Ricky Martin, Michael Cerveris & Elena Rogers of "Evita". Photo by Frank Ockenfels.
EVITA
Argentina’s controversial first lady returns to Broadway for the first time since her star-making original run, with a cast that includes Elena Roger and pop idol Ricky Martin.
“Despite the hard work of its spirited leading lady, the Argentine actress Elena Roger — supported by a barely there Ricky Martin and a sterling Michael Cerveris — this musical combination of history pageant and requiem Mass feels about as warmblooded as a gilded mummy.” New York Times
“This is a big, fat, juicy blockbuster of a show.” New York Post
“Even if you don’t like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music, it will hold your eye from curtain to curtain.” Wall Street Journal
“Director Michael Grandage scores with a dynamic new Evita, graced by an impressive performance from Argentinean actress Elena Roger and the ticket-selling presence of recording star Ricky Martin, who acquits himself nicely if not remarkably.” Variety
“The plot may gloss over the suffering of the oppressed, but the dance keeps it moving.” Newsday
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Paul Nolan & Chilina Kennedy in "Jesus Christ Superstar". Photo by Joan Marcus.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
After acclaimed runs at the Stratford Festival and La Jolla, Director Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) brings his signature quick-cut, pop flash to a Broadway revival of the quintessential 70′s rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice–about the final days of a certain boy from Bethlehem.
“I have to confess to finding the show alternately hilarious and preposterous — if often infectiously melodic — during the two hours’ busy traffic of Mr. McAnuff’s brisk and lucid staging.” New York Times
“Hearing excellent singers deliver these tunes through powerful, crisp amplification is a primal thrill.” New York Post
“If this rock-opera reimagining of the ‘Greatest Story Ever Told’ is far from ageless and seems unlikely to spark major new insights for believers or non-believers, as a time-travel experience it offers plenty to enjoy.” The Hollywood Reporter
“This may be Jesus’ story, but the stars of the production are Lloyd Webber’s psychedelic melodies and Tim Rice’s beautifully unfussy lyrics. And they sound sensational.” Entertainment Weekly
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"Love Never Dies". Photo by Jeff Busby.
Get ready for more music of the night–just not on Broadway. Love Never Dies, the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s smash musical The Phantom of the Opera (which celebrated its 10,000th performance this month), will finally hit the US but only at movie theaters on Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, March 7. After scathing reviews in London halted a scheduled Broadway production (Coney Island? The Phantom ends up in Coney Island?), a revised version opened in Melbourne, Australia to some acclaim, renewing hope for fans that the show might rise from the ashes. For now, though, Phantom lovers will have to make do with a filmed performance from Down Under.
Check out the preview for the DVD release of Love Never Dies and some sneak peeks at songs in a “opening night” video: Read more…
