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New Broadway Musical Motown About Berry Gordy

The Motown label really caught your eye. Here’s one featuring The Supremes.

Remember that great Motown label? Much of the staff at All Tickets Inc., which provides group discount tickets, special comp promos and combo deals, remembers that label and the artists that recorded all of those top-40 singles. The upper part of label had a map of the Detroit area with a star indicating the location of the Motor City. The company name was rendered in rainbow letters boldly running across the map and the bottom of the label was a rich purple/blue color. That’s where the name of the song and artists appeared.

It looked about as cool as a record label from the 60s could and the artists that recorded on it were amazing. They included Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Jackson 5. Other artists appeared on additional labels connected with Motown.

Just a few of the great early artists who recorded for Motown.

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and The Miracles released hits on the Tamla label. A third label offered hits by The Temptations, The Contours, and Martha and the Vandellas. The fourth label, which was named V.I.P., included records by The Velvelettes, The Spinners, The Originals, and Chris Clark. Soul, a fifth label, offered hits by Jr. Walker & the All Stars, Jimmy Ruffin, Shorty Long, and Gladys Knight & the Pips.

Berry Gordy

It was Berry Gordy, Jr. who came up with the idea and started Motown. Gordy started out as a songwriter for local Detroit acts. In 1959, he created Motown and signed his first group,The Matadors who changed their name to The Miracles. That group released their first single, “Got a Job,” and then their first minor hit, “Bad Girl.” The rest is history as they say.

A young Berry Gordy, Jr. enjoying success.

And Gordy, who is now 81, is putting together a new musical called Motown- The Berry Gordy Story. It’s said that he wants to make sure that the real story regarding Motown and himself is told.

Big Names & Big Money

All Tickets Inc. has noted that it’s been reported in numerous news sources that Gordy has been clandestinely working on the show with Doug Morris, who is a former Universal Music CEO, and Kevin McCollum, one of the producers of Rent. Gordy’s tale will be told against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and will offer a score of Motown hits, which are sure to be a hugely popular with audiences. How much is this show going to cost? Estimates are $100 million. We’re not sure what the group discount tickets price will be, but we’ll be sure to give you the best value possible on this exciting show.

Gordy is now in his 80s and wants to ensure his story is told correctly.

Making It To Broadway

The investors are said to be lined up and the musical Motown, which has been in development for some time, looks to be a dynamic show. Imagine the hits spinning through this story of a young man of African American heritage who had a grand vision that became a reality.

It all started here!

It started with a dream that was driven by passion and defined by a unique individual who recognized and possessed musical talent and entrepreneurial smarts.

All Tickets Inc. will keep you updated on this new musical. Look for some special deals associated with this musical. In the meantime, be sure to visit our website and sign up for our newsletter. That box is in the lower right hand corner of the page.

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For more information on group discounts for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, restaurants, hotels, attractions and THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE contact us by clicking here or call us at 800-922-0716.

New Broadway Musicals Coming Soon!

There are some interesting, new musicals coming to Broadway and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has written none of them.

Charlie Chaplin is the subject of one new musical headed to Broadway.

One, which is entitled Bring It On, is scheduled for a limited run this summer and fall. Another, which is to open in August, bears the title Chaplin and focuses on the silent screen star. Finally, coming this season in the fall is the musical Rebecca, which has been successfully produced in numerous European countries. All Tickets Inc., which has group discounts on all shows, is excited about these new offerings that look to broaden the developing Broadway landscape.

Bring It On

Of the three, Bring It On looks to be the lightest.

Bring It On has sass and trash talking along with great routines and laughs.

Based on the 2000 teen comedy flick, Bring It On focuses on a national cheerleading competition and the ongoing defending championship squad’s attempt to overcome some daunting circumstances. But more so, this lighthearted musical comedy is about relationships, friendship and loyalty. Bring It On will preview July 11, 2012 and open on August 1. It’s due to close on October 7, 2012.

Chaplin

With music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis and a book by Curtis and Thomas Meehan, Chaplin is set to preview on Broadway August 21st.

Charlie Chaplin’s story is unique and amazing.

Directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, who co-directed the La Jolla Playhouse’s 2010 production of an earlier version of Chaplin entitled Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin, this show has a lot of positive buzz. This period piece musical focuses on the man who became the most popular and powerful star of the silent era and who overcame extreme hardship to become one of the richest actors in the world. Chaplin opens September 10, 2012.

Rebecca

The film Rebecca, which won the Oscar for best picture, was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starred Sir Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontanne.

Rebecca offers an other-worldly, mystical ambience.

This mystery-thriller has a haunting story that is based on the novel by Daphne Du Maurier. The mystical country estate of Manderley is the setting for this musical in which the second wife of Maxim De Winter is haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. Adapted by Christopher Hampton, Rebecca features music by Sylvester Levay, book & lyrics Michael Kunze and English lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Michael Kunze. The show is directed by Michael Blakemore and Francesca Zambello. It has a strong production history in numerous European countries and like Chaplin is a period piece with rich texture.

Discount Tickets for Groups

You can often get group discounts for as few as 10 people from All Tickets Inc. Call us at 800-922-0716 or you can find us on the Internet by clicking here. All Tickets Inc. offers more than Broadway and Off-Broadway group discounts; we are devoted to providing you with THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE, which includes group rates for fantastic restaurants, wonderful hotels and memorable sights and historic settings.

This man is the focus of a new Broadway musical. Who is he?

We also have groundbreaking study guides, which you can use for free and which include insightful and entertaining interviews with those who created Ghost The Musical. Click here for access. Our next blog will focus on a new musical that’s said to be coming to Broadway soon. It looks to be loaded with hit songs and has the potential to tell a truly unique and dynamic American success story. Stay tuned!

Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals on Broadway

Andrew Lloyd Webber is well represented on Broadway this theatrical season.

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, who said Ghost The Musical was “A heartbeat away from the best musical of the last 20 years,” is well represented on Broadway this season. All Tickets Inc. notes that as The Phantom of the Opera continues its record-breaking run there are currently two revivals of his work running on Broadway—Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Next up will be the sequel to Phantom, which is entitled Love Never Dies.

Here’s a quick overview of those four shows and Webber’s amazingly productive career, which changed the manner in which Broadway shows are imagined and have provided those in the theatre with more work than perhaps any other single composer in the past 30 years.

The Phantom of the Opera

If your group wants to see The Phantom of the Opera, then there’s still time.

Phantom will still make you swoon.

The musical opened on Broadway in 1988 and won seven Tonys, including Best Direction for Hal Prince and Best Book and Best Original Score. Every time this musical is performed on Broadway it adds to it record as being the longest running show ever to grace a Broadway stage. This past February it had its 10,000th performance on The Great White Way. This is a moving love story with some fine special effects and a score that reaches to the rafters and beyond.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar, which is currently being revived in a newly envisioned production directed by Tony Winner Des McAnuff. The original production in 1971 was nominated for four Tonys but won none. This production is nominated for two Tonys, including Best Revival Musical and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. This rock opera retelling of the finals days of Christ’s life on Earth was controversial. This new production focuses on the power of the operatic content as it moves the story forward towards its climax.

Evita

Evita, which opened September 25,1979, and closed on June 25,1983, after 1,567 performances and 17 previews, won seven Tonys, including another directing statue for Prince and another composition award for Webber. It was chosen as the Best Musical and Patti LuPone (Eva Perón) and Mandy Patinkin (Che Guevara ) both received Tonys for their performances.

Olivier Award winner Elena Roger and singing star Ricky Martin star in the Broadway revival of Evita

The current revival is up for three Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical. Evita is a story that utilizes the philosophical and political conflicts between Eva Perón, as the ever-so popular, glamorous First Lady of Argentina, and Che Guevara, the Argentinian revolutionary. It is a big musical with a big story that investigates and reveals the human complexity of the enigmatic Evita.

Love Never Dies

Love Never Dies is sometimes called a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, although it is also seen as a standalone piece. Webber started working on the story in 1990 but did not focus on the music until 2007. The story focuses once again on Christine Daaé.

“Love Never Dies will appear on Broadway in 2012.”

