Coming Up This Week in Theatre - 10/14/2008 2008/10/14

Below is BroadwayWorld.com's Upcoming Events calendar updated on 10/14/2008. For the complete calendar of upcoming events, concerts, openings, closings and more, visit BroadwayWorld.com's Event Calendar.

'Political Idol' Returns to Triad Theatre 10/14 - 10/14/2008

Hot off sold-out runs in Washington D.C., Chicago and New York, Political Idol, a hilarious spoof of the presidential elections, returns to Off-Broadway's Triad Theatre opening on Tuesday, October 14 (9PM) for a three week run and will play preview performances on Tuesday, Sept. 30th at 9pm and Thursday, October 2nd at 9pm.

In this final installment, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain square off over the economy and foreign policy, while running mates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin spare over their qualifications to be V.P. nominees. At the end of the show, the audience will vote for the next Political Idol. Produced by the FREEDOM TOAST company, the show is a satirical cabaret that takes aim at all political parties and positions.

New this fall, the cast of Political Idol expands to 5, as veteran performer Enga Davis returns to the stage to reprise some of the show’s most successful characters, including Tina Turner, Al Sharpton, Condoleezza Rice and Oprah Winfrey. Broadway performer Frank Harts - A Raisin In The Sun - returns to Political Idol in his signature roles of Barack Obama, Charlie Rangle, Maya Angelou. Other returners include Lara Buck (Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Cindy McCain, Laura Bush, Nancy Pelosi), Joe DiSalle (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mitt Romney, Joe Biden, Al Gore and Dick Cheney), and Robert Yarnall (John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, Bill Clinton, George Bush, John Edwards). The show is directed by Julie Banciak, with Chris Berg as musical director.

Political Idol is based on the parodies of Marc Emory, muse and founder of The Freedom Toast, who originated the idea at a Renaissance Weekend gathering (the annual retreat for innovative leaders from diverse fields) where he was encouraged to record some of his twisted takes on popular songs. “It just became this thing that we kept doing, that kept getting bigger,” says Emory, son of longtime Washington newspaper correspondent and former Gridiron Club president, Alan S. Emory. Robert Yarnall is co-author of the book and lyrics.

The show features almost 2 dozen lyrically altered songs, including new hits “All That Sass” (to the tune of “All That Jazz”, sung by Sarah Palin), “Voting For Our Future” (to the tune of “Rolling On The River, sung by Tina Turner), and returning favorites “Change Is Cool” (to the tune of “Chain of Fools”, sung by Michelle Obama), “Welfare Queen” (to the tune of “Dancin' Queen”, sung by Sarah Palin and John McCain) “Hand On The Gavel” (“Hand In My Pocket”, sung by Nancy Pelosi), and “Rove!” (to the tune of Madonna's “Vogue”, sung by the Bush administration).

Three CDs of The Freedom Toast songs are available on iTunes, including “Sing Along with the Candidates 2008,” “Sing Along with the Democrats” and “Sing Along with the Republicans.”

Political Idol will play Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9PM through October 30th at The Triad Theatre (158 West 72nd Street ~ between Broadway & Columbus Avenue). There is a $15 Food/Drink minimum and a $25 music charge. For tickets and reservations call TheaterMania (212) 352-3101 or online www.theatermania.com

'An Evening of Music and Comedy IV' Plays at Don't Tell Mama 10/14 - 10/14/2008

Michael Martinez will present An Evening of Music and Comedy IV at Don't Tell Mama on Tuesday October 14 at 7:00 pm. This showcase and variety show will feature singer Adam Kee, singer/songwriter Katelyn Nudo, recording artsist Kristin Trotta, and singer / songwriter Andrea Dee. Comedian Matt Florio will be the Special Guest Host for the evening. Producer Michael Martinez has previously presented showcases at Don't Tell Mama and several other New York City clubs. These showcases highlight emerging stars in comedy, music, and musical theater. Showtime is 7:00 pm, door opens at 6:30pm. Admission is $15.00, plus a two drink minimum. For reservations call Don't Tell Mama at 212-757-0788.

Adam Kee is an actor and singer who completed his M.F.A. in Acting in 2007 (Actors Studio Drama School/New School for Drama). While in Graduate School, he studied with Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, Ron Leibman, as well as acclaimed actor/director/playwright, Austin Pendleton, and Tony-nominated actor, Robert LuPone. Adam holds a B.A. in Theatre & Vocal Performance (Musical Theatre emphasis) from McKendree University, a liberal arts college in the St. Louis metro-east area. He also has additional training from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. New York Credits include: Elton John in Rocket Man (Triad Theatre), Suffici in Scenes from an Execution (59 East 59th Theatre), The Proprietor/First Apprentice in Woyzeck (Far From Oz Productions), and Charlie in Bekah Brunstetter's Sick, which was a winner at the 2006 Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Play Festival. Additional NYC credits include roles with: Horizon Theatre Rep, American Theatre of Actors, American Place Theatre, and the Producers' Club. Regional Credits include: Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, Charlie Conlon (and multiple other characters) in Stones in His Pockets, and Walker Harris in Two Rooms (NH Regional Theatre Award Nomination), all at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in New Hampshire.Additional regional credits include: Sylvia, Fallen Angels, Almost Maine. Musical Theatre credits include: El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Harold Hill in The Music Man, Bill Sykes in Oliver!, Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Drake in Annie Warbucks, The King in The King and I. Adam teaches for several New York-based performance studios, and he has been a guest artist at New York University and the School of Visual Arts (NYC). Please contact him via his website: www.adamkee.com.

Katelyn Rose Nudo is a powerhouse singer, songwriter and a music journalist. In just five years, she has written for several publications including Billboard magazine and The New York Press, and has interviewed artists from 50 Cent to Keyshia Cole. As a singer, Katelyn has performed throughout the country in venues including The Whisky A Go-Go and The Continental Arena. The multi-talented vocalist has a vast collection of her own original songs from pop to rock, and she now works with multi-platinum producers on songwriting projects for herself and major label artists. Among her continued work in the music industry, Katelyn has been in many musical theatre productions. Along with established playwright and vocal coach, Rob LaRocco, Katelyn is currently co-writing her own musical called "Lips, Hips and Magic." Katelyn is thrilled to have been invited back to Don't Tell Mama's, and for the first time ever, she will be performing an exclusive excerpt from "Lips, Hips and Magic." Currently, Katelyn is the author of the column Songwriting A-Z, freelances to The Suburban Trends newspaper and is the lead singer in the new HipHop musical, "Pointless". You can listen to her music and read more about her career at www.myspace.com/kristintrotta

Kristin Trotta is a hot new artist on the New York music scene. Blonde, sassy, and stylish, with a set of pipes to back it up, she is a talent not to be missed. Live performance is her forte – her performance abilities continually leave audiences amazed and her talent easily rivals many of today's established artists. Kristin's powerful vocal range along with her signature soulful sound make her music both unconventionally evocative and wildly penetrating: this stuff cuts straight to the heart. Though born and raised near Boston, Kristin has counted herself among faithful New Yorkers since 2003. A graduate of New School University's Jazz and Contemporary Music program, Kristin is professionally trained in jazz vocals and piano. She performs live around New York City and has recorded numerous demos in-studio. Kristin lives in Manhattan, where she continues to hone her craft, and is currently forming a band to perform with her in New York City. www.myspace.com/kristintrotta

Andrea Dee is an electrifying singer/songwriter whose sultry and captivating voice has seduced audiences in Paris, France and at The Bally's in Las Vegas. Her songs borrow elements from pop, soul, and jazz to create an original sound completely her own. For the last four years, Andrea has been performing and building a loyal following of listeners in New York City. www.myspace.com/andreadee55

Matt Florio is a dynamic comedian best known for his hilarious observational humor and character voices. A native of Florida, Matt began his career by performing character voices on the "Scotty Rollo & Philly Dan Radio Show" in Fort Lauderdale . He later went on to study improv and sketch comedy in New York at the famed Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade. Matt soon transitioned to stand up where he excelled quickly. He performs regularly at New York's major venues as well as in New Jersey, where he co-founded two of New Jersey's most successful stand up shows, "Stand Up Parmesan" and "Newark Comedy Show". Matt is currently in pre-production of a television show he created and recently co-founded Comedy Doctors . Inc. which produces stand up comedy shows to raise money for worthy charities. www.myspace.com/mattfloriocomedy

Musicals Tonight! Revives Irma La Douce 10/14-16 - 10/14/2008

Musicals Tonight! will revive Irma La Douce on October 14th-16th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre (2161 Broadway at 76th Street). For a complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets please visit www.musicalstonight.org

One of the big hits of the 1960-61 season, the saucy Irma La Douce, is a Parisian musical which was a sensation in London before its Tony-winning New York run. The story of Irma, the big-hearted streetwalker who falls for a young law student, was later made into a hit movie starring Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon, but with the songs sadly relegated to background music. The show previews on September 25 and 26, and opens on Saturday, September 27, running through October 12 at the Eureka Theatre.

One of the most successful musicals of the 1960s, Irma played simultaneously in France, the UK, the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Brazil, and Italy. Disagreements between the various authors have kept the English-language version restricted for nearly thirty years; the last SF production was in 1978 for the old Civic Light Opera starring Priscilla Lopez and Larry Kert.

Marguerite Monnot, whose songs are intimately linked to France's best-loved singer, Edith Piaf, composed the score, with the book and original French lyrics by Alexandre Breffort. The English lyrics and book are by Julian More, David Heneker and Monty Norman. Hit songs from the production include "Our Language of Love," as well as "Dis-Donc," "There is Only One Paris for That," "Valse Milieu" and "From a Prison Cell."

Thomas Schumacher to Release Second Edition of 'How Does The Show Go On?' 10/14 - 10/14/2008

Disney Editions announced today that they will release an updated edition of How Does the Show Go On?, Broadway producer Thomas Schumacher’s introduction to the theater for young people. This second edition of the much-heralded book, which was originally released in November 2007 and has since sold 50,000 copies, will hit bookshelves on October 14, 2008, and will include Broadway’s The Little Mermaid and the touring production of the mega-hit High School Musical. A soft-cover Library Edition of How Does the Show Go On? will also be released this fall (September 30, 2008).

The 128-page hardcover book, written with Jeff Kurtti, gives readers the opportunity to meet the casts of characters who work onstage and behind the scenes to deliver unforgettable performances, and explore the inner workings of the theater building itself. Filled with artifacts you can pull out and hold in your hand, How Does the Show Go On? is a totally unique guide to what goes on behind the curtain. From informative descriptions of the playwright, choreographer, stage manager and fight director to explanations about the role of the set designer, composer, usher, director and leading lady, Schumacher has created a stimulating, interactive and all together indispensable introduction to the theater.

Thomas Schumacher is the producer of the Tony Award®-winning Best Musical The Lion King. Schumacher is also the producer of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, Tarzan, and current Broadway hits Mary Poppins (with producer Cameron Mackintosh) and The Little Mermaid.

How Does The Show Go On? features include:

* A Costume Designer’s Sketchbook

* An authentic Playbill® Program

* Front of House: From the Street to the Stage Apron

* Back of House: From the Stage Apron to the Stage Door

* A Day in the Life of a Child Performer

* Theater-Speak Glossary

Thomas Schumacher is President of Disney Theatrical Group. He joined the Walt Disney Company in 1988, previously serving as president of Feature Animation, where he supervised the development and production of twenty-one animated feature films. His Broadway producing credits include Julie Taymor’s production of The Lion King (six 1998 Tony® Awards) now in its tenth year; Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida (four 2000 Tony® Awards); Tarzan®, with the music and lyrics of Phil Collins and direction and design by Bob Crowley; Mary Poppins, a partnership between Disney and Cameron Mackintosh and The Little Mermaid, which opened in January 2008, featuring direction by Francesca Zambello. Schumacher’s other producing credits include On the Record, a musical celebrating Disney’s catalog of beloved songs and the highly successful touring stage production of Disney’s High School Musical, which reached 41 cities over 60 weeks in 2008. He is also the author of the book How Does the Show Go On? An Introduction to the Theater, published by Disney Editions. Future projects in development include The Man in the Ceiling, based on the Jules Feiffer book with music by Andrew Lippa, and a stage adaptation by Rick Elice of Peter and the Starcatchers, a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson.

A graduate of UCLA, he is a member of the Executive Committee for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Tony Administration Committee, the Advisory Committee of the American Theatre Wing and serves as adjunct professor at Columbia University.

For more information please visit www.howdoestheshowgoon.com

Irma la Douche Presented by Musicals Tonight Opens 10/14 - 10/14/2008

Irma la Douce Presented by Musicals Tonight will open Oct. 14, 2008 at McGinn/Cazale Theatre at Broadway and 76th Street.

The Broadway production of Irma La Douce (1960) won six Tony Awards, including Best Actress. Songs include: Our Language of Love; There is Only One Paris for That; That’s a Crime.

Irma la Douce opens in the back streets off Pigalle at the Bar-Des-Inquiets run by Bob (JOHN COGHLAN). The setting is as low-down as any dockside neighborhood could be. It is “policed” by the venal Inspector (DAMIAN BUZZERIO), controlled by the barely evil Polyte (Justin Sayre) and populated by a gang of “mecs” - Jojo; Roberto; Persil and Frangipane (Eric Imhoff, KEVIN SIMS, James Donegan, Selby Brown). Our heroine – Irma (Vanessa Lemonides) is a “poule” who falls madly in love with Nestor le Fripe (Wade McCollum), a law student without a sou. They move in together and since Nestor must continue his studies, Irma resumes her “career” on the streets of Paris. Nestor is jealou s of Irma’s clients and disguises himself as Monsieur Oscar in order to become her sole “financial protector”. Nestor quickly tires, physically as well as emotionally, of this double life and decides to “kill off” his alter-ego. When Monsieur Oscar disappears Nestor is arrested, tried, convicted and sent to Devil’s Island (from which he escapes). He returns to Pigalle just in time for the birth of their child and a true Christmas celebration. Joining in the musical fun are CHRISTIAN ZAREMBA, KIT TREECE.

The performance is directed byThomas Sabella-Mills with musical direction by Rick Hip-Flores

Tickets: $20 from Smarttix – 212-868-4444 or www.smarttix.com or Box Office. For a complete schedule and more information please visit www.musicalstonight.org

Irma la Douce Presented by Musicals Tonight Opens 10/14 - 10/14/2008

Irma la Douce Presented by Musicals Tonight will open Oct. 14, 2008 at McGinn/Cazale Theatre at Broadway and 76th Street.

The Broadway production of Irma La Douce (1960) won six Tony Awards, including Best Actress. Songs include: Our Language of Love; There is Only One Paris for That; That’s a Crime.

Irma la Douce opens in the back streets off Pigalle at the Bar-Des-Inquiets run by Bob (JOHN COGHLAN). The setting is as low-down as any dockside neighborhood could be. It is “policed” by the venal Inspector (DAMIAN BUZZERIO), controlled by the barely evil Polyte (Justin Sayre) and populated by a gang of “mecs” - Jojo; Roberto; Persil and Frangipane (Eric Imhoff, KEVIN SIMS, James Donegan, Selby Brown). Our heroine – Irma (Vanessa Lemonides) is a “poule” who falls madly in love with Nestor le Fripe (Wade McCollum), a law student without a sou. They move in together and since Nestor must continue his studies, Irma resumes her “career” on the streets of Paris. Nestor is jealou s of Irma’s clients and disguises himself as Monsieur Oscar in order to become her sole “financial protector”. Nestor quickly tires, physically as well as emotionally, of this double life and decides to “kill off” his alter-ego. When Monsieur Oscar disappears Nestor is arrested, tried, convicted and sent to Devil’s Island (from which he escapes). He returns to Pigalle just in time for the birth of their child and a true Christmas celebration. Joining in the musical fun are CHRISTIAN ZAREMBA, KIT TREECE.

The performance is directed by Thomas Sabella-Mills with musical direction by Rick Hip-Flores

Tickets: $20 from Smarttix – 212-868-4444 or www.smarttix.com or Box Office. For a complete schedule and more information please visit www.musicalstonight.org

Johanna Day and Michael Milligan Join 'August: Osage County' Cast 10/14 - 10/14/2008

Tracy Letts' August: Osage County, winner of the 2008 Tony, Pulitzer Prize, Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics Circle, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play, is proud to welcome Tony Award-nominee Johanna Day, in the role of "Barbara Fordham," and Michael Milligan, in the role of "Little Charles" to the Broadway company on Tuesday, October 14th.

Best known for her Tony and Lucille Lortel award nominated performance in David Auburn's Tony and Pulizter Prize-winning play Proof, Johanna Day most recently appeared in A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Lisa Peterson, at Hartford Stage. Her other notable theater credits include Edward Albee's Peter and Jerry (dir. Pam Mackinnon, Drama Desk Nomination), Ethan Coen's Almost an Evening (dir. Neil Pepe); The Evildoers by David Adjmi (dir. Rebecca Bayla Taichman) at Yale Rep., Leslie Ayvazian's Behave Yourself (dir. Martha Banta) at the Adirondack Theatre Festival; Distracted by Lisa Loomer (dir. Leonard Foglia) at the Mark Taper Forum; Noah Haidle's Vigils (dir. Kate Whoriskey) at the Goodman Theatre; The Rainmaker (dir. Lisa Peterson; Helen Hayes Award) at Arena Stage; Carol Mulroney by Stephen Belber (dir. Lisa Peterson); Satellites by Diana Son (dir. Michael Greif); How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel (dir. Mark Brokaw); Ellen McLaughlin's Helen (dir. Tony Kushner); Dare Clubb's Oedipus; An American Daughter by Wendy Wasserstein (dir. Molly Smith); Anthems by Culture Clash (dir. Charles Randolph-Wright; Craig Lucas' Three Postcards and Blue Window; Vick's Boy by Ben Bettenbender (dir. Bob Balaban). She has worked on many new plays at Cape Cod Theatre Project where she serves on the board. Her film and television credits include Judge Nancy Roth on Law & Order; Judging Amy (recurring); The Exonerated, Unbreakable, The Making of…, The Trap, and The Eternal Pedicure.

Making his Broadway debut, MICHAEL MILLIGAN has previously appeared Off-Broadway in Thom Pain and The Golem. Regionally, he has performed at the McCarter Theater, Westport Playhouse, Studio Arena, and Charlotte Rep. Michael has played Shakespeare for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Shakespeare Theatre (DC), Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Rep. the Illinois, Alabama, Utah, New Jersey, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Colorado Shakespeare festivals as well as Shakespeare and Company in many roles including Hamlet, Romeo, Mercutio, Feste in 12th Night, Mark Antony, Angelo in Measure for Measure, Cassio, Orlando, Dromio and Antipholus in Comedy of Errors, Costard, Lucentio, and many other lords, servants, spear carriers and shrub movers. Training: Juilliard (John Houseman Prize)

Directed by Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award Winner Anna D. Shapiro, August: Osage County is the explosively funny comedy-drama focusing on the Weston family following the disappearance of the family's patriarch.

Voted #1 play of the year by Time, The Associated Press, Entertainment Weekly, and TimeOut New York, Charles Isherwood of The New York Times has called August: Osage County "The most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years."

August: Osage County performs Tuesday-Friday at 7:30PM, Matinees on Wednesday and Saturdays at 2:00PM, Saturdays at 8:00PM and Sundays at 3:00PM. Tickets can be purchased at Telecharge.com, or by calling (212) 239-6200. Outside the NY Metro (800) 432-7250.

The Music Box Theatre is located at 239 West 45th Street.

Photo of Joahanna Day by Peter James Zielinski

'Political Idol' Returns to Triad Theatre 10/14 - 10/14/2008

CUNY Presents AN EVENING WITH THE TALKING BAND 11/14 - 10/14/2008

The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) will present a free event, "An Evening with The Talking Band" on Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30pm. The evening features Paul Zimet and Ellen Maddow of The Talking Band discussing their work and current production, FLIP SIDE. In this unconventional collaboration, Hungarian-born designer Anna Kiraly produced set designs that were then used as inspiration for text by playwright Ellen Maddow and music by composer "Blue" Gene Tyranny. FLIP SIDE is a comedy of longing, misperceptions, and mismatches, in which two sets of characters occupy two different worlds. NYTheatre.com wrote, "Flip Side is a whimsical, wise, theatrical meditation … full of surprises and … profound and gloriously elegant poetry."

The Talking Band creates a poetic-political theater - political in that it reflects the condition of people in our time, and poetic because of the language, music and visual imagery. These elements are used to create richly textured works which seek to illuminate the extraordinary dimensions of ordinary life.

Ellen Maddow is a founding member of The Talking Band. Works that she has written include Flip Side, Delicious Rivers, Painted Snake in a Painted Chair (2003 OBIE Award) and the text and music for five pieces about the avant-garde housewife, Betty Suffer. Ellen was a member of the Open Theater. She is a recipient of the 2007 NEA/TCG Theatre Residency Program for Playwrights, and a member of New Dramatists.

Paul Zimet is the Artistic Director of The Talking Band. He has written Imminence, Party Time, Belize, The Parrot, Star Messengers, Bitterroot, Black Milk Quartet, New Cities, and two episodes of The Necklace. He received a Village Voice OBIE award for his direction of The Talking Band production of Painted Snake in a Painted Chair, and also three OBIE awards for his work with the Open Theater and the Winter Project, both directed by Joseph Chaikin.

The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center (MESTC), The Graduate Center, CUNY, is a non-profit center for theatre, dance, and film affiliated with CUNY's Ph.D. Program in Theatre. Originally founded in 1979 as the Center for Advanced Studies in Theatre Arts (CASTA), it was renamed in March of 1999 in recognition of one of New York City's outstanding leaders of the arts. The Center's priMary Focus is to bridge the gap between the academic and professional performing arts communities by providing an open environment for the development of educational, community-driven, and professional projects in the performing arts. As a result, MESTC is home to theatre scholars, students, playwrights, actors, dancers, directors, dramaturgs, and performing arts managers, as well as both the local and international theatre communities. The Center presents staged readings to further the development of new and classic plays, lecture series, televised seminars featuring professional and academic luminaries, and arts in education programs, and maintains its long-standing visiting-scholars-from-abroad program. In addition, the Center publishes a series of highly regarded academic journals, as well as books, including plays in translation, all written and edited by renowned scholars.

The Martin E. Segal Theatre is located at 365 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street in New York City.

For more information, visit http://web.gc.cuny.edu/mestc.

Photo credit: Jon Crispin

The Brothers Karamazov - 10/15/2008

Russian patriarch Fyodor Karamazov is a one of literature's most lecherous, greedy and delightfully despicable fathers. When his eldest son discovers they are competing for the affections of the same woman, concealed tensions erupt into a storm of passion, deceit and betrayal. Ensemble member and Lookingglass Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, award-winning director of Charles Dickens' Hard Times, brings new life to Dostoyevsky's epic masterpiece of murder, greed and treachery.

Performance is at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Adapted and Directed by Ensemble member Heidi Stillman Runs October 15 - December 7, 2008.

Prairie - 10/15/2008

Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder on NBC's long-running "Little House on the Prairie" series, will return to that work this summer. Gilbert will play Ma in the musical version of Prairie at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

The cast will also feature Steve Blanchard (Beauty and the Beast, Frankenstein) as Pa, Carnegie Mellon graduate Kara Lindsay as Laura, Jenn Gambatese (Tarzan, Is He Dead?) as Mary, Sara Jean Ford (The Phantom of the Opera) as Nellie and Kevin Massey (Big River, Tarzan) as Almanzo Wilder.

Process Grace Awards Gala to Honor Glenn Close - 10/15/2008

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA will host the Princess Grace Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and present 31 Awards to emerging artists in theater, dance and film, as well as two Princess Grace Statue Awards to artists who have previously won Awards and have shown achievement and growth in their respective fields. Every year, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA (PGF-USA) proudly awards these grants at its annual gala to support its mission of providing crucial support to emerging artists in America. Additionally, PGF-USA is proud to announce that award winning actress Glenn Close will be honored with the Prince Rainier III Award in recognition of her outstanding career and contribution to the arts. Entertainment for the evening will include a performance by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and dancing to DJ Tom Finn. Co-chairs for the Gala (and Platinum Sponsors) will be Noelle and Dick Wolf, Emmy Award winning writer/producer of the Law & Order drama series and Dolly Lenz, Vice Chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman. Presenting Sponsor for this year's Princess Grace Awards Gala is Hermes. Crown Sponsors this year are Ana Tzarev Gallery and Mrs. Edmond J. Safra. The Gala will take place in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is a not-for-profit, publicly-supported foundation headquartered in New York City founded more than 25 years ago by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in honor of his wife, Princess Grace [Kelly]. The Foundation's mission, that mirrors Princess Grace's in her lifetime, is to support emerging artists in theater, dance and film through the awarding of scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in grants to nearly 500 recipients.

Glenn Close will be honored this year and presented the coveted Prince Rainier III Award for her outstanding contribution to the motion picture, television and theater arts. Ms. Close's accomplished artistic career spans almost 35 years. In that time she has been nominated for and won numerous accolades including Academy, Emmy and Tony, Golden Globe and SAG Awards. She made her professional theater and Broadway debut with the New Phoenix Repertory Company in Love for Love in 1974. In 1980 Ms. Close was nominated for her first Tony Award for her role in Barnum and went on to win Tonys for her performances in The Real Thing, Death And The Maiden and her role as Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Sunset Boulevard.

Ms. Close's film debut came in 1982 as Jenny Fields in John Irving's The World According to Garp, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, followed by Oscar nominations for The Big Chill and The Natural. Her unforgettable performance as Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction garnered and her subtly crafted characterization of the Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons garnered her fourth and fifth Oscar nominations. Ms. Close has also starred in many television shows and miniseries including FX's groundbreaking drama The Shield for which she received an Emmy nomination as well as FX's original series Damages for which she won the 2007 Golden Globe as well as Emmy and Screen Actor's Guild nominations. Additionally, Ms. Close has also served as executive producer/producer on a number of projects.

"Glenn Close's extraordinary artistic talent and distinguished career in theater, television and film has been a beacon of inspiration to countless creative young artists, many of whom we acknowledge at this celebration," says the Hon. John Lehman, Chairman of the Board, Princess Grace Foundation-USA. "In the spirit of Princess Grace, it is with great pleasure that we celebrate the achievements of Ms. Close and the creativity, passion and budding talent of our Awards winners."

This year, guests will be entertained by the funk/soul styling of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, who recently appeared on The David Letterman Show and will open for The Dave Matthews Band this fall in California. Following dinner, guests will dance to the spinning of famed DJ Tom Finn, who has worked at many of NYC's top dance clubs. Guests can bid on their favorite lots in a silent auction and a live auction will take place during dinner. All auction proceeds will benefit Princess Grace Awards to advance its mission of providing crucial support to emerging artists in America.

Co-Chairs for this year's gala include Noelle and Dick Wolf and Dolly Lenz. Mr. Wolf has won numerous Emmy Awards for his series Law & Order and has been a longtime supporter of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA and its mission. In addition, Mr. Wolf is Honorary Consul to Monaco. Ms. Lenz is the country's leading real estate broker and is currently marketing the largest residential conversion in the United States at Manhattan House, a luxury apartment condominium where Grace Kelly made her home in the 1950s and where her father's company was the brickwork contractor.

Crown Sponsors for the Princess Grace Awards Gala are Ana Tzarev Gallery and Mrs. Edmond J. Safra

Corporate Chair for the Princess Grace Awards Gala is Gerard Cohen, of HSBC Private Bank (Monaco) S.A.

The Gala is being produced by Scott Mauro of Scott Mauro Entertainment, Inc. for the fourth consecutive year. Tickets for the Gala start at $1,000 for Patron tickets, $1,750 for Sponsor tickets and $2,500 for Benefactor tickets. Tables may be purchased for $15,000, $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000. Approximately 600 guests are expected to attend. Those interested in tickets may contact Event Associates at 212-245-6570 or tamaral@eventassociatesinc.com. Additional information can be found at www.pgfusa.org.

THE PRINCESS GRACE AWARDS AND 2008 RECIPIENTS

The first Princess Grace Awards winners were announced in 1984. To date, PGF-USA has awarded more than $5 million to support and continue excellence in the arts. The recipients are selected by a panel of experts in their respective fields - theater, dance, and film - and the prizes awarded are in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships. This year, the Foundation welcomes 21 emerging artists to the Princess Grace Awards Family and extends two Statue Awards. Honoraria are also offered to artists whose talent deserves recognition and special support to past awards winners demonstrate the Foundation's commitment to continuing its involvement in these artists' careers. In all, the Foundation will award more than $750,000 this year.

Notable Princess Grace Award recipients of the past include: Anna D. Shapiro, winner of 2008 Tony Award for Director of current Broadway hit August: Osage County; Stephen Hillenburg, creator of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants; Tony Kushner, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright; Gillian Murphy, principal dancer of American Ballet Theatre; Eric Darnell, director of Madagascar 1 & 2; Greg Mottola, director of Superbad and Eric Simonson, Academy Award winning filmmaker.

Past winners of the Princess Grace Award are eligible to win the coveted Princess Grace Statue, which will be presented at this year's Gala to Rose Bond for her accomplishments in film and Alexander (Alec) T. Hammond for his accomplishments in production design and art direction. The Award includes a $25,000 unrestricted cash gift and a special limited edition Bronze Statue of Princess Grace created by Monegasque artist Kees Verkade. Rose Bond received her original Princess Grace Award in 1989 as the Graduate Film Scholarship at School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Alec Hammond received his original Princess Grace Award in 1995 as the Faberge Award for Scenic Design at the Yale School of Drama.

Special Project Awards are available to previous Princess Grace Award winners and Honoraria recipients for uniquely significant projects that advance a previous winner's artistic development. Seven Special Project Awards will be presented this year.

This year, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA Arts Advisory Board announced a partnership with the Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) to provide further support for Princess Grace Award winners. The aim of this Works in Progress Award is to provide previous Awards winners the opportunity for creative experimentation without the pressure to produce a final, finished product.

The 2008 Princess Grace Award winners are:

PRINCESS GRACE STATUE AWARD

Alec Hammond - Original Award, 1995, Faberge Award for Scenic Design, Yale School of Drama

Rose Bond - Original Award, 1989, Graduate Film Scholarship, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

THEATER AND PLAYWRITNG

Arin Arbus, Los Angeles, CA - Grace LeVine Theater Award - Directing Fellowship, Theatre for a New Audience

Jaime Castaneda, San Antonio, TX - Gant Gaither Theater Award - Directing Apprenticeship, American Theater Company

Ben Gunderson, Moorhead, MN - Robert and Gloria Hausman Theater Award - Acting Scholarship, North Carolina School of the Arts

Patrick Kennelly, Evanston, IL - Pierre Cardin Theater Award - Directing Scholarship, University of California, Los Angeles

Arnulfo Maldonado, Eagle Pass, TX - Faberge Theater Award - Costume Design Fellowship, Diverse City Theater

Kaneza Schaal, Freestone, CA - Acting Apprenticeship, The Wooster Group
Kara Lee Corthron, New York, NY - Playwriting Fellowship, New Dramatists

Maureen C. Huskey, Denver, CO - Directing Honoraria, California Institute of the Arts

Thom Pasculli, Newton, NJ - Acting Honoraria, Double Edge Theatre Productions, Inc.

Ashley Sparks, Stuarts Draft, VA - Directing Honoraria, ArtSpot Productions

Damon E. Williams, Havertown, PA - Acting Honoraria, Temple University

DANCE AND CHOREOGRAPHY
Thang Dao, Montclair, CA - Choreography Fellowship, Ballet Austin

Blaine Hoven, Mobile, AL - Chris Hellman Dance Award - Ballet Fellowship, American Ballet Theatre

Jermel Johnson, Baltimore, MD - Ballet Fellowship, Pennsylvania Ballet

Alexander Peters, State College, PA - Ballet Scholarship, School of American Ballet

Lucien Postlewaite, Santa Cruz, CA - Ballet Fellowship, Pacific Northwest Ballet

Spenser Theberge, Vancouver, WA - Ballet Scholarship, The Juilliard School-Dance Division

Dominic Walsh, Elgin, IL - Choreography Fellowship, Sarasota Ballet of Florida

Nejla Y. Yatkin, Washington, D.C. - Choreography Fellowship, Cleo Parker Robertson Dance Theater

Elisa Clark, Bethesda, MD - Modern Dance Honoraria, Mark Morris Dance Group

Leah Morrison, St. Louis, MO - Modern Dance Honoraria, Trisha Brown Dance Company

FILM

Caitlin Craggs, Lake Stevens, WA - Animation Undergraduate Film Scholarship, University of Southern California

Derrick A. Jones, Youngstown, OH - Documentary Graduate Film Scholarship, Ohio University

Nikyatu S. Jusu, Atlanta, GA - Narrative Graduate Film Scholarship, New York University

Deirtra Thompson, Baltimore, MD - John H. Johnson Film Award - Experimental Graduate Film Scholarship, Bard College

Josh Weissbach, Austin, TX - Cary Grant Film Award - Documentary Undergraduate Film Scholarship, Hampshire College

Iman K. Zawahry, Panama City, FL - Narrative Graduate Film Scholarship, Florida State University

Kimberly Bautista, Pasadena, CA - Documentary Film Honoraria, UC Santa Cruz

Henry C. Fernandez, E. Los Angeles, CA Narrative Film Honoraria, California State University, Northridge, Radio, TV & Film

Jordan C. Greenhalgh, Albany, NY - Experimental Animation Film Honoraria, Rochester Institute of Technology

Dave Horowitz, Chicago, IL - Animation Film Honoraria, University of Southern California

Erica Lisette Murphy, Rogue Valley, OR - Animation Film Honoraria, School of The Museum of Fine Arts

SPECIAL PROJECT AWARDS
Rosemary Newcott, Theater
Chi Wang Yang, Theater
Eric Kupers, Dance
Drew Jacoby, Dance
Ilya Chaiken, Film
Miwa Matreyek, Film
Julie Wyman, Film

WORKS IN PROGRESS AWARDS
Nancy Bannon, Dance
Shelia Callaghan, Playwriting
Maureen Towey, Theater

ABOUT THE PRINCESS GRACE FOUNDATION-USA

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a public charity formed after the death of Princess Grace in 1982, awards scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships to assist emerging theater, dance and film artists. For more information about PGF-USA, please visit www.pgfusa.org.

