Musical Theatre Radio presents "Be Our Guest"

When Anne Boleyn returned from the courts of Flanders to her childhood home at Hever Castle, what augury could have foretold the atomic impact that the young woman would have on the very fabric of England? Before long, the beautiful Boleyn girl had won over Henry VIII, who was willing to commit national apostasy to make her his queen. Henry risked not only wars but the wrath of God for Anne – though her transfixing influence on the King left courtiers wondering just how, precisely, she had seduced him so completely. She was a harlot, they said, that much was for sure, but might the bewitching Anne Boleyn actually be a witch? What with the unfortunate lack of heir, her violent delights soon found violent ends, and the girl from Hever Castle found herself quite literally on the Tudor chopping block.Sat Aug 2nd - Sat 30th Hever CatleHever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8, UKFor info on this show & many others, head over to: musicaltheatreradio.com/wannaseeamusical

You are cordially invited to join our Di, the People's Princess, for the gig of a lifetime…quite literally!Telling the story of a humble commoner (who just happened to be a Lady) in a concert/musical/event like nothing you have experienced before, THE DIANA MIXTAPE is here to set the record straight with an all star cast, iconic fashion throwbacks and fierce choreography.Featuring music originally performed by BRITNEY SPEARS, LADY GAGA, DUA LIPA, JADE, KATY PERRY, ARIANA GRANDE, KYLIE MINOGUE and many more, this hilarious yet heartwarming musical gig is a guaranteed rollicking good time.Starring drag superstars COURTNEY ACT, DIVINA DE CAMPO, ROSÉ, KITTY SCOTT-CLAUS and PRIYANKA as Princess Diana (yes, all of them), and Broadway star, and breakout from the smash hit movie The Greatest Showman, KEALA SETTLE as Queen Elizabeth, this concert is going to blow the roof off! Brought to you by the creator and producer of DEATH DROP, COOL RIDER and GALS ALOUD,  this high octane royal romp is a love letter to Diana and her legacy as one of the most celebrated and adored figures in history.When: July 29th-Aug 10th, 2025Where: OuternetCharing Cross Rd, London, UKANDWhen: Aug 19-21st, 2025Where:LowryPier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UKFor info on this show & many others head over to: musicaltheatreradio.com/wannaseeamusical

BALLS: THE MONSTER-CATCHIN' MUSICAL COMÉDYA wild musical appears!“BALLS” is an action-packed immersive experience about the MONSTERS we collect and the FIGHTS we choose to fight. Be the very first to start a “NEW GAME” in this one-of-a-kind extravaganza, overflowing with 8-bit bops, improvised battles, and 151 original Collectabuddies. MONSTERS WERE SCARY. AND THE PROFESSOR WAS SCARED. So he squished ‘em down into little balls, and created a safer world: where monsters are pets - and pets do what they're told. But when these “Collectabuddies” begin to BITE BACK, the Professor and his piece-of-sh*t grandson are forced to battle their past conceptions of right and wrong to save the game they helped create.

'In the smoke-choked backrooms of 1920s Toronto, where jazz and bootleg liquor flow like an untamed river, 'The Man in the Iron Mask is reborn as a Prohibition-era musical. Twins—one, a ruthless crime lord draped in silk and sin; the other, a prisoner lost in the underbelly of King St —are bound by fate and a secret buried in blood. As speakeasy ballads and brass-fueled anthems drive the tale, a band of aging gangsters, once the city's kings, unite for one last job: a coup against tyranny. Justice and jazz collide in a high-stakes battle where the mask must fall.

Earth Planet Universe: The John Muir Legacy Musical is a musical production exploring the path forged by John Muir, often considered the father of our National Parks. Join him on a 'hike' in the air-conditioned comfort of the Art Barn to explore National Park sites and learn about his life and the Native Americans who lived in each location for millennia. As these stories intertwine through song and dialogue, the audience is inspired by John Muir's example to ask themselves what legacy they want to leave for others.

Are you feeling irrelevant? Invisible? Ignored?You might just be a middle-aged woman! Come find out!Terrible Fish is a one-woman cabaret about the gut punch of mid-life. It's cheeky, witty, musical, and more than a little unhinged! A wild ride through the joys, tears and rages of aging while female, spat out by an award-winning writer and performer from Montreal.For all those googling perimeno on the daily: This. Is. For. You!

Emilio runs a dazzling chameleon circus like his father did—but what happens when it all falls apart? A puppet-filled musical comedy about letting your inner sparkle shine.From the bozo who brought you THE FAMILY CROW. Internationally celebrated puppeteer, Adam Francis Proulx returns to his Dora-nominated performance after a month-long Off-Broadway run. 4 shows only!Praise for The Pucking Fuppet Co:WINNER - 5 x Patrons' PickWINNER - Best Family Show, OrlandoWINNER - Best Solo Show, Montréal“Funny, clever, and wildly entertaining.” - Theatre Pizzazz NYC

Based on the songs of four-time Juno Award-winning children's singer-songwriter Jack Grunsky, “Playground” follows Eliot, a kid with a vivid imagination and appetite for adventure. Searching for acceptance at his new school, Eliot invents a game on the school playground, leading his new friends through a world of make-believe. Suitable for children 4-12, their parents and grandparents, “Playground” explores a variety of musical genres, integrating sounds and rhythms from a colourful palette of global musical instruments. This family show encourages audiences to tune out the noise, and tune in to the beauty of using their imaginations..

An almost solo musical that confronts the rising threat of artificial intelligence and the commodification of identity. When a struggling actress lands the lead role in a cult film, she unknowingly signs the rights away to her image. As her AI-generated double rises to fame in her place, she's forced to confront the brutal reality of what it means to be a woman in a world that prefers you silent, flawless, and easily controlled.Instagram

VILNA: A RESISTANCE STORY is an exciting new musical about Vitka Kempner, a 19-year-old Jewish girl who inspired the heroic Jewish resistance movement in the Vilna ghetto during the Holocaust. After the Nazis invade Poland, a fierce and fearless Vitka escapes to the free, bohemian city of Vilna, Lithuania where she meets a group of young artists—led by visionary poet Abba Kovner—and inspires them to form a resistance. But when the Nazis invade and confine Jews to the ghetto, Vitka and the group must find creative ways to fight back. With the Nazis bearing down, they make a daring escape to the forest where Vitka blows up a Nazi train—the first act of sabotage by a Jewish partisan in WWII—paving the way for their return to reclaim their beloved city. With a vibrant klezmer-influenced pop score, VILNA tells a forgotten and inspiring story that speaks to our times.

