Below is BroadwayWorld.com's Upcoming Events calendar updated on 10/28/2008. For the complete calendar of upcoming events, concerts, openings, closings and more, visit BroadwayWorld.com's Event Calendar.

The Drowsy Chaperone - Seattle - 10/28/2008

The 5th Avenue Theatre announces its 2008-2009 season lineup bursting with seven enormously entertaining musicals, five of which are making their 5th Avenue debuts. Together they add up to an extra large seven-show season � for the price of just six shows.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE October 28 - November 16, 2008

The first national tour of one of Broadway's biggest and most exhilarating recent hits, The Drowsy Chaperone, bursts onto the 5th Avenue stage in November. The surprise sensation of the 2006 Broadway season, The Drowsy Chaperone won five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. The action begins when the "Man in Chair" � a musical theater fanatic � places his favorite original cast album on the record player and a show magically springs to life in his living room. The audience is instantly immersed in the glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day.

For season ticket information, call 206-625-1900 (toll free 888-5TH-4TIX), stop by The 5th Avenue Theatre box office at 1308 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle, or visit www.5thavenue.org.

The 5th Avenue Theatre's 2008 � 2009 Season Showtimes: Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30PM; Thursday & Friday at 8PM; Saturday at 2PM & 8PM; and Sunday at 1:30PM & 7PM.

Ken Russell Makes Stage Directorial Debut This Fall - 10/28/2008

This fall, Tony Award nominated actor Keith Carradine (The Will Rogers Follies, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, "Nashville," "Dexter") returns to the New York stage in the New York premiere of Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed thriller, MINDGAME. Ken Russell, the celebrated director of the films Tommy, Woman In Love and The Boyfriend, makes his New York stage directorial debut with MINDGAME. Produced by Monica Tidwell, Darren Lee Cole, and Michael Butler, MINDGAME begins performances at SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street) on October 28th and opens Sunday, November 9th.

When a writer of pulp crime novels gets an interview with a notorious serial killer he believes he has snared the coup of his� career. But when he arrives at the asylum, he finds nothing can be trusted, not even his own eyes. Through a series of lies, manipulations and memories, dark secrets are revealed.� Why is there a skeleton in the doctor's office? Where did the raw meat in the fridge come from? What is the nurse so afraid of? �and most importantly, how� does one get out?

In 2000, MINDGAME played London's West End at the Vaudeville Theatre following a successful 10-month engagement at Colchester's Mercury Theatre and a two-year tour of the UK.�� Ken Russell's New York debut production of MINDGAME is an entirely new staging of Horowitz's play.

The cast of MINDGAME also includes Lee Godart (David Hare's Skylight at Actors' theatre of Louisville, "All My Children," "The Edge of Night," "Search for Tomorrow"). The scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt (�.Spelling Bee, Lovemusik, Jay Johnson: The Two And Only).� Additional casting and design team will be announced soon.

"After reading Mindgame, I was convinced that I had to direct this play in New York," says Russell.� "Anthony has written a fascinating thriller with a new surprise every five minutes. I am delighted and honored to have this intriguing play as my off-Broadway debut."

"Mindgame is unlike anything I've done in the theater before," says Carradine. "Anthony Horowitz has written an utterly absorbing, unnerving and constantly surprising play. And I can't imagine a more perfect director for this piece than the legendary Ken Russell. This should be quite a ride!"

"I am thrilled that Mindgame will have its New York premiere with Ken Russell, a brilliant director whom I've always admired, at the helm," says Horowitz.� "It was my aim to write a play that would entertain and beguile and I'm confident this is going to be a production no one will forget."

MINDGAME begins performances October 28th at SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street). Opening night is Sunday, November 9th.� Via subway, take the C/E trains to Spring Street. Performances are Tuesday - Sundat at 8PM, with matinees on Sunday at 3PM and Sunday evening at 7PM.� Tickets are $64 - $74 and can be purchased 24 hours a day at www.sohoplayhouse.com or by calling The SoHo Theatre box office at (212) 691-1555 between noon and 8:30PM.

KEITH CARRADINE (Dr. Farquhar) is best known to New York theatre audiences for his Tony Award nominated performance as the title character in The Will Rogers Follies. He won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Foxfire with Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, and most recently appeared as Lawrence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Imperial Theater.� Recent television roles include Wild Bill Hickock in HBO's "Deadwood", FBI Special Agent Frank Lundy on Showtime's "Dexter" and Agent Carl McGowan in the new season of� CBS'� NUMB3RS.� Carradine appeared with brothers David and Robert as the Younger brothers in Walter Hill's film The Long Riders. He appeared again for Hill in Southern Comfort.� His first notable film appearance was in director Robert Altman's McCabe & Mrs. Miller.� He went on to play Bowie in Altman's Thieves Like Us and one of the principal characters, callow, womanizing folk singer Tom Frank, in Altman's critically acclaimed movie Nashville. His song from that movie, "I'm Easy", was a top-ten Billboard hit and Carradine won an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song for writing the tune.� He starred opposite Harvey Keitel in Ridley Scott's The Duellists. He has worked several times in the offbeat films of Altman's prot�g� Alan Rudolph, playing a disarmingly candid madman in Choose Me an incompetent petty criminal in Trouble in Mind and an American artist in 1920s Paris in The Moderns. He also had a cameo role as Will Rogers in Rudolph's Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle. Carradine co-starred with Daryl Hannah as homicidal sociopath John Netherwood in the thriller The Tie That Binds.� Other notable works include Emperor of the North with Lee Marvin, Louis Malle's Pretty Baby, the CBS mini-series Chiefs,� and in the video for Madonna's single "Material Girl." He recently completed filming an as-yet untitled dark comedy with Hope Davis, Selma Blair and Dermot Mulroney, and Peacock with Cillian Murphy, Susan Sarandon and Ellen Paige.

LEE GODART (Mark Styler) starred as Tom Sergeant in the Actor's Theatre of Louisville's long running production of David Hare's masterpiece, Skylight. Other theatre credits include Nils Bohr in Michael Frayn's Copenhagen, King Henry in The Lion in Winter, Shannon in Night of the Iguana,� Cassio in Othello, Brutus in Julius Caesar, Antonio in The Merchant of Venice , Edward Chamberlayne in T.S. Eliot's The Cocktail Party, and two separate productions as Marc in Yasmine Reza's Art. Lee also played assorted scoundrels and villains in daytime television', like Elliot Dorn ("Edge of Night"), Kent Bogard ("All My Children") and Bela Garody ("Search for Tomorrow"). In Paris, he appeared on stage as Titus in Racine's Berenice, Max in Gabriel Arout's highly successful Oui and Athanase in Senecal's Athanase. On French television he starred as Gabriel in Gaston Leroux's "La Poupee Sanglante", guest starred as Etienne on "The New Avengers" and played the evil assassin, Endo Lascar in the French film The Consortium. Mr. Godart was last seen Off Broadway at Ubu Rep. in Albert Camus' The Misunderstanding as the ill-fated son, Jan, and can next be seen as Paul Gauguin in the upcoming feature film, The Eyes of Van Gogh.

ANTHONY HOROWITZ (Playwright) is best known as a screenwriter and novelist. Born in 1955 in North London, he was educated at Rugby School and York University and published his first novel when he was just 22. He created the hugely popular and BAFTA-award winning TV series, "Foyle's War", as well as "Midsomer Murders", "Murder in Mind", "Crime Traveller" and "Menace". His books for children include the Alex Rider series about a teenage secret agent which have sold ten million copies worldwide and topped the New York Times bestseller list. Titles include Stormbreaker which became a film in 2006, Point Blanc, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike and Ark Angel which won the British Book Award for Children's Book of the Year. Further series are the Diamond Brothers mystery stories, and two collections of horror stories, originally pulished as Horowitz Horror and More Horowitz Horror which have now been reissued as Scared". His most recent books are Nightrise, the third in the Gatekeeper series, coming after Raven's Gate and Evil Star. Anthony Horowitz has also written a horror film, The Gathering, starring Christina Ricci. He lives in central London with his wife and two sons.

KEN RUSSELL (Director). Known as Britain's "enfant terrible" of cinema, the British filmmaker Ken Russell, is best known in the United States as director of such feature films as Women in Love (1969), The Music Lovers (1970), Tommy (1975), and Altered States (1980). Although his television work is less well known outside the United Kingdom, it has had a major impact on the development of the television genre of fictional history.� Other film credits include Amelia and the Angel (1957) Peep Show (1958), Lourdes (1958) French Dressing (1963) Billion Dollar Brain (1967), The Devils (1971), The Boy Friend (1971) The Savage Messiah (1972); Mahler (1974), Lisztomania (1975), Valentino (1977), Crimes of Passion (1984), Gothic (1986) Salom�'s Last Dance (1988), The Lair of the White Worm (1988) The Rainbow (1989) and Whore (1991).� On stage, Russell has directed the operas The Rake's Progress (1982) Die Soldaten (1983) Madame Butterfly (1983), La Boh�me (1984), Faust (1985) Princess Ida (1992) and Salom� (1993).� With Mindgame, Russell makes his New York stage debut.

Michael Cavanaugh of 'Movin' Out' to Perform Billy Joel at BB King's 10/28 - 10/28/2008

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH of Broadway's Movin' Out will perform BILLY JOEL at BB King's at 8PM on Tuesday October 28th, 2008.

Michael and his band perform the greatest Billy Joel songs from the hit musical "Movin' Out". Michael adds colorful "behind the scenes" anecdotes about working with Joel, as well as more classic Billy Joel tunes not included in the show. Michael Cavanaugh soared to international fame as the star vocalist, pianist, and frontman in Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Broadway sensation "Movin' Out." Hand-picked by Joel for the role, Michael amazed both audiences and critics night after night in countless performances on Broadway and across the nation. Michael received a Tony Award nomination for his role, as well as a Grammy Award nomination for the original cast album.

BB King's is located at 237 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue, adjacent to 42nd St. Tickets can be purchased by phone 212-307-7171, at www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at B.B. King box office from 10:30am to midnight every night.

Unless otherwise noted, all shows are suitable for all ages and offer general admission seating. Seating for all shows is first come, first seated; we do not take advance table reservation, except where noted as a condition of a VIP ticket. A $10 food and/or beverage minimum is standard for table seating during all shows.

Michael Arden to Sing Joni Mitchell's 'Blue' 10/28-30 - 10/28/2008

Michael Arden will sings the Joni Mitchell Blue CD on Tuesday - Thursday, October 28 - 30 at 11:30 PM.

In the tradition of Rufus Wainwright's Judy Garland Carnegie Hall concert, and Leslie Kritzer as Patti Lupone at Les Mouches, Joe's Pub is thrilled to present Michael Arden covering Joni Mitchell's seminal album "Blue" in its entirety, with new arrangements by Todd Almond. "Blue" was released in June, 1971 it was hailed as instant classic, critically and commercially, a potent culmination of her career. The record expressed her depressed assessments of the world balanced by notions of exuberant romantic love. Hit songs include, "River", "All I Want", "A Case of You" and many more,

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the web at joespub.com; by calling 212-967-7555, or at the Public Theater Box Office (1 PM to 6 PM), or Joe's Pub from (6 PM to 10 PM)

FOR TABLE RESERVATIONS: 212-539-8778

Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

'Sessions' Re-Opens Tuesday 10/28 at Algonquin - 10/28/2008

Award-winning playwright Al Tapper's original musical, “SESSIONS” re-opens Tuesday, October 28, 2008 (7:PM) at Manhattan’s brand new Algonquin Theater (123 East 24th Street – between Lexington and Park Avenues), which was specifically built to house the spectacular show.

In addition to lead actors John Hickok ("Little Women") and Maya Days (“AIDA”) the stellar “SESSIONS” cast also includes Al Bundonis, Ken Jennings, Kelli Maguire, Trisha Rapier, Scott Richard Foster, Jason Wooten and Becky Barta.

Al Tapper, who wrote the book, music and lyrics for “SESSIONS,” is perhaps best known as the producer of the critically acclaimed documentary, "Broadway: The Golden Age."

Co-producing “SESSIONS” with Algonquin Theater Productions is Ten Grand Productions, who also co-produced the show at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater.

“SESSIONS” centers around Dr. Peter Peterson, an affluent New York therapist who discovers his own life is as much in need of examination as those of his patients. Among those causing Dr. Peterson angst are the bickering Murphys, the loner George, the aptly named Sunshine, the troubled Mary, the millionaire Baxter, and Dylan who really believes he is THAT (Bob) Dylan. On top of it all is Leila, the femme fatale with eyes...and long, long legs...for Dr. Peterson.

“SESSIONS” appeared for a limited 2007 summer engagement at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, where it played to sold-out houses, received standing ovations, and got positive reviews from Joe Franklin, Barbara Mehlman, and Lou Powsner of Courier-Life Publications.

Algonquin Theater Productions has renovated the former Blue Heron Arts Center specifically for the purpose of remounting the show in their first-class 99-seat Kaufman Theater.

Steven Petrillo directs, Penny Ayn Maas provides the choreography and Steven Gross is the musical director.

Following its Tuesday October 28th (7:PM) opening, “SESSIONS” will run Wednesdays through Fridays (8:PM), Saturdays (2:PM & 8:PM), and Sundays (3:PM).

All seats are $50 and are available by visiting www.smarttix.com or by calling 212 868-4444. Discounts: Senior and Student tickets: $20.00

“SESSIONS” is an irresistible stage musical experience that should not be missed.

Algonquin Theater Productions is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to the idea of moving shows on to the next level, whether that be Broadway, Off Broadway, regional, film or television. It was created in 2004 by Artistic Director Tony Sportiello and has enjoyed both critical and popular success with “SESSIONS,” Levy Lee Simon's “SAME TRAIN,” and their production of Shel Silverstein's "THE DEVIL AND BILLY MARKHAM.”