Princess Grace Awards Gala to Honor Glenn Close - 10/15/2008

Photo Credit Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

The Death of Frank - 10/15/2008

The Death of Frank, written by Stephen Belber and directed by Riccardo DiLoreto opens October 15, 2008 at the Turtle Shell's Theater in New York City (300 West 43rd Street, Suite 403). Performances begin weeknights at 8pm; Saturday at 3pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets ($18) are available online at www.smarttix.com or by calling 212-868-4444.

Preview Performances of Shakespeare Theater of NJ's 'Romeo and Juliet' Begin 10/15 - 10/15/2008

Preview performances of Romeo and Juliet are Wednesday October 15 at 7:30 pm and Thursday and Friday, October 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. Previews offer the thrill of seeing a work-in-progress before the show officially opens. Preview tickets are $29 and $33.

Additional performances are Tuesdays and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. (excluding Opening Night at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18); Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.; and Sundays, at 7:00 p.m.    There are no performances on Tuesday and Wednesday November 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Regular ticket prices range from $38 to $53 depending upon seating location and performance day and time. Single tickets prices include a $1 facility fee, not subject to discount.   Groups of 10 or more save up to 25% off the regular ticket price.

The 2008 season concludes with Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale running December 3 through December 28.   The first of Shakespeare's great romances, The Winter's Tale provides a perfect holiday finale, for it is a play that celebrates the triumph of love, nobility and all things good, and ends with the promise of rejuvenation, redemption, and hope.

For more information about the season, to receive a free brochure, or to purchase tickets and ticket packages, call the box office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Main Stage, the 308-seat F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, is conveniently located in Madison at 36 Madison Avenue (Route 124) at Lancaster Road (on the Drew University campus), just minutes from routes 287, 78 and 10. Parking is free.   The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is barrier free with access into the theatre via a ramp and elevator access to all floors.   Wheelchair seating and transfer seating is available. Braille and large print programs are available.   Infrared listening devices are available free of charge. Some performances are audio described, captioned and sign-language interpreted. Contact the theatre for more information.   For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey's only professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional major support is received from The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the F. M. Kirby Foundation, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Shubert Foundation and Drew University, as well as contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, government agencies and individuals. American Airlines is the official airline of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Crystal Rock Water is the company's official water provider. Barefoot Wine is the official wine provider. The 2008 Outdoor Stage production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is sponsored by Bank of America.

'If You See Something Say Something' Begins Previews 10/15 at Joe's Pub - 10/15/2008

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) will begin previews for the New York premiere of Mike Daisey’s IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING on Wednesday, October 15. This groundbreaking monologue about homeland security, created and performed by Mike Daisey and directed by Jean-Michele Gregory, will run through Tuesday, November 30 with an official press opening on Monday, October 27. Tickets are on-sale now.

Following the success of How Theater Failed America at the Under the Radar Festival in January, Mike Daisey returns to The Public to tackle a story at the very core of our world today. With his signature style commentary, at once biting and hilarious, Daisey investigates the secret history of the Department of Homeland Security through the untold story of the father of the neutron bomb and a personal pilgrimage to the Trinity blast site. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING takes us on a journey in search of what it means to be secure and the price we are willing to pay for it.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING features lighting design by K.J. Hardy.

Mike Daisey (Creator and Performer) has been called “the master storyteller” and “one of the finest solo performers of his generation” by the New York Times for his groundbreaking monologues which weave together autobiography, gonzo journalism, and unscripted performance to tell hilarious and heartbreaking stories that cut to the bone, exposing secret histories and unexpected connections. His monologues, fourteen and counting, include the controversial How Theater Failed America, the six-hour epic Great Men of Genius, the unrepeatable series All Stories Are Fiction, and the international sensation 21 Dog Years. Over the past decade he has performed his unique extemporaneous monologues at venues such as the Public Theater, American Repertory Theatre, the Spoleto Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the Cherry Lane Theatre, Yale Repertory Theater, the Noorderzon Festival, the T:BA Festival, Performance Space 122, and many more. He’s been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, a commentator for PRI’s Studio 360 and NPR’s Day To Day, a contributor to WIRED, Slate and Salon, a web contributor to Vanity Fair and Radar Magazine, and his work has been heard on the BBC, NPR, and the National Lampoon Comedy Hour. His first film, Layover, is being distributed by Lars von Trier’s company Zentropa, and he stars in the Lawrence Krauser feature Horrible Child. His first book, 21 Dog Years: A Cubedweller’s Tale, was published by the Free Press and he is working on a second book, Great Men of Genius, adapted from his monologues about genius and megalomania in the lives of Bertolt Brecht, P.T. Barnum, Nikola Tesla, and L. Ron Hubbard. His first work as a playwright, The Moon Is A Dead World, will be produced in Seattle this season. He has been the recipient of the Bay Area Critics Circle Award, two Seattle Times Footlight Awards, and a MacDowell Fellowship. He lives in New York City with his director and collaborator, Jean-Michele Gregory.

JEAN-MICHELE GREGORY (Director) works as a director, editor, and dramaturg, focusing on unscripted, extemporaneous theatrical works that live in the moment they are told. For the last decade she’s been engaged in a long-term collaboration with Mike Daisey, directing and conceiving their many monologues at venues across the globe, including the Barrow Street Theatre (How Theater Failed America), Yale Repertory Theatre (Invincible Summer), the Cherry Lane Theater (21 Dog Years), Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Great Men of Genius—winner of the Bay Area Critics Circle Award), Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (If You See Something Say Something), the Noorderzon Festival (The Envoy’s Dilemma), American Repertory Theatre (Monopoly!—nominated for an Elliot Norton Award), the Under the Radar Festival (Invincible Summer), Performance Space 122 (All Stories Are Fiction), ACT Theatre (The Ugly American—winner of the Seattle Times Footlight Award), Portland Stage Company (Barring the Unforeseen), and many more. She recently directEd Martin Dockery’s Wanderlust at the Barrow Group Theatre and Suzanne Morrison’s Yoga Bitch at London’s Theatre 503. Fascinated by storytelling in all its shapes and forms, she is at work on a memoir about her family’s exodus from eastern Poland and what it means to forgive.

TICKET INFORMATION

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING will begin previews on Wednesday, October 15 at Joe’s Pub and will run through Tuesday, November 30 with an official press opening on Monday, October 27. The performance schedule varies; check www.publictheater.org for details.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets are $40 - $60 for Tuesday-Friday performances and Sunday performances; and $40 - $70 for Saturday evening performances. Student tickets are available in advance, at the box office only, for $25 (1 per ID). There are a limited number of Rush Tickets sold an hour before curtain at every performance available to the general public (Two per person, $20 each, cash only). For more information on Joe’s Pub, visit www.joespub.org

To purchase tickets, please call (212) 967-7555 or visit www.publictheater.org.

Photo Credit Ursa Waz

InViolet Rep Presents 'Dark Night Play Series' Starting 10/15 - 10/15/2008

On the dark nights of Force Majeure, InViolet Repertory Theater will present The Dark Night Play Series, a series of five play readings, over a three-night period, by up & coming playwrights. The readings will be at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, 312 West 36th Street, 1st Floor & is FREE & open to the public

The dates are:

Wednesday, 10/15

See Jane Talk, by Megan Hart & directed by Michael Benjamin, features Sara Van Beckum & Melanie Maras.

See Jane Talk, a dramedy, pours over the inner thoughts of a single New Yorker & her therapist. In this shockingly hilarious account of one woman’s psychological growth, both doctor patient discover new things about themselves, the world & the need for new beginnings.

Consumption, written by Melanie Maras & directed by Stephen Adly Guirgis (of LAByrinth Theater Company), features Megan Hart, Michael Benjamin, Marissa Rodriguez & Simon Romang

Consumption juxtaposes two single women friends & their encounters with love & each other. Two very different women, Amy & Christina, challenge the audience with their stories of love, sex & the attempt to find true love.

Tuesday, 10/21

Maslow's Hiccups, by Richard Etchison & directed by Megan Hart, features Annie Carlson, Angela Razzano, Darren Lougee, Rodrigo Lopresti, Timothy Mullins*

Maslow’s Hiccup turns human development & Maslow’s hierarchy of needs on its ear by tracing two couples’ journey through from the Stone Age to modern times. With each comedic scene, we see the “progress” of mankind, as we do battle with saber-toothed tigers, boredom & plastic surgery.

Hilltown, by Darren Lougee is directed by Troy Lococo & features Simon Romang, Rodrigo Lopresti, Michelle David & Timothy Mullins*

Hilltown chronicles a critical moment in the relationship between lovers Sam & Adam. At a time when Sam is questioning their relationship, his worth as a person & an artist & the fundamental nature of love, both Sam & Adam encounter women – Sam’s from his past & Adam’s from folklore – that transform each of them. Should they stay together, or are they just too fundamentally different?

Wednesday, 10/22

40 Weeks, by Michael Henry Harris is directed by Darren Lougee & features Timothy Mullins*, Melanie Maras, Rodrigo Lopresti & Megan Hart

40 Weeks traces in humorous and tragic detail the marriage of Mark & Angie as they progress through the forty weeks of Angie’s pregnancy. The play traces on themes of love, second chances & wasted lives as we see both the nature of a marriage in flux & the effect that old friends & past true loves can have on the present day.

THEATRE: Dorothy Strelsin Theatre
Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex
312 West 36th Street ~ 1st Floor
www.SmartTix.com

Heather Moran Presents Rosie! A Tribute... - 10/15/2008

Skokie Theatre •7824 N. Lincoln Avenue • Skokie
November 1st, 2008, 8:00 pm

Heather Moran brings the music of Rosemary Clooney alive at Skokie Theatre

“Rosie! A Tribute…” is a loving musical adventure spanning the 40 year career of the great Girl Singer, Rosemary Clooney. Heather Moran has deftly created a musical tapestry from the colorful life of Clooney, spanning from her birth in Maysville, Kentucky, through her setbacks in the late 1960’s, her mid 1970’s comeback, all the way to her death in 2002. Heather has assembled some of Chicago’s hottest jazz musicians and guest performers to round out engaging evening of stories and song. Please visit Heather Moran’s website at www.heathermoran.com to learn more about her career and upcoming schedule.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For ticket information please call 847-677-7761 • www.skokietheatre.com

***************************************************************************
Some more Rosie-related reviews:

Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
Though the cast included several fine singers—all members of Chicago Cabaret Professionals, a non-profit advocacy group—one stood out. Even if she hadn't been evoking the style and era of Clooney, Heather Moran would have deserved the ovations she received for the bloom of her tone and the nuance of her interpretations...Certainly Moran's ultra-slow and wistful account of "Hey There" pointed poetically to the older-wiser chapters of Clooney's career. Yet on a dime she turned around and romped through "Botch-A-Me" and "Mambo Italiano," lavishing plenty of spirit on the tunes and giving them more credibility than they rightly deserved..."

Carla Gordon, Cabaret Scenes
"...Connection between singer and audience is among the better aspects of the cabaret art. At times we wanted more. For example, when Heather Moran entered talking to the audience about the flowers on the floor, a magical connection began that carried throughout her vocally solid, high octane performances of both the uptempo Mambo Italiano”(If you grew up in the Fifties, that was a frequent flyer on your parents’ record player…) and a layered rendition of “Hey There.” Moran is remarkably like Clooney in vocal timbre and diction. That, combined with Moran’s dialogue with the audience as herself, respect for the lyrics and even the band, won the intense singer-composer-audience connection that makes cabaret remarkable."

Jeff Rossen at Cabaret Spotlight
"Moran delivers an exuberant and beguiling performance that is instantly captivating ...Moran's portrait of this woman is a marvel."

The Brothers Karamazov at Lookingglass Theatre Oct 15th - 10/15/2008

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE CELEBRATES ITS
50TH WORLD PREMIERE WITH
THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER HEIDI STILLMAN

October 15- December 7, 2008

Lookingglass Theatre Company presents its 50th World Premiere with its production of the Lookingglass Original, The Brothers Karamazov, written and directed by Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman, adapted from the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. The production runs October 15- December 7, 2008 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. The press opening is Saturday, October 25, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.

Fyodor Karamazov is one of literature’s most lecherous, greedy and delightfully despicable fathers. When his eldest son discovers he and his father are rivals for the affection of the same wayward woman, a storm of violence, betrayal and passion rains down on the Karamazov family and the world beyond. Ensemble member and Lookingglass Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, award-winning adaptor and director of Charles Dickens' Hard Times, brings new life to Dostoevsky's epic masterpiece of murder, greed and treachery.

“The plot is a murder mystery revolving around the Karamazov brothers, all of whom are involved in some way in their father’s murder, though their involvement is not necessarily obvious or even literal,” explains director Heidi Stillman. “The ideas swirling around and within the plot have to do with the existence of God, the meaning of life, the broadness and contradictions in human nature, and the interconnectedness of humanity - that we are ‘all responsible for all’ - in other words, kind of all the biggest, deepest life questions.”

The Brothers Karamazov is the 50th World Premiere staged by Lookingglass Theatre Company in its 21- year history. Lookingglass is the largest ensemble-based theater company in the U.S. that consistently creates work from within the company. The company has established itself on a national level for world premiere adaptations of new work, including notable World Premieres such as The Jungle, Hard Times, Metamorphoses, Race, The Shaggs, The Idiot, Argonautika, The Odyssey, The Arabian Nights, Lookingglass Alice, and Hephaestus...

Westchester Broadway Theatre to Hold 'A Wonderful Life' Audi - 10/15/2008

Westchester Broadway Theatre (WBT) in Elmsford, New York, will be holding non-union children's auditions for their upcoming production of A Wonderful Life, a musical adapted from the Frank Capra film It's A Wonderful Life. Auditions will be held at the theatre on Wednesday October 15th at 4:00pm. Rehearsals begin 11/10/08; Show opens: 11/20/08 and runs through 2/8/09. The children's roles will be double cast. WBT is seeking to fill the roles of Beth Bailey (age 9 - 11 with a pleasant singing voice, 4'11" or under), Tommy Bailey (age 7 - 9 with a pleasant singing voice, 4'11" or under) and Zuzu Bailey (age 5 - 7 with a pleasant singing voice, 4'7" or under). Actual age does not matter but height requirements are firm. Each child will be photographed and measured prior to their audition. Children who do not meet the height requirements will not be auditioned. Those auditioning should bring sheet music for the song they plan on singing, an accompanist will be provided. Please call 914-592-2268 ext 827 and follow the instructions on the recording or email wbtcostumes@gmail.com. For more information, visit: www.broadwaytheatreblog.com.

'A Wonderful Life' Auditions at Westchester Broadway Theatre - 10/15/2008

'The Brothers Karamazov' to Play at Lookingglass Theatre Starting 10/15 - 10/15/2008

The Brothers Karamazov, written and directed by Heidi Stillman, adapted from the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky and translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky will premiere at The Lookingglass Theatre Company starting October 15th, 2008. The venue for the performance will be the Water Tower Water Works

Featuring the work of company members Eva Barr, Chris Binder, Mara Blumenfeld, Doug Hara, Louise Lamson, Daniel Ostling, Rick Sims, Philip R Smith, Ray Nardelli and Jonathon Templeton the play will star Maury Cooper, Chaon Cross, Nick Dileonardi, Abigail Droeger, Robert Gerdisch, Larry Grimm, Malcolm Kenneth Harris, Steve Key, Ruby Kaye, Marianna Oharenko, Joe Sikora, and Craig Spidle.

Faith, philosophy, and passion collide in Dostoevsky’s murderous epic. Meet one of literature’s most lecherous, greedy and delightfully despicable fathers — Fyodor Karamazov. When his eldest son discovers they are competing for the affections of the same woman, concealed tensions erupt into a storm of passion, deceit and betrayal.

Ensemble member and Lookingglass Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, award-winning adaptor and director of Charles Dickens' Hard Times, brings new life to Dostoevsky's epic masterpiece of murder, greed and treachery.

“The plot is a murder mystery but the ideas swirling around and within the plot have to do with the existence of God, the meaning of life, the broadness and contradictions in human nature, and the interconnectedness of humanity – that we are ‘all responsible for all’ – in other words, kind of all the biggest, deepest life questions.”
Tickets

Click here to purchase tickets online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or call 312.337.0665.

Preview Performances: $30
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM: $40
Thursdays at 7:30 PM: $40
Fridays at 7:30 PM: $50
Saturdays at 2:00 PM: $50
Saturdays at 7:30 PM: $60
Sundays at 2:00 PM: $50
Sundays at 7:30 PM: $30

For more information please visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org

Cast of 'White Christmas' to Appear on 'Sirius Live on Broadway' with Rudestky 10/15 - 10/15/2008

Irving Berlin’S White Christmas stars, Tony Award® nominee Stephen Bogardus (Love! Valour! Compassion!) and Broadway favorite Kerry O’Malley (Into the Woods) sit down for an interview and performance with “Sirius Live on Broadway” host Seth Rudetsky tomorrow Wednesday, October 15th at 12:00p (EST) live from the Broadway Concierge and Ticket Center (1560 Broadway between 46th & 47th streets) in Times Square.

Every Wednesday at 12:00p, Broadway fans are invited to “SIRIUS Live on Broadway” to watch interviews and performances with their favorite Broadway stars, and get the chance to meet them in person.

The interview and performance hour will air on Sirius 77 “Broadway’s Best” on Friday, October 17th at 7:00p and will be re-broadcast on Saturday, October 18th at 3:00p; Sunday, October 19th at 12noon and 9:00p; Tuesday, October 21st at 7:00a; and Wednesday, October 22nd at 12noon and 6:00p. All times EST.

Irving Berlin’S White Christmas, a new musical stage reinvention of the cherished classic film, arrives on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre this holiday season for 63 performances only - guaranteeing New York a White Christmas!

Previews begin Friday, November 14th, 2008 for an official opening on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008, and a limited run through Sunday, January 4th, 2009.

Bogardus, O’Malley are joined by Jeffry Denman (The Producers), Meredith Patterson (42nd Street), Charles Dean (Berkeley Repertory Theatre) and Susan Mansur (Damn Yankees) in leading a cast of 33 in the highly anticipated holiday engagement.

Irving Berlin’S White Christmas is produced by Kevin McCollum, John Gore, Tom McGrath, Paul Blake, The Producing Office, Dan Markley, Sonny Everett and Broadway Across America in association with Paramount Pictures.

Every holiday season, audiences of all ages enjoy the uplifting story of White Christmas. Now, a new generation will be able to experience this holiday tradition in a completely new way – live on stage. With the Broadway arrival of Irving Berlin’S White Christmas, the show is poised to become New York’s newest holiday tradition.

The musical tells the story of two showbiz buddies who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and find their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’S White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family.

Irving Berlin’S White Christmas is directed by Tony Award® winner Walter Bobbie (Chicago, Sweet Charity), with a book by David Ives (Is He Dead?) and Paul Blake, choreography by Tony Award® nominee Randy Skinner (42nd Street), set design by Tony Award® nominee Anna Louizos (In the Heights, Avenue Q), costumes by Tony Award® nominee Carrie Robbins (Grease, Over Here), lighting design by Tony Award® winner Ken Billington (Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone, Annie), sound design by Tony Award® nominee Acme Sound Partners (In the Heights, Spamalot), orchestrations by Tony Award® nominee Larry Blank (The Drowsy Chaperone), vocal and dance arrangements by Bruce Pomahac, music supervision by Rob Berman, and casting by Jay Binder C.S.A. The stage production is based on the Paramount Pictures film, written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, and Melvin Frank.

Many Irving Berlin classics are showcased in the new musical, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “I Love a Piano,“ “Sisters,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and the unforgettable title song, “White Christmas.” This production of Irving Berlin’S White Christmas plays during the holiday season each year in a different city, bringing the spirit of love, charity, and song around the country for all to enjoy.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets prices are $66.50, $91.50 and $121.50 (including $1.50 facility fee), and available by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Pasion Flamenca To Perform Special NYC Engagement at SoHo Theater - 10/16/2008

Pasión Flamenca performs a special New York City engagement at Joyce SoHo Theater, 155 Mercer Street (between Houston and Prince) October 16th – 19th, 2008. Presented by The New York Center For Flamenco Performing Arts/ArtsFlamenco, the acclaimed company will be presenting 2 pieces: “Tributes,” and “Estampas Flamencas” with choreography by Antonio Hidalgo & Jorge Navarro; music by Pedro Cortés; cinematography by Ben Wolf and costume design by Antonio Hidalgo. The opening night is a gala benefit with cocktails & hors d’ouerves at 6:30 pm; show at 8:00 pm followed by an after party with door prizes for $75. Tickets are now on sale.

“Tributes” is a selection of numbers from earlier homage performances, including a scene from “Flamenclorico: Lore of the Miners” (a tribute to the miners of Andalucía) and “Un Ultima Gota de Agua” (a tribute to the Flamenco dancers who died from AIDS). This latter piece is a dance-and-cinematography experience unusual to Flamenco. Rarely – if ever – has cinematography played a key element in a Flamenco performance. While the first part of the program represents the new era of Flamenco, the 2nd part (“Estampas Flamencas”) symbolizes its past. “Tributes” takes the audience on an evolutionary journey - a reverse chronology of Flamenco - featuring first the emerging form of Flamenco as contemporary dance, then back to Flamenco’s inception as provincial folk art. This assemblage of forms fulfills Pasión Flamenca’s mission: to preserve the traditions of Flamenco while also evolving Flamenco as an art form.

Jorge Navarro, Artistic Director debuted at Carnegie Hall at age 17. He toured the U.S. and South America with Maria Alba and has performed at Madison Square Garden (Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, and Julio Iglesias), Kennedy Center, and BAM. He appeared on “Good Morning America”, “As the World Turns”, Galavision, and “Today New York” (CNBC) as an invited guest of Joaquin Cortés. He also shared the stage with Rita Moreno and The Gipsy Kings on PBS. He was the choreography consultant to Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino for the film, “Devil’s Advocate.”

Antonio Hidalgo, Choreography Director began his career at 17 in the flamenco festivals of his native Córdoba, Spain. He toured with the Spanish Ballet of Carmen Mota throughout Europe, South America, and the U.S. 1990 began his solo career. He has since directed and choreographed several flamenco productions including “Carmen” for the company of Antonio Gades. He also performed with the Gades, José Greco, and María Benitez’ Estampa Flamenca companies. With his own company, he toured Europe, Russia, and Asia. He has choreographed and danced lead for Carlota Santana Flamenco Vivo. In 2007, he was awarded Spain’s “Premio Andaluz” for artistic achievement.

Pedro Cortes, Music Director, hails from a family of Spanish Gypsy guitarists and learned guitar from his father and the esteemed Sabicas. He gained international recognition as a soloist and composer, whose works have premiered at the Teatro Albeniz in Madrid and at The Joyce Theater. Since 17, he tour with Jose Greco and Maria Benitez. He also performed with Farrucita, La Tati, Merche Esmeralda, Manolete and the late Lola Flores. Cortés has appeared as guest artist with opera and theatre companies and is the author of two books. He is the founder and director of his own company, Flamenco de Hoy.

The New York Center for Flamenco Performing Arts/ArtsFlamenco works to: preserve the traditions of flamenco, while also evolving flamenco as an art form; be a centralized resource that promotes flamenco music, dance and culture; foster an intelligent appreciation for the flamenco art form through education and performance; provide performance opportunities for flamenco artists while also making flamenco accessible and affordable to all audiences. ArtsFlamenco accomplishes its mission through: Arts-In-Education Programs (offering teaching artist residencies, teacher professional development programs, educational flamenco demonstrations and performances, and flamenco dance instruction workshops). Flamenco Dance Instruction (teaching weekly regularly scheduled classes for adult beginners with workshops held during the summer months in NYC, Long Island and Washington, DC). Alegrías en La Nacional Flamenco Theater (a weekend venue featuring local and international artists in an intimate, tablao atmosphere). Pasión Flamenca, The Dance Company (artists-in-residence, is a touring dance company performing traditional and fusionist compositions and choreodramatic works). For more information please visit http://artsflamenco.org.

Performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm. Regular tickets are only $25 and $22 for seniors/students. The Joyce SoHo Box Office opens approximately 7:30 p.m. for the performances. Joyce information at www.joyce.org.

Martin To Direct 'Saturn Returns' For Lincoln Center - 10/16/2008

Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Andre Bishop, Artistic Director, and Bernard Gersten, Executive Producer) will present SATURN RETURNS, a new play by Noah Haidle, directed by Nicholas Martin, which will begin performances Thursday, October 16 and open on Monday, November 10. The cast of four will feature Rosie Benton, Robert Eli, John McMartin and James Rebhorn.

The planet Saturn’s orbital return to its position at the moment of a person’s birth happens every thirty years. In SATURN RETURNS playwright Noah Haidle uses this phenomenon to take a look at one man – Gustin (to be played at three different stages of his life by Robert Eli, John McMartin and James Rebhorn) – during these pivotal moments as he confronts the three women in his life (all to be played by Rosie Benton).

SATURN RETURNS will have sets by Ralph Funicello, costumes by Robert Morgan, lighting by Peter Kaczorowski and original music and sound design by Mark Bennett.

Playwright Noah Haidle is the author of the plays Persephone, directed by Nicholas Martin at Boston’s Huntington Theater, Vigils, produced at Chicago’s Goodman Theater and Washington, D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Mr. Marmalade, seen in New York at the Roundabout Theatre after premiering at the South Coast Rep in Costa Mesa, Ca., Princess Marjorie, which also premiered at the South Coast Rep and Rag and Bone, produced by the Long Wharf Theatre.

Nicholas Martin, Artistic Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, returns to Lincoln Center Theater where he directed last season’s production of Paul Rudnick’s The New Century as well as Frank McGuinness’ Observe The Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, John Guare’s Chaucer in Rome and Arthur Laurent’s The Time of the Cuckoo. His Broadway credits include Butley, Match, Hedda Gabler and The Rehearsal.

SATURN RETURNS will be performed Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 3pm (there is no Saturday matinee on Oct. 18 ). Tickets will be available beginning Monday, October 6, at the Lincoln Center Theater Box Office, at Tele-charge.com (212-239-6200) or by visiting www.lct.org.

In addition to SATURN RETURNS, Lincoln Center Theater will also be presenting, by arrangement with Primary Stages, Horton Foote’s critically acclaimed play Dividing The Estate, directed by Michael Wilson, on Broadway beginning Thursday, October 20 at the Booth Theatre, while its Tony Award winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific continues its record-breaking run at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. This fall Lincoln Center Theater will also inaugurate LCT3, a new programming initiative devoted to the work of emerging playwrights, directors and designers. LCT3’s first production, Clay, a one-man, hip-hop musical written and performed by Matt Sax and directed by Eric Rosen, will begin a five week engagement on Monday, October 6 at the Duke on 42nd Street.

Mamma MargOH!'s All Soul Burlesque Revue - 10/16/2008

Mamma MargOH!'s All Soul Burlesque Revue Returns October 16 , 9:00PM

"Like a Fine Wine, MargOH! only gets better with age" � Next

Much loved gay icon MargOH! Channing returns this October with another all-soul burlesque revue! After a sell-out show at Lucky Chengs, MargOH! is back with a brand new show, "Mamma MargOH!'s All Soul Burlesque Revue" October 16 at Don Hills( 511 Greenwich St. @ Spring St) 9PM. This time around, MargOH! will be fusing her raucous onstage persona and famously bombastic voice with a full live band. As part of the celebration she will be joined by a dream team of burlesque beauties including Sugar Shack producer RunAround Sue, Della Dare "The Queen of the Double D's", the multi-pageant winning Incredible Edible Akynos and boylesque beauty MAN-ee Champagne MargOH!'s gay fianc�! They will all be dancing (and stripping) up a storm to the sexy and sultry sounds of The Dirty Boogaloo band, led by Daddy Snuggs himself, Jarad Astin. As An added bonus a full set of live music by The Dirty Boogaloo will immediately follow burlesque show.

MargOH! Channing is the most decorated extra in the history of motion pictures and television having appeared in over 1,700 films and won 7 Exies. Her hilarious stage shows have become something of an event on the downtown scene and are always must-sees for her ardent fans. MargOH!'s last show, What Makes a Legend Drink Most?, was received with such excitement that she was forced to add a date at The Duplex with Raw: A Command Performance, her sell-out special which featured a surprise appearance from good friend Nellie McKay.

Ms. Channing, who recently turned 60 attempted to get naked, but after some thought, decided to leave that up to the kids�This revue is a celebration of the good, the bad and the drunk, presented through song, dance, poetry, comedy and down and dirty music for the soul. Come join MargOH! and her wonderful cast of characters for an evening of pure excitement and most of all love.

Says MargOH! herself; "I'm so thrilled to be doing burlesque at this point in my life, at my age I'm lucky to be doing anything. I'm so proud to be part of a burlesque community which is at the forefront of promoting a positive body image for everyone, really we are. It doesn't matter if you're thin as a rake or as big as a house. If you can shake that thing, and honey my kids can, you'll be accepted and loved. What is more gorgeous than that? Nothing"

Mamma MargOH!'s All Soul Burlesque Revue takes place on October 16 at Don Hills, 511 Greenwich St. @ Spring St. $10 Pre-sale/ $12 at the door

City Attic Theatre Presents 'Mairsol' at Medicine Show Starting 10/16 - 10/16/2008

The Dark Ages are upon us. America is heading into the universal ruin, and she is sleeping. Led by her guardian angel, Marisol discovers that it is time to find her own power, to fight for survival, to open her eyes and wake up.

City Attic Theatre, an off-off-Broadway company, proudly opens their fourth season with a new production of José Rivera's Marisol.

Marisol runs October 16 – 18 and 23 – 25 at 8:00 p.m., and October 19 & 26 at 3 p.m., at Medicine Show, located at 549 W. 52nd St., 3rd Floor. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. For reservations, please call 212-330-7045 or e-mail cityattic@gmail.com.

The show is directed by artistic director Dianna Marino, designed by Amanda Embry and Ryan Wentworth, and features Maryll Botula, Billia Colombaro, Brian Greer, Lorraine Mattox, and Agueda Ramirez.

City Attic Theatre provides a home for theatrical artists, creating new opportunities to nurture their craft in a collaborative setting while developing powerful theatrical masterpieces. The goal is to remove the boundaries that dictate the traditional roles of artists, to release and unify the collaborative imagination. For more information, please visit www.myspace.com/cityattic.

This production was made possible through the support of The Field. Produced through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

Goodspeed Musicals to Present 'An Evening with Bill Berloni' Starting 10/16 - 10/16/2008

Goodspeed Musicals, the only two-time Tony Award winning theatre in the country, will host “An Evening with Bill Berloni.” On Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., Bill will share his more than thirty years of experiences as a nationally renowned theatrical animal trainer and author of Broadway Tails, Berloni will speak about his career, introduce some of his canine stars and sign copies of his new book. The event will take place at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, 55 Bridge Street, Haddam, CT and the proceeds will benefit Goodspeed Musicals education programs.

Berloni began his career at the Goodspeed Opera House. An apprentice during the original production of Annie, Bill was the person who found and trained Sandy. Bill had never trained a dog before and didn't know a thing about training a performing dog. But in true show-business fashion, he didn't hesitate to try. Bill found the perfect dog, Sandy, at the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, Connecticut, and the rest is history. Thirty years later, Bill is considered one of the country's leading theatrical animal trainers. Bill's dogs have appeared on Broadway in Annie, Camelot, The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Legally Blonde to name just a few as well as film, television and commercial work...and all of the animals were rescued animals.