The death of E. A. Poe remains one of literature's greatest unsolved mysteries. Music, movement, projections, and shadow play combine to follow Poe through the catacombs of his final nightmare, encountering his most infamous creations along the way. Winner, "Best English Production" Montreal Fringe and finalist for "Best Adaptation" at Poe Fest International.

Makeshift Company to present Adams Prize 1st Runner-Up, a bold new musical by Annika Tupper. "All That She Wrote" debuts at the Toronto Fringe this Summer after a year of development by Makeshift's The Spark Project. This brand new musical drops us into a world obsessed with True Crime, confronting the meaning of justice, Queer friendship, Twitch live-streaming, retribution, and U-Haul lesbians. With direction and dramaturgy by Ally Chozik, music direction by Nicholas Mustapha, and choreography by Mara Turenne, "All That She Wrote" promises to leave audiences unsettled, inspired, and questioning the colonial structures on which this country depends.

Almost Ever AfterImagine 'Love Actually' as a musical, with original songs inspired by The Beatles, Bruno Mars, Adele, and more.From Andrew Seok, writer of 'Rosamund' and 'The Man With The Golden Heart', comes a hilarious and heartfelt musical journey through five interconnected love stories exploring first sparks, second chances, unexpected encounters, and the complicated, magical search for “the one.”Set to a completely original score that blends rock, pop, and soul, Almost Ever After captures the highs, lows, and in-betweens of modern relationships with honesty, humour, and heart.

Don't Fall InKara is floundering in Story Brewing 401, where final projects are brewed—literally—in cauldrons. Out of ideas, they cobble together a clichéd fairy tale starring a pompous prince, a self-saving princess, and a villain modelled after their crush, Eva. Then a suspicious vial of ink falls in. And so does Kara. Trapped inside their own half-finished story, Kara must survive a world gone off-script—one warped by corrupted ink and haunted by discarded drafts. Don't Fall In is a queer, spooky, and emotionally charged new musical that flips fantasy tropes on their heads and asks: what happens when the story writes back?

ThunderorAn epic full-scale Rock Opera musical hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock.Written by 2x JUNO nominated artist JJ Tartaglia and performed in grand fashion featuring the actual live band, THUNDEROR tells the story of a has-been musician who gives one more shot at glory. Wild and restless, tempting fate with romance and danger, he is joined by a troupe of would-be rockers in an impromptu adventure.

When Walter Harry Horvitz told his sons from his death bed, “Look up, smile and be strong,” little did he know his last words would become the inspiration for a scintillating musical drama – the story of his life.Brothers, Ron and Andy Horvitz, principals of the 1•1•1 Group, have co-written the musical, Can't You See That I'm In Love?! – – a real life love story from The Greatest Generation whose inspiration and torch have been passed on – – to span generations.Comprised of 20 of Walt's original songs — memorable show tunes, love ballads, and song & dance numbers, punctuated by his resounding spiritual and patriotic hymns — the musical is currently in its developmental phase. The 1•1•1 Group presents the show's full theme song and musical highlights from several keynote songs here:

ApothecaryIn a world built for men, women create community.Within the magical walls of a living sanctuary, situated in neither time nor place, Lady and Tilly work tirelessly and secretly to support all women in need as they appear at their door. Imperfect themselves, our protagonists discover what it means to do good in a world of complicated nuance.Toronto Fringe veterans Laura Piccinin, Allison Wither and Cass Van Wyck, together with 14 artists, present the new Canadian musical, "Apothecary"; a magical and timeless sanctuary for all women in need, no matter when they're from.

In a giant endless airport where souls await their final departure, Iris has been granted the rare opportunity to return to earth and live another life. Before she can return, she must choose which life she would like to live next. Live each night, audience members will determine Iris's journey by selecting 8 acts of 20 to be performed in the order they are selected-- meaning every night is a completely unique performance!*2025 Adams Prize Winner* From the Dora Award nominated duo that brought you "Killing Time: A Game Show Musical" comes a new, genre-bending musical.

Tamar Broadbent: Plus OneJoin this award-winning British comedy songwriter (BBC Radio 4, Boom Chicago) as she sings you through a tale of fertility tests, failed birth plans and the impressive feat of giving up wine for nine months.Featuring songs like ‘Embarrassing Mother!' and ‘I Tried Hard to Breastfeed But It Sucked,' Plus One is the perfect show for parents, parents-to-be and those who never want to be parents and can delight in all they're missing (like sciatica).Babes-in-arms welcome!★★★★★ ‘A fantastic, hilarious gem' - MusicalTheatreReview.com. ‘Talented, bright and funny' - Michael Palin (Monty Python).

People Suck a musical airing of grievancesThis hilarious and all-too-relatable musical theatre song-cycle dares ask the question: WTAF is wrong with humanity??After two hit productions in Melbourne, Australia, the 2015 Best of Fringe and Mirvish Award winner is coming home to Toronto! By Peter Cavell (Second City) and Megan Phillips ("The Anxiety Show"), directed by Jessica Sherman ("Dear Evan Hansen"), with cast from "Come From Away", "Evil Dead", and "Avenue Q".“Side-splittingly hilarious” (Mooney on Theatre); “Gutsy, entertaining, and meaningful” (The Varsity); “Oozes with delicious frivolity...belongs on bigger stages with bigger audiences.” (YouShouldSeeItMelbourne.com)People Suck: you'll wish for your optimism back!

Ctrl Alt Delete: An Alphabetical MusicalThe English Language is downsizing and can no longer afford to employ 26 letters. Now, for some letters in the alphabet, their sound can be made using other letters (e.g. the sound of F can be made using P-H), so the ultimate question becomes: which letter will be fired? Seven of the at-risk letters (F, K, Q, S, W, X, and Z) are called into a meeting, where, in front of a jury of audience members, they must demonstrate their imperativeness to the English language. If they fail, they could be deleted forever.

State of the Union – Words by Eric C. Jones isn't your typical musical revue. It's a musical town hall—a raw, riveting, and soul-stirring exploration of what it means to live, love, struggle, and dream in 21st Century America.Curated and written by award-winning writer Eric C. Jones, the show features music by an all-star lineup of composers: Ian Stephenson, Gary Sironen, Joshua Davis, Alex Winkler, and Bradley Dean Whyte.

