Kathy Strain

Karen L. Maness is a UT Lecturer and Texas Performing Arts Scenic Art Supervisor. Maness is the co-author of The Art of The Hollywood Backdrop, the definitive behind-the-scenes history of Hollywood’s cinematic backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen. BWW recently caught up with Karen Maness to discuss how this all came about.

The year 2020 has proven to be full of unprecedented moments including the closing of live theater all over the world. It hasna??t been easy for the performing arts industry to find a way to bring entertainment to the public that is craving it. However, the Texas Performing Arts (TPA) and Fusebox Festival are finding ways to bring entertainment to the Austin community.BWW Austin had a chance to ask Bob Bursey some questions about the upcoming collaboration.

The City of Gander had a population of about 10,000 people at the time, yet, without hesitation, they opened their city and their homes to the stranded passengers. COME FROM AWAY is the true story of how the people all came together when it felt like the world was coming apart.

The story of Newfoundland and the town of Gander was a chance to remember the good in so many. COME FROM AWAY is an amazing true story of how 7,000 people were stranded in Gander and how the good in everyone was quickly discovered. BWW was able to chat recently with Andrew Samonsky who plays Kevin and other characters in COME FROM AWAY as it begins its week in San Antonio, Texas at the Majestic Theatre.

As the Public Theater prepares to wrap up its run of A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, it was fun to chat with Andy Meyers who plays the part of…well…of…many characters central to the story. Read below to see just how Meyers keeps up with the high jinx adventures that make A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER a highly entertaining show that should not be missed. Check out BWW's Ashley Corbaley's review of the show too.

September 11, 2001 was a terrifying day for so many people. There were so many who initially felt so helpless as the news continued to broadcast all the sadness, destruction, and death surrounding the attacks. Planes were ordered to land wherever they could leaving the passengers worried, alone, and far from home and loved ones. Then, stories on the news started to emerge about the humanity and compassion being shown to each other. The story COME FROM AWAY shares the story of the town of Gander in Canada that came together to help stranded passengers feel at home while waiting to get to their own homes again. BWW caught up with actress Sharone Sayegh who plays Bonnie and others as the show prepares to come to Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas.

It was evident by the audience participation that Blippi LIVE was a rousing success. Children, dressed in the signature clothing of Blippi, blue shirt, orange suspenders, blue and orange cap, and orange glasses, danced and sang in the aisles. Even adults were seen dancing and clapping along.

If you don't know a?oewho lives in a pineapple under the sea,a?? then you must be living under a rock. No matter who you are or how old you are, the cartoon a?oeSpongeBob SquarePantsa?? has something to entertain you and teach you what friends are all about. When it was announced that the beloved cartoon would be made into a Broadway show, many were not surprised. What was surprising was the manner in which the creators went about constructing THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. Director Tina Landau decided early on that she would use book writer Kyle Jarrow for creating the best storyline and it was the best storyline.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL seems to be the kind of show that many people might consider a show for children. But, in looking further, you can see that THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is a great show for all ages. So much fun packed into a short period of time. The message will warm your heart. The music will surprise and entertain you. The songwriters for this fun musical include John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, and Jonathan Coulton. BroadwayWorld recently caught up actor Beau Bradshaw who is happily enjoying playing the part of Patrick. Bradshaw and the entire company of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL will be playing two days at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio.

HELLO, DOLLY! has been entertaining audiences since it first hit Broadway in 1964 with Carol Channing as Dolly Gallagher Levi. As many productions and revivals ensued, the endearing qualities of this stellar show continue to sell-out. Currently on tour in North America, BWW caught up with actress Jane Brockman who plays Erestina as well as understudying Dolly.

Many people in attendance at the performance of MISS SAIGON at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio have vivid memories of the Vietnam War. Many may have actually fought over there, many protested in the United States in antiwar demonstrations, while others may have been living in the fighting zones as innocent villagers. No matter where your physical body was at the time, all can agree that the Vietnam War was a time of turmoil, fear, and uncertainty. No one understood the war but yet, the war dragged on. Although most U.S. Troops were pulled out of Vietnam in 1973, a small number remained until 1975 when President Ford ordered the helicopter evacuations of 7000 Americans and South Vietnamese from Saigon. This is the time just before the evacuations where MISS SAIGON takes place. No matter what your feelings about the Vietnam War, MISS SAIGON is a wonderful interpretation of the many real people who all just wanted to survive and find joy again in their lives.