This time she is invited to perform at a new attraction on Coney Island, the Phantasma, by an impresario who is anonymous. She travels to New York with her husband and son and finds that it is the Phantom who has invited her to sing. This musical about obsessive passion takes place approximately a decade after The Phantom of the Opera. For Phantom lovers (and there are millions upon million) this looks to be a great group discount ticket that All Tickets Inc. can ably secure for you.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

What makes Andrew Lloyd Webber so popular? Certainly some elements, such as the amazing music, fascinating stories and characters and big production values, are evident. But it may come down to one concept when you consider all of Webber’s shows. That concept is “theatricality,” as he embraces the magnificence and power of live production. All Tickets Inc. can connect you with fantastic discount group tickets, a wonderful restaurant experience and much more. All are at great value as the more you book, the more you save. It is a wonderful time to enjoy Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s creations on Broadway. Call All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716.

Ghost The Musical Tony Nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph

DaVine Joy Randolph is smiling about her Tony nomination

Creating the role of Oda Mae Brown for the Broadway premiere of Ghost The Musical has been great fun for Da’Vine Joy Randolph and a lot of work. Recently, she received two nominations. Da’Vine got a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical and she was also nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical.

Challenges of Oda Mae

The role, which she played as a replacement for some time in London, offered her numerous challenges. All Tickets Inc. sat down with Da’Vine and got her insights on the role and other aspects of the musical and theatre. Here you’ll find what were some of the challenges she had playing Oda Mae.

As Oda Mae, Da’Vine is all energy and she loves the role, she says, because her character is “full of life, full of sass… and a very full character.” Oda Mae’s journey is a pretty amazing one as she goes from being a smalltime charlatan and con artist to a big time connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. Although her character is consumed with bilking others out of money, when she has the chance to keep millions upon millions in illegal funds she follows Sam’s suggestion and her conscience and anonymously donates the cash to some nuns.

Energy and Style

Oda Mae has a lot of energy and style. In Ghost The Musical, so much of both can be found in Oda Mae’s numbers including “Are You A Believer?” Although Da’Vine admits that the high output needed to make the character consistently reverberate can be a challenge, she loves that challenge and gratefully takes it on each and every performance.

See Da’Vine Now!

There are two great places to see Da’Vine Joy Randolph—on stage at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and in All Tickets Inc. study guides. All Tickets Inc. has fantastic group discounts to Ghost The Musical. Also, we have recently published two official study guides for Ghost The Musical. One focuses on the show and specific themes and the other on careers in the theatre.

Tony nominee Da’Vine Joy Brown talks about how she got her start.

Both have clips featuring Tony nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph and other cast members, including Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levy (Molly) and many others involved with the creation of the show. To find out how Da’Vine Joy Randolph became an actor click here.

Contact All Tickets Inc. today via the web for tickets to see Ghost The Musical, Sister Act and other great Broadway shows. We can also be reached by phone at 800-922-0716.

Broadway’s Sister Act Features Raven-Symoné

Raven Symone stars in Sister Act

You may know Raven- Symoné from The Cosby Show or That’s So Raven! Or even the movie College Road Trip. The engaging, 28-year-old actress is now impressing audiences on Broadway in Sister Act as she plays the role made famous in the movie by Whoopi Goldberg. In the role of Deloris Van Cartier, Raven is bringing down the house with her amazing performance. Sister Act is a huge hit as it offers audiences major laughs, heavenly production numbers and a theatrical experience that just about anyone and everyone can enjoy. Some of the folks from All Tickets Inc. stopped by to see the show the other day and were truly amazed by her performance.

On the Way to Broadway

Raven-Symoné, who was born December 10, 1985, first appeared as Olivia on The Cosby Show in 1989. She later appeared on Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and from 2003 to 2007 she starred in the Disney Channel series, That’s So Raven.

Raven, now on Broadway, made her acting debut as Olivia on The Cosby Show

In the popular series, she played a psychic teenager named Raven Baxter. As Baxter, she was charged with keeping her psychic powers under control and a secret.

She also made forays into film as an actress and producer. Some of her films include Dr. Dolittle (1998), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001) and College Road Trip (2008). She served as executive producer on the latter film. Her TV movies include Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999), The Cheetah Girls (2003) and Cheetah Girls 2 (2006). Other projects include For One Night (2006) and Revenge of the Bridesmaids (2010).

Raven Has a Voice

Along with being impressed by her comic timing, acting ability and high-energy output, All Tickets Inc. loved Raven’s voice. Although not widely known as a singer, she carried some solid credits with her onto the Sister Act stage. Her debut album, Here’s to New Dreams, was released in 1993 and the single, “That’s What Little Girls Are Made Of” made it to 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 1999, her second album, Undeniable, was released.

While appearing on That’s So Raven, she released her third album, This is My Time (2004). That recording has been Raven’s top selling solo album to date, as it topped off at number 51 on the Billboard 200. In 2008, she finished her fourth album, which was called Raven-Symoné. It also did well, hitting number 159 on the Billboard 200.

Raven plays glamour with ease in Sister Act.

Her four albums have combined sales of 314,000 in the US and she has appeared on four film soundtracks that have sold a combined 4.1 million copies in the U.S. and more in foreign markets.

Broadway Debut with Sister Act

Sister Act marks Raven’s Broadway debut and it is quite a coming out party. All Tickets Inc. has great group discounts for this show, which is a lot of fun. The show, which has been running for more than a year on Broadway, received Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical (Patina Miller) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Raven replaced star Patina Miller as Deloris on March 27, 2012. She is well worth the price of admission. Call All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716 for more information or to arrange a combo deal that includes the show and dinner.

Ghost The Musical and The Bully

Beyonce, a fan, visits with the cast of Ghost The Musical in New York

As Ghost The Musical continues its successful run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and garners amazing reactions, there are some important issues to consider in this show especially for teachers and middle and high school students. It’s true that Ghost the Musical has been getting great reviews from groups and individuals. All Tickets Inc., which continues to monitor the experiences people are having on the Great White Way and is offering great group discounts has seen a lot of hugely positive Tweets, including this one from Debbie Allen, “GHOST IS A MARVEL. BRILLIANT!”

Along with being an amazingly moving love story with great creative elements and a fine score by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, All Tickets Inc. has looked closely at Ghost The Musical and the issue of bullying. In our innovative study guide, we devote an entire section on this issue, various classroom exercises and many video clips. Why? Because it is one of the most important issues of our day.

The Issue of Bullying

Bullying is a serious issue. A generation ago it was seen by many as a rite of passage or simply the way the world worked. But over the past few years school districts, advocacy groups and others have focused it on in an attempt to eradicate such behavior.

Ghost The Musical’s Carl Bruner, played by Bryce Pinkham, loves power. Bryce discusses bullying in the show’s official study guide created by All Tickets Inc.

Bullying is not only disruptive to the lives of those being habitually harassed by someone who wields their power over others, it has long term effects as people who are bullied can carry those scars with them throughout their lives.

What is Bullying?

In All Tickets Inc. Ghost The Musical study guide, we focus on the issue and define its elements. According to Education.com bullying is defined as an intentional act. The child who bullies wants to harm the victim; it is no accident and is characterized by repeat occurrences. Bullying is not generally considered a random act, nor is it a single incident. There’s a power differential involved. As an example, a fight between two kids of equal power is not bullying; bullying is a fight where the child who bullies has some advantage or power over the child who is victimized.

Is Carl a Bully in Ghost The Musical?

Carl Bruner, who is supposed to be Sam Wheat’s best friend in the show, is seen by some as a bully, as he uses his power in situations involving Molly after Sam dies. Actor Bryce Pinkham, who created the role of Carl in the Broadway production, has some very specific ideas regarding bullying and his character.

Bryce Pinkham discusses bullying in Ghost The Musical

Carl uses two major forms of bullying: verbal and physical. Verbal is his primary method as he attempts to subjugate her and make her conform and give up her autonomy. At times he berates and mocks her and other times he threatens and tries to coerce her. Later he utilizes physical violence to try to control her and to save himself.

Social Responsibility

As Bryce points out, bullying challenges us in many ways. Seeing bullying as an act of cowardice, the actor notes that it takes an action of some bravery for someone to step in and up and stop a person from bullying someone else.