Mathew's Big Broadway BashIt's a cabaret-style party bursting with show tunes, sing-alongs, surprises, and big Broadway energy! From Mamma Mia to Pippin, Grease to The Sound of Music, we're serving up musical moments with sass, heart, and a Fringe twist. Expect powerhouse vocals, spontaneous games, a surprise guest, and the kind of joyful chaos only Fringe can deliver. Whether you're a lifelong theatre lover or just love belting in the shower, Mathew's Big Broadway Bash is your invitation to join the party.https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/mathews-big-broadway-bash

Trevor Barrette is a queer theatre maker based in Montreal, known for his kaleidoscopic productions and joy-forward storytelling. A graduate of John Abbott College's Professional Theatre program, he founded the award-winning KaleidoscopeMTL, producing and directing ten productions, including the hit Fringe musical Captain Aurora and the immersive Memento Mori. Trevor's work explores dynamic timescapes, ensemble casting, and enchanting worlds that foster a sense of wonder. Directorial highlights include The Sages of Chelm and The Great Divide for the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre at the Segal Centre, as well as serving as assistant director for Les Belles Soeurs at the Stratford Festival. Trevor has performed with institutions such as the National Arts Centre, Centaur Theatre, Segal Centre, Geordie Theatre and teaches at the Segal Centre Academy and Geordie Theatre School. Currently, he is developing new works, including a musical inspired by Dr. Brenda Milner's legacy. This July, he will direct Hudson Village Theatre's presentation of Bed and Breakfast.Rylan Allen is thrilled to be part of the MAWAM team and to bring this touching, hilarious show to life. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, he graduated from Sheridan College's Musical Theatre Program and performed with Canadiana Productions Inc. in Niagara as a performer, dance captain, and choreographer until lockdown. During that time, he discovered a passion for teaching, working as a Music Director for Hamilton's Conservatory for the Arts. Favorite roles include Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar (Brott Music Festival), Noel Gruder in Ride the Cyclone (Playhouse Collective), and Monsieur André in Phantom of the Opera (Theatre Sheridan). Rylan thanks his mentors for sharing their toolboxes with him, the MAWAM team for this incredible experience, and his friends and family for their unwavering support.Émile Auger is a multidisciplinary performer and teacher from Montréal. He began his artistic journey in the music and jazz band program at St-Luc High School. He went on to study musical theatre at Collège Lionel-Groulx's professional theatre program and graduated in the spring of 2022. In 2023, he completed his third and final semester in musical theatre at Sheridan College, Ontario. His performance credits include Jazz Noisette (Les Jeunesses Musicales du Canada), Lucky Stiff (Stephenville Theatre Festival), Rock of Ages (STF), Let's Bop! (Terra Bruce Productions) and Lorenzo Sterzi's latest film, Cadavre Exquis (LostandKik Pictures). Émile is thrilled to make his Segal Center debut as part of this original musical theatre production.Max + Aaron Write A MusicalSet in present-day Montreal, two childhood friends and creative collaborators race against the clock to finish their latest project: a coming-of-age musical loosely based on their lives. But as they deep dive into the work, long-repressed truths rise to the surface and threaten their partnership. A sexy cautionary tale about writing what you know.

Alexandra Conroy: writer, book / additional lyrics       “I was born in the wrong era.”  Growing up in NYC, Alexandra tried to see as many Broadway productions as possible while being a child actor herself. Always a story teller, she started writing very young with a musical in the 2nd grade and a movie in the 4th. The idea for this story came to her as she began college, studying acting and writing for theater. She continued to hone the idea while getting her BFA, and acting in numerous stage, screen and television roles during and since graduating. Favorite Roles include Ms. Andrew in Mary Poppins and Duke Fredrik in Shakespeare's As You Like It. Can currently be seen in HBO's Love and Death.Ray Hoese: co-writer, book, music & lyrics   "The antidote to writer's block is dogs, bike riding and sun!” Ray is a writer. Period. Or maybe a semicolon... His degree is in journalism but his first professional gigs included an NBC sitcom and The X-Files. Also an avid songwriter, it was only after separately writing hundreds of songs and thousands of pages of scripts that he joined Alexandra to help bring this story and its music to life. Ray still has the violin his parents bought when they got him lessons in the fourth grade and he is most proud of raising children that love and play music for fun, which (as he says) is what music was meant for.  Ray's other love is flying airplanes for fun and profit.  And, of course, big, big dogs. Finding HelenaThe daughter of a Nazi officer runs away with a Jewish resistance fighter. Separated in the chaos of war, they struggle to survive and find each other.

The King's Wife offers a bold new perspective on the story of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, as she navigates the pressures of queenship and the fight to secure her legacy. A revolutionary pop musical by two-time Grammy-nominated songwriter Jamie Floyd and award-winning playwright Mêlisa Annis, this bold reimagining of history explores Katherine's resilience and the enduring impact of extraordinary women.Mêlisa Annis (bookwriter) is an award-winning playwright and theater-maker. Mêlisa has developed and presented work at and with Playwrights Horizons, Rosalind Productions, Primary Stages, BMG Music, The Lark, Parsnip Ship, The New School, The Playground Experiment, Rattlestick Theater, Tangent Theater, RAL Productions, Red Bull Theater, The Ambassadors Theatre Group (London), Arcola Theatre (London), Berkley Rep, Theatre for a New City, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Centre. Radio Drama: Mêlisa was lead writer on radio series For Spacious Skies which was awarded the True West Award, CO, her play Beginnings was awarded the Spirit of The Festival Award, Ireland, and she is currently developing a radio series based on love letters sent between soldiers during the American civil war. Mêlisa was the recipient of the Parity Commission for her play Charlie's Waiting, and is excited to be continuing development of her play The Inheritance of a Long-Term Fault with Clutch Productions. Mêlisa is a frequent contributor to the BBC, BBC Wales and S4C and she's a proud Welsh speaker. Diolch mawr i Peter.Jamie Floyd (Music, Lyrics, Co-Arranger) is a Nashville-based, independent 2x Grammy-nominated songwriter and recording artist. Her songs have been recorded by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, Ronnie Dunn, Madi Diaz, Sturgill Simpson, Lizzy McAlpine and Brian Wilson. She has written extensively for film and TV, including the finale for Dolly Parton's A Country Christmas Story. As an artist, she has toured nationally and internationally, performing at Stagecoach, The Grand Ole Opry, The Bluebird Cafe and the Country Music Hall Fame to name a few. Floyd's journey in the music industry, including her experience as the “Grammy-nominated waitress,” was featured alongside Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris & Jason Isbell in the critically acclaimed documentary “The Last Songwriter,” which advocated for the Music Modernization Act. In addition to The King's Wife, she is currently working working on two other new musical theatre projects: That Boy Ain't Right and Killin' It: A Howdy Horror Murder Mystery Musical. Her latest single “Sad Girls Do” was featured on Spotify's “Fresh Finds: Best Of 2023″ playlist, which highlights the best of all-genre independent releases.

