Legally Confident: A Conversation with LEGALLY BLONDE's Maris McCulley

Maris McCulley

Photo by Clint Tuccio

courtesy of the National Tour of Legally Blonde The Musical

by Julia Bashaw

In a world full of stereotypes, Legally Blonde is the perfect example of a show that breaks a number of stereotypes wide open. The Orpheum Theater, located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, is showcasing the national tour of Legally Blonde: The Musical January 25th-27th. The lead character Elle Woods is being portrayed by Maris McCulley, a former graduate from ASU’s Music Theatre Program who gets to come home and reprise this role.

“I first played Elle in Arizona about eight years ago now,” Maris said. “It feels really really good, bringing the show home where I first did it. I would definitely say it's changed a lot since then just because I’ve grown and matured as a person. I am eight years older than I was then, I was fresh out of college! I feel like this time around for me, she’s a lot more grounded. She was always fun and bubbly and positive and she still is, but underneath that for me is my journey of moving to New York and pursuing my dream there. It does have a little more depth because I’ve been through a little bit more.”

Most people know the character Elle Woods from the movie adaptation where Reese Witherspoon played the beloved college co-ed. It was a box office smash and an empowering movie reminding women that no matter their looks, they can do anything they set their mind to.

“There is a lot to live up to,” Maris stated. “Between Reese originating the part in the movie and then Laura Bell Bundy who’s such a huge Broadway star playing her in New York, I do want to pay homage to them in a way, live up to their standards definitely! But I also want to make the part my own and it’s been a really fun process trying to figure out how to do that.”

The character Elle, in the beginning, is seen as an airhead blonde California girl who isn't serious. She faces these preconceived notions head on in the show and proves everyone wrong.

“At the heart of it, the show is about girl power,” explained Maris. “And beyond that, it’s about looking under those stereotypes that we all fit into. In the show, we look underneath those and beyond to discover who the people are behind those stereotypes. Elle finds that for herself and she also does that with the help of some friends.”

Maris, cast, and crew are so excited to bring this show on the road to Phoenix. Maris loves being able to take this emotional journey with Elle every performance and share it with the public.

“I hope that audiences feel empowered to be who they are and not to be afraid of that,” Maris declared. “To look beyond those stereotypes, to not deny who they are. And also know that the person that you're talking to or whoever you encounter in your life they might seem like a stereotype for you, but there is always something underneath that, driving them and their story and passions. There is always something you can connect to with another person.”

CLICK HERE for more information on Legally Blonde the Musical at the Orpheum Theatre, playing January 25-27

photos - LEGALLY BLONDE - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs January 25-27

Photos by Clint Tuccio. Photos Courtesy of the National Tour of Legally Blonde The Musical.

cast announcement - LEGALLY BLONDE, THE MUSICAL - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs January 25-27

Maris McCulley as Elle Woods. 

Woody Minshew as Emmett
James Oblak as Warner
Jill Taylor Anthony as Paulette
Christopher Carsten as Professor Callahan
Berlande Millus as Vivienne

Ensemble: Kolten Bell, Pasqualino Beltempo, Andee Buccheri, J Ryan Carroll, Sy Chounchaisit, Nora Elkind, Megan Hoxie, Kayla Jenerson, Brian Cedric Jones, Nicole Jones, Jacob Melssen, Graham Mortier, Tiffany O’Connor, Kwasi Perry, Dorian Quinn, Amy Romero, Jet Thomas, Eduardo Uribe, and Chelsea Lorraine Wargo.

Directed by Jeff Moss

review - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, IN CONCERT - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through December 2nd.

"It's been called the greatest movie musical, so it's no wonder that Singin' in the Rain came out on the top of the list when Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre audiences were asked for the show they'd most like to see presented in concert. ..With a talented cast, this "in concert" production of the stage musical amounts to much more than just actors standing and singing into microphones on a bare stage; it features infectious dancing and fully staged production numbers plus highly effective creative aspects...Director M. Seth Reines does a very good job of keeping the fast, fun pace of the story moving along while also ensuring the serious moments resonate and the comic moments get laughs. He has found a talented cast with all but the three leads pulled from the vast talent of the Phoenix area. While the leads won't make you forget the film's talented trio of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor, they work well together and are all great dancers. ...the ensemble deliver superb dancing under choreographer Dottie Lester-White, whose steps both beautifully mirror and add to the famous film dances, which include an abundance of excellent tap steps in "Fit as a Fiddle," "Moses Supposes" and "Good Morning," plus many other upbeat, fun dances throughout.
...Though Singin' in the Rain, in Concert is just shy of a fully staged production and an almost straightforward scene by scene recreation of the famous film, with a good cast and some superb dancing, it is a charming, witty, warm and hard to resist stage musical." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