If your school group is planning a trip to see Ghost the Musical, please take advantage of All Tickets’ groundbreaking study guides. Along with offering insights into bullying, the guide that focuses on the show investigates communication and relationships; loss, grief, belief and the paranormal and various artistic aspects. Another study guide, which is related to careers in the theatre, looks at over 60 different theatre jobs and includes video clips of insights from various professionals involved in bringing Ghost The Musical to the stage.

Be sure to contact All Tickets Inc. for group discount tickets to Ghost The Musical and other fine Broadway shows. We have discounts on all shows, combo deals that include dining and accommodations and access to wonderful guided sojourns. Call us at 800-922-0716.

James Earl Jones in The Best Man by Vidal Get Tony Nom

In The Best Man, James Earl Jones offers another rich, powerful performance.What a great role potential presidential candidate William Russell was for Melvyn Douglas in 1960 and what a great role Former President Arthur Hockstader is for James Earl Jones in 2012. In playing William Russell Douglas earned a Tony and Jones is nominated for that same award for playing the fictitious former president in this season’s revival of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. This revival, the second major one since it first opened on Broadway in 1960, is scheduled to run with an all-star cast until July 1, 2012. All Tickets Inc. has a range of group ticket prices for this show. The cast includes some of the best actors around such as Candice Bergen, Angela Lansbury, John Larroquette and Michael McKean.

The Original Broadway Show

The Best Man opened on Broadway at the famed Morosco Theatre on March 31, 1960. Although Ronald Regan auditioned for the role of William Russell, Vidal did not think he was very presidential. The role and the Tony went to Douglas. The show, which closed on July 8, 1961, ran for 520 performances.

In September 2000, the first and up to this point only major revival opened on Broadway at the Virginia Theatre. It was directed by Ethan McSweeny, and the cast included Elizabeth Ashley, Charles Durning, Christine Ebersole, Spalding Gray, Michael Learned, Chris Noth, Mark Blum, Jonathan Hadary and Jordan Lage. It ran for 15 previews and 121 performances before closing on Dec 31, 2000. Jones breakthrough role happened on Broadway in 1967 and in the movies in 1970 when he played boxer James Jefferson in The Great White Hope.

The Electricity of The Best Man

Presidential power broking is a fascinating subject especially in a country such as the US, where voters are seen as being such an important force in the election process. But as we see in Vidal’s The Best Man there are many behind the scene personages who control the political process that goes into choosing the person who will lead the great republic where officials are elected “by the people.”

In the play, five men are attempting to get the presidential nomination with Russell (John Larroquette) and Joe Cantwell (Eric McCormack) being the leading contenders. How far will these men go to get what they want and how will one of the most influential men in the country, ailing former president Hockstader, throw his support? Intrigue, backstabbing, glad-handing, bigotry and hypocritical behavior are all a part of the mix that ultimately results in the best man being chosen.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, who is now 81, has had a magnificent career on the stage, in film and on television. Winner of two Tonys, numerous Emmys and a 2011 Academy Honorary Award, he’s an actor who has created numerous memorable characters, including Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope (Broadway and film), Terrence Mann in Field of Dreams (film) and Troy Maxson in Fences (Broadway). James Earl Jones played Terrence Mann Field of Dreams. Mann was an angry, aging author who found new vitality on a baseball field in Iowa. His voice has been featured in Star Wars (Darth Vadar), CNN (“This is CNN”), The Lion King (Mufasa) and in many other films, documentaries and commercials.

Jones has an amazingly powerful and resonant voice and offers a tall, intimidating presence. Yet, he’s able to create a sincere, gentle energy that makes him vulnerable and loveable. Known for his ability to show range when it comes to creating rich characters and for his technique in playing everything from Shakespeare to O’Neill, Jones has proven to be one of the best actors of his generation. In playing the role of Hockstader, Jones has made the character his own.

Discount Group Tickets from ATI

The Tonys will be held June 10 this year. The Best Man is in a limited run until July 1. All Tickets Inc. can create a value-based package for your group that includes tickets and dinner. Also, if you require accommodations, bus service and/or want to see and experience more of NYC and the surrounding area, All Tickets will ably assist you with each and every one of your needs. Contact us via the web or call 800-922-0716 for more assistance or to make a booking.

Once on Broadway Gets 11 Tony Noms

ONCE has captured people’s hearts and imaginations

It a simple enough idea and perhaps that’s one of the things that people like about the new musical Once, which is based on the Indy film of the same name. It’s a basic boy meets girl story with an Irish–Czech flair and a cabaret feel. At All Tickets Inc. we feel that Once has quite a different feel than the splash and glamour musicals that epitomize the big, boffo Broadway show and have defined the Great White Way for so long. And that may be one reason why it has captured people’s imaginations and garnered 11 Tony nominations. That is the most for any show this season.

The Story

The small film by the same title won the Oscar and it looks as if this relatively small musical may win a few Tonys. Once certainly has a good shot. The story focuses on an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant who are drawn to one another by their shared love of music.

The two spend a week together and in that time as they collaborate musically they find common ground and eventually romance. Their creative musical works are raw and passionate, reflecting their developing love. These are two fated lovers who magnetically redefine one another for a brief moment in time.

Why it’s Attractive?

There’s something people find especially appealing about this show’s ability to reveal and candidly expose love through a musical prism that is hauntingly beautiful. Two human souls are shown as Guy and Girl fall in love through an intimate tale told through exquisite music, beautiful choreography and truthful acting.

The love story in ONCE is honest and sincere.

The New York Post was spot on, noting that “Once wins its standing ovations the old-fashioned way: with a love story, great songs, compelling characters and inventive stagecraft. At this point in Broadway history, this feels downright revolutionary.”

Going Full Circle

There are no huge special effects in Once. But there is humanity, passion and a story as eternal as the longing of the human heart. This is a Broadway musical that has captured the hearts of all who see it. There are a lot of wonderful shows on Broadway but it seems as if Once has gone beyond all expectations.

The cast is stunning, the stagecraft executed with precision and the music wholly captivating. This is a journey that is making audiences believe again in the power of love in both life and art. All Tickets can book great seats at group discount prices and for extra savings a lovely dinner at a fine restaurant. Make it a special evening for your group—dinner and the new hit musical Once.

Broadway Theatre Jobs More Than Acting

Recently All Tickets Inc. developed and published a free study guide focusing on careers in the theatre. One of the things that the staff of All Tickets has found in offering discount group tickets to the public, especially school groups, is that people tend to think that acting is the primary job that Broadway musicals and plays have to offer. And although acting may be the most visible, it is certainly not the dominant job as far as number of employed is concerned.

Behind the Scenes

Behind every hit Broadway show, there are a slew of men and women who work behind the scenes, as electricians, carpenters, stagehands, and more. One of the most important jobs on Broadway is that of stage manager. Stage managers are members of Actors Equity Association, the stage actors union, but they are not hired to be actors. Stage managers and their assistants are in charge of running rehearsals and making sure the show runs smoothly once it is open. They coordinate each and every aspect of a production and performance, being the bridge and communicative conduit between all departments.

Creatives

Some of the jobs associated with this group of people include design, such as scenic, costume, lighting, video, digital and sound. Directing, choreography and musical direction are also part of the creative spectrum. The three creatives who are involved in developing a Broadway musical from the very start are the composer, lyricist and book writer. When you go see a Broadway show although it is usually the brainchild of those who wrote and composed it, these are rarely the same people who conceptualize and bring it to the stage. It’s the director who does that.

Tony winner Matthew Warchus talks about directing in the career guide

The director is in charge of creating the vision for the physical production. He/she does so by first developing a deep understanding of the work and then communicating their vision for it on stage to all involved, including the other creatives, producers and actors. The director must possess the ability to communicate his/her ideas to a range of personalities who are looking at the show from various angles.

Money, Money, Money

The Broadway producer is the one who raises the capital (money, cash, moolah) for the production. They determine whether or not they will produce a show and if they decide to do so, they will make sure that they get the rights for the material from those who wrote it and then set to work raising the money for the production.

Here’s a clip from the All Tickets Inc. career study guide featuring Broadway producers David Garfinkle and Colin Ingram regarding the fact that producing is both “show” and “business.”

Because Broadway budgets are so large, the producer often works with various other producers to raise the money from investors. Producers are in charge of contracting all personnel and make specific hiring decisions regarding the director. They often collaborate with the director in other hiring decisions when it comes to creatives, actors, etc.