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Wicked: From Page to Stage - 10/28/2008

Wicked: From Page to Stage Tuesday � October 28 � 6:30 PM Wicked, the Broadway smash musical and winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, is based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire about two witches in the Land of Oz. Composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, book writer Winnie Holzman, and producer Marc Platt will discuss the process of adapting the novel to create the stage musical that would become a Broadway blockbuster. David Cote, chief drama critic for Time Out New York, will moderate the discussion. Reservations required. $10 for Museum members, seniors, and students; $15 for non-members.

For reservations and program information, call (212) 534-1672, ext. 3395

Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street 212) 534-1672 www.mcny.org

Schwartz, Holzman and Platt to Discuss WICKED: From Page to Stage - 10/28/2008

Wicked, the Broadway smash musical and winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, is based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire about two witches in the Land of Oz. Composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, book writer Winnie Holzman, and producer Marc Platt will discuss the process of adapting the novel to create the stage musical that would become a Broadway blockbuster. David Cote, chief drama critic for Time Out New York, will moderate the discussion. Reservations required. $10 for Museum members, seniors, and students; $15 for non-members.

For reservations and program information, call (212) 534-1672, ext. 3395

The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street. For more information, visit www.mcny.org

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. It is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. WICKED is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

WICKED features set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee, costume design by Tony Award winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Meola. The orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. 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.

Tickets for WICKED range in price from $30 to $99 and can be purchased online at www.shnsf.com and www.ticketmaster.com/wicked, through Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone (415) 512-7770, at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, the Orpheum Theatre Box Office (1192 Market at 8th St., Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm) and the Curran Theatre Box Office through October 11 (445 Geary between Taylor and Mason, Mon - Sat, Noon - 6pm). Groups of 20 or more may order now by calling Group Sales at (415) 551-2020.

For information about WICKED world-wide, please visit www.wicked.com.

Bichir and Cochran to Star in Geffen's 'By the Waters of Babylon'; Previews Begin 10/28 - 10/28/2008

The Los Angeles premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan’s By the Waters of Babylon brings two award-winning, long-time theater actors to the Geffen stage for the first time: Demián Bichir and Shannon Cochran. Bichir, who is currently starring as Mary Louise-Parker’s love interest on Showtime’s Weeds, will play the role of Arturo, a Cuban immigrant who is hired to (coincidentally) weed the garden of unconventional Austin widow Catherine. Cochran, who will star as Catherine, is straight from Chicago where she starred in sold out performances of The Lion in Winter at the Writers Theatre.

While both actors will be making their Geffen Playhouse debut with this production, Bichir – who comes from one of the most well- known theatrical families in Mexico, will be making his US stage debut. On screen Bichir is already becoming familiar to American audiences; in addition to his role on Weeds, Bichir recently portrayed Fidel Castro in Steven Soderbergh’s Che Guevara biopics
The Argentine and Guerilla. In his home country, Bichir’s film Sexo, Pudor y Lágrimas held the box office record for number one movie in Mexico for three years straight, and he has been awarded numerous honors ranging from the prestigious Ariel Award for Best Actor to a medal presented by the cultural commission in Mexico City for distinction in the arts. Playing opposite Bichir, Cochran brings her own vast stage experience to the production. The actress, who has won accolades for her on some of America’s most prominent stages including Steppenwolf, The Goodman and South Coast Repertory, starred off-Broadway in Bug, for which she was the recipient of the 2004 Theatre World Award, an Obie Award and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.

“With this play, I’m doing something very different – a two-character contemporary love story. This kind of piece can be very challenging but in Demián and Shannon we have found two extraordinary talents who will bring out all of the complexity and passion with which these characters struggle,” said playwright Robert Schenkkan. “It’s a great pleasure to bring this play to Los Angeles. Audiences here are so enthusiastic, sophisticated, and knowledgeable. With Babylon, I think they’re in for a very special experience.”

By the Waters of Babylon, directed by Old Vic and A.C.T. alum Richard Seyd, opens on the main stage of the Geffen Playhouse on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Previews: Tuesday, October 28 to Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Opening Night: Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Closing Night:
Sunday, December 7, 2008

DEMIÁN BICHIR (Arturo) Bichir is one of the most well known and well respected actors in his home of Mexico and all of Latin America. In his native Mexico he has performed in plays such as in O'Neill's Ah! Wilderness, directed by José Quintero (Best Newcomer, Mexican Association of Theater Press), Shakespeare's Richard III directed by Clifford Williams, Strindberg's The Ghost Sonata (Best Actor, Mexican Association of Theater Press), Neil Simon's Broadway Bound and the Odd Couple, Halliwell's Little Malcolm and his Struggle Against the Eunuchs (Best Actor, Mexican Association of Theater Press) and Extras, Sabina Berman’s adaptation of Marie Jones’ Stones in His Pockets . His films have been seen by more than twelve million people in Mexico alone without mentioning the vast audience in Spain and South America, and include Rojo Amanecer (winner of the Grand Jury Prize in the San Sebastian Film Festival), Hasta Morir (winner Ariel Award for Best Actor,), Sin Noticias de Dios with Penélope Cruz, Sex, Shame and Tears (Ariel Best Actor nominee), American Visa (Best Foreign Film nominee at the Goyas in Spain), and EnemigosIntimos (soon to be released worldwide). Bichir received a special award at the 35th Chicago International Film Festival for three of his films. He’s been invited to be part of the jury in three different film festivals; LALIFF, Málaga and Ibiza. He has received two tributes, one at the San Diego film festival, and recently received another with his brothers at the Monterrey film festival in México in 2008. In addition, Bichir received a medal for recognition in the arts from the cultural commission in Mexico City in 2007. Demián Bichir can currently be seen on the hit Showtime series Weeds , portraying Mary Louise Parker’s new love interest. In addition, he also completed the pivotal role of Fidel Castro in the upcoming Che movies, Guerilla and The Argentine for director Steven Soderbergh which recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Bichir currently resides in Los Angeles and Mexico.

Shannon Cochran (Catherine): Shannon Cochran most recently appeared in sold-out performances of The Lion in Winter at Writers Theatre, in the Chicagoland area. Prior to that, Shannon starred in the World Premiere of SystemWonderland at South Coast Repertory. She appeared at the Long Wharf Theatre in Private Lies , after starring Off-Broadway in Bug at the Barrow Street Theatre. She was a recipient of the 2004 Theatre World Award, an Obie Award and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. Prior to her New York debut, she had appeared in Tracy Lett’sLetts’ Man From Nebraska , directed by Anna B. Shapiro at Steppenwolf, which was voted one of TIME MAGAZINE’S TOP 10 plays of 2003. Other theatre performances include: The Unmentionables and Stepping Out at Steppenwolf, Twelfth Night , Pal Joey and A Flea in Her Ear at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, Space and 93 Acres of Barley at The Mark Taper Forum and Private Lies and The Father at Writers Theatre. She has directed Theresa Raquin for greasyjoan and Private Passage for Odyssey Theatre. Shannon lists among her film and television credits: The Ring ,Law and Order: SVU. Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, The Unit , Star Trek: Nemesis, Frasier , Gilmore Girls and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Shannon currently resides in Los Angeles.

ROBERT SCHENKKAN (Playwright) Robert is the author of The Kentucky Cycle, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as an LA Critics Best Play Award, PEN WEST Award, Tony Nomination and Outer Critics Circle Nomination. He has written eight other full-length plays: Lewis and Clark, Reach The Euphrates ,The Marriage of Miss Hollywood and King Neptune,The Devil And Daniel Webster,Handler, Heaven on Earth (Julie Harris/Beverly Hills Theatre Guild Award), Tachinoki, Final Passages, and The Dream Thief and a collection of One Act plays, Conversations with the Spanish Ladyand other Plays. He is currently at work on two musicals: A Night At the Alhambra Café, and The Twelve. Robert is the co-author of the film, The Quiet American.

For television he wrote: The Andromeda Strain nominated for 6 Emmys including “Best Miniseries”; four episodes of the much anticipated Hanks/Spielberg/HBO miniseries, The Pacific; Crazy Horse (TNT); and Spartacus (USA). He is currently adapting Anabasis as a feature film for SONY. Other films in development include Fall of Saigon (Fox), Desmond Doss (Pandemonium Films) and Ugly Americans (2929). He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, PEN America, the Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Friar Society, and is an alumnus of New Dramatists. Robert is married to the writer, Maria Dahvana Headley, and lives in Seattle with his two children. www.robertschenkkan.com

RICHARD SEYD (Director) Most recently, Seyd directed A Reckoning with Jonathan Pryce in London at the SoHo Theatre. Previously, he directed a Feast of Fools (with Geoff Hoyle) at the Marines Memorial Theatre and previously at LaJolla Playhouse. He has also received Drama-Logue, BackStage West and Bay Area Critics Circle Awards for his direction of Cloud Nine, About Face ,Noises Off, Oleanna,A View From the Bridge,Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, andA Streetcar Named Desire. From 1992 - 1997 he served asAssociate Artistic Director of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. For ACT, he directedThe Learned Ladies,Dario Fo'sThe Pope And The Witch,Pygmalion, Mrs. Warren's Profession, Oleanna, Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, Othello,The Matchmaker, and A Streetcar Named Desire.

In the 1980's Seyd was Associate Producing Director of the Eureka Theatre, and directed many productions for the company including Cloud Nine,The Wash,Threepenny Opera, and Dario Fo's About Face. In addition, he is the director of an award-winning 35 mm short film entitled Brass Tacks. Seyd received his Theatre Training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and acted with the affiliated Old Vic Company. He became a founding member of Stage Two - a company based on the works of Jersey Grotowski that was begun by James Roose-Evans. In 1968, he co-founded Red Ladder Theatre, Britain's first professional, political theatre collective, now 35 years old. He acted, directed and produced for the company for seven years. Upon moving to San Francisco in 1975, Richard taught at the Cultural Training Center. From here, directing became his main focus as detailed above. In the early 1990's, Richard returned to teaching for professional actors in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Tickets ($40 to $74) are on sale now at the Geffen Playhouse box office, online at GeffenPlayhouse.com, via credit card phone order at (310) 208-5454, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster at (213) 365-3500. Student rush tickets are available one hour prior to curtain for $15.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday through Thursday
7:30 p.m.
Fridays
8:00 p.m.
Saturdays
4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Sundays
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and musicals, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company is helmed by Producing Director and President of the Board Gilbert (Gil) Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney, Managing Director Susan Barton and Chairman of the Board Frank Mancuso. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. For more information, please visit GeffenPlayhouse.com.

Case, Hurlbert, Keenan-Bolger and MORE to Perform at VOTE OR DIE 10/28 - 10/28/2008

VOTE OR DIE, a Halloween/Election concert with the songs of Ryann Ferguson & Steven Jamail plays The Zipper Factory Theater on Oct. 28th at 10:30PM. Ryan J. Davis directs.

The week of Halloween and exactly one week before we elect a new president, Broadway's hottest young talent will join the award-winning writing team for an evening of songs from their projects VOTE!, Tercio de Muerte, Nicholas & Alexandra, and more.

Set to perform are Allison Case (Hair, Mamma Mia), Sasha Cooke (Dr. Atomic at the Met), Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Spelling Bee), Janet Dacal (In the Heights), Brandon Wardell (Assassins, Good Vibrations), Landon Beard (Altar Boyz), Vanessa Ray (Spelling Bee), Dani Spieler (Legally Blonde), Jake Wilson (The Battery's Down), Dana Steingold (Spelling Bee), Celisse Henderson (Wicked), Tracy Weiler, Matt Skrincosky, and Molly Rosenberger.

Rice University Alumni and co-collaborators Ryann Ferguson & Steven Jamail (of 2005 Fringe Festival's Byzantium and Harper's Guild Award Winners for Best Aria, "Lotus Song") come from intensive theatre backgrounds ranging from production, to marketing, to lighting design, and composition, collectively. With successful experiences both together and apart, the two recently premiered their new musical, VOTE! in a private, industry-only reading, directed by Ryan J. Davis. The duo again team up with Davis, for this one night only concert with partial proceeds going to benefit Rock the Vote.

VOTE! is a new musical about high school election espionage and the pursuit of a real dream that "counts," as told by four ambitious youngsters and their teacher. The race forces them to consider the meaning and power of an individual vote and why they are really running (a timely coincidence, given that it dovetails with one of our most diverse and arguably important political seasons to date). VOTE! delivers an exciting outlet for all of us to consider what we're voting for and who's really behind the faces of a given candidacy.

For tickets, go to www.thezipperfactory.com or call 212.352.3101.

For more information on VOTE! The Musical please visit www.votethemusical.com.

Steve Brinberg to Perform SIMPLY BARBRA at London's Shaw Theatre - 10/28/2008

In the build up to the presidential election Steven Brinberg flies into London to recite a special SIMPLY BARBRA MANIFESTO. The evening will deliver a night of classical Barbra classics - People, Close To You, and Evergreen.

“A night of breath-taking vocal mastery fused with astute comedic observations," describe press notes.

The show will also reveal Barbra’s thoughts on her marriages – her movies choices. Meet The Focker’s’ advice given to presidential officials and The White House. Steven also delivers an array of other DIVAS which he performs within the show - CHER, Cleo Laine, and Ethel Merman.

Plus a very special surprise appearance - Barack Obama – serenaded LIVE - expect other surprise artists – and the finest musical direction and accompaniment by Nathan Martin who has worked with Steven worldwide on their sell-out tours.

The success of Steven Brinberg as Simply Barbra continues worldwide with shows and tours; in the USA, AUSTRALIA, EUROPE AND LONDON. In recent years in London at The Arts Theatre, The Playhouse and a record-breaking run at The Jeremyn Street Theatre. He continues to tour the USA with Marvin Hamlisch and the symphony. Steven’s film credits include CAMP and NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM.

SIMPLY BARBRA will perform Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October 2008 at 7.30PM. Ticket Price is £25, £20 and £15. For more information please visit www.theshawtheatre.com or www.simplybarbra.com

International Cast Recording of CINDERELLA Featuring Salonga Available on iTunes Starting 10/28 - 10/28/2008

In an exclusive arrangement with iTunes©, Broadway Asia Entertainment (producers Steven Baruch / Richard Frankel / Simone Genatt / Marc Routh / Tom Viertel) proudly announces the upcoming international release of the 2008 Original International Tour Cast Recording of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA starring Tony Award winner Lea Salonga available exclusively online beginning Tuesday, October 28, 2008. The 2008 International Tour is directed by Bobby Garcia.