Bringing the "Rain" to Phoenix: a conversation with M. Seth Reines, director of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, IN CONCERT at Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

by Haddi Meyer

Even if you haven’t seen the movie, any time you hear someone talk about singing or dancing during bad weather, your brain probably goes right to Singin’ in the Rain. The catchy, titular song from the beloved 1952 classic film is iconic, and Showtunes Productions, in coordination with American Theatre Guild, is bringing all of the fun, pizzaz, and music of Singin’ in the Rain to the Orpheum theatre, which opens tomorrow night.

The show only runs for one weekend, but it is sure to pack a punch with a live orchestra, and an large, talented cast. The show isn’t quite a full musical, but also isn’t a concert version with the cast standing on stage and singing into microphones either, and patrons who saw this producing duo's previous production of Music Man in Concert last season will be familiar with the show's formatting.

M. Seth Reines, who is the director of Singin’ in the Rain told me he is grateful for an “audience who continues to support theatre” and took some time to let me in on some of the secrets the show is hiding. From spectacular music to dancing and a show that's given joy for generations, if you’re looking to see this classic show in a whole new way, Singin’ in the Rain in Concert is certainly a great opportunity.

Singin' in the Rain is a classic movie musical but for anyone who hasn't seen the film or this musical adaptation before, what can you tell them it's about?

"It’s about a few things. It’s about technology's effect on an industry because we went from silent to sounds, but then it’s a just a good, fun old timey movie musical, which critics say is maybe the best movie musical ever made. We’re in 1927, The Jazz Singer has just brought sound to moving pictures, and the studio has to kind of react to that. Unfortunately, a lot of their stars did not have good voices because they were silent movies stars, so that’s where a lot of the comedy comes from."

While I know this is being billed as a show "in concert" I believe it's more than just a concert version. Can you elaborate on what this production will entail?

"Last year our company did Music Man in Concert, at the Orpheum for the Theatre League, which is now called the American Theatre Guild, and it was very successful and they had a survey that went out to their subscribers asking what musical in concert they wanted to see and Singin’ in the Rain oddly enough was number one. It’s a hard one to do in concert, it has a lot of challenges but basically everything that was in the film is on stage in our version of it. What we’ve done is we’ve kind of created a studio surround so the whole play takes place in Monumental Studios and our version is kind of the making of the making of Singin’ in the Rain. We have the film sequences which actually now we do with video instead of film. It’s been edited down slightly but it’ll give the idea of what those black and white silent and early sound movies we’re like. All of the dances were in the original movie except for the ballet. In our production the ballet was replaced by a 42nd Street style Broadway production style (number). The ballet is not available in the materials the licensing company sends you. Pretty much it will feel like, what it would be like to come into Monumental Studios in the 1920’s.  The only thing we can’t do on stage is we can’t make it rain. One of the reasons is we have four days to practice and then we open and there’s just no way. It’s such a technological thing that we just can’t do, so we’re doing it with lights and sound effects and the audience's imagination. "

Will Broyles

What can you tell us about the cast and the casting of this show?

"The process started last spring. We had a local audition and a majority of the cast came from that or from local actors that the creative team had worked with in other productions. 10 of the 16 have worked for Showtunes in productions at some point, so we have six new people. (The role of) Don Lockwood, we just couldn’t find locally. It’s hard to find somebody who sings, dances, acts, and is non-union, because this is a non-union production. We did some ads online and got some video submissions from a lot of people and oddly enough one of them had actually worked with our musical director about 10 years ago and that’s our Don Lockwood, Will (Broyles) who is terrific. "

What else does Showtunes Productions have planned for this season?

