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REVIEW: Full of flash and dry humor, ‘The Cher Show’ turns back time with empowering style

Posted on March 21, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

This musical biopic seems by the numbers until three Chers infuse an original and adventuresome twist.

Much like Cher herself, The Cher Show is a limelight driven, bawdy, and spirited look at Cher’s upbringing and career and how Cherilyn Sarkisian busted out of her shy demeanor to become as she proudly calls ‘a warrior goddess.’

Morgan Scott in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Bathed under dazzling spotlight-soaked florescent lights by Charlie Morrison, Star, depicted with Cher’s pitch perfect dry humor and rich vocals by Morgan Scott, emerges in sequined black donning her signature high heels and risqué style, but she is definitely not alone. Turning back time is a thrill when two other Chers share the spotlight and help to navigate her life based on all she knows now.

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time live and in person through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour. Outside this production, MassArt showcased Cher’s legendary looks. The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission. Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Cherilyn was not always one to bathe in the limelight. As chatty and anxious Babe, depicted with a powerful belt and discomfort in her own skin naiveté by Ella Perez, Cherilyn was often shy and felt like an outsider due to her dyslexia, half Armenian heritage and her dynamic looks. However, Lucy Werner as Cher’s confident firecracker mother Georgia who was always a source of strength, sage advice and beauty said, ‘The song will make you strong.’ Cher’s unique qualities are actually what set her apart.

Cher fulfills most people’s two fondest wishes through this musical. Not only can Star turn back time, but accompanied by Ella Perez as Cher or Babe and Catherine Ariale as Cher or Lady, Star can turn to her other selves to revisit her past. Three Chers that interact, are aware of each other, and support each other is not just a source for a wealth of humorous moments, but it breaks the pesky rules of a classic biopic in a lighthearted and spectacular way. Perez, Ariale, and Scott have a fascinating bond where anything can happen in a life where Cher was required to grow up fast.

The cast of ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit to Big League Productions

Kelly James Tigne’s visually spectacular set is an array of glitter and glitz which includes the bright lights of Hollywood and Vegas but also beautifully nostalgic photos of 50s California before Cher sets her sights on stardom and the set develops a more classic sophistication in black and white as Cher’s star power matures.

Starting out with her own sewing machine, Cher always set her own bold and risqué fashion standard before later joining forces with the legendary visionary and equally daring fashion designer Bob Mackie, who originates the Broadway and tour costumes seen in this musical. Tyler Pirrung, who depicts a trio of roles in this production, is memorable as Mackie complete with clever quips and a mischievous gleam in his eye, especially during Aint Nobody’s Business. Magnets are used to accommodate the numerous fashion styles and quick changes throughout the production. The Cher Show’s costume coordinator Janine Loesch and wig designer Roxanne DeLuna presents all these ostentatious costumes in all of its nostalgic, feathered, and sparkling runway glory.

Tyler Perrung as Bob Mackie, Ella Perez, Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and cast Photo credit Big League Productions

Lorenzo Pugliese is full of magnetic charm and quirky sense of humor as Sonny Bono. Fast talking with shrewd business sense, Pugliese shares some amazing chemistry with each Cher and one of the best moments of the production is their wonderful rendition of I’ve Got You Babe which was met with cheers from the audience. He also shines in Little Man and later for All I Ever Need is You.

Ella Perez and Lorenzo Pugliese in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show’s quick pace features a wide array of nostalgic hits over six decades including the catchy harmony of Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, and The Shoop Shoop Song as well as It’s All or Nothing, a stirring Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down), Believe and Heart of Stone. Perez, Ariale, and Scott form a powerhouse trio as they recall Song for the Lonely as Perez flaunts a distinctive belt. The Fosse-inspired The Beat Goes On is a sleek standout as well as sultry chorography featuring Emma Jade Branson of The Dark Lady in candlelight.

