https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UKtrhLRD_k CATS returns to the Straz Center Dec. 7. As a crowd-pleasing theatrical spectacle, CATS’ success is undeniable. As a tutorial for first-time cat owners, it leaves something to be desired. Potential first-time cat owners should note that cats rarely if ever perform choreographed dance moves. Nor do they break into song. Their speech is... Continue Reading →
We know how much you love The Straz, but how much do you really KNOW about the Straz, other than it’s fabulous, of course? Well, we’re going to find out. Take this quiz, awarding yourself one point for every correct answer to determine if you are a well-informed Straz patron or if you are just... Continue Reading →
The crowd filling Broadway’s Gershwin Theater sounded pleasantly surprised when the announcer introduced Kristin Chenoweth. The occasion was the Sept. 14 reopening of Wicked, for which Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda. The actress’ appearance sent the already electric atmosphere crackling even more intensely, palpable even on the cellphone video posted to YouTube. “Hello, New... Continue Reading →
After several Covid-induced months of silence, the Straz Center began a limited series of programming in October 2020, focusing on outdoor events and presentations conducive to social distancing. Guest Services Manager Deb Ferree put the call out to her roster of ushers, unsure of how many responses she’d get. After all, the facility had been... Continue Reading →
A small but mighty coterie of Straz staffers gathers the selections that make each year’s season announcement a much-anticipated event. At the start of every year, as sure as the Florida gardenias blossom, The Straz announces a new season. Every year that season blends old and new, funny and serious, musical and non-musical, spectacular and... Continue Reading →
Photo: Rob/Harris Productions, Inc. Theater lovers coming and going from live events enjoy the fare at the Straz Center’s homebrewed coffeehouse, SteamHeat, tucked beside the Shimberg Playhouse along the red brick walkway to Carol Morsani Hall. But how many patrons under the age of 66 understand the origin of the shop’s name, or know the... Continue Reading →
It’s not unusual to see favorite songs from Broadway productions on the pop charts. Beloved compositions have made the transition from the stage to mainstream culture’s consciousness since The Great White Way’s ‘40s and ‘50s heyday. Those looking for distinctive or quirky reinterpretations of musical-theater classics sometimes have to look a little deeper, though —... Continue Reading →
The seductive, titillating, sexy and sassy dance show first jumped out of the proverbial birthday cake nearly 30 years ago and three decades later it’s still bringing allure to stages from coast to coast. After more than a year cooling off, the heat will once again turn when Broadway Bares brings some virtual virility to... Continue Reading →
It will come to no surprise that Broadway and opera are represented on the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, which preserves recordings that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States.” The original cast albums of Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, The Wiz... Continue Reading →
In Honor of National Tap Dance Day, May 25 The talent embodied by one of the Artists We Love – actor and tap dancer extraordinaire Gregory Hines – literally started at the tips of his toes and the bottom of his heels. Born in New York City on Valentine’s Day 1946 to Alma and Maurice... Continue Reading →
May and June are the months we celebrate parents, honoring them with holidays where we express gratitude for their sage advice and life lessons that put us on the right life track. As art imitates life, the Broadway stage offers many moms and dads, or otherwise parental types, offering life lessons, encouragement and guidance. We’re... Continue Reading →
Many Broadway productions are original, mainlined to the stage direct from the mind and writing implement of choice of the playwright. Many more are based on novels that landed on best seller lists having caught the attention of multiple readers including playwrights who condense the tome to its vital plot points weaving a tale that... Continue Reading →
Theater has long been the home to acting dynasties, families that pass the drama and comedic genes from generation to generation with The Barrymores and The Redgraves being among the most prominent on the stage. This week, we’re focusing on one twig of Broadway’s family tree -- acting siblings --in honor of National Siblings Day... Continue Reading →
With its roots in ancient culture, including ivory and clay figures found in Egyptian tombs, puppetry has long been employed in storytelling including the theater. Terracotta Ancient Greek dolls. Exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Room 56. Picture by Giovanni Dall'Orto, November 11 2009. Both Aristotle and Plato in ancient Greece, referenced puppets in their... Continue Reading →
As if the job they have didn’t draw enough attention, presidents of the United States have been in the spotlight on Broadway in both plays and musicals. And yes, more than a few of the actors-in-chief have broken into song or tripped the light fantastic on Broadway boards. There have been a few fictional presidents... Continue Reading →
Somewhere between Mariah Carey and Wham! on your holiday playlist are likely a few tunes that have their roots in Broadway. Whether it’s shows devoted to celebrating the season, such as A Christmas Story, or others where Christmas is just part of the story as in Meet Me in St. Louis, we’ve got a rundown of some of the shows that featured favorite holiday... Continue Reading →
If you consult your online dictionary for the definition of “turkey” you will find -- tur·key /ˈtərkē/ a large mainly domesticated game bird native to North America, having a bald head and (in the male) red wattles. It is prized as food, especially on festive occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.something that is extremely or... Continue Reading →
Oh, the drama of Halloween, this year made a cauldron more scary with COVID-19 hanging around on our doorstep like a rotting Florida pumpkin overstaying its welcome. Long before the pandemic wreaked havoc with our psyche, Broadway had tapped into the spookiness and magic the holiday has to offer. Here’s a selection of the best... Continue Reading →
While the extended intermission continues at The Straz and the earliest Broadway will open is January 2021, all due to COVID-19, performing arts administrators have been working with national health professionals to formulate reopening plans and safety protocols to put patrons back in the seats. Since April, Straz COO Lorrin Shepard has chaired the Performing... Continue Reading →
It wasn’t surprising but certainly disappointing when it was announced late last month that Broadway would remain closed the remainder of the year due to COVID-19. Theaters closed on March 12 – the first time Broadway has shut down due to a health pandemic. The ripple effect of going dark registered at The Straz as... Continue Reading →