Into the Woods- Coming to Musical Theatre West This March!
By Erin
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.
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.
Get Ready for a Hauntingly Good Time at The Queen Mary This Month! 👻
Step aboard the legendary Queen Mary and embark on a spine-chilling journey through one of Southern California’s most iconic haunted destinations! This fall, The RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, transforms into a haven of spooky fun, where ghostly encounters, eerie tours, and thrilling events await. Whether you’re a fan of haunted history, love a good scare, or just want to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit, The Queen Mary offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and terrifying tales that will leave you both thrilled and thoroughly entertained. Dare to discover the secrets of this haunted ship—if you’re brave enough! 🎃⚓
I’m excited to unveil the spooktacular lineup of new and hauntingly thrilling entertainment for September 2024. Get ready for a month full of eerie excitement, featuring all-new ghostly gatherings, spine-tingling events, and the highly anticipated return of Dark Harbor. From bone-chilling Monthly Movie Nights to the haunting Night Market and wickedly refreshing Cocktails on the Queen, September aboard the Queen Mary promises to be a highlight of the spooky season in Southern California. For a full calendar of What’s On Deck, visit Queenmary.com/whatsondeck/. For more information on the Queen Mary, visit http://queenmary.com, or connect with The Queen Mary on social @TheQueenMary.
Details:Get ready for a hauntingly good time at the Queen Mary’s Spooktacular Bazaar & Movie Night! Join us on Friday, September 13th, in the Queen Mary Event Park for an evening filled with spooky delights and thrilling entertainment. Shop till you drop from a curated selection of local spooky vendors offering unique and eerie items. Enjoy live music that will set the perfect eerie atmosphere as you browse and shop. Satisfy your cravings with delicious offerings from a variety of pop-up food vendors. From savory to sweet, there’s something to delight every palate.
Step into the shadows and experience the chilling thrills of Dark Harbor while snapping a photo with characters. As the night falls, settle in for a double feature movie showing under the stars. First up is the beloved classic Nightmare Before Christmas (7PM), followed by the magical and mysterious Labyrinth (9PM). Costumes are encouraged.
Details: Prepare yourself for a night of ghostly tales and ghoulish delights as we delve into The Queen Mary’s most famous apparitions. Each spine-chilling story, each more terrifying than the last, will be perfectly paired with specialty concoctions featuring “spirits” of their own.
This is one night you won’t want to miss—full of eerie encounters, spine-tingling tales, and deliciously haunted drinks! Come for the scares, stay for the fun… if you dare! Ages 21+
DARK HARBOR – The Spirits Rise
Dates: Select Dates
September 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th, 29th, and continues in October
Details: This fall, as the fog rolls in on Long Beach, the notoriously haunted Queen Mary brings back the legendary Dark Harbor Halloween event. Dark Harbor is a massive Halloween festival that takes place on The Queen Mary and surrounding harbor. This year’s event will feature haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, experiences on-board the ship, festive eats and treats, and, of course, the return of well known icons like the Ringmaster and Scary Mary.
Queen Mary’s 90th Anniversary
Dates: Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
Cost: Complimentary ship admission and $10 parking.
Tickets to Alex Mendham and His Orchestra start at $45 per person
Details: Commodore Everette Hoard will present a reproduction of the Queen’s Royal Standard to be displayed in the Main Hall. The beautiful royal standard is hand painted and sewn directly from Britain. The original royal standard was presented to the ship by the Queen herself before the Queen Mary set sail and it was displayed throughout her years of service. After the reveal of the standard, Alex Mendham and his orchestra will be performing in the Queen Salon for a special ticketed performance. Experience the magic of 1934 as we recreate the ambiance of a grand celebration from that era. The evening will feature the renowned Alex Mendham and his Orchestra, widely celebrated for their spectacular shows. Combining jazz and swing music of the art deco era with a modern energy and passion, they epitomize Hollywood’s golden age.