Lorenzo Pugliese and Catherine Ariale in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

The Cher Show celebrates her remarkable career and her variety of hits, but is also an honest and frank depiction of her insecurity, challenges, and fears within her failures and triumphs. No matter what, Cher shows the beat goes on.

Catherine Ariale, Morgan Scott and Ella Perez and cast in ‘The Cher Show’ Photo credit Big League Productions

Distinctively directed by Casey Hushion with a mix of slinky and wistful choreography by Antoinette Dipietropolo, Big League Productions presented The Cher Show for a limited time through Sunday, March 17 at the Boch Center Wang Theater in Boston, Massachusetts, but it is also on a national tour. The production was 2 hours and 20 minutes with one fifteen minute intermission. Click here for more information and here to see where The Cher Show national tour will next take the stage.

REVIEW: Glitzy ‘Pretty Woman the Musical’ is vivacious fun

Posted on February 29, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Based on the hit film adaptation starring breakout star Julia Roberts and then megastar Richard Gere, Pretty Woman put a fairy tale spin on a story about a clever prostitute who charms a rich guy. The film is produced by Disney no less and solidly directed by the late esteemed Garry Marshall. With natural elegance, pitch perfect comic timing, and tangible chemistry with Gere who she went on to star with in other film projects due to their thriving and bankable chemistry, Julia Roberts instantly became America’s Sweetheart at just 21 years old.

A lot of big box office movies adapt into musicals and Garry Marshall is behind Pretty Woman the Musical.

Directed with upbeat choreography by Jerry Mitchell, music by award-winning singer-songwriters Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and based on the book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, Pretty Woman the Musical continues live and in person at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 3. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Pretty Woman The Musical – Chase Wolfe and Ellie Baker credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

Featuring Chase Wolfe as Edward and adorable Ellie Baker as Vivian creating their own winning chemistry, Pretty Woman the Musical is a feel good adaptation with some memorable musical numbers and includes the beloved and iconic moments that charged the 1990 romantic comedy classic.

Tall metallic palm trees with Hollywood store signs warmly lit by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg bring glitzy California to life by scenic designers David Rockwell and Christine Peters. The rolling set cleverly transforms from energetic city streets to picturesque elegance as silk drapes adorn a gold embroidered balcony with extravagant detailed furnishings including the film’s iconic black baby grand piano.

Pretty Woman The Musical – Bethany McDonald , Ellie Baker, and Taylor M. Sheppard credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

From colorful street clothes to flowing runway fashion to majestic gowns that include Vivian’s iconic red dress, costume designer Gregg Barnes exacts the splashy nature and 80s vibe of this fantasy fairy tale. Commanded by Lauren Esser’s soaring vocals boasted by a powerful rock growl stepping in for Rae Davenport as Kit, fashion bursts onto the scene in the flashy number Rodeo Drive infused with a guitar-tinged rock n roll vibe oozing in the sophistication of many shoppers’ fondest dreams.

Pretty Woman The Musical – Adam Du Plessis credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

One spectacular performer who does a lot of the heavy lifting is Adam Du Plessis as Happy Man. He not only delivers candid and fun-loving charisma to the neon glow of Hollywood Boulevard for What’s Your Dream, a catchy opening number with a tropic tinge, but watch for Du Plessis to pop up unexpectedly and delightedly in various sequences throughout the production boasting sharp comic wit and dynamic spontaneity. Whether in a colorful Hawaiian shirt under a flowing trench coat or dressed to the nines, Du Plessis has quite the range as Happy Man. He shares an endearing rapport with Connor Kabat depicting Giulio with scene stealing goofy sweetness reminiscent of night elevator operator Patrick Richwood from the film.

Ellie Baker has a lot to live up to and successfully makes the role her own through those signature red curls. Baker infuses a unique and goofier free spirit and effervescence to Vivian more playful than Roberts’s engaging portrayal. Julia Roberts had more of an established elegance in her role, even when she is trying to look tough. Baker has bubbly comic timing and a snigger as charming as her beautiful face. She performs a stirring rendition of This is My Life, created from one of Vivian’s monologues to Edward. She also delivers a heightened and powerful solo for I Can’t Go Back.