In today's world there are so many stories of trial and triumph, sacrifice and success, loss and love. MISS SAIGON is such a story that shows all of this and keeps everyone engaged and emotional. BWW caught up with Jackie Nguyen recently for a chance to find out how MISS SAIGON is her very own mother's story as well.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN continues to sell-out shows all over North America as it makes its ways from city to city. It's been a show that brings on conversations with families, friends, and acquaintances as to how to connect to each other and be honest with each other. BWW recently caught up with Jessica Sherman who plays the part of Evan's mother, Heidi. She shared insights into the depth and breadth of the characters that has sparked its own little revelation of learning to connect to loved ones.

The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio Texas is buzzing as the last of the theatergoers find their seats. There are screens all around the stage that scroll social media comments. It's obvious that the audience is squinting to see if the words are a hint into what DEAR EVAN HANSEN is all about.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER is a Christmas tradition for many around the world. The stop motion animated TV special first aired in 1964. It was a Rankin/Bass Production that had children looking forward to it every year. The show was a reminder to all that no matter who you are, no matter what your differences may seem to be on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. Now, the same story is being brought to life on stage and in theaters all around the country during this Christmas season. As it makes a stop in San Antonio, Texas and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, BroadwayWorld caught up with Bella Hicks who plays the part of Rudolph in this amazing production.

BLUE MAN GROUP has been performing all over the world for more than 25 years. Cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Berlin have permanent residencies of the hysterical, light-hearted, multifaceted group. There is also a tour of BLUE MAN GROUP that love to entertain audiences all over North America. They will make a stop in San Antonio, Texas November 22-24, 2019 with limited shows at the Majestic Theatre. BWW had a chance to chat with long-time member of BLUE MAN GROUP, Steven Wendt who shared with us some secrets to their side-splitting, hilarious high jinx as well as some of his own beginnings and how he became part of BLUE MAN GROUP.

Children and parents have loved Nick, Jr. and the programming available to entertain and educate. The shows are always upbeat and happy as characters teach children many things. As NICK,JR.LIVE tours around North America, children can experience what it's like to see some of their favorite characters from the TV perform for them on the stage. Characters of Nick, Jr. include The Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, Blue's Clues and You, Paw Patrol and more. Children will be thrilled and excited to sing and dance along with their favorite characters. BWW caught up with a very important friend to the characters, Courtney Martin. She was happy to share with us how she loves being a friend to the Nick, Jr. cast. NICK, JR.LIVE comes to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday and Sunday only.

At any given day, in any given town, in any given house, in any given room, cats are beloved pets of millions of people all over the world. As such, stories can be told about how this cat or that cat stood out from the rest of the cat population to the cat owner who adores their fun furballs. But, has it ever really been understood what really goes on in a cat's mind? Do we really understand cats? Is it ever possible? T.S. Eliot adored cats and because of that, wrote Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. This was the inspiration behind Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS. This acclaimed and beloved musical is currently playing in San Antonio, Texas at the Majestic Theatre and opening night proved to the audience that the story of CATS continues to entertain and enthrall theater goers.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS has won many awards over the years including seven Tony Awards. CATS has been rediscovered by audiences everywhere and will be coming to San Antonio, Texas and the Majestic Theatre from October 29-November 3, 2019. BWW caught up with Timothy Gulan who plays the part of Bustopher Jones among other cats. He shared with us some fun backstage secrets including make-up and costume preparations.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been one of the most beloved shows since it was first written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. With the release of the American album in 1970, it has become known as the a?oeBrown Albuma?? based on the original cover. It became an instant hit in households all over the United States. As the cast prepares for opening night in Austin at the Bass Concert Hall, BWW caught up with Jenna Rubaii who plays Mary.