Interview: Broadway's Spencer Liff, choreographer of Falsettos & Spring Awakening

Spencer Liff is one of Broadway’s leading choreographers.

Later this year he will choreograph the Broadway revival of Falsettos starring Christian Borle, Stephanie J Block and Andrew Rannells having recently choreographed the Broadway revivals of Spring Awakening and Hedwig And The Angry Inch.

Spencer has earned two Emmy Nominations for Outstanding Choreography for his work on the Fox TV series So You Think You Can Dance, where he has been a resident choreographer for the past 7 seasons. 

His other recent TV credits include Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris (choreographer & co-producer), Dancing with the Stars, How I Met Your Mother, Parks and Recreation, Mike and Molly, 2 Broke Girls, Happyland, The Latin Grammy Awards and The Emmy Awards. His film credits include the upcoming feature film Speech & Debate adapted from the Roundabout Theater play written by Steven Karam.

As a performer, Spencer earned his Equity card at the age of 7 in the first National Tour of The Will Rogers Follies directed by Tommy Tune. He made his Broadway debut in Big-The Musical, followed by The Wedding Singer, Cry-baby, Equus, and 9 to 5. Spencer won the 2008 Fred Astaire Award as Best Male Dancer on Broadway for his role in Cry-baby for which he was also associate choreographer and dance captain. 

Spencer can be seen in the NBC TV series SMASH whilst his film credits include Hairspray (Mikey), Across The Universe (Daniel), the recent remake of Footloose and the TV movie Gypsy with Bette Midler. 

During my recent trip to New York, I sat down with Spencer; we spoke about the buzz around Falsettos’ return to Broadway, the pressure of staging a revival, his journey with Spring Awakening and his ridiculously busy schedule… 

Everyone is so excited about Falsettos coming back to Broadway! How long has the show been on your radar?
I knew the show because I was a kid actor, and right after Falsettos was on Broadway I got to New York. I sang the songs as a kid, but had never seen a production and in my mind it wasn’t really a big dance show. I woke up to an email from James Lapine (co-writer/director) one morning in November… I was like ‘that’s weird’. I opened it, and he said he had seen Spring Awakening the previous night and would love to meet with me.

Broadway Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock starring Alex Brightman & Sierra Boggess

School Of Rock
Winter Garden Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 29th March 2016
★★★★

Andrew Lloyd Webber has a hit on his hands! The 2003 film School Of Rock starring Jack Black was always destined to be turned into a musical, but nobody thought Lloyd Webber would be "the man" to make it happen.

Video: Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson & The Color Purple cast pay tribute to Prince

Last night (21st April), Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson and the Broadway cast of The Color Purple paid tribute to Prince with an insane rendition of 'Purple Rain'. No other words are needed - watch the video below.

Big Interview: Paul Alexander Nolan, starring in Bright Star on Broadway

Paul Alexander Nolan is currently starring as Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star on Broadway at the Cort Theatre. The show is written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, inspired by their 2013 bluegrass album Love Has Come for You.

Paul’s Broadway credits include playing Guy in Once, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Pasha/Strelnikov in Doctor Zhivago. He recently appeared in Daddy Long Legs off-Broadway.

His U.S. regional credits include: Aida (Kansas City Starlight); JCS and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (La Jolla Playhouse); six seasons with the Stratford Festival, including As You Like It (Orlando), The Grapes of Wrath (Al), Cyrano de Bergerac (Valvert), West Side Story (Tony, dir. Gary Griffin), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus) and The Who's Tommy (Cousin Kevin).

During my recent trip to New York, I sat down with Paul before a performance of Bright Star to discuss how audiences have been responding to the show, why he turned down his first audition for Once and how seeing Les Mis aged thirteen made him realise he wanted to be a performer…

Opening a Broadway show is such a big deal – what’s going through your mind now that you’re open? 

I think the busier you get the more present you get because you can’t think about what’s happening tomorrow. My wife and I moved the week after opening night – I had done no packing. It has been busy! We’ve had more downtime after opening because we’re not rehearsing. We’ll enter another period with awards season coming up.