In a black suit, maroon tie, and a stubbly beard, Chase Wolfe portrays a more rugged, contemplative, and serious businessman in Edward apart from Richard Gere’s subtle charm. Wolfe offers a separate lightness to the role and shares playful chemistry with Baker particularly for You’re Beautiful. Edward’s character is developed further than in the film, especially during his insightful solo, Freedom which is a nice addition drawn from Edward’s monologue in the film to Vivian.

With thick pink eye shadow, studded black skirt and biker jacket, Lauren Esser’s distinct accent and tough facade as Kit uplifts Luckiest Girl in the World alongside Baker as Vivian and in the bright and catchy number, Never Give Up on a Dream. Kit’s spitfire persona and shoot-from-the hip attitude is a tougher version of Laura San Giocomo’s benchmark performance, but here Kit is a more established character and given a larger arc than in the film. She and Baker share a strong and protective bond evident from Kit’s first scene.

Pretty Woman The Musical – The Company of Pretty Woman The Musical credit Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

Jason Alexander has said that his opportunity for George from Seinfeld came from Pretty Woman and it was a hard fought battle for him to play the role of Edward’s lawyer and friend, Phillip Stuckey. However, in this version, Mikey Marmann is more of what director Garry Marshall originally had in mind for Stuckey’s intimidating, slimy, and snarky persona and Ellie Barker as Vivian’s updated and more welcoming interactions with him are a little different this time around.

Whether it is Sara Wang’s astounding vocals or even the beautiful rendition of You and I which has an unmistakable Bryan Adams influence, Pretty Woman the Musical is an uplifting musical journey that will please fans of the film or anyone experiencing it for the first time.

Directed with upbeat choreography by Jerry Mitchell, music by award-winning singer-songwriters Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and based on the book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton Pretty Woman the Musical continues live and in person at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 3. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company delivers a heartfelt ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’

Posted on March 15, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

Arthur and Dottie had big dreams beyond what 1939 could dream up. Then Hattie McDaniel arrived.

During Hollywood’s Golden Age, 1939 was deemed one of the greatest years in motion picture history. Gone with Wind was among a long list of acclaimed classic films that premiered that year including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights, Gunga Din, Ninotchka, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, and Dark Victory. However, Gone with the Wind also marked an indelible moment in history. At the 1940 Academy Awards, Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Samantha Jane Williams and Stewart Evan Smith in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Directed warmly by Taavon Gamble, Greater Boston Stage Company delivers a perfectly timed, heartfelt tribute to one of the greats with the east coast premiere of Boulevard of Bold Dreams by LaDarrion Williams live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts and streaming through Sunday, March 19. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

This year’s 95^th annual Academy Awards marked a revolutionary year as Everything Everywhere All at Once not only dominated the night winning Best Picture, Best Direction, and Best Screenplay but also delivered a historic win for Michelle Yeoh as the first Asian actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. One of the actresses that presented Yeoh’s Oscar was none other than Halle Berry who was the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. When Berry won in 2002 she declared, “This moment is so much bigger than me.”

Michelle Fenelon, Stewart Evan Smith and Samantha Jane Williams in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Hattie McDaniel’s groundbreaking Oscar win as Mammy in Gone with the Wind garnered acclaim and ongoing recognition for the barriers she broke as well as controversy while she paved the way for Halle and many other actresses including Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Diahann Carroll, Jennifer Hudson, Regina King, Octavia Spencer, Lupita Nyong’o, and Ariana DeBose. Those actresses were able to write their own acceptance speeches, sit with their cast, and although some aspects of Boulevard of Bold Dreams is fictionalized, the show delivers some eye-opening facts about McDaniel within segregated Hollywood. Facing a tough road, McDaniel had had the foresight and tenacity to make sure her name was on that Oscar ballot.

