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Movie Review: “Dear Evan Hansen” Plays a Powerful Song

“Dear Evan Hansen” is the Tony Award winning Broadway musical that’s been adored by millions. But for some reason, the film adaption doesn’t seem to be translating to audiences.

Sadly, I have yet to see this musical on Broadway, but look forward to one day hearing the soundtrack performed live. I am clearly in the minority of my colleagues, but I enjoyed this movie. I went in completely blind. I didn’t know the storyline or a single song beforehand; maybe that’s why it was easy for me to fall for this film.

For those who also might not know anything about this premise, “Dear Evan Hansen” follows Evan (Ben Platt) – a socially awkward High School senior with an absentee father, a loving mom (Julianne Moore) who is constantly working, and not a single friend to sign the cast on his broken arm. In an effort to help with his anxiety, Evan’s therapist suggests he write a letter to himself, encouraging himself throughout the day.

On a random day at school, the brooding at times hostile student, Connor Murphy (Colton Ryan) decides to sign Evan’s cast. The sweet moment is short lived because he finds one of Evan’s letters in where it mentions Connor’s sister, Zoe (Kaitlyn Dever) – Evan’s crush. He angrily pushes Evan, steals the letter, and keeps it in his coat. The next day, Evan is called to the principal’s office where Connor’s parents (Amy Adams and Danny Pino) are waiting for him. Connor has committed suicide. The only note he had on him was Evan’s letter, which they believe Connor wrote for him. The letter paired with his signature on Evan’s cast convinces his parents that this was his one true friend. In that moment, Evan can’t help but go along with the lie. He has good intentions, but the events that follow can be tough to watch.

I’ll admit, when this film gets going and the talented cast is pouring their heart into a heavy conversation about depression, suicide, or internal struggles, it can take you out of the moment when one someone suddenly burst into song. Most of the time you forget this film is a musical until the singing starts again. However, once the music begins, and you’re actually listening to the lyrics, you’re pulled back in by the powerful message the songs have to tell. And I guess there’s backlash for Platt playing the role of a high schooler at age 27, but I’m not sure why? Adults have played High School teens for years in film and television. Platt looks the age and embodies the high anxiety, awkward character, not to mention, his voice is incredible. It’s a true gift for fans of the Broadway show to see Platt reprise this role.

The majority of the high-profile cast do a wonderful job. But praise should be given to Kaitlyn Dever who plays the role of Zoe so effortlessly. She excels in her delivery and emotion as a sister who struggles to grieve the brother that was so cruel to her.

The runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes is a bit long, but I’m not sure what to cut out. Every scene felt vital to the story. It’s understanding not everyone will be able to bare the length of this somber tale, but the film does end on an uplifting note.

“Dear Evan Hansen” may not be a smooth track, but it provides a compelling message that is still relevant to teens today: be kind and make efforts to those kids in school who are closed off and have difficulty building relationships. I remember those students. At times I even felt like those students.

Though it won’t appeal to everyone, “Dear Evan Hansen” is an emotional and heartwarming musical.

Rating: B-

Interview: “In the Heights” w/ Filmmakers & Cast

(Left Center-Right Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi and MELISSA BARRERA as Vanessa in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

“In the Heights” was Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway show and now it’s come to the big screen as a vibrant, toe-tapping film. Set over the course of three days, the film follows a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights. Each of them have a dream or goal they hope to accomplish. I spoke with some of the cast and filmmakers to discuss the movie, what reminds them of the best day of their lives, and more.

“In the Heights” opens in theaters and HBOMax on June 11.

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Disney’s FROZEN Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals

Tickets to Disney’s Frozen, The Hit Broadway Musical, Go On Sale Friday, March 6, 2020. The Spectacular New Musical Will Play an Exclusive Four-Week Engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park June 17 – July 12, 2020

Dallas, TX (March 4, 2020)Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) are pleased to announce tickets to Disney’s Frozen will go on sale Friday, March 6, 2020. From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, will play an exclusive four-week premiere engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with performances playing through Sunday, July 12, 2020. Opening night is set for Thursday, June 18 at 7:30pm.  

Single tickets for Disney’s Frozen start at $20 (pricing subject to change) and are available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 800-982-2787. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Frozen

Frozen has joined Disney Theatrical hits The Lion King and Aladdin on tour across North America, and the critics agree, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has emerged as the biggest hit musical of the last two Broadway seasons, breaking four house records at the legendary St. James Theatre, its New York home where it is currently celebrating its second smash year.

