Oh, What a Night in Long Beach: Jersey Boys Hits the Stage!

Jersey Boys Hit the Stage in Long Beach!

By Erin

Jersey Boys Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA!

The wait is over! Southern California’s premier theatre company, Musical Theatre West (MTW) has launched its electrifying 2025 season with the Tony Award-winning sensation, Jersey Boys! Opening Friday, February 14 and running through March 2 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, in Long Beach! This smash-hit musical takes audiences behind the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, bringing their legendary rise, struggles, and triumphs to life on stage.

  Hitting the stage at Musical Theatre West with a bang, bringing the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to life in a high-energy, toe-tapping extravaganza that had the Carpenter Center buzzing with excitement! From thunderous applause to standing ovations and even the audience singing along to those unforgettable hits, the energy was absolutely electric. It was an opening weekend to remember, and if you weren’t there, you’re definitely going to want to grab one of the few remaining tickets before the curtain falls on March 2nd!

Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a fun evening with friends, or simply looking to experience one of Broadway’s biggest crowd-pleasers you will want to hurry, because this is one musical ride you won’t want to miss!

The show is packed with chart-topping hits, from the high-energy rhythms of “Sherry” and “Walk Like a Man” to the swoon-worthy ballad “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Paired with an unforgettable true story of ambition, loyalty, and music history, MTW’s production of Jersey Boys offers a night of pure entertainment that will have audiences singing along and reliving the magic of rock and roll’s golden era.

“This show is more than just great music, it’s a journey through the highs and lows of fame, friendship, and perseverance,” shared Paul Garman, Executive Director of Musical Theatre West. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience these legendary songs in a whole new way.”

Directed by TJ Dawson, Musical Theatre West’s production of Jersey Boys stars Nicholas Alexander as Frankie Valli, Anthony Carro as Tommy DeVito, Taubert Nadalini as Bob Gaudio, and Grant Hodges as Nick Massi. This dynamic cast, paired with stunning choreography by Dana Solimando and music direction by Lyndon Pugeda, ensures an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

Tony Award-Winning Disney Musical, Newsies Comes to Long Beach!

Disney Newsies–The Broadway Musical

By Erin

Disney Newsies by Musical Theater West in Long Beach California

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Newsies to hit Long Beach this July! Southern California’s premier theatre company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), is bringing Broadway to the beach with the Tony Award-Winning Disney musical, Newsies. Based on the 1993 Disney film of the same name, Newsies follows a group of Newsboys at the beginning of the 20th century who take on the Pulitzer and the World Newspaper… and win! Musical Theatre West has always been dear to my heart as I grew up going to shows put on by MTW, back when they were at La Mirada Theater! I am SO excited to see their production of Newsies!

An inspiring story of young heroes fighting for justice and freedom, MTW’s production of Newsies will run for a limited time, July 12 – July 28, with an official opening night celebration on Saturday, July 13th. Tickets are on sale NOW, starting at $20 USD each and are available by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org.

“Summer is the perfect season to celebrate friendship and cheer for the underdog, which is why we’ve chosen Newsies to share with our audiences,” shared Paul Garman, Executive Director and Producer for Musical Theatre West. “The timeless tale of finding the courage to collectively stand together in solidarity is a message that transcends the ages and encapsulates a feeling of hope that will inspire our audiences to seize opportunities that affect positive change in our shared human experience.”

The rousing tale of Jack Kelly and his fellow “newsies’”, inspired by the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899, will have theatre-goers rooting for the underdog as they take on a publishing powerhouse to challenge unfair conditions and ultimately stand up for what’s right. Newsies will inspire audiences of all ages to consider the power of the press and remember the age-old adage: “All for one and one for all!” Featuring the Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act), Jack Feldmen, and a book by Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots), ticket-holders can expect to be thrilled by high-energy dance performances and MTW’s renditions of now classic songs “Seize the Day,” “Carrying the Banner,” and “Santa Fe.”

