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SPAMALOT
SPAMALOT retured to taunt Nashville a second timeWhen Spamalot first played Nashville a few years back, folks both flocked and howled and this year, with hometown cast members Thomas DeMarcus and Joe Beuerlein, Spamalot was a smash hit in Nashville yet again!
Country Singer Chuck Wicks took time to stop backstage and greet the company.
Great reviews, sold out houses and many special guests made Nashville another great stop on this seasons hugely successful tour.
The Votes are in...
After an intense internal auditing process, the results are in for the 2011 DC Awards! This year's awards broke traffic records and Broadway World couldn't be more excited to announce the 2011 BroadwayWorld DC Award winners!
Best Leading Actress in a Musical TOURING
Dayna Jarae Dantzler - The Color Purple - National Theatre
Best Featured Actress in a Musical TOURING
Taprena Augustine - The Color Purple - National Theatre
Nominations were open for the month of October 2011, and voting ran through midnight on December 31, 2011.
Phoenix Entertainment sends out big congratulations to last seasons Celie and Shug for taking home the top prize.
The Color Purple - Take 2
After a critically successful first season, Phoenix Entertainment is thrilled to be presenting THE COLOR PURPLE again this season. Taking on the strong female leading roles in the production are:
Ashley Ware as Miss Celie
Deidra Grace as Sofia
and returning favorite, Taprena Augustine as Shug Avery.
This life changing production is not to be missed. Check out the tour schedule at www.colorpurple.com
NEW YEARS in CHARLOTTE, N.C.
We are ROCKIN Charlotte this week and ringing in 2012 at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Have a safe and Rockin' New Year!
NOMINATIONS ARE IN...
Already winners in our book, these three fantastic women have been nominated for the Broadway World, Washington D.C. Award for their outstanding performances in THE COLOR PURPLE when the tour visited The National Theatre last season.
CLICK HERE to vote for these dynamic performances.
Best Featured Actress in a Musical TOURING: Taprena Augustine as Shug Avery, Pam Trotter as Sofia
Best Leading Actress in a Musical TOURING: Dayna Jarae Dantzler as Celie
The Color Purple returns to the road January, 2012. www.colorpurple.com
ROCK OF AGES rocks New Orleans
Director Kristin Hanggi paid a visit to the ROA company in New Orleans where critics said:
'Rock of Ages' rocks the house at Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans"
"Neither rock nor theater fans will be disappointed. Bring your lighters for the power ballad."
"This five-time Tony-nominated musical has it all; awesome ‘80s music, a live band, outrageous costumes and great timing. Grab your friends, and re-live the rock!"
PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT DOES IT AGAIN!
With their national Tours of Monty Python’s Spamalot and Rock of Ages officially open and touring the country - rave reviews are rolling in!!!
"The acting and singing are spectacular" - The Brown Daily Herald
"The show’s blazing finale, when the talented cast and a pulsing five-piece band belt out "Don’t Stop Believin’," was definitely worth the price of admission." - Providence Journal
"Columbo is top-rate as the amusing Lonny, a true rocker with a gentle side. He’s lewd and crude, and often flat-out funny as he drops the fourth wall to draw the audience into the show." - WPRO
"Lead guitarist Chris Cicchino often steals the show, spinning out awesome solo riffs. And there are some real solid singers among the cast, including Dominique Scott's Drew and Matt Nolan, who plays the self-absorbed Stacee, who tries to get Sherrie fired after having sex with her in the men’s room of the Bourbon Room. Both Scott and Nolan are rock band material." - Providence Journal
"Stunning performances from the ensemble create a great background for the supporting players." - MD Theatre Guide
"Arthur Rowan makes a worthy King Arthur. Brittany Woodrow brings a terrific voice and styling to the role of the Lady of the the Lake. Kasidy Devlin has a great fling as Sir Robin, as does Marylander Adam Grabau portraying Sir Lancelot, the French Taunter and a couple of other choice parts." - The Baltimore Sun
"But the real prize is The Lady of the Lake. Brittany Woodrow belts her heart out during the show, finding her own unique jazzy style to really own the characterHer voice is uniquely her own and so powerful that it will blow you right out of your seat. She commands her role as diva to perfection, especially during her big solo number "Whatever Happened to My Part?" Woodrow belts in anger and frustration that she’s been deceived by the producers, truly giving that sense of over-inflated ego despite her raw talent. A true masterpiece to watch on the stage." MD Theatre Guide
ROCK OF AGES kicked off its National tour with a hugely successful opening in Providence, R.I. on Oct 4th, 2011.