Rachel Walker MasonEver since I can remember I've been able to see music as colours when I listen to music or compose a song. I've since learned that this condition is called synaesthesia and people often refer to it as “my superpower”.I always felt my happiest and most fulfilled when I was singing or writing music so it felt natural to make it my career path. I've never wanted to do anything else as a job and am very lucky that I've been able to live my dream, pursuing music through school, my undergraduate degree then a masters in songwriting before starting my career as a freelance songwriter, musical director and vocal coach.During my career, I've performed all over the world, coached hundreds of singers from beginners to west end performers, run an artist management company and worked extensively in my community to encourage different generations to bond through the arts. For this, I was crowned Freelancer Of The Year and Woman of the Year. Throughout my life, I've struggled with my mental health and when my children were born I was diagnosed with postnatal depression. After recovering I set up Lyrical Light as a songwriting workshop for those struggling with their mental health after becoming parents. It's a real honour to be able to help people through music.My work now encompasses both of these aspects from co-writing and songwriting, working as a Maternal Mental Health Ambassador and with parents who are suffering from Post-Natal Depression. Eloise Hodder is the HE Programme Co-ordinator for BA (Hons) Performing Arts - Acting at University Centre Weston (UCW). Eloise delivers on the BA Hons degree in Performing Arts which is validated by Bath Spa University.  Eloise also works as a guest lecturer and examiner both nationally and internationally encompassing a range of institutions from The Brit School, to consultant Actor/Director at L'Ecole d'Architecture Universite de Montreal. Eloise trained as an actor and holds BA (Hons) from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (Franchise University of South Wales) and has a Postgraduate Diploma from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Applied Theatre specialising in Directing. Eloise is also a member of Royal Academy of Dance and the Institute for Learning. Eloise is an actor, director, interdisciplinary performer and educator. She has worked as the director/creator of Trapped (Donmar and Endeavour), received the Jack Petchey Youth Community Project Award for Delicate Rose tour and has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for Gannin' Yem. Eloise has been an Education Associate for the Donmar, Bush Theatre and Michael Grandage Theatre Company.

James A. Rocco Director | ProducerAn award-winning director/producer as well as an acclaimed vocalist with a passion for creating inclusive, thought-provoking experiences that honor the heart of every story. Known for his collaborative spirit, he brings a unique blend of artistry and authenticity to every project, ensuring the magic on the page comes vividly to life.Thirty Saints Productions is a dynamic and innovative company that excels in creating original theatrical works for a diverse range of venues across the globe.In addition, we negotiate, consult, and acquire music licenses for popular jukebox musicals.At Thirty Saints Productions, we take pride in our passion for creativity and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Richard C. WalterBOOK, MUSIC, LYRICSA composer-lyricist who has studied and worked in genres including musical theatre, choral, a cappella, pop, jazz, and film scoring. His show Madame Clicquot (co-written with Lisette Glodowski), has had two developmental readings in New York, and was part of New York Theatre Barn's New Works Series in 2020. Richard has been a guest composer at Columbia University, and was commissioned by NYU to team up with his Madame Clicquot collaborator Lisette Glodowski, to write the song "Go Ahead" for the Tisch School of The Arts 2020 graduation ceremony at Radio City Music Hall. Richard has been honored to volunteer as a composer with the 52nd Street Project in NYC, writing new songs and plays with kids. Richard received his B.A. in music from University of Chapel Hill and his MFA in Musical Theatre Writing at NYU's Tisch School. of the Arts. www.richardcwalter.comLISETTE GLODOWSKIBOOK, MUSIC, LYRICSLisette Glodowski is an award-winning composer-lyricist, actor, choreographer and educator. She has performed on stages coast to coast, written numerous musicals and plays, choreographed for regional houses, coached many broadway singers, and earned her MFA at The Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, NYU Tisch School of the Arts | BFA in Musical Theatre/Acting at East Carolina University. Current writing credits with collaborator Richard C. Walter: Madame Clicquot: A Revolutionary Musical –– Studio Cast Recording, The sold-out concert at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (2021), Industry Readings and more–– Tambora: The Lost Kingdom (Industry Reading at NYU) and Escrow! A New Musical. Lisette's other shows include Velvet Over Steel, The Adventures of Atalanta, Much A Cruise About Nothing, Starving Artist: A Song Cycle, Call Me Coppelia and more. Proud member of The Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, AEA, SDC, and the recipient of the Dramatists Guild Foundation Grant in 2020. For more info on her other artistic hats, visit www.lisetteglodowski.com

A Girl in Persia is a epic sung-through full-length musical adaptation of the Book of Esther from the Tanakh (the Bible). Aiming to be faithful to Scripture, this adaptation's book, lyrics, and music are all written with a historical and cultural focus in mind. A runtime of nearly 3 hours (with an interval) allows for a fully immersive experience in the world of the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BCE, the First Persian Empire). Without further ado, allow us to present to you a teaser below of its music. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a minute of music is worth ten thousand:

Ute Lemper's decades-long career spans stage, film, and music, with over 30 recordings. Renowned for her interpretations of Berlin Cabaret, Kurt Weill, Brecht, and chanson legends like Marlene Dietrich and Edith Piaf, she has also starred in major musicals across Broadway, the West End, Paris, and Berlin. She won the American Theater World Award and the Laurence Olivier Award for her performance as Chicago's Velma Kelly in the West End and on Broadway, the Molière Award for her performance as Cabaret's Sally Bowles in Paris, among others, and earned Grammy nominations.Her global tours feature diverse projects, including Rendezvous with Marlene, Songs for Eternity, and tributes to Piazzolla and Brecht. She has composed music inspired by Bukowski, Neruda, and Coelho and released a bestselling autobiography in 2023. She released her self-penned and contemporary album Time Traveler just last year. Singing in five languages, she continues to perform worldwide. A longtime New York resident, she lives there with her family and four children.We talk about her newest album Pirate Jenny and her upcoming concert at Cadogan Hall on June 13th, 2025.

