Regional Roundup: Top 10 Stories This Week Around the Broadway World - 3/27; St. Petersburg, Seattle, Sweden & More!

By: Mar. 27, 2015
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In this week's Regional Roundup, BroadwayWorld.com features productions from Washington, DC, Baltimore, San Francisco, Sweden and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below!

East Coast

FREEDOM'S SONG

1. Washington, DC: Editor Benjamin Tomchik reviewed Frank Wilhorn's FREEDOM'S SONG at the Ford's Theatre, marking the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the end of the Civil War. He says, "Wildhorn's musical style is reminiscent of the mega-musicals of the late eighties. Freedom's Song is filled with pop ballads and soaring anthems infused with hints of bluegrass, gospel and country. The music is beautifully performed under the direction of Michael Sebastian and a seven piece orchestra. Because the lyrics were inspired by letters from the time period, the musical style works well for the show and captures the passions and themes of the War." Read his full review here, and check out our complete Review Roundup here.

2. Baltimore, MD: Editor Cybele Pomeroy offers her review of Rich Espy's THE REVELATION OF BOBBY PRITCHARD playing at the Theatre Project through March 28. She says, "Rich Espy's THE REVELATION OF BOBBY PRITCHARD is a fine example of non-linear storytelling with personable, quirky characters who explore traditional values and non-traditional relationships with snappy dialogue, brisk action, shifting timelines and a story that should touch the heart of anyone who's ever loved anyone. Join Marta, who, with her family, dances with ghosts of her past, striving for a brighter present." Read more here.

Midwest

MY NAME IS ASHER LEV

3. Des Moines, IA: Editor Brooke Bridenstine reviews MY NAME IS ASHER LEV at the Des Moines Social Club and presented by StageWest Theatre Company. She says the play has a universal theme, "In exploring the themes of My Name is Asher Lev, a play with a very specific focus, it becomes strikingly evident that the play features a truly universal idea. Countless plays, musicals, books, and movies feature the journey of a young man or woman struggling to decide which path to follow." Read more here.

4. Chicago, IL: Senior Editor Paul Thompson offers his latest edition of 'The Showtune Mosh Pit." From "Carousel" at Lyric Opera Of Chicago to "El Pasado Nunca Se Termina (The Past Is Never Finished)" at the Civic Opera House and more, he breaks down this week's exciting happenings. Check it out here.

South Atlantic

5. St. Petersburg, FL: Editor Peter Mason gives a stunning review of OTHER DESERT CITIES at the West Coast Players. He says, "This is a show that calls for great acting, and the WCP cast certainly delivers. Leading the way is Jacquelyn Flaherty in a lay-it-all-on-the-line, powerhouse performance. This is the kind of performance that people talk about long after the house lights come up--so sad, so harrowing, so wounded, so defiant, and so real. A newcomer to the area (from Chicago), this is Ms. Flaherty's first show with WCP and she is certainly a welcome addition to the local theatre scene." Read the full review here.

West Coast:

6. San Francisco, CA: Editors Linda Hodges and Nick Hodges offer their review of DAME EDNA'S FAREWELL TOUR starring the hilarious Barry Humphries. Linda says, "It was a fun show, but my favorite part was when Barry Humphries made a surprise appearance at the end (after the gladioli wave). It was quite touching to hear him talk about how Edna got her start in December of 1955." And Nick says, "Playfully witty and outrageously funny, Dame Edna's Glorious Goodbye The Farewell Tour is a show you just can't miss." Read their full take on this show here.

TARTUFFE

7. Seattle, WA: Senior Editor, Jay Irwin reviews a "Giddy Comedy Gold in Seattle Shakes' TARTUFFE." He goes on, "I just cannot emphasize enough the amount of fun this show is and how much you should do your level best to catch it. But what I can do it give it the highest rating in my three letter rating system, a glorious WOW!" Read his full review here.

Canada

8. Montreal: New Editor, Marilla Steuter-Martin reviews RANDOM at the MAI Centre (playing until April 4). She says, "While random engages with darker themes, it still manages to balance the dramatic with the comedic. The show runs just over an hour without intermission and succeeds at maintaining solid energy and pacing from beginning to end." Read her full review here.

Sweden

9. Sweden: Editor Isa Pontura reports on the casting of the Swedish production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. She says, "Former Broadway and West End Phantom Peter Jöback is once again going to take on the lead role of the Phantom in a new Swedish revival of the original replica production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Stockholm, Septemer 2016." Read more here.

National Tour Highlight:

10. The National Tour of ONCE played the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. Editor Tara Bennett says, "ONCE" transcends the typical "boy-meets-girl" troupe and is a romance in which two people fall in love, though they are not meant to live happily ever after. Rather, together they help one another surpass the obstacles that are keeping them from fulfilling their destiny." Read her full review here.

This week, we would like to welcome Marilla Steuter-Martin as our newest writer in Montreal.

Want to join our growing team? We have positions available in several U.S. regions and International countries! Contact christina@broadwayworld.com for more information!



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