"The show's blazing finale, when the talented cast and a pulsing five-piece band belt out "Don't Stop Believin," was definitely worth the price of admission." - Providence Journal
Phoenix Entertainment is thrilled to present year two of their smash hit National Tour of Monty Python's Spamalot currently in New York City preparing to "fart in the general direction" of Baltimore, MD where preview performances begin October 8th and 9th at The Lyric Opera House.
Returning favorites Linda Neel, Melissa Denise Lopez, Thomas DeMarcus, Jacob L. Smith and Adam Grabau join a fantastic, all new company preparing to take this hilarious musical back on the road.
Rock of Ages began technical rehearsals this week in York PA. at The Pullo Center. The cast has taken to the set, designed by Beowulf Boritt, and Rock of Ages' Tony Award nominated Lighting Designer Jason Lyons has joined us to work his magic...and the show looks AWESOME already!
The Tony Award nominated costume design of Gregory Gale will be the next step on the journey to the first preview performance on Friday, Sept 30th. www.rockofagesontour.com
Phoenix Entertainment is thrilled to introduce Arthur Rowan and Brittany Woodrow who will be taking on the roles of King Arthur and The Lady of the Lake in the 2011/2012 National Tour of Monty Python’s SPAMALOT. Visit www.montypythonsspamalot.com for other castng news and ticket information.
See you in the fall...
The 2010/11 National Tour of Monty Python's Spamalot wraps up the 2010/2011 season after two amazing weeks in Dallas, Texas.
The Spamalot road crew has loaded this production in and out of every venue from the East to the West and will resume again in Baltimore, Maryland in early Fall for the 2011/2012 season. Experience the Spamalot venue load out.
Dallas critics have said:
"Bowman's performance throughout the evening stole the show. She was simply brilliant."
"Glenn Giron was perfect as the working class Patsy"
"John Garry, who gets a big, early laugh as Not Dead Fred and then steals the show later on as the lad-in-distress, Herbert. We laugh in his general direction."
"Monty Python's Spamalot' at Dallas Summer Musicals succeeds in quest for laughs"
Meet Drew and Sherrie
Phoenix Entertainment is proud to introduce our audiences to Dominique Scott and Shannon Mullen who will be rockin' across the country as Drew and Sherrie in the 2011/2012 National Tour of ROCK OF AGES.
It ain't gonna be nothin' but a good time!
Phoenix Entertainment Couldn’t be Prouder of Our
Very Own Miss Celie!
Dayna Dantzler with her
Rogert Sturtevant Award
Dayna Dantzler is the recipient of the seventh annual Roger Sturtevant Musical Theatre Awards, named for the beloved casting director who passed away in 2003. The award is given to Equity Membership Candidates (EMCs) who have demonstrated outstanding abilities in the field of musical theatre. The award consists of a certificate accompanied by a $1000 check.
Dayna Dantzler has been interested in theater since she was a child watching musical theater on videos, but it was a theatre production class, under the direction of her favorite theatre teacher, John Rutherford, that sparked her interest to pursue it as a career. She was cast in her first musical, CINDERELLA, at the age of 7, and later went to high school at Warren Fitzgerald in Warren, MI.
Dayna's first "professional theater audition" was during her sophomore year of college at Western Michigan University for Theatre Performance. "I auditioned for three summer stock theatres and received offers from two of them. Funny enough, the theatre I did not get an offer from, I felt was my best audition."
Elphaba in WICKED and Felicia in MEMPHIS are two of the many roles Dayna is eager to play. Her favorite role that she has been cast in so far is 'Celie' in THE COLOR PURPLE. "It is an iconic role played by incredibly talented women and it is a blessing to be a part of that legacy. Plus it is the most physically, emotionally, and vocally challenging role I've ever had, and I love a challenge."
Dayna received the news that she was the recipient of the 2011 Roger Sturtevant Award from AEA Foundation Coordinator Anne Fortuno. "Receiving this award means that I am on the right track. I am right where I am supposed to be in this journey called life. It also means that my work is appreciated and I am one step closer to opportunities that are still to come. I am so grateful to Jane and Cliff Johnson who founded this award, and the panel at Actors' Equity for giving a voice to those of us trying to get our foot through the door!"
Dayna can currently be seen as Celie in the touring company of THE COLOR PURPLE. She has been performing with the touring company since February 2010 and the show will run through June of this year.
Story Courtesy of Actors Equity.
