This article was originally published in the Long Beach Post, a nonprofit news organization, on April 16, 2026. Ensemble cast of Musical Theatre West's current production of "In the Heights." Photo courtesy of the theater. Before his hugely successful musical “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote “In the Heights” — about a vibrant, close-knit New York immigrant community filled with songs and dreams, but also secrets. Musical Theatre West is currently staging the Tony Award-

This interview was originally published in the Long Beach Post , a nonprofit news organization, on April 9, 2026. Scene from the touring production of "Hadestown," coming to the Cerritos Center on April 27. Photo courtesy of the tour. Hawa Kamara — who plays Eurydice in the touring production of “Hadestown,” at Cerritos Center on April 27 — says she’s been a fan of Anaïs Mitchell’s musical since she first heard its Grammy Award-winning soundtrack of soulful jazz, blues and f

These interviews were originally published in the Long Beach Post, a nonprofit news organization, on Jan. 22, 2026. Scene from "The Simon & Garfunkel Story," coming to Cerritos Center on Jan. 29 and 30. Photo by Timothy Norris. The Cerritos Center has two upcoming shows — “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” on Jan. 29 and 30 and “STOMP” on Feb. 4 and 5 — designed to delight fans and newbies alike through storytelling and music. Performers in both shows talked to the Long Beach Po

Actor Brandon Delsid (Photo by Lei Phillips) Actor Brandon Delsid grew up in Fresno but has his sights set on Broadway and beyond....

Ellie Roddy as Roxie in the national tour of "Chicago" (Photo by Jeremy Daniel) For a girl from Orlando, Florida, playing Roxie Hart in...

This interview was originally published in the Long Beach Post , a nonprofit news organization, on March 6, 2025. Branford Marsalis. Photo by Palma Kolansky. The Branford Marsalis Quartet is set to perform for one night only at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on March 13. I had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Marsalis in advance of the event. Marsalis is widely regarded as jazz royalty and a master musician, his career extending into classical music recordings

Preview of Musical Theatre West's upcoming production of "Grease" by Anita W. Harris for LA Theatrix

“I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and cannot wait to bring the show here!” exclaims Tristan McIntyre, who plays Sheldon...