The cost is $50 per person which will include the presentation, a copy of his book (an autograph session will take place after the presentation with an opportunity to meet some of his canine stars), dessert and coffee. Advanced Reservations Needed. For reservations, please contact Sue Cipriani at 860.873.8664, ext. 365, or by sue.cipriani@goodspeed.org, as seating will be limited.

sicals produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn., and additional productions at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., which was opened in 1984 for the development of new musicals. The only regional theatre to receive two Tony Awards (for outstanding achievement), Goodspeed also maintains The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in the Musical Theater. Goodspeed gratefully acknowledges the support of American Airlines, official airline of Goodspeed Musicals, and support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.

The All-American Classic 'Mame' at Drury Lane Oakbrook! - 10/16/2008

Drury Lane Oakbrook

Presents
THE ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC

MAME

Previews October 9 and opens October 16

Based on the 1955 best-selling novel by Patrick Dennis and the 1956 hit Broadway play Auntie Mame, MAME will preview October 9, open October 16 and run through December 21 at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Two of the most recognized women in Chicago theater will star in this production of the Tony Award winning musical. Jeff Award winner Barbara Robertson, who recently starred as “Madame Morrible” in the Chicago production of WICKED, will portray “Mame” through November 16. November 19 through the end of the run will feature one of Chicago’s most beloved actors Kat Taylor in the role. Taylor has starred in the National Tours of LES MISERABLES as “Fantine” and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Artistic Director William Osetek will direct.

MAME tells the hilarious story of an eccentric socialite who finds her chaotic Manhattan lifestyle turned upside down when she is appointed guardian of her orphaned nephew. Auntie Mame takes him on one whirlwind adventure after another, proving that "life is a banquet." The irresistible score by Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!, La Cage aux Folles) includes the title song “Mame”, "If He Walked Into My Life" and "We Need A Little Christmas."

The original source material, Patrick Dennis' novel Auntie Mame, was the surprise literary sensation of 1955. Mame's madcap adventures as a free-thinking heiress spent 112 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, selling more than two million copies in five languages. Once Mame was introduced to the intrigued public, no one medium was big enough to hold her story. Mame moved triumphantly from page to stage to screen, then, in musical form, back to stage and again to screen.

In 1956, Rosalind Russell brought Mame to life on stage in the Broadway play. The stage musical MAME opened in 1966 to great acclaim, giving star Angela Lansbury (who won a Tony for the role) a new career as a Broadway diva. In 1969, MAME premiered in the West End on the Theatre Royale stage at the Drury Lane Theatre and in 1974, Lucille Ball took on the role in a movie musical version of the classic story.

An all-star Chicago cast will star in the roles of many memorable characters that have touched the hearts of audiences everywhere including Alene Robertson, Jeff Kuhl, Kelly Cronin, Marilynn Bogetich, David Kortemeier, Tammy Mader, FrEd Stone, Ryan Reilly, Joey Stone, Anne Acker, Max Chung, Kelly Clark, Jastine Dumlao, Michael Ehlers, Michael Glazer, Kent Haina, Karl Hamilton, Galen Murphy-Hoffman, Danielle Plisz, Jacqueline Ritz, Mary Robin Roth, Derek Rippe and Liam Byrnes will star as “Patrick”.

The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ($28), Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. ($28) and 8 p.m. ($31), Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ($33), Saturdays at 5 p.m. ($33) and 8:30 p.m. ($33) and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. ($33) and 6 p.m. ($31). Dinner packages range from $42.75 to $54 (depending on the day of the week). Inquire at box office or website for details and prices. For reservations, phone (630) 530-0111 or call TicketMaster at 312-559-1212. You may also visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

American Theater Company Presents 'Celebrity Row' - 10/16/2008

AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS

THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF CELEBRITY ROW

IN A NEW VERSION BY Itamar Moses

DIRECTED BY David Cromer

American Theater Company (ATC) continues its ambitious Season 24 with the Chicago Premiere of Celebrity Row written by Itamar Moses and directed by David Cromer. The production will run October 16- November 9, 2008 at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St, Chicago.

Fact: For a time in the late 1990s, Colorado Supermax, the most secure prison in America, housed in neighboring cells: Latin Kings Leader Luis Felipe, WTC Bomber Ramzi Yousef, Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and Oklahoma City Bomber Timothy McVeigh.

Fiction: When a young lawyer defends the civil liberties of one of the country's most notorious criminals locked up on the infamous Celebrity Row, her idealism stands face to face with a criminal genius who, along with his neighbors, has a plan of his own.

"It's kind of the perfect theatrical storm," says playwright Itamar Moses. "Chicago has maybe the most exciting theatre scene in America; David Cromer is a thrilling collaborator; and Celebrity Row is probably my most overtly political play, an attempt to speak directly to issues that are increasingly relevant, in the election, and in the culture generally, which is a somewhat rare thing to be able to do in the arts."

Playwright Itamar Moses is one of the most-produced contemporary playwrights in the country this season; his play Yellowjackets premiered at Berkeley Rep in August and The Four of Us recently opened in Los Angeles after a run at Manhattan Theatre Club in March. Back, Back, Back will also run this year at San Diego's Old Globe and at Manhattan Theater Club. Celebrity Row premiered at Portland Center Stage in 2006 and now makes its Chicago Premiere at ATC in an all-new version.

"Itamar Moses makes a statement in Celebrity Row that encompasses the play's essence: 'Believers are strong. Unbelievers are weak,'" says director David Cromer. "This plays shows us that people who passionately believe in their position wield incredible power. It demonstrates that there is a strength in conviction that can make the world beautiful, but can also make the world terrible."

Cromer comes to Celebrity Row after a string of lauded productions, including Our Town, which returns to Chicago this January, and the Off-Broadway, Lucille Lortel award-winning The Adding Machine (Outstanding Director, Outstanding Musical).

"Itamar Moses’ Celebrity Row embraces the core question of ATC’s mission head on, examining critical issues about America's justice system and rights reserved for every citizen. The epic scope of this piece combined with its electric shifts in tone and story come from the imagination of an American artist who wants to make this country a better place, while entertaining and intriguing an audience,“ says Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. “We are thrilled to be the matchmaker for theatre geniuses Itamar Moses and David Cromer. Cromer continues to break new ground while religiously returning us to the basics of great theatre: imaginative and clear storytelling told through the most truthful and passionate acting. Cromer continually inspires his performers to cross their comfort zone into greatness."

Celebrity Row's cast features Jeff Award-winning Larry Neumann, Jr., Emmy-nominated Kelli Simpkins, ATC Ensemble Member Joe Minoso, and Usman Ally and Chris McLinden.

The designers are Josh Schmidt and Andy Krumeich (composition/sound design), Keith Parham (Lighting Design), Alison Siple (Costume Design), and Andre LaSalle (Scenic Design and Properties). The Stage Manager is Helen Lattyak.

David Cromer (Director) Recent credits include Picnic at Writers Theatre, Our Town at The Hypocrites, Perfect Mendacity for Steppenwolf First Look Rep, and Adding Machine at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York (2008 OBIE and Lortel Awards for Direction). Other Chicago credits include Come Back Little Sheba (Shattered Globe), Adding Machine (Next), The Cider House Rules (Famous Door, co-directed w/ Marc Grapey), The Dazzle and Golden Boy (Steppenwolf), The Price and Booth (Writers Theatre), Angels in America (The Journeymen), MOJO and The Hot L Baltimore (Mary-Arrchie), and Journey’s End (Seanachai). New York and regional credits include Orson’s Shadow (Barrow Street Theatre in NYC, Alley Theatre in Houston, Williamstown, Steppenwolf), The Clean House (Alley Theatre), and The Grapes of Wrath (Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC). Later this season he will direct The Farnsworth Invention and The SantaLand Diaries at the Alley and The Glass Menagerie at Kansas City Rep. He has received Jeff awards for his direction of Angels in America, The Price, and The Cider House Rules.

Itamar Moses (Playwright) is the author of the full-length plays Outrage, Bach at Leipzig, Celebrity Row, The Four of Us, Yellowjackets, Back Back Back, and Completeness, and various short plays and one-acts. He is presently adapting Jonathan Lethem’s The Fortress of Solitude. His work has appeared Off-Broadway and elsewhere in New York, at regional theatres across the country and in Canada, and has been published by Faber & Faber, Heinemann Press, Playscripts Inc., Samuel French, Inc., and Vintage. Moses has received new play commissions from The McCarter Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Wilma Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, and South Coast Rep Repertory. Moses holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU and has taught playwriting at Yale and NYU. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, MCC Playwrights Coalition, Naked Angels Mag 7, and is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect. He was born in Berkeley, California, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Village Players Performing Arts Center Presents DRACULA! - 10/16/2008

Village Players Performing Arts Center Presents:

DRACULA

A One-Woman Performance of the Classic Story

A one-of-a-kind Halloween event –hear the story of Dracula told like you've never heard it before!

Join Village Players as national storyteller Megan Wells treats audiences to a one-woman performance of the original Dracula! Called "the Kate Hepburn of storytelling," Megan gives audiences a dramatic and heart-pounding mix of myth and theater, adapted from Bram Stoker's famous novel.

An award winning theater and story artist, Megan Wells performs nationally from a full repertoire of original stories and revivified myths at regional theaters, colleges, festivals and corporations. She is the recipient of a Joseph Jefferson Award, a Parent's Choice Gold and an EdPress Distinguished Achievement Award. For more information about Ms. Wells, visit her website at www.meganwells.com.

Dracula runs Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, October 26 at 2:30 PM. All tickets are $20. This production is rated PG-13, and will run 90 minutes with an intermission.

Presented in the Blackbox Theater of the newly renovated Village Players Performing Arts Center located at 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. Plenty of parking is available on the street. The theater is handicap accessible; please call ahead to arrange for special seating. Tickets available at www.village-players.org or by calling 866-764-1010.

Village Players Performing Arts Center offers an eclectic mix of entertainment that empowers and inspires while exploring the human condition.

Spotlight Cabaret Presents DANCE NUMBERS...in NYC 10/16 - 10/16/2008

On October 16, Dance Numbers from Musicals You've Not (Yet) Heard Of will bring together over sixty musical theatre writers and performers at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York.

Performers include Brad Bass, Josh Breckenridge, Adam Brown, Lindsay Nicole Chambers, Alicia Charles, Elizabeth Clinard, Kerry Conte, Jeff Cuttler, Jeffry Denman, Katrina Rose Dideriksen, Michelle Dowty, Timothy Michael Drucker, Brian Gallagher, Jessica Hershberg, Carly Jibson, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Liz Kimball, Beth Kirkpatrick, Adam Laird, Ray Lee, Auri Marcus, Ana Noguiera, Ruth Pferdehirt, Jessica Rochwarger, Dana Steingold, Jessica Scholl, Sara Shephard, Kristyn Smith, Dani Spieler, Nicole Sterling, James Tabeek, Sam Tedaldi, Mackenzie Thomas, Jason Veasey, Jessica Waxman, Natalie Weiss, Valerie William, Lisa Nicole Wilkerson, Jake Wilson and Betsy Wolfe.

The musicals from which the dance numbers will be featured include Bratt Camp by Bobby Cronin, Darling by Ryan Scott Oliver and B. T. Ryback, Little Miss Fix-It by Kirsten A. Guenther and Joy Son, Hell Hole Honeys by Dave Ogrin, The Legend of Stagecoach Mary by Tom Mizer and Curtis Moore, The Big Show and Three Sistaz both by Eli Bolin and Sam Forman, Wood by Julianne Wick Davis and Dan Collins, Jawbreaker by Jeffrey Tomson and Jordon Mann, Like You Like It by Sammy Buck and Dan Acquisto, Perez Hilton Saves the Universe by Randy Blair, Timothy Michael Drucker and Zach Redler and The Woman Upstairs by Brian Lowdermilk and Kait Kerrigan, with additional songs by Jeff Blumenkrantz, Scott Alan and Will Van Dyke.

Dance Numbers… is presented by The Spotlight Cabaret and will be directed by Jessica Redish with choreography by Redish and Connor Gallagher. Will Van Dyke music directs with Allison Seidner on cello and Joshua Samuels on drums. The show begins at 9:30pm.

The Spotlight Cabaret is produced by Ryan Scott Oliver. The Laurie Beechman Theatre is located inside the West Bank Café, 407 W. 42nd Street at 9th Avenue, New York. There is a $15 cover charge and a $15 food/drink minimum. For reservations, email your request to thespotlightcabaret@yahoo.com.

Spotlight Cabaret Presents DANCE NUMBERS...in NYC 10/16 - 10/16/2008

'Pumpkin Pie Show' Returns to NYC at UNDER St. Marks Starting 10/16 - 10/16/2008

Fresh off their hugely successful international summer tour, the award winning THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW returns to New York City to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a hand-selected roster of a decades worth of their favorite stories. A literary fist in the face. Part monologue, part boxing match -- THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW is a rigorous storytelling session packed with enough intensity to feel like a rock concert rather than a bedtime tale. Filled with tales of the bizarre, dark, and perverted, THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW is bedtime stories for adults. Every story is chosen at random each night, so each show is guaranteed to be completely different from the last. This is THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW like you've never seen it before!

Celebrating ten years of performances, THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW has established itself has an all-points artistic hodgepodge of theatre and literature -- picking and choosing the essentials of each genre and channeling their rocking properties into an entertaining and truly original experience. Horse Trade Theater Group discovered THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW 10 years ago, when the New York International Fringe Festival was using one of their venues. Horse Trade loved the show so much that they been producing with playwright Clay McLeod Chapman ever since. Most recently they collaborated on the critically acclaimed Hostage Song, which Charles Isherwood of the New York Times said: "In this season of unlikely musicals, on Broadway and off, Hostage Song may be the oddest of all... The show takes some risky comic flights of fancy but mostly plays it straight, telling a grim story with journalistic detail and understated compassion."

The production, produced by Horse Trade Theater Group will play at UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place) October 16-November 1. Thursday through Saturday at 8pm. Tickets ($18) are available by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.horseTRADE.info

Clay McLeod Chapman is part of the downtown super group that created the critically acclaimed Hostage Song and the creator of the rigorous storytelling session THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW. He is the author of rest area, a collection of short stories, and miss corpus, a novel, both published by Hyperion books. He teaches writing at The Actors Studio MFA Program at Pace University.

Hanna Cheek has been a part of THE PUMPKIN PIE SHOW since 2001. Most recently she was seen in the critically acclaimed Hostage Song. Hanna is also a member of the drama desk nominated Waterwell Theatre Company.

Horse Trade is a self-sustaining theater development group; with a focus on new work, it has produced a massive quantity of stimulating downtown theater. Horse Trade's Resident Artist Program offers a home to a select group of Independent Theater artists, pooling together a great deal of talent and energy. It is also the home of FRIGID New York- the first and only festival of its kind in New York City.

www.horseTRADE.info

Zipper Factory to Present Lauren Cregor - 10/16/2008

THE ZIPPER FACTORY THEATER (336 West 37th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues) is proud to present singer/songwriter Lauren Cregor, known to New York theater audiences as the composer for the award winning ensemble Waterwell, in concert on Thursday, October 16 at 8:00 p.m.

As a composer, Cregor has worked with award-winning SettonSun Productions, SYREN Modern Dance, and has collaborated with Waterwell on Fuenteovejuna, Stuck, Sweetness & Light, The Persians...a comedy about war with five songs (NY IT Nomination), Marco Millions (based on lies) and The/King/Operetta. As a musician, she performs regularly with her band at such venues as Joe's Pub, Knitting Factory and The Zipper. Her music was showcased Midwest Music Summit – the Midwest's response to SXSW. Her critically acclaimed album No Time For Shy (Ten Good Records) is currently available through iTunes.

Tickets to Lauren Cregor in concert at The Zipper Factory are $15 and are available in advance online at www.thezipperfactory.com or via telephone at 212-352-3101

3LD Productions To Present Annual Benefit Party on 10/17 - 10/17/2008

On October 17th, 3-Legged Dog will present their annual Benefit Party at 3LD Art & Technology Center at 80 Greenwich Street between Rector and Edgar in Lower Manhattan. This all night event, called "SHHHHH..." comes fully equipped with new work from 3-Legged Dog, video art from 3LD's Resident Artists, cutting edge installations from 3LD's Media Arts Program (MAP) Artists, 2 dance rooms, open bar 'til midnight, and many more surprises!

The first section of the night is a VIP Benefit Party beginning at 7pm including light refreshments and champagne. 3-Legged Dog will be honoring government and foundation supporters who have significantly contributed to 3-Legged Dog's success and growth over the last several years. 3-Legged Dog wishes to publicly thank these distinguished leaders in our downtown cultural community. Honorees in attendance include Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Council Member Alan J. Gerson, District 1, The New York City Council, Susan Chin, Assistant Commissioner, Capital Projects, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Avi Schick, Chairman of the Board, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Paul Nagle, Director of Communications and Cultural Policy for Council Member Alan J. Gerson, The New York City Council, and Edith Henegan, Office Manager/Capital Purchasing, Capital Projects, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Kevin Cunningham, Executive Artistic Director of 3-Legged Dog and the Honorees will make short speeches highlighting their experiences with 3-Legged Dog. Mr. Cunningham will also be making announcements about major new funding for 3-Legged Dog, as well as other very exciting news!

At 9pm 3LD will open the doors, turn up the music, and start the party! 3-Legged Dog is teaming up with Mean Red Productions (from the "Lose Your Shit" parties) to throw the wildest art party of the year (on the down-low) , "SHHHHH..." Sneak out to dance to "Lose Your Shit" DJs, sample psychedelic art, gawk at a freak show, catch live street performers, and experience the exquisite pleasure of letting loose -- all with an open bar 'til midnight.

3LD's 6,500 sq foot Studio A will house the main dance space with multiple DJs and street performers. 3-Legged Dog will present a live multimedia installation for their next production Rods and Cables. This ambitious work by Allison M. Keating creates wild chaos with elaborate, bizarre designs and compelling characters all within an intimate cabaret environment. The installation includes video of a sensual birth scene and a horrific nightmare, embedded in a scenic sculpture with an array of lights controlled by Arduino, an open source electronics prototyping platform that can read sensors and effect it's surroundings. Set pieces, design drawings, models, and storyboards will also be on display. Also shown in Studio A will be ultra-wide footage from 3-Legged Dog's epic production Fire Island.

Studio B, 4,500 sq. ft., will house the second dance floor with multiple DJ's, and showcase work from 3LD's resident artists including: Roland Gebhardt's The Only Tribe, a multi-media stage performance featuring masks, dance, and projected images to explore issues of group identity and societal behavior and will debut in December 2008 at 3LD; Trick Saddle's Wickets, a radical adaptation of Maria Irene Fornes Fefu and Her Friends set in an airplane with the audience as passengers, premiering in January 2009 at 3LD; Theater MITU's DRC (or how I learned to act in eight steps) which will premier at 3LD in June 09; The Unbound Theatre's In Security which will premier at 3LD in late April , and SoGoNo's The Art of Memory which is set to premiere at 3LD during the Summer of 09.

Also joining us in Studio B are some of our development residents: Reid Farrington's The Passion Project which was developed at 3LD in 08; Stephen Earnhart's Wind Up Bird Chronicles which was developed in 08 at 3LD, and The Team's Architecting which was developed at 3LD in early spring 08, won the 2008 Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Studio C will exhibit brand new 3LD Media Arts Program (MAP) artists who carry on the traditions of risk taking and boundary pushing aesthetics while experimenting with and creating innovative technology. Music in Studio C is by Mark Coniglio, adapted from the score for his forthcoming work with Troika Ranch entitled Loop Diver. Projects on display include; Animalia Chordata by Gabriel Barcia-Colombo, a New York-based mixed media artist and filmmaker. Animalia Chordata is an interactive video installation featuring a wide variety of human specimens collected (projected) in bottles and placed on view for your enjoyment, but approach with caution, the characters in each bottle respond to your presence. Magic Box by filmmaker Ruth Sergel, is an interactive documentary on the life of the legendary 19th century magician Torrini. Garret Linn, an artist working at the edges of cinema will show two installations about memory and travel. 24 Hour Chinatown, an interactive video piece presenting a walk around a single block in Chinatown, will be projected onto the Studio C windows and can be manipulated by street pedestrians. Colors - Chinatown is a video re-imaging of the colors and surfaces of Chinatown in New York City as an abstract narrative map of a city within a city.

Other MAP artists featured are NOMO (digital artists Peter Norrman and Jeff Morey) who will be projecting their piece Shift onto the white SYMS department store building across the street from 3LD. Shift is a site-specific installation that explores urban change and patterns of interactions and movement in and around 3LD incorporating live video as well as documentary footage. For the second time this year, Scott Draves will install Dreams in High Fidelity into 3LD's iconic white lobby (the Tube) to transform the entire space into a 360º projection screen. Dreams in High Fidelity is created with a cyborg mind consisting of 60,000 computers and people.

"SHHHHH…" a low-downtown party on the down-low will be presented October 17th from 9pm - 6am (Bar closes at 4am). Get there early to catch all the installations, videos, and performances. Admission is $15 at the door, $10 in advance at www.3ldnyc.org or by calling 212-352-3101. VIP tickets are $100 - $1000; benefit tickets at all levels can be purchased at www.3LDNYC.org or by calling 212-352-3101. Extravagant attire and alter egos welcome! For directions or more information about 3LD's Resident or MAP artists please go to www.3LDNYC.org.

Town Hall Announces Return of October Cabaret Festival - 10/17/2008

The Town Hall has announced the return of the October Cabaret Festival. The lineup is as follows:

THE TOWN HALL PRESENTS
FOURTH ANNUAL
BROADWAY CABARET FESTIVAL
All Broadway Music! All Broadway Stars! All Weekend Long!

October 17-19, 2008

Experience an extravaganza of Broadway talent in three extraordinary cabaret concerts over one unforgettable weekend. From classic favorites to contemporary Broadway, from our newest stars to our venerated icons, this is the Festival New York theatre fans wait all season for.� Subscribe now! You'll not only have the best deal, you'll also have the best seats in the house! See upcoming season for more details. The series is created, written, and hosted especially for The Town Hall by Scott Siegel.

Friday, October 17 at 8 pm
A TRIBUTE TO LERNER & LOEWE

Brent Barrett, Jim Caruso, Alexander Gemignani, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Sarah Jane McMahon, Daniel Riechard, Max von Essen and more will convene to honor the dynamic duo ofAlan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. Vienna-born composer, Loewe, and lyricist-playwright, Lerner, met in 1942. Had they not, BRIGADOON would never have materialized from the Scottish mists to make the world feel Almost Like Being in Love ... MY FAIR LADY would still be a less than lyrical English girl from Shaw's PYGMALION ... we might never have thought to Thank Heaven for Little Girls like GIGI ...CAMELOT would have stayed within the pages of Arthurian legend, and no one would have been there to PAINT YOUR WAGON.

Saturday, October 18 at 8 pm
Les Miserables original Jean Valjean Colm Wilkinson
BROADWAY & BEYOND

The Irish actor and singer, who achieved international fame when he created the role of Jean Valjean in the hit musical, LES MISERABLES, and spent years on the stage mesmerizing audiences as the Phantom in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will perform for one-night only. The show features Broadway blockbusters like Music of the Night, Bring Him Home, The Impossible Dream, Hello Young Lovers, Some Enchanted Evening as well as Irish Classics and Popular Standards.

Sunday, October 19 at 3 pm
BROADWAY ORIGINALS
American Theatre Web calls it, "A rare opportunity to savor nearly sixty years of Broadway history." Don't miss this unforgettable afternoon of songs and memories featuring a dazzling array of performers reprising songs they introduced either in the original Broadway production or revival. Witness the performances -- and the performers -- that have lit up the Great White Way these past 60 years. Experience the performances the original audiences saw, or if you were lucky enough to see them the first time, you can relive them. Featuring over twenty Broadway stars including Lucie Arnaz (THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG), Stephen Mo Hanan (CATS), Karen Morrow (I HAD A BALL), Julia Murney (LENNON) and Pam Myers (COMPANY).

Tickets $55. See all three for $150!

You can purchase tickets by clicking here to get a printable mail order form. Tickets are also available after Sept 4th at The Town Hall Box Office. 123 W. 43rd St, NYC (open 12-6pm Mon-Sat) or through Ticketmaster (212.307.4100).

Brown, Bundy and More Part of NY Pops Season - 10/17/2008

The New York Pops will open its 26th season at Carnegie Hall on Friday, October 17 at 8:00PM. Six guest conductors will lead the 2008-2009 concert season which features a grand collection of music arranged for the orchestra. Founded by Skitch Henderson in 1983, The New York Pops is the city's only symphonic orchestra specializing in popular American music.

Friday, October 17, 2008, 8:00PM

Carnegie Hall � The Bernstein Songbook

The first concert of the season is part of Carnegie Hall's festival commemorating the 90th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's birth. The concert features the best-loved songs of Leonard Bernstein, performed by The New York Pops under the direction of conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos. Soprano Christiane Noll returns for her third appearance with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. Noll made her Broadway debut starring in Jekyll & Hyde, creating the role of Emma. Tony Award-winning performer Lillias White, whose career has successfully crossed stage and screen, will lend her talents to the festivities.� Tenor Mart�n Sol�, a versatile artist who has gained acclaim in a wide array of idioms, including opera, musical theatre, concerts and film, will perform as well.� Pianist and composer Fred Hersch, one of the most prolific jazz artists working today, performs his arrangement of "Somewhere" from West Side Story.� Also featured on the program is jazz violinist Sara Caswell, a member of The New York Pops since 2004. Special guest Phyllis Newman joins the orchestra to perform "My New Friends" from The Madwoman of Central Park West, written for her by Leonard Bernstein.� Phyllis Newman was married to Bernstein's longtime collaborator Adolph Green.

Information: www.bernsteinfestival.org.

Friday, November 7, 2008, 8:00PM

Carnegie Hall � New York Songs: A Love Letter to the City

The New York Pops celebrates its hometown with classic songs about New York City and the world premiere of original songs about the city by Kenneth Laub. Clint Holmes headlines the concert with guests Ashley Brown, Laura Bell Bundy and Linda Hart. Vinnie Falcone and Eric Stern will conduct the program, which includes songs by Stephen Sondheim, Jule Styne and Cole Porter. Information: http://kennethdlaubmusic.com/.

Friday and Saturday, December 19 and 20, 2008, 8:00PM

Carnegie Hall � A King's Singers Holiday

The King's Singers help the New York Pops celebrate the holidays in this festive program of seasonal favorites. Formed in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College, Cambridge, the King's Singers are England's premiere vocal ensemble. Rob Fisher, accomplished musical theatre director and frequent guest conductor of The New York Pops, leads the annual holiday concert, one of Carnegie Hall's most popular December traditions.
�

Friday, March 6, 2009, 8:00PM

Carnegie Hall � The Music of James Bond

From Dr. No (1962) to Quantum of Solace (2008), The New York Pops plays the best of Bond under the baton of internationally-recognized conductor and composer Carl Davis. Currently the Principal Guest Conductor of the Navarra Symphony Orchestra in Pamplona, Davis has composed for and directed productions for the stage, screen and concert hall. He regularly conducts the London Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic, the Philharmonia, the Hall�, the Northern Sinfonia and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.� Renowned vocalists Mary Carewe and simon bowman will appear to sing Bond hits by John Barry, Marvin Hamlisch, Paul McCartney and more.��

�

Friday, April 3, 2009, 8:00PM

Carnegie Hall � Once Upon a Time and Tomorrow: The Best of Charles Strouse

The New York Pops celebrates Charles Strouse, composer of Annie, Applause, Bye Bye Birdie, and Nick & Nora at 80! Since his first Broadway musical in 1960, Strouse has enjoyed a highly prolific career and has been inducted into both the Songwriters' Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame. On the podium will be highly regarded British pianist and conductor Martin Yates, who has conducted opera, ballet, and symphonic repertoire across Europe.

The New York Pops <www.newyorkpops.org> was founded by former NBC Music Director Skitch Henderson in 1983 to give New York a permanent professional symphonic pops orchestra that would create greater public awareness and appreciation of America's rich and diverse musical heritage. The orchestra is now the largest independent symphonic pops orchestra in the United States.

Subscriptions are available for the 2008-2009 Carnegie Hall series, starting at $81. Visit the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 57th Street and 7th Avenue, or call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 to purchase tickets. Visit www.carnegiehall.org for more information. Single tickets will be available to the public beginning September 2, 2008 and are priced at $29, $33, $42, $70, $90 and $100.� �

Delta Air Lines is the official airline of The New York Pops. The New York Pops is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely through the generosity of individual donations, institutional grants, and concert income. Dates, artists and programs are subject to change.

Saint Sebastian Players Open Season With 'Moon Over Buffalo' - 10/17/2008

The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) open their 2008–09 season with Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig, author of Lend Me A Tenor. The production runs October 17–November 9 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Pkwy. in Chicago.

In Moon Over Buffalo, George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s, are playing Private Lives and Cyrano de Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York with five actors. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George's dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: famed film director Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter's clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they're actually performing, caused by Charlotte's deaf, old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George's body.

Making his SSP directing debut for Moon Over Buffalo is Tony Soto, who directed The Rocky Horror Show, Hiding Behind Comets and The Actor's Nightmare at Columbia College Chicago. The cast features SSP company member Lee Adam as George, along with Michael Borgmann, Patricia Casey, Luke Daigle, Jenny Franz, Samantha McDonald, Britni Tozzi and Matt Trudeau. SSP member Jonathan "Rocky" Hagloch is technical director/set designer, Susan Nordine is costume designer, Matt Davis is fight choreographer, Darcy McGill is assistant director, Emily Cooke is stage manager and SSP member Jim Masini is producer.

SSP's 2008–09 season continues with the annual Monologue Matchup Competition fundraiser October 27 and mainstage productions of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile, directed by SSP member Steven Walanka, February 13–March 8, 2009 and Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing, directed by SSP member John Oster, April 24–May 17, 2009.

Moon Over Buffalo runs October 17–November 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Pkwy., at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Full-priced single tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Full-priced subscriptions are $30; subscriptions for seniors and children younger than 12 are $15. Group rates also are available.

All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org. Tickets are also on sale at ticketweb.com.

'Sleepwalk With Me' Comes to Bleecker Street Theatrer Starting 10/17 - 10/17/2008

Sleepwalk With Me, (www.SleepwalkWithMike.com) a new comedy written by and starring Mike Birbiglia will play The Bleecker Street Theater, off Broadway (45 Bleecker Street just East of Lafayette Street) beginning October 17th with the official opening scheduled for November 11th, it was announced today by producers Eli Gonda and Ryan Scott Warren of QuasiWorld Entertainment and Nathan Lane.

In Sleepwalk With Me, Mike Birbiglia takes the audience on a hysterically funny and intensely personal journey through stories of his life and bouts with sleepwalking. As he finally confronts his fears of love, honesty and growing up, we see that some people's problems will work themselves out with a nice long walk-- but not Mike's.

Directed by Seth Barrish (The Tricky Part, Old Wicked Songs), the creative team includes set design by Beowulf Borritt (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, My Two and Only), lighting design by Jason Lyons (HurlyBurly, The Threepenny Opera) and sound design by Jody Elff ("My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs," "Oddville").

"This is a project that I’ve been working on secretly for 4 years and my dream was always that it would cross over into theater," said Mike Birbiglia. "The fact that Seth Barrish is directing and these incredible producers believe in the show- it really feels like great timing in a way that I could never have imagined. Doing this show in NYC is a huge honor. It's also very convenient - roughly about 30 blocks from my apartment."
“Every once in a while, someone comes along who renews your faith in the art of stand-up comedy. It happened when I first saw Mitch Hedberg, and it happened again when I saw Mike Birbiglia” said Nathan Lane. “The energy in the room changes, and you realize you're in the presence of a fresh and original voice. And that is very rare. You know you're getting the real turtle soup, not merely the mock. Like any great comedian, it's hard to categorize Mike - he is his own unique creation. You should definitely just go see him, and get lost in his world. It's a fun and hilarious place to be."

Tickets for Sleepwalk With Me range from $51.50 with premium seating available. Sleepwalk With Me plays Wednesday - Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm and 10pm, and Sunday at 4pm and 7pm. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Telecharge at www.telecharge.com or calling (212)239-6200. For more information, please visit: www.SleepwalkWithMike.com

Mike Birbiglia (Performer/Writer) In his career of 11 years, Mike Birbiglia has grown from a down-and-out failure to a popular talk show comic to a groundbreaking, original storyteller who challenges the genre of standup comedy. The results? Two critically acclaimed albums, three Comedy Central specials, and an upcoming Off-Broadway show called Sleepwalk with Me, At 24, Mike was one of the youngest comedians ever to appear on The Late Show With David Letterman. Seventeen Magazine named Mike one of the “Voices Of The Next Generation.” Mike made countless appearances on Conan, Kimmel, Carson Daly, and Ferguson. From there, Mike took his act on the road: headlining colleges, then clubs, then theaters nationwide. Mike’s debut album Two Drink Mike drew comparisons to Seinfeld from Esquire Magazine in their “Favorite Comedy Albums.” AMG Music hailed it “the arrival of standup’s next big thing.”