Michelle Fenelon and Stewart Evan Smith in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Boulevard of Bold Dreams also boasts a memorable and tenacious cast. Bartender Arthur Brooks, an imaginative and aspiring director in a standout performance by Stewart Evan Smith, has big dreams well beyond his current occupation. Smith’s candor, charisma, and enthusiasm brighten each scene and his unflappable vision for his future makes it easy to root for his success in the face of any obstacle. Maid Dottie Hudson, a cynical, yet aspiring singer portrayed with wit and humor by Michelle Fenelon, has her feet planted closer to the ground. Smith and Fenelon strike a delicate balance of resourcefulness, wishful thinking and persistence when they arrived in Hollywood with little money and big ambitions. However, things are more complicated than they appear. In a distinctive and glittery blue gown, Samantha Jane Williams gracefully captures Hattie McDaniel’s humble and frank demeanor with an underlying anxiousness as she faces a potentially life changing night. Fenelon and Williams have quick and complex camaraderie as their strong vocals combine for a playful and impromptu duet.

Boulevard of Bold Dreams Samantha Jane Williams Michelle Fenelon and Stewart Evan Smith in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Kiara Escalera’s meticulous costume design recreates McDaniel’s look with precision as well as the vintage sophistication of the 1940s. Enhanced by red and gold jacquard curtains and distinguished black and gold doors, scenic designer Rachel Rose Burke elegantly recreates a section of the Ambassador’s Coconut Grove Night Club in Los Angeles.

Boulevard of Bold Dreams not only depicts life’s possibilities through McDaniel, but the extent of the segregation and racism of that time and the struggle to make their dreams come true. Whether or not a fan of the Academy Awards or Hollywood, Boulevard of Bold Dreams tells an inspiring story for all the dreamers of how one person can create lasting change one step at a time.

Greater Boston Stage Company’s Boulevard of Bold Dreams by LaDarrion Williams live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts and streaming through Sunday, March 19. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: ‘Rock of Ages,’ Company Theatre’s grand return to the stage, is packed with big dreams, spectacle, and wry rock nostalgia

Posted on August 17, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

If you decide to visit Hollywood, California, stop by the Bourbon Room, a real bar and nightclub inspired by the legendary fictional bar and nightclub in jukebox musical Rock of Ages. The Bourbon Room opened last year in honor of the show’s 20^th anniversary and if it contains half the wild antics of this edgy musical, it will be worth the trip.

The excitement was tangible as the Company Theatre prepared for their return to its signature indoor stage for the debut of Rock of Ages on Saturday, August 7. The crowd was pumped for an uproarious good time as the booming sounds of 80s hits enlivened the stage and nostalgia took over not only for hair bands and jelly bracelets, but for a live show in person and in glorious color.

Caitlin Ford as Justice and Janis Hudson as Denise Dupree Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Directed by Zoe Bradford, musically directed by Steve Bass, and choreographed by Sally Ashton Forrest, The Company Theatre presents Rock of Ages without an intermission through Sunday, August 22 at The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. This show is not for young kids. Please note this show run has some rotating cast members. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Packed with colorful characters doused with a mix of rock raunchiness and self aware humor, Rock of Ages holds a mirror up to the era of excess and distinct self expression. Steering this club is Brad Reinking as Lonny, the Bourbon’s impulsive no-holds-barred co-owner, resident storyteller, and narrator. According to Company Theatre’s Director of Development Michael Hammond, Reinking improvised a portion of the dialogue with local references and contemporary quips the audience and not even the cast saw coming. Reinking shines as Lonny, his strong voice and penchant for dark humor work well in a script that never takes itself too seriously.