"Showtunes productions does a lot of things. The company does trivia shows small musical revues. We just opened a Christmas show that was out in the Wisconsin Dells. Next summer we have a Johnny Cash show that will be done in Maine. So we’re kind of expanding. There’s News Years Eve and our Elvis will be in Albuquerque for a few shows. The company has been around for 8 years, we use a lot of local people and use a lot of headliners we just bring in. Our Elvis has been doing "Elvis Live" in Australia for a few years and is touring the UK this summer. That’s the kind of thing that Showtunes Productions does. "

Sounds like you guys have a lot going on, and not just in Phoenix. Getting back to Singin' in the Rain, why do you think this musical is so beloved?

"I think it’s kind of been passed from generation to generation because it’s odd that a lot of the millennial audience is excited about seeing it. They remember watching it with their parents sitting in front of a TV. A generation beyond that saw it when it first came out in the 50’s. It’s just a feel good production and there were some really classic performances in it. Now, we have MTV and with music videos all that kind of stuff, younger audiences are coming back to musical theatre and with some of these incredible things like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen and that kind of thing. It’s exciting to see a younger audience excited about seeing musicals again. "

What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing Singin' in the Rain in Concert?

"I hope they’ll come away from it having had a unique experience where they use their imagination to create the things that aren’t on stage and to enjoy the things that are on stage. I think in concert productions challenge the viewers imagination. I hope they have a good time. It’s selling like crazy, and it’s gotta just be the name."

CLICK HERE for more information on Singin' in the Rain, in Concert at the Orpheum Theatre, which runs November 30 to December 2 

cast announcement - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT - Broadway at the Orpheum

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs November 30-December 2 

CAST

Don Lockwood Will Broyles
Kathy Selden Amanda Farbstein
Cosmo Brown Jacody Bullard
Lina Lamont Kaitlynn Kleinman
RF Simpson Rob Watson
Roscoe Dexter Jeff Deglow
Miss Dinsmore/Dora Bailey Kathi Osborne
Production Tenor/Rod Thomas Strawser
Man on Screen/Male Ensemble Joshua Vern
Diction Teacher/Male Ensemble Bennett Allen Wood
Sound Engineer/Male Ensemble Anson Romney
Zelda/Female Ensemble Devaune Bohall
Olga/Female Ensemble Shani Barrett
Female Ensemble Victoria Fairclough
Female Ensemble Sarah Wiechman

CREATIVE TEAM

Producer  Showtune Productions
Director M. Seth Reines
Choreographer Dottie White
Musical Director JR McAlexander
Production Stage Manager Erica Black
Assistant Stage Manager Rob Watson
Lighting Design Jeff Davis
Sound Design Jason Lynn
Costume Coordinator Marjie Bell
Assistant Costume Coordinator Victoria Widener
Costumes  The Theatre Company and Arizona Opera
Scenery Backdrop  Theater World Backdrops
Video screen    Arizona Opera
Video Production Martin Flores and Martian Media Studio
Video Coordinator…  Shara Abvabi

ticket discount - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT, LEGALLY BLONDE, EVITA, CHICAGO - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

CLICK HERE to save up to 20% off tickets by using the code PHXSTAGES to any show in the Broadway at the Orpheum 2018 / 2019 Season!

audition notice - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre - April 28 & 29

PERFORMANCE LOCATION
Orpheum Theatre
203 W Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

REHEARSALS
November 16 – November 29, 2018

PERFORMANCES
November 30 8:00pm
December 1  2:00pm & 8:00pm
December 2  1:00pm & 6:30pm

AUDITIONS
April, 28 @ 2:00pm - 6:00pm
April, 29 @ 2:00pm - 6:00pm

AUDITIONS LOCATION
Studio 3 Performing Arts Acadamy
511 W Guadalupe Road, Ste #12,
Gilbert, AZ 85233

ABOUT THE AUDITIONS
THERE ARE NO AUDITION APPOINTMENTS!  Please do not try to contact Showtune Productions in advance of auditions!

Prepare 16 bars of stylistically appropriate up-tempo song and 16 bars of stylistically appropriate ballad. Bring sheet music in your key. Accompanist provided.  No accompaniment tracks allowed.

Bring non-returnable headshot and theatrical resume.

Will be asked to tap and cold read at callbacks.  Bring tap shoes to initial audition. Mature character roles will not be asked to tap.

ABOUT THE SHOW
Singin' in the Rain, often called the "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time," is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay in Singin' in the Rain. Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number.