Produced by LAKESHORE RECORDS (Little Miss Sunshine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Superbad), the new cast recording of CINDERELLA was recorded in the Philippines at Carmel House Studios. The show's cast of 26 was accompanied by the studio's in-house orchestra, the FILharminoKA, under the direction of resident conductor Gerard Salonga.

The critically acclaimed international tour of CINDERELLA opened on July 29, 2008 in Salonga's hometown of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, before embarking on a 30-week Asian tour playing such countries as China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Macao and Korea.

The new album is one of the most complete recordings of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein score and features new renditions of such classics as "In My Own Little Corner," "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" and "Ten Minutes Ago." With several new orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Larry Blank, the recording includes two songs from the R&H catalogue rarely performed in the stage version including "The Sweetest Sounds" and "There's Music in You."

Tony Award winning actress Lea Salonga leads the cast in the title role. Salonga is widely known for creating the role Kim in Miss Saigon in both London's West End and on Broadway winning won both the Olivier and Tony Awards for her heart-breaking performance. Salonga's strong bonds to the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical library date from her childhood in Manila, the Philippines, where she appeared in professional productions of The King and I and The Sound of Music. She can be heard on the all-star studio recording of The King and I with Julie Andrews and Ben Kingsley. In 2002, she appeared in R&H's Flower Drum Song on Broadway. Salonga also created the singing voices of Disney heroines Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in Mulan.

Salonga is joined by Peter Saide as the "Prince," Julia Cook as "Stepmother," Jen Bechter as "Portia," Brandy Zarle as "Joy," Charlie Parker as the "Fairy Godmother," Aaron Galligan-Stierle as the "Herald," Jefferson Slinkard as the "King," Janna Cardia as the "Queen," Steve Gagliastro as "Chef" and Richard Cerato as "Steward."

Produced by Broadway Asia Entertainment and directed by Bobby Garcia, the international tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA features a book adapted by award winning writer and director Mark Waldrop. The design team features Tony Award winner David Gallo (scenic design) and Paul Miller (lighting design) along with renowned couture designer Renato Balestra (costume design), Michael Waters (sound design) and choreography by Vince Pesce.

CINDERELLA was written by the legendary American song-writing duo of Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) and Richard Rodgers (music). The timeless and enchanting musical version of the fairy tale was originally presented live on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews and was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Successful remakes hit the airwaves in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren and in 1997 starring pop singer Brandy in the title role, multiple Grammy Award-winner Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother and Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters as her wicked Stepmother.

To download iTunes© and purchase the 2008 Original International Tour cast recording of Rodgers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, visit www.apple.com/itunes/. For more information on CINDERELLA, please visit www.cinderellaonstage.com.

TRACK LISTING FOR
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA

1.      Overture / The Sweetest Sounds- Orchestra / Cinderella, Fairy Godmother
2.      The Prince is Giving a Ball- Herald, Stepmother, Portia, Joy, Company
3.      In My Own Little Corner- Cinderella
4.      Your Majesties- King, Queen, Herald and Servants
5.      Loneliness of the Evening- Prince
6.      Boys and Girls Like You and Me- King, Queen
7.      Impossible / It's Possible- Cinderella, Fairy Godmother
8.      Waltz for a Ball- Orchestra
9.      Ten Minutes Ago- Cinderella, Prince
10.     Stepsisters' Lament- Portia, Joy
11.     Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?-Cinderella, Prince
12.     Impossible (Reprise)-Cinderella, Fairy Godmother
13.     When You're Driving Through the Moonlight- Cinderella, Stepmother, Portia, Joy
14.     A Lovely Night- Cinderella, Stepmother, Portia, Joy
15.     There's Music in You- Cinderella, Fairy Godmother
16.     Finale- Company

Executive Producer Marc Routh provides liner notes.

ABOUT Broadway Asia ENTERTAINMENT
With offices in New York and Shanghai, Broadway Asia Entertainment is the largest producer of Broadway musicals in Asia, and its founders are one of the most active commercial producers in the world as well as the largest touring operation throughout the Asia Pacific region. Past and current productions include: 42nd Street; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (Mandarin language); The King And I; SpongeBob SquarePants Live: The Sponge Who Could Fly! based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon ; The Sound of Music and Swing!. Upcoming Productions include: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Fantasticks and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. BAE's founders produce Gyspy, Young Frankenstein, Legally Blonde, The Producers, winner of 12 Tony Awards; Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards; Stomp, the international sensation performing in New York for over 13 years; Cookin' which has toured over 40 countries and many other award winning shows in London, on Broadway, on tour in the U.S., U.K. and Asia, and in Las Vegas. BAE co-producers on their Asian touring productions include NETworks Presentations, The Really Useful Group, Troika Entertainment and Nickelodeon Theatricals.   For more information, please visit www.broadwayasiaentertainment.com.

ABOUT LAKESHORE RECORDS
Lakeshore Records is the independent music division of Lakeshore Entertainment, responsible for such films as Underworld, Million Dollar Baby, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Underworld: Evolution, Crank, She's The Man and the upcoming films Crank 2: High Voltage and Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans.

Lakeshore Records has released soundtracks to such films as Wanted, Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Superbad, Resident Evil: Extinction, Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Nacho Libre, The Last Kiss, Underworld and Underworld: Evolution, Wicker Park, and The Lakehouse to name a few. Additionally, Lakeshore Records has released score albums from composers such as Danny Elfman, James Horner, Thomas Newman, John Powell, Mark Isham, Graeme Revell, Rolfe Kent, Gustavo Santoalalla, Philip Glass, Dario Marianelli, Mark Mothersbaugh, Christophe Beck, Christopher Young, Rachel Portman, and Marco Beltrami.

Artists who began their careers at Lakeshore Records, or on one of its associate imprints include the critically acclaimed Queens Of The Stone Age and alternative darlings Grandaddy. Additionally, Lakeshore Records has released albums from James Wilsey (Silvertone), Meat Beat Manifesto, Kevin Devine (Miracle of 86), AK1200, Bob Forrest, Thelonious Monster and Candiria.

ABOUT Lea Salonga
The Tony Award winning star of Miss Saigon, Lea Salonga, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Lea recently began her first major U.S. city concert tour with performances in San Francisco, Atlantic City, Honolulu, Maui, Chicago, Norfolk, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, grossing over one million dollars in ticket sales. On November 7 she sold out Carnegie Hall in an all new show directed by Richard Jay-Alexander (Bette Midler's Kiss My Brass tour; Barbra Streisand Timeless Farewell tour).

Salonga gained international stardom for her award winning lead role as Kim on Broadway in the 1991 production of Miss Saigon. She not only won a Tony Award for "Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical," but also an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Drama Desk Award and the Laurence Olivier Award. Her vast array of theater credits also include Les Miserables as Eponine, the witch in Into The Woods, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, The Goodbye Girl, They're Playing Our Song, Grease, The Fantasticks, Paper Moon, The Bad Seed, The Sound of Music and Annie.

In Fall of 2002 Salonga made another splash on Broadway, starring in the hit revival of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammersteins' Flower Drum Song with a re-imagined book by David Henry Hwang.

In March 2007, Lea returned to Broadway to star as Fantine in the 2006 revival of Les Miserables.

Salonga can be heard on screen as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's blockbuster smash Aladdin. In a recent article in Southwest Magazine entitled the "50 Greatest Movie Soundtracks," Aladdin was ranked #17 with specific note made of Miss Salonga's version of "Whole New World." She is also the singing voice of Mulan in Mulan and Mulan 2.

She can be heard on the original cast recordings of Miss Saigon, Flower Drum Song (Broadway Revival), The King and I (with Julie Andrews and Ben Kingsley), The Nutcracker, "Hey, Mr. Producer!" and the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert. Lea has recorded over a dozen solo CD's including "Lea Salonga," "Lea…In Love," "By Heart," "Songs from the Screen," "Songs From Home," "Lea…Live!;" "Lea Salonga: The Broadway Concert" and, most recently "Inspired" (available as an import or on Amazon.com).

Salonga has also made several notable appearances on such television shows as "ER," "As the World Turns," "Hey, Mr. Producer" and "Russell Watson: The Voice for PBS" and the PBS special "Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert."

The schedule for the international tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA is as follows:

CHINA
- October 17 - 21, 2008 at Shanghai's Majestic Theatre
- October 24 - 30, 2008 at the Beijing Exhibition Hall Theatre
- November 5 - 28, 2008 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre

THAILAND
- December 16 - 21, 2008 at the Muang Thai Rachadalai, Bangkok

SINGAPORE
- January 2 - 22, 2009 at the Esplanade

MALAYSIA
- January 30 - February 8, 2009 at the Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur

Spring 2009 dates in Japan to be announced shortly.

Joe's Pub Presents Glenn O'Brien 10/28 - 10/28/2008

Broadway Loves Joe's Pub happens Sunday, 11/2 at 9:30PM. Hosted by Judy Gold, and featuring Laura Benanti, Cady Huffman, Gavin Creel, Steven Pasquale, Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky and Rent's Will Chase. The performers will be reprising songs they have performed in previous Joe's Pub events, giving fans a chance to relive the magical nights from years past.

The concert is part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration at Joe s Pub. Joe's Pub at The Public Theater (Director, Shanta Thake; General Manager, Kevin Abbott) debuted in October of 1998 as a performance space dedicated to presenting artists across a variety of genres, and was founded on the principle of showcasing affordable, accessible, and quality entertainment to the people of New York. The intimate space quickly became one of New York's most in demand venues for music, theater, cabaret, dance, and comedy, presenting artists from over 90 countries. The Village Voice voted Joe's Pub the "Best Excuse to Let a Single Venue Dictate Your Taste". Newsweek calls the club "one of the country's best small stages" and New York Magazine raves "you never know what you'll find next at Joe's Pub, but you can count on the fact that it will be good, very good."

All seats for "Broadway Loves Joe's Pub" are $50. For Tickets, call 212-967-7555 or visit www.joespub.com; or in person at The Public Theater Box Office from 1pm to 6pm and at Joe's Pub from 6pm to 10pm (both located at 425 Lafayette St.). For table reservations call 212-539-8778. Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

The following shows have just been added for the 10th Anniversary:

10/28 - Glenn O'Brien
11/10 - Julie Foldsei
11/17 - Among the Oak and Ash
11/19 - Pharaoh's Daughter
12/5 - Hawksley Workman
12/9 - Milton
12/27 - Sephardic Music Festival
1/12 - Moriarty
2/7 - Three Of Hearts: A Benefit for the Family Center

Click here for ticket info.

UCSD Sound Design Director Shahrokh Yadegari to Speak in NYC 10/28 - 10/28/2008

The University of California, San Diego's acclaimed UCSD Near You alumni outreach program continues this fall in New York City and the Bay Area. This innovative series brings UC San Diego's outstanding faculty and alumni speakers together with fellow graduates, parents and friends around the country. At each event, speakers share their research and accomplishments that help to enhance the university's local impact, national influence and global reach. To date, more than 1,000 alumni have reconnected with the university through UCSD Near You.

"UCSD Near You keeps our alumni informed about UC San Diego's up-to-the-minute news and research breakthroughs, and builds their engagement with the university," notes Armin Afsahi, assistant vice chancellor of Alumni Affairs at UC San Diego and executive director of the UCSD Alumni Association. "These exciting educational events offer a great opportunity for alumni to network with fellow graduates who reside in their same area."

UCSD Near You fall events, open to UC San Diego alumni and parents, include:

"From a Mockingbird to Carnegie Hall: The Revolution of Sound Design"
Shahrokh Yadegari, Ph.D. '04, Director of Sound Design, UC San Diego Department of Theatre and Dance
October 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.: Trattoria Dell'Arte Restaurant, New York City

Over a decade ago, inspiration came to Iranian-American musician Yadegari from a mockingbird. He recorded the bird's nightly songs, and then played them back. "The bird was so excited to hear its own singing," he explains "Everything changed: his energy, his performance, his song." Translating this experience into the world of music, Yadegari developed a software program to replicate the effect for acoustic musicians. This melding of technology and art has yielded remarkable results in the evolution of theatrical sound design.

Speaker Bio: http://theatre.ucsd.edu/people/faculty/ShahrokhYadegari/

"Beyond the Headlines: The Real Promise and Future of Bio-Fuels"
Steve A. Kay, Ph.D., Dean, UC San Diego Division of Biological Sciences
October 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.: Palo Alto Hills Golf Course and Country Club
October 29, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.: UC San Francisco's Mission Bay Conference Center

Rising oil prices, along with an increased awareness of global warming, have spurred a race to develop alternative energy sources. Kay, a renowned plant scientist and member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, will share the exciting promise of algae-based biofuels. He has advised industry analysts and policymakers and recently launched the San Diego Center for Algae-based Biofuels (SDCAB), a regional consortium and premier public/private partnership dedicated to the advancement of algae-based biofuels research.

Speaker Bio: http://biology.ucsd.edu/faculty/kay.html

For more information about UCSD Near You, visit www.ucsdnearyou.ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-3900.

The University of California, San Diego, ranked the 7th best public university in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, is one of the nation's most accomplished research universities, widely acknowledged for its local impact, national influence and global reach. The UCSD Alumni Association, formed in 1964 by a small group of early graduates, has grown to represent more than 122,000 alumni with a mission to foster lifelong engagement and a mutually beneficial relationship of alumni and students with UC San Diego. The Association works to provide alumni with continued access to the resources of the university, communicate UC San Diego news and events, as well as facilitate a network for alumni and student interaction. For information, please visit www.alumni.ucsd.edu.

