NEWSical The Musical

NEWSical the Musical,the long-runningoff Broadwayrevue by writer-creator Rick Crom, pulls straight from today’s headlines for its ever-changing stage show. The musical parody spoofs everything from celebrities to scandals and all the breaking news in between.In this always changing sketch comedy musical (think SNL -the musical) NEWSical examines all the names and faces in pop culture, celebrity gossip, politics, and beyond that drive us all mad. New songs are added on a continual basis to keep up with the headlines. Sometimes after a compelling headline new songs are written, rehearsed and added to the show within 24 hours!!

What is a revue? Arevueis a type of multi-act popular theatrical entertainment that combines music,dance, and sketches. The revue has its roots in19th century popular entertainment and melodrama but grew into a substantial cultural presence of its own during its golden years from 1916 to 1932. Though most famous for their visual spectacle, revues frequently satirized contemporary figures,news or literature. Similar to the related subforms of operetta and musical theatre, the revue art form brings together music, dance and sketches to create a compelling show. In contrast to these, however, a revue does not have an overarching storyline. Rather, a general theme serves as the motto for a loosely-related series of alternating acts.

Nominated for two Drama Desk Awards and winner of the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical, NEWSical the Musical has taken on stars like Liza Minnelli and Anna Nicole Smith, shocking scandals from the Catholic church and even Siegfried and Roy’s tiger attack. And I wouldn’t be surprised if, given there is an upcoming election ,politics might play a significant role in this touring show. Prior to its Off-Broadway run, NEWSical began off off Broadway at the John Houseman Studio on Theatre Row under the title “What in the World: The NEWSical Revue”.

The musical then moved to off Broadway in 2009 and became The 5th longest running musical in Off-Broadway history. The show ended its historic run on June 17, 2019.

Over its decade run, NEWSical has had the privilege to welcome celebrity guest stars to the show including Perez Hilton, Broadway's original Annie Andrea McArdle, Saturday Night Live's Cheri Oteri, Emmy Award winner Jackée, Real Housewives' Kandi Burruss, Queer Eye's Carson Kressley, and La Toya Jackson! NEWSicalwas featured on Jackson's reality TV show "Life with La Toya" on the OWN Network in 2014.

For its 2,500 performance the show received a Mayoral and Senate proclamation naming May 23rd, 2017 NEWSical The MusicalDay in New York City. Throughout its run, NEWSical has been nominated for 7 Drama Desk Awards.

So what can we expect from this production of NEWSical at the Lied Center? We are so lucky to have ten-year veteran of the show Michael West as part of the cast. Michael West is known for his hilarious impersonations.

The production you are going to see at the Lied Center will be truly unique. Be sure to take a look at the production notes from the program! There is some pretty important information in there that I don’t want you to miss!

NEWSical the Musical is performing at the Lied Center Saturday September 26 at 3pm and 7:30pm. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Lied Center! Enjoy the show!