In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hot item but, behind the scenes, things aren't always as they appear on the big screen! Meanwhile, Lina's squeaky voice might be the end of her career in "talking pictures" without the help of Kathy Selden, a talented young actress, to do the talking and singing for her.

This production will feature a 17-piece orchestra and 16 cast members and will include all entire score, libretto and feature costumes and choreography.

ABOUT THE ARTISTIC TEAM
Produced by SHOWTUNE PRODUCTIONS, an Arizona-based entertainment company in it’s 8th season. Showtune Productions produced MUSIC MAN IN CONCERT at the Orpheum Theatre last December. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN in Concert will be performed for 5 performances at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix to kick off the Broadway Series.

Directed by M. Seth Reines, who served as Artistic Director of Little Theatre on the Square, Illinois’ oldest Equity Stock Company for 25 years,  a member of the Society for Directors and Choreographers, National Alliance of Musical Theatre Producers, and Actors Equity and has staged over 450 productions for stage and television.

Choreographed by Dottie Lester White who was the dance captain/performer in the original Broadway productions of HELLO, DOLLY! NO, NO, NANETTE, COCO and many national tours. Dottie served as resident choreographer for American Musical Theatre of San Jose, staging countless West Coast premieres and works in the Bay Area.

Music Directed by JR McAlexander, owner of Showtune Productions, has music supervised/music directed over 400 productions throughout the United States and Canada including 8 National Tours and has worked at countless regional theatres across the U.S.
   

CAST LIST

Don Lockwood - A suave Hollywood actor and dancer. Cosmo's best friend and Lina's regular co-star. Gender: male. Must be triple threat!
Cosmo Brown - A wacky and playful on-set pianist for silent films. Don's best friend and former dance partner. Gender: male. Must be triple threat!

Kathy Selden - An earnest, talented actress with whit and charm. She falls in love with Don and performs as Lina's speaking and singing voice. Gender: female. Must be triple threat!

Lina Lamont - A slow-witted silent film diva with a big personality and a harshly unpleasant voice. She is Don's regular co-star. Gender: female

Zelda Zanders - A flapper socialite and actress on her ninth marriage, she is Lina's friend and informant. Gender: female

R.F. Simpson - A successful, magnanimous, film producer. He leads the other characters in creating a new movie musical. Gender: male

Roscoe Dexter - A flamboyant film director with theatrical mannerisms and tendencies. Frequently frazzled and works with Lina and Don. Gender: male

Rod - An excitable film agent bordering on manic. He works for Simpson. Gender: male

Production Singer - The lead tenor in Monumental Pictures' first movie musical. Gender: male

Miss Dinsmore - Lina's vocal coach. She is the "mother hen" type with caring affection for the younger performers.     Doubles as Dora Bailey, "Hedda Hopper" gossip columnist. Gender:female

Women Ensemble - Singing/Tap Dancing Chorus /  Minor character roles

           Men Ensemble - Singing/Hopefully Tap Dancing Chorus / Minor character roles 

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre - Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2018

Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green

Songs by Arthur Freed Nacio and Herb Brown

Based on the film by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc.

One of the top 25 movie musicals of all time (American Film Institute), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN marked the pinnacle of the golden age of Hollywood musicals.  The story of silent screen star Don Lockwood, who's having trouble with leading lady Lina Lamont until he meets the adorable, talented Kathy Selden, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN  introduced the world to the iconic title song, plus "Make Em Laugh," "You Are My Lucky Star," "Good Morning' and a host of others. A full on-stage orchestra, silent era costumes and talented cast bring this American treasure to life on the Orpheum stage, where the movie just might have played Phoenix back in the early 50s!

Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: In Concert is a guaranteed hit for even the youngest musical theatre fanatic in your family.

Friday, November 30, 2018: 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 1, 2018: 2 p.m.

Saturday, December 1, 2018: 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 2, 2018: 1 p.m.

Sunday, December 2, 2018: 6:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre - January 25 - 27, 2019

Book by Heather Hach; Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture

A wonderfully fun musical based on the adored movie, LEGALLY BLONDE – The Musical, follows the transformation of California girl Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in self-discovery at Harvard Law School.

This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable scenes and lovable characters including the ever-successful Bend and Snap and Elle’s favorite companion, Bruiser the chihuahua!

Equipped with LED technology, fresh inventive design, and snazzy modern scenery, this show is perfect for lightening everyone’s mood and bringing joy.