Michael Arden to Perform Joni Mitchell's BLUE at Joe's Pub 10/28-10/30 - 10/28/2008

In the tradition of Rufus Wainwright's Judy Garland Carnegie Hall concert, Leslie Kritzer as Patti LuPone at Les Mouches, Joe's Pub is thrilled to present Michael Arden covering Joni Mitchell's seminal album "Blue" in it's entirety, with new arrangements by Todd Almond and a incredible 5-piece band including Michael Aarons, Jim Hershman, Trey Files and Ruth Bennett.

The concert will be at JOE’S PUB (425 Lafayette Street – between Astor Place & West 4th Street)
for three (3) nights only.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28th at 11:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th at 11:30pm.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th at 11:30pm.

When "Blue" was released in June, 1971 it was hailed as instant classic, critically and commercially, a potent culmination of her career. The record expressed her depressed assessments of the world balanced by notions of exuberant romantic love. Hit songs include "River", "All I Want", "A Case of You" and many more.

Mr. Arden most recently served as Assistant Director to Warren Carlyle for the Broadway musical, “A TALE OF TWO CITIES”.

TICKETS are $20 and can be purchased by calling 212-967-7555 or 212-539-8778. Reservations are encouraged.

For online booking, please visit www.joespub.com

B.B. King Blues Club & Lucille's Grill Schedule of Upcoming Events - 10/28/2008

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill one of the nation's most respected music venues and New York's premier home for Broadway stars and cabaret and and Lucille's Grill,a bar/restaurant located inside B.B. King Blues Club & Grill present their schedule of performances, with recently added or altered shows.

  B.B. King Blues Club and Grill is located at 237 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue, New York, and is accessible via the 42nd St 1,2,3,7, N, Q, R, W and S trains and via the Port Authority A, C and E trains.

For tickets, visit online at http://www.ticketmaster.com, or go in person to the B.B. King box office from 10:30am to midnight every night.

B.B. KING BLUES CLUB SCHEDULE:

New Show Added: Sunday, November 9 The Phil Lesh Afterparty with NATURAL BREAKDOWN File Under: Rock, Jam Band NB: SRO Doors at 11:30pm, Show at Midnight $14 The goal is to raise consciousness through sound and word. To bring crowds to intense peaks, through a winding river of sound. Like Nature breaks down rock over thousands of years, and how everything can be broKen Down to its base component, light: Natural Breakdown is a hopeful outlook and a call for change. They believe that the world is in need of some serious healing, and a strong vehicle for this shift is music. They want to break down the barriers between people and bridge the gap between performers/audience, to uncover that core experience of unity and oneness. They strive to bring people together for a unique and uplifting musical healing experience and hopefully spread the seeds of a brighter future in this time of great change. New Show Added: Friday, November 14 The Phil Lesh Afterparty with MJ PROJECT, THE DIRTY DROP + DJ TUCCI File Under: Jam Band, Rock, Jazz NB: SRO Doors at Midnight $5 adv, $7 at door MJ Project performs an instrumental, intelligent and funky mix of rock, progressive jazz, danceable grooves and spacy but melodic sounds. The Philadelphia-based band's mix of talent, telepathic tightness and fearless appreciation of improv adds up to a rock-solid groove and impeccable sound that works on many levels. The Dirty Drop was born in a dark, damp New Brunswick basement in November 2006. Overcoming setbacks and working fervently to produce better and better music, the Drop has progressed exponentially over their short career. Masters of melding liquid grooves and classic rock sensibilities with evil, fist-pumping improvisations, each member of this melodic rock band brings something uniquely extraordinary to the table. Influenced by a wide range of musical genres from jam-trance (The Disco Biscuits) to aggressive funk (RHCP), from classic rock (Led Zeppelin) to bewildering improvisation (Phish), The Dirty Drop captures fans using a copious spectrum of styles and sounds as bait. And the band's live show is certainly one to behold as well, as it serves as the honeymoon for the marriage between the terribly funky refrains and groovy experimental jams of this five-piece tour de force. New Shows Added: Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30 Holiday Matinee Show with STRAWBERRY FIELDS featuring members of BEATLEMANIA File Under: Classic Rock, Family, Tribute Doors at 11:00am, Show at Noon $20 adv, $25 at door STRAWBERRY FIELDS is a look-a-like, sound-a-like Beatles tribute, dedicated to bringing you as close to a real Beatles concert as you can get. They take you on a Magical Mystery Tour beginning in 1964 complete with mop top hair, black suits with thin ties & the 1st four albums of music. Next stop, 1967, features the psychedelic era of "Sergeant Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band" album with all the costumes & jackets on the album cover. The last stop includes: "White Album", "Abbey Road" & "Let It Be". New Show Added: Thursday, January 1 Holiday Matinee with GROOVE BUFFET Tribute to R&B, Motown and Soul File Under: Classic R&B NB: Ticket includes All-You-Can Eat Buffet, Show, Tax and Tip Doors at 12:30pm, Show at 1:30pm $40 adv, $42.50 at door Paying homage to the R&B, Motown and Soul legends, and founded solely on passion for the music, Groove Buffet formed in early 2005. The band is quickly on the rise and has become one of the best tribute bands in the New York Tri-State area. Yet, it doesn't seem right to call a group like Groove Buffet a tribute band. Unlike some tribute bands, Groove Buffet is not performing a routine. They don't dress up in 1960's attire, prance the stage like James Brown, or play note-for-note solos. Groove Buffet is much more attitude than imitation, and captures the true spirit of what the music is all about. Their music creates an environment where fellowship can thrive, and people come out to each gig for that atmosphere. Groove Buffet has gained praise from R&B, Classic Rock, Motown, and Soul fans alike, as well as the younger "jam band" crowd, which has become attached to the grooving sounds the band brings to the table each and every show. Groove Buffet has an extensive song library from which it crafts each show's set list, providing an entire night of material featuring the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett and many more artists. THIS WEEK AT B.B. KING: Monday, October 27 STRAWBERRY FIELDS featuring members of BEATLEMANIA File Under: Classic Rock, Family, Tribute Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm $25 Tuesday, October 28 Michael Cavanaugh of Broadway's Movin' Out performs his new CD In Color featuring the music of Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, LED ZEPPELIN, Pete Townshend, Michael Cavanaugh and more File Under: Broadway, Classic Rock Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm $27.50 Wednesday, October 29 The Quantum Eye: Magic Deceptions with Sam Eaton – Halloween Show File Under: Theater, Prestidigitation, Holiday Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:00pm $25 Thursday, October 30 REFI ROCK Presented by The HGI Foundation File Under: Rock , Benefit Doors at 6:00pm $25 Friday, October 31 THE MISFITS – Halloween Show with special guests - MARTYRD, JOHNNY B. MORBID + UNTIL DESTINY File Under: Holiday, Metal, Rock NB: SRO Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm $26 adv, $30 at door EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON, join us for STRAWBERRY FIELDS featuring members of BEATLEMANIA File Under: Classic Rock, Family, Tribute Doors at 11:00am, Show at Noon NB: Ticket includes All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet, Show, Tax and Tip $40 adv, $42.50 at door Saturday, November 1 BUCKETHEAD File Under: Rock, Instrumental, Heavy Metal NB: SRO Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm SOLD OUT EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON, join us for THE WORLD FAMOUS HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR Sunday Gospel Brunch File Under: Gospel, Family, Soul NB: Ticket includes All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet, Show, Tax and Tip Doors at 12:30pm, Show at 1:30pm $40 adv, $42.50 at door Sunday, November 2 THE WORLD FAMOUS HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR A Special Two-Set Evening Performance File Under: Gospel, Soul Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm $25

Monday, November 3 Jeremy Schonfeld'S DRIFT with Kris Coleman (Jersey Boys), Jarrod Emick (Tony Award Winner for Damn Yankees), Adam Kantor, Terrence Mann (Tony Nominated star of Les Miserable and Beauty and the Beast), Karla Mosley (Expatriate), Julia Murney (Wicked), Adam Cantor (Spring Awakening) and Adam Pascal (Rent) With Scott Coulter and Michelle Kinney Presented with The Path Fund Inc. File Under: Benefit, Theater, Broadway Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 8:00pm $30 SRO, $60 General admission seating (first come, first served) This one night only event is a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and The Broadway Dreams Foundation. GENERAL POLICIES: B.B. King Blues Club and Grill is located at 237 West 42nd Street, between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, online at ticketmaster.com or 212-307-7171. Tickets can be purchased in person at our box office from 10:30 am to midnight every night. We are a full-scale restaurant and bar; serving food and drink throughout most of our shows. A $10 food and/or beverage minimum is standard for table seating during all shows. To read our menu, please click here. Unless otherwise noted, all shows are suitable for all ages and offer general admission seating. Seating for all shows is first come, first seated; we do not take advance table reservation, except where noted as a condition of a VIP ticket. We cannot seat incomplete parties. Standing room for all shows is available at our bar. For further show information, directions to the venue and for the latest updates visit us at www.bbkingblues.com or call 212-997-4144. THIS WEEK AT LUCILLE'S GRILL ALL SHOWS ARE FREE AND WITHOUT COVER: Monday, October 27 JON PARIS 8:00pm – 1:00am Tuesday, October 28 JOE TAINO 8:00pm – 1:00am Wednesday, October 29 THE JUNIOR MACK BAND 8:00pm – 1:00am Thursday, October 30 PIMP THE CAT 8:00pm – 1:00am Friday, October 31 IRVING LOUIS LATTIN 8:00pm – 2:00am Saturday, November 1 SMALL TIME LEROY 8:00pm – 2:00am Sunday, November 2 DOWNTOWN POKER CLUB 8:00pm – 1:00am Monday, November 3 JON PARIS 8:00pm – 1:00am GENERAL POLICIES: Lucille's Bar and Grill is located at B.B. King Blues Club at 237 West 42nd Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway. Enter through the main doors at B.B. King, go down the stairs and turn left at the box office. Unless otherwise noted, all shows are open to the public without a ticket price and without a food or drink minimum. Lucille's is open daily from 11:00am to 1:00am on weekdays, 11:00am to 3:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Artists perform roughly one-hour sets with fifteen-minute breaks between 8:00pm to 1:00am, unless otherwise noted. We are a full-scale restaurant and bar; serving food and drink throughout all of our shows. To read our menu, please click here. All shows are suitable for all ages. We offer general admission seating. Seating for all shows is first come, first seated; we do not take advance table reservations. We cannot seat incomplete parties. While waiting for your party, you are welcome to enjoy the show from our bar. Left-click the underlined, linked dates to go directly to the Lucille's website for further information about each show. For further show information, directions to the venue and for the latest updates, visit us on the web at http://www.lucillesgrillnyc.com/ or call 212-997-4144

ALL SHOWS, LINEUPS AND SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE VISIT US ON THE WEB AT http://www.bbkingblues.com

THE SEAGULL star Peter Sarsgaard interviewed tonight on 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' - 10/28/2008

Peter Sarsgaard, currently starring on Broadway in Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL, will be interviewed tonight, Tuesday, October 28 on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien.   In the New York area, Late Night with Conan O'Brien airs on WNBC-TV, Channel 4 at 12:35 AM. Check local listings.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times, hailed THE SEAGULL as "Magnificent. The finest production of Chekhov I have ever known. Peter Sarsgaard is slyly brilliant." Peter Marks of The Washington Post, praised THE SEAGULL as "A mesmerizing evening. Peter Sarsgaard is powerful." Mike Kuchwara of the Associated Press, called the production "A revelation. Peter Sarsgaard is perfect. THE SEAGULL reverberates with greatness."

The Royal Court Theatre's production of Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL, in a new version by Christopher Hampton and directed by Ian Rickson, is playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street), where it opened on October 2.   The production plays a strictly limited engagement through December 21.

Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL, written in 1895 and the first of the playwright's masterworks, concerns the romantic entanglements and regrets of a group of actors, writers and artists gathered on a Russian estate. One of the theatre's great plays about writing, THE SEAGULL conveys the struggle for new forms and the frustrations and fulfillment of putting words on a page.

Terri White & The Charlie Lindbergh Trio - 10/28/2008

Terri White will be performing on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 8:30 pm at the Irdium Jazz Club. There is a $25 cover charge; food is $10. Those who print out this article will receive $10 off.

Ben Brantley of the New York Times said, "Of particular note among the ensemble is Terri White, whose low, rafter-rattling alto turns the soulful, sassy 'Necessity' into what would register as a show stopper even in Madison Square Garden."

Terri White's Broadway show credits include Barnum (Tony Nomination - Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), Ain't Misbehavin', Bubbling Brown Sugar, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. her off-Broadway credits include The Club (Obie Award Winner), Juba, Nunsense I & II and Jungle Book.

She can be seen on video in Nunsense I & II with Rue McClanahan, Liza Live at Radio City Music Hall with Liza and Boys on the Side with Whoopi Goldberg.

Terri has performed with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, The Long Island Philharmonic, Atlantic City at Ceasar's Palace, Anything Cole at Carnegie Hall, and as soloist with the Cleveland Ballet "In Studio D". Last year she had the honor of opening for Liza Minnelli at the Luxor in Las Vegas.

She can be heard on "Incurably Romantic," and the cast albums of Barnum, Finian's Rainbow at The Irish Rep, Liza Live! and Forbidden Broadway's 20th Anniversary Edition ("Screamgirls").

Comfortable and consummate in all genres (Broadway, Rythum & Blues, Gospel & Jazz) Terri's first solo CD, "The Lady's Got To Sing" produced by Old Hat Productions, fused all the incredible facets of this very talented lady into "one knockout punch."

For more information: www.iridiumjazzclub.com1650 Broadway (at 51st) Reservations 212-582-2121

New Rep Theatre to Present 'Lieutenant of Inishmore' Starting 10/29 - 10/29/2008

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, is thrilled to present The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Written by Martin McDonagh, the playwright who gave us the critically acclaimed The Pillowman, comes this blazingly funny and bitterly blood-curdling play about a terrorist and his cat. The Lieutenant of Inishmore opens for the press on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 7:30pm and plays through November 16, 2008 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in the Charles Mosesian Theater.