In 2003, Mike was invited to perform at HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado. While there, he was asked to be a part of The Moth Storytelling Series, famous for putting together lineups of authors like Sam Shepard, Andy Borowitz, and Malcolm Gladwell. It was Mike’s first time telling a story on stage and it piqued his interest in taking that format to a standup setting. Over the next year, Mike started writing what he calls his “Secret Public Journal,” a blog that chronicles Mike’s habit of “making awkward situations even more awkward.” Mike’s Journal quickly gained momentum, picking up 30,000 email subscribers and an invitation to perform it regularly on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. In 2007, Mike released a live rendition of his favorite stories on a CD entitled, “My Secret Public Journal LIVE,” which both Time Out New York and Time Out Chicago hailed the “Comedy Album of the Year.” The Boston Globe calls Mike’s new stories, “as honest as any Richard Pryor confession, and as engaging and inclusive as an old Bill Cosby record.” It’s that inclusiveness that has made him a popular guest on shows as diverse as Late Night with Conan O’Brien to This American Life on NPR to the nationally-syndicated Opie and Anthony Show.

Seth Barrish (Director) Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The Barrow Group—a non-profit theatre company in New York City. Mr. Barrish has worked as an actor, director, composer, and musical director internationally, Off-Broadway, Off Off Broadway, and in regional theatres for over 30 years. Directing Credits include: Stephen King’s Misery, David Edgar’s Pentecost (Drama Desk Nomination for BEST PLAY), Martin Moran’s The Tricky Part (OBIE Award, Drama Desk Nominations for BEST PLAY and BEST SOLO SHOW), Nicolette & Aucasin, Old Wicked Songs (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award & Garland Award for BEST DIRECTION), Thy Kingdom’s Coming, Lonely Planet, Good (Straw Hat Award for Best Direction), Ghost in the Machine, Tales From Hollywood, Greetings, Beau Jest, Three Sisters, and When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?. Theatres: The Signature Theater, Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, The Promenade, The McCarter, Long Wharf, Sundance theatre lab, The Geffen Playhouse, Playhouse 91, La MaMa E.T.C., The Perry Street Theatre, Provincetown Rep, Capital Rep, Miniature Theatre of Chester, and The Barrow Group. Mr. Barrish has made numerous film and television appearances and is a professional acting and directing teacher at The Barrow Group School in New York City. He recently served as a Master Teacher at the International Director’s Symposium in Spoleto, Italy. He is author of the book An Actors Companion– 99 Bits of Craft.

QuasiWorld Entertainment is a development and production company that brings to life original ideas for the stage and screen. We are dedicated to producing projects that emphasize story and originality by creating an environment that enables imaginative and talented storytellers to expand their creative potential. At QuasiWorld, we have passion for what we do and dedication to the pursuit of excellence in how we do it. We believe in working with honest and inspiring people who share our ideals: community, integrity, creativity, and respect. Most recently, QuasiWorld produced Annie Hendy's play, The Catholic Girl’s Guide to Losing Your Virginity and is currently developing it as a feature film. Other feature credits include: “American Teen” (dir Nanette Burstein) Official 2008 Sundance selection and currently being released by Paramount Vantage and “Swimmers” (dir. Doug Sadler), official 2005 Sundance Selection. In addition, QuasiWorld is developing Danny Jacobson's new play Bang Zoom and the feature film, “The Good Doctors.”

Heiress Productions Presents NY Premiere of 'Three Movements' Starting 10/17 - 10/17/2008

'The Medium At Large' on YouTube - 10/17/2008

The Medium At Large on YouTube

A new video feature on the World Premiere production of The Medium at Large at Village Players in Oak Park has been posted to YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25lSoeETp3U].

Showcased in the feature is a performance from Tony Award nominee John Herrera, singing 'Bonfires,' a signature song from the new musical. The video also features interviews with co-writers Julia Cameron (internation best-selling author of 'The Artist's Way' and former wife of Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese) and Emma Lively, as well as director Carl Occhipinti (Artistic Director of Village Players).

Please consider using and/or posting this YouTube video on any press outlets, blogs, or websites.

The Medium at Large previews October 17 & October 18 and runs from October 19 – November 16, 2008. Show times are 8 PM on Fridays & Saturdays, and 3 PM on Sundays. More information is available at www.village-players.org or 866-764-1010.

Saint Sebastian Players: 'Moon Over Buffalo' Opens Oct 17 - 10/17/2008

SAINT SEBASTIAN PLAYERS OPEN SEASON WITH THEATRICAL FARCE

Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo Runs Oct. 17–Nov. 9

The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) open their 2008–09 season with Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig, author of Lend Me A Tenor. The production runs October 17–November 9 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Pkwy. in Chicago.

In Moon Over Buffalo, George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s, are playing Private Lives and Cyrano de Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York with five actors. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George's dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: famed film director Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter's clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they're actually performing, caused by Charlotte's deaf, old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George's body.

Making his SSP directing debut for Moon Over Buffalo is Tony Soto, who directed The Rocky Horror Show, Hiding Behind Comets and The Actor's Nightmare at Columbia College Chicago. The cast features SSP company member Lee Adam as George, along with Michael Borgmann, Patricia Casey, Luke Daigle, Jenny Franz, Samantha McDonald, Britni Tozzi and Matt Trudeau. SSP member Jonathan "Rocky" Hagloch is technical director/set designer, Susan Nordine is costume designer, Matt Davis is fight choreographer, Darcy McGill is assistant director, Emily Cooke is stage manager and SSP member Jim Masini is producer.

SSP's 2008–09 season continues with the annual Monologue Matchup Competition fundraiser October 27 and mainstage productions of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile, directed by SSP member Steven Walanka, February 13–March 8, 2009 and Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing, directed by SSP member John Oster, April 24–May 17, 2009.

Moon Over Buffalo runs October 17–November 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Pkwy., at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Full-priced single tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Full-priced subscriptions are $30; subscriptions for seniors and children younger than 12 are $15. Group rates also are available.

All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org. Tickets are also on sale at ticketweb.com.

SAINT SEBASTIAN PLAYERS HOST 16TH MONOLOGUE MATCHUP COMPETITION

The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) are inviting Chicago-area actors to compete in—and Chicago theatergoers to observe—the 16th Annual Monologue Matchup Competition. A fund-raiser for SSP, the event takes place Monday, October 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey (at Marshfield) in Chicago.

Each actor participating in the Monologue Matchup will perform a two-minute monologue for a group of distinguished judges, including* representatives from Child's Play Touring Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Next Theatre, Promethean Theatre Ensemble, Raven Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company and SSP; freelance director Phillip Edward Van Lear; casting director David Murphy; and more. After viewing all the participants, the judges will select a group of finalists, who each will perform a second two-minute monologue. Judges will select several winners from the finalists, each receiving one of several prize packages.

For those who attend only to watch, the competition provides an unusual behind-the-scenes look at the audition process. Audience members also will select a "People's Choice" winner.

To participate in the Monologue Matchup, actors must call SSP at 773-404-7922 ext. 3 to make reservations for the limited number of spaces; registration is by phone only. The fee to participate, which includes the opportunity to observe the other competitors, is $15. The fee for audience members is $12; no reservations are necessary.

The Monologue Matchup Competition takes place Monday, October 27, at 7 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey (enter on Marshfield), Chicago. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.

Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez Discuss Art and Social Activism at Clurman Festival - 10/17/2008

A celebration art and social activism begin on October 17th when the Stella Adler Studio of Acting kicks off its third annual Harold Clurman Festival of the Arts. The Harold Clurman Festival brings artists from many disciplines together with events including poetry readings, concerts, panel discussions and theater and dance performances. The theme for this year's Harold Clurman Festival is 'Art & Social Activism.'

Many noted artists and community leaders will participate in the Harold Clurman Festival. The festival opens with a symposium, Art and Social Activism: Spotlight on Africa, with: Mira Sorvino, Winter Miller, Melissa Fitzgerald (star of The West Wing), John Prendergast, Nima Elbagir and Jimmie Briggs. The next night, dance takes Center Stage with Movement: a Universal Language with Margie Gillis, Bill T. Jones, Irene Dowd and others. On Sunday, Majora Carter, Forrest Gander, James Sherry, Marcella Durand and Jonathan Skinner will participate in readings and discussions in Wherever Green is Worn: Ecology and Antiwar.

Events continue throughout the week and include a reading of All that Fall by Samuel Beckett with Alvin Epstein and What Shall I Give My Children? written by Don K. Williams and directed by Tom Oppenheim. The closing weekend the focus turns to educational justice. Saturday October 26th, there will be a panel discussion with activists Herbert Kohl, Maxine Greene, Francis Lucerna and William Ayers, moderated by Leonard Lopate. Finally, the closing night symposium, Art and Educational Justice, showcases Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez, Phylicia Rashad and Anna Deavere Smith, also moderated by Leonard Lopate.

Festival passes are $250*, which covers the admission to all festival events. Single tickets are available for select events for $25 each. Visit Smarttix.com to purchase. For the full festival schedule, see below.
*Proceeds from the festival will support the Stella Adler Studio's programs including the Outreach Division, which provides free theater education to New York City public school students.

About The Stella Adler Studio of Acting
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting is an acting school based in New York City. The actress and teacher Stella Adler founded the Studio in 1949. Adler founded the Studio on her belief in the seriousness of her art. Adler and the school have trained many of the brilliant actors of our time, including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, elaine stritch, Benicio Del Toro, Mark Ruffalo and Salma Hayek. The Stella Adler Studio of Acting is a nonprofit organization, which trains over 500 actors annually. The Studio also presents lectures, poetry readings, concerts, theater performances, dance theater events and an annual arts festival.
www.stellaadler.com

Andrea McArdle, Joy Franz & Nicolette Hart to Star in 'MONSTERS' Reading - 10/17/2008

On Friday, October 17th there will be an ‘invitation only' reading of the new musical "MONSTERS" which is currently in development. The Book and Lyrics are by Boston playwright Gail Phaneuf, with Music and Lyrics by Ernie Lijoi. "MONSTERS" has been in development for several years with Lijoi penning a number of the songs at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop. The show was a finalist in the Emerson College Rod Parker Playwriting Competition and went on to have a successful 2006 production at CentaStage in Boston, receiving favorable reviews. There has also been a reading of "MONSTERS" at the York Theatre.

TONY NOMINATED Andrea McArdle (ANNIE, LES MIZ, STATE FAIR) heads the cast of six. She will be joined by Joy Franz (INTO THE WOODS), Catherine Carpenter Cox (GODSPELL, JOYS OF SEX), Nicolette Hart (LEGALLY BLONDE, RENT), Patti Hathaway and Sam Belanger.

Steven Yuhasz (FLAMINGO COURT) directs and Michael Larsen (MENOPAUSE) serves as musical director for the reading.

According to the creators, "The show allows us to laugh at our demons and put them in their place, while capturing the humor, agony and insight experienced at one of life's milestones."

On her 40th birthday, Samantha meets her demons. A successful, single, Wall Street stockbroker living in Manhattan, she has decided to quit her job and strike out on a soul-searching adventure. When Samantha's mother learns these plans, she tries desperately to talk sense into Samantha: to keep her job, to keep climbing the ladder, to trim up. The encounter stirs up a toxic blend of fears and insecurities - in the form of living, breathing monsters, who descend upon Samantha one by one in a hilarious musical romp. The monsters try to derail her ambitions and drag her into their paranoid world. But in the end, Samantha finds an unlikely ally in this battle of wills, in a twist that helps her put the demons in their place.

For more information about the show, go to www.monstersthemusical.com

Bristol Riverside Theatre Continues Bridges Informance Series With Castellanos 10/17 - 10/17/2008

Bristol Riverside Theatre continues its Bridges Informance Series with renowned theatre artist Teo Castellanos on Friday, October 17. Castellanos’ appearance will continue to introduce audiences to innovative performances as BRT gears up for the February 2009 World Premiere of What You Will, a BRT original urban theatre adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Bristol Riverside Theatre, located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol. Tickets are $15 for adults or $10 for students and are available by calling the BRT Box Office at (215) 785-0100 or in person. A special website has been created with artist interviews, photos and information about the development of What You Will and the Bridges Informance Series at www.howwewill.org.

To illuminate the unique concept of What You Will, BRT presents the Bridges Informance Series bringing nationally renowned theatre artists to the Philadelphia area. Part-performance, part-discussion each event will challenge and inspire audiences’ ideas of theatre today.

Castellanos is an actor/writer/director known for connecting stories of the people in the streets to contemporary life, something Shakespeare did in his plays - writing for the common man. Castellanos is the founder and Artistic Director of D-Projects, an urban arts collective whose original theatre work examines and dissects social ills through performance. He has taught theatre workshops throughout the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For five years, he directed a theatre company of African American and Latino youth/young adults that toured original work to jails, detention centers, residential substance abuse treatment programs and community centers carrying a message focused on HIV prevention.

Castellanos is author of War, Revolution, and the Projects, a one-man trilogy, which has toured on the East coast, and the one-man show NE 2nd Avenue, based on Miami characters, which was commissioned and produced by Miami Light Project as part of their 2001-2002 Contemporary Performance Series. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, Castellanos received his BFA in Theatre from Florida Atlantic University under a full scholarship where he studied with four-time Tony Award winner Zoe Caldwell.

His NE 2nd Avenue was awarded the International Cultural Exchange grant by Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, which allowed him to bring his work to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it won the Fringe First Award. It was also nominated for a South Florida Carbonell Award for Best New Work and was awarded Best Solo Performance by the Miami New Times and Best Original Play by the Miami Beach Sun. It is currently touring nationally and internationally. He is a member of the diverse theatre collective, The Hittite Empire, based in Los Angeles, with which he has toured in the U.S. and London. He has also toured Cuba as part of the Parece Blanca cast, a theatre production that paired Cuban exiles with artists living on the island for a historic performance.

Upcoming Bridges Informance Series include New York-based award-winning actor, rapper, playwright, and educator Will Power (December 5), a pioneer of hip-hop theatre who has been working with Bristol area students during a residency at BRT and Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dance Theatre (January 9) who will present an evening of dance on the BRT stage.

A daring and bold take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night, What You Will premieres on February 10 and runs through March 1, 2009. This new adaptation is created by BRT Artistic Director Keith Baker and collaborator Donald Byrd, acclaimed choreographer of Broadway’s The Color Purple and Artistic Director of Seattle’s Spectrum Dance Theatre. Shakespeare’s original language is heard with a distinctively contemporary American voice as the worlds of modern urban and classical theatre are fused. Music by composer and hip hop producer Justin Ellington completes the marriage of text, high-energy movement and heart-pounding music. Ellington also composed music for Will Power’s acclaimed The Seven and is a member of the multi-platinum production company Bangladesh which has created songs for artists such as Ciara, Kelis, Marsha (Floetry), Lil Wayne and Ludacris.

The Bridges Informance Series has been supported by a grant from the Marketing Innovation Program, a program of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and administered by The University of the Arts, Philadelphia.

What You Will has been supported by a grant from the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative with additional support from the Marketing Innovation Program, both programs of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and administered by The University of the Arts, Philadelphia.

Bristol Riverside Theatre Continues Bridges Informance Series With Castellanos 10/17 - 10/17/2008

Heiress Productions to Present Premiere of 'Three Movements' Starting 10/17 - 10/17/2008

Heiress Productions presents the New York premiere of THREE MOVEMENTS by Martin Zimmerman from October 17 – 26 at the Studio Theatre, Theatre Row (410 W. 42nd Street, NYC). Tickets are $18 and are available at www.ticketcentral.com or by phone at 212-279-4200.

Based on the life of ballet legend George Balanchine, THREE MOVEMENTS follows a fictional choreographer, Alexei, as he nurses polio-stricken Sonia, his wife and his greatest dancer. Unable to face the reality that she will never dance again, he convinces himself that he can save his muse. When he becomes frustrated with her lack of progress, though, he leaves her to pursue a promising young dancer, Lindsay. The play examines the complex relationship between choreographer and dancer, the power of eroticism in art, and how people choose (or refuse) to confront illness and the aging process.

THREE MOVEMENTS is directed by Maura Farver and choreographed by Avichai Scher. Set design is by Josh Zangen, costume design is by Melinda C. Basaca, lighting design is by Joel E. Silver and sound design is by Sharath Patel. Featuring Erin Fogarty, Maria Portman Kelly and Mike Timoney.

Heiress Productions is a not-for-profit organization committed to raising cancer awareness and funds through entertaining and inspirational professional theatre productions. The company produced Lunch Hour by Jean Kerr in May 2007 and James Sherman’s farce Affluenza! in March 2008.

Martin Zimmerman (Playwright) is a second-year MFA Candidate in Playwriting at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a graduate of Duke University where he received degrees in Theater Studies and Economics. He is the recipient of The Louis Sudler Award in the Arts, The Benenson Award in the Arts, The Dasha Epstein Award in Playwriting, The Reynolds Price Award for Best Original Script, and he has been in residency at both New York Stage and Film and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He has received numerous productions at Duke University and his new play for young audiences, The Trial of Winter, was produced by Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission this past summer.

Maura Farver (Director) Directing credits include Sympathetic Division (Sweeter Theater Productions and Midtown International Theatre Festival), Affluenza! (Heiress Productions), Miss Bingley-Hardin's Kindergarten Class (Impact Winter One Act Festival), Regularly Scheduled Programming (Vital Signs), The House of Yes (STP), Lunch Hour (Heiress Productions), and The Author's Voice (Williamstown Theatre Festival). She received an award for Outstanding Direction for Sympathetic Division at MITF this summer. Assistant directing credits include Flamingo Court (New World Stages) and Party Come Here (for Christopher Ashley, WTF). Broadway PA credits include Spring Awakening, Three Days of Rain and The Odd Couple. She is a graduate of Duke University and co-founder of Sweeter Theater Productions.

Erin Fogarty makes her New York theatre debut in THREE MOVEMENTS. She studied both theatre and dance at Marymount Manhattan College. After graduating with a BFA in Dance, she joined Carolina Ballet where she performed roles in a number of George Balanchine’s most famous works as well as works by Lynne Taylor-Corbett and Robert Weiss. After moving back to New York City, she joined Ballet NY and just performed in their season at The Joyce.

Maria Portman Kelly has performed with The Culture Project, Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Public Theater of Maine, The Theater at Monmouth, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and Actors Theatre of Louisville, among others. Professional dance credits include two seasons with the Louisville Ballet, Susana Williams Company, and Ballet Espanol. She graduated with honors from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Mike Timoney A student of Vivian Matalon and Terry Schreiber. New York City Opera: Lillas Pastia in Carmen, A Little Night Music (Scott Ellis, dir.), The Pirates of Penzance, Candide. Other New York theatre: Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman). Stephen Belbers’ Transparency of Val (La Tea), Sir Robert in An Ideal Husband, Jimmy Farrell in Playboy of the Western World, Ofelia Loret de Molas’ Available Space (Melanie Armer, dir.) Other theatre: Elyot in Private Lives (Gaslamp Quarter Theater, San Diego), Rupert/Evelyn in Corpse! (GQT), George in On Approval (GQT). George in The Philadelphia Story (Gretna Theater). Film: Star Trek IV, The Peacemaker, We Own the Night, The Dollmaker, Last Chance (Bryan Cranston, dir.). Television: Knights of Prosperity, Ed, Special Unit (Bryan Cranston, dir.)

Proceeds from THREE MOVEMENTS will benefit Us TOO, a grassroots organization started in 1990 by prostate cancer survivors to serve prostate cancer survivors, their spouses/partners and families.

THREE MOVEMENTS will be performed from October 17 – 26, 2008 at the Studio Theatre, Theatre Row (410 W. 42nd Street, NYC) with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm, Monday and Tuesday at 7pm. Additional performance Saturday, October 18 at 2pm. Tickets are $18 and are available at www.ticketcentral.com or by phone at 212-279-4200.

For more information, visit www.heiressproductions.org

Heiress Productions to Present Premiere of 'Three Movements' Starting 10/17 - 10/17/2008

Colm Wilkinson, Returns To NY Stage On 10/18 - 10/18/2008

Colm Wilkinson, the world's original Jean Valjean, returns to the New York stage for one day more on Saturday, October 18th at 8PM in Broadway & Beyond.� Presented by New York's famed Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street), This one-night only event is one of three weekend concerts created, written and hosted for The Town Hall by Scott Siegel.� The festival launches with A Tribute to Lerner & Loewe on October 17th at 8PM and concludes with Broadway Originals, where stars recreate the roles they originated in Broadway productions or revivals, on Sunday, October 19th at 3PM .

Wilkinson will sing an eclectic program ranging from Broadway favorites by Rodgers & Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber to popular standards by Ray Charles, Leonard Cohen, Muddy Waters and John Lennon. Les Miserables' Susan Gillmor will reunite with Wilkinson as his special guest star.� Wilkinson will be backed by a nine-piece orchestra lead by music director Steve Hunter.

Beginning his career in his native Ireland in the 1970's, Wilkinson has become an internationally recognized vocalist. The celebrated Broadway star has spent years on the stage starring in Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.� His latest solo album Some of My Best Friends Are Songs (EMI Music Canada) is a selection of some of his favorite songs of all time.�� It includes three songs written by Wilkinson and a duet with his own son Aaron. Between musicals, solo albums, compilations and singles, Wilkinson has appeared in over 60 titles including Stage Heros (BMG), a solo album, where he performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded at the historic Abbey Road Studios, in London, as well as the celebrated Highlight album of Jekyll and Hyde (BMG). This concert marks Mr. Wilkinson's Town Hall debut and his return to the New York stage.

The Town Hall's Fourth Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival will take place from October 17th through 19th, with A Tribute to Lerner & Loewe on October 17th at 8PM, An Evening With Colm Wilkinson on October 18th at 8PM and Broadway Originals on Sunday, October 19th at 3PM.� In the Town Hall tradition of affordable entertainment, concert hall tickets are only $55 per show for this all-star weekend.� Subscriptions for all three concerts are $150 and are available through mail order only. Single tickets can be purchased though Ticket Master (212) 307-4100 or www.ticketmaster.com and also by visiting The Town Hall Box Office between noon and 6PM (except Sundays) at 123 West 43rd Street, (212) 840-2824 or log on to

www.the-townhall-nyc.org

The Actors' Gang to Present Premiere of 'I am not a racist, but..' - 10/18/2008

The Actors' Gang invites audiences to witness the development of a new work-in-progress. With its signature take-no-prisoners style, The Gang takes a bold, funny, sad and incendiary look at what it takes to bring America's history of racism out of the shadows and shine a light on how it still envelops us today in " 'I am not a racist, but...'," conceived and directed by founding member Cynthia Ettinger and created by the acting ensemble. Beginning October 18, seventeen workshop performances will be open to the public at the Ivy Substation in Culver City.

" 'I am not a racist, but...' " challenges actors and audience alike to create a conversation about racism in America: its ugly divisiveness, its persistence and its deep rootedness. An ongoing work-in-progress that has been in development for many months, it follows in the footsteps of previous Actors' Gang-created theatrical events like Carnage, Alagazam and Embedded.

"There's a conspiracy of silence in 'white' America that makes voicing our secret, inner prejudices taboo," says Ettinger. "With this new work, we attempt to dismantle our silence - which is, I think, a form of racism in itself - and deconstruct our collective sense of isolation. The action in the piece is immediate and overwhelming, leaving no time to judge, only to experience. We hope it will unhinge some, enlighten others."

Associate artistic director V.J. Foster says, "We are confident that 'I am not a racist' will add to The Gang's history of creating a community dialogue. As we near a presidential election that is rife with racial overtones, it's imperative that we encourage deeper discussion."

The Actors' Gang, now in its 25th season of rule-breaking, thought-provoking, engaging theater, is one of Los Angeles' most enduring ensembles. Since its founding in 1982, The Gang has consistently won acclaim for its daring interpretations of Shakespeare, Buchner, Brecht, Moliere, Aeschylus, Ibsen and Chekhov, while also developing daring new plays that address today's world through a prism of satire, popular culture, and raucous stagecraft. "Of the theater companies in Los Angeles that doggedly dare to dissect current political conflicts, The Actors' Gang, headed by Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins, is the most prominent," wrote The Daily Breeze.

Workshop performances of " 'I am not a racist, but... ' " take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm, October 18 through November 15. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating; Pay-What-You-Can "Rush" tickets are available to all performances at the door, 30 minutes prior to curtain, subject to availability.

The Actors' Gang is located in the Ivy Substation at 9070 Venice Boulevard (near the intersection of Culver and Venice Blvds.) in Culver City. Two hours free parking is available throughout downtown Culver City; the Ince Parking Lot (corner of Culver and Ince) is directly across the street from the theater. In addition, several restaurants (Italian, French, Thai, Japanese, and more) are only a few blocks' walk from The Actors' Gang and offer a variety of dining options before and after the theater. The Ivy Substation is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For reservations and information, call The Actors' Gang Box Office at 310-838-GANG (310-838-4264) or go to www.theactorsgang.com.

92nd Street Y Opens New Center, 92 Tribeca, Oct 18th - 10/18/2008

The 92nd Street Y officially opens its new downtown arts and entertainment center, 92YTribeca, on October 18 with nightlife, daytime programming and an eco-healthy café. The venue is located at 200 Hudson, at the corner of Canal.

92YTribeca kicks off its programming with “18 Nights of Inspiration” – 18 chances to sample what’s on the nightlife menu between now and December 18. Opening night – October 18 – features indie rocker and analog-recording fiend John Vanderslice, comedian Michael Showalter, and a screening of Wet Hot American Summer complete with spiked “bug juice” and urban s’mores, followed by an opening-night DJ party. Coming up are punk-meets-garage girl-band Care Bears on Fire (Nov 6); comedians Aasif Mandvi (on his new movie, Nov 19), Greg Giraldo (on the election, Oct 29), Zach Galifianakis (Dec 10), and Eugene Mirman (Nov 5); a night with the cast of Broadway’s [title of show] hosted by Ira “This American Life” Glass (Nov 5), and “Byte Me,” a series on digital gaming that kicks off with a talk and tournament (Oct 25).

A complete schedule of October events is below; for more information about upcoming events, visit www.92YTribeca.org.

92YTribeca has a mainstage/bar for music, comedy and theater; a 72-seat screening room for films and talks with filmmakers; seminar rooms for classes and conversations on everything from cartooning to politics; an art gallery focusing on local, emerging artists; and an eco-healthy gourmet café with free wireless access; Jewish cultural events and celebrations that are distinctly “downtown;” and one of the friendliest community service programs in the city.

During the day, 92YTribeca offers the adult programming that 92Y is famous for – classes, lectures and events with top-tier experts. 92YTribeca offers classes in watercolor painting, photography and international affairs; breakfast talks on real-life business topics like “crowdsourcing;” noontime talks on everything from Descartes to Botox; tastings and food tours; film screenings and seminars; and a series on evolution and innovation in Modern American Art presented by the Whitney Museum.

Sol Adler, executive director of the 92nd Street Y, says, “With 92YTribeca, we are creating a downtown cultural hub for the 20-something set, where a night out is empowering and inspiring – as well as lots of fun. By day, we hope it will be a home away from home for adults of all ages to learn, socialize, explore – and eat some amazing food.”

Speaking of food… Menu items at Café 92YTribeca are made-to-order, using locally sourced, kosher dairy ingredients: gourmet grilled cheese with sweet onion and fig; Belgian-chocolate egg creams; “92 Hour Pickles,” blueberry lemonade, smoked salmon Reuben, cardamom-infused rice pudding and deviled eggs with wasabi tuna. The café is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacking.

Advisory Committee

92YTribeca has assembled an influential advisory committee of successful, creative innovators in art, fashion, technology, media and entertainment, including: Greg Wacks, supervising producer at VH1; musician Lisa Loeb; Julie Greenwald, president of Atlantic Records; and Marc Ecko, founder and chief creative officer of Marc Ecko Enterprises.

92nd Street Y Opens New Arts and Entertainment Center 92 Tribeca on Oct 18th - 10/18/2008

For more information including a complete listing of the upcoming events at 92 Tribeca please visit www.92y.org

'The Medium At Large' - 10/18/2008

The Medium At Large on YouTube

Victory Gardens Gives New Meaning to 'Child Play' - 10/18/2008

VICTORY GARDENS FAMILY SATURDAY SERIES GIVES NEW MEANING TO "CHILD PLAY"
PARENTS WATCH THE SHOW, WHILE WE WATCH YOUR KIDS!

Victory Gardens' "Family Saturday" series kicks off October 18th with Eurydice

See five plays for only $155 per parent with an introductory Family Saturday subscription

Parents, when was the last time you and your spouse enjoyed an evening of live theater - without worrying about the high cost and hassle of finding someone to watch your kids?

Probably not since before you had them!

It's time to act like adults again, and Victory Gardens Theater's Family Saturday series makes it easy.

Victory Gardens is the only Chicago theater that provides an opportunity for parents to experience award-winning live theater, without the bother of finding a sitter. At Victory Gardens' Family Saturday performances, parents watch the show, while VGT educational professionals watch your kids!

Six Family Saturday performances one per production are slated for Victory Gardens' 2008-2009 season. The Family Saturday series kicks off Saturday, October 18 at 5 pm with Victory Gardens' 2008-2009 season opener, Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl. VGT education professionals will keep children 4 years and older entertained with theater games, crafts and storytelling in the Prince Charitable Trusts Rehearsal Room, while their parents are downstairs enjoying a Pulitzer Prize nominee's fresh take on the classic Orpheus myth in Victory Gardens¹ beautiful new Biograph Theater mainstage.

In addition to instilling a love for theater, Family Saturday kids' activities are tailored to each play's themes - guaranteeing a lively post-show conversation on the drive home.

Dina Berne, mother of Sophie (10) and Miriam (8), a Family Saturday subscriber last season, elaborated, "We were amazed at the amount of planning that went into the childcare. For each play there were activities for the kids that drew from the central theme of the show we were seeing downstairs. Our daughters had a great time, while my husband and I were able to enjoy a "grown-up" time in the city."

Berne added, "Being able to attend a play without the hassle of finding a sitter and then worrying that they might cancel was tremendous. Of course, not feeling rushed during the travel time to and from the theater was an added bonus."

As icing on the cake, parents are encouraged to check in during intermission and join their kids for free gourmet cupcakes, courtesy of Victory Gardens' Official Snack Sponsor, Swirlz Cupcakes.

The Victory Gardens Biograph Theater is located at 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Call the box office - 773.871.3000 to reserve seats for the October 18th Family Saturday for Eurydice. Single tickets are $48, plus a nominal $5 sitting fee per child.

Want to save even more money, while scheduling five guaranteed date nights with your spouse? Be sure to ask about Victory Gardens' introductory five-play Family Saturday subscription offer - only $155 per parent! That's five date nights for just over $300! Or, download an order form at
http://www.victorygardens.org/familysaturday

VICTORY GARDENS¹ 2008/09 FAMILY SATURDAY PERFORMANCES ARE:

Eurydice
Saturday, October 18, 2008 5 PM
A fresh take on the Greek Orpheus myth by MacArthur Genius award winner Sarah Ruhl.

The Snow Queen
Saturday, December 6, 2008 3 PM
Chicago's #1 alternative to traditional holiday fare, back by popular demand, for ages 8 and up. While The Snow Queen might scare younger children, bring the whole family anyway, and leave your little ones with us!

Living Green
Saturday, February 7, 2009 5 PM
A modern-day homage to A Raisin in the Sun.

Class Dismissed
Saturday, April 4, 2009 5 PM
A comedy set in the 1960s about youth and living with the consequences of how you spend it.

Love Person
Saturday, May 30, 2009 5 pm
A romance about two couples, three cultures, and four languages, performed in English, Sanskrit, American Sign Language, and projected e-mail.

Blackbird starring William L. Petersen
Saturday, July 18, 2009 5 PM
The star of CBS-TV's "CSI" returns to Victory Gardens to star in Blackbird, an intense two-person drama, by David Harrower. For mature audiences only.

Valet parking is available for only $11 at all performances at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater. Discounted parking is also available one block south at Children's Memorial Hospital for all shows except weekday matinees, and Lincoln Park Hospital two blocks south on Webster, at all times (no
overnights).

By CTA train, take the Red, Purple and Brown lines to Fullerton. Walk east on Fullerton to the first intersection, then north on Lincoln 1/2 block. The #8 Halsted, #11 Lincoln, #37 Sedgwick/Ogden, and #74 Fullerton CTA buses all stop at the corner of Fullerton and Halsted, 1/2 block south of
the theater. See http://www.transitchicago.com for times and routes.