What Can You Do?

If you’re interested in working in the theatre or know someone who is then All Tickets’ free career study guide will prove to be a great resource. Over 60 jobs in the theatre are described and there’s advice from those in the business who are working on Broadway, including actors, producers and designers. By the way if you have not already, take a moment to “Like Us” on Facebook and follow our Tweets in Twitter.

Ghost The Musical Stars and Celebs Love It

Ghost The Musical Broadway cast at first preview.

The London critics loved Ghost The Musical when it opened last July. The show is selling at an alarming rate in the U.K. as it prepares for opening in a few days on Broadway. The critical buzz was fantastic in London but what about the Twitter Tweets? How are they sounding? We’ve collected a few from some celebs and stars. Here’s what they think.

Katy Perry

The singer definitely felt the emotion of the piece when she took a break and went to the Piccadilly Theatre where Ghost The Musical is selling at near capacity every performance.

Perry had a thumbs up for Ghost The Musical

Perry Tweeted, ‘Last night we all went & saw GHOST (musical) in LDN. Cried our eyes out, it was SO good! Congrats to my friends Glen Ballard & Dave Stewart!’

That makes it pretty clear how she felt and Katy is sincere.

Teller

So, if anyone is going to NOT like the illusions, it would most likely be one of the best in the game—Teller of the team Penn & Teller.

Teller was fascinated by Ghost The Musical

He made his opinion very clear via Twitter. No trickery here.

Teller chirped, ‘‘”Ghost,” the musical. Not for “theatah” snobs, but stunning optical magic. It’s a 2.5-hour sweet amusement park ride.’

He’s right on the magical money there. Ghost The Musical is truly a ride unlike any other you’ve ever been on. Get your Broadway group tickets early to get the best possible seats.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

If anyone should have an opinion on a new musical that audiences can trust, it’s Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He’s about to enjoy revivals of Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway and his The Phantom of the Opera continues its amazing record-breaking Broadway run.

Sir Andrew Tweeted loudly that Ghost The Musical is, ‘A heartbeat away from the best musical of the last 20 years.’

That’s a clever Tweet for a few reasons. First, the “heartbeat” connects with the whole death and ghost theme. Plus, he could be reserving that blip of a heartbeat for what may be the “best musical of the last 20 years” for himself or any of his numerous colleagues. (Really, Sir Andrew, what is the best musical in the last 20 years if Ghost The Musical is a mere heartbeat away? He’s not saying, obviously.)

Sign up for All Tickets Inc. Tweets today! That’s where you’ll get the latest on special discounts, promotions, premiums and more. Stay ahead of the curve by becoming a Follower of Allticketsinc on Twitter. (And follow your favorite stars too!)

Book Ghost The Musical Now

It’s a humongous success in London and will soon be sold out after opening on April 23rd. All Tickets has some fantastic deals and great seats, plus you can do a wonderful dinner and theatre combo and save more.

In our next blog, you’ll find out about the man who created the truly mesmerizing and amazing illusions for Ghost The Musical—the brilliant Paul Kieve. He’s got quite a resume (including teaching magic to Harry Potter). The staff from All Tickets had the chance to speak with this fascinating man after seeing the show and also while he was in NY preparing the Broadway production. Don’t miss this blog!

Contact us today at 800-922-0716 for more information on Ghost The Musical or to place an order. All Tickets Inc. offers THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE for less.

Ghost The Musical London Loves It

Ghost The Musical in previews on Broadway

When the staff from All Tickets Inc. (ATI) flew across the Pond to get a firsthand viewing of Ghost The Musical they were all impressed, as was the rest of the audience watching that evening’s performance. They went knowing that the show was a big West End hit, and they had seen promotional footage for the new musical. But seeing it live at the Piccadilly Theatre in London made a huge impression, leading everyone from ATI to agree that they had seen a premium production.

The critics in London were overwhelmingly impressed with the show. Five major media publications gave the show four out of four stars—Metro, Daily Telegraph, Time Out, The Times and the Daily Express. Here are some snippets from various reviews that offer an opening night perspective.

Time Out

Any musical demands excellent performances. Ghost The Musical performers have to live up to and exceed what was done in the movie. (Unlike Swayze, Moore and the others in the film, they must sing!)

On the romantic leads, the reviewer from Time Out noted, “Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman make the Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze roles of murdered banker Sam Wheat and his artist lover Molly their own.” Audiences genuinely connect with them.

Caissie Levy (Molly) and Richard Fleeshman (Sam) have won people over.

The writer added, “Andrew Langtree is wonderfully desperate and insidious as Sam’s betraying buddy, Carl Bruner. And Sharon D Clarke is a mountain of much-needed comedy and charisma, belting her way to glory as the sham psychic who helps Sam avenge his death and touch his beloved Molly one last time.” Both of these characters add a lot of spice to the plot.

Sunday Telegraph

The Sunday Telegraph said that Ghost The Musical “is a highly entertaining one that looks set to keep audiences laughing, gasping and sniffing back tears for a long time to come.”

Is the stage version better than the hit movie version? That was answered by the Telegraph in the positive. The critic wrote, “Like the film on which it is based, Ghost The Musical proves the guiltiest of pleasures. Indeed, in many ways, Matthew Warchus’s production strikes me as superior to the 1990 movie starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.”

The Guardian

The writer for The Guardian observed, “Musicals based on movies are a dime a dozen, but Ghost is the first I’ve seen that feels like a film. It is not just that Bruce Joel Rubin’s book adheres closely to his movie script.

Ghost Light Sessions at Lunt-Fontanee illuminated what Broadway could expect

It’s also that the real stars of Matthew Warchus’s production are Rob Howell’s sets and Jon Driscoll’s video designs, which graphically recreate the kaleidoscopic frenzy of Manhattan life. This is a musical in which the eyes emphatically have it.”

This is a visually stunning piece that has audiences mesmerized by its scenic and filmic elements. The show is a highly complex, technical undertaking and it comes off without a hitch.

What’s On Stage

One of the Internet-based publications, WhatsOnstage.com, noted that there was a lot of good in the show and they were especially impressed with the afterlife and the characters of Oda Mae Brown.

The critic said, “These sequences are what make the musical crackle into life where there previously was none. Contact with both Sam and the zombie half-way house fraternity is sealed with the intervention of Sharon D Clarke’s mountainous, hot-gospelling psychic Oda Mae Brown, sensibly avoiding any wise-cracking, wacky resemblance to Whoopi Goldberg in the movie.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Remember what we reported Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber Tweeted, “A heartbeat away from the best musical of the last 20 years.”

Sir Andrew Llloyd Webber endorsed Ghost The Musical on Twitter

Other critical comments include Front Row – BBC Radio 4, which called Ghost The Musical “Genuine theatrical magic” and “An amazing staging. Incredibly imaginative. Spectacular.”

The Evening Standard called the show, “Gasp-inducing ingenuity and technical wizardry make Ghost the Musical an unearthly hit,” and the Independent shouted, “A production of spectacular visual dynamism” and “Paul Kieve’s illusions thrill.”

Finally, The Sun said it all very simply and directly, when they commented that Ghost The Musical is “Simply out of this world.”

Tickets in This World

Add to all above the fact that a few weeks ago the Olivier nominations came out in London and Ghost The Musical earned five including Best Musical. To get great group tickets prices contact All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716 or click here. This is a fantastic time to scoop up seats before the reviews come out. Audiences at the Lunt-Fontanne are standing for Ghost The Musical. The one place you don’t want to be standing is in line to see this show. Get tickets now!

Peter and The Starcatcher is Great Theatre

All Tickets Inc. COMP OFFER for Peter and the Starcatcher

It’s in previews now at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre and opens on Broadway on April 15, 2012. Peter and the Starcatcher is making its transfer from Off-Broadway after a very successful run at the New York Theatre Workshop. All Tickets not only has great ticket prices but a unique COMP TICKET OFFER. This offer is only through All Tickets Inc. One comp for every 30 tickets purchased (up to 4 comps total). Just call ATI at 800-922-0716 or contact us via the web to reserve by May 31, 2012 to take advantage of this fantastic offer and see what is a highly theatrical telling of the tale of how Peter Pan became the boy who would never grow up.