“I am very excited that New Rep is producing another of Martin McDonagh’s works.” says Rick Lombardo, Producing Artistic Director. “He is one of the theater world’s most highly regarded contemporary authors, and I’m very pleased that New Rep has introduced more of his work than any other theater company to the Boston area.”

“I am thrilled to be returning to New Rep.” states David R. Gammons, the director of The Lieutenant of Inishmore, who directed last season’s Downstage @ New Rep production of My Name is Rachel Corrie. “I share McDonagh’s dark sense of humor, and I am looking forward to bringing this bloody comedy to life on stage.”

Blazingly funny and bitterly blood-curdling. A brazen and unapologetic farce. This award-winning comedy tells of a ruthless Irish Republican Army enforcer, “Mad” Padraic, and the one thing he loves more than anything else in the world . . . his little black cat, Wee Thomas. But someone has killed Wee Thomas. Was it an accident or an execution? Whoever is responsible had better fess up, or Padraic’s reign of terror will come crashing down on the small Irish island of Inishmore. What ensues is a hilariously bloody, choking farce, quintessential to McDonagh.

New Repertory Theatre presents provocative and intelligent works of both established and emerging playwrights in an intimate setting that involves and engages the audience. New Rep has earned a reputation for dynamic productions that honor the writers and feature talented professional actors from the New England theatre community as well as guest artists from around the U.S. New Rep has received Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards for outstanding acting, scenic design, direction, and production. Programming at New Repertory Theatre is supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Artists

David R. Gammons (director) is a director, designer, theatre educator, and visual artist. He is the recipient of the 2007 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Director for his production of Titus Andronicus with Actors' Shakespeare Project. Recent directing projects include: the New England premiere of My Name is Rachel Corrie at New Rep; a revival of Arthur Kopit's Oh Dad, Poor Dad… as the inaugural production at Harvard University's New College Theatre; Romeo and Juliet at Boston Conservatory; and Eric Bogosian’s subUrbia at MIT. His work as a director, designer, and creator of original performance material includes collaborations with American Repertory Theatre, Headlong Dance Theater, Spencer/Colton Dance, Pig Iron Theatre Company, Theatre Offensive, and SpeakEasy Stage, to name a few. David is a graduate of the Directing Program at The A.R.T. Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. He has been the Director of the Theatre Program at Concord Academy since 2000, where he directs a Company of young artists committed to creating original experimental work. For more information, visit David R. Gammons.com.

Lynn R. Guerra (Mairead) has been busy with the Publick Theatre this year, performing in productions of The Seagull (Masha), Hay Fever (Sorrell), and Travesties (Gwendolen). Last fall, she played Ophelia in Shakespeare Now’s Hamlet, directed by David Wheeler. Lynn studied Theatre and Fine Arts at Hofstra University and Oxford University, where her favorite credits include The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (Beatrice), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Suzanne), Agnes of God (Agnes), Miss Julie (Julie), and The Real Inspector Hound (Lady Cynthia).

Colin Hamell (Padraic) is Artistic Director of Tir Na Theatre. He recently appeared as Mickybo in their production of Mojo Mickybo in New York at the 59E59 Theater and as Charlie in their production of Stones in His Pockets in Brussels, Belgium. Tir Na will produce the American premiere of two plays by Irish writer Conor McDermottroe in Boston's BCA in February, 2009. Previously, he appeared: Off Broadway as Eamonn in Ronan Noone’s The Blowin’ of Baile Gall produced by Gabriel Byrne at the Irish Arts Centre, NYC; Smiler Becoming Yank at the Huntington Theatre, Boston; Mickybo in Mojo Mickybo by Owen McCafferty, Ladeen in The Lepers of Baile Baiste by Ronan Noone, and Coleman in The Lonesome West by Martin McDonagh at the Súgàn Theatre, Boston; Ray Dooley in The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh, starring Julie Harris and Stuart in the U.S. premiere of Cooking with Elvis by Lee Hall at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre; and Brendan in the IRNE Award-winning production of The Weir by Conor McPherson at New Rep. Film Credits include 29 Forever and The Gates, starring Bob Wahlberg.

Rory James Kelly (Donny) recently played the title role in The Drawer Boy at The Shadowland Theatre in New York and appeared at The Public Theatre in Maine in the Irish play Moonshine, originally produced by the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. He toured nationally in several productions of the Tony Award-winning play Equus with Anthony Perkins, Donald Madden, and George Maharis. At the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, he was seen as Ralph in All the Way Home with Dana Ivey, and at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles as Malcolm in Macbeth with Vanessa Redgrave and Charlton Heston, directed by Peter Wood from the Royal Shakespeare Company. As a company member with the Asolo Repertory Theatre, he played: Marco in A View from the Bridge; Happy in Death of a Salesman; Gunner in Shaw’s Misalliance; Guildenstern in Hamlet; Saul in As Is; John in Winslow Boy; Burton in Burn This; and Marvin in Dark of the Moon, directed by Sheldon Epps.

Ross MacDonald (Brendan) recently made his Boston debut with the Publick Theatre in The Seagull and Hay Fever. This also marks the anniversary of his return from serving with the British Army in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Before this military sojourn, he had performed in a wide variety of productions on "the other side of the pond." His work includes numerous roles with the Oxford Shakespeare Company, most recently as Macbeth in Macbeth and as Pistol and Fenton in Merry Wives of Windsor (where he met his lovely American wife-to-be). Other roles include: Dr. Faustus (Dr Faustus); Garcin (Huis Clos); Spurio (Revengers Tragedy); Aston (The Caretaker); and Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet). Film roles include Lieutenant 119 in the Sundance Festival Best International film, Bloody Sunday. Ross' theatrical training started at the University of Winchester and the London Academy of Performing Arts.

Karl Baker Olson (Davey) is happy to be back at New Rep after appearing in last season’s production of The Misanthrope. Since then, he has played Posner in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys (SpeakEasy Stage), Mark in Melinda Lopez’s Gary (Boston Playwrights’ Theatre), Ben in Nitzan Halperin’s Sow and Weep in NYC, and spent the summer serving as the assistant director for Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production of As You Like It. He received a BFA in acting from the Boston University School of Theatre in 2007 and has also trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Stephen Tolin (special effects design) is proud to be making his Boston debut with New Rep’s The Lieutenant. of Inishmore. Steve owns and operates his Special FX shop, TolinFX, in Pittsburgh, PA. His work can be seen on screen in movies and television and on the stage. Some of Steve’s favorite theatre credits include: The Lt. of Inishmore (Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA); The Lt. of Inishmore (Fusion Theatre, Albuquerque, NM); The Lt. of Inishmore (Teatro La Plaza ISIL, Lima, Peru); and The Lt. of Inishmore (The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, St. Louis, MI). You can see more of Steve’s work at www.tolinfx.com.

Martin McDonagh (playwright) Born and raised in South London of Irish-born parents, Mr. McDonagh became familiar with the Connemara region of County Galway, the setting for most of his plays, during annual visits to relatives. His unsolicited script of The Beauty Queen of Leenane had its world premiere in the new Town Hall Theatre, Galway, Ireland in February of 1996 in a Druid Theatre/Royal Court Theatre co-production before playing the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in March of that year. Reviews were exceptional across the board, and houses were full to capacity. Beauty Queen was revived, amid a blaze of publicity, in October of the same year at the Royal Court’s main house at the West End venue, The Duke of York’s Theatre, following an Irish tour and reviewed again with enormous enthusiasm. Beauty Queen, the first play in Mr. McDonagh’s Leenane trilogy, was revived for a second time, together with the premieres of the second and third plays in the series, A Skull in Connemara and The Lonesome West, by Druid/Royal Court in Ireland and London in June to September 1997. After Beauty Queen opened on Broadway, it received the 1998 Drama Desk Award, the 1998 Drama League Award, and six Tony Award nominations, including the nomination for Best Play. In 2004, The Pillowman received London’s Olivier Award for Best New Play and, after transferring to Broadway, was nominated for four Drama Desk and six Tony Awards, including Best Play. In March of 2006, McDonagh received the Academy Award for his screenplay Six Shooter. Most recently, McDonagh’s play The Lieutenant of Inishmore received a 2006 Tony nomination for Best Play, along with five other nominations. Mr.McDonagh’s plays have been sold in 28 countries in 21 languages.

The Thugs by Adam Bock at Profiles Theatre Oct 29th - 10/29/2008

Profiles Theatre continues its 20th Anniversary Season
with the award-winning dark comedy
The Thugs by Adam Bock

Profiles production of The Thugs is making its Midwest Premiere at Profiles and will play in rep with the acclaimed comedy-drama Men of Tortuga

Profiles Theatre continues its 20th Anniversary Season with the OBIE Award-winning dark comedy The Thugs by Adam Bock, directed by Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. he production runs October 29-December 14, 2008, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. The play will run in repertory with Profiles’ production of Men of Tortuga, playing through December 7, 2008. The press opening for The Thugs is Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.

The Thugs is a dark comedy about the mysterious things that are happening on the 9th floor of a big law firm. When a group of temps try to discover the secrets that lurk in the hidden crevices of their workplace, they realize they would rather believe in gossip and rumors than face dangerous realities.

The Profiles production marks the Midwest Premiere of The Thugs. The play received its critically-acclaimed 2006 world premiere at the Soho Rep in New York, winning an OBIE Award for outstanding playwriting and was named to Time Out New York’s “Top Ten” lists. Mr. Bock has also won the prestigious American Theater Critics Award, the Glickman Award and the Theater Critics Circle Awards for Best Original Script, among others.

This is the second production of Profiles Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season. The Thugs follows the October 9 opening of Men of Tortuga by Jason Wells and the two shows will play in repertory. The Thugs will play Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

“We’re very excited to open our 20th Anniversary Season with these two productions,” says Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. “Both plays take a unique look at the people behind the scenes in the world of business, with Men of Tortuga giving us a portrait of the ruthless leaders who pull the strings and seek to destroy all who oppose them. Meanwhile The Thugs explores the lowly temps at a law firm who have lost their direction in life making gossip and rumor turn into paranoia and fear. These playwrights approach their subjects with their own distinct voice making them very unique experiences for the audience. Yet they will play together in rep beautifully.”
“The Thugs is about fear and how we get so afraid of something that we ignore the stuff that’s right in front of us,” says playwright Adam Bock. “It’s also about the idea that there are people who are disposable…How we treat each other and what passes as civility.”

Profiles’ Artistic Director Joe Jahraus is the director for The Thugs. He was also the director of Profiles’ highly praised Midwest premieres of In a Dark Dark House, Some Girl(s) and Fat Pig all by Neil LaBute as well as the American premiere of Apple by Vern Thiessen and the Midwest Premiere of Profiles’ award-winning hit production of Blackbird by Adam Rapp.

The cast features Profiles ensemble members Somer Benson as Diane and Tyler Gray as Joey. Also featured are Greta Honold, Caroline Dodge Latta, Jasmine McNeely, Bob Pries, Annie Slivinski, and Tori Ulrich.

The designers include Grant Sabin (set), Jessica Harpenau (lights), Kevin O’Donnell (sound), and Darcy Elora Hofer (costumes). The assistant director is Bradley Bartolo and the stage manager is Nya Watkins.

Tickets for The Thugs are $15 for previews (October 25 – October 28); $25 for all regular performances. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 549-1815, or online, www.profilestheatre.org. Performances are Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

The Thugs will run in repertory with Men of Tortuga, which runs October 9 through December 7, 2008. Men of Tortuga plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 7 pm.
Profiles 20th Anniversary Season also includes the Midwest premiere of Great Falls by Lee Blessing, the U.S. premiere of The Wonderful World of Dissocia by Anthony Neilson and the World premiere of Graceland by Ellen Fairey.

Profiles Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre company founded in 1988 by five Eastern Illinois University alumni and has since been continually producing plays. Profiles brings new works to Chicago that illuminate the determination and resiliency of the human spirit. The company produces World, US and Midwest Premieres by new playwrights, as well as established writers whose work has been seen across the country and around the world. Profiles is particularly drawn to playwrights with a unique narrative style and use of language and the company takes pride in carefully selecting scripts that combine integrity with risk. Profiles Theatre is committed to producing plays that tell a story in a captivating way with productions that complement the ensemble and speak to its audience.

FACTS
Title: The Thugs
Playwright: Adam Bock
Directed by: Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus
Featuring: Profiles ensemble members Somer Benson and Tyler Gray along with Greta Honold, Caroline Dodge Latta, Jasmine McNeely, Bob Pries, Annie Slivinski and Tori Ulrich
Dates: Previews: October 25 and 26 at 4:00 p.m. October 27 and 28 at 8:00 p.m.
Press opening: October 29, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.
Regular run: October 29–December 14, 2008
Schedule: Sat, Sun: 4:00 p.m.   Wed:     8:00 p.m.
Location: Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway
Parking is available for $6-$10 at 4100 N. Clarendon
(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine)
Ticket prices: Regular performances, $25; Preview performances, $15; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.
Box Office: Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org or call (773) 549-1815

Notes of Interest:

•    Profiles Theatre, founded in 1988, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary Season.

•    The Thugs will run in repertory with Men of Tortuga, which runs October 9 through December 7, 2008.

Biographies
Adam Bock (playwright) won an OBIE for playwriting when THE THUGS premiered at NYC's Soho Rep in 2006 and was named to both of TimeOut NY's Top Ten lists. His most recent play, THE DRUNKEN CITY premiered at Playwrights Horizons in March 2008. Other recent works include THE RECIPTIONIST which had its World premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club in October 2007 and FIVE FLIGHTS which played Off-Broadway at Rattlestick Theater in 2004, after a five-month sold-out run at San Francisco's Encore Theater in 2002. The play won the Glickman Award, and was nominated for the American Theater Critics Award, the Elizabeth Osborn Award, and two BATCC Awards. Shotgun Players' production of SWIMMING IN THE SHALLOWS won the 2000 Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Awards for Best Original Script, Best Production, and Best Ensemble. Mr. Bock helped Jack Cummings III develop THE AUDIENCE, nominated for three 2005 Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical. His play THE SHAKER CHAIR, produced by Actors Theater of Louisville in the Humana Festival in 2005, was nominated for the Kesselring Prize. THE TYPOGRAPHER’S DREAM has been produced in New York City and San Francisco, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and in Berkeley in 2006. Mr. Bock is an artistic associate at Shotgun Players and Encore Theater, and is a resident playwright at New Dramatists.