“Disney’s struck gold! Sumptuous sets, gorgeous costumes, and plenty of special effects to wow the audience!” raves the New York Post. “With the magic, the dancing, and all those iconic tunes, Frozen was born to be a stage musical!” exclaims the Evening Standard, and The Telegraph declares, “Frozen will burn up Broadway for years to come!”

In addition to the North American tour and Broadway companies, Frozen’s global footprint will soon expand to include London, Australia, Japan, and Hamburg.

A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first.

Frozen is melting hearts on Broadway and across the country in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Joining them on a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards are Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).

The design team for Frozen includes scenic and costume design by two-time Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram, lighting design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, sound design by seven-time Tony nominee Peter Hylenski, video design by Tony winner Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, makeup design by Anne Ford-Coates, and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.

Two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus is music supervisor and creates vocal, incidental and dance arrangements. He is joined on the music team by Tony nominee Dave Metzger (orchestrations), Chris Montan (executive music producer), David Chase (additional dance arrangements), and Faith Seetoo (music director).

An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

Frozen is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

For information or to register for advance ticket access notifications, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

DSM Announces Performer Lineup for 2018 Gala: Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Shoshana Bean

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS UNVEILS TALENT TRIFECTA
JANE LYNCH, MATTHEW MORRISON AND SHOSHANA BEAN TO PERFORM AT
DSM’s 2018 GALA

Image result for jane lynch and matthew morrison

Mark your calendars for An Evening with the Best of Broadway on November 3, 2018. All proceeds support Dallas Summer Musicals and its education and community programs.

Dallas, TX (June 7, 2018) – After much anticipation, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) has finally revealed the talent lineup for its unforgettable annual Gala, An Evening with the Best of Broadway. At a launch party held this week, 2018 DSM Gala Co-Chairs Cara Owens and John Clutts unveiled, to much excitement, a talented trifecta of performers for the event, including notable actors Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison, famed for their work in the musical-comedy television series Glee and renowned Broadway performer Shoshana Bean. Surprise special guests, to be announced at a later date, will join the star-studded lineup for a spectacular evening of Broadway.

“We are ecstatic to announce this lineup of powerhouse names set to perform at the 2018 DSM Gala,” said Owens. “Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Shoshana Bean all possess an exceptional breadth of talent that will wow every guest in attendance,” agreed Clutts.

The 2018 DSM Gala lineup showcases three artists who have each risen through the ranks to achieve their independent success. These versatile performers have garnered immeasurable success and recognition through their work on Broadway and in the television, film and music industries.

Lynch, who will serve as the event’s emcee, is renowned for her comedic timing and versatile range. She is best known for starring alongside Morrison in the hit television show Glee as the one-liner powerhouse coach “Sue Sylvester”. For her role as Sylvester, Lynch won numerous awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. In addition to her role on Glee, Lynch has garnered a long list of film and television credits, including roles in Julie & Julia, The Three Stooges, Talladega Nights and more. Lynch made her Broadway debut in 2013 as “Miss Hannigan” in a production of Annie.

Morrison has also accumulated a vast collection of reputable career spotlights, receiving his big break after winning the role of “Link Larkin” in 2002 the original Broadway cast of Hairspray. He was nominated for a Tony® Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza and most recently appeared on Broadway as “J.M. Barrie” in Finding Neverland for which he received two Drama Desk Award nominations. His other Broadway credits include roles in Footloose, 10 Million Miles and the Tony® Award-winning revival of South Pacific. Alongside Lynch, Morrison rose to fame for his role as glee club director “Will Schuester” in Glee.

Bean is highly regarded in the Broadway community for her varied and versatile performances. She is best known for being the first to take over the role of “Elphaba” in the original Broadway production of Wicked, following the departure of Idina Menzel. Her most recent Broadway credits include “Fanny Brice” in Funny Girl and “Cee-Cee Bloom” in the new musical adaptation of Beaches, for which she earned a Jeff Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Bean has lent her voice to countless films and television shows and her four independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes charts, with her latest album Spectrum landing at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts.