Broadway Review: The King & I starring Kelli O'Hara & Ken Watanabe

The King & I
Lincoln Center (Vivian Beaumont Theater)
Reviewed on Friday 25th March 2016
★★★★

Bartlett Sher's Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King & I sits beautifully at the Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater. The show, which was last seen in the West End at the Palladium in 2000, follows a British schoolteacher's unexpected relationship with the King of Siam.

Broadway Review: Rachel Tucker stars in Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre

Wicked 
Gershwin Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 25th March 2016
★★★★★

It's hard to believe Wicked is currently playing its twelfth year on Broadway. The production is in tip top shape - I can't remember the last time I saw Joe Mantello's production looking so slick. Nothing quite beats seeing Wicked in New York, the audience were buzzing before the show had even begun.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. After seeing Wicked you will never be able to watch The Wizard of Oz in the same way ever again. During the first act we learn how the two witches - The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda The Good - came to meet during their time at university, whilst in the second half we discover what happened behind the scenes when Dorothy was following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City.

The musical may feature a grand design, dazzling costumes and an epic score, but at its heart Wicked is a show about the unique friendship formed between two women. Wicked stands apart from other shows because of the way it speaks to people; everyone can relate to a character in some way. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's show is an absolute masterpiece.

Broadway Review: The Color Purple starring Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson

The Color Purple
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 30th March 2016
★★★★★

Having first played London's Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013, John Doyle's stripped back, stylistic production of The Color Purple has made it to Broadway with West End star Cynthia Erivo reprising her performance. Adapted from Alice Walker, The Color Purple tells a heartbreaking story; whilst it is gut wrenching, the piece also inspires and and is spiritually uplifting.

When I saw Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen Bray and Marsha Norman's show in London I remember writing that I'd never experienced an audience reaction like it; however, seeing The Color Purple on Broadway was a whole different ball game. From the second the lights went down and the first number began the audience went crazy - the way this show connects with people is extraordinary. 

Erivo stars as Celie who is put through the most horrific emotional turmoils; after having an awful upbringing, Celie is married off to a man who beats her. On top of that she thinks her sister is dead and has no idea about the well-being of her two children. The piece follows Celie's life between 1914 and 1945, you can't help but be moved by her story as she ventures down her path to self acceptance. 

Broadway Review: Finding Neverland starring Alfie Boe, Laura Michelle Kelly & Kelsey Grammer

Finding Neverland

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 30th March 2016 (matinee)

★★★

Inspired by Allan Knee's play The Man Who Was Peter Pan and the 2004 film, Finding Neverland began its life in the UK at the Leicester Curve four years ago. However, producer Harvey Weinstein was unhappy with the production so fired most the creative team and started afresh. A new version of the show - by UK pop star Gary Barlow, Eliot Kennedy and James Graham - premiered at the American Repertory Theater in 2014 before transferring to Broadway the following year.

Broadway Review: Bright Star starring Carmen Cusack & Paul Alexander Nolan

Bright Star
Cort Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 27th March 2016 (matinee)
★★★★

Bright Star is a hard show to review because I sat down knowing nothing and think that's how everyone should experience it. The show is written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, inspired by their 2013 bluegrass album Love Has Come for You.

Broadway Review: Something Rotten! starring Brian d'Arcy James & Christian Borle

Something Rotten
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 23rd March 2016
★★★★

Something Rotten! transports audiences back to the 1500s, following the Bottom brothers as they take on William Shakespeare and create the first ever musical. Having opened on Broadway last year, Something Rotten! has a genius score written by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick. With theatrical references galore, the show truly is stagey heaven.

Broadway Review: Fun Home at Circle in the Square

Fun Home
Circle in the Square
Reviewed on Thursday 24th March 2016
★★★★★

Adapted from Alison Bechdel's 2006 memoir, Fun Home is a truly exceptional piece of theatre. Three actresses play Alison at three different stages in her life, allowing us to delve into her relationship with her gay father, coming to terms with her own sexuality and how she grows up to become an inspiring woman.