ONGOING EVENTS
The Grey Ghost Project
Dates: Select Nights
Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00AM and on Saturdays at 6:00PM – 9:00PM & 9:00PM – 12:00AM
Cost: Free admission to the ship and $125 per person
Details: Join us for a paranormal investigation that will allow you to come along on a 3-hour exploration of the haunts and history of the RMS Queen Mary. The Grey Ghost Project takes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to investigating the paranormal. Using the latest tools of the trade, the project uses a combination of scientific methods to gather data and documentation for evidence of the supernatural. Your ticket grants you access to join one of our resident researchers on their quest to document evidence of the paranormal onboard in some of the most supernaturally active locations, as well as areas restricted to normal day guests and tours. *All participants must be over the age of 13. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed guardian. Investigations at 10pm and later are ages 18+ only.
57 Ghosts – Theatrical Séance Show
Dates: Select nights
Time: 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Cost: Free admission to the ship and $75 per person
Details: Join Apparitionist Michael Rangel for an intimate & immersive experience that will bring you face to face with the spirited passed of this historic and haunting ship. Guests will witness and participate in a supernatural séance where anything can happen! *This experience is age-restricted! (Under 16 Not Admitted) Please do not attend if you are recently bereaved.
Seating is reserved and extremely limited for each presentation.
Royal Sunday Brunch with Live Music
Date: EverySunday
September 15th, 22nd, 29th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $98 per person (ages 13+), $39 for ages 5-12, $15 for ages 2-4, Free under age 1
Details: Wrapped in the elegant grace of the Grand Salon and featuring live entertainment, the Royal Sunday Brunch has the air of a royal soiree and is anything but typical. Free flowing champagne, live music, and a tantalizing signature menu that is sure to please even the most discerning palates, makes the Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch a Long Beach tradition that cannot be missed.
Meet Me at the Mary featuring Ashley Anne & the Carnations
Date: EveryTuesday
September 10th, 17th, 24th, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Complimentary ship admission and $10 parking
Details: Enjoy live music and drink specials at the Observation Bar. Come early to grab a good seat, enjoy delicious drinks, and soak in the fantastic atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some of the best live music in town. No reserved seating – First come, first served. Walk-ins are accepted but reservations for easier ship admission are recommended. For ages 21 and up.
Karaoke @ the OB
Dates: Every Wednesday
September 11th, 18th, 25th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free admission to the ship and $10 parking with validation
Details: Get ready to take the stage and sing your heart out at one of the most iconic venues in the nation! Every Wednesday night The Queen Mary hosts Karaoke Night in the historic Observation Bar. This weekly event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your vocal talents, whether you’re a seasoned performer or just looking to have some fun with friends. The Observation Bar offers a unique ambiance with its beautiful art deco decor and panoramic views of the Long Beach skyline. For ages 21 and up.
KJAZZ LIVE Jazz & Blues
Dates: EveryThursday
September 12th, 19th, 26th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free admission to the ship and $10 parking with validation
Details: Sway to the sounds of live jazz and blues music performed in the legendary Art Deco Observation Bar. No reserved seating – First come, first served.
VIP Tour
Date: Every Friday and Saturday
September 13th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 27th, 28th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $145 per person, includes non-alcoholic beverage with snack PLUS lunch
Details: Embark on an exclusive 3-hour VIP tour aboard the legendary Queen Mary, featuring privileged access to restricted areas, a gourmet lunch, shopping discounts, and a guided narrative from one of the ship’s officers, filled with rare anecdotes and historical insights. This unparalleled experience is perfect for history aficionados, maritime enthusiasts, and those seeking ultimate luxury and exclusivity. Due to the historic nature of the Queen Mary, this tour is not ADA accessible.
Yoga on Deck
Dates: Saturdays
September 7th,14th, 21st, 28th, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Cost: $10 per person.Free admission to the ship and $10 parking with validation
Details: Join us aboard the Queen Mary for a soulful session and good vibes. Led by passionate instructor, Brandi Polk, immerse yourself in flowing sequences, deep stretches, and mindful breathing, all while enjoying the peaceful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re seeking to unwind after a busy week or simply craving a new way to connect body and mind, this experience promises to uplift your spirits. Bring your own yoga mat and water to stay hydrated. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before class time.
About the Queen Mary Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the Promenade Café and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar, as well as a weekly Royal Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs and visitors of all ages can explore the ship’s museum, tours, and exhibits. The Queen Mary features event space in 14 remarkable Art Deco salons and award winning staff to create innovative banquets for groups ranging from 10 to 5,000. The Queen Mary boasts 200 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call(888) 217-1153. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.