For complete information about Victory Gardens, go to http://www.victorygardens.org

Queen of Sharks Presents The Chompetition (Improv Tournament) (East Village - 10/18/2008

Queen of Sharks Presents The Chompetition 32 of NYC's Best Improv Comedy Teams, from the PIT, Magnet, UCB and more! 1 Tournament where YOU get to vote on the best. Every week two teams will go head to head to see who proceeds until only 1 remains! Saturdays 7pm at the Identity Bar and Lounge $5 (no drink minimum) 511 E. 6th St by Ave A N, R, W at 8th St; 6 at Astor Pl www.queenofsharks.com

10/18 - LOAD vs. Sid Viscous

Hayworth Theatre to Present World Premiere of 'Lovelace' 10/18 - 10/18/2008

The Hayworth Theatre, in association with Roz Bernstein Productions, will present the world debut of “Lovelace: A Rock Opera,” on October 18, 2008. The new show, recounting the life and times of legendary adult film superstar Linda Lovelace of “Deep Throat” fame, is based on the Book, Music and Lyrics of Charlotte Caffey (founding member of “The Go-Go’s,) and Anna Waronker (singer/songwriter, founding member of “That Dog.,”) with the Original Concept and Lyrics from Jeffery Leonard Bowman. Please see: www.lovelacearockopera.com

Acclaimed Director Ken Sawyer (“One Red Flower,” “Crime and Punishment”) directs “Lovelace,” which stars newcomer Katrina Lenk in the lead role. “Lovelace” debuts at the Hayworth Oct. 18, and will continue with an initial six-week run until November 23. (Please visit: www.thehayworth.com ) (Note: The show premieres just 3-months shy of what would have been Linda Lovelace’s 60th birthday.)

ABOUT THE SHOW:

“Lovelace: A Rock Opera” runs October 18h through November 23, 2008, with previews October 11th, 12th, 16th & 17th. Tickets for preview shows are $15. Performances are at The Hayworth Theatre at 2509 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM.

Tickets are $25-$30. Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission. Allow time for street parking. For reservations, call (323) 960-4442 or to RESERVE TICKETS ONLINE: www.plays411.com

ABOUT LINDA LOVELACE AND “DEEP THROAT:”

On June 12, 1972, “Deep Throat” made its debut in the United States, instantly becoming the first mainstream pornographic movie, and still considered today the quintessential adult film of all time. The country’s elite, from Truman Capote to Jackie Kennedy to Johnny Carson, flocked to “respectable” theaters to see this history making film. Its star, the previously unknown actress Linda Lovelace (real name- Linda Susan Boreman,) became an overnight sensation, counting Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson as her fans.

By all accounts at the time, Lovelace was on top of the world –a sexually liberated woman taking full advantage of the sexual revolution, serving as it’s poster child. But just a few years later, Lovelace began telling a different story, one of abuse and imprisonment at the hands of her husband, Chuck Traynor. Finally escaping Traynor’s clutches, she was embraced by the feminist movement and its anti-porn crusade, becoming one of their premier spokeswomen, and even going on to speak numerous times in front of the U.S Senate. The actress died from internal injuries following a car crash in Colorado in 2002.

In the style of previous smash hit rock operas “Tommy” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Lovelace: A Rock Opera” recounts Linda’s story. From pregnant teenager in Yonkers, New York, to her turbulent relationship with Traynor and the making of “Deep Throat,” through to her triumphant rebirth as activist and suburban wife and mother.

ABOUT THE CREATORS OF THE BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BEHIND: “LOVELACE: A ROCK OPERA:”

Anna Waronker (“That Dog,”) and Charlotte Caffey (“The Go-Go’s,”) are highly esteemed songwriters and performers, worldwide. Los Angeles natives and sisters-in-law, they started collaborating for film, television, and other artists upon meeting in 1995. “Lovelace” has been a work in progress since 2002, where Waronker and Caffey’s initial involvement began solely as music writers.

In 2006, the duo embarked on their first venture as playwrights, writing the book for “Lovelace,” in the form of a sung-through rock opera. After months of extensive research, Waronker and Caffey developed a highly emotional, dramatic, and sometimes hilarious piece about the life of Linda Boreman (aka “Linda Lovelace.”) “Lovelace” is their first theatrical endeavor.

Individually, Waronker has released several albums in “That Dog” and as a solo artist, and composes for film and television. Caffey has penned such hits as “We Got The Beat,” “Vacation,” and “Head Over Heels” in her Grammy nominated band “The Go-Go’s,” and also co-wrote Keith Urban’s first #1 hit. Infusing Waronker’s signature vocal style and Caffey’s classical education with their collective rock and pop backgrounds, Waronker and Caffey have since written the book, music, and co-written the lyrics for “Lovelace: A Rock Opera.”

Regarding “Lovelace,” Waronker and Caffey said, “After a tremendous amount of research, we realized that the life of Linda Lovelace is a complicated story to tell. This isn’t about a porn star or a feminist. What compelled us were all the details that lurked under the surface of this woman’s life.”

The duo adds, “Musically, what we found through the years was that this story had a particular intensity that didn’t lend itself to a traditional setting of a musical with dialogue. Luckily, the music we had written did indeed lend itself to that intensity, and after four years of countless books, several workshops and the guidance of our creative producers Gary Blumsack and Danna Hyams, and our director Ken Sawyer, we were ‘Rock Opera’ bound. And here we are.”

About Jeffery Leonard Bowman, Original Concept and Lyrics:

Jeffery Bowman provided the original concept and lyrics to the music featured within “Lovelace: A Rock Opera.” He is the author of nine produced stage plays, including 1995’s “Innacurate Information” which was presented at The Hudson Theater in Los Angeles. He is also the author of “Diva: The Unauthorized Biography of Whitney Houston” published by HarperCollins and released worldwide. In addition to his work on “Lovelace,” Jeffery is currently writing and performing his own original songs with shows throughout the Los Angeles area.

About “Lovelace” Newcomer Katrina Lenk:

“Lovelace” actress Katrina Lenk, recently nominated for a 2008 “Ovation Award/Lead Actress in a Musical” for her role as “Velma Kelly” in “Chicago,” has appeared in a number of hit TV series, including “According to Jim,” “Will & Grace” and “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment,” along with numerous indie films, TV commercials, and local Los Angeles theatre productions. A multi-talented musician, singer, dancer and composer, she has played viola and sung back up for Reyna Larson in Chicago and Los Angeles during the past 10 years, and has also played with Friends of the Jitney, and Justin Cotta and the Tenderhooks. Additionally, she also performs her own brand of indie/electronica/classical music as a singer and a viola player, under the stage name Moxy Phinx. (www.myspace.com/moxyphinx)

Regarding her new role, Katrina says, “I had heard of ‘Deep Throat’ and ‘Linda Lovelace’ before my audition, but I really didn’t know what that film or the woman were all about. After my audition, I rented ‘Deep Throat.’ What an odd, unsexy movie that is!” Katrina took on the role of Lovelace, “not because she was a famous porn star, but because she was a tragically heroic figure. Linda was in a highly abusive relationship with her husband/manager for many years, but managed to get out it, and later reached out to other abused women, helping to inspire them to do likewise. Linda helped break new ground in the women’s liberation movement, and I admire the way she turned her life around, after surviving such a tormented past.”

About the Director:

Ken Sawyer is the director of “Lovelace: A Rock Opera.” Earlier this summer, Ken directed an all-star cast in Paris Barclay’s new musical "One Red Flower" at the Brentwood Theatre. The production starred Hunter Parrish (“Weeds”) and Maureen McGovern (“Little Women,”) and was part of the Rubicon Theatre's New Works Festival. Ken’s other credits this year include the LA premiere of the off-Broadway hit "Crime & Punishment" at The Actors Co-Op, which recently received three 2008 “Ovation Award" nominations, including one for Ken in the “Sound Design” category.

Ken is perhaps best known for his extremely successful production of “The Woman in Black.” This ghostly thriller set box office records at The Road Theatre, receiving a “Critics’ Choice” from the LA Times, winning five prestigious “LA Ovation Awards,” including “Best Production (Play)” and “Best Director,” and four “LA Drama Critics Circle Awards,” including “Best Director.” The show played at The Road Theatre Company for nine sold out months, before transferring to The Coronet Theatre for an additional three month run.

Ken is a founding member of North Hollywood's The Road Theatre Company, serving on its artistic board for five years. Dedicated to developing new works, he helped build this company into one of Los Angeles' most celebrated venues. While at The Road Theatre, he directed the world premieres of: "Backwards in High Heels,” "A Mislaid Heaven" (four LA Ovation Award nominations,) "David & Goliath in America," and "The Angels of Lemnos" (LA Ovation Award nomination Best Director.)

Ken’s concert work includes: "In Good Company" (at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, with Lee Lessack, Stephan Schwartz, and Ann Hampton Callaway,) "Three Men and a Baby Grand Salute the Rat Pack" (Orange County Performing Arts Center,) and the 2007 workshops of "Lovelace: A Rock Opera" (Hayworth Theatre.) As an award winning sound designer, Ken’s credits include "Crime & Punishment" (Ovation Award Nomination,) among others, and having co-designed, with Dave Marling, "The Angels of Lemnos" (Ovation Award Nomination,) "A Mislaid Heaven" (Ovation Award Nomination,) and "The Woman in Black" (Ovation Award, Drama Critics Circle Award.)

Ken is an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Director's Lab West 2002, and La MaMa Italy 2007 (working with Andre Serban and Ellen Stewart,) and has toured with John Houseman's "The Acting Company.” He is a BFA graduate of the Juilliard School.

ABOUT THE HAYWORTH THEATRE:

The Hayworth Theatre officially opened its doors on February 25, 2006, with the critically acclaimed one-man show, “Not A Genuine Black Man”. Over the last two and a half years, The Hayworth has presented a slate of thought provoking and insightful productions, such as Carlos Lacamara’s “Nowhere On The Border”, “The Good Steno Steno”, written, directed and starring Paul Ben-Victor and Lacamara’s “Havana Bourgeois”. Earlier this year, Artistic Director, Gary Blumsack directed Frances Fisher and Paul Ben-Victor in “Sexy Laundry”. Renowned film director, Paul Mazursky returned to theatre to direct “The Catskill Sonata” in 2007 and again this year for “Adam Baum And The Jew Movie”, starring Richard Kind and Hamish Linklater.

In June of 2007, The Hayworth premiered The Bruno Kirby Celebrity Reading Series, a monthly presentation of new plays, featuring an exciting array of film, television and stage stars. The series opened with Lou Diamond Phillips’ “Burning Desire”, starring Phillips, Michael Urie and Amy Smart and directed by Wendy Mallick. Over the last year, casts have included Paul Mazursky, Chandra Wilson, Charles Durning, Jerry O’Connell, Carol Kane, Dan Lauria, Dayton Callie, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Rappaport, Wendie Mallick. Gary Cole, Bruce Davison, and many more. For more info: www.thehayworth.com

terraNOVA Collective Starts Season with 'Blue Before Morning - 10/18/2008

Kicking off their 2008/2009 season with Blue Before Morning by Kate McGovern, terraNOVA Collective joins the DR2 Theatre (103 East 15 Street, east of Union Square, New York) as their newest resident theatre company. terraNOVA Collective will be joining the Women's Expressive Theatre (WET) as only the second theatre company to be offered residency at the DR2 Theatre. terraNOVA Artistic Director, Jennifer Conley Darling, states "We are truly honored to become part of the Daryl Roth Theatre family. A residency has been something we have been striving for over the years, but never wanted to force-fit. When Daryl and her team offered this, we knew it was right time, with the right people. The missions of both the DR2 and terraNOVA have a synergy that we always knew would be a good fit."

Daryl Roth says, "DR2 Theatre was created to offer a nurturing and inviting environment for artists working in the Off-Broadway community. terraNOVA Collective is a wonderful group of artists who have devised an impressive format that gives many new voices an opportunity to be heard. Their thought-provoking productions are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre. DR2 is very pleased to have the company as our newest theatre-in-residence, joining The Women's Expressive Theatre. terraNOVA's upcoming contributions to our venue will certainly offer our audiences a unique experience with each visit."

terraNOVA Collective's 2008/2009 season will include:

Blue Before Morning By Kate McGovern, directed by Gia Forakis, October 18-November 8

At dawn, a New York cabbie picks up a teenage girl headed for the bus station. Before long, they're driving to South Carolina, accompanied by a very pregnant, foul-mouthed hitchhiker. The three strangers hit I-95 and find themselves on a journey of unusual coincidences and second chances that straddle past and present while leading them toward an unlikely future.

The Groundbreakers Writer's Workshop | Begins in late October

We pride ourselves on our script development. Groundbreakers, a weekly writers' workshop, focuses on this essential element in producing great plays and emphasizes growth in structure, story and dialogue. Through these workshops, we choose scripts to go on to the next level of development, a ten day rehearsal and staged reading. After careful consideration, one play from the second development tier receives a main stage production.

The Groundbreakers Reading Series | Spring/Fall 2009

A bi-annual reading series of work chosen through the Groundbreakers Writer's Workshop.

The 6th Annual soloNOVA Arts Festival | May 2009

The soloNOVA Arts Festival celebrates innovative individuals who push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist, aiming to redefine the solo form and reinvigorate the audience through the time-honored tradition of storytelling.

terraNOVA Collective will also offer residencies to various writer's and artists throughout the year.

terraNOVA Collective is a vibrant playground for artists devoted to innovative new and original theatrical works. Our multi-layered development process, solo arts festivals, and productions serve to nurture and liberate our community. Previous productions include Baby Steps by James Carter, Buck Fever by Juan C. Sanchez , Baby Love by Christen Clifford (as part of the 2006 soloNOVA Arts Festival), and Feeder: A Love Story (as part of the 2nd Annual undergroundzero Festival – 2008 Audience Award). terraNOVA Collective also produces the soloNOVA Arts Festival, Groundbreakers, the touring production of Masquerade: calypso and home, written and performed by Roger Bonair-Agard.

"(terraNOVA)…brings back the art of storytelling." – Backstage

Daryl Roth is privileged to have produced six Pulitzer Prize winning plays: August: Osage County, Anna in the Tropics, How I Learned to Drive, Proof, Three Tall Women, and Wit. Other award winning productions include: Thurgood, A Catered Affair, Curtains, The Country Girl, Allergist's Wife, Caroline or Change, Coram Boy, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, Inherit the Wind, Medea, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Year of Magical Thinking.

For more information, visit: www.terraNovaCollective.org

HARM'S WAY Opens October 18 - 10/18/2008

Critically acclaimed theatre company Circus Theatricals proudly announces that playwright SHEM BITTERMAN has won the 2008 Pen USA Literary Award for Drama for his play HARM'S WAY. Past winners of the award include Sarah Rule, Luis Alfaro, Donald Freed, and Craig Volk.

Circus Theatricals will present a limited run of HARM'S WAY in New York beginning October 18, just off the heels of their acclaimed LA production. Harm's Way will play in rotating repertory with Man.gov, also penned by Bitterman, at the 45th Street Theatre (354 W. 45th Street). The director is Broadway (Nuts) and television (According to Jim, Hanna Montana, Friends) director Steve Zuckerman. It stars Jack Stehlin (Weeds), Wendy Makkena (Sister Act, Side Man), Eric Pierpoint (Alien Nation), Josh Allen, Ben Bowen and Sarah Foret (Beautiful People).

HARM'S WAY tells the tale of a career Army prosecutor who investigates a possible war crime against Iraqi civilians by U.S troops - while at the same time fighting to save his troubled daughter here on American soil. Previews begin October 11 with opening night slated for October 18.

The HARM'S WAY design team includes Kitty Rose (sets/costumes) and LA Drama Critics Circle nominee Derrick McDaniel (lighting) with original music by Emmy nominated composer Roger Bellon (Mario Puzo's "The Last Don).

The 18th Annual PEN USA Literary Awards grants literary prizes in ten genres. The winners of the 2008 Literary Awards competition, which honors outstanding works published or produced in 2007 by writers who live west of the Mississippi River. It also presents special awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented this year to Larry Gelbart, who wrote among other things, Broadway's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The 18th Annual PEN USA Literary Awards Festival will be held on December 3, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. For more information visit www.penusa.org

SHEM BITTERMAN is the recipient of the LA Drama Critic's Circle Award for Best New Play for The Job which transferred to Off-Broadway and was published by Samuel French and Smith & Kraus. The film version of The Job (starring Joe Pantoliano and Ron Perlman) is in post-production. Other plays include The Circle (LA Weekly Award nominee and 2005 Pen/West Finalist), Ten Below (starring Kevin Conway and Anthony Edwards; winner of the National Play Award), Peephole (Davie Award); Night-Side (at Actor's Theatre of Louisville, starring Pamela Gien); The Ramp (at South Coast Rep, winner of the California Playwright's Competition); Beijing Legends (Mark Taper Forum, winner of the Fund For New American Plays Award); Self Storage; and Iowa Boys (CBS/FDG New Plays Award).

STEVE ZUCKERMAN directed Nuts by Tom Topor on Broadway which received both Tony and a Drama Desk Award nominations. As Associate Director of New York's WPA theater he directed productions including Steve Metcalf's The Incredibly Famous Willy Rivers, Shem Bitterman's Ten Below and Israel Horovitz's Unexpected Tenderness and North Shore Fish. He directed a filmed version of North Shore Fish for Showtime which starred Mercedes Ruehl, Peter Riegert and Tony Danza. Revivals of Tennessee Williams Vieux Carre and Ibsen's When We Dead Awaken with Kim Hunter received Drama Desk Awards. He has been Director of Play Development at Circle in the Square Theatre and Artistic Director of the Impossible Ragtime Theatre in New York and the Sharon Playhouse. He has directed at the Manhattan Theater Club, Circle Rep and regional theatres including Baltimore's Center Stage, The La Jolla Playhouse and Yale Rep. He has directed over 350 episodes of prime time TV including such shows as "Everybody Loves Raymond", "The Drew Carey Show", "Friends", and "Murphy Brown" for which he received an Humanitas Award. He is currently directing "According to Jim" and "Hanna Montana."

Jack Stehlin (Artistic Director) founded CIRCUS THEATRICALS in New York in 1983. The company's notable NYC productions include Shakespeare's Macbeth Off-Broadway at the Classic Stage Company and Danton's Death at the Rapp Arts Center. In 1995, the company moved to Los Angeles where they have presented work at venues including the Odyssey Theatre and The Hudson Guild. In 2006, they inaugurated their own venue Circus Theatricals Theatre where the company continues to present world premiere and classic plays. Circus Theatricals is the recipient of the 2007/2008 Los Angeles County Arts Commission Grant. Circus Theatricals has garnered awards and nominations from the LA Drama Critics Circle, Back Stage West, the LA Weekly, LA Stage Alliance Ovations, and Dramalogue.

MAN.GOV and HARM'S WAY run in rotating repertory from October 10 - November 9 For a complete schedule, visit www.CircusTheatricals.com. The 45th Street Theater is located at 354 W. 45th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves). Tickets are $18, available at 212-352-3101.

'Girl With A Pearl Earring' to Close Early on West End - 10/18/2008

The London Theatre Guide is reporting that the West End production of "GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING" will close earlier than expected on October 18th, 2008.

Adrian Dunbar stars as 'Vermeer' in "GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING", a new play by David Joss Buckley, which opened in London at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Monday 29 September, following previews from 24 September. The play was originally set to conclude November 1st.

Johannes Vermeer is the greatest painter of his time. When he hires a young girl Griet to help in his house, it is not long before she becomes more than a servant - she starts to help him in his studio, learning the art of painting by watching the master. And then, secretly, Vermeer begins to paint her and Griet becomes model and muse for his greatest masterpiece "Girl With A Pearl Earring". This new play is a stage adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's best-selling novel, which was subsequently made into an acclaimed film.

Kimberley Nixon (who played 'Sophy' in the television adaptation of "Cranford") plays 'Griet', Sara Kestelman 'Maria Thins', Niall Buggy 'Van Ruijven' and Lesley Vickerage 'Catherina'. Also in the cast are Maggie Service, Jonathan Bailey and Flora Spencer-Longhurst.

"GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING" is directed by Joe Dowling, with set and lighting design by Peter Mumford, costume design by Fotini Dimou, sound by Matt McKenzie and original music by Christopher Gunning.

"GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING" is produced by Brian Eastman and Andrew Welch.

Performance times at the Theatre Royal Haymarket will be Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced from £17.50 - £45.00, are available from the Theatre Royal Haymarket Box Office on 0845 481 1870 or at www.girlwithapearlearring.co.uk

Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Co Present Readin of 'Pygmalion and Galatea' 10/18 - 10/18/2008

The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island will present a staged reading of W. S. Gilbert's classic comedy, Pygmalion and Galatea.

The play will be performed Saturday night, October 18, 8:00 pm, at the Ethical Humanist Society, 38 Old Country Road in Garden City.

"Most people think of W.S. Gilbert as the author of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas," director Gayden Wren says, "and of course the operas are his lasting legacy. In his own time, however, he might just as likely have been identified as the author of Pygmalion and Galatea. It was not only his most successful straight play, but actually made more money for him than any of the operas, even The Mikado or H.M.S. Pinafore."

The play is the fourth in an annual series of staged readings that began with The Palace of Truth in 2005, and continued with The Princess in 2006 and Tom Cobb in 2007.

"It's been a wonderfully entertaining way to learn more about Gilbert and his work," says Wren, who conceived the popular series, and has directed all four readings. "After all, his collaboration with Arthur Sullivan encompassed only 14 of the 72 plays which Gilbert had produced. In principle we could continue this series until 2063 before we began repeating. And in his own time Gilbert was as well known as a straight playwright as he was as a librettist."

First produced at the Haymarket Theatre in 1871, only a couple of weeks before Thespis, Gilbert's first collaboration with Sullivan, was presented at the Gaiety, Pygmalion and Galatea is the story of a sculptor, Pygmalion, who specializes in statues of beautiful women - always using his beloved wife, Cynisca, as his model.

However, the statues are even more beautiful than the real woman - a difference that becomes important when the gods deem Pygmalion's greatest work, Galatea, so lovely that they bring the statue to life as a real woman.

Soon Pygmalion is at odds with his wife, who can't help being jealous even of the marble itself, while the innocent Galatea, who knows nothing of human life or society, sows havoc wherever she goes.

"It's hilariously funny," Wren says, "with some biting commentary on social hypocrisy, gender roles, the place of the artist in society and much more. And it's also genuinely moving, building up to an ending which left Victorian audiences profoundly stirred."

As is usual in the staged-reading series, The cast for Pygmalion and Galatea includes many of the company's finest performers. Will Curtis of New York and San Francisco, a veteran of the Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks and other New York productions, plays Pygmalion, with Cassandra Lems of New Hyde Park as Cynisca. Sara Elliott Holliday of Queens plays Galatea, with Patricia Hulmes of West Babylon as Pygmalion's sister Myrine, and Stephen O'Leary of Lynbrook as her fiancee, the confused soldier Leucippus.

Martin Fuller of Oceanside, a 30-year veteran of the Company, will appear as the pompous art patron Chrysos. Lily Grehan of Centereach as Chrysos' jealous wife Daphne, with New Hyde Parks' Andrew Schwartz and Barry Mastellone of Queens as the slaves Agesimos and Mimos round out the 9-person cast.

"It's a wonderful show," Wren concludes, "and one that deserves to be seen more often than it is. This is a terrific opportunity for anyone who loves Gilbert's operas to get acquainted with another side of the man who most people considered the most important English dramatist of the 19th century."

Tickets for W. S. Gilbert's Pygmalion and Galatea are $15, and may be reserved by calling (516) 795-7745 or (631) 567-8264. Tickets may also be purchased with a credit card by visiting www.theatermania.com.

Gallery Players' LIKE YOU LIKE IT Extended to 11/9 - 10/18/2008

The Gallery Players has announced today that Like You Like It has been extended due to popular demand, adding six performances to the schedule now to running from October 18th to November 9th, including 2pm Saturday matinees on November 1st and 8th. All the world's a mall in this popular musical adaptation of Shakespeare's As You Like It, Sammy Buck and Daniel S. Acquisto's 1980s-style Like You Like It. A totally awesome mix of Shakespeare and John Hughes, this romantic musical comedy enjoys its second chance at a first full New York production after being an audience favorite at NYMF in 2004. With all the excitement of High School Musical, Like You Like It is filled with memorable tunes, a hip sense of humor, pure joy and a huge heart. The show is directed by Igor Goldin, who directed a recent production of Like You Like It at Theater Under The Stars and last year's heralded production of Yank! at The Gallery Players. The cast of 18 includes Jeff Barba, Lena Moy-Borgen, Jennifer Blood*, Trey Compton*, Richard Connelly, Brynn Curry, Rebecca Dealy, Roy Flores, Nathan Johnson, André Jordan, Caitlin Kent, Michael Lowney*, Alison Luff (Tommy Tune Awards Winner for Best Leading Actress for Lucky Stiff, Les Miserables and Seussical at Theater Under The Stars), Clint Morris*, Elisabeth Ness, Lance Olds* (Footloose/1st National Tour), Hollis Scarborough*(Hairspray/Las Vegas) and Carly Vernon. Known for producing revivals, The Gallery Players is mounting this second full-scale original musical production. An interview with the show's creators and director as well as a performance from the show can be heard at broadwaybullet.com Vol. 220.

Theatremania's Peter Filichia stated, "Like You Like It deserves great success, too, and will wind up being produced extensively in high schools - but not for years, for a boffo Broadway run will undoubtedly come first."

Like You Like It is set in 1985, and the brand new Arden Mall is hosting a high school dance. Bookworm babe Rosalind wants to go with varsity wrestler Orlando, but she's never had the guts to talk to him. Rosalind disguises herself as a frat dude named Corey and learns Orlando's true feelings for her. But things get tricky when "Corey" complicates the lives of three other couples at Arden. Rosalind will do anything to get Orlando, even if it means showing up at the dance as both herself and Corey. With twists and turns to the very end, it all works out Like You Like It! Find us on Facebook, galleryplayers.com and likeyoulikeit.com.

Sammy Buck (bookwriter & lyricist) and DANIEL S. ACQUISTO (composer) are the 2007 winners of a Talking Broadway Summer Theatre Festival citation for Outstanding New Musical for their show The Seven-Year B*tch and the 2004 winners of The National Music Theater Network and The Theater for the American Musicals' inaugural New Voices Prize for Like You Like It.

*denotes member of AEA

Like You Like It was most recently produced at Theatre Under The Stars in Houston, TX, in collaboration with Sam Houston State University. The show was also an official selection of the 2006 Cardiff International Festival of Musical Theatre and an audience favorite at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Sammy and Daniel have developed Like You Like It at the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop and the Dramatists Guild's Jonathan Larson Musical Theatre Fellowship Program, working under the invaluable tutelage of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and mentors David Shire and Richard Maltby, Jr. Like You Like It has been workshopped at NYU and the McCadden Theatre in LA, and has had readings at the York Theatre, the Village Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in Issaquah, WA, and Musical Mondays at the Century Center in New York. "Bucquisto" songs have been performed at the N.E.O. Benefit at the York Theatre, Broadway Bound at Merkin Hall, NAMT/ASCAP's "In The Wings" at the NAMT Festival, and Any Minute Now's "A Beat Ahead" series. Their song "Be With Me" is featured on the N.E.O. at the York Theatre CD, performed by Matt Cavenaugh, and was recently sung by Anthony Rapp in the New Globe Theater's Variations on Shakespeare: An Evening of Songs Inspired by the Bard benefit.

Heather Siobhan Curran is Producer of Like You Like It. Director: Igor Goldin (Yank!); Musical Director: Jeffrey Campos (Wild Party at Gallery Players); Choreographer: Keith Andrews; Set Designer: Carl Tallent; Costume Designer: Hunter Kaczorowski; Lighting: Dan Jobbins; Production Stage Manager: Kayla Shriner-Cahn; Associate Producer: Marissa Rosenblum.

A New York institution since 1967, The Gallery Players has served actors and audiences alike for more than 4 decades by showcasing burgeoning new talent and offering a home base for theater professionals. Its eclectic programming of intimate revivals and ambitious new work in inventive productions has earned it the reputation of "New York's Best Kept Secret." Among its famous alumni are founding member Harvey Fierstein, Broadway regular Diedre Goodwin, New York theater personality Seth Rudetsky, and many others.

Other productions at The Gallery Players in 07-08: The Underpants (September 13-28), A Tuna Christmas (December 6-21), Thoroughly Modern Millie (January 31-February 22, 2009), Bus Stop (March 14-29, 2009),The Who's Tommy (May 2-24, 2009), and the 12th Annual Black Box New Play Festival (June 6-21, 2009). The Peanut Gallery, a summer musical theatre adventure camp for kids now in its 5th year, will take place in July 2009.

TICKET INFORMATION

Like You Like It opens Saturday, October 18 and runs through Sunday, November 9, 2008 (16 performances only). Performances take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays at 3PM and Saturday matinees on November 1st and 8th. A complete calendar of performances can be found on-line at www.galleryplayers.com/plays/lyli/. AEA approved showcase.

Tickets are $18 for Adults, $14 for Senior Citizens and children 12 & under. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 online at www.galleryplayers.com or by calling Theatermania at 212-352-3101 (phone hours 9-9 weekdays, 10-6 weekends).

The Gallery Players is located at 199 14th St., between 4th and 5th Aves. in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Take the F Train to 4th Ave. or the R Train to 9th Street. By car: BQE to Hamilton Avenue to 14th Street.

GableStage Presents Southeaster Premiere of 'November' Starting 10/18 - 10/18/2008

GableStage at the Biltmore - in association with Jay Harris - proudly presents the Southeastern Premiere of NOVEMBER by David Mamet - opening October 18th and running through November 16th

This play, which premiered on Broadway last January, takes place in the Oval Office. It centers on fictional President Charles H.P. Smith several days before his bid for re-election. November involves civil marriages, gambling casinos, lesbians, American Indians, presidential libraries, questionable pardons and campaign contributions.

The cast includes Dave Corey, Wayne LeGette, Kevin Reilley, Stacy Schwartz and David Kwiat (who starred in the GableStage production of Mamet's Romance in 2007) as the President.

It will be directed by GableStage's Producing Artistic Director, Joseph Adler.

Mamet, American author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter and film director, has received numerous awards - including a Pulitzer Prize for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and a Tony Award for the Broadway revival in 2005. His other plays include The Duck Variations, Sexual Perversity in Chicago - and American Buffalo and Speed The Plow, both of which are being revived this Season on Broadway. As a screenwriter, he received Oscar nominations for The Verdict (1982) and Wag the Dog (1997).

PERFORMANCE TIMES AND TICKET PRICES:
Thursday @ 8pm $37.50
Friday and Saturday @ 8pm $42.50
Sunday @ 2pm $42.50 & @ 7pm $37.50
For reservations or information, please call the Box Office: (305) 445-1119 or online at www.gablestage.org

GableStage is located in the eastern section of the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables. Valet parking is available. Free parking is available in the Biltmore parking area west of the hotel.

International Physical Theatre Laboratory - 10/19/2008

International Physical Theatre Laboratory

October 19-27, 2008 Bovec, Slovenia

The Lab will take place in the beautiful Bovec town located in the heart of the Julian Alps. During the Lab hotel accommodation (eight nights) and meals are provided for participants.

PROGRAMME Physical training is the core of the Lab programme. Participants will explore physicality as the key to form, style, atmosphere and emotional palette in contemporary performance. The process includes intensive practical training, lectures and discussion club. The Lab is open to performers from different countries and backgrounds inspired by Physical Theater as a bold, vibrant and multidimensional approach to contemporary theatre performance.

PARTICIPANTS Actors of physical, dramatic, dance and musical theatres, circus performers, dancers, choreographers and directors. REGISTRATION Candidates should send a CV (resume) and a brief letter of motivation to lab@iugte.com stating the title, dates and place of the event.

MORE DETAILS: http://www.iugte.com/projects/PhysicalTheatre.php

Signature Theatre to Hold Auditions for Children's Roles in 'Les Miz' 10/19 - 10/19/2008

On Sunday, October 19, Signature Theatre will audition boys and girls, ages 7 – 12, for two singing roles and one non-singing role in its innovative new production of Les Misérables, which will run December 2 through February 22. Signature is looking for six children (two boys and four girls) all under 50 inches (4’ 2’’), who will alternate performances in their respective roles. Auditions will take place at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206. Children of all races are encouraged to audition.

The boy’s role is Gavroche, left to fend for himself and live by his wits on the streets of Paris. Brave and witty, he is a sort of young Artful Dodger. The vocal range is a B (below middle C) to G, with no British accent. The boys’ auditions begin at 3:00 pm, first-come, first-served with a sign-up sheet starting at 2:30 pm.

The girls’ roles are Young Cosette (singing) and Young Eponine (non-singing). Young Cosette is a trembling little creature, underfed, beaten, and bullied. She sings “Castle on a Cloud” and must have a vocal range of A (below middle C) to C, with no British accent. Young Eponine is a pampered young girl who taunts Young Cosette. The role requires no singing or speaking. The girls’ auditions begin at 5:00 pm, first-come, first-served with a sign-up sheet starting at 2:30 pm.