Broadway Review: Les Misérables - "I doubt I'll ever see a stronger cast perform Boublil & Schönberg′s masterpiece"

Ramin Karimloo

Les Misérables

Imperial Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 2nd April 2014

Caissie Levy

Les Misérables is a show which needs no introduction. Just when it looked like Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil's musical couldn't get any bigger, Tom Hooper's 2012 film adaptation proved a huge global hit and now, following a run in Toronto, Les Mis has returned to Broadway with a bang.

Whilst the original production continues in London's West End, a new interpretation (first seen for the 25th Anniversary UK Tour) has been staged in New York. Although the set, costumes and direction are different, nobody can take away the original magic of Les Mis. The musical’s success is fascinating - who would have thought a musical about the French revolution would become a global phenomenon? 

As if Les Mis returning to Broadway wasn't exciting enough, Cameron Mackintosh has found the most incredible cast imaginable. Ramin Karimloo has been a huge theatre star for years. He made his West End debut in Les Mis, understudying Marius and Enjolras, and has now once again reprised his performance as Jean Valjean. 

This new production is grittier which Karimloo really highlights during the prologue. His vocal control is unbelievable - he is superhuman. Karimloo takes the audience on every step of Jean Valjean's tremendous journey. He clearly knows the role inside out and has truly mastered how to grow and develop throughout the piece. The audience response to Karimloo's rendition of 'Bring Him Home' was quite something; you could feel the amazement beaming from the crowd.

Broadway Review: Wicked - "Surprisingly different on Broadway"

Christine Dwyer as Elphaba

Wicked
Gershwin Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 8th April 2014

Jenni Barber / Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

During my week on Broadway I spent most of my time discovering new shows; however, my stay wouldn't have been complete without a trip to see Wicked. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked tells the cleverly put together untold story of the witches of Oz. 

Despite being set in a different world, the secret to the show’s success is that it reaches out and touches so many people in so many different ways. At the core of the musical is a story of friendship, something so simple yet something we rarely see at the centre of a show.

You will never be able to think about The Wizard of Oz in the same way after watching Wicked. I will never forget seeing the show for the first time and becoming completely lost in the incredibly enchanting storyline. 

The first act, which focuses on establishing the story, is set before the Wizard of Oz takes place when Elphaba (aka The Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good) are at University together. The second act takes place during The Wizard of Oz and reveals what was happening behind the scenes… but all is not as it seems. “Are people born Wicked or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?”

Broadway Review: Kinky Boots - "The best feel-good show since Legally Blonde"

Andy Kelso & Billy Porter / Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Kinky Boots

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 9th April 2014 (matinee)

Billy Porter & Daniel Stewart Sherman
Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Kinky Boots is an empowering, inspiring, uplifting and fun musical which hit me with a breath of fresh air. Based on the 2005 movie (which I have never seen), the show follows Charlie Price as he inherits his father's shoe factory which is on the verge of bankruptcy. 

Determined to live up to his father's legacy and to provide job security for his employees, Charlie realises he has to come up with something new. After finding inspiration in the form of Lola (whose birth name is Simon), Charlie discovers his niche market - creating sturdy stilettos for drag queens. 

It's fascinating to watch the unlikely friendship between Charlie and Lola unfold; the pair have a strange connection which is quite endearing. Of course love troubles are also thrown into the mix, with Charlie's relationship in crisis and factory worker Lauren discovering she has a huge crush on her boss…

I haven't had so much fun in a theatre for a very long time. Cyndi Lauper's score is an absolute revelation - it's hit after hit after hit. It's a new, edgy sound for musical theatre but works a treat. The show features some of the most catchy musical theatre songs ever written as well as a handful of big ballads with touching lyrical content. I have been listening to the cast album on repeat.

Broadway Review: Newsies - "featuring some of the best choreography I have ever seen on stage"

Liana Hunt and Corey Cott

Newsies

Nederlander Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 7th April 2014

The cast of Newsies performing 'Seize the Day'

Following its world premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey in September 2011, Newsies transferred to Broadway in March 2012 for, what should have been, a limited engagement. However,  due to its huge popularity the show soon received an open-ended run. 

The musical is based on Disney's 1992 film, which was inspired by the New York City Newsboys Strike of 1899. Despite the film being a huge flop, Newsies went on to find a cult following.