The Color Purple at The National Theatre
Having opened in Washington DC on April 12th for a two week run, The Color Purple has been getting great notices.
Nelson Pressley from The Washington Post says:
"The women, of course, are especially winning. Dayna Jarae Dantzler loosens up beautifully as Celie evolves from cowering victim to self-possessed entrepreneur. Taprena Augustine glows with style as the singer and universal lust object Shug Avery, while Pam Trotter is amusingly imperious as Sofia, who dominates her husband but fights a losing battle with white Southern law. All three performers have an engaging ease with the folksy comedy and romantic stirrings of the Marsha Norman book, and vocally they’re up to the pop and blues of the score, co-written by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray."
ABC TV sat down with members of The Color Purple to reflect on the history Oprah Winfrey's involvement in bringing this great story to the stage.
Phoenix Website Wins Silver Addy
In February of 2011, the Phoenix Entertainment website was presented with a Silver Addy in the category for "Website, Consumer HTML, Services" at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Greater Frederick Addy Awards. Working closely with their design agency Wood Street,Inc., Phoenix Entertainment built a creative showcase for their internationally acclaimed theatrical productions. The new website design compliments Phoenix Entertainments amazing theatrical work by creating an atmosphere of warmth and subtle elegance through the use of color and subtle textures that also tell a story about the company and productions on each page of the website.
Wood Street was extremely proud with the final result of the website and having the opportunity to work with such a creative client. "This website has a lot of different elements in it, including Flash, audio and video. It was a lot of fun creating this very unique design and working closely with Phoenix Entertainment" remarked Jamie Stup, Creative Director at Wood Street.
About the Award:
Each year the American Advertising Federation of Greater Frederick presents "Addy Awards" to area design firms for work in print, interactive media, websites, and more.
Lil' Mo joins The Color Purple in D.C.
R&B star Lil' Mo will join the cast of 'The Color Purple' for an Easter engagement in the Nation's Capital.
The pint-sized vocal powerhouse will guest star as the Church Soloist from April 12 to 24 when the production plays the National Theatre in Washington, DC.
"When I got the call to be part of the production, I was so excited," said Lil' Mo. "This is a dream come true – I'm honored, and most of all, grateful."
Lil' Mo currently hosts 'The Lil' Mo Show' on WPGC 95.5 FM in Washington, DC and is putting the final touches on a forthcoming R&B CD, 'P.S. I Love, Me.'
SPAMALOT - Going Strong!!!
The Shubert - New Haven, Connecticut
"The cast is wonderful throughout, as is the production design, all modified from the original, Broadway production."
- New Haven Register
Kingsbury Hall - Salt Lake City, Utah
"The funniest show on earth is back to taunt Salt Lake City for a second time!"
-Now Playing Utah
The Fabulous Fox Theatre - St Louis, Missouri
"it is probably one of the funniest stage plays to ever grace the stage at the Fabulous Fox, and there is a lot of grand spectacle to boot. Come for the Monty Python references, stay for the outrageous storyline, the incredible amount of costume changes, and the amazingly talented performers."
-Review St Louis
SPAMALOT - Making a difference in New Orleans!!!
On December 16th, the Spamalot cast presented a special cabaret performance, “Shining Our Beacon of Hope..Alot,” at The Oz on Bourbon Street. This was a great evening of musical numbers by the members of the Spamalot touring company with all proceeds going to benefit the nonprofit Beacon of Hope.
For more info, visit www.lakewoodbeacon.org
Humorous take lifts NOCCA students
Spamalot' duo has captive audience
The laughter and chatter of the last day before winter break filled Lupin Hall at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts on Friday as musical theater students had their last dance lesson of 2010. But it wasn't the end of school that had them in such good spirits. In fact, when a teacher reminded students how long it would be before they would see each other again, the class groaned.
Much of the laughter emanated from the room where dance captains of the traveling production of "Monty Python's Spamalot" (Michael Warrell and Jessica Wockenfuss) set up to offer some professional instruction.
"This was definitely one of the best master classes we've had so far," said student Alexa Hernandez, 16. "It was really, really fun."
NOCCA musical theater students are accustomed to visits from professionals -- they had a similar class when the traveling production of "Wicked" came to New Orleans. Now that the touring cast of "Spamalot" has set up camp at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for a week, the production's two dance captains came to NOCCA to teach a portion of the choreography to the song "Knights of the Round Table."
To read the rest of this article - CLICK HERE
The Color Purple wows San Jose, CA
"Every dance was simply outstanding"
"Every single actor is incredible in the show."
