Broadway Games: Broadway Valentines

Lovers! Broadway lovers! It's that time of year when love is in the air... Whether you have a Valentine of your own or you are on your own, let's see if you can match up these musical couples.

Broadway Games:

Broadway Valentines

DIRECTIONS: Match the two lovers, and pick the show they are from!

❤     🌟     ❤     🌟     ❤     🌟     ❤     🌟     ❤

1. Maureen                           A. Sky                            a. Falsettos

2. Carrie                               B. Alison                        b. Spring Awakening

3. Sophie                             C. Georg                         c. Fun Home

4. Christian                         D. Melchior                     d. Hadestown

5. Whizzer                           E. Claire                          e. She Loves Me

6. Oliver                               F. Eurydice                     f. Mamma Mia!

7. Joan                                G. Joanne                       g. Rent

8. Amalia                             H. Mr. Snow                    h. Moulin Rouge

9. Wendla                            I. Marvin                           i. Carousel

10. Orpheus                       J. Satine                           j. Maybe Happy Ending

     

❤     🌟     ❤     🌟     ❤     🌟     ❤     🌟     ❤

STOP SCROLLING NOW

UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO

SEE THE ANSWERS!

1. G & g

2. H & i

3. A & f

4. J & h

5. I & a

6. E & j

7. B & c

8. C & e

9. D & b

10. F & d

Review: Romeo + Juliet

Review of the Friday, February 7, 2025 evening performance at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City. Starring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler. With Gabby Beans, Daniel Bravo Hernandez, Jasai Chase-Owens, Tommy Dorfman, Nihar Duvvuri, Sola Fadiran, Taheen Modak and Gian Perez. A tragedy by William Shakespeare. Music by Jack Antonoff. Scenic design by dots. Costume design by Enver Chakartash. Lighting design by Isabella Byrd. Sound design by Cody Spencer. Movement direction and choreography by Sonya Tayeh. Direction by Sam Gold. 2 hours, 25 minutes including one intermission. Closes Sunday, February 16, 2025.

One of the wonders of Shakespeare, all these centuries later, is that his works are so timeless. And in that timelessness, directors have continued to find new, exciting ways to present these plays to speak to their modern audience. 

Sam Gold has done just that with this highly entertaining, if uneven contemporary spin on Romeo + Juliet (even the "+" instead of "and" is a signal). The show's tagline says it all: "The Kids Are F*CKED." This youthful aesthetic smacks you in the face the minute you descend into the Circle in the Square lobby, throbbing club beat, disco lights, and towers of stuffed animals assault the senses. That continues into the house itself, with giant teddy bears and a shopping cart full of more stuffed creatures center stage (scenic design by dots., lighting by Isabella Byrd). Soon, the cast takes to the circular stage, dancing, skateboarding and playing with the toys. They are a rough hewn bunch (costumes by Enver Chakartash) that present an intriguing if spot on contradiction that hounds young people: they are children at heart - when left to their own devices, but present as confident adults making often disastrous decisions. This is all a bit heavy-handed though, most obvious when the play actually starts, as several lapse into adult roles.

Gold has assembled a small company of actors, with all but the title characters playing multiple roles. Sometimes this works, and to humorous, thought-provoking effect, as when the same actor plays Mercutio and Friar Laurence in the same scene. Other times, it only makes things confusing, as when the same actor plays both Lord and Lady Capulet. Of course, a bit of this comes from the specific assignment of the actor in question: the former is Tony-nominee Gabby Beans, who uses her voice and physicality to clearly define her roles; the latter is Sola Fadiran, whose costumes seem at odds with the roles, and effeminate affectations while playing Lady aren't really enough of a differentiation, either. To be fair, a lot probably has to do with how they were directed. All of that said, every actor in the company has considerable skills and an enviable effervescent energy that fills the room. I found myself as invested in what they were doing as I was with what the main characters were doing. 

I should note here that I am very well-versed in this work particularly, and if it weren't for my proximity to a closed captioning screen where I could see which character was saying the lines, I'd have been confused several times.

