris when tragedy struck. Jack was awakened by Olive screaming, having ingested mercury bichloride that had been prescribed to Pickford to treat his syphilis. She died four days later at age 26. Was it an accident? Was it a suicide? Or was it something more sinister?
However, Olive has not entirely left us. It is widely believed that Olive’s ghost haunts The New Amsterdam, the same theatre where she performed in the Ziegfeld Follies and Midnight Frolics. She can reportedly be seen carrying a small blue bottle (like the one containing the chemicals that killed her) and wearing a green, beaded dress. She even caused a security guard to call the vice president of Disney Theatricals (the owner of the theatre) at 2:30 a.m. in a panic after seeing her. She is said to appear to mainly men and is even known to be naughty and pinch a bottom or two.
The portrait of Olive hangs right by the stage door to the theatre so that the cast and crew can say goodnight to her as the leave to appease her.
5. “Break a Leg”
Almost every actor knows that it’s bad luck to say “good luck” before a performance. But where does that phrase come from? There are actually many different theories regarding the origin of the phrase, but there’s no hard evidence to prove any of them. Some theories have origins in Ancient Greece, Elizabethan England and the Civil War era. However, it doesn’t seem that the phrase was used until the 1920s.
Some believe that it refers to bowing, which is also known as “breaking the leg” because of the bended knee. Others attribute the saying to an old German toast, “Hals und Beinbruch,” which means “neck and leg fracture.” Still, some say it has to do with the curtain legs, which are the side curtains in the wings of a stage.
Which one is the real origin? The world may never know.
6. No Peacock Feathers!
There are several items you are never supposed to use onstage. Peacock feathers are considered bad luck because the pattern on the feather creates an “evil eye.” You are also never supposed to use real money or jewelry onstage. This stems from simply trying to deter theft, which was rampant when theatres were not considered the respectable places they are today.
7. No Mirrors!
It’s very bad luck to have a mirror on your set. However, the reason has nothing to do with spirits or omens, but rather lighting. Mirrors can reflect the lighting and disrupt the look of a show, though it sees to have worked out just fine for “A Chorus Line” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
8. Three Lit Candles
While the “rule of three” usually means that it’s good luck to have things in sets of three, this is not true when it comes to the theatre and candles. Having three lit candles onstage is said to be very unlucky, and the person standing next to the shortest candle will be the next one to get married — or die. While the origin is not perfectly clear, it’s widely believed that this came from the time when theatres were lit with candles and torches, not electricity. Hundreds of theatres burned down in that period, so it’s believed that the superstition stems from trying to eliminate the amount of candles onstage.
9. The Ghostlight
Just about every professional theatre in America has a ghostlight. It’s a long, simple pole, usually three to five feet high, with a single bulb that’s either bare or has a wire cage around it. It’s placed onstage every night after the show is finished and everyone has gone home. With everything else in the theatre turned off, the ghostlight will be the only thing still on until work begins the next day. Why?
Well, it turns out the history of the ghostlight isn’t actually super clear. However, there are many myths and legends on hand to try to explain the ritual. One believed by many scholars takes us back to before the invention of the light bulb. Back then, theatres were lit with gas-burning lights that ran on gas generators. A single light would be left, burning all night to alleviate the pressure on the gas lines, which might otherwise build up overnight and cause fires. Then, somewhere along the way, the word “gaslight” morphed into “ghostlight.”
Another theory has it that in 1919, when Actors Equity was first recognized as a union, one of its requirements was that a single light had to be left onstage so that rehearsal pianists could come and set up for rehearsals without having to wait for the house electricians to turn the lights on. Though it’s unclear whether this is true, to this day, some people still refer to the ghostlight as the “Equity Lamp.”
Another famous legend has it that a robber broke into a theatre in the middle of the night, and not knowing about orchestra pits, fell off the stage and broke his leg. He then sued the theatre for negligence — and won! So, ghostlights are there to prevent liabilities. Robber or not, many believe that the reason for the ghostlight is simply to prevent anyone from falling, breaking their neck and becoming ghosts themselves.
Still, the most prevalent reasons given for the ghostlight involve, obviously, ghosts! As all thespians know, most theatres are haunted. Depending on the theatre nerd you talk to, the light is there to either help or hinder said ghosts. Some think that the light shoos away mischievous ghosts who might mess with the sets or costumes if left to their own devices. Since most theatre ghosts were once performers, others think that the light is left on to appease the spirits and give them lighting for their ghostly nighttime theatre.
Whatever the reason, the ghostlight has become a beloved theatre tradition. Record labels, musicals, biographies and many theatre companies have adopted the name “Ghostlight.” It’s come to symbolize those that have tread the boards before us and it’s our way to honor them.
Do you follow any of these traditions? Have any theatre superstitions of your own? Let us know in the comments below...
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