Harvard's beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery.

Friday, January 25, 2019: 8 p.m.

Saturday, January 26, 2019: 2 p.m.

Saturday, January 26, 2019: 8 p.m.

Sunday, January 27, 2019: 1 p.m.

Sunday, January 27, 2019: 6:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available

EVITA - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre - March 1 - 3, 2019

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Time Rice

Follow the rise of ambitious Eva Peron as she becomes the beloved iconic Argentinian First Lady, worshiped by many.

From the geniuses behind JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, EVITA captures musical gold with its Grammy® Award-winning score. EVITA combines Latin music, pop, jazz and musical theatre styles that have captivated audiences for more than 40 years.

Friday, March 1, 2019: 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, 2019: 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, 2019: 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, 2019: 1 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, 2019: 6:30 p.m.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available

CHICAGO - Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre - March 29-April 2, 2019

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb

In 2014, CHICAGO became the longest-running American musical on Broadway. Winner of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award® and the coveted Academy Award® for Best Picture, CHICAGO holds its place as one of the greatest musicals in history. CHICAGO’S jazz-inspired choreography continues to wow audiences across the country and the world.

Chicago has everything that makes musical theater great. Enjoy one show-stopper after the next in this longest-running American musical on Broadway.

CHICAGO is recommended for mature audiences.

Friday, March 29, 2018: 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 30, 2018: 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 30, 2018: 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 31, 2018: 1 p.m.
Sunday, March 31, 2018: 6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 1, 2018: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 2, 2018: 7:30 p.m

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets when available

photos - A CHORUS LINE - National Tour: Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs March 16 - 18

photos by Clint Tuccio

review - KINKY BOOTS - National Tour: Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through February 18th.

"Kinky Boots, the five-time Tony Winning Broadway musical, is a fun and infectious well-crafted "feel good" show that features a beautiful upbeat score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper. About to celebrate its fifth anniversary of opening on Broadway, the second national tour of the show comes to Phoenix for a five-performance run and while this production is slightly reduced from the Broadway and first national tour versions, the cast is stellar and the message about acceptance and being true to yourself shines through brightly in full force.. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

A conversation with KINKY BOOTS' Lance Bordelon

by Gil Benbrook

Lance Bordelon
photo by Matthew Murphy

The musical Kinky Boots took Broadway by storm in 2013, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show is about to celebrate its 5th anniversary on Broadway, the West End production just celebrated its 1000th performance, and the show has been presented in cities around the world, as well as on tour. 

The national tour of the show comes to the Orpheum Theatre this week and we got a chance to ask one of the two stars of the musical, Lance Bordelon, a few questions about the show.

In the show you play Charlie, what can you tell us about him?

"Charlie is the son of a shoe factory owner in a small, factory town of Northampton, England. After the sudden passing of his father, he inherits the family business and is quickly faced with saving the factory from closing—all while balancing his own personal challenges of finding peace in himself and the life he sees for himself. Charlie is a real human, a flawed and passionate person. He is constantly trying to move the needle forward and even though he fails, he is growing and learning through every interaction he shares with the people in his life. I think this “imperfect hero” is a very refreshing character to see on stage and one that I feel so lucky to be challenged by and dive into every night. I love that “what you see is what you get” with Charlie. He hides very little of his emotions and thoughts from the audience or his peers, and we see him as transparent as he can be at various times in the show. I think this honesty, even when it may hurt him or those in his life, is very refreshing to see in a character on stage. And this honesty is critical in helping him heal some of his own personal wounds and ultimately lead to growth, forgiveness, and acceptance."

Lance Bordelon
photo by Matthew Murphy

Charlie is both the "straight man" of the musical, and also slightly the antagonist to Lola in the second act when he is faced with a crisis. But, fortunately, he learns from his mistakes. What is it like playing that range in the part and how do you keep it fresh night after night?

"That is a great question! I have definitely increased my physical fitness routines and yoga/meditation to keep a clear mind and endurance to play this role 8 times a week, often in multiple cities a week. But I also remind myself daily when I enter the factory and meet Lola each night, that the shared words, emotions, moments, reactions, etc... this is all new information to me. I try to come into the show without judgments or expectations or anticipations of what WILL happen each night, and just BE. As someone who identifies personally with so many aspects of this story, from the familial relationships to being a member of the LGBT community myself, I remind myself each day of two things that help me stay truly present and “in the room” each night...First, that I have never heard these words before, this is all new information. And second, be honest and tell this story from your heart. More than preparing pre-production, I challenge myself daily with these preparations while out here on the road to stay fresh."