Brad Reinking as Lonny Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Part love story, part rebellion, and mostly musical, Rock of Ages is set in the 80s on the Sunset Strip where idealistic Sherrie (Emily Lambert) and guitar strumming dreamer Drew (Braden Misiaszek) long for stardom and are not sure where to start. They set their sights inside the fledgling Bourbon Room, an aging nightclub and bar in danger of being shut down unless someone takes action.

Shane Hennessey as Stacee Jaxx Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Performed by an intimate group of musicians led by Steve Bass, Rock of Ages is fueled by a wide range of 80’s hits that are clearly a trip down memory lane for some including Journey, Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon, and Foreigner enhanced by Forrest’s intense choreography. Emily Lambert boasts powerful vocals as wide-eyed yet determined Sherrie and does a terrific job teaming up with Caitlin Ford as complex yet confident Justice in a powerful medley of Quarterflash’s Harden My Heart and Pat Benatar’s Shadows of the Night. Lambert also shines in a sweet yet intense rendition with Misiaszek for Extreme’s More than Words, Bad English’s To Be with You, and Warrant’s Heaven medley. Melissa Carubia as spunky and resourceful renegade Regina is all spirit and heart for Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take it and light and amusing rendition of Starship’s We Built this City and Styx’s Too Much Time on My Hands.

Shane Hennessey makes a big entrance as mysterious Stacy Jaxx (in a nod to another famous 80s rocker) to Bon Jovi’s Dead or Alive. Ryan Barrow’s vibrant set design is on point especially one scene in a nightclub bathroom. It is easy to feel the grime watching that signature nightclub bathroom from the audience. Janis Hudson portrays compelling Denise Dupree with a tough façade, dry humor, and a Joan Jett vibe while Christopher Spencer offers some refreshing and sometimes goofy comic relief as Franz.

The Rock of Ages cast Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

That is just a taste of the wide range of rock numbers in store. A jukebox rock musical, Rock of Ages is best enjoyed as an extended MTV music video at a time when music was mainly performed on MTV. The rock medleys have cheek and sass and in the real world oozing with serious drama (where to start) Rock of Ages is meant as pure entertainment and each fun loving character a representation of a lighter time. You may find yourself bobbing your head, singing along, or both to the catchy tunes you may or may not have lived through, but nonetheless have stood the test of time in their own vibrant way.

Prior to the Rock of Ages musical on opening night, Company Theatre offered a VIP pre-show that featured plenty of 80s nostalgia and delicious treats including Pop Rocks, shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers, vintage-style cupcakes, and a special Ecto Cooler cocktail.

Kay and Judy at Company Theatre’s VIP preshow Photo courtesy of Jeanne Denizard

The Company Theatre presents Rock of Ages without an intermission through Sunday, August 22 at The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. Click here for more information, upcoming events, and tickets.

REVIEW: Season 5 of WGBH’s ‘Sing That Thing!’ still packs a vocal punch

Posted on April 12, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

Maybe there was a moment watching American Idol or The Voice where that person auditioning is a friend, acquaintance, or just familiar somehow. Perhaps it’s a moment of six degrees of separation where suddenly Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie, or Katy Perry are not so out of reach now that the person you know knows them.

Now imagine how much likelier that might happen watching WGBH’s popular local singing competition, Sing that Thing! kicking off its fifth season on Friday, April 12 on WGBH 2. Composed of eighteen dynamic choral ensembles over this season from Boston and beyond, each group competes by creating a unique vocal performance within variety of music genres as coaches decide who will make it to the next round and give feedback on their performances. Click here for further details.

Divided into three categories consisting of adult, high school, and college, the coaches measure on factors such as visual performance, musicality, intonation, and projection during the course of eight episodes. Expect less of the Hollywood glitz and glamour and much more insight into what it truly takes to deliver a thrilling performance.

Sing that Thing’s Season five coaches include Anthony Trecek-King, President and Artistic Director of the Boston Children’s Chorus, Jared Bowen, Executive Arts Editor at WGBH and host of Open Studio, and Annette Phillip, vocalist and creative director of Women of the World and Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music.