The children will alternate eight performances a week, Tuesday – Friday evenings with afternoon and evening performances on Saturdays and Sundays. Rehearsals will begin October 28.

For more information visit www.signature-theatre.org/casting.htm.

One of the most popular musicals of all time, Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables is a passionate saga of love and betrayal set during the upheaval of post revolutionary France. At its center, fugitive Jean Valjean is pitted against the tenacious Inspector Javert in a lifelong struggle to evade capture. This deeply personal drama of a man seeking redemption is played out against a sweeping historical backdrop of unparalleled scale, where the worlds of student revolutionaries, thieves and criminals, and desperate young lovers collide. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic 1862 novel, Les Miz is full of show-stopping numbers such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “One Day More.”

Les Misérables is sponsored in part by JayLee Mead.

Signature Theatre’s 2008-2009 season is partially supported by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

ABOUT SIGNATURE

Under the leadership of Co-founder and Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and Managing Director Maggie Boland, Signature is a non-profit professional theater company dedicated to producing contemporary musicals and plays, reinventing classic musicals, and developing new work. To date, Signature has presented over 25 world premiere productions and is renowned for combining Broadway-quality productions with intimate playing spaces. In addition to the finest talent from the DC metropolitan area and New York, Signature has been a home to such theater luminaries as John Kander and Fred Ebb, Cameron Mackintosh, Terrence McNally, and the company’s signature, Stephen Sondheim. Signature has been nominated for 234 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in the professional theater and has been honored with 59 Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Musical in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2005, and 2006, and Outstanding Play in 1999.

Directions
Signature Theatre is just 12 minutes from downtown Washington, DC in Arlington’s Shirlington Village. The new theater complex is located at 4200 Campbell Avenue (22206) off I-395 at the Shirlington exit. After the exit, blue Signature signs mark the way to the Theatre. Free parking is available in two adjacent public garages. Please note that Campbell Avenue is a new street and some GPS online mapping systems do not yet recognize Signature Theatre's address. For directions visit www.signature-theatre.org.

Barbara Cook and Audra McDonald to Perform One Night Only Concert to Benefit 'America Votes' 10/19 - 10/19/2008

Tony Award winners Barbara Cook and Audra McDonald will star in a one night only concert event, Audra McDonald & Barbara Cook: Broadway Voices For Change, to benefit America Votes on Sunday, October 19, at 8pm at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street). With musical direction by Ted Sperling and Lee Musiker, Audra McDonald & Barbara Cook: Broadway Voices For Change is produced by David Binder and Brian Savelson.

AMERICA VOTES is the largest grassroots voter mobilization effort in the country today, a coalition of over 40 of the most powerful national groups working together to increase progressive voter registration and turnout. Some, like the labor unions, Sierra Club, and NAACP have been organizing since the turn of the 20th century. Newer organizations like VoteVets and the League of Young Voters represent growing and important progressive constituencies. This historic partnership represents a combined membership of over 40 million Americans representing a broad economic and social justice agenda. They fight for good jobs, good healthcare, a clean environment, civil rights, and a good education. They register voters in under-represented communities of color, women, young people, and LGBT Americans. This is a coalition of political and organizing professionals.

Barbara Cook celebrated her 80th birthday last fall with three sold out concerts with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Her other recent New York appearances include her latest engagement at the famed Café Carlyle, her sixth solo concert at Carnegie Hall, where she made her legendary solo concert debut over 30 years ago, and her historic solo concert debut at New York's Metropolitan Opera House (with special guest Audra McDonald), where she became the first female solo pop singer to be presented in concert by the MET. Ms.Cook won a NY Drama Critics Circle Award and was nominated for a Drama Desk award for her concert Barbara Cook's Broadway and was nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her previous concert, Mostly Sondheim. Her many Broadway credits include the creation of three classic roles in the American musical theatre: Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein's Candide, Marian the Librarian in Meredith Willson's The Music Man (Tony Award) and Amalia in Bock and Harnick's She Loves Me (Drama Desk Award). Ms Cook's recent recordings include the DRG releases Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim, Barbara Cook's Broadway, the Grammy-nominated Count Your Blessings, Barbara Cook Live At the Met, Tribute and No One Is Alone. Her latest, Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder, will be released by DRG Records next month.

Audra McDonald currently stars in ABC's "Private Practice" as Dr. Naomi Bennett, now in its second season. As a singer and actress Ms. McDonald has starred on Broadway, film, television and concert stages around the world. She earned three Tony Awards before turning 30 for Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, and a fourth in 2004 for A Raisin in the Sun. Audra has also appeared on Broadway in 110 In The Shade (Tony nomination), Lincoln Center's Henry IV and Marie Christine (Tony nomination). She most recently played Jenny in L.A. Opera's production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Audra's work in television and film includes her Emmy-nominated performances in ABC's production of "A Raisin in the Sun" and HBO's Mike Nichols production of "Wit," and as Grace Farrell in the Disney TV production of "Annie." An exclusive recording artist for Nonesuch, her four solo albums comprising both popular standards and contemporary music theater songs have won a wide audience.

Tickets for Audra McDonald & Barbara Cook: Broadway Voices For Change range from $50 to $99 (not including standard fees) and are available through Telecharge.com (212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250) beginning at 10am, on Friday, October 3. Select premium and aisle seating is available.

Contributions or gifts to America Votes are not deductible for income tax purposes.

For more information on America Votes visit: www.americavotes.org

'The Medium At Large' - 10/19/2008

The Medium At Large on YouTube

Caddy Huffman to Star in Hal Brooks Directed 'Put Them Away' at Access Theater - 10/19/2008

On October 19th at 7:30PM, a special reading will take place of James Christy's Put Them Away, starring Cady Huffman (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Producers) and Paul O'Brien (Equus) and directed by Hal Brooks (Obie-winning No Child).

In put Put Them Away Josh just got grounded for the third time in a month. His response? Try to have his left-leaning parents sent to GITMO. A comedy about the politics of the 21st century family

The Access Theater is located at 380 Broadway 4th floor. 2 Blocks south of Canal at the corner of White Street RSVP is recommended: (917) 604-2175 or putthemaway@hotmail.com

"Mr. Christy has a real gift for contemporary, insightful, darkly funny dialogue that reflects believable human interaction." – Anita Gates, NY Times July, 2006

"James Christy Jr. is a talented playwright with a strong dramatic voice and broad ambitions." - NYTheatre.com

"[Christy demonstrates] a sophistication of thought, skilled ear for dialogue and strong sense of dialogue." - Ed Sobel, Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Caddy Huffman to Star in Hal Brooks Directed 'Put Them Away' Reading at Access Theater - 10/19/2008

McCourt and Glade to Star in 'Plant Broadway' Debut 10/19 - 10/19/2008

Wicked's Sean McCourt and Mary Poppins' Anthony Glade will headline the debut of "Planet Broadway" on October 19th, 2008 at Planet Hollywood.

"In a combination of live performance and film, you'll meet a Broadway Actor who takes you on a journey along the Road to Broadway. You'll feel everything from the chill of the audition room to the thrill of opening night. The actor auditions for an irascible on-screen casting director who appears on the big screen in front of you. For his "audition" the actor even performs a unique song and dance routine created specifically for Planet Broadway," describe press notes of the show.

The series will play an open ended run on Sundays at 11am and will also include a documentary from stars of The Great White Way, past and present, talking about their experiences on Broadway. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit 212-383-7827.

Asolo Rep Launches New Stages Program for THE GIVER 10/19 - 10/19/2008

Asolo Rep presents an innovative collaboration enhancing the art of learning. On the cusp of its 50th anniversary season, Asolo Rep is launching New Stages, is an extension of Asolo Rep's acclaimed Access to the Arts program that has been serving school children in the community for decades.

"With New Stages, we're offering a production specifically tailored to and created for upper elementary and middle school audiences. We want all young audiences to have the opportunity to experience live, professional quality theatre at its best. Experiencing The Giver exemplifies how as a community we are all interconnected----students and teachers, parents, children, and families. The Giver tells a story to which we all relate." -- Asolo Rep Education Director Brian Hersh.

Asolo Rep's production of The Giver is a true multifaceted collaboration featuring the talents of FSU/Asolo Conservatory students, FSU graduate design students, and a cutting edge, professional director. This exciting initiative brings together professional theatre at its best and connects to classroom curricular goals and standards at many levels. The Giver is the first production selected for this initiative. The play, by Eric Coble, is based on the Newbery Medal-winning children's book by Lois Lowry, loved by children and adults around the world. Directed by award-winning KJ Sanchez, The Giver features the talented third-year class of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.

The Giver is an unconventional hero's tale set in a utopian world. Here there is no war, no hunger or sickness. Everyone is happy and everyone is the same. When 11-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories, he learns his world isn't so perfect and sets off on a harrowing journey of rebellion and redemption.

Director's Notes – by KJ Sanchez

"I wish Lois Lowry's beautiful book had been around when I was an adolescent, struggling with the things we all struggle with as we grow into young adults. What a significant, what a monumental time in our lives! At that age, we are hurtling toward adulthood: smart enough and mature enough to start to understand and question the big things like sex, death, love, and loyalty. We are grappling with all of these things for the first time, and all at once. And yet we know that from the outside, we are still seen as children. And we know that there are a whole lot of secrets that the adults are still keeping from us. Or at the very least, we have a feeling the adults are still not letting us in on what's behind the curtain.

This is why I love Lowry's The Giver. She writes to the adult in the child. She doesn't censor her readers from the very things they already know. She pays adolescents the respect that they're due. And Eric Coble's adaptation does a magnificent job of bringing Lowry's unflinching portrait to the stage. It is for this reason that I, a forty-two year old woman, can enjoy The Giver as much as the twelve year old sitting to my right. We can both see ourselves in our hero Jonas as he uncovers the secrets behind his seemingly untroubled community. His is a community free of all discomfort and strife, free of all memories of pain and sorrow, and yet as Jonas discovers, if we remove ourselves from all that is difficult and painful, we in turn strip ourselves of all that is wonderful – love, joy, and beauty. And the key to hanging on to all that is beautiful in our world, the key to hanging on to our very humanity, is memory.

We have cast adult actors as Jonas, Asher, and Fiona, all of whom have just turned twelve in our story. On the day of their birthdays, they are assigned an adult job, and thanked for their childhood. It seemed fitting to me that the actors should be adults, since that is what our three friends have just transitioned into. And as I said, at that age, even though we are often seen from the outside as children, inside, we certainly feel pretty darned grown up."

The cast includes (in order of appearance): Jason Peck (Father), Heather Kelley (Mother/Rosemary), Elisabeth Ahrens (Lily), Kevin O'Callaghan (Jonas), David Yearta (Asher), Michelle Trachtenberg (Fiona), Steven O'Brien (Chief Elder), Brent Bateman (The Giver), DeMario McGrew (Ensemble) and Randolph Paulsen (Ensemble).

The staff includes Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards, Director KJ Sanchez, Scenic Designer Daniel Conway, Costume Designer Jill Wetzel, Lighting Designer Sarah Mikrut, Sound Designer Matthew Parker, Vocal Coach Patricia Delorey, Stage Manager Sarah Gleissner and Intern Assistant to the Stage Manager Joan Ghitis.

Educational Workshops/Discussions for The Giver

Theatre Workshop
Title: Defying Sameness: Exploring the World of The Giver Through Theatre
Date: Saturday October 19th
Time: 2-3:30
Place: Fruitville Library
Contact Person: Jennifer Hitchcock, 861-2521

Book Talk
Title: The Giver: From Page to Stage
Date: Sunday October 20th
Time: 1-2:30
Place: Borders Bookstores on Tamiami
Contact Person: Deb Dennis, 366-7970

Theatre Workshop
Title: Defying Sameness: Exploring the World of The Giver Through Theatre
Date: Saturday October 25th
Time: 10:30- 11:45
Place: Selby Library
Contact Person: Marilyn Nykiforuk, 861-1133
The Giver Fact Sheet

Description: Defying Sameness: Exploring the World of The Giver through Theatre -- Participants will use drama to explore the themes and ideas articulated in The Giver. Following a short warm-up, students will utilize movement, role-play, and improvisation to examine the world of The Giver. This workshop is appropriate for individuals who have both read the novel as well as students who will be introduced to it for the first time. Recommended for ages 10-14 This workshop will be facilitated by the Asolo Repertory Theatre's Education and Outreach Department. For more information contact: (941) 351-9010 ext 3306

TICKET INFORMATION

THE GIVER is an Asolo Rep Production in the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida. Ticket prices are $10-$26 at the Box Office and a $30 family package that includes one adult and one student. For more information, call 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388. For group sales (10 or more), call toll free 877-427-6567 or visit www.asolo.org. Opening night is Friday, October 24, 2008 at 8 PM. Preview is on Monday October 20th, 2008 at 10:30 AM. The Giver will be performed with one intermission.

The Giver is primarily targeted to schools with special student matinees; however, there are public performances scheduled. Special family discounts are available. Suggested for ages 10 and up.

Student matinees are at 10:30am on October 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and November 3. Public show times are October 24 at 8pm, October 25 at 2pm and 8pm, October 31 at 8pm, November 1 at 2pm and 8pm, November 4 at 10:30am, November 5 at 10:30am, November 6 at 10:30am, November 7 at 8pm and November 8 and 8pm.

"Originally commissioned by Oregon Children's Theatre in March, 2006."

SPONSORS

CORPORATE MEDIA SEASON PRESENTER: Comcast
CRYSTAL SOCIETY: Esther M. Mertz, Lee and Bob Peterson, and UIla R. Searing
MAJOR SEASON PRESENTERS: The Florida State University and the Florida State University Foundation, Joan Mendell, and Virginia B. Toulmin
SEASON PRESENTERS: Designing Women Boutique and Elaine Keating
PRESENTERS: Margot and Warren Coville, Christine and John Currie, Leslie Glass, Stanley and Janet Kane, Harold Libby and Wanda Rayle-Libby, Jeanne and Bob Zabelle
CORPORATE CO-PRESENTERS: Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice and Verizon

SHOW CO-PRODUCERS: Amicus Foundation, Leslie Glass, Joan and Bill Kayser
UNDERWRITERS: Alexandra Jupin and John Bean, Alfred and Adela Rose
WITH ADDITIONAL DONATIONS FROM: Beverly and Bob Koski; Maggie Hutter and Jo Rustein

SPECIAL EVENTS

October 24 at 8 PM OPENING NIGHT SHOW
The opening night show is followed by an extravagant after party sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Communities and will feature food from the following restaurants: Treviso, MacAllisters Grill and Tavern, Indigo Reef and Grill, Chili's, Broken Egg, Hemingway's Retreat Restaurant and Bar
*Members of the media are invited to photograph and interview the cast and creative team at the party.

October 25 PANEL DISCUSSIONS FOLLOWING 2pm PERFORMANCE

Engage in lively discussions with members of the creative team and experts from the community as they investigate the deeper themes in each production. The facilitated exchanges will occur on our mezzanine immediately following the 2pm performance. This event is sponsored by the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

AUDIO DESCRIBED A service provided by Asolo Rep where specially trained audio describers provide elaborate audio imagery of the play action and setting to visually impaired audience members through a headset system.

November 8, 2008 CLOSING NIGHT CELEBRATION

Join Asolo Rep, Prudential Palms Realty and Morton's Gourmet Market for a fun-filled, blow-out cast party! Purchase a ticket to the closing night performance and mingle with the cast after the show. Enjoy free wine, late night snack food, D.J. music, and a cash bar.

Asolo Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, the Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Sarasota County Arts Council. Funding is also received through efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild, the Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.

James Crowley's New CD BEING ALIVE Released 10/19 - 10/19/2008

James Crowley's new CD, BEING ALIVE, will be released on Sunday, October 19th. The recording is an eclectic collection of 14 songs from modern hits to classic gems from the early 20th century, including Somebody Bigger than You and I, If I Can Dream, Six O'clock Tonight, When You're Smiling, Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?, Bring Him Home, Cry, I'll Be Seeing You, Cobblestone Ballroom, How Are Things in Gloccamorra?, What'll I Do?, Anyone Can Whistle, Just One Person and Being Alive.

The price is $21.99 and that includes all shipping costs. To listen to clips and purchase the CD, please visit http://www.crowleyentertainment.com.

Crowley Entertainment was founded by singer, composer and entertainer James Crowley and is owned and run by the Crowley family.

DONT POST EMBARGO - 10/20/2008

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) will kick off its 30th Anniversary Season with a new production of Howard Korder’s comedy, BOYS’ LIFE, directed by Michael Greif. This 20th Anniversary production of BOYS’ LIFE will feature Jason Biggs, RHYS COIRO, and Peter Scanavino as “the boys” as well as DAN COLMAN, Michelle Federer, BETTY GILPIN, PALOMA GUZMÁN, LAURA-LEIGH, and Stephanie March.

BOYS’ LIFE will begin previews October 2 at Second Stage Theatre (307 West 43rd street) and will officially open on Monday, October 20. For tickets or more information, please visit www.2ST.com.

Twenty years after its acclaimed world premiere, Howard Korder’s BOYS’ LIFE will receive its first major New York remounting with this production. A Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1988, Boys’ Life is a stinging and candid look at three college buddies (Jason Biggs, Rhys Coiro, and Peter Scanavino) making their way in the big city. As they maneuver between life and sex in New York, Korder lacerates the prolonged adolescence that often takes the place of modern manhood.

BOYS’ LIFE will feature scenic design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Kevin Adams, and sound design by Fitz Patton.

ABOUT THE CAST

Jason Biggs most recently appeared onstage in Daniel Goldfarb’s play, Modern Orthodox, directed by James Lapine. Previous stage credits include the Broadway production of The Graduate opposite Kathleen Turner, and his Broadway debut at age 13 in Conversations with My Father opposite Judd Hirsch. Jason quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about young actors after his breakthrough role in the American Pie trilogy. Other film roles include the Woody Allen film, Anything Else; Prozac Nation, the Disney hit 8 Below; and Saving Silverman with Jack Black, Steve Zahn, and Amanda Peet. This fall, Biggs will star opposite Kate Hudson in Lionsgate's romantic comedy My Best Friend's Girl, opening nationwide September 19th.

RHYS COIRO is well known as volatile film director Billy Walsh on the HBO series “Entourage.” New York theater credits include Dinner at Eight at Lincoln Center and This Lime Tree Bower at Primary Stages. Rhys has also appeared in a variety of roles in film and on television including “Six Feet Under,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: New York,” “CSI,” “Numbers,” “Tell Me You Love Me,” “One On One,” “Criminal Minds,” and in Adam Rifkin's Look. His upcoming features include The Chaos Theory, David Goyer's The Unborn and A Good Old Fashioned Orgy.

Peter Scanavino returns to Second Stage Theatre, where he appeared as Tim in Eric Bogosian’s subUrbia. Other stage credits include Shining City on Broadway (dir. Robert Falls) and David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Off-Broadway credits include The Moonlight Room (Beckett Theater, dir. Jeff Cohen), Double Sophia and Urgent Fury (both at the Cherry Lane Alt. Space) as well as several off-off Broadway shows including the New York Fringe Festival. Film: Under Surveillance. TV: “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law and Order: Trial by Jury,” “Third Watch,” “Johnny Zero,” “Guiding Light,” and “The Bedford Diaries.”

DAN COLMAN appeared as Paris in the NYSF/Public Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Michael Greif and in Secret Order at 59E59. Other credits include the independent film, The Ones You Love, and TV appearances on “All MY Children” and “The Ghost Whisperer.”

Michelle Federer understudied Julia Roberts in the recent Broadway revival of Three Days of Rain and originated the role of Nessarose in Wicked on Broadway. Other credits include A Man of No Importance (u/s Adele) at Lincoln Center, In the Absence of Spring at Second Stage, the roles of Nell Gwynn in Jeffrey Hatcher’s Compleat Female Stage Beauty (1999 Best Supporting Actress/Pittsburgh Post), and Crystal in Water Children at CATF. Other regional credits include the 50th anniversary production of Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful (Hartford Stage), Hay Fever, and Closer (Alley Theatre). TV: “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “All My Children.” Film: Kinsey, Flannel Pajamas (Sundance Dramatic Competition Finalist 2006). BFA musical theatre from Ithaca College.

BETTY GILPIN returns to Second Stage Theatre where she recently appeared in Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s Good Boys and True. Television credits include appearances on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” Fox’s “New Amsterdam,” and “Strong Medicine” on Lifetime. She has appeared in the films Death in Love, which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival; the upcoming Dreamworks film Ghost Town; and the independent feature Northern Kingdom. A native New Yorker, Betty is a recent graduate of Fordham College at Lincoln Center.

PALOMA GUZMÁN is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. Her regional theatre credits include productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, As You Like It, and Legal Alien, among others. Other credits include guest roles on “Gossip Girl” and “Law and Order” and the film Confessions of a Shopaholic.

LAURA-LEIGH is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School, where she appeared in productions of The House of Blue Leaves, Our Lady of 121st Street, and Fifth of July, among others. She recently appeared in the Summer Play Festival production of Tell Out My Soul, directed by Evan Cabnet, and has guest starred on TV’s “Gossip Girl.”

Stephanie March has appeared on Broadway in Talk Radio and Death of a Salesman (dir. Robert Falls). Other theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Enchanted April and extensive work in regional theatre including the premiere of Eric Bogosian’s Griller. Television credits include five seasons as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot on “Law & Order: SVU,” “Conviction” and most recently on “30 Rock.” Film: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Head of State, Social Grace, The Treatment, East Broadway and Flannel Pajamas, both of which premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. Stephanie is a graduate of Northwestern University and resides in New York with her husband, Chef Bobby Flay.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

Playwright HOWARD KORDER’s other plays include Search and Destroy (Broadway, South Coast Rep, Yale Rep, and London’s Royal Court), Sea of Tranquility (Atlantic Theater Company), The Hollow Lands (South Coast Rep), The Lights (Obie Award), Fun (Humana Festival), and Nobody (O’Neill Playwrights Conference), among others. He also wrote The Passion of Ayn Rand for Showtime, starring Helen Mirren and Peter Fonda, and co-wrote the screenplay for the upcoming film Lakeview Terrace starring Samuel L. Jackson and Patrick Wilson.

Michael Greif returns to Second Stage Theatre, where he directed this year’s acclaimed musical Next to Normal. He was nominated for a 2007 Tony Award for the Broadway production of Grey Gardens and both Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle awards for its off-Broadway world premiere. His other Broadway credits include Jonathan Larson’s Rent (Tony nomination) and Never Gonna Dance. Recent productions include Romeo and Juliet (NYSF), Courtney Baron’s A Very Common Procedure (MCC), Diana Son’s Satellites (Public), John Guare’s Landscape of the Body (Signature), Noah Haidle’s Mr. Marmalade (Roundabout), Nilo Cruz’s Beauty of the Father (MTC). NYSF: Suzan-Lori Parks’ Fucking A, Jessica Hagedorn’s Dogeaters (Obie), Jose Rivera’s Marisol, Pericles, Connie Congdon’s Casanova, Tony Kushner’s A Bright Room Called Day, Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal (Obie). NYTW (Artistic Associate): Kate Ryan’s adaptation of Cavedweller; Paul Scott Goodman’s Bright Lights, Big City; Rent (Obie). Other Off-Broadway: Neal Bell’s Spatter Pattern (Playwrights Horizons), LaBute’s The Distance From Here (MCC), Betty Rules (Zipper), Guare’s A Few Stout Individuals (Signature), Bell’s Monster (CSC). Selected regional: La Jolla Playhouse (Artistic Director 1995-1999): Our Town, Sweet Bird of Youth, Son’s Boy, Randy Newman’s Faust (also Goodman), Kushner’s Slavs (also Taper), Bell’s Therese Raquin. Williamstown: Kaufman and Hart’s Once in a Lifetime, Rice’s Street Scene, Coward’s Tonight at 8:30, Chekhov’s The Seagull and The Cherry Orchard.

ABOUT SECOND STAGE THEATRE

Founded in 1979 under the leadership of Artistic Director Carole Rothman, SECOND STAGE THEATRE produces a diverse range of premieres and new interpretations of America’s best contemporary theatre, including Tiny Alice and Peter and Jerry by Edward Albee; The Good Times Are Killing Me by Lynda Barry; The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane; Little Murders by Jules Feiffer; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin; A Soldier’s Play by Charles Fuller; Afterbirth: Kathy & Mo’s Greatest Hits by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy; Painting Churches and Coastal Disturbances by Tina Howe; Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants and On the Stem by Ricky Jay; Living Out by Lisa Loomer; This Is Our Youth and The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan; Some Men by Terrence McNally; eurydice by Sarah Ruhl; Saturday Night by Stephen Sondheim; Crowns by Re Gina Taylor; Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein; Spoils of War by Michael Weller; Before It Hits Home, Jar the Floor and Birdie Blue by Cheryl L. West; Jitney by August Wilson; Lemon Sky, Serenading Louie and Sympathetic Magic by Lanford Wilson; and Metamorphoses and The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci by Mary Zimmerman. The company’s more than 125 citations include the 2007 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (Julie White, The Little Dog Laughed), 2005 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical (Rachel Sheinkin, ...Spelling Bee) and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Dan Fogler, ...Spelling Bee), 2002 Tony Award for Best Director of a Play (Mary Zimmerman for Metamorphoses), the 2002 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Body of Work, 23 Obie Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Clarence Derwent Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, five Theatre World Awards, 11 Lucille Lortel Awards, the Drama Critics Circle Award and 15 AUDELCO Awards.

In 1999, Second Stage Theatre opened its state-of-the-art, 296-seat theatre, designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. In 2002, Second Stage launched “Second Stage Theatre Uptown” series to showcase the work of up and coming artists at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre. The Theatre supports artists through several programs that include residencies, fellowships and commissions, and engages students and community members through education and outreach programs.

Following this production of BOYS’ LIFE, Second Stage Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season will continue with Gina Gionfriddo’s BECKY SHAW, directed by Peter Dubois, which recently received a critically acclaimed world premiere staging at the Humana Festival, as well as the world premiere of MR. & MRS. FITCH, by Douglas Carter Beane, whose Tony-nominated hit The Little Dog Laughed had its world premiere at Second Stage Theatre in 2005. BECKY SHAW will begin previews on December 16 and will officially open on January 8, 2009; dates for MR. & MRS. FITCH are still being determined. A fourth production remains to be announced.

SECOND STAGE THEATRE AT THE Helen Hayes

Second Stage Theatre recently announced that it has acquired the right to purchase the historic Helen Hayes Theatre, located at 240 W. 44th Street. With this new home, Second Stage will be the only theater company on Broadway dedicated exclusively to the development and presentation of contemporary American theatrical productions. Second Stage will also become one of only four non-profit theater companies that own and operate theaters on Broadway. The company will continue to lease and operate their original theaters on the city’s Upper West Side and in Midtown Manhattan. Programming in the Helen Hayes will begin in 2010.

BOYS’ LIFE will be performed through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Second Stage Theatre (307 West 43rd Street, just west of 8th Avenue) on the following schedule: Tuesday at 7:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday at 8:00pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm.

NOTE: All weekday evening performances the week of October 27 will begin at 7:00pm. Weekend curtain times remain the same.

NOTE: There will be no 2pm performance on Wednesday, October 8. There will be no performance on Tuesday, November 4. There will be an added performance on Monday, November 3 at 8pm. The performance times for Sunday, October 5 and Sunday, October 12 are 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are $70 and may be purchased by phoning 212-246-4422 or 800-766-6048 or online at www.2ST.com. Patrons under age 25 may purchase a limited number of specially-priced $25 tickets in advance. A limited number of student rush tickets are $15 and are available 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Group tickets are available by phoning 212-889-4300 or (800) 331-0472. Box-office hours are Monday, 10:00am – 6:00pm, Tuesday 10:00am – 7:00pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information, please visit www.2ST.com

Biggs, Coiro and Scanavino Headline BOYS' LIFE at Second Stage - 10/20/2008

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) will kick off its 30th Anniversary Season with a new production of Howard Korder's comedy, BOYS' LIFE, directed by Michael Greif. This 20th Anniversary production of BOYS' LIFE will feature Jason Biggs, Rhys Coiro, and Peter Scanavino as "the boys" as well as Dan Coleman, Michelle Federer, Betty Gilpin, Paloma Guzman, Laura-Leigh, and Stephanie March.

BOYS' LIFE will begin previews October 2 at Second Stage Theatre (307 West 43rd street) and will officially open on Monday, October 20. For tickets or more information, please visit www.2ST.com.

Twenty years after its acclaimed world premiere, Howard Korder's BOYS' LIFE will receive its first major New York remounting with this production. A Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1988, Boys' Life is a stinging and candid look at three college buddies (Jason Biggs, Rhys Coiro, and Peter Scanavino) making their way in the big city. As they maneuver between life and sex in New York, Korder lacerates the prolonged adolescence that often takes the place of modern manhood.

BOYS' LIFE will feature scenic design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Clint Ramos, lighting design by Kevin Adams, and sound design by Fitz Patton.

Jason Biggs most recently appeared onstage in Daniel Goldfarb's play, Modern Orthodox, directed by James Lapine. Previous stage credits include the Broadway production of The Graduate opposite Kathleen Turner, and his Broadway debut at age 13 in Conversations with My Father opposite Judd Hirsch. Jason quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about young actors after his breakthrough role in the American Pie trilogy. Other film roles include the Woody Allen film, Anything Else; Prozac Nation, the Disney hit 8 Below; and Saving Silverman with Jack Black, Steve Zahn, and Amanda Peet. This fall, Biggs will star opposite Kate Hudson in Lionsgate's romantic comedy My Best Friend's Girl, opening nationwide September 19th.

Rhys Coiro is well known as volatile film director Billy Walsh on the HBO series "Entourage." New York theater credits include Dinner at Eight at Lincoln Center and This Lime Tree Bower at Primary Stages. Rhys has also appeared in a variety of roles in film and on television including "Six Feet Under," "CSI: Miami," "CSI: New York," "CSI," "Numbers," "Tell Me You Love Me," "One On One," "Criminal Minds," and in Adam Rifkin's Look. His upcoming features include The Chaos Theory, David Goyer's The Unborn and A Good Old Fashioned Orgy.

Peter Scanavino returns to Second Stage Theatre, where he appeared as Tim in Eric Bogosian's subUrbia. Other stage credits include Shining City on Broadway (dir. Robert Falls) and David Henry Hwang's Yellow Face at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Off-Broadway credits include The Moonlight Room (Beckett Theater, dir. Jeff Cohen), Double Sophia and Urgent Fury (both at the Cherry Lane Alt. Space) as well as several off-off Broadway shows including the New York Fringe Festival. Film: Under Surveillance. TV: "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" and "Law and Order: Trial by Jury," "Third Watch," "Johnny Zero," "Guiding Light," and "The Bedford Diaries."

Dan Coleman appeared as Paris in the NYSF/Public Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Michael Greif and in Secret Order at 59E59. Other credits include the independent film, The Ones You Love, and TV appearances on "All MY Children" and "The Ghost Whisperer."

Michelle Federer understudied Julia Roberts in the recent Broadway revival of Three Days of Rain and originated the role of Nessarose in Wicked on Broadway. Other credits include A Man of No Importance (u/s Adele) at Lincoln Center, In the Absence of Spring at Second Stage, the roles of Nell Gwynn in Jeffrey Hatcher's Compleat Female Stage Beauty (1999 Best Supporting Actress/Pittsburgh Post), and Crystal in Water Children at CATF. Other regional credits include the 50th anniversary production of Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful (Hartford Stage), Hay Fever, and Closer (Alley Theatre). TV: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "All My Children." Film: Kinsey, Flannel Pajamas (Sundance Dramatic Competition Finalist 2006). BFA musical theatre from Ithaca College.

Betty Gilpin returns to Second Stage Theatre where she recently appeared in Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's Good Boys and True. Television credits include appearances on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," Fox's "New Amsterdam," and "Strong Medicine" on Lifetime. She has appeared in the films Death in Love, which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival; the upcoming Dreamworks film Ghost Town; and the independent feature Northern Kingdom. A native New Yorker, Betty is a recent graduate of Fordham College at Lincoln Center.

Paloma Guzman is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. Her regional theatre credits include productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, As You Like It, and Legal Alien, among others. Other credits include guest roles on "Gossip Girl" and "Law and Order" and the film Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Laura-Leigh is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School, where she appeared in productions of The House of Blue Leaves, Our Lady of 121st Street, and Fifth of July, among others. She recently appeared in the Summer Play Festival production of Tell Out My Soul, directed by Evan Cabnet, and has guest starred on TV's "Gossip Girl."

Stephanie March has appeared on Broadway in Talk Radio and Death of a Salesman (dir. Robert Falls). Other theatre credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream, Enchanted April and extensive work in regional theatre including the premiere of Eric Bogosian's Griller. Television credits include five seasons as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot on "Law & Order: SVU," "Conviction" and most recently on "30 Rock." Film: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Head of State, Social Grace, The Treatment, East Broadway and Flannel Pajamas, both of which premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. Stephanie is a graduate of Northwestern University and resides in New York with her husband, Chef Bobby Flay.