JOE JAHRAUS (Director) is the founder and artistic director of Profiles Theatre. Joe most recently directed Profiles’ Midwest Premiere of IN A DARK DARK HOUSE by Neil LaBute. Prior to that he directed the Midwest Premiere of SOME GIRL(S), by LaBute, the American Premiere of APPLE by Vern Thiessen and the Midwest Premiere of FAT PIG by LaBute, for which he received a Jeff Citation Nomination for Outstanding Director. Joe also directed Profiles’ award-winning Midwest Premiere of BLACKBIRD by Adam Rapp. Other directing credits with Profiles include, BABYLON GARDENS by Timothy Mason, THE WATER ENGINE and SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO by David Mamet, and the award-winning Midwest Premiere of CARNAL KNOWLEDGE by Jules Fieffer, among others.

SOMER BENSON (Diane) was most recently seen in "Coax," part of Profiles' Midwest premiere of THINGS WE SAID TODAY by Neil LaBute. Some of her other favorite productions include PROOF, COLLECTED STORIES, and COME BACK TO THE FIVE AND DIME JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN. She was also the Assistant Director for Profiles' IN A DARK DARK HOUSE by Neil LaBute. Somer is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (CA), studied at Waubonsee Community College with Dr. Maria Bakalis, and Profiles Theatre.

Tyler Gray (Joey) is the newest member of Profiles Theatre. He was seen in "Long Division" as part of Profiles' Midwest premiere of AUTOBAHN by Neil LaBute, which received an After Dark Award for Outstanding Ensemble. Some of his other credits include THE LAST EXODUS OF AMERICAN MEN with Jackalope Theatre, PANDORA with Blue Moon Studio Theater, LANDSCAPE OF THE BODY at The Artistic Home and HANA’S SUITCASE with The Chicago Children's Theater. Tyler is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago where he appeared in THE PILLOWMAN, SWEET WATER TASTE, THE CHANGELING, INVENTING VAN GOGH, PARADISE LOST, and THE HOUSE OF YES.

Greta Honold (Daphne) is making her Profiles debut. Most recently, she understudied and performed in Collaboraction's HEROES AND VILLAINS. Prior to that, she played Hana in Chicago Children's Theatre's HANA'S SUITCASE and appeared in Sean Graney's production of TOP GIRLS at the University of Chicago, and in Redmoon's outdoor spectacle TWILIGHT ORCHARD. Other recent productions include SKETCHBOOK 6 and 7 at Collaboraction, GREAT EXPECTATIONS and EURYDICE, both at Piven Theatre, and NO PLACE LIKE HOME and Tina Landau's MARIA ARNDT, both at Steppenwolf. Greta has been heard on the radio, reading for WBEZ's STORIES ON STAGE, and seen on TV, in the sitcom WHAT ABOUT JOAN? In June, she graduated from University of Chicago with a BA in Anthropology.

Caroline Dodge Latta (Mercedes) most recently appeared as Blanka in Citadel Theatre’s production of A NERVOUS SMILE. Other favorite roles include Nancy in Albee’s SEASCAPE for City Lit Theater Company, Ursula in VINCENT IN BRIXTON for Journeymen Theater, and the Landlady in Orwell’s 1984 for Theatre Entropy. She is a Distinguished Professor of Theater at Columbia College Chicago where she teaches acting. Directs and co-ordinates the internship program. From 1994-2001 she served as Dean of the College. She is delighted to be a part of Profile Theatre’s production and honored to be a former mentor/teacher of two of its ensemble members Eric Burgher and Tyler Gray.

Jasmine McNeely (Chantal), also affectionately known as Jeezy, is making her debut at Profiles Theatre. She was last seen parodying American Girl Dolls and natural disasters as Rita in the REFUGEE GIRLS REVUE as part of the 2008 New York Fringe Festival. Prior to her NY experience, Jasmine appeared in APOCALYPSE BLAOW ! at Gorilla Tango Theatre. She studied Musical Theater Performance at Columbia College Chicago where she has been seen in WEST SIDE STORY, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, URINETOWN, WOYZECK, and THE MISER. Jasmine is also a choreographer and her work has been featured in PIPPIN and RUTHLESS at Columbia. Other interests include modeling and she is the face for the “Second City Comedy Studies” brochure and Prestige Portraits.

Bob Pries (Bart), making his Profiles debut, is a veteran of more than 50 Chicago area productions and was last seen as Tom Bailey in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Porchlight. Recent productions include THE HOUSE THAT SWIFT BUILT with Red Square, SUNSET BOULEVARD with Marriott Lincolnshire, BLACK MILK with European Rep and A WINTER'S TALE with Chicago Shakespeare. He was one of Chicago's orginal NAKED BOYS SINGING at Bailiwick Repertory and his performance as Hucklebee in Pegasus Players' THE FANTASTICKS took him to Egypt and earned him his first Jeff nomination.

Annie Slivinksi (Mary) is working with Profiles Theatre for the first time. She recently appeared as Amanda in THE GLASS MENAGERIE at The Playground Theatre in Oak Park and in the title role of THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE with Infamous Commonwealth where she is a company member. Annie has also acted with Collaboraction, Remy Bumppo, Camenae, and New Leaf theatre companies and directed for Open Door Repertory. She is Co-Advisor of the Student Directing Program at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Tori Ulrich (Elaine), a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, is making her Profiles debut. She was recently seen as Lorraine in Seanachai Theatre Company's production of WAR. She also appeared in LAUNDRY AND BOURBON with the Oil Lamp theatre as well as in SORDID LIVES, LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK with the Easy Street Players.

9 to 5 The Musical Opening Pushed Back to 4/30; Tickets On Sale to Amex Gold Card Member 10/29 - 10/29/2008

On the heels of its successful run at Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theatre it was announced today that tickets for 9 To 5: The Musical on Broadway will be available exclusively to American Express Gold card holders, on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, and will go on sale to the general public beginning Monday, December 1, 2008. Based on the 20th Century Fox motion picture, 9 To 5: The Musical begins previews on Broadway Tuesday, April 7, 2009, and opens Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Marriott Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway).

The world premiere engagement of 9 To 5: The Musical began previews Tuesday, September 9, opened to critical acclaim Saturday, September 20, and will play its final performance Sunday, October 19, 2008, at Los Angeles' Ahmanson Theatre. 9 To 5: The Musical marks the Broadway debut of seven-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and musician Dolly Parton as composer and lyricist. The musical's book by Patricia Resnick is based on her original story and screenplay for the smash 1980 film comedy. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler, 9 To 5: The Musical stars four-time Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, and two-time Tony Award nominee Marc Kudisch.

When pushed to their boiling point by their boss, Franklin Hart Jr. (Marc Kudisch), Violet Newstead (Allison Janney), the super efficient office manager, Judy Bernly (Stephanie J. Block), a frazzled divorcee, and the sexy executive secretary Doralee Rhodes (Megan Hilty) turn the tables on him. The trio hatches a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot, and that plan quickly spins wildly and hilariously out of control. Ms. Parton's original score for 9 To 5: The Musical includes over twenty new songs as well as the Grammy Award winning, Academy Award nominated, and #1 Billboard title song.

The 30 member cast of 9 To 5: The Musical features Andy Karl, Kathy Fitzgerald, Ioana Alfonso, Timothy Anderson, Jennifer Balagna, Justin Bohon, Paul Castree, Daniel Cooney, Jeremy Davis,Gaelen Gilliland, Autumn Guzzardi, Ann Harada, Lisa Howard, Van Hughes, Kevin Kern, Brendan King, Michael X. Martin, Michael Mindlin, Karen Murphy, Mark Myars, Jessica Lea Patty, Charlie Pollock, Tory Ross, Wayne Schroder, Maia Nkenge Wilson and Brandi Wooten.

Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster.com (212-307-4100) and range from $126.50 to $66.50.

Steve Ross Performs GOOD THING GOING at Morgan's Cabaret 10/29 - 10/29/2008

"Ah, Paris!" is a witty, often overlooked Cole Porter parody by Stephen Sondheim from the show "Follies" is just one of the brilliant songs performed by the supremely talented singer and pianist Steve Ross in his upcoming cabaret show, GOOD THING GOING, a "Stephen Sondheim Sampler, Styled for Tuxedo" at Morgans Cabaret at the Prince in Philadelphia, running from October 29 through November 9, 2008. Performances take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

Steve Ross, dubbed "The Callas of Cabaret" by the Philadelphia Enquirer, has been a major presence on the world cabaret scene for three decades, playing major venues from the Algonquin in New York to the International Festival of Cabaret in Adelaide, Australia. He is known world-wide as a pre-eminent interpreter of Cole Porter and Fred Astaire, and has made half a dozen recordings and performed countless concerts in cities from London and Paris to San Francisco and Chicago.

Ross' recent Sondheim show has proven a great hit with critics and audiences alike. Ross' well-known wit, sophisticated style and superb piano playing make tunes from the lighter Sondheim musical comedies like "Buddy's Blues," "Do I Here A Waltz?" and "We're Gonna Be All Right," sound fresh and new. In the more complex Sondheim material, he shows a different side of his artistic personality and digs deeper. He goes beyond his usual range to explore songs like "Sorry-Grateful" and "Losing My Mind," coupling both songs into a moving dramatic arc. His interpretation of "Losing My Mind" becomes the partly spoken monologue of a man desperately trying to shake off a relentless obsession. Ross shows that a torch song usually performed by a woman can be wrenching in an entirely new way when delivered as the murmur of a man on the brink of despair.

Ross's surprising way with "Broadway Baby" and his version of "Send in the Clowns" are other highlights of a show that ranges from the less familiar to the most famous songs of the Sondheim cannon. His rare Philadelphia appearance will draw cabaret lovers from throughout the region.

Morgan's Cabaret at the Prince Music Theater is a spectacular destination for individuals or groups to escape the everyday life and spend a couple hours in a special party-like atmosphere. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8:30pm, with matinees on Sunday at 3pm. Single Tickets are $41 for weekday evenings and Sunday matinees, $50 for Friday evening performances, and $54 for Saturday Evenings. Reserved front row seating is also available for an additional premium. Subscriptions are available for 4 or 5 performers starting at just $126.00. Full cocktail service is available. Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased now by calling UpStages on 215 569 9700 or visiting the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadephia.

Daniel Benzali Performs Benefit for 6th Street Playhouse 10/29 - 10/29/2008

Daniel Benzali, noted actor of stage, screen and theater performs scenes from Shakespeare and songs by Stephen Sondheim in a one-man, one-night-only performance benefiting the 6th Street Playhouse, GK Hardt Theatre, 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, California (located in historic Railroad Square) on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at 7pm.

Benzali, a Golden Globe nominee, has enjoyed a successful career on stage and screen and is known from his stage appearances in shows including "Sunset Boulevard," films including "Murder at 1600" and "The Grey Zone" and televisions programs including "Murder One"and "Jericho." He is one of the few American actors to become a member of the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Company.

Benzali returned to his roots as a singer with the 2005 release of "Benzali," a CD collection of classic romantic standards.

He recently portrayed Willy Loman in the 6th Street Playhouse production of "Death of a Salesman."

Reservations recommended for this special benefit performance.

Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the 6th Street Playhouse. To order, call 707-523-4185, Ext. 128

For more information, visit www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.

WICKED Fan in Chicago Can Dine With Cast Members 10/29 and 11/5 - 10/29/2008

WICKED enthusiasts looking to make their night on the town very Ozmopolitan are invited to dine with cast members on Wednesday, October 29 and November 5, 2008. For $30, in addition to the price of a ticket, fans and cast members will dine prior to the show at 5:30 p.m. at Hotel Monaco (225 N. Wabash Ave.), followed by a 7:30 performance of WICKED at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.).

In addition to dinner and the opportunity to mingle with a monkey, gab like Glinda or munch next to a munchkin, fans will also receive a special WICKED gift. Available menu options can be found online at http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/monaco_wicked_menu.php.

The pre-show dinner option is available for $30 in addition to the price of a ticket for WICKED shows on Wednesday, October 29 and November 5, 2008. Packages are available at all points of sale by using the code “DINNER” when ordering 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 www.broadwayinchicago.com. Groups of 20 or more can make reservations by calling (312) 977-1710

The Chicago Company of WICKED is now playing at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. 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. After more than three years of being on stage, 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 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

Michael Arden to Perform Joni Mitchell's BLUE at Joe's Pub Starting 10/28 - 10/29/2008

The West Coast Premiere of Miss Witherspoon - 10/29/2008

West Coast Ensemble presents the West Coast Premiere of Christopher Durang’s MISS WITHERSPOON, directed by Joel Swetow (The Cherry Orchard, Twelfth Night). MISS WITHERSPOON will preview Sunday, October 26 at 3pm; Wednesday, October 29; Thursday, October 30; and Friday October 31 at 8:00pm and will open on Saturday, November 1 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, December 14 at the new home of West Coast Ensemble - The El Centro Theatre, 800 N. El Centro Ave. in Hollywood.

A master of contemporary absurdism, Christopher Durang takes on religion, spirituality and our quest for something beyond ourselves in this charmingly twisted off-Broadway hit!