The Magic of Peter Pan

Peter Pan has been around for some time. He was the creation of Scottish playwright and novelist J.M. Barrie. Barrie

Peter Pan was J.M. Barrie’s most popular creation

had success before he introduced Peter Pan but he has no greater success than that he garnered from, as he called him, “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.”

Peter first made his appearance in a few chapters of Barrie’s novel entitled The Little White Bird. That was in 1902. The Little White Bird was not a children’s book; it was written for adults. The novelist then took the character of Peter Pan and created a play for him. That was entitled Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. It premiered in 1904 and was a big hit.

In 1906, Barrie’s publishers took the chapters from The Little White Bird in which Peter appears, those were 13 through 18, and republished them under the title Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. They added illustrations by Arthur Rackham After that, in 1911, Barrie published a novel focusing on Peter. It was called Peter and Wendy.

Peter Pan proved to be hugely popular. So much so that the play was turned into a very popular musical that is still entertaining kids and adults today.

Peter Pan The Musical

In 1954, the musical version of Peter Panpremiered with Mary Martin as Peter and Cyril Ritchard as Captain Hook. Both Martin and Ritchard won Tonys.

Martin Martin takes flight with director Jerome Robbins

The book was by Barrie, the music by Jule Styne and Mark Charlap and lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Carolyn Leigh. Mary Martin was long associated with the role, which she recreated in a television special. Since that time both Sandy Duncan and Cathy Rigby have been popular Peter Pans. In fact, Rigby, at the age of 59, is still playing the part.

The Starcatcher

This version of the Peter story is adapted from the best selling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Peter and the Starcatcher is a rollicking evening in the theatre

Peter and the Starcatcher was great fun Off-Broadway

that is staged with great energy and a small but enthusiastic troupe that tells the story of how an orphan boy became Peter Pan. Unlike its predecessor starring Mary Martin, this is not a musical. But it is high-energy entertainment that includes some pathos and insight. Book now for a topnotch, inventive and highly creative Broadway experience.

Ghost The Musical The Unknown and Art

A ghost apparently captured on film. In Ghost The Musical, they are full figures seen vividly.

What happens when we die? There’s a question that just about everyone ponders and as a result there are many different ideas, beliefs and theories about this universal experience. What are ghosts? Do they exist? If you believe in an afterlife, then what does it involve? What is the “after” part of the afterlife? These questions are dealt with in Ghost The Musical.

We may believe in an afterlife and we may expect to be somewhere else after we leave this mortal Earth but the answer is only known entirely by those who have passed over to the other side.

What Are Ghosts?

The basic belief is that a ghost is comprised of the essence of a deceased person or animal and this essence is in the form of energy, perhaps composed of the soul, that lives on beyond the body. In order to actually believe in ghosts, someone must believe that there is something more to us than our physical being.

One common belief is that ghosts that haunt a place have unfinished business.

Sam Wheat has unfinished business in Ghost The Musical

They may have died in a violent manner or without being prepared for death or they may have a connection with someone on Earth with whom they cannot let go.

In Ghost The Musical, Sam Wheat certainly fits this profile. He dies a sudden and violent death and he comes to realize that he’s been set up and that the love of his life, Molly Jensen, is in trouble. He loves her so much he’s unable to pass entirely onto the afterlife and he takes on the challenge of coming back to save her from danger.

Ever Seen a Ghost?

Is this scenario one base on reality? It depends on your experience. Do you believe in ghosts as 33% of Americans do? That’s a start. Have you ever seen a ghost? If you have, then you are in the 23% of Americans who have had this experience.

For those who believe in ghosts or have actually seen one, Ghost The Musical has a connection to reality. For the majority of Americans who do not believe in spirits, this musical plays on a different level—fiction, fantasy and a love story in the Romantic tradition.

Whether or not someone believes in ghosts won’t necessarily influence whether or not you like or love Ghost The Musical. If it plays on a Romantic-fantasy level for you and you enjoy that type of story (and a huge number of people do),

The ghost light keeps ghosts out of the theatre.

then there’s a direct link. If you believe in ghosts, then there’s another way to connect. Or perhaps, you’re drawn to a great love story that includes clearly defined heroes and villains (melodrama of a sort). If that’s the case then that may be why you’re drawn to this play.

There are other reasons that go beyond the supernatural, including the wonderful music, fine acting and singing, amazing illusions and cutting edge scenery.

Why Is Ghost The Musical’s Story Fascinating?

There are many reasons as to why people connect with the story of Ghost The Musical. In London’s West End, well over 250,000 people have seen and loved it. There is something endearing and enduring about this show and it has to do with the total effect that it has on audiences.

For those who want to see Ghost The Musical, and All Tickets Inc. has been very busy filling orders, try to get your group discount tickets before the musical officially opens. This is a great time to purchase tickets as the positive buzz is just starting to develop and you can still get good seats for a performance in the not too distant future.

Contact All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716 for tickets or for any questions you may have.

Ghost The Musical Capturing Moments

In Ghost The Musical, Sam tries to deal with what has happened to him and sings,”I Had a Life.”

Ghost The Musical starts with Molly singing “Here Right Now,” which is an upbeat rock number about capturing the moment. In the bridge, the man who loves her, Sam, sings about being overcome by the moment and his feeling that it could pass away immediately. We find out in the musical that both are correct regarding their feelings about the moment and their lives.

Ghost The Musical continues developing this theme that focuses on the here and now of our lives in many ways. As we noted in another blog, the writing in this musical deals in a straightforward manner with some of the most difficult and heartfelt moments that define our lives—love, death and times when we lose or try to hang onto hope.

Power of the Moment

The power of the moment is captured in the most powerful manner when Sam dies. It happens when the two are planning a future and have so much hope. When he’s killed in what appears to be a relatively random act, Molly has to deal with overwhelming grief. She tries to hand on and when Sam does start to make his way back to her she works very hard, as she sings, to “suspend my disbelief.” Each of these aspects of the musical are captured when they occur in specific moments.

Most Powerful Moments

Certainly, the most powerful moments in Ghost The Musical occur as Sam passes into the afterlife and then tries to get back to the world of the living. That is his journey in the play, passing from one realm to another, from life to death, and then back to life and finally accepting death.

Writer Bruce Joel Rubin has captured what many feel cannot be captured in Ghost The Musical.

Because his motivation is grounded in the need to see and contact his forever love, Molly, the times that he spends trying to contact her are especially powerful. And in the end when they do finally get the chance to once again be together, it is a moment that brings tears of joy and sadness to the eyes of the audience.

The Engine of Ghost The Musical

Ghost The Musical is an amazing show in that it is able to capture so many moments in life that are so difficult to distill or to experience. Death is the ultimate conundrum and the afterlife is open to conjecture, debate and interpretation. It was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the Symbolist movement occurred. It’s leading proponent in playwriting was Maurice Maeterlinck. He would win the Noble Prize for Literature as he created plays that masterfully captured those moments when he pass from life to death.

Symbolist Maurice Maeterlinck won the Noble Prize for literature.

Ghost The Musical is powerful partly because, like in Maeterlinck’s plays, it explores in an active and vivid manner a part of our lives that involves moving into a new realm. It is given life through music, dialogue, acting, illusion and more. Ghost The Musical masterfully captures the indefinable in life by defining it through theatrical art, elements and techniques. For group tickets to this amazing musical go to All Tickets Inc. or call them at 800-922-0716. An experience unlike any other awaits you.

Ghost The Musical WOW

Ghost The Musical is becoming a world-wide hit.

Ghost The Musical may be just into its second week of previews on Broadway but in London it has been running long enough to have sold a total of 400,000 tickets! Today it was announced that the London show is now offering tickets through April 30, 2013. There are also plans for productions in Holland in September 2012, Australia and Germany in 2013 and Korea in 2014.

This musical is proving to be amazingly popular. In an earlier blog, I offered five reasons for that. In this blog, I’m going to expand upon some of those reasons as to why this show is becoming a smash hit around the globe. For those with groups of 10 or more there’s great news! You can book your seats now at a great price and see the original Broadway cast including the two leads who created their roles in the world premiere—Caissie Levy (Molly) and Richard Fleeshman (Sam).

The “WOW” Factor

What is the “WOW” factor? It’s the various aspects of Ghost The Musical that make people say “wow,” that is that impress and excite audiences. Every hit show tends to have a few of these and they can vary a lot.