Those sound like excellent rules that would benefit every performer. While the show is a serious musical, there is a lot of humor in the show, including that every character ends up in heels, even you as the straight-laced Charlie. How difficult was it to get comfortable in the high ones you wear at the end of the show?

"Luckily, the boots in the show are all custom made to each of us, so I am very grateful for that! They are slightly smaller than my actual foot, so they are snug and I can really grip the stage a bit. But it definitely took some practice to get the hang of things. Spoiler Alert: I can also say that when I “hit the dust”...some nights it doesn’t take too much effort to make my stumbling look realistic. But on a serious note, I have tremendous respect for Jos N. Banks, who plays Lola, and the Angels that rehearsed for eight hours a day, and have performed eight shows a week since September, in those heels!"

Jos N. Banks and Lance Bordelon
photo by Matthew Murphy

What's your favorite moment in the show?

"I’d have to say my favorite moment in the show is and has always been the duet my character shares with Lola, near the end of the first Act. Up to that moment, the audience sees our stories unfolding and almost paralleling each other, and this moment shows just how much these two people actually have in common. And that’s what I feel Kinky Boots really shows us all, that we as humans have so much more in common than what makes us different or even divides us."

I also love that duet as it really brings the two characters together and provides a great connection not only between them but also with them and the audience. Since the show opened on Broadway the political climate has changed considerably. How do you think the show works in the current climate and what do you think it is about this show that has made it so endearing and enduring to theatregoers?

"I love that there is this central, core message of acceptance of people that are simply different from you. This message isn’t bound by race, gender, creed, politics, background....but transcends all social boundaries and simply reminds us that while we don’t all have to agree with each other, this show challenges us to accept each other with respect, always. I think Kinky Boots is successful for many reasons, but I am most proud of the impact of this show because, much like in the spirit of Lola, this show is an open door, open arms, an open heart, and an open conversation about our shared human experiences. And it’s wrapped up in an incredibly witty book by Harvey, and driven with powerful music by Cyndi. It will entertain just as much as it will make you think."

Kinky Boots has a beautiful message about acceptance, being true to yourself and how when people are presented with a situation that is outside of their comfort zone it has the power to change their mind for the better. What do you hope the audience takes away from the show?

"I couldn’t agree more! When I first saw Kinky Boots on Broadway a few years ago, I had just moved to NYC full-time and was already filled with many mixed emotions in my own personal life. I will admit that I had uncontrollable “ugly tears” throughout the show. I was inspired, entertained, proud, and knew instantly that this piece of art is packed with purpose. It means so much to so many people and I see the impact every single night after the show when talking to audience members at the Stage Door. I became an actor to tell great stories, with honesty and an open heart, that challenge us, make us think, and see the world—maybe even ourselves—in new or different ways. As I said before, the heart of the show isn’t bound by race, gender, creed, politics, backgrounds....but transcends all social boundaries and simply reminds us that while we don’t all have to agree with each other, this show challenges us to accept each other with respect, always."

CLICK HERE for more information on Kinky Boots, which plays the Orpheum Theatre from February 16th to 18th

photos - KINKY BOOTS - National Tour: Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs from February 16th to 18th

photos by Matthew Murphy

cast announcement - KINKY BOOTS - National Tour: Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs from February 16th to 18th


LANCE BORDELON (CHARLIE PRICE)

JOS N. BANKS (LOLA)

SYDNEY PATRICK (LAUREN)

ADAM DU PLESSIS (DON)

HAYLEY LAMPART (NICOLA)

JOHN ANKER BOW (GEORGE)

BRANDON ALBERTO (ANGEL/ENSEMBLE)

DANIEL JOSEPH BAKER (SWING)

MONICA BAN (TRISH/ENSEMBLE)

ERIC STANTON BETTS (ANGEL/ENSEMBLE)

NATALIE BRAHA (ENSEMBLE)

DEREK BRAZEAU (ANGEL/ENSEMBLE)

JEFFREY B. DUNCAN (MR. PRICE/ENSEMBLE)

MADELINE FANSLER (SWING)