Another actor, Tommy Dorfman of 13 Reasons Why acclaim, played the dual roles of the fiery Tybalt and the scattered if loving Nurse. She was a force to be reckoned with in both cases. As Tybalt, the tension was thick and even felt unpredictable - the edginess only deepened the characterization, while as the Nurse, she nailed the intended comic relief and the heartbreak of loss perfectly. Here as another performer I hope to see on Broadway again, sooner rather than later. I wish I could say the same for Gian Perez, who as both Paris and Samson seemed to be in his own special world, chewing the non-existent scenery and behaving like a reality show contestant. Perhaps that was Gold's intent, though I can't imagine why. Perez is also saddled with a ridiculous bit in act two, where he stops the show - the houselights even come up - and tries to get the audience to sing along to fun.'s "We Are Young." Why? Well, that has to do with the aforementioned unevenness of the production. The director doth tinker too much.

Of course, any production of Shakespeare's most produced, well-known play hinges on the actors playing the title roles, and here they have found two mostly excellent performers. Rachel Zegler provides a clear, well-thought out modern interpretation, with line readings that strike a perfect balance between contemporary phrasing and classic poetry. Her youthful, all-in-love exuberance makes her tragic final moments not only heartbreaking, but honest and true. Ms. Zegler is given opportunities to display her singing talents in a pair of lovely, but entirely unnecessary songs by Jack Antonoff. For me, though, the real star of the show is Kit Connor (known in the US mostly for his Emmy-winning role in Heartstopper) who gives us a completely classical reading of Romeo. Here is proof that one can deliver Shakespeare's lines as written without any vocal gymnastics. Together, their chemistry is - as it should be - palpable, making the reality of their situation wholly believable. Connor gives a masterful, highly charged performance that one hopes will inspire the very young audience in attendance to seek out more classic works in the future.

The production starts with a pile of stuffed animals center stage and ends with the company in a bloody pile center stage. An apt pair of images for this production. Would that the whole thing were as cleverly and powerfully presented.

📸: M. Murphy, E. Zimmerman

Looking Forward to Winter: December 2024 - February 2025

The leaves have fallen, and colder breezes are here. It has even snowed some places! I enjoy the winter months. As a theater-goer, the winter is a great time to catch up on shows we haven't gotten to yet, and an even better time to get some decent deals on tickets. Before we get excited about the coming months, we'd like to take stock of where we've been. Over the past three months of fall, we caught four Broadway shows, and saw the number one movie musical of all time. Like almost everyone, we loved Wicked. I can't wait for Part 2, and, so far, I like the film better than the show! As far as Broadway goes, I loved three out of four, which is pretty good. Though I was largely disappointed with Our Town, I was really taken by  Swept Away (I'm still thinking about it...), and I was thrilled by the electrifying re-imagining of Sunset Boulevard. But it was Maybe Happy Ending that stole my heart. It is one of the best new musicals in some time - loved it so much, we are making a return trip later this month!

So, in addition to a re-visit, what are we looking forward to most this winter?

Looking Forward to Winter:

December 2024 - February 2025

REGIONAL:

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Signature Theatre - Virginia) 

We've rarely been disappointed by the Tony Award-winning Signature Theater in Arlington, Virginia, a company well-known for their productions of Sondheim shows. We are especially looking forward to Forum because it is rarely performed professionally these days, and this version - with a female Pseudolus - is critically acclaimed.

OFF-BROADWAY:

Urinetown (New York City Center) 

Talk about rarely performed! One of my all-time favorite shows of the early 2000s, it's pee your pants funny and so smart. I can't wait to see it again. It'll be great to see Jordan Fisher and Keala Settle again, and I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of the company. Mostly, I am excited to share this show with Mike, who missed it the first time around.

BROADWAY - CATCH-UP: Shows from the fall that we can't wait to finally see!