We speak with two of the creators of The Brass Teapot (Chaz and Ramaa) as well as the director (Zoe) and actor (Sarah) about the upcoming Firefly Theatre Group workshop staging at The Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood, California.THE BRASS TEAPOT is a magical, mischievous dark comedy that warns to be careful what you wish for. Based on the 2012 indie cult film

DONNA TRINKOFF – Artistic Producer - of Amas Musical Theatre, a non-profit performing arts organization in New York City devoted the creation, development and production of new musicals and to the training and encouragement of inner-city young people. Since 1994, Donna has produced the original musicals Broadway and the Bard, starring Len Cariou, Red Eye of Love, The Other Josh Cohen, Triassic Parq! Wanda's World, Shout! The Mod Musical, Lone Star Love, Magpie, Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Story, Zanna, Don't!, Latin Heat, From My Hometown, Langston Hughes' Little Ham, 4 Guys Named José, Rollin' on the T.O.B.A., among others, and she has presented over 90 original musicals in the Amas Musical Theatre Lab. As Starry Night Productions, Donna presented the Off-Broadway premiere of SILENCE! The Musical (Christopher Gattelli, Hunter Bell, Jon & Al Kaplan), the unauthorized parody of the iconic film “The Silence of the Lambs” to critical acclaim, sold-out houses and a two-year run. SILENCE! won the Off Broadway Alliance Award and the Obie Award for Best Musical and was named as one of the 'Top 10 Plays of the Year' by TIME Magazine. The original cast album has been released on Sh-K-Boom Records. Donna was an associate artistic director at the Cabaret and Performance Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Center in CT and worked with Aruba Productions on new and upcoming musicals. She holds a BA in English and Theatre from SUNY Binghamton, is a graduate of the National Theatre Institute, and she received a Certificate of Merit from the Drama Studio in London. Donna is a member of the League for Professional Theatre Women. She is a recipient of the New York Municipal Art Society Award of Merit and the Galaxy Award from the NY Women's Association.  Amas Musical Theatre is a non-profit, multi-ethnic theatrical organization founded in 1968 by Ms. Rosetta LeNoire. Amas (“you love” in Latin) is devoted to the creation, development and professional production of new American musicals, the celebration of cultural equity and minority perspectives, the emergence of new artistic talent, and the training and encouragement of underserved young people. Amas celebrates its impact in pioneering multi-ethnic casting in the American Theatre and reiterates its commitment to this reflection of our diverse society.​Amas Musical Theatre commits its work to: Contributing to the vitality of the American Musical Theatre - a unique American esthetic expression -- through the creation, development and professional production of original musicals.​Bringing creative, musical theatre to the American education system, and enhancing the experience of students.​Encouraging tolerance and civility among people of our diverse society by bringing them together through the art of musical theatre.​Audiences are built by bringing both children and other community members into Amas with free performances and free ticket programs. Amas actively combines artists and audience members from every possible racial, ethnic and religious background, bringing them together to work and learn from each other.​For 50 years, Amas has engraved its unique trademark on the world of musical theatre. We produce quality musical theatre presenting different cultural viewpoints, while reaching out to underserved audiences. Amas attracts actors and artists of distinction and reputation, while offering opportunities for new talent to learn and develop.

We revisit the shows creators Scott and Aaron and are joined by cast memeber Allison as we talk about the upcoming Concert of Romero & JulietZombies! Shakespeare! 1980s inspired music! All of these elements are the foundation for the new rock musical, ROMERO & JULIET.Romero, a human, falls for Juliet, a zombie, during a music festival called Deadstock on Friday the 13 th in September 1985. Romance, comedy, horror, and tragedy ensue. The show is set in Verona, PA- not far from where George Romero's class film “Night of the Living Dead” was filmed, and not far from where the concert will be presented.​ROMERO & JULIET features an original score inspired by eighties pop music icons Madonna, Bon Jovi, George Michael, Boy George, Jim Steinman and others. It is described as being in the same vein as LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.Romero and Juliet” will premiere on May 17, 2025 at Saint Vincent College with production by Split Stage Productions of Greensburg. There is a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7.

Michael Kooman (music) and Christopher Dimond (book & lyrics) received the 2013 Fred Ebb Award, a 2010 Jonathan Larson Grant, and are the first recipients of the Mary Rodgers/Lorenz Hart Award and the Samuel French Next Step Award. Between them, they have received the Burton Lane Award, the Harold Adamson Award, the KC/ACTF Musical Theatre Award, a NYFA Fellowship, and numerous ASCAP Plus awards.Their most recent musical, ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS, debuted to rave reviews at Shakespeare's Globe this fall. They also currently serve as songwriters for VAMPIRINA, an animated musical TV series airing on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior which has reached over 49 million viewers in 115 countries.Their other projects include THE NOTEWORTHY LIFE OF HOWARD BARNES (developed at the O'Neill Music Theater Conference and the Village Theater), ORPHIE & THE BOOK OF HEROES (The Kennedy Center), THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF PERCIVAL VON SCHMOOTZ (commissioned by the Canadian Music Theatre Project), JUDGE JACKIE JUSTICE(Pittsburgh CLO), DANI GIRL (Exit, Pursued by a Bear; licensed by Samuel French), GOLDEN GATE (Williamstown Theatre Festival), HOMEMADE FUSION (London's Ambassadors Theater, Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and JUNIOR CLAUS (Orlando Repertory Theatre; licensed by Dramatic Publishing).Romantics AnonymousAngélique makes beautiful chocolates, carefully infused with all the emotion that seems to overwhelm her in daily life. Jean-René runs a chocolate factory that is running out of steam, rather like his own existence. Both seek help from the usual sources: Jean-René favours self-help tapes and Angélique joins a support group, Les Émotifs Anonymes.Romantics Anonymous is an unusual and tender love story in which the obstacles to happiness are not the usual external barriers, but those sneaky little ones we know all too intimately: the ones within.

We speak with Dan Petrenko, the Artistic Director of Winnipeg Jewish Theatre and the director of the upcoming production of The Band's Visit, as well as with actor Anat Kriger.