An Evening with the Best of Broadway is an annual celebration of DSM and the magic of musical theatre. Proceeds will support the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the very best of Broadway to North Texas and its education and community programs. DSM brings the beauty of musical theatre to many through programs such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Vets, Seats for Kids, Kid’s Club, Hear Us Now!™ and the DSM Community Performance.

Guests will enjoy an incredible culinary experience, luxury auction items and an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment. This will be a wonderful opportunity to indulge in everything you love about Broadway and the DSM experience at the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.

Gala giving opportunities are available online at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org. For more information please call the DSM Development office at 214-426-6333.

Dallas Performing Arts Organizations Elevate the Arts this Holiday Season!

Dallas, TX (December 1, 2017) – AT&T Performing Arts Center (AT&T PAC), Dallas Summer Musicals
(DSM), Dallas Theater Center (DTC) and Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) today announced a new holiday
collaboration to elevate the arts by offering a buy one get one free offer to four holiday productions.
Celebrate Holiday Classics allows people to experience the magic of Broadway, ballet and theatre at an
affordable price.

“The holidays are a time of opportunity and together we wanted to help our patrons create memories
that will last a lifetime by making each of our productions more accessible to the public,” said Kenneth
T. Novice, president of Dallas Summer Musicals. “We live in a world-class city with a thriving arts
community and our goal is to make the magic of the performing arts widely available through
collaborations such as Celebrate Holiday Classics.”

“As arts organizations, we felt this was an opportunity for all of us together to make an offer so even
more people can enjoy the wonderful tradition of taking in a show during the holidays,” said Doug
Curtis, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center.

For a limited time, patrons can purchase a buy one ticket get one ticket free offer to four holiday classics
presented by the different participating organizations. The Celebrate Holiday Classics offer can be
applied online with the use of unique offer codes December 2-3, 2017 through the corresponding
website of every organization or in person December 2, 2017 at the AT&T PAC box office from 2:00-8:30
p.m.

“Dallas Theater Center is very pleased to be collaborating with three of the leading arts institutions in
North Texas in a program designed to bring families together during the holidays,” said Jeff Woodward,
managing director of Dallas Theater Center. “As those that are able to attend our production of A
Christmas Carol find out, even Ebenezer Scrooge would approve of this wonderful partnership.”

Celebrate Holiday Classics programming includes:

– DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL presented by AT&T PAC
– IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS presented by DSM
– A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by DTC
– THE NUTCRACKER presented by TBT

“Texas Ballet Theater is excited to be part of this collaboration with our fellow arts organizations in
Dallas,” said Vanessa Logan, executive director of Texas Ballet Theater. “Ben Stevenson’s Nutcracker is
the first ballet for many, which becomes a cherished holiday tradition for the whole family. It provides
an opportunity to share the art of dance through a story we all know and love.”

“We support the arts because it is part of who we are,” said Monica Sales, public relations manager of
Klyde Warren Park. “We are the backyard of the arts district and it is important for us to provide a
diverse array of programming to share with all of our patrons.”

Celebrate Holiday Classics Details:

Purchase Period:
– December 2-3, 2017

Purchase Points:
– In Person (December 2 only)
o At the AT&T PAC box office from 2:00-8:30 p.m.
– Online (December 2-3)
o A CHRISTMAS CAROL (www.DallasTheaterCenter.org)
Offer Code: BOGODTC
o DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL (www.ATTPAC.org)
Offer Code: BOGOATT
o IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS (www.DallasSummerMusicals.org)
Offer Code: BOGODSM
o THE NUTCRACKER (www.TexasBalletTheater.org)
Offer Code: BOGOTBT

Theatre Review: “Beauty & the Beast” is a Terrifically Enchanting Musical

Rating: 4.5/5

It’s as true as it can be.  Disney fans will be in bliss as they watch one of the most beloved classics come alive on stage. Beauty & the Beast performed as a Broadway musical may seem like a tough feat with the surely difficult theatrics that the play would need to pull off.  Fortunately, AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House put on a magical show that the whole family will enjoy.

Beauty & the Beast is one of the most beautiful tales of how the beauty within prevails over any outer appearance.  When Belle (Hilary Maiberger) sacrifices her own freedom in exchange for her fathers, she is forced to stay in an enchanted castle that is run by an angry and bitter Beast (Darick Pead).  To ease her distress, Belle is comforted by the other unusual members of the house who happen to be a candle stick, a clock, and tea pot.   Little does she know that the fate of everyone around her, including the Beast, hinge on whether or not she can fall in love with someone who looks like a monster.

