Archived entries for Pantages Theatre

Wickedly Good! (LAArtsOnline.com)

Wicked CastCast members of Wicked on Opening Night at the Pantages Theatre

WICKEDLY GOOD!

By KEN WERTHER
Photo By PAIGE PETRONE

Wicked (full title: Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz) is the winner of over 100 international awards, including three Tony’s; six Drama Desk Awards; and a Grammy. This blockbuster musical celebrated its 10th anniversary on Broadway in 2013 and is currently the 11th longest-running show in Broadway history having played over 4,650 performances. With various national and international tours currently running around the world, there seems to be no end in sight.

The story of Wicked is told from the perspective of the witches of the Land of Oz. Its plot begins before and continues after Dorothy’s arrival in Oz from Kansas and includes several references to the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and L. Frank Baum’s novel on which the movie is based. Since its 2003 debut, Wicked has broken box office records around the world, currently holding weekly-gross-takings records in Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and London.

The engagement currently running at the Pantages Theatre is its fourth in LA. I first saw Wicked here in June 2005. I practically had to promise my first born to snag a ticket and haven’t been able to get another seat since. For a taste of the relentless excitement this show generates, go to watch here and marvel at the original Broadway cast performing the act one finale. And then, head to the Pantages for tickets. You might want to bring along your first-born.

Wicked plays at the Pantages Theatre, located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, through March 15.

Pippin Captivates! (LAArtsOnline.com)

Borris York, Sasha Allen, and Mathew deGuzman star in
Pippin’ at the Pantages Theatre (Photo: Terry Shapiro)

Pippin Captivates!

By KEN WERTHER

Before there was Wicked, there was Pippin! The show made Ben Vereen and John Rubenstein stars. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards and winner of five (one for Vereen as Best Actor in a Musical), the original Broadway production of Pippin opened on October 23, 1972 and ran for 1,944 performances. The show was choreographed and directed by the legendary Bob Fosse. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, the man who has secured his place in the history books as the composer of Wicked, arguably the most popular musical of the last decade.

Now, direct from Broadway comes this captivating new production of Pippin, nominated for 10 Tony Awards and winner of four; and has been hailed as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza.” Such accolades! A few friends of mine that professed to never having liked the show saw this revival and came back raving.

And Los Angeles gets a bonus! Andrea Martin, winner of the Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, will be joining the touring cast at the Pantages Theatre engagement only! So, let’s recap…award-winning performances, award-winning choreography, award-winning music…I mean, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets before it’s too late!

Pippin the Musical runs Oct 21-Nov 9 at the Pantages Theatre.

 

Catch Me If You Can! (LAArtsOnline.com)

Catch Me If You Can (LA Arts Online)

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