Alexis Sakellaris is a triple citizen and grew up between Europe and the US, always singing, acting, dancing their way from place to place :)They are currently performing their original queer musical comedy show A STAN IS BORN! at various theatre festivals in the UK.Alexis just finished a US tour and a run at Soho Theatre London with comedian Matt Rogers, supporting his show “Have You Heard Of Christmas?” as a featured vocalist.Madison Cole (any pronouns) is a an award-winning theatre and film maker based in London. They have a dual B.A. in English and Theatre Studies from Yale University with concentrations in Playwriting and Directing, respectively. Recently, they directed the sold-out world premiere of Daughters of the Pirate Queen at the National Concert Hall of Ireland.​Recent directorial projects include A Stan is Born at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024, as well as Edward II at the Camden Fringe Festival 2024, both of which received London transfers. She also directed her original play Inferna in its world premiere at Riverside Studios in January 2025, to sold-out audiences.​Assistant work includes Bronco Billy: The Musical at the Charing Cross Theatre, The Worst Witch at the Tower Theatre, and Sisters at the Jack Studio Theatre. They also recently worked as 1st AD to award-winning cinematographer Steven Fierberg on the film The Spirit Lock, scheduled to release in late 2024.

Blair Russell is a Tony nominated producer and developer of theatre and live performance whose experience ranges from fringe festivals to Broadway shows.​Credits include STILL (Off-Broadway); LIZARD BOY (Theatreworks Silicon Valley, Hope Mill Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe, Off-Broadway, Oregon Shakespeare Festival); POP OFF, MICHELANGELO! (Edinburgh Fringe, The Other Palace - London); For Tonight (Adelphi Theatre - London); DIVA: LIVE FROM HELL! (Edinburgh Fringe, Kings Head Theatre - London); SALEM (50k followers, Green Room 42 - New York); and SLAVE PLAY (Broadway - 12 Tony Noms, West End). Other projects include THE WIZ (Broadway/ NT 2024), Sweeney Todd (Immersive Off-Broadway 2017), and GYPSY with Imelda Staunton (West End 2014). On the board of The New Harmony Project, Goodspeed Musicals, and SPACE. VCU Graduate. ​Blair has been a guest speaker/artist at a number of institutions including the University of Maryland, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts, and the York School in Monterey, CA. Blair has served as the Producer-in-Residence for the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals for two years. He was also a visiting lecturer for the semester-long Atelier program at Princeton University where he collaborated with composer Georgia Stitt on her oratorio The Circling Universe. Blair has appeared as a guest on a number of podcasts (American Theatre Artists Online, A Star Is Bored, Backstage Talk, Broadway ReFocused), web series (Actors Unscripted, Awkward Conversations, Be Our Guest! - Live and In Color, Dreamland XR, In The (Home) Office - Goodspeed Musicals), and at global conferences (National Alliance for Musical Theater, Global XR Conference, Immerse Global Summit Series)Blair Russell Productions, LLC (BRP) goes beyond the confines of traditional theatrical production. Driven by a desire to put art first, we consistently create opportunities for emerging artists, aiming to broaden the scope of who gets to make theater and who gets to consume it. We focus on finding innovative financial frameworks, following non-traditional development paths, and harnessing the latest in technological advancements.Founded by Blair Russell in 2018, BRP's journey in the theatrical landscape has been marked by a commitment to challenging the status quo. With every production, we prioritize making theatre accessible, ensuring that each story resonates deeply and widely.Blair Russell Productions continues to relentlessly support artists who are reimagining the idea of contemporary theatre. Our mission is unwavering: to bring bold narratives to diverse audiences while showcasing the impact and potential of modern storytelling.

Caroline Sheen is a Welsh actress who has played leading roles on stage in the ⁠West End⁠ alongside TV and film appearances. She won a Helen Hayes award for playing the role of ⁠Mary Poppins⁠ on the National Tour of America.Talk Musicals to MeTalk Musicals to me is a new podcast which asks leading theatre industry figures the same 10 questions about the musicals which have shaped their lives and inspired their work. West End veteran Caroline Sheen is the host of the show and has a fair few theatre legends on speed dial to answer questions such as Which was the first Musical they ever saw/Which Musical would they make compulsory in schools/Which Musical have they seen the most? A celebration of how musicals can define careers and lives, Talk Musicals to me is your new “must-listen” theatre podcast!

What does a 31-year-old theatre kid do when he finds out his parents aren't quite who he thinks they are? Write a musical, of course! Our Little Secret: The 23andMe® Musical  is the hilarious, moving, and completely true story of Noam Tomaschoff's discovery that he wasn't an only child… he actually had more than 35 siblings around the world!With a deft blend of comedy, drama, and wide-ranging musical styles, Noam takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions ending with a message of optimism that is sure to make you hold your family just a little bit tighter.

Dylan MarcAureleDylan MarcAurele is a writer and composer based in NYC. His work has been performed in New York, London, Boston, Las Vegas, LA, San Diego, Provincetown, and Edinburgh. A fan of reality television, Dylan created the 27-thousand-follower account @rhonymusical. He is a member of the Theatre Now NY Writers Lab and holds a B.A. in Music from Harvard University. He has a dog named Koopa. Deborah BerensonDeborah is a writer [lyrics, libretti, plays] and entertainer [singer, actor, cabaret artist, comedienne], sharing her work with audiences in London and New York.​Born and raised in London, England, she is blessed with dual nationality and a bi-continental personality. She also has lungs that won't quit.​Deborah's work has been performed in London, New York and Chicago. Her writing has been selected for the NY Fringe Festival's Encores series and shortlisted for the UK Musical Comedy Awards.​She is a proud member of the BMI Advanced Musical Theatre Writing Workshop, the BMI Librettist Workshop and Maestra.​Current projects include: Tea With G, It's The End of The World, Keeper and an original cabaret show.​Deborah appreciates cats, marzipan, hyacinths and cycling.Tea for GHot tea, dry wit and a firm hand.Etiquette "expert" G is here to teach you how to be a better person, and make a proper British brew. Her interactive class will have you steeping, serving and singing along in no time. You're welcome.A darkly comic musical. With biscuits.

Spotlight Musical ProductionsFor top-notch musical theatre, look no further.From our beginnings as the IBM Choir over fifty years ago, Spotlight Musical Productions showcases Toronto's most passionate local talent, from our cast to our creative team. At Spotlight, we're proud not only to deliver outstanding productions for our loyal audiences, but also to foster community through our shared love of musical theatre.

