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Sunday night I gathered with a few friends to watch the Tony awards. We were rooting for “The Color Purple,” a musical a couple of us had seen on Broadway, to take home top honors. That didn’t happen, but it did snag Best Actress in a Musical for LaChanze, the actress who portrays the show’s heroine, Celie. That was a treat. Another highlight of the telecast was seeing Louisiana’s own Harry Connick Jr. open the awards show and perform a number from “The Pajama Game,” the show he’s currently in. “The Pajama Game” won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.

Perhaps the most interesting surprise was the local commercials promoting Broadway in Baton Rouge. It was exciting to be reminded that, while we were celebrating great theater in New York, some of that great theater makes its way to the Baton Rouge River Center every year.

The upcoming season includes Broadway classics “Camelot,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and contemporary hit “Stomp.” Ray Charles fans should get a kick out of “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” which pays tribute to his music. To find out more, visit this link.

Also, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Broadway favorites done by local theaters, schools and churches. Baton Rouge Little Theater is preparing to stage “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” It runs July 7-30.

And even though “Always, Patsy Cline” isn’t a Broadway show, I LOVE IT! Yes, this opera fan is so down with Pasty Cline. The music and the actress who portrays her are phenomenal. I saw the show last year at Swine Palace and plan to see it again if I can get a ticket. I urge you to see it too but you’d better act fast. Many nights are already sold out. This show runs now through July 2. Don’t walk to get your tickets, run!

Until next time…