Urban Stages was founded to support playwrights in developing and showcasing new work. They now also work to increase access to the arts. Their mainstage program supports artists and presents acclaimed plays and musicals Off-Broadway.
The outreach program brings free plays and workshops to libraries throughout the five boroughs in many different languages. Circle in the Square offers a curriculum that exposes musical theatre students to multiple techniques and approaches. These two programs came together in the program “Sara Louise Lazarus presents ‘Circle in the Square’s Broadway Blockbusters II.” This was one aspect of Winter Rhythms 2025. This is an annual production. Urban Stages presents 21 shows in 11 days, with over 150 performers. The shows display diverse theater talent. They range from various genres of music, comedy, and a drag queen. There is a show for every taste.
“Sara Louise Lazarus presents ‘Circle in the Square’s Broadway Blockbusters II’” exhibits the varied talents of the graduating class of Circle in the Square Theater School. The set includes a stage, a Christmas tree (unrelated to the program), three microphones, a piano, and a chair beside the piano. Joe Baker is the musical director and piano player. Mr. Baker notes that the students will be singing well-known songs that have been performed many times before. When one hears the lead-in to each familiar song, one envisions a full orchestra playing for a stage performance. The students perform on an empty stage with just a piano for music. The singers easily overcome this handicap.
Gabriella Uhl begins with “The Wizard and I,” delivering a polished performance that clearly demonstrates her potential for the Broadway stage. She later sings the ballad “For Good” with Maddie Rae. Their voices blend perfectly. Maddie Rae has an earlier solo when she sings “My Days”. Ms. Rae’s solo is flawless.
The second song in the program is “Sunset Boulevard.” Ethan Sheely had to overcome the memories of the recent production of Sunset Boulevard. He does this easily, making the song his own. He later joins Sirena De La Rosa in a duet, singing “Seventeen.” Both singers easily convey the emotions of the song. Earlier, Ms. De La Rosa had a solo, “Burn.” She clearly illustrates the intense emotions of a spurned lover.
The third song presented is “When He Sees Me.” Gia Provinzino owns the song, commanding the stage with her strong presence. Later, Ms. Provinzino joins Sancho Alcina in the ballad, “Unworthy of Your Love.” Their voices bring out the pathos of this song.
“Waving Through a Window” is the fourth song presented. Cormac Linde performs this up-tempo song with ease. Later, Mr. Linde joins Alianna Waggoner singing “Love is an Open Door.” They perform flawlessly while enjoying themselves as they act out the song. Later, Ms. Waggoner sings “Losing My Mind.” She conveys all the emotions of this torch song.
Grace Nelson has a solo, “IF They Could See Me Now.” Ms. Nelson adds a dash of color with her blue sequined dress. Her dancing adds to the enjoyment of her flawless presentation. Ms. Nelson developed the choreography for this song. Ms. Nelson joins the troupe in “Under the Sea.” Sancho Alina directs the song towards Ms. Nelson. They are joined by Mr. Linde. The entire troupe dances during the presentation. The flawless, amusing choreography was developed by Mr. Alcina.
Several initial attendees of Hamilton at the Public Theatre expressed a sense of having discovered the play. Its success relied on their discovery. Part of the fun of watching a production like this is the thought that soon one of these performers will be performing on Broadway. One could feel that one had discovered their talent. All these performers are highly talented.
The Porch on Windy Hill is returning to Urban Stages from January 26th to February 22nd. This musical presents an important theme in an entertaining format. It combines the music of Appalachia with the important message about the effects of overt and tacit racism. This is an ideal chance to see the type of plays that Urban Stage offers.