Romeo and Juliet (Circle in the Square)

A youthful, edgy look at this classic could be pretty interesting, and no one directs shows at this challenging venue better than Sam Gold. Normally, that might not be enough to get us there, but this casting has us very excited to see what these star-crossed kids from Verona are up to in 2024-25. I've been hoping for a chance to see Rachel Zegler ever since she caught my eye in West Side Story, and as a mega fan of Heartstopper, how could I miss Kit Connor?

Gypsy (Majestic Theatre)

Oft-revived, it feels like this show is never far away in our memories. I can't believe it's been 15 years! Well, the chance to see the great Audra McDonald in the role everyone wanted to see her play is a no-brainer, and her supporting cast is stacked with many of our favorite performers, including Danny Burstein, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, Kevin Csolak and Lesli Margherita. George C. Wolfe always creates interesting productions, too. Plus, we're a little excited to see the inside of the Majestic post Phantom!

Death Becomes Her (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre)

I'm still debating whether or not I should watch the movie first. Either way, how could I miss a trio of the best in the business - Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber - doing their comedic thing? And I have to see Michelle Williams and company do that number from the Macy's Parade live!

There are several winter openings, too, and these are two we are looking forward to the most!

Redwood (Nederlander Theatre)

Since 2024-2025 has become the Season of the Diva, how could we dream of missing Idina Menzel's Broadway return? I don't know much about the show, but I love the leading lady and greatly admire director-writer Tina Landau. 

Operation Mincemeat (Golden Theatre)

Three reasons I want to see this: it's a sensation in London, I am a definite Anglophile, and I am fairly obsessed with anything to do with WWII. Plus, I am a sucker for a clever show logo. If that show is half as smart and witty as that, I'm sure I'll love it.

Friday 5: 5 Broadway Debuts We Are Looking Forward To This Fall

5 Broadway Debuts We Are

Looking Forward To This Fall

Every season, we are enchanted by the thrilling Broadway debuts of a variety of actors, singers and dancers. Some are debuts by talented individuals who are new faces in the entertainment world, while others have made their name in music, television and/or film and are now ready to take the Main Stem by storm. This week's Friday 5 is about 5 such actors set to debut this fall.

Kit Connor (Romeo Montague) Romeo & Juliet

Though he's appeared on the West End since he was a child, and has been making films for most of his life, Kit Connor became an international sensation as Nick Nelson in Netflix's Heartstopper. We have no doubt he will be a smash in Romeo and Juliet, and have a feeling he'll be as big on Broadway as his Heartstopper co-star, Joe Locke, was last season in Sweeney Todd.

Tom Francis (Joe Gillis) Sunset Boulevard

At a mere 25 years old, Tom Francis has already made quite a sensation on the West End as the Olivier Award-winning, street singing Joe Gillis. Now he'll be stalking Shubert Alley eight times a week, and we are hear for it! Welcome to New York! (We are already mad about the boy...)

Nicole Scherzinger (Norma Desmond) Sunset Boulevard

As excited as we are to see the new Joe Gillis, we may be even more excited for the new Norma Desmond. I've never been one for black satin lingerie and blood, but Ms. Scherzinger certainly makes a strong case for the combo. One of my all-time favorite musicals, I'm excited to see a new take on the whole thing.

Helen J. Shen (Helperbot Claire) Maybe Happy Ending

Okay, her humility and completely sweet demeanor got us to snatch up a pair of late preview tickets. But it is the happy combination of truly focused performances (those videos the show has released are pure dopamine) and the fan-girling she shows for every "first" in her journey to the "big time," that makes us root for her!

Rachel Zegler (Juliet Capulet) Romeo & Juliet

She had me in her grip from the first second she appeared on screen in Spielberg's West Side Story. Since then, I've come to enjoy her online presence and willingness to put herself out there. From what I've seen so far, she seems like the perfect match for her Romeo. As they say in the show's advertising, the kids are f*cked. That may be, but this new Romeo and new Juliet are anything but.