I have never seen the movie, but after watching Newsies it seems surprising that the film was a flop as the story features all the necessary ingredients for a timeless classic. I really did feel as if I was watching a classic piece of theatre.

Set in New York Newsies follows newsboy Jack Kelly, the leader of the 'newsies', who dreams of a better life. When publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack finds the fire in his belly and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what's right.

Tony Awards 2014: Full nominations list

Nominations have been announced for the 68th annual Tony Awards. The results are set to be announced on 8th June 2014.  

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder leads with an impressive ten nominations, followed by Hedwig and the Angry Inch nominated for eight.

After Midnight, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, The Glass Menagerie and Twelfth Night are all nominated for seven awards while Bullets Over Broadway and The Cripple of Inishmaan are both nominated for six.

Full nominations list below:

Broadway Editor's Blog: West End vs Broadway – more passion and respect for theatre in New York

During my recent visit to New York I was sat in a restaurant one evening, enjoying a night off from the theatre, when suddenly out of the corner of my eye I could see a Broadway report being shown on television. After taking a closer look I soon realised I was watching NY1 – New York City’s main 24-hour cable-news television channel. 

The report covered several big stories, including the Broadway transfer of The Cripple of Inishmaan starring Daniel Radcliffe, Norm Lewis becoming the first African-American performer to star as the title role in the New York production of The Phantom of the Opera, as well as a review of Idina Menzel’s new show If/Then and a mention to off-Broadway show Heathers The Musical.

Broadway Review: Pippin - "a show like no other"

Ciara Renée and the cast of Pippin

Pippin
Music Box Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 6th April 2014

Ciara Renée and Kyle Dean Massey

Pippin is a show like no other - I can't think of anything else vaguely similar. It's a musical about self-discovery centring around Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. The Leading Player takes Pippin on a journey, guiding him down various paths before he ultimately has to decide whether to settle down and live a peaceful life or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers.

In many ways the story is irrelevant as you don't have to 'get' Pippin to have a mind-blowingly  brilliant theatrical experience. Diane Paulus’ new, circus-themed production is an impressive spectacle. The ensemble are beyond talented; not only are they triple threats, but they show off some of the most astonishing tricks and skills I have ever seen on stage. 

Stephen Schwartz's score is heavenly. It works so superbly because if you listened to it out of context you would expect Pippin to be a more traditional musical, but you couldn't be more wrong! 'Magic to Do', 'Corner of the Sky', 'Glory', 'Simple Joys' and 'Morning Glow' (to name a few) are tremendous songs which you will come away humming and wanting to download immediately.

Broadway Review: Disney's Aladdin - "far too safe"

The cast of Aladdin performing 'Arabian Nights' / Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer

Disney's Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 5th April 2014 (evening)

Adam Jacobs as Aladdin
Photo Credit: Cylla von Tiedemann

Aladdin is the latest Disney musical to open on Broadway and there has certainly been no expense spared. It's a huge Broadway show with a talented cast and vibrant design. 

The stage production is very similar to Disney's 1992 film. It's quite remarkable to see an animated movie adapted into a live stage show. Growing up I had the movie on repeat, but it's been years since I last saw the film (of course I've seen countless pantomime productions of the show).

From the moment Aladdin began the movie came flooding back as the show is as identical as it could possibly be. This is the main problem with this stage adaptation, it's too close to the film and is severely lacking in originality. It's a nice family show but isn't consistently fresh and exciting.

James Monroe Iglehart steals the show as Genie. His performance triumphs because he brings something fresh and new to to character. Iglehart's performance is the only unpredictable element to the show, he commands the entire audiences attention and puts his absolute all into every moment.

Broadway Review: The Bridges of Madison County - "One of the best pieces of theatre I have ever seen"

The Bridges of Madison County
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 5th April 2014 (matinee)

As I arrived at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre I was very excited to be seeing my first ever Broadway show, but I must admit I had absolutely no idea what to expect - I had never read the book or seen the movie and I knew very little about Jason Robert Brown's work. After taking my seat it didn't take long to absorb the simplistic set, I feared it was going to be a cheap and cheerful show but, my oh my, I have never been so wrong.