“Rain” in Ghost The Musical offers an amazing combination of elements to make us say “wow!”

Ghost The Musical has quite a few more than most shows. These include the projections and videos, production numbers, illusions, story, music, orchestrations, scenery and lighting and performers.

The projections and videos are a major scenic element as they utilize their power by towering above the scene and filling the stage. But these are not just used for the sake of spectacle, they are part of the story-telling process and also a major factor in creating the rush and swirl of big city life in the Big Apple. The Wall Street scenes are fantastic and “Rain” is mesmerizing.

The illusions likewise are truly entertaining and beguiling as someone dies and rises from their body, as a letter folds up magically in Molly’s hand and as Sam passes through a wall, but they are also a part of the telling of this romantic and endearing story. They are not used primarily for their “wow” effect; they are intimately linked to the progression of events in the musical.

The music and script combine to create what is an enthralling love story that asks, “What if you had one more chance to tell someone you loved them? What would you do?” Told from the perspective of the ghost, this unusual story utilizes a range of dramatic and music genres. Combined with the acting, given a through line by the orchestrations and enhanced and supported by the various design elements all of these aspects come together to create on major WOW of a production.

Bringing It Together

Connecting every aspect of Ghost The Musical is Matthew Warchus, the Tony and Olivier Award winning director. It’s his vision that started to form what was an Academy Award winning film script into a musical for the West End and Broadway. He had many challenges and one of the primary ones concerned how to make what was in essence a four-character story fill the legitimate stage.

Ghost The Musical captures NYC perfectly.

He did it in many ways with the primary one being that he decided to offset the three- and four-character scenes with big production numbers that captured the hustle and bustle of New York City. In a way, these numbers were a lot like the Odes in a play from ancient Greece. They became more about commenting on action and creating mood and ambiance and reinforcing emotion than about defining character relationships or progressing the plot.

It was a bold choice that paid off as the crisp, angular rock video choreography of Ashley Wallen captured the exact feel that Warchus wanted. For Wallen, who had worked with everyone from Hugh Jackman to Mariah Carey on commercials and rock videos, it was his first stage musical. But as the choreographic member of the creative team, he didn’t miss a beat. And when his dance numbers are combined with other elements such as the video and projections, music (of course), lighting and more Ghost The Musical dazzles.

Hot Tickets

Hot tickets can be tough to get and Ghost The Musical is one hot ticket in London and it is starting to be one in NYC. The Tweets are fantastic on the Broadway production and audiences are giving it standing ovations. Group tickets are a great way to secure seats and save money. Call All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716 to get great group discounts on this show and others or click here to be directed to the ATI site. By the way, All Tickets will have a SPECIAL OFFER for Ghost The Musical soon. Be the first to find out about what that unique and exclusive ATI</em> deal will be the best group deal in town by signing up for our Tweets.

Meet Ghost The Musical Star Richard Fleeshman

Richard Fleeshman offers a powerful performance in Ghost The Musical

Those in the U.S. are being introduced to a new talent—Richard Fleeshman. Fleeshman, who originated the role of Sam Wheat in Ghost The Musical in London, is now on Broadway playing that same role. The show is presently in previews and will open April 23, 2012.

When the All Tickets Inc. staff went to London to catch the show prior to its U.S. premiere, they had the chance to see Fleeshman and Caissie Levy, the original Molly Jensen, in their roles. Those at ATI were extremely impressed with both Levy and Fleeshman and consider U.S. audiences lucky to get a chance to see both portray the roles they originated in the world premiere production.

Theatre Family

Richard is the son of actress Sue Jenkins and actor/director David Fleeshman. He has two sisters, Rosie and Emily, both of whom are actresses. Prior to Ghost The Musical, the 22-year-old actor, who was born in Manchester, England on June 8, 1989, was well known in the U.K. as a television actor and musician.

Early Career

Richard’s “early” career as an actor began when he was 13 years old and he landed the role of Craig Harris on Coronation Street. He was on the popular British TV show until 2006, escaping the axe in 2005 when the entire on-screen family except Richard was replaced. He left the show in 2006.

He then played on various TV shows. In 2009, he went back to series TV for a bit when he was cast in the BBC dramatic series All the Small Things. Over the course of six episodes, he played an autistic boy named Kyle Caddick who is gifted with music talents.

Richard used his acting with musical abilities in the show, as he was able to perform numerous tunes. He also created the theme song with Elton John and the show’s creator Debbie Horsfield, and sang it over the credits. His father, actor David Fleeshman, played the role of Gilbert in the same series.

Music

As a singer/songwriter, he appeared on the Stars in Their Eyes celebrity special. He won that competition at the age of 13, making him the youngest to do so. He also won Soapstar Superstar in 2006 and earned £200,000 for The Kirsty Appeal, a charity.

Richard was a teen idol in the UK

Richard, who also plays piano and guitar, has performed with Sir Elton John numerous times. He’s been on John’s Summer Stadium Tour and the Red Piano Tour.He signed a major record deal with Universal Records in 2007 and then completed writing his debut album.

Ghost The Musical

Prior to Ghost The Musical, Richard first appeared on London’s West End on June 16, 2010, when joined the company of Legally Blonde. At that time, he took over the role of Warner, which had been played by Duncan James.

Richard, who can be seen in the official Ghost The Musical trailer, brings charm, charisma and warmth to Sam. He and Caissie form a winning stage couple and he has a dynamic voice, grand energy and a buoyant spirit on stage. The All Tickets Inc. staff is sure that American audiences will find his portrayal of Sam exceptionally moving.

Get Tickets Now!

If you want to see the two originals from Ghost The Musical in their roles, then book an early show and do so soon. Tickets are selling briskly as groups are lining up to see Ghost The Musical. Besides the fine talents of Richard and Caissie, there’s a wonderful supporting cast, brilliantly creative sets, lighting, sound and illusions and a fittingly moving score. Additionally, the orchestration of the music is spellbinding.

Richard Fleeshman and Caissie Levy at Abbey Road during the early days of Ghost The Musical.

Call All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716 today to get the lowest prices available. If you’re not already on our newsletter list go to our homepage and fill out the quick form. To get the latest information on all special promotions and deals from ATI sign up on Twitter to follow AllTicketsinc Tweets. To access our bio on Caissie Levy click here.

Meet Ghost The Musical Star Caissie Levy

Caissie performing at Ghost Light Sessions.

Caissie Levy has an amazing voice. She has a stunning look. And she can carry a scene with aplomb. There’s a wonderful natural vibrancy in her and, at the same time, her acting technique is finely tuned. She’s been on Broadway and on national tours but her biggest role, up to this point, is in the present tense. It’s that of Molly Jensen, which she created for the world premiere of Ghost The Musical in London.

Now she is about to do the same with that role in the U.S. on Broadway as the phenomenal West End hit, Ghost The Musical, has crossed the Atlantic and is previews on the Great White Way.

Growing Up and Training

Caissie Shira Levy grew up in Hamilton, Ontario in Canada. The 30-year-old actress has two older brothers, Josh and Robi. Her dad, Mark, is a GP and her mom, Lisa Levy, oversees the business aspects of her husband’s medical practice. When she was in her teens, Caissie started to perform in community musicals. In 1999, she graduated from Westdale Secondary School.

Although her first inclination was to study classical theatre and focus on Shakespeare, it was suggested that she audition for the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York. She did and earned entrance into the school. With that, Caissie was on her way to a career on the musical theatre stage. In 2006, she graduated from AMDA and just a week later she was playing Maureen in the national tour of RENT.

Credits

After serving as understudy for Hair Spray’s Penny Pingleton in the Toronto production, Caissie landed the replacement position for that role on Broadway. She also played the part in the national tour.

In 2008, she played Elphaba in the production of Wicked in Los Angeles, which was a role she had understudied on Broadway and had been the stand-by for in Los Angeles. She initially performed the role on January 1, 2008, replacing Eden Espinosa. In May of that same year, she left the production.

In 2009, Caissie starred as Sheila in the Broadway revival of Hair at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. She continued with that show, leaving the Broadway production to play the same role in the West End revival, performing at the Gielgud Theatre starting April 1, 2010. The show closed September 4, 2010. It was not too long after the closing of Hair that she started creating the part of Molly Jensen in Ghost The Musical.

