Mo is 31. He works in an immigration removal centre. He's a Detention Officer. He wears a shirt, a tie, and sometimes even trousers. He's from Bishops Stortford. Mo's in trouble. Mo's in love. Dangerous and unsettling, beautiful and hilarious, Removal Men is a play with live music and songs. It tells the story of a fragmented 21st century Britain, trying to be powerful, trying to love, trying to escape.

If you love THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MAN OF LA MANCHA, and LES MISERABLES, you will enjoy this fascinating analysis of how the three musicals reflect the basic teachings of the Bible. Dr. Jones is a Harvard PhD and a professor emeritus of Spanish language and literature, as well as a novelist, humor columnist, biographer, the author of a widely-adopted textbook, a cartoonist and a graphic artist. She taught "What is Love?" for several years in the adult Sunday School program at her church, and claims she is still trying to get to the bottom of it all. She looks to the ancient Greeks, the 12th-century troubadours, the 19th century Romantics, C.S. Lewis, John Stott, Michael Green, and to the rest of God's extended family to guide her along the way. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: Sonia Jones is a gifted author and teacher who beautifully presents and contrasts the dramatic love stories of Man of La Mancha, The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables with the greatest love story of all from the Bible. She explores the various meanings of love, and gives deep insight into the hearts of the characters involved and the resulting dramas that unfold. If you love these classic writings and musicals, this study will add to your understanding and appreciation. --Roma Angus, choir director, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Actor-musicianship is a permanent feature of the musical theatre landscape. Actor-musician shows can be seen from Bradford to Broadway, from village halls to international arena tours. However, with the exception of a couple of academic papers, there has been nothing written about this fascinating area of theatre practice. Jeremy Harrison's book addresses this deficit, operating as both a record of the development of the actor-musician movement and as a practical guide for students, educators, performers and practitioners. It explores the history of actor-musicianship, examining its origins, as well as investigating - and offering guidance on - how this specialist form of music theatre is created. It, in turn, acts as a means of defining an art form that has to date been left to lurk in the shadows of musical theatre; a subset with its own distinctive culture of performer, maker and audience, but as yet no formal recognition as a specialism in its own right. The actor-musician show is multifarious and as such this book targets those interested in mainstream commercial work, as well as alternative and avant-garde theatre practice. The book draws together expertise from a range of disciplines with contributions from many of the leading figures in this field, including performers, directors, teachers, MDs, producers and writers. It also features a foreword by theatre director John Doyle.

Michael Ball is more than a Laurence Olivier Award winner and multiplatinum recording artist; he holds the unique status of being Britain's foremost musical theatre actor. Testimony to his success is the huge cult following he has built ...not least among theatre audiences. From his debut in London's West End, with a superb performance in the original 1985 cast of Les Miserables, to unqualified acclaim in Aspects Of Love, Passion, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more recently in Hairspray and Sweeney Todd. Michael's silky smooth voice and boyish charms have seduced audiences everywhere, a popularity that has led to more than 15 sought-after solo albums and the hit single 'Love Changes Everything'. Television and radio have not been slow in courting his talents, from his first flirtation with the small screen and a rather embarrassing appearance in the ITV soap Coronation Street to hosting his own successful chat shows. He even represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1992. Andrew Lloyd Webber, understated as ever, joked: 'He's a top man at what he does - and he has a rather nice taste in Savile Row suits.' But there is so much more to Michael than curly-haired smiles and smartly-dressed dulcet tones. In this first ever biography of the star, author Willie Robertson provides a comprehensive and compelling insight into the legend that is Michael Ball. A must read for any fan!

In this textbook for performers, the position of a Swing-an Understudy for the Ensemble-on Broadway is examined from every angle, showing just how vital Swings are to the success of any musical theatre production. Authors J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith draw on their own experiences as performers, and gather first-hand stories from other Swings about the glories and hardships of their industry. The book features interviews with over 100 Broadway pros-Swing veterans, Stage Managers, Casting Directors, Choreographers, and Directors-including Rob Ashford, Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, Larry Fuller, Tony Stevens, Beverley Randolph, and Frank DiLella. Broadway Swings is the ideal guide for anyone considering a career in this most unique of positions, or anyone curious about what really goes on, behind-the- scenes, in a long-running show.