From L to R: Coaches Anthony Trecek-King, Annette Phillip, and Jared Bowen Photo credit to Meredith Nierman/WGBH

Sing that Thing’s season five premiere returns to its roots in a way by showcasing a couple of talented groups from its first season. Season one returning champs Boston Arts Academy Spirituals competes with The Zumbyes from Amherst College also featured on the first season. Univoz Vocal Ensemble also joins the competition, making their debut on the show with original compositions. Sing that Thing! offers a peek into how these ensembles prepare to perform and get ready for their sheer energy! Whether singing a tender ballad or a resounding hymn, these sophisticated and lively ensembles are the real deal.

Click here for more on Sing that Thing’s new season starting on Friday, April 12 at 8 pm on WGBH 2. This program can also be seen on WGBX 44, WGBY, New Hampshire PBS, Vermont PBS, Maine Public, and CPTV – Connecticut Public Television. Apply to be a part of Sing that Thing’s sixth season here and catch up on previous episodes here. Find out more about Sing that Thing! on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using #singthatthing.

Renowned Broadway producer Ken Davenport talks Tony Awards, Hollywood, and ‘Gettin’ the Band Back Together’

Posted on May 31, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

Ambitious Tony award-winning Broadway and off-Broadway theatre producer and writer Ken Davenport has had a passion for theatre his entire life. He has produced renowned musicals from Godspell to Kinky Boots to this year’s Tony-nominated Once on This Island and helms the North American activity for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. Dedicated to bridge the gap between the stage and its audience, he is also behind an interactive theatre app, Didhelikeit as well as the hit board game, Be a Broadway Star.

Ken Davenport Photo courtesy of Ken Davenport

Ken talked to Sleepless Critic about when he first discovered the theatre, Hollywood and the Tony Awards, and his upcoming musical comedy, Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Click here for more on Ken Davenport and see who the the big winners are on the 72nd annual Tony Awards on Sunday June 10.

Hosts Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles Photo credit: Cliff_Lipson-CBS

Sleepless Critic: What awakened your interest in theatre and how did the opportunity to become a Broadway producer come about?

Ken Davenport: My mom told me I first kicked when she was watching a production of Godspell, so I think I’ve always wanted to be part of the theatre. I produced the first revival of Godspell on Broadway in 2011.

Being a producer is like starting your own business. Opportunities don’t come about. You have to make them happen.

SC: What do you like most about producing and what production did you find to be the most challenging?

KD: I love watching the audience’s expressions on their faces at the end of the show whether they are laughing, crying, or cheering. We’ve affected them and that’s a joy to watch.

The most challenging part of producing is getting everyone on the same page. It’s like getting ten people to paint the Mona Lisa.

SC: Is there a show you turned down that you ended up wishing you were a part of?

KD: Nah, I have no regrets. I’ve passed on shows that have gone on to be hits, but they weren’t me. They still wouldn’t be me, even if I had a few more bucks in my pocket. I’d much rather stay true to what I want to do.

SC: The musical, Mean Girls is one of the big Tony nominees this year and it is one of many Hollywood to Broadway musical crossovers. From Pretty Woman to Heathers, do you think that this method has been an effective way to draw a wider audience to Broadway? From what I’ve seen of Mean Girls and having recently seen Waitress, it seems to be working well.

KD: Movies have become a common source for adaptations in the last ten years, but it doesn’t guarantee success. I think the adaptations that work best are the ones that don’t have super popular source material. It’s like when a movie is made from a book. Most people think the book is better. That happens a lot when popular movies are made into musicals. It’s a very high hurdle to jump over.

SC: What has been your favorite Hollywood to Broadway crossover musical so far?

KD: Kinky Boots because I am one of the producers.

SC: From classic musicals like Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel to Spongebob Squarepants, what nominations most surprised you and which did you think should have been nominated?

KD: I think my choreographer from Once on this Island, Camille A. Brown should have been nominated as well as Alex Newell.