"The singing, dancing and acting talent on stage at any one time was just unbelievable."
"The production itself is the best of the season"
Phoenix Entertainment is beyond proud to be represented on the road with this outstanding
production of THE COLOR PURPLE!
SPAMALOT continues to play to sold out houses and rave reviews!!
On November 8th, The Garde Arts Center in New London, CT presented Monty Python's SPAMALOT. "What was striking here, though, was how good - really good - the cast of this touring production was. From leads Steve McCoy as King Arthur and Caroline Bowman as the Lady of the Lake through the whole ensemble, the performers did not disappoint. They were dynamic singers and, even more important when it comes to Python, they possessed the perfect sense of irreverence." - The New London Daily
The Garde Arts Center created this great marketing tool that played on the outside of their theatre.
Credit: Killer Minnow, Garde Arts Center, and the HB Group.
THE CRITICS SPEAK LOUD AND CLEAR –
PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT IS A TRIPLE THREAT ON THE ROAD!
Spamalot officially opened to glowing reviews and standing ovations in Waterbury CT.
5 out of 5 stars!!!
“This is one touring production that really looks and sounds just like Broadway.”
“Waterbury audiences are the first to see the finished production and from the sounds of the cat whistles, thunderous applause, and cheers on opening night, they loved it. There's a lot to cheer about, here.”
“This particular production features an exceptional cast brimming with talent and charisma.”
"Dantzler is so convincing as Celie that the show takes off with her first moment on stage and never lets the vivid show lag"
"Dantzler is perfect as Celie, from the girl’s meek and desolate beginnings to her growing triumph as she begins to draw on her inner strength. As a singer, she’s irresistible. From hope (“Somebody Gonna Love You”) to longing (“What About Love”) to triumph (“I’m Here”), she masters the range vocally and emotionally. There is clarity to her words and most especially in her emotions as she draws the audience to her tragedy-laced tale."
Opened in Chicago at The Bank of America Theatre
CLICK HERE FOR CHICAGO TRIBUNE REVIEW
“very well produced and performed”
“The casting in this show could not be anymore spot on. To go into to how funny and how talented everyone is, would take some time.”
“the cast delivers strong rock vocals and are backed up by a very solid band.”
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
We have reached the end of technical rehearsals!
Having spent the last two weeks out of town, preparing for their preview performances, the company incorporated set, costumes, lighting and many fantastic special effects.
They are now ready to add the final element - THE AUDIENCE.
Previews begin on September 24th and 25th at the beautiful Palace Theatre in Waterbury, CT.
Visit www.montypythonsspamalot.com for ticket and tour information
Proudly celebrating Our 10th Season!
IN REHEARSALS with Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
SingALOT, DanceALOT and LaughALOT
Rehearsals are underway for the 2010/2011 national tour in New York City at Chelsea Studios. On Sept 13th the cast will journey forth to Waterbury, Connecticut in search of the Holy Grail and in preperation for preview performances on Sept. 24th and 25th. Visit www.montypythonsspamalot.com for tour and ticket information.
WE ARE BACK AND MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE!
THE COLOR PURPLE REOPENS IN MEMPHIS.
On Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, THE COLOR PURPLE kicked off season two with continued rave reviews!
“The musical staging of director Gary Griffin and choreographer Donald Byrd is ingenious and effervescent”
“THE COLOR PURPLE, with its brand-new cast and their seemingly bottomless reservoir of energy, is a musical that is simply not to be missed. It will surely be one of the most fondly remembered shows the 2010 theater season.”
Follow the tour at www.colorpurple.com
GREASE Istanbul, Turkey 2010
Phoenix continued its decade long association with ever-popular musical sensation GREASE when it traveled to Istanbul,Turkey.
Featuring Broadway’s Derek Keeling (Grease), Brandi Burkhardt (Mamma Mia and A Tale of Two Cities) and Turkey’s hottest male star, Kivanc Tatlitug as Teen Angel, GREASE rocked an exclusive engagement at the Kurucesme Pavillion on the breathtaking shoreline of the Bosphorus Sea.
Rama Lama Ding Dong!
www.greaseturkey.com
We’re gonna ROCK!
Phoenix Entertainment is production managing and offering their technical expertise to the 1st national tour of the Broadway smash “ROCK OF AGES’ opening in Chicago at the Bank of America theatre on September 21st.
Monty Python’s Spamalot – Opening Sept 2010
Phoenix Entertainment will launch the 2010/2011 tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot in Waterbury, CT at the beautiful Palace theatre on September 24th.
