Smith Center Blog

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

The True Stories of Henry VIII’s Wives Who Inspired Broadway Smash ‘Six’

Just like the wives of English monarch Henry VIII, the cocreators of smash Broadway musical “Six” achieved greatness at a young age. Both in their mid-20s at the time, Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow developed their novel concept for a musical set as a pop concert while students at Cambridge University in 2017. Aiming to create a women-driven production, they decided the show would star the six wives of Henry VIII, most of whom married the king as teenagers or in their early 20s and led lives of drama and intrigue.

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

The Remarkable Journey of “Hadestown” to Broadway

It’s easy to think that eight-time Tony-winning musical “Hadestown” became a phenomenon overnight. But in fact, this groundbreaking show reimagining two Greek myths took a very unusual path to Broadway.

Performances and Artists / Broadway Las Vegas

Actress from Original Broadway Production of ‘Annie’ to Direct National Tour

When Jenn Thompson landed the role of Pepper in the original Broadway production of “Annie,” she felt like she had “hit the lottery,” she says. “It was every little girl actress’ dream to be a part of this astounding, moving, mega-hit musical,” Thompson remembers of taking on the rollicking musical numbers in this female-driven production. Now she will help tell Little Orphan Annie’s story on stage again – only this time, as director of the Broadway musical’s national tour.

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

Adapting Alanis Morissette’s Epic Album into a Powerful Broadway Musical

When Tony-winning Director Diane Paulus first approached Alanis Morissette about adapting her iconic “Jagged Little Pill” album into a musical, Paulus had grandiose ideas in mind. “I did say, ‘I feel like your album is epic, and we have to do something epic theatrically,’” says Paulus, who also directed beloved musical “Waitress.” “There are many people who want to live inside ‘Jagged Little Pill,’ with the visceral nature of this music.”

Broadway Las Vegas / Performances and Artists

How Broadway Smash ‘The Prom’ Delivers a Powerful Message with Comedy and Dazzling Music

Performing in smash Broadway musical “The Prom,” Kalyn West genuinely feels she’s making a difference. “We know that we are telling a really important story, and what we do directly affects people’s lives for the better,” says West, who performed in the original Broadway show, and now costars as Alyssa Greene in the musical’s national tour. “That’s really special.”