Ghost The Musical

The biggest break that any actor can get is to create the role in a hit show. When Caissie landed the part of Molly in Ghost The Musical it became her chance to be a major part of the process of taking a show from page to stage.

Caissie in early rehearsals for Ghost The Musical

You can see a special performance by Caissie of the song “Without You” at the Whatsonstage.com Awards by following this link. Enjoy her winning interpretation of this love ballad from Ghost The Musical as well as her skilled talent. Caissie is a joy to watch on stage and audiences are simply won over by the chemistry that she and Richard Fleeshman (Sam Wheat) share on stage.

By the way while being a part of the West End production of Ghost The Musical, which is a story about eternal love, Caissie Levy married her own eternal love—actor David Reiser on 30th October 2011. The ceremony was held on a beach in Miami in the evening. The couple had been dating for five years.

Be Sure to See Her

Folks in New York first got to see her perform parts of Ghost The Musical in the Ghost Light Sessions in February which we then simulcast on Facebook. Ghost The Musical in presently in previews on Broadway and will open on April 23, 2012. Book now to increase your chances of seeing Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman in the roles that they created in the premiere production. There are great deals on group prices through All Tickets Inc.

Also, All Tickets Inc. can get your group great deals on accommodations, dining, tours and more. We offer groups THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE for less. Call 800- 922-0716 today or click here.

Our next profile will focus on Richard Fleeshman, a well-know actor in the U.K., who created the role of Sam in Ghost The Musical. He is starring in that same role on Broadway.

Discount Tickets as Broadway Heats Up in Late March

Exciting, new Broadway shows are about to premiere

It’s the second half of the Broadway season and there are quite a few shows on the horizon. There are numerous productions opening in March and some interesting ones that have been announced for the 2012-2013 season. Here are some upcoming shows and some of the buzz from All Tickets Inc.

Prince of Broadway

True, this new musical will not be on the boards until next October but you’ve got to agree that the subject matter is about as impressive as it gets. The “Prince” of Broadway is Prince Hal, or should we say Harold (Hal) Prince the prolific Broadway producer/director who has won more Tonys than anyone else. Prince has 21 of the gold statuettes in his 60+ years on the Great White Way. Prince directs this musical about his career. It stars Linda Lavin and is co-directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. Early Bird tickets are on sale now. For more on this show see one of our latest eblasts.

Nice Work If You Can Get It

This “new” musical features songs by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by Tony winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis) and Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, who did their most important work in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The musical, which stars Matthew Broderick, Kelli O’Hara and Estelle Parsons, includes a wealth of Gershwin tunes including “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Demon Rum,” “S’Wonderful.” Of course, “Nice Work If You Can Get It” will be there too. The show looks like a lot of fun. The show looks to also be rich in historical fashion and style and Broderick and O’Hara have done a stunning photo shoot in period dress.

O’Hara and Broderick make a stunning couple in this photo shoot

This looks like a fun light night out. Have your group combine this show with dinner at a wonderful NY restaurant. All Tickets Inc. can make reservations for dinner and show for your group and save you extra cash.

Peter and the Starcatcher

The hit Off-Broadway show that ran last year at the New York Theatre Workshop is now ready to preview at the end of this month. Groups of 12 or more can still get Early Bird Discounts as long as they book my March 28! This is a wonderful, energetic show based on the book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Peter and the Starcatcher tells the story of how a young orphan boy became Peter Pan. By the way, if you do miss the Early Bird Discount deadline, All Tickets Inc. can still get your group great seats at a great discount price.

Ghost The Musical

Ghost The Musical’s ending will move you.

The hit London show is now also simultaneously on Broadway. Currently in previews and due to open on April 23, the show is getting great buzz and standing ovations. Based on Bruce Joel Rubin’s Oscar winning script, Ghost The Musical, which took seven years to develop, is impressive in many ways. The music and lyrics by Grammy winners Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard are powerful, the choreography by Ashley Wallen, who did the famous Lipton Iced Tea commercial with Hugh Jackman, captures the pulse of New York City, and the production includes digital scenery, illusions and more that have never been seen on Broadway. We offered five reason why we think this is an impressive show and recently featured Ghost The Musical in an eblast. Here’s an article on their special Ghost Light Sessions.

End of the Rainbow

Another hit show, End of the Rainbow, previews on Broadway this month. This show focuses on Judy Garland’s last attempt at a comeback as she makes plans in her London hotel room to regain her footing as a star.

Tracie Bennett is magnificent as Judy Garland

Although not a musical, End of the Rainbow offers numerous hit songs by Garland. Tracie Bennett, who won the Olivier and unanimous plaudits in London for her portrayal, stars on Broadway. This looks to be a heartfelt, moving theatrical experience. Garland fans will love it and those who are looking for a moving, interesting portrayal will be mesmerized by what may be one of the best performances of this Broadway season. Important: you can still take advantage of our COMP TICKET offer for this show. But time is running out. Click here for information!

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding any of these Broadway shows, are looking for group discount tickets or are interested in combining a show with dinner, hotel, transportation or any other type of service or experience, then be sure to contact All Tickets Inc. by clicking here or call 800-922-0716. We offer THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE. For information on attractions, experiences and guides go here.

Ghost The Musical on Broadway Now

Ghost The Musical in previews now

Ghost The Musical with Book and Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin and Music and Lyrics by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard is on Broadway in previews with opening night about one month away. The show has been impressing audiences in it’s first week of previews in the US and is running strong at the Piccadilly Theatre in London. The London show has just been nominated for five Oliviers, including Best Musical.

What’s so impressive about Ghost The Musical? Various staff members at All Tickets Inc. have seen the show in London and now in the U.S. and here is a quick list of five aspects that make this show so special. In this blog, I’m offering a short explanation of the power of each. In later blogs, I’ll consider each in more detail.

Five Aspects

The Story

The original story by Bruce Joel Rubin goes across numerous genres. It is a lobe story with the twist that the two lovers spend very little time together. It’s also a ghost story, a murder tale and an action script. Plus, there are twists within those categories.

Caissie Levy & Richard Fleeshman

The two stars make an amazing couple and individually they are extremely talented. They are a joy to watch.

The Music & Lyrics

Music you will remember and want to hear again and lyrics that are at times clever and other times heartfelt and always well crafted.

The Direction

It is detailed and right on target. This is an amazing effort with equally amazing results.

The “Wow” Factor”

The “Wow Factor” includes the illusions, choreography, scenery, video and projections, Oda Mae Brown’s character and much more.

Realism and Razzmatazz

Over 20 years ago playwright Ronald Harwood posited that American musical theatre is a combination of two elements—Realism and Razzmatazz. Although it may sound like a contradiction to say this about a story that centers on a ghostly relationship, the fact is Ghost The Musical, which is a combination of many different styles, tells its story in an amazingly realistic manner.

Ghost The Musical premieres on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

The illusions of ghostly activity are extremely realistic and have people believing that they are real. The love story is deeply felt and offers realistic insights into love, loss, grieving and belief. The razzmatazz is certainly there, whether it’s in Ashley Wallen’s modern choreography, Jon Driscoll’s stunning videos and projections, Paul Kieve’s mindboggling illusions or any other number of aspects. This is indeed a big show with a whole lot of glitz.

Your heart will be touched, your feet will be keeping time with the great music, your funny bone will be tickled and you will believe in true love after seeing Ghost The Musical at the Lunt-Fontanne on Broadway. All Tickets Inc. can put together a great evening of theatre for your group. Click here for tickets or call All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716. Connect with All Tickets Inc. on Facebook now!

Ghost Light Sessions Stunning & Honest

Ghost The Musical held a very different event last night. Under the name Ghost Light Sessions, the event was an invite only held at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It was a rather raw but honest presentation of the show that featured the performers and had all of the creatives, producers, etc. in attendance. The audience sat on the stage with the performers and in the mezzanine.

All Tickets Inc. in Attendance

Some of the folks from All Tickets Inc. were lucky enough to be in the theatre and sit on an extended stage with the producers and talent. They saw the performances up close and personal and although they had seen the show in full production in London, they were super impressed by this bare bones presentation.