Leading the cast will be Steve McCoy as King Arthur and Caroline Bowman as The Lady of the Lake.
The Color Purple Launches in Omaha, Nebraska!
After highly successful preview performances at The Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, Phoenix Entertainment officially opened its 2010/2011 National Tour to a fantastic crowd in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, March 16th.
The first review appeared in the Omaha World Herald and declared...
"CAST SHINES LIKE GOLD IN 'COLOR PURPLE'
What a pleasure it is to see a Broadway touring musical with the meaty substance of "The Color Purple."
And what a treat to see it done so well. Thanks especially to the terrific actresses in the shows featured roles, this "Color Purple" clearly entertained and inspired an opening-night crowd of 1,785 at the Orpheum Theater on Tuesday."
Brenda Russel and The Company of The Color Purple!
Tony and Grammy nominated singer songwriter Brenda Russell recently spent time with the cast and creative staff in New York City. The co-composer and lyricist of this Tony award winning musical was in New York to lend her support for the upcoming National Tour. Thanks Brenda!
The Color Purple
Phoenix Entertainment is poised to launch the next National Tour of
The Phoenix team is elated to have reunited the original Broadway team that includes Director Gary Griffin, Choreographer Donald Byrd, Scenic Designer John Lee Beatty, Costume Designer Paul Tazewell and Lighting Designer Brian MacDevitt to craft a fresh new take on this soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer-Prize winning novel by Alice Walker.
Critics have called THE COLOR PURPLE “a roof-raising story of triumph” and “one of the most uplifting and thrilling nights spent in any theatre.”
The new tour launches at Omaha’s fabulous Orpheum Theatre on March 16th. Stay tuned for more exciting news as THE COLOR PURPLE begins yet another amazing chapter of life in the hearts and through the heartland of America.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! NOT DEAD YET!!
Phoenix Entertainment proudly resurrects the next coming of
Performances commence this September and will run for an eternity.
The 2005 Tony Award winning Best Musical, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT is an outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest to find the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen, gorgeous showgirls adorning lavish sets and costumes that frame show stopping musical numbers are but a few of the reasons that crowds worldwide can’t get enough SPAMALOT. Join in the fun. It’s Jolly Good!
Opening September, 2010
Taking China by Storm! Currently On Tour
Phoenix Entertainment is now presenting its critically acclaimed production of FAME throughout Mainland China where it’s currently playing to capacity crowds.. After its Shanghai launch in late 2009, it has since played Suzhou, Xi’an, Wuhan and Nanning to name but a few markets. FAME will wrap up its tour of the mainland in Beijing next month and is now slated to begin a full tour of the Asian rim beginning in September.
The performing company eagerly awaits their opening night in Beijing on February 7th. While enjoying the Chinese capital city, the company will visit The Great Wall and The Forbidden City by day, and by night continue to bring a large slice of American Musical Theatre to the amazing people of the People’s Republic.
"Remember My Name" - in Chinese! Mandarin FAME wows Beijing at Chinese premiere
Thirty years following the award winning 1980 movie classic hit the silver screen and fifteen years since its record breaking launch as a smash-hit live stage musical that continues to charm audiences worldwide, FAME has now touched mainland China in a very special way. In association with the prestigious Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, and in cooperation with Nederlander New Century, Phoenix Entertainment made its first venture into China with a knock-out hit! The critics raved and the crowds cheered.
FAME was graciously sanctioned for this presentation in China by conceiver David De Silva (aka “Father Fame”) and Music Theatre International. www.mtishows.com
Some featured moments from FAME - Central Academy of Drama - Beijing, China
Can you say Rama Lama Ding Dong in Korean?
Phoenix Entertainment continues the "GREASE MADNESS" in Asia! In partnership with OD Musical Company and CJ Entertainment, their superb Korean cast now enters a fourth triumphant season with the native language production that has played to capacity crowds and glowing reviews. GREASE triumphantly returned to Seoul's Dongsoong Art Center in April for an open ended run following its sell out engagement there last summer.
Further down the Asian rim, the American cast moved from Singapore and Malaysia onward to China where Phoenix Entertainment's International Touring Production of GREASE was the recently featured Broadway offering at the 21st annual Macau International Music Festival. This prestigious festival brings world renowned programs including choirs, orchestras, singers and musicians presenting a range of works influenced by both Western and Chinese trends and traditions. GREASE was presented at The Macau Cultural Center's Grand Theatre.
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