Following the original Disney animated feature, this musical still contains the same script and music, but has added a few originals songs that go along with the familiar score.  The new songs blended in perfectly with the story, but they were no match for the classic soundtrack we all love to sing.  When “Gaston” is performed by the tavern patrons and the well-played arrogant Gaston (Tim Rogan), you might think “it doesn’t get any better than this.”  The musical number is humorous, creatively choreographed, and thoroughly entertaining.  But you have spoken too soon, because you have yet to witness the luminous, breath taking, work of art that is “Be Our Guest.”   The song begins with the voice of Hassan Nazari-Robati, who gives a stand out performance as the hilarious talking candle stick, Lumiere.  Hassan, along with the eloquent Kristin Stewart (not Twilight) who plays Mrs. Potts, lead the rest of the enchanted objects in a colorful dance that is enhanced by the vibrant set design (Stanley A. Meyer) and well produced lighting (Natasha Katz).  I am delighted to know that I will surely dream about dancing plates and silverware tonight.

They could not have cast a more perfect Belle.  Hilary Maiberger is no stranger to playing a Disney princess.  Having played Cinderella and Jasmine in previous musicals, she handled the role of Belle with such ease, and not once did she over act her character.  Her vocals are incredible, best out of the entire cast.  When she sings, goose bumps appear, as well as a smile on your face.  Her leading man played by Darick Pead did a fantastic job as the intimidating, yet sometimes juvenile Beast.

Beauty & the Beast the musical throws in some extra comedic moments that will only add to your laughter, and music that you will want to add to your play list.  I could go on and on about this lively performance, but I’d rather you allow yourself to be a guest and take pleasure in this remarkable “tale as old as time.”

Musical Review: White Christmas Illuminates The Stage With Color And Joy At Fair Park

Though we may not be wishing for a “white” Christmas this year after the Icepocalypse weekend,  Dallas Summer Musicals has brought snow to Dallas in a safe and fun way for the entire family to enjoy.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a holiday classic, and if you have seen the film, the stage adaptation follows the same storyline.  The story of two showbiz buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, as they team up in business and romance with a sister act to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.

The musical showcases a slew of talented performers.  Featuring James Clow as “Bob Wallace,” David Elder as “Phil Davis,” Trista Moldovan as “Betty Haynes” and Meredith Patterson as “Judy Haynes.”  All four are no strangers to the theater, having done numerous Broadway shows.  Each principal character brought a stand out factor to their performances.  Davis and Patterson bring constant laughs with their hilarious tumultuous relationship.  They also kill it in one of the best tap dancing performances I have ever seen at the top of the second act.  But, I will come back to that in a moment.  Moldovan gives jaw dropping power ballad solos that will leave you in awe.  Clow not only has an amazing singing voice, but he also has an incredible speaking voice that makes you feel as if you have traveled back to 1954.  Also appearing in the play is Ruth Williamson as “Martha Watson,” Joseph Costa as “General Waverly,” and the unbelievably too young to be that talented, 9 year-old Shannon Harrington as “Susan Waverly.”  This is Harrington’s second year in a row playing Susan for the national Broadway tour.  I can only imagine where this kid will be at age 16, but something tells me a Tony Award could be involved.

The production of the play was phenomenal.  Director, Norb Joerder deserves enormous praise, as does his entire cast and crew, for the dazzling set design and the quick background changes as each scene passed.  I’m still amazed by how many different set designs Anna Louizos produced, and by how well crafted they were.  Speaking of quick changes, I wish I had counted how many costume changes there were, but I would have lost track.   Costume designer, Carrie Robbins, might just be the scene stealer of the whole show with her numerous eye-widening outfits.   Designed with a variety of color and different styles from short shorts to winter evening wear.  It was like a 1950’s mini fashion show; you can’t wait to see what they will be wearing next!

The musical moves quickly, and at the beginning of Act II the time will really fly.  It starts with my favorite scene out of the show, an impressive tap dance number led by Phil and Judy along with the Chorus. Truly breath-taking choreography.

White Christmas is the perfect show to take your family to during this Christmas break.  There’s laughter, there’s love, there’s music, and best of all there’s snow!

WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL is performing at Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park thru December 29th.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com