ANDREW HENDRICK (ENSEMBLE)

BETHANY XAN JEFFERY (PAT/ENSEMBLE)

LINDSAY JOAN (ENSEMBLE)

CHRIS KANE (DANCE CAPTAIN, SWING)

ETHAN KIRSCHBAUM (HARRY/ENSEMBLE)

ANDREW MALONE (SIMON SR./ENSEMBLE)

XAVIER MCKINNON (ANGEL/ENSEMBLE)

MADISON PUGH (ENSEMBLE)

JACE REINHARD (RICHARD BAILEY/ENSEMBLE)

ERIC SHONK (ENSEMBLE)

TONY TILLMAN (ANGEL/ENSEMBLE)

ERNEST TERRELLE WILLIAMS (ANGEL/ENSEMBLE)

review - JERSEY BOYS - National Tour: Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre

Chris Stevens, Jonny Wexler, Tommaso Antico, and Corey Greenan
photo by Joan Marcus

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through January 28th.

"...part docudrama, part rock concert, Jersey Boys...tells the true behind the scenes story of how four guys from New Jersey became the pop sensation The Four Seasons. The national tour of the Tony winning show is in town for a week-long run in a production with a talented cast led by Jonny Wexler, who is excellent as the group's lead singer, Frankie Valli....a gifted cast who effectively evoke the foursome with crisp creative elements and smart direction that are modeled on the original Broadway production. It is a show filled with the rich and intriguing story of the struggles these men endured to make music that is still well-known today, and the combination of the true story with so many hit songs is what makes Jersey Boys incredibly entertaining.. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

a conversation with JERSEY BOYS' Tommaso Antico

Tommaso Antico (right) as Bob Gaudio and Jonny Wexler (right) as Frankie Valli
photo by Joan Marcus

by Gil Benbrook

Jersey Boys, the smash hit Tony Winning musical biography of the Four Seasons, might focus slightly more on the group's front man Frankie Valli, but the character who was most responsible for the group's success was Bob Gaudio who wrote just about every hit song the group recorded.

Gaudio not only composed such best selling tunes as "Rag Doll," "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," but it was also his idea to take the group's catalog of songs, and their rags to riches story that is filled with a lot of bumps and setbacks along the way, and turn it into a jukebox musical.

The National Tour of this four time Tony Winning show comes to the Orpheum Theatre for a week long run and Tommaso Antico, who plays Gaudio in this production, took a break between stops on the tour to answer some questions about the show and his role.

Tommaso, you've appeared in productions in regional theatre, national tours and Off Broadway shows, and were also in the ensemble of the closing cast of Jersey Boys on Broadway. How did your past experience prepare you for appearing in a huge hit like Jersey Boys? 

"Well, it definitely didn't happen overnight. I auditioned for this show for 5 years before I actually got an offer. This is show is so specific and I just wasn't ready for it as first. But after a lot of patience and hard work, I finally got it. "

It's amazing to hear that you auditioned for five years before being cast. I guess perseverance clearly paid off.  So going back over five years ago when you were getting ready to audition, were you familiar with the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons before your first audition and before you appeared in the show on Broadway? Or did you have to take a crash course to learn more about the group before you auditioned for the show? 

"My parents love to listen to music from their era, so I was very familiar with this music growing up. I needed to do some research on the show itself, but I was fan of the music at a very young age."

(l to r) Corey Greenan, Tommaso Antico, Jonny Wexler and Chris Stevens
photo by Joan Marcus

In the musical you play ‪Bob Gaudio who was the main songwriter for the Four Seasons. I know Gaudio was involved in the original Broadway production as well as the first national tour and the film adaptation. Have you gotten a chance to meet him, or if not, speak to someone who knows him? And if you did how did that chance your portrayal? 

"I actually just met him a couple weeks ago! The tour was recently in Nashville and that’s his hometown. He came to the show and that was a very interesting moment for me. To portray Bob Gaudio on stage while the real Bob Gaudio is in the audience was pretty epic to say the least. It was a pretty special day for me. "

I have to imagine that was both nerve wracking and incredibly special. Gaudio also wasn’t that big on constantly being on the road touring, that he much preferred being the song writer behind the scenes.  Do you find it ironic that you’re playing a man who got tired of touring while you're on the road touring, going from city to city in the national tour of this show?