Pamela Weiler GraysonPam's musical, Urban Momfare (composer/lyricist/co-book writer), won a Best Musical award, at the New York International Fringe Festival, garnered four stars and a Critics Pick from Time Out, and also played at the Fringe Encore Series. Pam's award-winning plays and musicals have been seen on stages throughout New York and nationally, including Primary Stages, Naked Angels, Theatre Now New York, The Group Rep/Lonny Chapman Theatre (North Hollywood, CA), Southwest Theatre Productions (Austin, TX - Blue Ribbon Winner of their Rising Artists Series), Arts on the Lake (Kent Lakes, NY), Cincinnati Lab Theatre, Emerging Artists Theatre (NYC - multiple works), and The Chain Theatre (NYC). Her play Observant was the recipient of a 2024 grant from The New York State Council on the Arts and a SemiFinalist in the Jewish Plays Project's 12th National Jewish Playwriting Contest. Her play The Club was one of three prize-winning plays of the Word Wave Lake Tahoe One Act Play Competition. She is the co-writer, with Alice Jankell, of Cicadas, The Musical, featured on Season 2 of the top-rated Amazon streaming series, The Other F Word. Pam's songs have been performed at The Metropolitan Room, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Duplex, and Don't Tell Mama. She has written for The New York Times and The New York Observer, among others. Pam is a member of Kate Moira Ryan's advanced playwriting workshop and a board member of Emerging Artists Theatre. She was a writer-in-residence at Kervigo Ensemble Theatre (NY), for the 2020–2021 season and is an inaugural member of Theatre Now New York's International Musical Writers Lab. Dramatists Guild member. Education: Brown University, Fordham Law School, New York Theatre Workshop, and The BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. Pam is on the New Play Exchange. See her page at newplayexchange.org/user.Alice JankellAlice is a director, writer actress as well as the Artistic Director of The Philipstown Depot Theatre.​For Disney, Alice helped to create and develop new Broadway musicals.  As Associate Artistic Director of The Williamstown Theatre Festival, her directing work included AS YOU LIKE IT,  DINAH WAS, and ENOUGH ROPE, the special event on Dorothy Parker starring Elaine Stritch.  Alice has worked and learned in venues as varied as the Mark Taper, the L.A. Opera, The Public Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, La Mama, and City Theater, among many others, as well as in film and TV.  Alice was the Creative Director of F.A.B. Women (For, About, and By Women) under The Barrow Group's Off-Broadway umbrella, helming the company of 125 professional female writers, actors and directors.  During her tenure, F.A.B. Women generated and produced 48 new plays.With Putnam Theatre Alliance, Alice co-created Freedom Project, directed and filmed MORE BEAUTIFUL, a brand new play by Craig Lucas, and co-created and directed DIRT.  Alice is currently preparing to direct Martha Pichey's new play, ASHES & INK, Off-Broadway this fall.Alice's own scripts have appeared across the country, and a collection of her plays has been published by Leicester Bay Theatricals.  Her play, THE SWEET SPOT, opened at Off-Broadway's 59E59 Theaters last winter, and her musical (with Pam Weiler Grayson) about urban motherhood (Director/Co-Writer), won a Best Musical Award from the NY International Fringe Festival, was a Critic's Choice, and garnered 4 stars from Time Out. Her many favorite acting roles include a solo performance, backed by the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and a lead in the Off-Broadway premier of Arlene Hutton's LETTERS TO SALA.   Alice has taught acting at Carnegie Mellon.Alice is a founding member of Putnam Theatre Alliance, a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect, member of The Actors Studio PDW and PDU, and The National Musical Theatre Workshop, founding member Putnam Theatre Alliance.

Lauryn Gaffney is a musical theater writer who has gained international recognition for her exceptional work in the industry. With a passion for storytelling and music, Gaffney has a unique ability to create captivating and emotional narratives that resonate with audiences. Her commitment to exploring complex themes and creating rich characters has set her apart as a rising star in the musical theater world.After Lauryn's success with her first original musical Big Shot hitting Ireland, London, Off-Broadway, 54 Below, and winning 5 BroadwayWorld Awards, it feels about time to bring her newest show to life. Set against the backdrop of love, loss, and redemption, Jilted weaves together a tapestry of heart-wrenching narratives and uplifting anthems that will linger in the hearts of all who attend.

MATEO CHAVEZ LEWIS (He/They) is a professional musical theatre writer/composer, based in NYC and Toronto.He is best known for writing Book, Music & Lyrics for the critically acclaimed Tommy Rhodes (2024 Toronto World Premiere), and for the epic anthem he wrote and performed as a tribute to Greta Thunberg, “Dear Greta” (you can listen to the song here).Other music & lyrics writing credits include The Opening (2024 Dramatists' Guild reading), The Yellow Wallpaper (a 10-minute musical adaptation), The Accountant (2022 Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient), and Quarantine Songs (2022 Toronto World Premiere).He also runs Music Theatre Theory, a YouTube channel with ~10k subs where he analyzes the best songs and performances from the musical theatre canon. TOMMY RHODES is based on the true mystery of Bobby Dunbar. In the days before DNA testing, two boys go missing. Years later, one boy returns — and both the mothers of the missing kids somehow become convinced that this is their son.

Neil BastianNeil's songs have been sung in West End venues including The Crazy Coqs, The Iris Theatre, Above the Arts, Seven Dials Playhouse, Phoenix Arts Club, Soho Theatre and The Other Palace.He was a top-5 finalist for the MTI Award 2023/24 and was nominated for the Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize 2022, as well as a finalist in the 2018 Iris Theatre Xmas Factor Song Competition.  He is a member of the Book Music and Lyrics weekly songwriting workshop, as well as Mercury Musical Developments.The Rise and Fall of Vinnie and Paul is Neil's third musical - his other two, Force Ten Gayle and The Mayfly Man, are also in development.The Rise and Fall of Vinnie & PaulVan Gogh's house-share with Paul Gauguin started as a dream of artistic brotherhood but ended in a nightmare: after only 8 weeks together they had a blazing row, Paul left town and Vincent cut off his own left ear.​​​Why? This electrifying two-man rock musical confronts a mystery that has baffled art historians for over a century.Promising to ruffle the feathers of art historians and Van Gogh fans the world over, The Rise and Fall of Vinnie & Paul blasts the roof off the little yellow house to reveal the pain and passion within.