Looking Forward to Fall: September - November 2024

Where did summer go? Personally, I'm happy for the fall - it'll get cooler, the leaves will turn, and the new Broadway season will be in full swing! As always, though, before we look ahead, we like to take stock of where we've been. Over the past three months, we've had The Tony Awards (congrats to The Outsiders, Stereophonic, etc.), and we saw Suffs before the awards. Though it wasn't really one of my favorites, I do appreciate how suddenly it has become even more relevant than ever. Maybe I was too hard on it. We also got to revisit an old favorite of mine in a moving, all-star revival at City Center - I'm talking about the magnificent Titanic. Before it ended its acclaimed limited run, we also got to see Illinoise one more time, and it was even more ravishing than the first time. Importantly, we ended the summer with the chance to see two of the 2024-2025 season's first offerings: the outrageously funny Oh, Mary!, and the utterly charming revival of Once Upon a Mattress. Both bode well for another thrilling Broadway season!

So, what are we looking forward to most this autumn?

Looking Forward to Fall:

September - November 2024

Well, there's a lot of potentially great stuff coming this fall, and I wish I had time (and money) to see them all. And I am pretty sure a few of these will have to wait until winter,,, but these all arrive this autumn, so hear we go!

Gypsy (Broadway - Majestic Theatre)

Unbelievably, it's been 16 years since we last saw a production of this classic, and yet, I feel like I'm suffering from Gypsy fatigue. Still, a chance to see the newly refurbished Majestic might be enough to get me to see it. I'm serious. But of course, the show's star, an unknown named Audra McDonald and an amazing director, George C. Wolfe are certainly compelling. If anyone can do something new and interesting with it, it's those two.

Death Becomes Her (Broadway - Lunt-Fontanne Theatre)

Although I don't love the movie that this is based on, how could the siren song of three of my all-time Broadway favorites be ignored? The triple-play of Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber practically guarantees that I won't miss this one!

Maybe Happy Ending (Broadway - Belasco Theatre)

I generally love anything Darren Criss does, so that may be reason enough to see this one. Then there's the chance to see a potentially new Broadway star in Helen J. Shen. Also, I simply cannot stop watching the video the show has released - is it coded to mesmerize me? And this is a big reason to see this show: directing is Michael Arden. I'd pay to watch him organize a grocery store shelf...

Our Town (Broadway - Barrymore Theatre)

One of my favorite plays + one of my favorite (and always interesting) directors, Kenny Leon + a stacked cast including Jim Parsons, Richard Thomas, Julie Halston, Katie Holmes and Ephraim Sykes = an exciting trip to Grover's Corners, U.S.A.! 

Ragtime (Off-Broadway - New York City Center)

For me, the score of this show is far superior to the show itself. The original Broadway production was a "meh" for me. But a largely unfettered, mostly concert version with a fantastic orchestra might just get me to see it again. Will the absolutely stellar cast (Caissie Levy! Brandon Uranowitz! Joshua Henry! Joy Woods!) change my mind about this one? 

Romeo and Juliet (Broadway - Circle in the Square Theater)

For me, the play isn't the thing with this one, but I am excited by the possibilities of an intense modern retelling as suggested by their creative ad campaign! Then, too, the chance to see this exciting, young and diverse company is thrilling - especially the opportunity to see another star from Netflix's Heartstopper, Kit Connor and West Side Story's Rachel Zegler as the star-crossed lovers is really something to look forward to!

Sunset Boulevard (Broadway - St. James Theatre)

Any chance to see a professional production of one of my all-time favorite musicals, is a guarantee that Jeff will be attending. I am so curious to see a no-frills, modernist staging of one of Broadway's most epic productions. This one is already the stuff of legend, and with most of the West End's original principal cast, I don't think I could be any more intrigued. Will I be a Jamie Lloyd fan when all is said and done? Stay tuned!

