Broadway Bulletin from Jim Kierstead

The summer may be drawing to a close, but things are still heating up, and not just outside.  Our production of PRETTY WOMAN has opened and is already looking like a smash, with critics and audiences enraptured by this musical version of the beloved movie.  WNYC calls it "Pretty Perfect!" and Entertainment Tonight says it's "The summer's must-see Broadway show!"  Starring the incandescent Samantha Barks and the ultra magnetic Andy Karl, I was blown away by their chemistry and talent. Romantic, tuneful, funny and ultimately moving, we hope this show will be a popular hit for seasons to come.   

Here is a link to the performance that happened recently on the Today Show:

http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-the-cast-of-pretty-woman-the-musical-perform-on-today

Get tickets at: https://prettywomanthemusical.com/tickets/

Meanwhile, our production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's ASPECTS OF LOVE at The Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, UK concluded its limited run but will be reopening in London at The Southwark Playhouse in early of 2019. This production has been critically acclaimed and has spellbound audiences with its brilliant score and a heartbreaking tale of love in all its many forms.  If you are in England in Spring of next year, please don't miss this passionate journey through the mysteries of amour.

Our run of UNEXPECTED JOY at the York Theater was a big hit with audiences and critics, extending its run for several weeks.  It will also be seen at the Southwark next season.  With a tuneful and smart folk/rock score by Bill Russell and Janet Hood, audiences have been consistently delighted.  It tells an alternately hilarious and moving story centered on a proudly defiant hippie Rockstar Mom, her conservative daughter and her rebel granddaughter.  The cast album will be released on August 31st on Jay Records and the show will be available for licensing.
 
Another reason for excitement: this fall, the premiere of AMERICAN SON, starring Kerry Washington (Scandal) and Steven Pasquale (The Bridges of Madison County), by Christopher Demos-Brown, directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon.  I think this play will be a major event in the coming season, dealing with race, relationships and parenthood.  Previously produced at George Street Playhouse and Barrington Stage Company, AMERICAN SON picked up the Laurents/Hatcher Award for Best New Play by an Emerging Playwright in 2016. 

Book your tickets now: https://www.telecharge.com/broadway/American-Son/Ticket

AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS is coming to the Center Theater Group in Los Angeles on its way to Broadway after successful runs at the Kennedy Center in D.C. and Berkeley Rep in California - and I, for one, couldn't be more proud.  Telling the story of this legendary group from their impoverished beginnings in Detroit to being named to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it will feature all their greatest hits, like My Girl, Papa Was a Rolling Stone and Just My Imagination.  The production just announced that it will be coming to the Imperial Theater next spring.

Get tickets at:
https://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/ahmanson-theatre/2018-19/aint-too-proud/

Meanwhile, KINKY BOOTS continues its six year run with David Cook (winner of American Idol) now starring as Charlie Price.  And starting Tuesday, September 11th, two-time champion of Dancing With The Stars and JERSEY BOYS alum Mark Ballas puts on the boots as Charlie. The winner of six Tony Awards, this big hearted musical continues to dazzle audiences and elicit cheers.  And Stephanie Torns is now starring in WAITRESS, bringing her charm and talent to this smash hit show that is now in its third year on Broadway.  Audiences are loving this slice of life - and pie!

Tickets for Kinky Boots:
https://checkout.broadway.com/kinky-boots/12324/calendar/

Tickets for Waitress: https://waitressthemusical.com

In other news, the Indie Award winning streaming series INDOOR BOYS has just released its second season, written by and starring Wesley Taylor and Alex Wyse.  The story has moved from L.A. to New York City, but the characters are just as befuddled by their various relationships as ever.  Also starring Tony nominee Carolee Carmello and Obie and Drama Desk Award winner Veanne Cox, this achingly funny show is edgy, bright and smart.  Take a look:

https://vimeo.com/268181878

I'll be back next month with more about Broadway and beyond!