SKYLAB IS FALLING! When a piece of an orbiting space station falls on Veronica, she embarks on a hilarious odyssey through the great beyond, aided by her spirit guide Maryamma. Named one of the ten best plays of 2005 by Time and Newsday, this raucous comedy takes us on a journey through life, the after-life, and whatever happens in between, as a reluctant traveler discovers that the only thing worse than the world she left behind is having to go back for seconds.
Christopher Durang (Playwright) is a playwright whose plays include A History of the American Film (Tony nomination, Best Book of a Musical, 1978), The Actor’s Nightmare, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (Obie award; off-Bway run 1981-83), Beyond Therapy (on Broadway in 1982, with Dianne Wiest and John Lithgow), Baby with the Bathwater (Playwrights Horizons, 1983), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Public Theatre, 1985; Obie award, Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award), Laughing Wild (Playwrights Horizons, 1987), Durang/Durang (an evening of six plays at Manhattan Theatre Club, 1994, including the Tennessee Williams’ parody, For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls), Sex and Longing (Lincoln Center Theatre production at the Cort Theatre, 1996, starring Sigourney Weaver), and Betty’s Summer Vacation (Playwrights Horizons, 1999; Obie award). His most recent works are Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge, which premiered at City Theatre in Pittsburgh in 2002. And the musical Adrift in Macao, with music by Peter Melnick and book and lyrics by Durang, which premiered at New York Stage and Film in summer 2002, and is under option for off-Broadway 2003-04. Durang is also a performer, and acted with E. Katherine Kerr in the N.Y. premiere of Laughing Wild, and with Jean Smart in the L.A. production. He shared in an acting ensemble Obie for The Marriage of Bette and Boo; and with John Augustine and Sherry Anderson has performed his crackpot cabaret Chris Durang and Dawne at the Criterion Center, Caroline’s Comedy Club, Williamstown Summer Cabaret, and the Triad, winning a 1996 Bistro Award. In the early 80s, he and Sigourney Weaver co-wrote and performed in their acclaimed Brecht-Weill parody, Das Lusitania Songspiel, and were both nominated for Drama Desk awards for Best Performer in a Musical. In 1993 he sang in the five person off-Broadway Sondheim revue, Putting It Together, with Julie Andrews at the Manhattan Theatre Club. And he played a singing Congressman in the Encores presentation of Call Me Madam with Tyne Daly at City Center. In movies, he has appeared in The Secret of My Success, Mr. North, The Butcher’s Wife, Housesitter, and The Cowboy Way, among others. He has a B.A. from Harvard College, and an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Yale School of Drama. In 1995 he won the prestigious three-year Lila Wallace Readers Digest Writers Award; as part of his grant, he ran a writing workshop for adult children of alcoholics. In 2000 he won the Sidney Kingsley Playwriting Award.

JOEL SWETOW (Director) is a director, coach, actor, and voiceover artist. Directing projects include critically- acclaimed, award-winning productions of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard”, Moliere’s “The Learned Ladies”, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It,” as well as several world premieres. As an actor in television and film, he recurred on “Charmed” for an extended two year arc, guest starred on “Burn Notice” “Alias”, “Judging Amy”, “N.Y.P.D. Blue”, “Stargate”, “Star Trek: Enterprise”, and “Days of Our Lives” and has had major roles in Clive Barker’s “Lord of Illusions”, “The President’s Man 2”, “Live from Baghdad”, “Return to the Batcave”, “3 Ninjas”, and “Ruby Ridge”, also among many others. On stage, he has appeared in countless leading roles in N.Y.C., Los Angeles, and regional theatre, including Estragon in “Waiting For Godot”, the Duke in “Measure for Measure”, Malvolio in “Twelfth Night”, Brutus in “Julius Caesar”, Shylock in “The Merchant of Venice”, Vershinin in “The Three Sisters”, Ned Weeks in “The Normal Heart”, Matt Friedman in “Talley’s Folly”, Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” and the title role in “Tartuffe”.

The cast of MISS WITHERSPOON features Pia Ambardar, Kelly Lloyd, Andrew Morris, Sara J. Stuckey and LeShay Tomlinson

MISS WITHERSPOON has assembled an award-winning design team. The Set design is by Stephen Gifford. The Lighting Design is by Peter Gottlieb. The Costume Design is by E.B. Brooks. The Sound Design is by Rebecca Kessin. The Production is Stage Managed by Erin Beddinger and Produced for WCE by Richard Israel and Ben Campbell.

MISS WITHERSPOON will open Saturday, November 1 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, December 14 at The El Centro Theater, 800 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038. Preview performances will be Sunday, October 26 at 3pm; Wednesday, October 29; Thursday, October 30; and Friday October 31 at 8:00pm. Ticket prices are $10 previews, $22 general, $20 student/senior/union. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. For tickets, please visit www.tix.com or call the West Coast Ensemble Box Office at 323-460-4443.

Performers Under Stress Opens Fourth Season With 'Ghost Train Coming' - 10/30/2008

Performers Under Stress (PUS) opens its fourth season of critically acclaimed stage-work in the Bay Area with the World Premiere of GHOST TRAIN COMING, a new dark comedy by PUS co-founder Charles Pike (Chicago’s Steppenwolf, Second City, and others). Scott Baker, PUS co-founding Artistic Director, helms this gritty, surreal, campy, and spiritual exploration of a week in the life of Jackie-O, a struggling sex worker, starring Monica Cortes Viharo, Valerie Fachman, and Vince Faso, and featuring Anoulack, Glen Caspillo, Dale Tagtmeyer, and Gareth Whitlow. GHOST TRAIN COMING plays October 30 through November 22 (press opening: October 31) at The Garage, 975 Howard St. in San Francisco. For tickets ($15 in advance, or $7 plus the roll of two dice at the door) and more information, the public may call 415-585-1221, visit pustheatre.com, or brownpapertickets.com. Contains mature language and content.

In GHOST TRAIN COMING, Jackie-O is a struggling American sex worker yearning to breathe free. Set in a rundown SRO somewhere in L.A., Jackie-O supposedly lives alone in order to accommodate her multifarious clientele. But who is that creature that keeps emerging from her storage trunk and bathroom, spinning enigmatic backwoods tales, crooning Elvis standards, requesting more of Jackie-O’s unique tattoos? As drama builds in Jackie-O’s life, her deepening relationship with “The King” becomes indispensable to her salvation and quest to find her own version of the American Dream.

Charles Pike is a playwright, actor, and director. As a playwright, his work has been produced at the Steppenwolf Garage (Now Dig This...The Terry Southern Show), Second City (The Return of the Hip Messiah), Lark Theater, Chicago New Plays Festival, NYC International Fringe Theatre Festival, Revolutions Theater Festival, and Prop Thtr., among others; Sacred Fools in Los Angeles will premiere his play Resignation Day in Spring 2009. Pike is also the co-founder of PUS, where he has co-written, directed, and acted in many of the Company’s productions.

Comprised of Scott Baker and Charles Pike, recipients of Joseph Jefferson Awards for their theater work in Chicago, and Joseph Jefferson nominee Valerie Fachman, PUS has been in existence for over 15 years, and has been critically lauded in Chicago, where the company was founded, and in the Bay Area for its bare-bones productions of Samuel Beckett plays and original works. Other PUS productions include Sam I Am; The Farmington Armada; Anatomy of It’s a Wonderful Life; Robinson Jeffer’s Dead Soldier Walks Home; Glory Hole; Pound Bound; Fun with Dick and Perry; and Jungle of Tongues.

NSMT To Present '42nd Street' Opening 10/30 - 10/30/2008

The glamour, spectacle and fashion of 1930s Broadway comes to North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) as a chorus girl from a small town aspires to find love and success on the Great White Way in the Tony® Award winning 42nd STREET, tapping across the NSMT main stage from October 28 to November 23, 2008. Press night is scheduled for October 30th at 7:30 pm. 42nd STREET is sponsored by the Marriott Boston Peabody.

“42nd STREET is musical comedy at its finest – a star-is-born story, spectacular design, memorable musical numbers and outstanding tap dancing,” said Barry Ivan, NSMT’s Artistic Director and Executive Producer. “It captures the spirit of anyone who has ever pursued a dream while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained from the first note to the final tap.”

Based on the 1933 Busby Berkeley movie musical, 42nd STREET tells the story of a starry-eyed young actress named Peggy Sawyer who comes to audition for the new Julian Marsh-directed musical about to open on Broadway. While she can't seem to stay in the good graces of the show's aging leading lady Dorothy Brock, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director. On opening night, Ms. Brock breaks her ankle and panic spreads through the company as the show is doomed for closure–until it is suggested that Peggy take the role. In only 36 hours, Peggy becomes a star! With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, the memorable score includes We’re in the Money You’re Getting to be a Habit With Me, Lullaby of Broadway, and of course, 42nd Street.

42nd STREET stars Jessica Lee Goldyn, as Peggy Sawyer, who comes to NSMT directly from Broadway where she starred as Val in the Tony® Award winning revival of A Chorus Line. It also stars Patrick Ryan Sullivan, as Julian Marsh, who played the same role in the show’s National Tour. Todd Lattimore, who appeared in the 2001 Tony® Award winning Broadway production of 42nd STREET, stars as Billy Lawlor, and Beth Glover stars as Dorothy Brock.

42nd STREET features Joel Blum (Andy Lee & Bert Barry), Susan Cella of Revere (Maggie Jones), Gary Lindermann (Pat Denning), Mara Newbery (Annie) and Hardy Rawls (Abner Dillon). Ms. Cella appeared as Dorothy Brock in NSMT’s 1997 production of 42nd STREET. The Ensemble includes: Cassie Abate (Lorraine), Abby Church, Warren Curtis, Kelly Day, C.K. Edwards, Zak Edwards, Adrienne Fisher, Rob Flebbe of Beverly, Andrew Hodge, Matthew Warner Kiernan, Christopher Lengerich, Brittany Lewis, Courtney Romano, Hilary Rushford, Dana Winkle, Natalie Wisdom and Richard Riaz Yoder. Local teenagers featured in the opening tap dance number include: Eva Rae Costanza, Michaela Della Russo, Samantha Manson, Rebekah Nason and Nicole Soriano.

The creative team for 42nd STREET includes Charlie Repole (Director), Michael Lichtefeld (Choreographer), Craig Barna (Musical Director), Jeff Modereger (Scenic Designer),
Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer) and Gerard Kelley (Wig Designer). An esteemed Broadway director, actor and educator, this is Mr. Repole’s fourth time directing at NSMT. Mr. Lichtefeld returns to the theatre for the second time this season after directing and choreographing BYE BYE BIRDIE this summer. It is Mr. Barna’s first time at NSMT.

Tickets for 42nd STREET are priced from $79 to $42. Senior & youth discounts and rush tickets are available. Special Opening Night ticket prices: Two tickets for only $42 on Thursday, October 30 only. On Tues, Wed and Thur 7:30 pm performances, all tickets are just $42 for a limited time only. Performances are October 28 to November 23, Tue – Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 pm (no 7:30 pm performances November 18 and 19). The ASL performance is November 15 at 2 pm. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly.

NSMT TICKET PACKAGES -

Date Night - Show that special someone just how much you care with a romantic night at NSMT enjoying champagne and the best in musical theater. Purchase two tickets to a performance and receive a complementary drink for you both to enjoy in the garden under the stars.

Family Fun – Enjoy a family outing to NSMT! With the purchase of a minimum of four tickets to the same performance (one ticket must be a full price adult ticket), you will receive one free popcorn and soda for each person in your party!

Girls Night Out - Don't wait for the husband or boyfriend to suggest a trip to NSMT. Gather up your girlfriends and spend a night at the theater enjoying a Cosmopolitan and a fantastic musical. Purchase a minimum of four tickets to the same performance and receive tickets for the show and a drink for everyone in your party.

Dinner Theater - Enjoy dinner at Overtures, conveniently located just steps from the theater, and an Upper Circle ticket for the price of only $75 per person! Dinner includes your choice of several delicious entrées with soup and salad bar, dessert station, non-alcoholic beverages, tax and tip. Dinner reservations are recommended.

42 STREET SPECIAL EVENTS -

42nd STREET Kids Club – With the purchase of an adult ticket to the November 9 performance, parents are invited to enroll their children ages 4-11 in a special dance workshop led by NSMT’s teaching staff while they attend the show. This program is free of charge but space is limited and advanced reservations are required by Friday, November 7. Please email reservations to pr@nsmt.org.

Tap Dance Classes – NSMT is offering three free pre-show tap classes taught by a member of the 42nd STREET cast. Classes will take place Friday, November 7, from 6–7:00 pm, and Thursday, November 13 and 20, from 5:30–6:30 pm in Studio Two in the Theatre Arts and Education Building behind the theatre. This program is free of charge but advanced reservations are required (class limited to 20 participants). Ladies, bring your friends and make it a Girls Night Out! Please email reservations to pr@nsmt.org.

Free Audience Enrichment Events – Meet the Theatre, post show audience discussion with the artists November 4 after the 7:30pm performance and November 15 after the 2pm performance. Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance on November 9 at 1 pm; Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post show reception on November 13.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors’ Equity, and The Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region’s leading providers of theater arts and education.

IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE REGULAR UPDATES FROM NSMT, PLEASE REPLY WITH AN UNSUBSCRIBE MESSAGE IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

My Fair Heathen Production Presents 'The Yellow Wallpaper' Starting 10/30 - 10/30/2008

My Fair Heathen Productions continues their foray into the dark and irreverent with the fall show, "Memoirs of Madness". Opening Halloween weekend, this horror double feature adapts two classic diaries of diseased psyches! Charlotte Perkins Gilman's, "The Yellow Wallpaper" is an indictment of the patriarchial prescription for 'bed-rest' forced on a woman with post-partum depression. Despite her yearning for moderate activity and creative writing, the medical establishment as embodied in her physician husband quarantines her to a room in the country where the abhorrent wallpaper consumes her. With each diary entry, we witness her initial revulsion by and eventual compulsion toward the graphic nightmare that is the wall covering in her isolated room. Next up is their take on that horror short of infamous notoriety, Edgar Allan Poe's, "The Tell-Tale Heart". Everyone knows this chilling narrative by a murderer whose guilt and psychosis betray his "perfect triumph"! Immerse yourselves in this multi-sensory melange of macabre minds!

"Memoirs of Madness" opens on October 30th and will be performed Wednesday through Sundays at 8:00 pm. Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and are avialable online at www.theatermania.com or call Theatre Mania at 212-352-3101. $15.00 student and senior discount tickets available.