Swept Away (Broadway - Longacre Theatre)

The story intrigues me. The advertising excites me. Michael Mayer directing has me feeling confident. The cast has me over the moon - John Gallagher, Jr. and Stark Sands are amazing in everything they do. An American Idiot reunion with a show that has nothing else in common has the potential to be theater-life changing. Very excited for this one, for sure! 

Face of the Future: Cinderella's Joe Carroll

When you Google the name Joe Carroll, up pops up a slew of articles and some very disturbing images of a character in the show The Following.  I don't watch the show, but he must be something.  But I have a feeling that pretty soon, we'll be seeing a lot of articles and many more images when we Google the guy I'm thinking of.  He started out on Broadway as an understudy in Once.  Then he moved up to the role of Balthazar in the recent revival of Romeo and Juliet.  Along the way to his current gig, he's played concerts at Joe's Pub and other venues in NYC.  Now, he's starring (soon with Carly Rae Jepsen) as Topher in Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella.  That's all I need to know that the future is here for this "face."






Around the City

On the Scene at Romeo and Juliet

Getting Ready for Cinderella

Jeff
5.100

CONTEST: Win tickets to see Broadway's ROMEO and JULIET at a Movie Theater Near You!

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED.  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ENTERED.  THE TRIVIA ANSWERS ARE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW.

Broadway fans around the country lately have been able to see theatre performances from the comfort and convenience (not to mention pretty cheaply) of their local cineplex.  From Love Never Dies to Merrily We Roll Along, plus a wide selection of things from the National Theatre of Great Britain,  movie theaters all across the country are bringing the thrill of live theatre performances to avid fans and those who can't get to New York.

And now comes Romeo and Juliet  starring Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean) as Romeo and Condola Rashad (Smash, Sex and the City 2) as Juliet, will be opening at a movie theatre near you this Valentine’s Day! The film has an exclusive run in movie theaters from February 13-19.  And I have a pair of tickets to a screening for you to win!

Orlando Bloom (Romeo) and
Condola Rashad (Juliet)

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION                                           

The stunningly modern stage production has received acclaimed-reviews, including this from the New York Times: “Mr Bloom in a first-rate Broadway debut and the gifted Rashad exude a too fine for this world purity that makes their characters’ love feel sacred.” In addition to Bloom and Rashad, the cast includes Christian Camargo (The Hurt Locker, Dexter), Justin Guarini (American Idol, American Idiot), Tony Award winners Brent Carver (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Sleepy Hollow), Chuck Cooper (Law & Order, American Gangster), and two-time nominee Jayne Houdyshell (Follies). Romeo and Juliet was captured for cinema on November 27 at New York’s Richard Rodgers Theatre by the multiple, Emmy award-winning Don Roy King (Saturday Night Live).

While Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love story of all time, this production marked the first time in 36 years that the play was produced on Broadway.  For more information on the screening, including social networks and link to the film trailer, scroll down past the contest.

Conrad Kemp (Benvolio) and
Orlando Bloom (Romeo)

THE CONTEST

• Answer the following three questions.
• Email the answers to the questions, letter AND answer like this : 1. D. Angela Lansbury
• Include your full name and city and state.
• Send the email to jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com with the Subject Heading ROMEO AND JULIET FILM CONTEST
• ENTER TO WIN NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT, JANUARY 30! The winner will be contacted on Friday, January 31 by 6PM.

1.  The song "(You Gotta Have) Heart" comes from which Broadway Musical.

     A. Kiss Me, Kate

     B. Kiss of the Spider Woman
     C. Damn Yankees
     D. A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

2.  Which current musical features a tune called "Love Song"?:

     A. A Night with Janis Joplin

     B. Pippin

     C. Matilda

     D. Kinky Boots

3.  Twyla Tharp choreographed a dance to the Frank Sinatra version of "My Funny Valentine" in which Broadway musical?:

     A. Come Fly Away

     B. Movin' Out

     C. The Times They Are A-Changin'

     D. Singing in the Rain

THE FINE PRINT

• The prize is one pair of tickets to a screening on Romeo and Juliet, playing February 13 - 19.
• Winners of the ticket contests from JK's TheatreScene for Forever Tango, Romeo and Juliet, A Time to Kill I and Macbeth are NOT eligible for this contest.
• ONE ENTRY per email address.
• Entries must be received by MIDNIGHT on Thursday, January 30, 2014.
• JK's TheatreScene is NOT responsible for lost or late emails, screening availability, seat location or the policies of individual movie theaters.

