Joseph Harrison - Page 20

Joseph Harrison

Joseph Harrison has been involved with the theatre in some form or fashion all his life. He holds a Journalism degree from the University of Georgia, but his true love is the theatre which he has been involved in as a spectator as well as an actor for the last 30+ years. He has performed in a variety of musicals over the years including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PIPPIN, CITY OF ANGELS, 1776, LITTLE WOMEN, WORKING, GODSPELL (Jesus) and JOSEPH..DREAMCOAT (Joseph) just to name a few. Joseph joined the Broadway World family in 2009 as the very first local editor for BWW Atlanta. He served as Senior BWW Editor for Connecticut from 2014 - 2020 and now resides in Orlando, FL and writes for BWW Orlando.




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First Show:

DAMN YANKEES (on Broadway), ANNIE (on tour in Atlanta as a young child))

Favorite Show:

This is a question I get often and for someone who sees so many shows it is near impossible to answer. But my top five would have to be: Patti LuPone in GYPSY on Broadway (my favorite score performed by one of my favorite actors), NEXT TO NORMAL (both on Broadway and at TheaterWorks in Hartford (see below for article), HAIR (an amazing experience, and not just because I got to perform "On Broadway" on stage during the bows), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (love every version I have seen), and then whatever I saw last (which at the writing of this was an amazing production of EMMET OTTER'S JUG BAND CHRISTMAS in Chicago).

Favorite Stories:

  • SPOTLIGHT ON: Loretta Swit, Star of Theater of the Stars' Production of 42nd Street at the Fabulous Fox Theatre - This was my very first interview piece for BroadwayWorld (and one of my first articles as a new writer for the site back in 2009) and I got to speak with none other than TV star Loretta Swit who was so kind and patient with me as I was so excited to be speaking with someone I had admired for a long time in her many roles on television.
  • Review: RAGS at Goodspeed Opera House - I was in awe every time I got to review a production at the iconic Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT. As a young musical theatre fan in high school I was a subscriber to the Goodspeed's magazine SHOW MUSIC which I devoured cover to cover every month (I still have every issue I collected). To then be not only attending, but reviewing (and often quoted in their Ads) was surreal. If you had told 17 year old me that would happen I would never have believed you! I picked this production of RAGS in particular because it was extra special to me anytime the Goodspeed produced a show like this that you would likely not get a chance to see anywhere else.
  • Review: NEXT TO NORMAL at TheaterWorks - This is a favorite not only because it was a production that absolutely blew me away (and one of my favorite musicals - see above), but for what happened afterwards. A year or so after writing this review I had the pleasure of meeting Christiane Noll (who starred as Diana in this production) at a Connecticut Critics Circle awards ceremony. When I introduced myself to her she recognized me from my review, took my hands and thanked me for the kind things I wrote about her performance (I meant every word - still the gold standard Diana IMHO) and that was the moment I realized that my reviews weren't just going out into the ether - that real people, including the amazing artists I get to witness on stage - are reading and are impacted by what I write. It was an amazing feeling.
  • Interview: Lindsay Northen And Jared Bradshaw performing in BROADWAY ON THE ROCKS cabaret at the Hyatt Regency Orlando - This was a treat because it was a little something different for me (previewing a local Broadway/cabaret performance here in Orlando) but featured a conversation with two wonderful performers who happen to also be friends of mine. I loved our conversation and got so many great comments about the piece.
  • BWW Review: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by Orlando Shakes - This was my first review after moving to Orlando during the pandemic and beginning to write for BWW Orlando and it is special for a few reasons. First, I remember how amazing it felt to be sitting in a theatre (or in this case outside in an amphitheater @ Lake Eola in downtown Orlando) once again after more than a year of being stuck inside during COVID. It was a fantastic production by Orlando Shakes, but just being together, with other people, experiencing live theatre once again made me emotional and thankful to be back. It was also the beginning of my realization of how much amazing theatre is available here in my new hometown of Orlando - I have been blown away by the volume of opportunities to see amazing performances and the sheer number of crazy talented (and absolutely lovely) artists we have here in Central Florida. I am lucky to get to see so many performances and to share them with you, our BWW readers.


BWW Interviews: 'Phantom' Tim Martin Gleason
BWW Interviews: 'Phantom' Tim Martin Gleason
June 29, 2010

The music of the night will begin playing again in Atlanta soon, for what could be the last time at the Fabulous Fox. The Phantom of the Opera, the smash hit, mega-musical that has become a worldwide phenomenon and a piece of musical theatre history will make its last stop at Atlanta's Fox Theatre June 30 - July 18 before closing this November. I had the pleasure to talk about the tour and this beautiful show straight from the mouth of the Phantom himself, Tim Martin Gleason.

