Jonathan Ragsdale

Just in time for the holidays, my favorite Christmas musical debuts in Albuquerque. Now, technically it’s not a “Christmas” show, but there’s enough references to holidays, family, cheer and community to make it a holiday show. Musical Theatre Southwest takes on the beloved and iconic show this month; if you miss it, you will most certainly have regrets.

FINDING NEVERLAND, the musical that made us all believe in our imagination, will be making its way to Waterbury's Palace Theater March 20 - 21.

FINDING NEVERLAND, the Broadway musical that made us all believe in our imagination, premieres at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Alto/Ruidoso on Wednesday, January 8 at 7p.m.. Tickets ($79-$85) are on sale today at www.spencertheater.com or the Spencer Box Office at (575) 336-4800.

Finding Neverland, the enchanting Broadway musical, is set to soar on tour starting this fall in Lancaster, PA.   

Based on the cult classic movie of 1992 starring Christian Bale, David Moscow, and Bill Pullman, Newsies tells the 'David vs. Goliath' story of the newsboys of New York rising up to fight newspaper publishers in an attempt to secure rights for themselves. Newsies is also inspired by the real-life Newsboy strike of 1899, when Kid Blink led a group of newsies on a two-week-long strike against Pulitzer, Hearst, and other newspaper publishers. The musical shines a light on the exploitative labor practices and social injustices as a group of young kids try to fight against the powerful and corrupt businessmen of New York.

Casting has been announced for Musical Theatre Southwest's summer production of Disney's Newsies, which will run Thursdays through Sundays from July 12 to August 11th at the MTS Center for Theatre.

After a nine-year hiatus, the Tony-winning Pippin is back with a new production by Landmark Musicals (which presented that 2010 production) in eight performances beginning March 16 at the Rodey Theatre on the University of New Mexico campus.

2018 was an amazing year for theatre in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and if the proposed seasons for area theatres are any indication, 2019 is going to be a great one, too. From classic plays to super contemporary ones, and of course, a decent amount of musicals, this year has a lot for theatregoers to look forward to. Here are some productions I'm particularly excited about in the coming months.

BWW Previews: FOOTLOOSE at Albuquerque Little Theatre

The Gateway's latest offering is an absolutely thrilling production of the worldwide blockbuster hit Mamma Mia!. Running through August 5th at the Patchogue Theatre For The Performing Arts, this incarnation is excellently directed by Larry Raben. Indeed, this uplifting show, set to the fun music of ABBA, will leave you smiling and humming the score for days.

Save the date for the biggest, most famous pop musical of all time that will take you on a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!

The Gateway will take Long Island by storm at The Patchogue Theatre with the international smash hit Mamma Mia!, and will dazzle the audience from July 19th through August 5th.  Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' Mamma Mia!, is based on the songs of ABBA and has broken box office records worldwide having been seen by more than 60 million people.  With non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers, the show features hit songs that include "Super Trouper," "Dancing Queen," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "Take a Chance on Me," "Thank You for the Music," "Money, Money, Money," "The Winner Takes It All," and "SOS."

The multiple Award-winning, On the Twentieth Century, the Cy Coleman-Betty Comden-Adolph Green musical will be performed in a staged concert version, directed and choreographed by Hal Simons, co-presented by The Adobe Theater and ABQStages.

The multiple Award-winning On the Twentieth Century, the Cy Coleman-Betty Comden-Adolph Green musical will be performed in a Staged Concert Version, directed and choreographed by Hal Simons.

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features are thrilled to present two tours of the Broadway musical, ELF, during the 2014 holiday season. Both kick off today, November 7. This holiday season marks the fourth year that ELF has entertained audiences around the nation since its 2010 Broadway debut. Playing the title role of 'Buddy' are Daniel Patrick Smith (Buddy Tour) and Eric Williams (Jovie Tour).

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features are thrilled to bring the Broadway musical, ELF, to the Old National Centre in Indianapolis from December 16 to 20. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $28, and available in person at the Broadway in Indianapolis Box Office downtown at 342 Massachusetts Avenue, The Old National Centre Ticket Office, Clowes Memorial Hall, online at BroadwayinIndianapolis.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Groups of 10 or more can book now by calling 317-632-7469 x103.

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features are thrilled to present two tours of the Broadway musical, ELF, during the 2014 holiday season. This holiday season marks the fourth year that ELF has entertained audiences around the nation since its 2010 Broadway debut. Playing the title role of 'Buddy' are Daniel Patrick Smith (Buddy Tour) and Eric Williams (Jovie Tour).

MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony Winning Best Musical is preparing to launch the national tour in Appleton, WI at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center tonight, October 15th. MEMPHIS is in Boise, ID for technical rehearsal at the Morrison Center with three performances beginning October 9th - 11th.

MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony Winning Best Musical is preparing to launch the national tour in Appleton, WI at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 15th. MEMPHIS is in Boise, ID for technical rehearsal at the Morrison Center with three performances beginning October 9th - 11th.

The Albuquerque Theatre guild is an umbrella organization of live theatre companies, theater practitioners, and theater lovers dedicated to making the Albuquerque area's rich live-theatre scene better known to both residents and visitors alike. We are happy to act as your usher and guide to the wonderful wealth of entertainment possibilities that greater Albuquerque offers every weekend!