MORE INFORMATION

TICKETS

For movie times and tickets, visit http://broadwayhd.com/

ONLINE & SOCIAL NETWORKS

Website: www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RomeoJulietBway

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/RomeoJulietBway

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/RomeoJulietBway

Google+: Plus.google.com/+RomeoJulietBway

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4ZvduhMstA

Photos by Carol Rossegg

Jeff

5.093

Where Are They Now? A "Faces of the Future" Update

Given the overwhelming success of the first "Faces of the Future" blog of 2014 (click his pic to your right), I thought it might be interesting to see where some of the original "Faces" are today.  Some have gone on to big things, others keep doing what they do best - entertaining us on Broadway's stages and beyond.  No matter what, I still think all of them are people whose careers are worth following!

Ryann Redmond (Center, left) and the cast of If/Then

Ryann Redmond has gone from Bring It On: The Musical to a featured role in the new Kitt-Yorkey musical, If/Then, starring Idina Menzel, LaChanze and Anthony Rapp.  The show begins previews in March.

Chaplin's Justin Bowen most recently appeared in the Encores! production of On Your Toes, starring Christine Baranski and Karen Ziemba.

Since we first "met" The Book of Mormon's Nic Rouleau, he went from understudying the role of Elder Price, to taking that very part on the road with one of the show's National Touring companies.  Now, he's getting ready to take on the part full time on Broadway!

Johnny Stellard in The Drowsy Chaperone (top);

with Kristin Chenoweth in Dames of Broadway (bottom, far right)

Evita's Johnny Stellard has left Argentina for the world of New York clubs, singing back-up for none other than Kristin Chenoweth for her Dames of Broadway concerts.  And then he took on the part of Robert Martin in regional production of The Drowsy Chaperone, starring Tony-winner Beth Leavel and Clay Aiken.

Spencer Plachy (center) with castmates at the
stage door of Romeo and Juliet

Spencer Plachy left Cloisterham, Studio 54 and The Mystery of Edwin Drood for the ancient streets of Verona in the recent revival of Romeo and Juliet, where he shared the traffic of the stage with Orlando Bloom, Condola Rashad and Brent Carver.

Laurie Veldheer with Zak Resnik atthe re-opening of Mamma Mia! 

Soon after catching up with Newsies' Laurie Veldheer, she left the world of high stepping boys and papes for the sunny Mediterranean shores of a remote island, inhabited by scantily clad in snorkel gear who sing ABBA songs.  She took over the role of Sophie in Mamma Mia!, seeing it through a big move to a new theatre.  She leaves the show February 3rd.

Bare "bad boy" Casey Garvin is getting ready for his Broadway debut in Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway!  Not a bad way to start!

Jake Epstein and Jessie Mueller in
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Former Peter Parker/Spider-Man alternate and co-star of the National Tours of Spring Awakening and Green Day's American Idiot, Jake Epstein left Turn Off the Dark to take on the leading role of Gerry Goffin opposite Jessie Mueller in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Justin Matthew Sargent takes over from Reeve Carney
at Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

And last but not least, speaking of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, former Rock of Ages bad boy Justin Matthew Sargent went on to replace Jake Epsteinn as the Peter Parker/Spider-Man alternate.  He later took over the role as principal from original cast member Reeve Carney.  Sargent played the role at the final performance of the long-running show this past weekend!

Who know where these future Broadway legends will end up next?

Love this blog entry? Totally disagree with it?  Somewhere in between?  Scroll down a little bit and click your reaction and/or leave a comment.  I'd love to hear from you!

Jeff
5.080