Julie NemitzWith over fifteen years of experience in executive sales and marketing leadership roles, Julie Nemitz has a proven track record of driving growth through strategic vision and innovative content marketing. She has partnered with Fortune 500 companies and led teams at award-winning agencies and publishers in New York City. Known for rolling up her sleeves and solving challenges, often by finding the perfect creative messaging that drives people to action, she combines big-picture strategy with hands-on execution to deliver awesome marketing solutions for her clients. In 2020, Julie launched her marketing consultancy. To date, over 2,800 arts organizations and artists have benefitted from the training, content, and group coaching with Julie. We're pretty proud of that. Her signature programs Sell The Show! and Merrily We Roll Out: The Season Reveal Launch Plan have impacted local theatre marketing strategies from Glasgow, Ireland to Melbourne, Australia and everywhere in between. Expanding from there, Julie launched Artist Marketing Lab and Creative Leaders Agency, in 2022. There, Julie works directly with creative arts leaders to elevate their authority and presence in the industry. She has worked with playwright and Guggenheim fellow Christine Masciotti, Broadway director James Rocco, award-winning screenwriter and playwright Marc Ketchem, and playwright Susan Parker /Concord Theatricals to rebrand her company Parker Plays for the digital age. CLA has provided strategy, content, and growth for these and many more clients. Julie's deep desire to empower leaders with a better understanding of the power in their unique branding and marketing abilities speaks directly to her passion for keeping the creative arts thriving everywhere. Julie has also worked with numerous for-profit arts companies to guide them in making a huge impact on their businesses by creating influential marketing content born from innovative strategies. Her work with Musical Theater College Auditions, The Broadway Mentors Program, Camp Broadway, Thirty Saints Productions, and more has delivered growth for these for-profit arts organizations. Julie is also a member of the esteemed Adjunct Faculty at Western Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance, teaching marketing to the next generation of performing artists and arts leaders.Broad Impact NetworkBroad Impact Network is a membership-based community for women passionate about the creative arts. Whether you are working as an artist or supporting the arts, Broad Impact Network empowers its members to celebrate, support, advocate, and shape an arts and culture that we believe in.Our mission is to build a robust and engaged community of women who actively support female-identifying creators, advocate for freedom of artistic expression, and provide a creative space for women-led projects.We unite women who love the creative arts and care about championing female voices so we can lift up artists, explore our own creativity, and make a real impact to advocate as a community. Broads are stronger together.

Rachel PeakeOriginally hailing from Saskatchewan, Rachel is a director and dramaturge of theatre and opera. She is currently the Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario.​From 2021 to 2023 Rachel was the Associate Artistic Director of the Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver. There she oversaw the running of the Artistic Department from 2021-2022 during the Artistic Director's maternity leave. From 2017 to 2020 she was the Associate Artistic Director of the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, where she led the Citadel's New Play Development initiatives. In January 2023 she won the Ovation Award for Outstanding Direction for her work on Something Rotten!, produced by Theatre Under the Stars.​Rachel recently directed Macbeth for Calgary Opera (Betty Mitchell Award nominee - Outstanding Production of a Musical) , Sense and Sensibility for the Arts Club, 9 to 5: the Musical for the Citadel Theatre, Something Rotten! for Theatre Under the Stars, and The Pearl Fishers for Vancouver Opera. Rachel directed and dramaturged Hyperlink for the elbow, which was nominated for a Critic's Choice in Innovation. Recent directorial credits also include The Garneau Block for the Citadel, La Cenerentola for Vancouver Opera, and Phaedra/ Serenade for Pacific Opera Victoria.​Some additional career highlights include directing and dramaturging the world première opera, Stickboy, for Vancouver Opera; directing the première of The Contest of the Winds for Caravan Farm Theatre; helming SexyVoices, a community-based creation piece about love and sex in the disability community for Realwheels Theatre; directing Angels in America: Part One at Studio 58, and directing and co-conceiving the interactive project Sustainability in an Imaginary World at UBC.​Rachel was the co-Artistic Director of Solo Collective Theatre from 2008-2013 for whom she directed Cool Beans, Play With Monsters, After Jerusalem, The Project, and The Trolley Car.  She also spent four years as Resident Stage Director of Dark by Five at Gros Morne Summer Music where she directed and co-created fifteen new interdisciplinary works. ​Rachel interned at the Komische Oper in Berlin, at Stratford's Michael Langham Workshop for Classical Direction, and in the Shaw Festival's Neil Munro Directing Internship. She also studied extensively with her mentor, James Fagan Tait. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Alberta and Studio 58.Grand TheatreThe Grand Theatre is known for world-class theatre created and built in London, Ontario. As southwestern Ontario's premiere producing theatre and one of the most beautiful theatre spaces in Canada, the company has deep ties to the community and to its artists, artisans, and technicians. As a vibrant cultural hub and not-for-profit professional theatre, the Grand serves to gather, inspire, and entertain audiences in London and beyond. At our home in downtown London, we create productions on two stages: the Spriet Stage (839 seats) and the Auburn Developments Stage (144 seats). The Grand season of theatrical offerings runs from September to May, and we collaborate with companies and artists across the country through our co-productions that see London-made artistic and creative work travel to audiences nation-wide. Through our successful New Play Development Program, the Grand is committed to developing and premiering new, original works and supporting the growth and reach of theatre writers and creators. Our recently renovated venue offers a contemporary and welcoming environment that is also home to several successful music series', community arts rentals, and cultural and special events. 

Conner and SmithMatt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith are modern musical theatre writers who explore the darker side of human nature, while searching for the light.

Riverside StudiosFor over 45 years, Riverside Studios has been the home of an extraordinary mix of new and innovative theatre, film, comedy, art, dance, music and television. A cultural hub that has attracted some of the world's best creative talent including Samuel Beckett, David Bowie, Benjamin Zephaniah, Amy Winehouse, Yoko Ono, Lenny Henry and Michael Clark.  Now, in our glorious new building, we are beginning our next creative chapter, driven by a belief in the power of creativity to bring people together, unlock potential and spark positive change in the world. We are ambitious, curious and audacious, we are for our community, our artists and our audiences.  We aim to be an independent home for new, innovative and international work, for an audience rooted in our local West London community and which is accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Michael VerreMichael was born on New York's longest island. As an only child, Michael was thrown into just about activity you could think of. From piano lessons to karate to baseball, he did it all. It was through this smorgasbord of activities that Michael discovered his love for performing.​Since then, he has performed across the country, written a musical "A New Song and Dance" and has built a resume teaching tap dancers of all ages around the trip state area.