BWW Interviews: Steve Blanchard, PRAIRIE's 'Pa'
BWW Interviews: Steve Blanchard, PRAIRIE's 'Pa'
June 3, 2010

When someone mentions Little House on the Prairie, most people think instantly of the iconic television program, little Laura Ingalls twirling in the field or that unforgettable theme song. But what about the real people behind those memorable characters, and their tough life on the prairie with all its struggles and joys? That is what theatergoers who come to see Little House on the Prairie at the Fox Theatre will experience, as they live the stories of the Ingalls family on stage in this new musical based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. And joyfully leading this stage family will be Melissa Gilbert (Ma) and Steve Blanchard, who plays Charles "Pa" Ingalls in this refreshing new production which comes to the Fox June 15 - 20. I had the chance to talk with Steve about the role, his experience with the show and how he has made a deep and personal connection with this truly remarkable man of the land.

BWW Interviews: MARY POPPINS' 'Bert,' Gavin Lee
April 28, 2010

When Mary Poppins flies into London to help out the Banks family, a familiar face is there to greet her with open arms. Her trusted friend and cohort, the chimney sweep and fun-loving Bert, is ready to help Mary share her magic with this family in need. When Mary Poppins, the award winning Broadway production of the timeless classic story, flies into Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre, Bert will be ready to share the magic of this exciting production with local audiences. Playing this role, a role he originated in London and then Broadway, is Gavin Lee, who sat down to share with me his take on his experience with Mary Poppins and the satisfaction of playing such an amazing role.

South Pacific Ends Run at Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre April 11
April 11, 2010

Lincoln Center Theater, in association with Bob Boyett and NETworks Presentations, will end the run of a new production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's prize-winning musical SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher on April 11th.

South Pacific to Play Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre April 6 - 11
April 6, 2010

Lincoln Center Theater, in association with Bob Boyett and NETworks Presentations, presents a new production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's prize-winning musical SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher. Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC makes its Atlanta debut at the The Fox Theatre, playing April 6-11 as part of the Broadway Across America - Atlanta 2009-2010 season. For more information on the production, please visit www.SouthPacificOnTour.com.

BWW Interviews: SOUTH PACIFIC's 'Cable' Anderson Davis
BWW Interviews: SOUTH PACIFIC's 'Cable' Anderson Davis
April 4, 2010

According to the Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals History, when the very first national tour of South Pacific played Atlanta's Tower Theatre in February 1953, the Georgia state legislature issued a vehement protest, mainly in response to the song "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught". When the award winning Broadway revival of this classic musical plays Atlanta's Fox Theatre April 6 - 11, the reception should be much different. Singing that haunting song and playing the role of Lt. Joseph Cable will be Anderson Davis. I caught up with Anderson recently and had a chat about his career, his character and the show.

Conyers' New Depot Players's THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB Closes 4/3
April 3, 2010

The New Depot Players' The Dixie Swim Club will play through April 3 at Center Street Arts.

BWW Interviews: Christy Altomare, Wendla From Spring Awakening, March 9 - 14 At The Fabulous Fox Theatre
BWW Interviews: Christy Altomare, Wendla From Spring Awakening, March 9 - 14 At The Fabulous Fox Theatre
March 9, 2010

Many theater-goers today have a keen sense of what 'musical theatre' should look like. For some, a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic fits the bill. Others may think of some of the mega-musicals that have graced the stage over the years, but for some, a new show like Spring Awakening excites, energizes, and adds a whole new facet to the musical theatre experience. Atlanta audiences will have the opportunity to experience this revolutionary show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre March 9 - 14 presented by Broadway Across America - Atlanta.

Conyers' New Depot Players Present The Dixie Swim Club March 26 - April 3
Conyers' New Depot Players Present The Dixie Swim Club March 26 - April 3
March 3, 2010

The Dixie Swim Club tells the story of five southern women who met on their college swim team and began a lifelong friendship together. Every August, these five women meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to reconnect, laugh with each other and meddle in each other's lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those long weekends that span a period of thirty-three years.

The Atlanta Shakespeare Co.'s ROMEO & JULIET Closes 2/28
February 28, 2010

The Shakespeare Tavern's production of Romeo and Juliet has been an Atlanta Valentine Tradition for over 10 years. Students and adults alike flock to this gem of a theater in Midtown Atlanta every February to celebrate love, lust and teenage angst. Because the Tavern practices Original Practice Shakespeare (they are invested in producing shows exactly as the text specifies) you get a real look at the Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare intended: which means tons of laughs, all of that Italian passion and a bawdy good time!