In this textbook for performers, the position of a Swing-an Understudy for the Ensemble-on Broadway is examined from every angle, showing just how vital Swings are to the success of any musical theatre production. Authors J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith draw on their own experiences as performers, and gather first-hand stories from other Swings about the glories and hardships of their industry. The book features interviews with over 100 Broadway pros-Swing veterans, Stage Managers, Casting Directors, Choreographers, and Directors-including Rob Ashford, Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, Larry Fuller, Tony Stevens, Beverley Randolph, and Frank DiLella. Broadway Swings is the ideal guide for anyone considering a career in this most unique of positions, or anyone curious about what really goes on, behind-the- scenes, in a long-running show.

The name Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. (1867--1932) is synonymous with the decadent revues that the legendary impresario produced at the turn of the twentieth century. These extravagant performances were filled with catchy tunes, high-kicking chorus girls, striking costumes, and talented stars such as Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Marilyn Miller, W. C. Fields, and Will Rogers. After the success of his Follies, Ziegfeld revolutionized theater performance with the musical Show Boat (1927) and continued making Broadway hits -- including Sally (1920), Rio Rita (1927), and The Three Musketeers (1928) -- several of which were adapted for the silver screen. In this definitive biography, authors Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson offer a comprehensive look at both the life and legacy of the famous producer. Drawing on a wide range of sources -- including Ziegfield's previously unpublished letters to his second wife, Billie Burke (who later played Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz), and to his daughter Patricia -- the Bridesons shed new light on this enigmatic man. They provide a lively and well-rounded account of Ziegfeld as a father, a husband, a son, a friend, a lover, and an alternately ruthless and benevolent employer. Lavishly illustrated with over seventy-five images, this meticulously researched book presents an intimate and in-depth portrait of a figure who profoundly changed American entertainment.

"Hope Rises From The Ashes..."

No one planned to stay in the Porcupine Camp. All anyone hoped for was to find gold fast and get on the next train home. But when the Great Fire of 1911 strikes, something strange happens, and the people of the Porcupine Camp discover that gold isn't only found in the ground...

... It is found in each other.

Based on true events that occurred during the Porcupine Gold Rush of the early 20th century, Heart of Gold is a new musical theatre creation exploring the romance, adventure, and hope that is synonymous with Canadian History. Reviews from the amateur premiere: "Heart of Gold an 'amazing' production" By Wayne Snider, The Daily Press (Timmins)

..".The story of the community bouncing back from the Great Fire of 1911 needed to be told in a manner that carried the audience through a range of emotions - from sorrow and fear to laughter and joy... It did, allowing the performance to flow north as naturally as the Porcupine River.

... the final production is absolutely amazing.

Right from the beginning - where after the initial gold discovery, wave after wave of various immigrant groups dance onto the stage in search of the same prize - to the end where formal rivals become a loving, caring community, the audience is hooked..."

"The story, written by Laureen Kuhl, introduces us to characters that the audience cares about from the beginning. It provides a very human story - mixing romance and greed together - that not only succeeds in telling the story of the Great Fire, but is truly entertaining.

There are great moments of laughter, such as when all the guys are teasing the would-be womanizing francophone Andre LeRoux (superbly portrayed by Thomas Vezina) to when Andre is poking fun at the best attempts to read French by leading lady Caroline Mayben-Flowers (an admirable performance by Catarina Ciccone). These are pioneer scenes that one could picture taking place today - making the historic tale relatable to a modern audience.

The music... adds an entire new dimension to the story of Timmins. Individual tunes like Come On Come to the Porcupine and Gold Runs Down in Rivers could easily stand on their own. But as a key part of the story, it helps form the cultural mosaic that is Heart of Gold...."

"The audience connects with Heart of Gold on all levels.

There was a real sense of awe and fright when it was realized the Great Fire was bearing down on the pioneer community..."

As characters mourn the loss of life on stage, the audience shares the emotional experience. It was one of the most powerful theatrical moments ever seen on stage in Timmins.

Overall, the cultural Avengers of Timmins have assembled one truly magical, creative and entertaining showpiece..." Link: http: //www.timminspress.com/2012/06/10/heart-of-gold-an-amazing-production

"It was a masterful piece..." "the show felt real. "From Blogger Naomi: "

..". (It) "made you feel as though you were peaking in through a window back in 1911..."

"We had the opportunity to feel fear, hatred, love, hope, joy, mourning and relief over the course of the play and it was a masterful piece performed from the heart to celebrate this wonderful community.

What a wonderful show- I only wish I was able to stay in town to enjoy it again " Link: http: //windingdownwithnaomi.blogspot.ca

"From Anthony Roberts at the Timmins Daily Press: "

..". What a treat. Well done. It deserves a TIMMINS OSCAR. A night to remember." Link: http: //www.timminspress.com/2012/06/11/heart-of-gold-musical