Playwright HOWARD KORDER's other plays include Search and Destroy (Broadway, South Coast Rep, Yale Rep, and London's Royal Court), Sea of Tranquility (Atlantic Theater Company), The Hollow Lands (South Coast Rep), The Lights (Obie Award), Fun (Humana Festival), and Nobody (O'Neill Playwrights Conference), among others. He also wrote The Passion of Ayn Rand for Showtime, starring Helen Mirren and Peter Fonda, and co-wrote the screenplay for the upcoming film Lakeview Terrace starring Samuel L. Jackson and Patrick Wilson.

Michael Greif returns to Second Stage Theatre, where he directed this year's acclaimed musical Next to Normal. He was nominated for a 2007 Tony Award for the Broadway production of Grey Gardens and both Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle awards for its off-Broadway world premiere. His other Broadway credits include Jonathan Larson's Rent (Tony nomination) and Never Gonna Dance. Recent productions include Romeo and Juliet (NYSF), Courtney Baron's A Very Common Procedure (MCC), Diana Son's Satellites (Public), John Guare's Landscape of the Body (Signature), Noah Haidle's Mr. Marmalade (Roundabout), Nilo Cruz's Beauty of the Father (MTC). NYSF: Suzan-Lori Parks' Fucking A, Jessica Hagedorn's Dogeaters (Obie), Jose Rivera's Marisol, Pericles, Connie Congdon's Casanova, Tony Kushner's A Bright Room Called Day, Sophie Treadwell's Machinal (Obie). NYTW (Artistic Associate): Kate Ryan's adaptation of Cavedweller; Paul Scott Goodman's Bright Lights, Big City; Rent (Obie). Other Off-Broadway: Neal Bell's Spatter Pattern (Playwrights Horizons), LaBute's The Distance From Here (MCC), Betty Rules (Zipper), Guare's A Few Stout Individuals (Signature), Bell's Monster (CSC). Selected regional: La Jolla Playhouse (Artistic Director 1995-1999): Our Town, Sweet Bird of Youth, Son's Boy, Randy Newman's Faust (also Goodman), Kushner's Slavs (also Taper), Bell's Therese Raquin. Williamstown: Kaufman and Hart's Once in a Lifetime, Rice's Street Scene, Coward's Tonight at 8:30, Chekhov's The Seagull and The Cherry Orchard.

ABOUT SECOND STAGE THEATRE

Founded in 1979 under the leadership of Artistic Director Carole Rothman, SECOND STAGE THEATRE produces a diverse range of premieres and new interpretations of America's best contemporary theatre, including Tiny Alice and Peter and Jerry by Edward Albee; The Good Times Are Killing Me by Lynda Barry; The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane; Little Murders by Jules Feiffer; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin; A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller; Afterbirth: Kathy & Mo's Greatest Hits by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy; Painting Churches and Coastal Disturbances by Tina Howe; Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants and On the Stem by Ricky Jay; Living Out by Lisa Loomer; This Is Our Youth and The Waverly Gallery by Kenneth Lonergan; Some Men by Terrence McNally; eurydice by Sarah Ruhl; Saturday Night by Stephen Sondheim; Crowns by Re Gina Taylor; Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein; Spoils of War by Michael Weller; Before It Hits Home, Jar the Floor and Birdie Blue by Cheryl L. West; Jitney by August Wilson; Lemon Sky, Serenading Louie and Sympathetic Magic by Lanford Wilson; and Metamorphoses and The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci by Mary Zimmerman. The company's more than 125 citations include the 2007 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (Julie White, The Little Dog Laughed), 2005 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical (Rachel Sheinkin, ...Spelling Bee) and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Dan Fogler, ...Spelling Bee), 2002 Tony Award for Best Director of a Play (Mary Zimmerman for Metamorphoses), the 2002 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Body of Work, 23 Obie Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Clarence Derwent Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, five Theatre World Awards, 11 Lucille Lortel Awards, the Drama Critics Circle Award and 15 AUDELCO Awards.

In 1999, Second Stage Theatre opened its state-of-the-art, 296-seat theatre, designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. In 2002, Second Stage launched "Second Stage Theatre Uptown" series to showcase the work of up and coming artists at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre. The Theatre supports artists through several programs that include residencies, fellowships and commissions, and engages students and community members through education and outreach programs.

Following this production of BOYS' LIFE, Second Stage Theatre's 30th Anniversary Season will continue with Gina Gionfriddo's BECKY SHAW, directed by Peter Dubois, which recently received a critically acclaimed world premiere staging at the Humana Festival, as well as the world premiere of MR. & MRS. FITCH, by Douglas Carter Beane, whose Tony-nominated hit The Little Dog Laughed had its world premiere at Second Stage Theatre in 2005. BECKY SHAW will begin previews on December 16 and will officially open on January 8, 2009; dates for MR. & MRS. FITCH are still being determined. A fourth production remains to be announced.

SECOND STAGE THEATRE AT THE Helen Hayes

Second Stage Theatre recently announced that it has acquired the right to purchase the historic Helen Hayes Theatre, located at 240 W. 44th Street. With this new home, Second Stage will be the only theater company on Broadway dedicated exclusively to the development and presentation of contemporary American theatrical productions. Second Stage will also become one of only four non-profit theater companies that own and operate theaters on Broadway. The company will continue to lease and operate their original theaters on the city's Upper West Side and in Midtown Manhattan. Programming in the Helen Hayes will begin in 2010.

BOYS' LIFE will be performed through Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Second Stage Theatre (307 West 43rd Street, just west of 8th Avenue) on the following schedule: Tuesday at 7:00pm, Wednesday - Saturday at 8:00pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm.

NOTE: All weekday evening performances the week of October 27 will begin at 7:00pm. Weekend curtain times remain the same.

NOTE: There will be no 2pm performance on Wednesday, October 8. There will be no performance on Tuesday, November 4. There will be an added performance on Monday, November 3 at 8pm. The performance times for Sunday, October 5 and Sunday, October 12 are 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are $70 and may be purchased by phoning 212-246-4422 or 800-766-6048 or online at www.2ST.com. Patrons under age 25 may purchase a limited number of specially-priced $25 tickets in advance. A limited number of student rush tickets are $15 and are available 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Group tickets are available by phoning 212-889-4300 or (800) 331-0472. Box-office hours are Monday, 10:00am - 6:00pm, Tuesday 10:00am - 7:00pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Sunday, 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information, please visit www.2ST.com

Photo Courtesty of www.allposters.com

Biggs, Coiro and Scanavino Headline 'BOYS' LIFE' at Second Stage - 10/20/2008

Photo Courtesty of www.allposters.com

Cast Party to Present Wing Live at Birdland on 10/20 - 10/20/2008

Jim Caruso's Cast Party in association with Theatermania.com and producer Andy Sandberg are excited to present WING AT BIRDLAND, a one night only presentation of this international recording and internet sensation at New York’s premier concert venue.

The Hong Kong native and “Asian sensation” will make her New York debut (her second U.S. appearance) as part of the Broadway at Birdland series on October 20th, at 9:30PM.

Wing achieved cult status through her unique vocal stylings, mastering hit songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, ABBA, the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Mariah Carey, AC/DC, and so many more!

With millions of fans worldwide, she has taken the globe by storm. Wing has been compared to Florence Foster Jenkins, who raised alternative singing into an art form. Before “American Idol” even hit the air, Wing was already a global phenomenon, outshining the success of Idol star William Hung and putting Clay Aiken to shame with her sixteen-hit CDs.

Recently, she was immortalized with her very own episode of “South Park,” the animated sensation.

Join the festivities at Birdland in what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as this goddess among men, who’s making the trip from her home in New Zealand especially for the occasion, takes the Big Apple by storm and gives “alternative music” a whole new meaning..

Seating is very limited and tickets are guaranteed to sell quickly. Get your tickets now, because the CDs do not do this wonder woman justice!!!

PLEASE NOTE: The regularly scheduled Jim Caruso’s Cast Party will start following the Wing concert.

Tickets can be purchased either online at www.BIRDLANDJAZZ.com, or by telephone @ 212.581.3080.

Recently featured on NY1, BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND was created by acclaimed performer, writer, producer & presenter Jim Caruso. BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND is a weekly concert series on Sunday and Monday evenings, showcasing legendary Broadway performers and composers, as well as up-and-coming musical theater talents. The series started as a companion piece to the hugely popular and hilarious weekly impromptu variety show Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (which follows Mondays at 9:30pm).

The Chase Brock Experience Benefit 2008 - 10/20/2008

Benefit for The Chase Brock Experience, featuring performers from the Broadway and concert stages, including Rob Berman (Music Director of Encores!,John Selya, Elizabeth Parkinson, Brian Letendre, Lorin Latarro, Michael Arden, Neil Haskell, and Peter Sachon, along with The Chase Brock Experience dancers. At Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street. 212/877-3399

Fowler, Falcone, Mosley and More Present 'Broadway For Obama' in PA - 10/20/2008

Linny Fowler, Beth Falcone and Karla Mosley to present BROADWAY FOR OBAMA, over twenty Broadway performers will join local High School "rising stars" in a concert that will send Barack straight to the White House. This amazing one-night event will take place on Monday, October 20, 2998 at the State Theatre in Easton (53 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 18042.)

Come see cast members from your favorite Broadway shows right along side our most talented local performers! Tickets range from $100 premium seats to general admission at $25. All proceed will go to the Barack Obama campaign. For tickets please call: 1-800-999-STATE (610-252-3132) or visit www.statetheatre.org/schedule.

Broadway performers will include Tony Award winner Priscilla Lopez ("In The Heights", "A Chorus Line"), Tituss Burgess (Sebastion "The Little Mermaid"), Rodney Hicks (Original and Closing casts of "Rent"), Julie Reiber (Elphaba "Wicked") and Brandon Dixon (Tony Nominee "The Color Purple", Ray in "Ray Charles: The Musical"), Shaun Taylor-Corbett ("In The Heights" and Emmy Nominated "Hi-5"), Karla Mosley (Emmy Nominated "Hi-5" and newest cast member on "Guiding Light"), and more! Musical direction by local "super star" and co-author of the Off-Broadway musical "Wanda's World" Beth Falcone. Together they gather at the State Theatre Center to "BARACK the Vote"!!

Jim Caruso's Cast Party to Present 'Wing at Birdland' 10/20 - 10/20/2008

Jim Caruso's Cast Party in association with TheaterMania.com and producer Andy Sandberg will present WING AT BIRDLAND, a one night only presentation of this international recording and internet sensation at New York's premier concert venue.

The Hong Kong native and "Asian sensation" will make her New York debut (her second U.S. appearance) as part of the Broadway at Birdland series on October 20th, at 9:30PM.

Wing achieved cult status through her unique vocal stylings, mastering hit songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, ABBA, the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Mariah Carey, AC/DC, and so many more!

With millions of fans worldwide, she has taken the globe by storm. Wing has been compared to Florence Foster Jenkins, who raised alternative singing into an art form. Before "American Idol" even hit the air, Wing was already a global phenomenon, outshining the success of Idol star William Hung and putting Clay Aiken to shame with her sixteen-hit CDs.

Recently, she was immortalized with her very own episode of "South Park," the animated sensation.

Join the festivities at Birdland in what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as this goddess among men, who's making the trip from her home in New Zealand especially for the occasion, takes the Big Apple by storm and gives "alternative music" a whole new meaning..

Seating is very limited and tickets are guaranteed to sell quickly. Get your tickets now, because the CDs do not do this wonder woman justice!!!

PLEASE NOTE: The regularly scheduled Jim Caruso's Cast Party will start following the Wing concert.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

WHEN: Monday, October 20, 2008, at 9:30PM

WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Aves), New York City 10036

TICKET INFO
Tickets: $25.00 or $40.00 VIP. There is also a $10.00 food/drink per person minimum.

Tickets can be purchased either online @ www.BIRDLANDJAZZ.com, or by telephone @ 212.581.3080.

ABOUT BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND
Recently featured on NY1, BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND was created by acclaimed performer, writer, producer & presenter Jim Caruso. BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND is a weekly concert series on Sunday and Monday evenings, showcasing legendary Broadway performers and composers, as well as up-and-coming musical theater talents. The series started as a companion piece to the hugely popular and hilarious weekly impromptu variety show Jim Caruso's Cast Party (which follows Mondays at 9:30pm)

2008 Chase Brock Experience Benefit on October 20th With Arden and More - 10/20/2008

The 2008 Chase Brock Experience Benefit will take place October 20th at Florence Gould Hall. This one-night only event will feature the company joined by an exciting group of artists from the Broadway, ballet and music worlds, all dancing in revivals of audience favorites as well as several world premieres.

The show will begin at 8 PM at Florence Gould Hall (55 East 59 Street). For more information call (212) 355-6160 or e-mail assistant@chasebrockexperience.com. To purchase tickets, call (212) 307-4100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $45 performance only (limited availability) or $100 for premium performance seating, with $250 VIP packages offered. The VIP packages include the pre-performance sneak preview on Sunday October 19 at 5 PM, premium performance seating and a post-performance champagne reception (limited availability).

The evening features The Chase Brock Experience dancers Kendrick D. Carter, Ashley Eichbauer, Erica Furst, Anna Kaiser, Yukiko Kashiki, Nick Kepley, Ryan Jackson, Emily Oldak, Jason Snow, Connor Kilian Weigand, and Micki Weiner, joined by special guests Michael Arden (Broadway's 'Big River,' 'The Times They Are A-Changin' '), Rob Berman (pianist and Music Director of 'Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert'), Chase Brock (of FOX's 'So You Think You Can Dance' and Broadways' 'The Times They Are A-Changin' ') in a special appearance 'Neil Haskell,' Lorin Latarro (from Broadway's 'Movin' Out,' 'Fosse,' 'A Chorus Line,' 'Curtains'), Brian Letendre (from Broadway's 'Mary Poppins,' 'Movin' Out,' 'Urban Cowboy') Elizabeth Parkinson (Tony Award Nominee from 'Movin' Out,' 'Fosse,' Joffrey Ballet, Twyla Tharp Dance), Peter Sachon (cellist from 'South Pacific,' 'Light in the Piazza'), and John Selya (Tony Award Nominee from 'Movin' Out,' American Ballet Theatre, Twyla Tharp Dance)

The program includes 'Blue Twilight' from David and Joseph Zellnik's musical 'Yank!', featuring pianist Rob Berman; Brock's 'Mission: Implausible' (2008), featuring a Chase Brock Experience commissioned score by Joshua Rosenblum; 'Seeing Stars' (2007); 'Slow Float' (2007) excerpts featuring Elizabeth Parkinson and Chase Brock; 'Spring' from Brock's 'The Four Seasons' (2008); 'Thou Winter Wind' (from Broadway's 'Gypsy of the Year' event, featuring music by Michael Arden and featuring Mr. Arden); World Premiere (featuring Stephen Schwartz's 'Appassionato') featuring cellist Peter Sachon; World Premiere (featuring the songs of David Yazbek), featuring Neil Haskell, Lorin Latarro, Brian Letendre, and John Selya.

Todd Almond to Perform Songs from 'MEXICO CITY' at the Zipper Oct. 20 - 10/20/2008

Todd Almond to celebrate the release of his new CD, MEXICO CITY.

Todd Almond is one of the most sought-after songwriters in NYC. Yale Rep recently commissioned him to write two musicals, and in the past year some of the theater world's greatest singers including Laura Benanti, Victoria Clark, Michael Arden, Jayne Houdyshell, and Cheyenne Jackson have performed his music. Almond is currently collaborating with Adam Bock, Marcus Gardley, and Lear deBessonet, and this summer he composed music for a short film by Will Eno. As a performer, Almond has been wowing audiences with his inventive and always-surprising live shows. Also known for his radical interpretations of classic musicals (HAIR and the upcoming OLIVER), Almond's work as a musical director includes Michael John LaChiusa's TRES NINAS and Mitu's AHRAIHSAK. He has been in residence at the Sundance Theatre Lab, Vassar (NYTW), and was a composer in the inaugural 24 HOUR MUSICALS.

MEXICO CITY is Almond's newest recording of original songs. A minimal and intimate collection, MEXICO CITY features 10 new songs including "The Fire," "Oh, Sean," and the acclaimed "The Margin." For the release concert, Almond will perform with his stellar band and, as usual, a thrilling special guest or two.

Visit www.thezipperfactory.com for tickets

'How the Nurse Feels' to Have Special Industry Only Reading - 10/20/2008

A by-invitation-only reading of the new musical How The Nurse Feels will be presented Oct. 20 at in New World Stages in Manhattan.

The reading will boast the talents of Marissa Parry (Hairspray), Kevin Earley (A Tale of Two Cities), American Idol Finalist Ace Young (Grease), Lindsay Mendez (Grease), Kate Loprest (Hairspray), Kyle Dean Massey (Wicked), Kirsten Wyatt (Grease) and more, and is directed by Micheal G. Walling.
How The Nurse Feels features lyrics by David Green, music by composer John Glaudini and book by David Green and Debbie Lamedman. It is based on the award winning story, of the same name, by Greg Changnon.

The musical, according to press notes, is described as such: "The Lincoln Park High School senior class is presenting "Romeo and Juliet". The show is headed for disaster. The drama teacher left town unexpectedly and the show is now being directed by the head football coach. Seventeen year old Tess Powell, Licoln Park's best actress, plays The Nurse. Romeo is played by her gay best friend, Bailey, and Juliet is played by her arch rival, Trudy Painter, the head cheerleader and most popular girl on campus. The show is falling a part before their eyes and, worst of all, Tess Powell has no idea How The Nurse Feels."

How The Nurse Feels was was recently featured in the ASCAP-Disney Musical Theatre Workshop, under the direction of Stephen Schwartz, in Los Angeles. Selections from the musical were also featured at Birdland in Mr. Green's Opus as part of the "Broadway at Birdland" series in July.

New World Stages is located at 340 W. 50th Street, New York, NY. For more information go to www.howthenursefeels.com

'How the Nurse Feels' to Have Special Industry Only Reading With Young, Parry, and More - 10/20/2008

A by-invitation-only reading of the new musical How The Nurse Feels will be presented Oct. 20 at in New World Stages in Manhattan.

The reading will boast the talents of Marisa Parry (Hairspray), Kevin Earley (A Tale of Two Cities), American Idol Finalist Ace Young (Grease), Lindsay Mendez (Grease), Kate Loprest (Hairspray), Kyle Dean Massey (Wicked), Kirsten Wyatt (Grease) and more, and is directed by Micheal G. Walling.
How The Nurse Feels features lyrics by David Green, music by composer John Glaudini and book by David Green and Debbie Lamedman. It is based on the award winning story, of the same name, by Greg Changnon.

The musical, according to press notes, is described as such: "The Lincoln Park High School senior class is presenting "Romeo and Juliet". The show is headed for disaster. The drama teacher left town unexpectedly and the show is now being directed by the head football coach. Seventeen year old Tess Powell, Licoln Park's best actress, plays The Nurse. Romeo is played by her gay best friend, Bailey, and Juliet is played by her arch rival, Trudy Painter, the head cheerleader and most popular girl on campus. The show is falling a part before their eyes and, worst of all, Tess Powell has no idea How The Nurse Feels."

How The Nurse Feels was was recently featured in the ASCAP-Disney Musical Theatre Workshop, under the direction of Stephen Schwartz, in Los Angeles. Selections from the musical were also featured at Birdland in Mr. Green's Opus as part of the "Broadway at Birdland" series in July.

New World Stages is located at 340 W. 50th Street, New York, NY. For more information go to www.howthenursefeels.com

Photo Credit by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Alysha Umphress Performs at Splash 10/20 - 10/20/2008

Splash Bar presents another diva-licious edition of Scott Nevins' 'Curtain Call' with XL STAR winner, "After Party" co-host and cast member of the recent William Finn revue "Make Me a Song" Alysha Umphress. On Monday, October 20th, directly following the video madness of Musical Mondays, Alysha takes to the stage to serve up a full set of theater's hottest tunes with her signature sassy style and sizzling vocals. Watch the legendary musical numbers on the screens and then see Alysha Umphress perform live.

Admission is free until 10pm, $5 after. Must be 21 with ID.

"Scott Nevin's Curtain Call" with XL Star Winner Alysha Umphress
Monday, October 20th, 11:30pm
Splash
50 West 17th st (b/w 5th and 6th)
New York, NY

Visit Alysha Umphress on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alyshaumphress

Photo courtesy Scott Nevins

Michael Cristofer and Marsha Mason to Read in New Comedy at Westport Country Playhouse - 10/20/2008

Duplex Presents The Sum of Our Hearts An Evening of Songs 10/20 - 10/20/2008

The Duplex presents The Sum of Our Hearts- An Evening of Songs by 2008 Jonathan Larson Award Winners Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann on Monday, October 20th, 2008, at the Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, New York.

According to lyricist Jordan Mann, “While the songs are from a number of projects we’re developing, all the songs are about the challenges of growing up, trying to learn from the mistakes of the past, and holding onto a sense of hope in the face of change.”

The Sum of Our Hearts is an evening of songs by one of musical theatre’s most exciting emerging songwriting team and will feature The Times They Are A Changin’ stars Lisa Brescia and Thom Sesma, and American Idol favorite Natalie Weiss, along with New York City newcomers Meredith Anderson, Matt Lutz and Tim Wilson. The Sum of Our Hearts will be directed by Daniel Kutner (I Love You Because), with musical direction by Aaron Jodoin.

The Sum of our Hearts will play one night only October 20 at 7PM at The Duplex, 61 Christopher St. at 7th Ave.

Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann received a 2008 Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Grant. They were 2006-2007 Musical Theatre Writing Fellows with the Dramatist Guild, and were mentored by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, Richard Maltby, and David Shire. They co-wrote the 2005 Disney/ASCAP Selection The New Kid and participated in the first ever Perry Mansfield Composer Stage Project with Craig Carnelia. Their songs have been featured in the acclaimed Monday Night New Voices programs in Chicago and New York, and their songs have been heard at The Duplex and Chicago’s Tony-Winning Victory Gardens. Their song “When The Words Won’t Come” was published in the Fall 2007 issue of “The Dramatist”. They are currently developing a number of projects, and their original musical Appalachian Trails will be developed through Milikin University in January 2009. For more information www.thomsonandmann.com.

Daniel Kutner is currently the full-time assistant director to Broadway legend, Harold Prince. Projects with Mr. Prince include Lovemusik by Alfred Uhry at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Biltmore Theatre on Broadway and the upcoming Paradise Found, a new musical by Richard Nelson, Ellen Fitzhugh, & Jonathan Tunick. Among his directing credits are the world premiere Off-Broadway hit musical, I Love You Because at the Village Theater, and a new version of Kander and Ebb’s The World Goes Round, which inaugurated the Gettysburg Arts Festival in Pennsylvania and transferred to the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia. A Temple University graduate and a Philadelphia native, Dan served as the Inaugural Directing Fellow at the Philadelphia Theatre Company, and subsequently the Robert Moss Directing Resident at Playwrights Horizons.

Meredith Anderson is a graduate of the University of Southern California where she studied music and theater. She has been seen in NY at the Metropolitan Room, the Laurie Beechman Theater as well as past performances at the Duplex. Some favorite regional credits include Disney's Snow White the Musical, Babes in Arms, Oklahoma, Patience and Guys and Dolls. She has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Universal Studios Japan and with the LA Philharmonic. Meredith enjoys writing comedy and children's material and has been published by Focus on the Family. She is an active member of Trinity Grace Church.

Lisa Brescia just returned from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. where she appeared as Violet in Side Show in their presentation of Broadway: Three Generations, and recently finished her run as Elphaba in Chicago’s Wicked, after having spent a year in the Broadway production. She starred on Broadway in The Times They Are A-Changin’ and was seen as Marion Halcombe in The Woman in White when she stepped in for British star Maria Friedman. She played Amneris in Aida on Broadway for the last year of its run and was seen in the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. Regional credits include Evita (Eva), The Last 5 Years (Cathy), A Little Night Music (Petra) and Brigadoon (Meg). For five years, she toured worldwide with The Mamas and The Papas.

Matt Lutz Aaron Blair in Disney’s Bringing Down The House, Clay Gephardt in Warner Brothers’ A Walk To Remember, Pete Fleming in indie hit End Of The Spear, and the upcoming independent feature Port City. Two years as defense attorney Phil Newberry on the Hallmark Channel’s McBride series, opposite Emmy winner John Larroquette. Also Las Vegas, Boston Public, Dawson’s Creek, 7th Heaven, among others. New musical Glimpses Of The Moon at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC; Show Boat and The Most Happy Fella at Utah Festival Opera; world premiere A Time For Love at Rubicon Theatre; Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Welk Theatre; Jon in Los Angeles premiere of Tick, Tick…Boom!; and 1776, Into The Woods, Translations, and the Los Angeles premiere Tales Of Tinseltown, among others, all with Actors Co-op Hollywood. Matt is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild, and is represented commercially and theatrically by Innovative Artists.

Thom Sesma just completed a run of Julia Cho’s DURANGO at Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park. BROADWAY: The Times They Are A-Changin’ Search and Destroy, Man of La Mancha (2002), Nick & Nora, Face Value. NATIONAL TOURS: Miss Saigon, Titanic. OFF BROADWAY: Cymbeline (1998), Rashomon, A Hard Heart, Baby Goya, In A Pig’s Valise, Ivanov, As Thousands Cheer, Othello, Roundabout Theatre Company, Second Stage Theatre, NYSF/Public Theater, Lincoln Center Theatre, Epic Theatre Ensemble, National Asian American Theatre Co., The Mint. REGIONAL: Shanghai Moon, Dinner with Friends, Romeo and Juliet, The Normal Heart, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Merrily We Roll Along, Twelfth Night, The Winter’s Tale, The Molly Maguires, The King and I and others, Yale Repertory Theatre, McCarter Theatre, The Old Globe, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Bay Street Theatre, many others. TELEVISION & FILM: Third Watch, Law & Order, Whoopi, Trinity, When I Grow Up, Canterbury’s Law, Mambo Kings, Molly Dodd. A proud member of AEA. He is currently directing Tennessee Williams’ OUTCRY for NAATCO, previews beginning Nov. 29 at the Abingdon Theatre.

Natalie Weiss has performed in the pre-Broadway reading of Ever After, Scott Alan and Jeremy Schonfeld's CD release concerts at Birdland, Tales From The Bad Years, Broadway Loves the 80's volume 3, and Monday's Nights New Voices. She is well known for her youtube performances such as "I'm A Star", "Quiet", "And I Am Telling You", and "I Believe In You And Me". Regional credits include Pittsburgh CLO and North Shore Music Theatre. Natalie was an American Idol Season 4 top 97 finalist. BFA/Penn State University.

Timothy Wilson most recently appeared in Joseph… at Stages St. Louis and he was seen as Luke in Altar Boyz directed by Stephen Bourneuf at the Arvada Center in Denver. Other credits include Zeke in High School Musical, Bobby Strong in Urinetown (directed by John Caraffa), Lenny in Marisol, and Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Tim was awarded the Presidential Scholar in the Arts medal and was given the opportunity to sing at the Kennedy Center. A proud member of Actors’ Equity, he holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Sum of Our Hearts- An Evening of Songs by 2008 Jonathan Larson Award Winners Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann will be performed on Monday, October 20th, 2008, at the Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, New York. Tickets are $15 + 2 drink minimum. Reservations can be made by calling (212) 255-5438 or visiting http://www.theduplex.com.

Ron Abel to Perform at Birdland 10/20 - 10/20/2008

Ron Abel, the award-winning composer and arranger, is set to perform his hilarious, unforgettable song, "All the Good Men are Gay," at the famous Jazz venue Birdland in New York on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Written with producer Bruce Newberg, Ron will delight the audience with this uproarious melody and perform a bevy of original songs from his musical library.

Originally from Ron's Show, "Gay 90s, Looking Back, Moving On," "All the Good Men are Gay" has developed a groundswell of adoration with such kitschy lines as "Where can I have an affair? Who's not enamored of Cher," and "If a guy makes me tingle, he's either not single or straight from Jeoffrey Ballet." Additionally, performances are occurring all over the country. One such artist, stage and television star, Joely Fisher, put her definitive stamp on the song during Ron's sold out performance at the historic Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, CA earlier this year. Click here to see the entire performance.

In addition to this showstopper, Ron will be performing many other of his beloved songs with some of the best and brightest from Broadway and beyond. One such song will be a preview from his Broadway bound musical "Bricktop," produced by Whoopi Goldberg, Paul Lambert and Jonas Neilson.

This year's performance at Birdland promises to be a Jazz sensation with standout performances by Golden Globe nominated Lucie Arnaz, Tony nominated Valarie Pettiford, acclaimed London-based actress/singer Giselle Wolf, and Ron's new sensational find, Rocco Fiorentino. An audience of Broadway luminaries including veteran star Chita Rivera will be there to cheer them all on.

TICKET INFORMATION

The show will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Birdland (315 West 44th, New York City), Monday, October 20, 2008. For reservations call 212-581-3080. Tickets are $40 and VIP tickets are $50. For more information on Ron Abel, please visit www.ronabel.com. For tickets and show information, please visit: www.birdlandjazz.com.

Musicals Tonight! Presents AT THIS PERFORMANCE 10/20 - 10/20/2008

Musicals Tonight! continues its ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys and Understudies with its next edition of At This Performance…™ to be held on Monday, October 20th at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, (above the Promenade Theatre- Broadway at 76th Street), 3rd Floor at 8 PM. The evening celebrates the popular concert series' 5th Anniversary.

Hosted by series Producing Artistic Director and Casting Director Stephen DeAngelis, the popular series allows performers to showcase their versatility and share anecdotes about their experiences.

Performers scheduled to perform on Monday, October 20th are Summer Broyhill (Understudy for the roles of Velma Von Tussel and Female Authority Figure in Hairspray), Janet Dacal (Understudy for the roles of Nina and Vanessa in In the Heights), Kevin Meaney (Understudy for the roles of Edna Turnblad and Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray), James Moye (Understudy for the roles of Sydney Carton, Ernest Defarge and Marquis St. Evremonde in A Tale of Two Cities), David Ryan Smith (Standby for the role of Narrator in Passing Strange), Jesse Swenson (Understudy for the roles of Melchior, Otto, Georg and Hanschen in Spring Awakening) and Emma Zaks (Understudy for the role of Dainty June in the Broadway revival of Gypsy),

Special guests include Melinda Wakefield Alberty, Lakisha Anne Bowen, Krystal Joy Brown, Josh Lamon an d Gina Milo from the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport's current cast of Little Shop of Horrors.

Musical Director/Accompanist for the evening will be Philip Kirchman.

At This Performance…* debuted in October 2003 and to date has showcased the talents of 359 talented actors and actresses including (in alphabetical order): Katie Adams, Richard Todd Adams, Heather Ayers, Bryan Batt, Lisa Brescia, Stephen R. Buntrock, Todd Buonopane, David Burnham, Laura Bell Bundy, Kristy Cates, Patti Cohenour, Kristoffer Cusick, Nikki Renee Daniels, Bradley Dean, Rachel de Benedet, Michelle DeJean, Michelle Dowdy, Matt Doyle, Laura Marie Duncan, Shannon Durig, Traci Jai Edwards, John Treacy Egan, Barrett Foa, Merwin Foard, Tim Martin Gleason, Montego Glover, Jonathan Groff, Becky Gulsvig, Blake Hammond, Tyler Hanes, Nicolette Hart, Megan Hilty, Curtis Holbrook, Lisa Howard, Cheyenne Jackson, Kendra Kassebaum, Leslie Kritzer, Michael Shawn Lewis, Michael Longoria, Alli Mauzey, Michael McGowan, William Michals, Kenita R. Miller, Ann Morrison, Linda Mugleston, Brynn O'Malley, Jessica Lea Patty, Marissa Perry, Rachelle Rak, Andrew Rannels, Jonathan Rayson, Julie Reiber, Angela Robinson, Arbender Robinson, Krysta Rodriguez, Nicholas Rodriguez, Ann Sanders, Niki Scalera, Paul Schoeffler, Colleen Sexton, Elena Shaddow, Antonique Smith, Howie Michael Smith, Nikki Snelson, Joey Sorge, Kevin Spirtas, Jim Stanek, Edward Staudenmayer, Sarah Stiles, Donna Vivino, Kate Wetherhead, Jennifer Hope Wills and Jessica-Snow Wilson .

Upcoming editions of At This Performance… are scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd and Monday, November 3rd.

Tickets are $20.00 each and are available at SMARTTIX (212) 868-4444.

Broadway Aimed 'Pride & Prejudice' Holds Rochester Reading 10/21 - 10/21/2008

Producers of a homegrown musical version of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice want to engage the local community in its journey to Broadway with an exclusive local “first look” on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the upstate city’s historic Eastman Theatre.