After the event, Kevin Friel from ATI wrote in an email to a colleague who unfortunately could not make to Ghost Light Sessions, “Wow – what an evening! Wish you could have been there. We were fortunate to sit with Producers and Talent on an extended work stage, as a better part of the participants sat in Mezzanine Balcony. Just a stunning presentation, while it was raw, it was honest and absolutely filled with feeling. It was a rare opportunity that you get to sit with such great and diverse talent; everyone was there and just ecstatic. Absolutely enjoyed the evening.”

Honesty in Performance Essential

The interesting thing about theatre is that the very nature of it being live means that performers must be open and honest. Although Ghost The Musical has amazing production values, it has something that the greatest scenery, special effects and great illusions cannot give it—a soul. That soul is born from its truthful, open acknowledgement that eternal love, true goodness and genuine humanity exist and can triumph.

These themes are found in every element, including the book, music and lyrics. This is a romantic and passionate piece of theatre.

More on the Ghost Light Sessions

We’ll have more on the Ghost Light Sessions soon. We expect to be posting some video and offering more insight into the evening and the upcoming Broadway debut of Ghost The Musical. Previews start the middle of March and the show opens in April.

All Tickets Inc. has an exclusive COMP Promotion through March 31. Book your group through All Tickets Inc. (with tickets starting at $57.00) and for every 30 paid, you’ll receive a comp. (Up to 4 per order.) For more information call ATI at 800-922-0716. You may also access our website by clicking here.

Ghost The Musical Supernatural Love

Sam and Molly’s love endures despite all.

Should your group make reservations to see Ghost The Musical? All Tickets Inc., which offers its clients THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE, sees Ghost as the TOTAL MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE. There are many things that make this show immediately appealing to audiences. In this blog, we’ll talk about the awesome Virtual Reality Stagecraft, the comedy and drive of medium Oda Mae Brown and the fact that this live version connects in a manner that film cannot.

One thing that Ghost The Musical has that many musicals these days do not have is a truly fine story. It is very modern as it zips along like an express train, on a trajectory that is at warp speed, and yet it takes the time to make the highly dramatic, intense moments in the story truly memorable. Ghost The Musical is definitely a 21st century piece.

But, and this is something that those at All Tickets who have seen the London production were impressed by, it also harkens back to the Golden Age of the American musical. Why? Because it is based on a source that is rock solid when it comes to storytelling—Ghost the movie, for which writer Bruce Joel Rubin won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Rubin, who knows this story better than anyone else, has written the book for the musical, and it’s a winner.

True Love & Dramatic Death

Ghost The Musical is the story of Sam and Molly, who although quite different from each other, are in love. Their love is deep, profound and passionate. Both have a lot going for them and when Sam loses his life during a mugging, the loss is overwhelming for Molly. But this story is not as simple as a woman mourning the loss of her love.

There are complications and one of the biggest concerns Sam being set up by coworker Carl Bruner. Bruner has had his associate, Sam, murdered because he realizes that Sam is onto his illegal activities that include embezzling from the company.

Loss and Longing

The loss and longing over Sam’s death nearly crushes Molly. At the same time, Bruner believes that Molly may have information that he needs, that Sam found, which can put him in jail. He’s determined to get it even if it means having to harm Molly.

Sam realizes this and undertakes what seems to be an impossible challenge—to contact and warn his love from the grave. His journey back is an arduous one.

Making His Way Back

Sam has to learn from others who have passed over and he must try to utilize the services of medium Oda Mae Brown. Brown is a charlatan who eventually becomes an effective connector between this world and the afterlife. In what is a tense, taut and tremendously dramatic conclusion Sam saves Molly and Bruner gets what is coming to him.

Unchained Melody

The song Unchained Melody defines the love between Molly and Sam and that tune serves to once again reunite the couple for one last passionate moment. The book to Ghost The Musical offers audiences more than just one type of story. Unchained Melody and other aspects make is a beautiful romantic tale about enduring love. Oda Mae Brown helps to ensure this musical’s plot is also comedic. And the Bruner-Molly-Sam triangle is the catalyst for a very fine murder mystery/thriller.

Taken together these three types of tales/techniques help to ensure that the book of Ghost The Musical is rich, exciting and always interesting. This is a story that offers us fantasy, romance, comedy, violence, justice and much more. In other words, it has great appeal to a cross section of theatergoers.

All Tickets Group Discounts and More

Ghost The Musical is selling now and it will sell quickly partly due to the nature of its story. For more information on Ghost The Musical or to book your group of 15 or more, contact All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716. For more information directly related to discounts for Ghost The Musical, which offers group tickets for as little as $57.00, click here.

Also, only All Tickets Inc. is offering comps with group orders. For every 30 tickets purchased, up to 120 per group, you’ll get a comp ticket (up to four). Combine that with the group ticket prices and you’re saving some major cash.

By the Way, be sure to sign up for All Tickets Inc. Tweets. Simply log on and then go to All Tickets Inc. and become a follower. You’ll receive daily information from All Tickets Inc. that includes special offers, interesting information on shows, performers and more and important reminders. Sign up today to get All Tickets Inc. Tweets.

Next Smash Musical Hit

Ghost The Musical looks to be the theatrical event of the 2011- 2012 Broadway season. For more information on these special offers or to book your group of 15 or more, contact All Tickets Inc. at 800-922-0716. Stay connected with All Tickets Inc. through Twitter and our blog. If you’re not already subscribing to our free newsletter, please go to our website and fill in our exceptionally short subscription form found near the bottom of the page.

Ghost The Musical Extraordinary Stagecraft

As Ghost The Musical prepares for its New York premiere this March, people are wondering exactly how the production is able to offer such an effective and dynamic rendering of scenes associated with the movie. How do you capture a film and put it on the stage? How do you make the most of what film has to offer and combine it with and exploit the power of live performance? That’s one question that the creators of Ghost The Musical had to deal with as they prepared and planned for the stage version.

The solutions they came up with are quite extraordinary. The scenic and lighting elements combine to create an amazingly powerful experience that greatly affects audiences and has helped to make this play the latest smash hit musical in London’s West End. Once you see Ghost The Musical (for a preview video click here), you’ll want to see it again for many reasons, one of which is the true entertainment value you get by purchasing Early Bird Discount tickets for as little as $59.00 for the upcoming New York premiere. You get so much show for so little money!

Wall Street, Subway and More

Take a look at this video and you’re going to see some truly amazing effects created. Known as Virtual Reality Stagecraft, it includes digital video, stereoscopic 3D projection, motion capture, and real time virtual reality navigation. The effects are tremendous and amazingly advanced. In this show, the Wall Street surrounds the chorus of workers with walls of stock quotes and the NYC subway scene is visually and aurally stunning. These used to be referred to as “projections” less than five years ago. But they are so much more than that. They can have as much of as impact as any other element and they allow designers to utilize time, space, image and sound in ways never before imagined.

Lighting the Way

Ghost The Musical utilizes lighting design in a detailed manner, reinforcing ambience, emotion and character. Sculpting, moving, defining space and reinforcing and delineating various worlds, places and forms of existence, this design element creates a texture that is detailed and finely tuned.

The Design Team

Some of the design team includes Hugh Vanstone (Lighting), Jon Driscoll (Video and Projection), Bobby Aitken (Sound Designer), Paul Kieve (Illusionist) and Rob Howell (Designer). Each is a first class specialist with not only an array of credits but also a dedication to being on the cutting edge.

New Deal from All Tickets

All Tickets Inc. is always looking to offer value to its customers. With that in mind, All Tickets is offering comp tickets to groups for Ghost The Musical. For every 30 tickets a group buys, they will receive one comp ticket (up to 4 per order). This offers is ONLY available through All Tickets Inc. Plus, the first 20 groups who book 50+ tickets at Early Bird Special prices with All Tickets Inc. will receive a free CD recording of the Ghost The Musical cast album. The Early Bird Special prices range from $59.00 to $89.00 a ticket and are good until November 30, 2011. After that date the Standard Group discount rates apply to all sales.

To find out immediately about these and other offers simply become a follower of All Tickets Inc. on Twitter. Sign up for our Tweets by November 24, 2011 and you’ll qualify to win one of ten $20.00 gift certificates to Playbill.com’s online store. To follow us simply go to Twitter, sign in and then search for AllTicketsinc and once on our page choose to follow us. All Tickets Inc. offers groups THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE and great value too!