Latino Broadway news and stage highlights

McG: From Terminator to Broadway

Film director McG is looking into Broadway. As per The Hollywood Reporter, “Terminator Salvation” director McG is attached as the director/producer of “Spring Awakening,” based on the smash-hit Broadway rock musical from Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik. The musical has won several awards, including a Tony for Best Musical back in 2007.

“Spring Awakening” tells the story of Melchior Gabor, a young student in 19th century Germany, as he pioneers a sexual discovery amongst his repressed classmates. Through his relationship with the beautiful Wendla Bergmann and his friendship with the troubled Moritz Stiefel, Melchior convinces his peers – and the audience – that teenage sexuality cannot be repressed by societal restrictions.

The cast has seen many actors come and go through the roles. Most recently, Blake Bashoff, who played ill-fated Karl on seasons three and four of “Lost,” starred as Moritz in the musical. Hunter Parrish, currently starring as Mary-Louise Parker’s son on “Weeds,” portrayed Melchior. There’s no indication that these actors will reprise their roles for the movie.

McG will adapt the musical with the assistance of Steven Sater, one of the co-creators of “Spring Awakening.” The musical itself is an adaptation of an 1891 German play with a decidedly darker, less rock-and-roll tone than “Awakening.” Still, the Broadway adaptation didn’t shy away from several hot-button topics including rape and abortion.

“Spring Awakening” is one of several films that McG has found his name attached to in recent months. He’s been linked to a remake of “20000 Leagues Under The Sea” with Will Smith as his desired casting choice, as well as planned sequels to this summer’s “Terminator Salvation.” With “Spring Awakening” in the mix, fans of the robot franchise might have to wait a little bit longer for a fifth installment.

Are you excited for McG’s take on “Spring Awakening,” or would you rather see him continue his work on the “Terminator” franchise? Sing us a tune in the comments section!

Mexican actress Bianca Marroquin comes back to “Chicago”

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the CHICAGO company is pleased to welcome back Mexican stage sensation Bianca Marroquin to the role of merry murderess Roxie Hart beginning Sunday, September 15.
 
Marroquin first portrayed Roxie Hart in the Mexico City production of CHICAGO in 2002. For that performance, she received five awards from the Mexican Critics Association, including New Revelation and Best Actress.
 
Following the critical and popular success of that production, she was then invited to crossover from Mexico City to New York City, and made her English-language debut as Roxie Hart on Broadway later that year.
 
For that acheivement, Marroquin holds the distinction of being the first — and only — Latina actress to crossover from Mexico to Broadway in a leading role.
 
Marroquin later took Roxie on the road, kicking off the third National Tour of CHICAGO and earning a 2004 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.

 
Earlier this year, she was recognized by the General Consulate of Mexico for her unparalleled success as a Mexican actress on Broadway. This citation was presented to Marroquin at a special ceremony hosted by Mexican Consul General Ruben Beltran on April 8, 2008.
 
Marroquin returns to CHICAGO this month in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month, a nationwide observance to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation was enacted in August 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. The annual celebration begins on September 15 and continues through October 15.
 
CHICAGO also stars Tony nominee Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, Tony nominee Tom Wopat as Billy Flynn, Tony nominee Kevin Chamberlin as Amos Hart and Carol Woods as Matron “Mama” Morton.
 
Visit www.chicagothemusical.com for additional information.