Courtney Symes is a long-time theatre aficionado who has been writing for BroadwayWorld since 2017. She has been active in theatre and youth organizations in her community. After trying law school, she decided that a life in the arts was the way to go. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and teaches during the day while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. In addition to theatre, Courtney enjoys music, reading, sports, hiking, traveling, and raising San Francisco Giants fans.
Favorite Show:
The Phantom of the OperaFavorite Stories:
- BWW Interview: Ottmar Liebert of OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA at The Sofia - I love the process of interviews. Delving into someone's life and career teaches me something new every time I do it. Everyone has an interesting story if you take the time to listen. Ottmar Liebert has been my favorite subject. He is one of the most intelligent, interesting, and humble people I have ever come across.
- Review: Nostradamus Predicts a Hit With SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Broadway At Music Circus - Something Rotten was such a great show to write about. The Easter eggs (references to other musicals) in that show are so numerous that it's almost impossible to catch them all. The book is quick, the dialogue is clever, and it's just a fun, fun show to lose yourself in.
- BWW Review: HAMILTON Brings Theatre Back to Broadway Sacramento - What can I say? Hamilton speaks for itself.
- BWW Interview: Ben Vereen of STEPPIN' OUT LIVE WITH BEN VEREEN at Stockton Symphony - Growing up in the 80s in a theatre loving home meant that Ben Vereen was a big deal. I remember watching him on tv and being in awe. This was the first interview that I ever did with Broadway World, and to have it be with such a large figure from my childhood was incredible.
- Review: RAGTIME Sets the Standard at Broadway At Music Circus - I have so many favorites that it's hard to pick just a few. I chose Ragtime because I did my undergraduate capstone paper on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. Music Circus also did a phenomenal job in staging the show. It really worked in the round and, to be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. This production blew me away.