Remembering Wonderful Town

Leonard Bernstein’s career writing for the American Musical Theatre was an intermittent one, with other things on his plate as a classical composer, conductor and pianist holding equal weight among his interests. However, it was as a musical theatre composer that we best remember him. Bernstein had a knack for conveying the world of New York City through his theatre music, the hustle and bustle of the city and the adventure (and occasionally turmoil) to be found therein. Three of his musicals, On the Town (1944), Wonderful Town (1953), and West Side Story (1957) each capture a different aspect of New York City at a different time and place during the first-half of the twentieth century. Today, I am taking a look at Wonderful Town

The Great Broadway Choreographers

Dance is an essential part of most Broadway musicals and there have been many amazing choreographers over the years. Some have really stood out, either reinventing the form and purpose of dance within Broadway musicals and/or bringing a signature style to their work that has become legendary in its own right. Today, I’d like to celebrate these gods and goddesses of the world of musical theatre dance and talk a little about how each of them left their imprint on the art form.

Broadway Musical 2018-2019 Preview: Thoughts On What’s To Come

The 2018-2019 Broadway Musical Season is well underway with the recent arrivals of Head Over HeelsPretty Woman and the arrival and forthcoming closure of Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Today, I am addressing the musicals that have been officially announced for the rest of the season. This is most definitely speculation, my thoughts on what is to come and how I am feeling about the musicals readying themselves for Broadway. 

A Boat-Load of Musicals

Who doesn’t enjoy a cruise? I’ve never personally been on one, but that doesn’t stop me from fantasizing about it. Some voyages are better than others (so I’m told) but there is something exciting about the prospect. From the organized activities and entertainment to the plethora of buffets and exotic drinks served while sailing on the water, short of sea-sickness, it sounds like one could enjoy the experience. Shipboard storylines have certainly been the subject for a handful of Broadway musicals. Until I have the opportunity to secure my berth on a luxury liner, I will instead sit back and think about the Broadway musicals that have taken place aboard them.