Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE
VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of. How did that come about for both of you?
Ellenore Scott: Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival.
Ayodele Casel: I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in. Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.
Interview: Spencer Liff's Passionate About REEFER MADNESS: THE MUSICAL & Playing It Forward
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Reefer Madness, a new revised version Reefer Madness the Musical will open May 30, 2024 at The Whitney. I talked to director/choreographer Spencer Liff during the early days of rehearsals, so casting hadn’t been finalized. Members of the original creative team reuniting to produce are: actors Kristen Bell, Christian Campbell and Alan Cumming, creators Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, Andy Fickman, who directed 2005's Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical, and America Olivo Campbell.
Interview: Alaska Thunderf**k Reunites With Joey McIntyre For DRAG: THE MUSICAL
DRAG: The Musical, written by drag superstar Alaska Thunderf**k (with Tomas Costanza and Ashley Gordon), will be returning to The Bourbon Room March 15, 2024 on its way to its New York debut. Emmy-nominated Spencer Liff again directs and choreographs, this time with the cast of Alaska, Nick Adams, Joey McIntyre, Jujubee, Manila Luzon, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, Nick Laughlin, Jamie Torcellini, J. Elaine Marcos and Kayden Koshelev. I had already interviewed Alaska for the 2022 production. This time Joey McIntyre was able to join my Q&A.
Listen: Hear Alaska Thunderf*ck & Nick Adams Sing 'It's A Drag' From DRAG THE MUSICAL
Alaska Thunderf**k and Nick Adams collaborate for the new release, 'IT'S A DRAG', a fresh addition to DRAG: The Musical ahead of their run of LA shows at The Bourbon Roomh. “It's a Drag” is a welcomed addition to DRAG: The Musical's already dynamite soundtrack which echoes of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Rent, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Review: SCROOGE! at Arizona Theatre Company
Arizona Theatre Company's adaptation of SCROOGE! ~ the most notable element missing in this largely unsuccessful adaptation is any sense of a true Dickensian backdrop. Runs through December 30th.
Review: East West Players Presents Energetic SPRING AWAKENING
Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play about a group of young students ill-informed about their budding sexuality, this 2006 Broadway adaptation is buoyed by its alt-rock score by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik. EWP's new production boasts a pleasantly diverse cast blessed with excellent singing voices.
Spencer Liff, Alysha Umphress & More to Join Broadway Dreams UK Intensive
Experience the thrill of Broadway as renowned arts organization, Broadway Dreams, brings its first-ever UK intensive to aspiring performers. Join in for an unparalleled experience in the heart of the United Kingdom. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway across the pond.