Musical Theatre West’s production of Newsies will premiere at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on select dates, July 12 – July 28, 2024.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

Newsies by Musical Theatre West

Dates: July 12 – 28, 2024, select dates and times

Where: Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Tickets start at $20, Purchase here

Student Rush tickets are $15 at the Box Office

Rated PG More details can be found at https://musical.org/upcoming-events/

ABOUT MUSICAL THEATRE WEST

The story of Musical Theatre West is the 72-year journey from a group of volunteers performing in a high school auditorium to one of the largest and most respected theatrical production companies in Southern California. Utilizing professional talent, and producing regional and even world premiere musicals while continuing to honor the tradition of classic musical theatre, MTW is the largest arts producer in the Long Beach area. The company continues to receive critical acclaim and national recognition – and many performers who cut their teeth on the MTW stage have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and in television and film. Just as importantly, stage and screen veterans now come to Musical Theatre West to perform, finding it to be one of the friendliest and most fun venues to work in. A key aspect of the company is its dedication to education, and the Education and Outreach Programs of Musical Theatre West bring the joy and magic of musical theater to over 17,000 children each year through special morning performances, traveling shows and school assemblies, and the Summer Youth Conservatory. Musical Theatre West has a mission to enrich the community with Broadway-quality productions, preserve musical theatre as a unique American art form, and expose people of all backgrounds to the excitement of musical theatre.

Experience Winter Magic at The Queen Mary’s CHILL: Alice in Winterland!

The Queen Mary’s CHILL: Alice in Winterland!

By Erin

*We will be attending as media*

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It’s that magical time of year! The Queen Mary’s 5th Annual CHILL returns to the majestic ship November 23, 2016 with a special opening night of festivities including the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Pitch Perfect 2 star, Chrissie Fit, and Teen Choice Award nominee, New District, with help from Santa Claus. Open select dates through January 8, 2017 CHILL is Southern California’s coolest holiday adventure complete with ice-skating, ice tubing, swingin’ sleigh rides, visits with Santa, gingerbread decorating and the all-new interactive attraction, Alice in Winterland. I cannot wait to see everything that is new this year!

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NOV. 23 OPENING NIGHT ACTIVITES:

  • 3-7PM: Tune in to KOST 103.5FM’s holiday broadcast with Mark Wallengran live from CHILL
  • 7PM: CHILL opens to the public
  • Experience the gift of giving and donate a toy to ABC7 and Firefighters Spark of Love Toy Drive at the ticket box office for 50% off of general admission ticket. Restrictions may apply.

  • 7:30PM: Pitch Perfect 2 star, Chrissie Fit, and Teen Choice Award nominee, New District, hosts the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with a special visit from Santa Claus
  • 8:15-9PMAutograph signing with Pitch Perfect 2 star, Chrissie Fit, and Teen Choice Award nominee, New District
  • Special Performance by 14 year old Olympic hopeful, Gia Kokotakis, Bronze Medalist in the 2015 United States Figure Skating National Championships on The Looking Glass ice skating rink

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CHILL Attractions:

*Alice in WinterlandNEW!! Light up the night and follow The Queen down the rabbit hole this holiday season with the all-new interactive and digitally immersive attraction. A 14,000-square foot walk-through adventure. Experience larger than life lanterns as you venture with Alice and friends into the Hall of Doors, the White Rabbit’s Kitchen, Mad Hatter’s Work Shop, the infamous Tea Party, Hedge Maze, Caterpillar Garden and the newest addition to the beloved story, Queen of Diamonds.
*Glacier Glide Tubing Run! Grab a tube and barrel down the 150-foot, two-story .
*Magic Mushroom Martini Bar! NEW Experience!! A one-of-a-kind interactive bar with RFID technology featuring Winterland Vodka Flights and Magical Martinis in the all-new .
*Ice Skating! Lace up some ice skates and glide upon The Looking Glass Rink, a 6000 square foot outdoor ice skating rink under the stars.

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