"Absolutely! Being on tour really helps drive the show along because a lot of the dialogue that we say in the show is very true to what we're going through in real life. "

Since this show features the signature music of the time period, how difficult was it to leave your musical theatre experience behind and project the doo woo, pop and R&B song styles of the Four Seasons’? 

"It was very easy. I am a lot more comfortable tapping into the sounds of pop/rock than I am with classical musical theatre."

While you're not exactly a "Jersey Boy", having grown up in a small town in Michigan, I know from your bio that at just 18 you moved to NYC to explore a career in the theatre. So just like the Four Seasons, you also started out at a very young age to start your career. What was it like coming to NYC at such a young age? 

"Not easy. I was 18 years old and I moved here by myself and I didn't know a single person. My fearless attitude helped me get through those hard times. That struggle that I experienced has helped me as a man and as an actor.  "

I have to imagine that struggle helps you prepare for roles where the character also was faced with many odds, but how else have you learned to relate to a character that was from several generations before you were born? 

"Research. You must do your homework on that character, so you know what they went through at that time.  "

Jersey Boys is one of the most upbeat, joyous musicals of the past twenty years that every time I've seen it has left the entire audience on a huge high.  What do you find about the character of Gaudio, and the show, that brings you joy? 

"I love that every night that we step on stage, we're telling a true story. These guys had nothing, and all odds were against them. Four guys from the wrong side of the tracks in Jersey. They literally clawed their way to the top and made rock history."

CLICK HERE for more information on Jersey Boys at Broadway at the Orpehum Theatre through January 28th 

2018-19 Broadway At The Orpheum Theatre Series

CHICAGO and EVITA Highlight the 2018-19 Broadway At The Orpheum Theatre Series

The Broadway At The Orpheum Theatre Series announces the stellar 2018-19 Broadway season line up.   Headlined by The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical Revival, CHICAGO and the timeless hit musical EVITA, the series also features SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: In Concert and LEGALLY BLONDE – The Musical.

Season renewals and priority orders are available at BroadwayOrpheum.com or by calling 800.776.7469.

The 2018-19 Broadway At The Orpheum Theatre Series offers excitement, fun and entertainment as described by the snapshots of the hit musicals below:

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: In Concert
November 30 – December 2, 2018

Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score make SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN the pinnacle point of the golden age of movie musicals.  In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hot item, but behind the scenes, things aren’t always what they appear on the big screen!  Meanwhile, Lina’s squeaky voice might be the end of her career in “talking pictures” without the help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her.

LEGALLY BLONDE – The Musical           
January 25-27, 2019

A wonderfully fun musical based on the adored movie, LEGALLY BLONDE – The Musical, follows the transformation of California girl Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in self-discovery at Harvard Law School. This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable scenes and lovable characters including the ever-successful Bend and Snap and Elle’s favorite companion, Bruiser the Chihuahua!  Equipped with LED technology, fresh inventive design and snazzy modern scenery, this show is perfect for lightening everyone’s mood and bringing joy.

EVITA
March 1-3, 2019

Follow the rise of ambitious Eva Peron through the eyes of the future revolutionary leader Ché Guevara as she becomes the iconic Argentinian First Lady, worshipped by many. EVITA combines Latin music, pop, jazz and musical theatre styles that has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. Winner of 7 Tony Awards®, EVITA shines with its star power and highly involved, meaningful chorus with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

CHICAGO
March 28 – March 31, 2019

There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards®, a Grammy Award®, thousands of standing ovations and is now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history.

CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen.  It’s no surprise that CHICAGO has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. And now it’s coming to Phoenix!

Whether you're looking for your first Broadway musical, watched the Academy Award®-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or have seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers.
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Season tickets start at $150 for all four shows, and convenient payment plans are available. Only Season Members receive the best seats at locked-in prices before tickets go on sale to the public, as well as priority access to tickets, free parking, premium seating, easy exchanges, lost ticket insurance and dining discounts. New season members should order online early for the best seats at BroadwayOrpheum.com or by calling 800.776.7469.

Performance schedule for the Broadway at The Orpheum Theatre Series:

                        SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: In Concert      November 30 – December 2, 2018

                        LEGALLY BLONDE – The Musical                       January 25-27, 2019

                        EVITA                                                                             March 1-3, 2019

                        CHICAGO                                                                     April 11-14, 2019