Category Archives: Long Beach

Step Into the Woods with Musical Theatre West’s Star-Studded Production, Opening March 28th!

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Into the Woods- Coming to Musical Theatre West This March!

By Erin

Into the Woods at Musical Theatre West

Get ready to step into a world where fairy tales collide and enchantment awaits! This March, Musical Theatre West, (MTW) in Long Beach, CA, is bringing the beloved musical “Into the Woods” to life at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, inviting audiences to join a whimsical journey filled with unforgettable characters and a sprinkle of dark humor. Imagine a place where Little Red Riding Hood meets a hungry wolf, and Cinderella’s dreams intertwine with a baker and his wife. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a curious newbie, this production promises to be a delightful blend of magic, mischief, and music that will leave you singing along long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss your chance to wander into the woods, adventure awaits!

Running select nights starting March 28th-April 13th, 2025, this timeless tale brings together beloved fairy tale characters as they venture into the woods in pursuit of their deepest wishes—only to discover that ‘happily ever after’ comes with unexpected twists. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $20, and are available by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org.

Into the Woods is a mesmerizing musical that intertwines the adventures of iconic fairy tale characters on a journey of dreams, adventure, and consequence. As Cinderella flees the ball, Jack climbs to new heights, and Little Red embarks on a daring path, they cross paths with the Baker and his Wife, who are desperate to lift a curse. With Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and a story filled with heart, humor, and surprises, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.

“This production is a shining example of the transformative power of storytelling and the timeless allure of classic fairy tales,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director of Musical Theatre West. “Audiences of all ages will be delighted to see beloved characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk brought to life in new and unexpected ways. This show is a poignant reminder that every wish carries weight, and we eagerly await sharing this enchanting journey with our audiences.”

MTW’s Into the Woods will feature a stellar cast, including Madison Claire Parks, who will play Cinderella. Parks makes a triumphant return to MTW after nearly 800 performances on Wicked’s National Tour, where she understudied the role of Glinda. Audiences will recognize her as she previously starred as Doralee in MTW’s 9 to 5, Portia in Something Rotten!, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Cosette in Les Misérables, and Laurey in Oklahoma!

Amanda Angeles, who stars as Little Red, recently starred in MTW’s Education Outreach musicals, Ronna Llama’s Moving Day and Ready Player Three, which toured Long Beach schools to bring the magic of theatre to children. Having grown up attending MTW musicals on school field trips, she is thrilled to make her professional debut in her hometown with Into the Woods.

Also joining this powerhouse ensemble is Daebreon Poiema as the Witch, Cayman Ilika as the Baker’s Wife, and Derek Manson as the Baker. Richard Bermudez takes on the dual roles of Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf, and Wayne Bryan makes his onstage MTW debut as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, after directing the record-breaking production of The Sound of Music in 2023.

Directed by Kari Hayter, with choreography by Christine Abraham and music direction by Anthony Zediker, this production promises to deliver all the wit, wonder, and wisdom of Sondheim’s classic masterpiece. With captivating storytelling, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable music, audiences will be reminded to be careful what they wish for.

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.

FULL CAST:

Amanda Angeles: Little Red

Antwone Barnes: Rapunzel’s Prince

Richard Bermudez: Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf

Wayne Bryan: Narrator/Mysterious Man

Davide Costa: Jack

Camryn Hamm: Rapunzel

Cayman Ilika: Baker’s Wife

Derek Manson: Baker

Brian Kim McCormack: Steward

Marisa Moheno: Stepsister

Bree Murphy: Jack’s Mother

Christine Negherbon: Cinderella’s Mother/Granny

Madison Claire Parks: Cinderella

Daebreon Poiema: Witch

Aya Sheridan: Stepsister

Michael Washington: Cinderella’s Father

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

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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!

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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.