South Pacific to Play Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre April 6 - 11
February 24, 2010

Lincoln Center Theater, in association with Bob Boyett and NETworks Presentations, presents a new production of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's prize-winning musical SOUTH PACIFIC, directed by Bartlett Sher. Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC makes its Atlanta debut at the The Fox Theatre, playing April 6-11 as part of the Broadway Across America - Atlanta 2009-2010 season. For more information on the production, please visit www.SouthPacificOnTour.com.

The Atlanta Shakespeare Co. Presents ROMEO & JULIET, 2/4 - 2/28
February 4, 2010

The Shakespeare Tavern's production of Romeo and Juliet has been an Atlanta Valentine Tradition for over 10 years. Students and adults alike flock to this gem of a theater in Midtown Atlanta every February to celebrate love, lust and teenage angst. Because the Tavern practices Original Practice Shakespeare (they are invested in producing shows exactly as the text specifies) you get a real look at the Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare intended: which means tons of laughs, all of that Italian passion and a bawdy good time!

SPRING AWAKENING Plays The Fabulous Fox Theatre March 9-14, 2010
SPRING AWAKENING Plays The Fabulous Fox Theatre March 9-14, 2010
February 3, 2010

Broadway's most talked about new musical and the biggest Tony Award®-winner in years is coming to Atlanta. Spring Awakening, the 8-time Tony Award® winning Broadway musical, will play at The Fabulous Fox Theatre from March 9-14, 2010, and is presented by Broadway Across America - Atlanta as part of the 2009-2010 season.

The Atlanta Opera Announces 2010-2011 Season
The Atlanta Opera Announces 2010-2011 Season
February 3, 2010

The Atlanta Opera's Zurich General Director Dennis Hanthorn announced today the details of the company's 2010-2011 season, its fourth in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The Atlanta Opera's new season, featuring Puccini's beloved La bohème, Gershwin's American classic Porgy and Bess, and Mozart's funny and poignant Così fan tutte, will be presented October 2, 2010 through April 17, 2011. Season tickets are on sale now.

The Atlanta Shakespeare Co. Presents ROMEO & JULIET, 2/4 - 2/28
The Atlanta Shakespeare Co. Presents ROMEO & JULIET, 2/4 - 2/28
February 3, 2010

The Shakespeare Tavern's production of Romeo and Juliet has been an Atlanta Valentine Tradition for over 10 years. Students and adults alike flock to this gem of a theater in Midtown Atlanta every February to celebrate love, lust and teenage angst. Because the Tavern practices Original Practice Shakespeare (they are invested in producing shows exactly as the text specifies) you get a real look at the Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare intended: which means tons of laughs, all of that Italian passion and a bawdy good time!

BWW Interviews: Roger Bart: Young Frankenstein’s Dr. Frankenstein
BWW Interviews: Roger Bart: Young Frankenstein’s Dr. Frankenstein
January 25, 2010

When Mel Brooks' classic Young Frankenstein makes its way to the Fox Theatre stage in its exciting new musical form, a familiar face to fans of Brooks' previous work will be leading the way (and flipping the switches, laughing maniacally, and Puttin on the Ritz). That face belongs to Roger Bart, familiar to many for his Tony nominated role of Carmen Ghia (and later Leo Bloom) in Mel Brooks' critically acclaimed hit The Producers in addition to numerous award winning theatrical, film and television roles. Roger sat down with me recently to talk a little about his career, working with Mel Brooks and the exciting and 'Abby Normal' thrill it is to be bringing this fresh new musical to Atlanta audiences.

Junior Theater Fest Renamed 'The FreddieG's' in Honor of Freddie Gershon
Junior Theater Fest Renamed 'The FreddieG's' in Honor of Freddie Gershon
January 12, 2010

The Junior Theatre Fest will pay tribute to the leadership and dedication of Music Theatre International (MTI) Chairman Freddie Gershon by renaming its annual student awards for excellence in theater 'The FreddieG's.' In 1995, he created MTI Education, the first educational division in a major musical theater licensing firm, which over the past 15 years has literally transformed the marketplace for age appropriate performance material for young performers. During this year's festival, taking place January 15-17, composer Stephen Schwartz ('Wicked') will be on hand to celebrate Gershon's accomplishments within musical theatre.

Leapin Lizards! ANNIE Returns To The Fox Theatre, January 13 -17
January 13, 2010

'America's most beloved family musical, ANNIE, is back in an exciting 30th anniversary tour,' states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. 'We are delighted that a whole new generation can experience this classic musical about never giving up hope! And as is our custom, we are adding 25 local girls to the production to make it even more fun. Join us for the timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie when it returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta for 8 performances from January 13-17, 2010. Tickets are on sale NOW at area Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-982-2787 or www.ticketmaster.com.'

Aurora Theatre Regional Premiere - Tranced, A Psychological Drama


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