SC: Which do you predict will be the standout production to win? I’m sure you were thrilled when Once on This Island was nominated, a show you have produced.

KD: I think the awards this year will be spread out amongst several shows rather than one big winner taking home multiple awards.

SC: You work to make Broadway a more interactive experience. Please tell me about the apps you promote.

KD: We have an app for our website, Didhelikeit.com that gives you a snapshot of show reviews and focuses on the New York Times.

‘Gettin’ the Band Back Together’ premieres on July 19.

SC: Just a few of the productions you have worked on is Groundhog Day, Spring Awakening, and The Play That Goes Wrong. The musical comedy, Getting the Band Back Together is coming up.

KD: I’m super excited about Gettin’ the Band Back Together, which starts performances on July 19. It’s such a fun show to be a part of and totally original. It has an original story, music, etc. It’s going to be a blast so come see it!

Click here for more information on Ken Davenport and here for more on Ken’s current project, Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Hosted by Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles, find out who wins on CBS for the 72^nd annual Tony Awards on Sunday June 10 at 8 p.m. Follow The Tony Awards on Facebook.

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Performing Arts

REVIEW: Walt Disney World at its finest in fall

Gallery | Posted on November 1, 2016 by The Sleepless Critic

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party

Epcot’s Botanical Gardens

Key Lime Wine and a dish from Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival 2016

Cinderella’s Castle in October

Spaceship Earth at Epcot

Epcot’s annual International Food and Wine Festival

Bursts of orange, green and yellows adorn a landscape of huge pumpkin patches on a chilly night. Vivid mums, harvest wreaths, festive decorations, and fall colors fill the night sky in a special, nightly fireworks celebration. No, this is not fall in New England, but the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, a hidden gem for all the flavors of fall from September through November 2016. Featuring Disney’s most infamous villains, enchanting characters, and seasonal activities for the entire family, attendees are encouraged to dress up in costume for trick or treating throughout the park. Click here for more information on Disney’s extensive activities.

Along with the long list of Magic Kingdom’s wonderful, classic rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain, take some time to visit some of Disney’s spooky attractions in the spirit of the season such as Haunted Mansion, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom on Main Street. A select number of rides are open late into the night. From September 2 through October 31, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is built for all ages and features an array of Halloween shows, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, A Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular set up outside of Cinderella’s Castle, and a seasonal themed fireworks celebration.

Fall is also widely known for amazing food festivals around the country. Taking that idea and expanding it in Disney’s own unique way within Epcot’s famous World Showcase, Epcot is proud to offer their annual International Food and Wine Festival from September 14 to November 14. While Epcot’s World Showcase features the rich cultures of 11 countries from Mexico to Tokyo, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival exponentially expands on this idea for a limited time, offering enticing cuisines and beverages from 30 marketplaces. Explore and dine on fare from the Caribbean Islands, Africa, Australia, Brazil, and more. Cooking demonstrations from famous culinary chefs, exclusive wine and beers from around the world, concerts, and cultural demonstrations take place throughout the park. From sweet and fruity Hurricane Class 5 wine and key lime flavored wines sold exclusively in Florida to international wines that suit any palette, attendees can try them first with wine tastings throughout the day.

While the festival takes place, enjoy the classic and new attractions such as Norway’s new ride, Frozen, Soarin,’ Test Track, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Canada and Mexico are among the most popular attractions featured within Epcot’s World Showcase. With the holidays and the summer months among Disney World’s peak times, attendees can see a bit more without a bigger crowd, though FastPass is always recommended for optimal time saving and planning.

At Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the sun shines a little brighter than most places around the world. Having thrilled families for over 45 years, enjoy shopping, family activities, and spectacular attractions within each of the four parks. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom all offer exciting adventures throughout the year. Click here for more information about Walt Disney World, rates, exclusive offers and more. It’s never too early to start planning a trip to Disney World, no matter what time of year.