This special sneak peek of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, A Musical Play will feature a 16- piece orchestra made up of members of the prestigious Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra members, and Broadway cast members including Colin Donnell (Jersey Boys, Follies) as Mr. Darcy. As the Broadway production is slated for November of 2009, this Rochester-only showcase will not be the eventual full-scale production, but will feature costumes, lighting, simple sets and a professional New York City cast. A Red Carpet, “paparazzi” and other festivities will lend a Broadway feel to the one -night-only event. The musical is the work of two Rochester women, Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs, who have spent the past eight years researching and writing the book, music and lyrics.

Following a 2004 workshop with the Eastman School of Music, the show had its World Premiere in the summer of 2006 with The Ohio Light Opera. Both productions were directed by Eastman School of Music’s Steven Daigle. Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, A Musical Play was optioned for Broadway production that fall by the authors’ good friend, Rochester’s Lori Bajorek, who has since assembled a “dream team” of Broadway professionals that includes Tony Award-nominated Director Mark Lamos (Our Country’s Good, Seascape, The Rivals) and Executive Producer Donald C. Farber, Esq., a well-known theatre and film attorney who literally wrote the book on producing Broadway shows.

Actress Polly Bergen (Follies) starred in the play’s first New York City reading in 2007, which attracted national coverage in Playbill and BroadwayWorld.com. Bergen also starred as Elizabeth Bennett in First Impressions, the 1959 Broadway musical adaptation of the novel. From Tara Rubin Casting to the Charlotte Wilcox Company (General Manager) to Musical Director Fred Lassen, the amassed Broadway credits of Pride & Prejudice’s production team are impressive enough to open doors and pocketbooks. Indeed, Bajorek is inviting current and potential Broadway producers/investors to the Eastman Theatre show, but she’s looking for something “priceless” from the hometown crowd: enthusiasm.

“We really want Rochester to ‘own’ this show from the start,” says Bajorek, a successful local business woman and first-time producer. “This is ‘Rochester’s Musical,’ and we want the whole community to come with us to Broadway!”

Tickets to this exclusive preview of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, a Musical Play at Eastman Theatre on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. are $35, $50 and $75 (includes a postperformance reception with performers at Max of Eastman Place). They are available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at 875 East Main Street (Auditorium Theatre), by calling 585- 232-1900, or online at www.tickemaster.com. Media please note: High-resolution photographs and interviews are available upon request. Please visit www.prideandprejudicebroadway.com for press kit and other information.

Hall's Production of 'Labour' Breaks In Rose Theatre - 10/21/2008

Peter Hall's latest staging of Shakespeare's Love's Labour Lost will be the first full production to be presented in Kingston's Rose Theatre. The theater opened officially in January after several years of fundraising and development.

The play will run from October 21st until November 15th and star Peter Bowles.

According to What's On Stage, "First conceived by local councillors and residents in 1986, the Rose Theatre, Kingston was in active development for six years prior to January, with Hall in place as its founder artistic director and vocal champion for five years. The veteran director has since handed over the reins to former English Touring Theatre Stephen Unwin (See News, 21 Jan 2008). Fundraising hiccoughs caused numerous delays in the opening of the theatre, which receives no Arts Council or Lottery grants. Additional money is still needed to secure future programming and operational costs and to implement Hall's long-term vision of the theatre as an active producing house with its own ensemble company."

Aurora Theatre Presents Shaw's 'Devil's Disciple' Starting 10/31 - 10/21/2008

Aurora Theatre Company continues its American trilogy with THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE from the master of English wit George Bernard Shaw. Aurora Theatre Company founding Artistic Director Barbara Oliver, who directed the company’s productions of Shaw’s The Man of Destiny, The Philanderer, Saint Joan, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Widower’s Houses, and Candida, returns to helm this classic Shavian comedy, starring Gabriel Marin, Søren Oliver, and Stacy Ross, and featuring Warren David Keith, Allen McKelvey, Trish Mullholland, Anthony Nemirovsky, Tara Tomicevic, and Michael Ray Wisely. THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE plays October 31 through December 7 at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley. For tickets and information ($28-50) the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.

In THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE, America is at war with the British and the Redcoats want to hang the local minister in order to demoralize the townsfolk. Richard Dudgeon is a self-proclaimed “devil’s disciple,” but when the British come for the minister, he pretends to be the wanted man. Was it for love, country, or duty, or did the devil make him do it? Poking fun at religious zealotry and political arrogance, and rife with Shaw’s trademark humor and irony, this fictional account of an American “hero” set during the Revolutionary War is the playwright’s first popular success and his only full-length play set in America.

Aurora Theatre Company has assembled a talented ensemble of Company veterans and newcomers for THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE. Gabriel Marin returns to Aurora Theatre Company as Richard Dudgeon in THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE. Marin previously appeared in the Company’s productions of Gunplay and The Glass Menagerie. Additional credits include productions at SF Playhouse (Bug, Our Lady of 121st Street), Magic Theatre (The Rules of Charity), American Conservatory Theater, Marin Theatre Company, Thick Description, Word for Word, Chicago’s Dramatists Workshop, and LA’s Actors Gang.

Stacy Ross returns to Aurora Theatre Company as Judith in THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE; she previously appeared in the Company’s productions of The Man of Destiny, Hedda Gabler, and A Kind of Alaska. Additional credits include productions at California Shakespeare Theater (Arms and the Man), TheatreWorks (Dolly West’s Kitchen), San Jose Repertory Theatre (Major Barbara), Marin Theatre Company (Splittin the Raft), Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Cloud Nine), and American Conservatory Theater (The Constant Wife).

Søren Oliver returns to Aurora Theatre Company as Anthony Anderson; he was seen in the Company’s productions of Saint Joan and A Place with the Pigs, and directed productions of The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek and Alarms and Excursions. Additional credits include a recurring role on the hit WB series Charmed and productions at Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Mary Zimmerman’s Argonautika), San Jose Repertory Theatre (Death of a Salesman), Marin Theatre Company (Bleacher Bums), Magic Theatre (Killer Joe), and California Shakespeare Theater, among others. Oliver is the founding Artistic Director of Central Works Theatre Ensemble.

Warren David Keith, who starred in Aurora Theatre Company’s productions of Hysteria, A Life in the Theatre, and Death Defying Acts, returns to the Company as General Burgoyne. A veteran of the Bay Area stage, Keith’s credits include productions at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, American Conservatory Theater, Magic Theatre, California Shakespeare Theater, TheatreWorks, and Marin Theatre Company, among others.

Trish Mulholland, who was featured in Aurora Theatre Company’s productions of Salome and The Chairs, returns to the Company as Mrs. Dudgeon. Mulholland’s credits include productions with Shotgun Players (Mother Courage, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Man and Superman), Berkeley Repertory Theatre (The Oresteia), and American Conservatory Theater (The Circle), among others.

Rounding out the cast are Michael Ray Wisely (Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Magic Theatre), Anthony Nemirovsky (California Shakespeare Theater, Center REPertory Company), and Tara Tomicevic (Aurora Theatre Company).

Aurora Theatre Company founding Artistic Director Barbara Oliver returns to the Company to direct THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE. Oliver’s Aurora Theatre Company directing credits include last season’s Professional World Premiere of Ellen McLaughlin’s The Trojan Women, the West Coast Premiere of Ice Glen, Ibsen’s The Master Builder, and Ellen McLaughlin’s adaptation of The Persians, as well as productions of Shaw’s The Man of Destiny, Saint Joan, The Philanderer, Candida, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, and Widowers’ Houses. For the Company, she has also directed Seascape, The Belle of Amherst, and World Premieres of Ira Hauptman’s Partition, LeClanche Du Rand’s Transcendental Wild Oats, and Dorothy Bryant’s The Panel. Oliver is the recipient of several Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards, including the first Barbara Bladen Porter Award, as well as Drama-Logue awards for The Show Off and Dear Master. An accomplished Bay Area actress, Oliver has appeared in Aurora Theatre Company productions of The Chairs, The Gin Game, Holiday Memories, Bailegangaire, La Castrata, The Aspern Papers, and Dear Master. An instrumental figure in Bay Area theatre, Oliver stepped down from her role as Artistic Director at the end of the 2003-04 Aurora Theatre Company season.

Irish dramatist and ardent socialist George Bernard Shaw had his first success as a music and literary critic; as a dramatist he authored more than 63 plays during his career. Shaw’s work is leavened by a vein of comedy, but nearly all of his works bear earnest social messages that he hoped his audiences would embrace. Some of Shaw’s most popular works for the stage include Widower’s Houses (1892), The Philanderer (1893), Mrs Warren's Profession (1893), Arms and the Man (1894), Candida (1894), The Man of Destiny (1895), You Never Can Tell (1897), The Devil's Disciple (1897), Man and Superman (1902-03), Major Barbara (1905), Pygmalion (1912-13), Heartbreak House (1919), and Saint Joan (1923). Shaw died in 1950 at the age of 94; he remains the only person to have been awarded both a Nobel Prize (1925) and an Oscar (1938 for Pygmalion).

Following THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE, Aurora Theatre Company presents the West Coast Premiere of George Packer’s provocative recent Off-Broadway hit BETRAYED in January. Mark Jackson, who directed Aurora Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Salome, returns to the Company to helm August Strindberg’s MISS JULIE in April. Bob Glaudini’s unconventional romantic comedy JACK GOES BOATING, directed by Joy Carlin, rounds out the season in June.

Aurora Theatre Company continues to offer challenging, literate, intelligent stage works to the Bay Area, each year increasing its reputation for top-notch theatre. Located in the heart of the Downtown Berkeley Arts District, Aurora Theatre Company has been called “one of the most important regional theaters in the area” by the San Francisco Chronicle, while The Wall Street Journal has “nothing but praise for the Aurora.” The Contra Costa Times stated, “perfection is probably an unattainable ideal in a medium as fluid as live performance, but the Aurora Theatre comes luminously close,” while the San Jose Mercury News affirmed “[Aurora Theatre Company] lives up to its reputation as a theater that feeds the mind,” and the Oakland Tribune declared “it’s all about choices, and if you value good theater, choose the Aurora.”

Aurora Theatre Presents Shaw's 'Devil's Desciple' Starting 10/31 - 10/21/2008

Clarke's 'Garden of Earthly Delights' To Play at Minetta Lane Starting 10/21 - 10/21/2008

Alan Schuster, Martin Davis, Davo Entertainment LLC and Margaret Cotter in association with Barbara Foy present The Two River Theater Production  of  Garden of Earthly Delights in a limited 12-week Off-Broadway engagement beginning Wednesday, October 8. Conceived and directed by Martha Clarke, this production will have its Official Opening on Tuesday, October 21 @ 7:00 PM at the Minetta Lane Theatre (18 Minetta Lane).

Visionary director Martha Clarke brings Hieronymus Bosch’s provocative painting to life in Garden of Earthly Delights -- exploring heaven, hell and the beauty and sins in between. This production takes audiences on a journey from creation through Eden, earthly existence, damnation and redemption through a landscape of aerial and stage-based performance in a striking synthesis of visual elements and movement.

This reinvention of the acclaimed work by Martha Clarke touches down in New York for the first time since the groundbreaking production debuted at St. Clement’s (November, 1984). The show later played an extended run at the Minetta Lane Theatre (May-August 1987) and enjoyed engagements at numerous prestigious venues. The original production was honored with a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience, an Obie Award for its score and an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for choreography and drew great critical response, with Robert Brustein of The New Republic calling it, “Arguably one of the most significant works of postwar American theatrical art."

Conceived and directed by Martha Clarke, Garden of Earthly Delights features performers Sophie Bortolussi, Benjamin G. Bowman, Marjorie Folkman, Kurt Froman, General McArthur Hambrick, Whitney V. Hunter, Gabrielle Malone, Jennifer Nugent, Matt Rivera, Jenny Sandler, Isadora Wolfe and musicians Bohdan Hilash (winds), Wayne Hankin (winds), Egil Rostad (cello) and Arthur Solari (percussion). This production includes an Original Score by Richard Peaslee (also with Martha Clarke: Vienna: Lusthaus, The Hunger Artist, Miracolo d’amore; with Peter Brook / Royal Shakespeare Company: The Marat/Sade, A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Costume Design by Jane Greenwood (Martha Clarke’s Belle Epoque, An Uncertain Hour, Vers la flame, Marco Polo, Orfeo and Euridice; Broadway: Thurgood, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Set and Lighting Design by Christopher Akerlind (collaborations with Martha Clarke include Kaos, Belle Epoque, Sueno; Broadway Lighting Design credits: Top Girls, The Light in the Piazza), with state-of-the-art flying devices created by the “Flying by Foy” workshop.

Recipient of the MacArthur Genius Award, Martha Clarke's career spans theater, dance and opera. Trained at the Peabody Preparatory and later at Juilliard under Antony Tudor and Anna Sokolow, she was a founding member of Pilobolus Dance Theatre and Crowsnest. As a director, Clarke’s many original productions include Garden of Earthly Delights, Vienna: Lusthaus, Miracolo d’amore, Endangered Species, An Uncertain Hour, The Hunger Artist, and Vers la flame. She directed the premiere of Christopher Hampton’s Alice’s Adventures Underground at the Royal National Theatre in London. She directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the American Repertory Theater and a music/theater work, Belle Epoque, based on the life of Toulouse Lautrec, at Lincoln Center Theater.

She has collaborated with Richard Greenberg, Charles L. Mee and Sebastian Barry, among many others. Clarke has directed The Magic Flute for the Glimmerglass Opera and the Canadian Opera Company; Cosi fan tutte for Glimmerglass; Tan Dun’s Marco Polo for the Munich Biennale, the Hong-Kong Festival and the New York City Opera; and Gluck’s Orfeo and Euridice for the English National Opera and the New York City Opera. Clarke has choreographed for the Nederlans Dans Theater, the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Rambert Dance Company and The Martha Graham Company, among others. In addition to the MacArthur Award, Clarke has received two grants from the Guggenheim Foundation as well as 15 grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. She has received a Drama Desk Award, two Obie Awards and the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award. She has been the subject of a film for PBS, Martha Clarke, Light and Dark, and her Garden of Earthly Delights was filmed by the BBC. Her Kaos, based on the works of Luigi Pirandello, was awarded the first Tony Randall Foundation Award and ran at the New York Theater Workshop in 2006. In 2007, the NEA awarded a grant to re-envision her Garden of Earthly Delights under a program dedicated to the remounting of American masterworks.

Garden of Earthly Delights is produced by Alan Schuster, Martin Davis, Davo Entertainment LLC and Margaret Cotter in association with Barbara Foy. Currently, Garden of Earthly Delights is playing at The Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ (September 3-14).

Garden of Earthly Delights will play at the Minetta Lane Theatre (18 Minetta Lane between Sixth Avenue & MacDougal Street). Schedule: Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Tickets will be available through www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (212) 307-4100, or at the Minetta Lane Box Office starting October 4 (1:00 – 6:00 PM daily, closed Mondays). Preview tickets are available for $25.00. Post-opening tickets are $37.50 - $59.50 with premium seats available for $65.

For more information, visit www.GardenofEarthlyDelightsNYC.com

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Lanuches Young Adults Program With 'Glass Menagerie' 10/21 - 10/21/2008

Steppenwolf Theatre Company launches its Steppenwolf for Young Adults 2008-2009 Season with The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov. The production, featuring James T. Alfred, Shanésia Davis, Anthony Fleming III and Nambi E. Kelley, runs October 21 – November 9, 2008 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Tickets are available to the general public for weekend performances only, with all additional shows reserved for school groups. The press performance is Saturday, October 25 at 11 a.m.

Featuring an all African-American cast, Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents a unique production of Tennessee Williams’ classic “memory play.” Delicately weaving truth and illusion, The Glass Menagerie evokes the drab realities of aspiring poet Tom, who spends his days in a warehouse. Living with his overbearing mother, Amanda and his crippled sister, Laura – Tom struggles to balance his dreams of a brighter future with his devotion to his family.

“As we move into our 2008-2009 season that Steppenwolf has titled ‘the season of the imagination,’ I want to take this opportunity to re-examine the American Dream, how the next generation imagines it and their place in the creation of it,” comments Hallie Gordon, Artistic and Education Director of Steppenwolf for Young Adults.

Ensemble member Yasen Peyankov appeared in Steppenwolf’s 2007-2008 production of Superior Donuts, a world premiere play by Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Tracy Letts. He is the co-founder of Chicago’s European Repertory Company and an Associate Professor and Director of Theatre Studies in the Performing Arts Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has directed at UIC, European Rep. and Rushfort in Los Angeles.

The design team includes: Martin Andrew (sets), Natasha Vuchurovich Djukich (costumes), Keith Parham (lights), and Robert Milburn and Michael Bodeen (original music and sound). Cassie Wolgamott is the stage manager.

About The Steppenwolf for Young Adults Programs:

Steppenwolf for Young Adults is Steppenwolf’s educational program for students, teachers and families, and is focused on making the theater accessible to the most underserved populations in Chicago. Steppenwolf for Young Adults consists of complementary programming components that are designed to enhance education, build self-esteem and social tolerance and encourage lifelong appreciation of the arts. At the core of Steppenwolf for Young Adults are the professional, full-scale productions produced specifically for young adult audiences each season.

Productions for Students and Families
Professional productions of established plays, original adaptations of novels and new works are presented for young adults through weekday student matinees and weekend family performances. The Residency Program provides teaching artists in the classroom before and after each production. SYA provides teachers and students with scripts, study guides and tours of the theater.

The Young Adults Council

A small group of high school students from across Chicago devoted to exploring the collaborative possibilities between the theater and young adults. Council members work with their peers, Steppenwolf staff and artists to create programs that speak to their interests, ideas and creative goals. The Council participates in various workshops and discussions, sees productions and creates their own programming for young adults at Steppenwolf.

Educator Workshops
The Teacher Theater Immersion Course is designed to help teachers integrate theater arts into their core curriculum. Our advanced Immersion 2 Course uses arts integration methods to approach a range of non-fiction works related to themes of our two productions. The Master Teacher Workshops help teachers improve student comprehension of literature through drama, using texts related to our Steppenwolf for Young Adults productions. All offer the opportunity to earn CPDU credits.

Steppenwolf for Young Adults is a citywide partner of the Chicago Public Schools School Partner Program.

Steppenwolf is located near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible. Street and lot parking are available. Assistive listening devices are available for every performance in the Upstairs or Downstairs Theatres.

Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon. The company, formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect and the development of artists through on-going group work. Steppenwolf has grown into an internationally renowned company of forty-one artists whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking and textual adaptation.

Casa Manana Presents 'Tuna Does Vegas' Starting 10/21 - 10/21/2008

Tuna Does Vegas, the hilarious new installment from the legendary “Greater Tuna” creative team, rolls into the Bass Performance Hall for a one week only engagement October 21 – 26, 2008.

Starring the incomparable duo Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters from the ‘third smallest town in Texas’ as they take a rambling romp in Sin City. The hilarity begins when oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie announces on air that he and his wife Bertha Bumiller are heading to Vegas to renew their wedding vows…but everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride! Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, Tuna Does Vegas will feature the favorite characters from the award-winning “Greater Tuna” productions – with some new characters – all staged under the directorial hand of Mr. Howard.
Tuna Does Vegas is presented by Casa Mañana for an exclusive one week only limited engagement at the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Performance dates are: Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, October 24 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This show is suitable for most audiences. Traditional Tuna humor and innuendo. Parental guidance is recommended.

Tickets for Tuna Does Vegas are on sale and can be purchased by calling the Casa Mañana Theatre box office at 817-332-2272 or the Bass Performance Hall box office at 817-212-4280. You can also visit the box office at Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, or at the Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth. Ticket prices are $25 to $69, depending upon seating location and the performance dates and times. For more information about tickets, go to www.casamanana.org, or for more information about Tuna Does Vegas, go to www.tunadoesvegasthetour.com.

New Group Presents US Premiere of 'Mouth to Mouth' - 10/21/2008

The New Group presents the US premiere of Kevin Elyot's Mouth to Mouth directed by Mark Brokaw as the first production in its 2008-2009 season. Slated for a limited off-Broadway engagement from October 21 through December 27, this production features New Group artist David Cale, Lisa Emery and Elizabeth Jasicki. Mouth to Mouth will have its official opening on Thursday, November 6 at 7PM at the New Group @ Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, New York.

Frank, a gay writer living with AIDS, attends a party at his friend Laura's house to celebrate the return of her teenage son from abroad. As the story shifts back and forth through time, it's clear that Frank may have played an unscrupulous part in the unraveling of his best friend's family. Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play and a London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Play, this West End hit is a haunting, twisting tale of undeclared passion and the fine line between intimacy and betrayal.

Mouth to Mouth enjoyed its world premiere at the Royal Court Theatre in 2001. Kevin Elyot's play, My Night with Reg, earned him the 1994 London Critic Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright and earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy.

After beginning his career as a theater actor, playwright Kevin Elyot wrote his first stage play, Coming Clean, which premiered at London's Bush Theatre and won the Samuel Beckett Award. Elyot's other plays include: Consent (1989), The Moonstone (1990), Artists And Admirers (1992), My Night With Reg, The Day I Stood Still (National Theatre, 1998), Forty Winks (Royal Court Theatre, 2004) and And Then There Were (Gielgud Theatre, 2005). His screenplays include Killing Time (BBC, 1990), which won the Writers' Guild Award for Best TV Play or Film, The Moonstone (BBC, 1996), My Night With Reg (BBC, 1997) and No Night Is Too Long (BBC/Alliance Atlantis, 2002).

Director Mark Brokaw helmed the Tony-nominated Broadway production of Cry-Baby. His additional Broadway credits include The Constant Wife and Reckless. With the New Group, Brokaw directed Kenneth Lonergan's This Is Our Youth (1996-97 season).

This production will feature Christopher Abbott (Off-Broadway: Good Boys and True), David Cale (Broadway: Three Penny Opera; Off-B'way: Two Thousand Years, My Night With Reg at The New Group; Film: Pollock), Lisa Emery (Broadway: The Women, The Smell of the Kill; Off-Broadway: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Abigail's Party, What The Butler Saw at the New Group), Darren Goldstein (Off-B'way: Abigail's Party, Terrorism at the New Group; Guttenberg! The Musical, Bad Jazz), Elizabeth Jasicki (Off-Broadway: Abigail's Party at the New Group), Andrew Polk (Off-Broadway: The Accomplices at the New Group – 2007 Drama Desk Nomination, Walmartopia; TV: "30 Rock," "Law & Order"), Richard Topol (Broadway: Awake and Sing – Drama Desk Award, Julius Caesar; TV: "The Practice") and includes set design by Riccardo Hernandez (Broadway: Caroline, or Change, Bring in 'Da Funk, Bring in 'Da Noise; Off-Broadway: Two Gentlemen of Verona), costume design by Michael Krass (Broadway: The Constant Wife – Tony Award nomination, Twelve Angry Men; Off-Broadway: A Feminine Ending), lighting design by Mark McCullough (Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar) and sound design by David Van Tieghem (Broadway: Doubt, Mauritius). This production will also include original music by David Van Tieghem.

The New Group (Scott Elliott, Artistic Director; Geoff Rich, Executive Director): The 2008-2009 season continues this January as the New Group presents Eugene O'Neill's epic tragedy Morning Becomes Electra. Directed by Scott Elliot, the production will feature John Cullum, Lili Taylor, and Jena Malone. The season concludes this spring with the world premiere Seth Zvi Rosenfeld's Handball. The company's 2007-2008 season opened with the premiere of Jonathan Marc Sherman's Things We Want directed by Ethan Hawke, followed by Mike Leigh's Two Thousand Years and concluded with Ayub Khan- Din's Rafta, Rafta. The 2006-07 season featured Jay Presson Allen's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie followed by Wallace Shawn's The Fever and Bernard Weinraub's The Accomplices. The New Group is a recipient of the 2004 Tony Award (Best Musical - Avenue Q).

Mouth to Mouth will play at the New Group @ Theatre Row (The Acorn Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenues) as follows: Monday at 8PM, Tuesday at 7PM, Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM and Saturday at 2PM (matinee). Tickets may be arranged through Ticket Central at www.ticketcentral.com or (212) 279-4200 or at the Theatre Row Box Office (12-8PM daily). Tickets are $56.25. For more information, visit www.thenewgroup.org.

Euan Morton Hosts Theatre Museum Awards 10/21 - 10/21/2008

Broadway's Boy George Euan Morton will host the 2008 Theatre Museum
Awards for Excellence on Tuesday October 21, 2009 at New York City's
famed Players Club located at 16 Gramercy Park. Cocktails and Silent
Auction at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Awards Ceremony at 8 p.m.

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The evening is co-chaired by the Tony winning
Broadway couple Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley, currently
represented on Broadway with the shows Legally Blonde, Hitchcock's The
39 Steps and American Buffalo.
Lane is Chairman of the Board for The Theatre Museum
and Comley is on the Advisory Board. The couple
are spearheading the fundraising efforts for a
permanent space in the Times Square district.
They have been with The Theatre Museum since its
founding in 2003.

Broadway Star Barbara Cook will present the Award for Excellence in
Theatre History Preservation for Individual Achievement to Rick McKay
for creating the BROADWAY THE GOLDEN AGE documentaries.

Comedian Pat Cooper will present the Career Achievement Award to
American radio and television personality Joe Franklin, who has been
entertaining New York audiences for more than half a century.

Noted composer Ervin Drake will present Five Towns College with the
Theatre Arts in Education Award.

Professor William Green of CUNY Queens College will present to The
Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana with its Award of Excellence
for Theatre History Preservation to an Organization.

The legendary set designer, now director, Tony Walton will direct the
evening's events on stage with Aaron Gandy as Musical Director. The
evening's music will be from the restored Rogers and Hart score SPRING
IS HERE.

"The Theatre Museum is proud to have the opportunity to recognize a
diverse array of recipients this year," says museum president Helen
Marie Guditis. "Each is unique. Each has made a significant
contribution to theatre arts in accord with the principles and goals
of our cultural institution."

Dubbed "the king of nostalgia," television pioneer Joe Franklin
debuted on WJZ-TV (later WABC-TV) in 1951 with one of the medium's
earliest talk shows. He moved to WOR-TV (later WWOR-TV) in 1962 where
he remained a mainstay until 1999. It is estimated that as host of
"The Joe Franklin Show," he interviewed over 10,000 guests during its
43-year TV run. He can currently be heard Saturday nights
broadcasting on WOR radio's "Memory Lane" (710AM in NYC, 12 midnight)
and also be heard daily on Bloomberg Radio's "Lifestyles" segment.

An acknowledged authority on silent film and the owner of one of the
largest private sheet music collections in the world, Fr anklin has
written 23 books, including Classics of the Silent Screen and his 1995
autobiography Up Late with Joe Franklin. He has appeared as himself in
countless films, notably "Ghostbusters" and "Broadway Danny Rose."

Producer/Director/Writer/Cinematographer Rick McKay is the sole owner
and proprietor of Second Act Productions. His hit film, "Broadway:
The Golden Age," has won over 15 film festival awards and landed on 17
Top Ten film lists. McKay, who has won three Telly awards for his
television work, has produced episodes for A&E's "Biography" and
produced, directed and shot "Elaine Stritch: At Liberty" for "Egg: The
Arts Show." Much of this footage was also used to make the HBO
documentary of the same name, which won Stritch a 2004 Emmy. For five
seasons McKay was a segment producer on WNET13's "City Arts" and
recently helped to create the opening segment of two Tony Award
broadcasts. McKay is currently finishing his new film, "Fay Wray," a
half documentary chronicling Wray's legendary career in film.

Started in 1969, Five Towns College is a community of artists and
scholars who specialize in music, media, business, education, theatre,
film and the performing arts. This unique place, defined by the
talented men and women who form its constituency, boasts nearly 40
undergraduate and graduate programs, enrolling approximately 1,200
students.

Founded by Dr. Stanley G. Cohen and the late Mrs. Lorraine
Kleinman-Cohen in the southwestern corner of Nassau County, a
geographic region commonly known as the "Five Towns," the College was
New York's first institution of higher learning to establish programs
in both jazz/commercial music and music business. Although the
College was originally conceived as a "business" college, music
quickly became its forté.

Officially opened in 1973, the Museum of Repertoire Americana is
dedicated to preserving memorabilia and artifacts of early repertoire
theatre. The collection, featuring materials dating from the 1880s
through the 1970s, includes numerous pa inted curtains and scenic
pieces, playbills, show cards, advertising sheets, heralds,
photographs, programs, correspondence, tour schedules and other
original source materials.

The Iowa-based Museum features a research library containing thousands
of pieces of memorabilia and the largest collection of repertoire
scripts in the nation. The priMary Focus is on the many traveling
companies that performed in opera houses and tents, also known as
"under canvas" in the United States. Additional displays include
items encompassing vaudeville, minstrel shows, Medicine Shows, "Uncle
Tom's Cabin" shows, showboats and Chautauqua.

Founded in 2003, The Theatre Museum is New York State's first and only chartered, non-profit museum dedicated to the history of theatre. It is a museum-at-large -- presenting exhibitions in collaboration with other cultural institutions. The Museum's programs include community outreach, such as teaching children how to write, direct and stage live theatre, and the annual Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence Ceremony. Its primary mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate the legacy of theatre through innovative programming.

Act II Playhouse in Present Premiere of 'Magnetic North' Starting 10/21 - 10/21/2008

Act II Playhouse in Ambler, PA will present the premiere of Magnetic North, by William Donnelly, directed by Bud Martin. The show will begin preview on October 21st, 2008 and officially open on October 24th. I will play through November 16th, 2008.

In this new play, a young husband meets a woman from his past during a period of crisis in his marriage, bringing half-forgotten urges and uncertain intentions suddenly to the surface. Between the lure of the past and the need for connection, four very real people struggle to make sense of mixed signals and how much truth they need, or want, to hear. Winner of the 2006 Clauder Competition for New England Playwrights, Magnetic North is a charged tale that explores the shadowy border between intimacy and temptation—told with warmth, humor, and startling candor.

The play will star Sarah Shahinian, Brad Heikes, Christie Parker, and Paul Felder. Ticket prices: $20 for previews, $25 for weekdays, $30 for weekends (Friday-Sunday).

William Donnelly's plays have been produced by Portland Stage Company (Portland, ME), the Unicorn Theatre (Kansas City), Blue Forms (Columbus, OH), Mad Cat (Miami), Theater Alliance (Washington, D.C), and several Boston-area companies including Industrial Theatre, Rough & Tumble, Mill 6, and Alarm Clock. A number of his short plays have appeared in the Boston Theatre Marathon and are published in Baker's Plays anthologies of the event. He was a contributor to Alarm Clock Theatre Company's Elliot Norton Award-winning play, P.S. Page Me Later. He has twice been named a Clauder Competition Finalist and has had plays read as part of Portland Stage Company's Little Festival of the Unexpected. His play Apocalypso! was published as part of the 2002 Little Fest anthology. In 2005, he was awarded a Playwriting/New Theatre Works grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Magnetic North was named the 2006 Clauder Competition grand prize winner. Bill is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

WICKED Chicago Presents Free Backstage Tour 10/21 - 10/21/2008

The record-breaking Chicago Company of WICKED is now presenting an opportunity for audience members and fans to get up close and personal with WICKED the last two Tuesdays in October. Fans are able to go "Behind the Emerald Curtain" for free when they purchase a ticket to WICKED on Tuesday, October 21 or October 28, 2008. The tour takes place prior to the show at 5 pm, followed by a 7:30 performance of WICKED at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St., Chicago).

Those wanting to get behind the scenes will be able to do so for FREE on Tuesday, October 21 and October 28, 2008 at 5 p.m. "Behind the Emerald Curtain" is a private behind-the-scenes look at WICKED hosted by cast members. Participants will visit the exclusive "Behind the Emerald Curtain" Museum, which includes the set model by Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee and an up-close look at some of Tony Award-winner Susan Hilferty's costumes (with beautiful details not always visible from the audience), a few of the actual props and wigs from the show and film footage about the making of the global hit production.

The tour, which lasts about an hour, concludes with a question-and-answer portion with current cast members. Participants are also able to purchase exclusive merchandise available only on the tour as a memento of the experience.

This special offer is available for FREE by using the code "TOUR" when ordering WICKED tickets through Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, or online at ticketmaster.com. Corporate clients and groups of 20 or more may call (312) 977-1710.

The Chicago Company of WICKED is now playing in at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St., Chicago). Breaking multiple box office records since opening in June 2005 and playing to packed audiences from across the world night after night, the production is the top grossing show in Chicago theatre history. The Chicago Company will take its final bow on Sunday, January 25, 2009.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

WICKED is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. Directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento, WICKED is currently presented in Chicago, on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre, on a national tour, in Los Angeles at the Pantages Theatre and in London at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

For more information, visit www.wickedthemusical.com/chicago.

WICKED Chicago Presents Free Backstage Tour 10/28 - 10/21/2008