Special Halloween Night Show starts at 6pm. All tickets for this performance are $15.00

Founded by Actor/Artist/ Producers Megan O'Leary and Gretchen Knapp, My Fair Heathen Productions is a Not-For-Profit Theatre and Video Production Company based in Park Slope. We create daring, dissenting theatre and video on our own terms. Once a five-piece Blues/Punk cover band, we have since become a formidable force on the fringe theatre scene. We have produced an adaptation of Dostoevsky's "The Grand Inquisitor", written and performed an original play at Scotland's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, featured two runs of Dario Fo's "Accidental Death Of An Anarchist" in both Boston and New York City, and shot a travel video on location in South Africa.

Cast: Megan O'Leary - "The Yellow Wallpaper"
Gretchen Knapp - "The Tell-Tale Heart"

Production Crew:
Sound Design- Keller McGuiness
Projections, web and graphic design- Dave Eastwood and Willen Soares
Set Design- Jen Spoley and Gretchen Knapp
Lightig Design- Oliver Brooks
Stage Manager- Joel Rudzinski

My Fair Heathen Productions: Our purpose is to critically explore the power, mystery, tragedy, and hilarity of human experience. We select pieces from the repository of creative fiction that speak to these aspects of humanity while showcasing our original works. As our interests are varied and unique, we promise to deliver progressive, multi-media theatre and video productions. Our team has skills and talents ranging from video, music, and graphic design to emotionally and intellectually developed writing and direction. We challenge the assumptions and institutions that keep people down, yet are not afraid to express sensitivity and vulnerability. From stage adaptations of our favorite short stories to non-fiction documentary videos, from interpreting classics to original sketch comedy, My Fair Heathen Productions will bring daring, dissenting, multi-media packages to the stage and beyond!

For more information please visit www.theplayerstheatre.com

SOUVENIRS: 4 Solo Shows About the Things You Can't Forget - 10/30/2008

All four solo shows were developed with and directed by Matt Hoverman, winner of the 2006 FringeNYC Best Playwriting Award, and a prominent NYC solo show coach. Previous solo shows developed with Matt Hoverman include: HOT CRIPPLE by Hogan Gorman (2008 FringeNYC Best Actress Award), BRIDEZILLA STRIKES BACK! by Cynthia Silver (2005 FringeNYC Best Solo Show Award) and SACRED IS THE NEW PROFANE by Cheryl Harnest (2008 Midtown Int'l Theatre Festival Best Production of a Solo Show Award).

Karen Fitzgerald's film credits include Conversations with God directed by Stephen Simon and A Terrible Meek directed by three-time Emmy winner Bill Humphreys, with whom she also co-wrote and performed Reflections. Emmy-nominated writer Robin Amos Kahn wrote for The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives and won a Writers' Guild Award for Guiding Light. Shawn Kathryn Kane is a founding member of NYC theater company Thirsty Turtle Productions and has acted with Gene Frankel Underground, the ArcLight Theater and the Looking Glass Theater. John Mahoney is a founding member of comedy groups The Sons of Streisand and Radio Radio, and is the creator/producer/writer of the comedy quiz show Enlightning (with Paul Provenza).

Tickets for SOUVENIRS are $15 online ($20 at the door/$10 student). The performance schedule is as follows: Thursday, October 30th � Saturday, November 1st at 8pm, Sunday, November 2nd at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.smarttix.com or calling (212) 868-4444. For more information, please visit www.MattHoverman.com/Souvenirs.html.

'Wait Until Dark' Opens in Los Angeles 10/30 - 10/30/2008

Wait Until Dark, the sixth production of the Covina Center for the Performing Arts’ premiere season, opens Thursday, October 30, for a three-week run, closing on Sunday, November 16. Directed by Mack Gilliland, Wait Until Dark is presented by the Covina Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) with all new design in a completely original production.

Wait Until Dark stars Melissa Brandzel as Susy Hendrix, Jeff Klein as Harry Roat Jr. and Ken Campbell as Mike Talman. Mr. Campbell was most recently seen at CCPA as The Actor in Enter The Guardsman, Ms. Brandzel and Mr. Klein will make their CCPA debuts in this production.

Wait Until Dark is a terrifying psychological thriller that pits a blind woman against heroin smugglers in a plot that involves murder, a mysterious doll and the darkness that comes when the lights go out. A sinister con man, Roat, and two ex-convicts, Mike and Carlino, traced the location of a mysterious doll to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy. Sam transported the doll across the Canadian border as a favor to a woman he did not know, unaware that several grams of heroin were sewn inside. When the woman is murdered, the situation becomes terrifying. The con man and ex-convicts convince Susy that the doll is evidence that will prove Sam had nothing to do with the woman’s murder. She refuses to reveal its location, and finally realizes that she is the victim of a bizarre charade. Roat kills his associates, and a deadly game of cat and mouse. Susy knows that the only way to play is by her rules, so when darkness, falls she turns off the lights, leaving them both to maneuver in the dark.

The show runs from October 30th through November 16th, Thursday through Sunday, at the Covina Center for the Performing Arts, 104 N. Citrus Avenue, Covina, California.

Ticket prices are $34-$26
Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm
Saturdays at 7:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm

To purchase tickets please call (626) 331-8133 or visit www.covinacenter.com.

'Wait Until Dark' Opens in Los Angeles 10/30 - 10/30/2008

Ticket prices are $34-$26
Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm
Saturdays at 7:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm

To purchase tickets please call (626) 331-8133 or visit www.covinacenter.com.

Los Angeles Ensemble Theatre Concludes 2008 With 'Quixotic' - 10/30/2008

The critically acclaimed Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble concludes its 2008 Season with the World Premiere of a new comedy that is both poignant and timely. Quixotic by Kit Steinkellner, a modern re-telling of Cervantes' classic novel "Don Quixote," opens on October 30 at The Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica.

In a grim American city during an economic downturn, Munsch-Litttleton Insurance is downsizing. Tensions are already running high in the gloomy office when office drone Arthur Quick begins to blur the line between fantasy and reality. Convinced that he is a knight errant, Arthur turns the office upside down in his quest to rid the world of evil.

"This is a story about seeing the magic in the mundane," says director Amanda Glaze. "Not only is Arthur able to break free from the drudgery of a cubicled existence, but he is also able to help the people around him to see the possibilities in their seemingly hopeless lives."

Featured in the L.A. Theatre Ensemble production are company members Trevor Algatt, Sarah Gold, Ariel Goldberg, Danielle Katz, Coco Kleppinger, Nathaniel Meek, Isaac Wade and Paige L. White.

Recently acclaimed productions by The Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble include Wounded, i Gelosi and a new translation of Franz Wedekind's Spring's Awakening, each a testament to the Ensemble's ability to stage theater works of high artistic integrity while remaining broadly accessible and genuinely entertaining. The Ensemble holds fast in its commitment to strike a balance between providing a venue for emerging artists and veteran artists, and between presenting the works of new playwrights and revisiting timely and important classics.

Kit Steinkellner is a playwright, screenwriter, and a director/producer of both theater and new media. As a playwright, Steinkellner has been produced nationally. Credits include Off Broadway at Playwrights Horizons; the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C; and the Hudson, Egyptian and Powerhouse Theaters in Los Angeles. Recent playwriting awards include the 2007 Tim Robbins Award for Playwriting; Kennedy Center's 2008 National Student Playwriting Award; and a 2008 Sundance Theater Lab Playwriting Fellowship. As a screenwriter, recent awards include the 2008 Jack Nicholson Distinguished Prize in Screenwriting and the 2008 UCLA Screenwriter's Showcase (Feature Winner). Steinkellner also co-created the web series "Odyssey Years." Steinkellner is currently completing her MFA in Screenwriting/Television Showrunning at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. She works in the literary departments of Reliant Pictures and Boston Court Theater.

Amanda Glaze recently received her BA in Theater from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television where she studied directing and acting. Quixotic marks her third collaboration with Kit Steinkellner. Last fall Amanda directed House Full of Letters at The Powerhouse for which she was awarded the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival's NST Fellowship for Outstanding Direction and an Associate membership to the SSD&C. Amanda has also worked in arts outreach and publicity at the Hollywood Arts Council and Pacific Resident Theater.

The Powerhouse Theatre Company, which makes its home at the Powerhouse, a historical building originally erected in 1910 to house the Southern California Edison Electrical Plant for the city of Santa Monica, is committed to nurturing innovative new work, and has introduced Los Angeles audiences to critically-acclaimed world premieres such the multiple award-winning The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World by Joy Gregory and Gunnar Madsen; The Family Room by Aron Coleite; Golden Prospects: A Los Angeles Melodrama by Colin Campbell; A Series of Comedic Lectures with John Lehr; Robots vs Fake Robots by David Largman Murray, Testosterone: How Cancer Made a Man of Me by Hal Ackerman; and the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble productions of Wound, i Gelosi and Spring's Awakening.

Quixotic runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, October 30 through November 22. All tickets are $20.00. The Powerhouse Theatre is located at 3116 2nd Street in south Santa Monica, just off Main Street between Rose and Marine. Guests in wheelchairs should call in advance to make arrangements. For reservations and information, the public should call (310) 396-3680 x3 or visit www.latensemble.com.

Los Angeles Ensemble Theatre Concludes 2008 With 'Quixotic' - 10/30/2008

NY Premiere of Drama About Gay Mormon Henry Stuart Matis Begins Run - 10/30/2008

Row Man Productions NYC and LSNelson Productions will present the New York Premiere of Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry, written by Roman Feeser and directed by Linda S. Nelson. Performances will run from October 30th to November 22nd, 2008 in a limited engagement at The TBG Theatre, located at 312 West 36th Street (3rd Floor) between 8th & 9th Avenues in NYC. Previews begin October 30th for a November 1st opening.

Performances run Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8pm with an added performance on Sunday Nov 2 at 3pm. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online at http://www.SmartTix.com or by calling 212-868-4444. Special opening night gala performance on Saturday Nov 1 at 8pm ($50 ticket) includes
post-show reception honoring Affirmations, an organization supporting gay Mormons. Please note: This production contains full nudity and may not be appropriate for children. Trains: A,C,E,1,2,3,9 to 34th Street. For more information on the show visit http://www.ThePlayAboutHenry.com.

On the morning of February 25, 2000, a young gay Mormon named Henry Stuart Matis drove to the Mormon Ward House in Los Altos, California, placed a gun to his head, and ended his life. This provocative drama is based on the actual events of his life in which he faced a tragic, false dilemma; either one is gay or one is Christian. Since he believed he was Christian, he thought he could not be gay. Trapped between his same sex attraction and the power of his LDS faith, Henry made the ultimate sacrifice, removing the chains of his mortality.

Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry had its first reading on January 21, 2008 at Ars Nova in New York City under the direction of Linda S. Nelson. It was presented with the following cast: Julie Halston (Broadway's Hairspray, Sex and the City), Bret Shuford (Broadway's The Little Mermaid), Jason Patrick Sands (Broadway's A Chorus Line), Kevin Meaney (Broadway's Hairspray) and Richard Bekins (Broadway's Love! Valor! Compassion! and The Chaos Theories).

Playwright Roman Feeser is not a Mormon. His last work Craigslist Live and Unauthorized The Musical! played last fall at Mo Pitkins in NYC. Feeser is currently finishing his first book entitled Latter Gay Saints - the Mormon Church and God's Second Class Saints, based on his experience with writing Missa Solemnis or The Play About Henry.

Linda S. Nelson's NYC directing credits include the North American Premiere of The Choice by Claire Luckham, The Boys Next Door and A Loss of Roses. As the founder and Co-Artistic/Producing Director of Shotgun Productions, Inc., she has produced plays, musicals, dance, opera, readings and special events all the way from Long Branch, NJ to Sofia, Bulgaria, and in NYC. Ms. Nelson was born and raised in Utah.

The cast includes Jai Catalano, Bill Fairbairn (Triumph of Love, The Wild Duck, The Bourgeois Gentleman with Jean Cocteau Rep), Matthew Huffman (Strom Thurmond is Not a Racist/Cleansed at The Brick), Warren Katz (UK's Manchester Evening News Theatre Award Winner for Best Actor
in a Supporting Role in The Price) and Gail Winar (Fringe-First Award-winning What I Heard About Iraq at the Edinburgh Fringe).

The design/production team consists of Marisa Merrigan (Set Design), Graham T. Posner (Lighting Design), David B. Thompson (Costume Design), Justin Utley (Sound Design) and Melissa Carroll (Stage Manager).

Running time is one hour and 40 minutes. This production is made possible in part through sponsorship by Shotgun Productions, Inc.

THINGS TO RUIN Returns to Zipper Factory 10/31 - 10/30/2008

Things To Ruin, an incendiary collection of songs by Joe Iconis returns for a limited, four-performance run at The Zipper Factory in New York. The musical, directed by John Simpkins (Theatreworks USA's The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks) will be performed at 8pm on Friday, October 31, Friday, November 14, Saturday, November 22 and Friday, November 28.

Things To Ruin is a theatrical rock concert about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don't have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to. Performed by a cast of talented young singers and a four-piece band led by Iconis, Things to Ruin rocks with an occasionally profane and always heartfelt explosion of music and high drama. Things To Ruin has been seen previously at Ars Nova and Joe's Pub.

The cast of Things To Ruin features Nick Blaemire, Katrina Rose Dideriksen, Badia Farha, Sarah Glendening, Ian Kagey, Lance Rubin, Brent Stranathan, Mike Pettry, Eric William Morris and Jason "SweetTooth" Williams. This production of Things To Ruin is presented by Sara Katz.

Joe Iconis is the recipient of the 2006 Jonathan Larson Award, the 2007 Ed Kleban Award and a Backstage Bistro Award. He is currently involved in the development of several musicals, including The Black Suits (music and lyrics by Joe, book by Joe and Robert Maddock), a rock musical about high school garage band. Other projects include The Plant that Ate Dirty Socks (Theatreworks USA); A Joe Iconis Mini-Musical Triple Feature (Ars Nova); PLASTIC! The Musical (music by Joe and Reza Jacobs, book by Robert Maddock), recipient of a 2006 Daryl Roth Award; and Triumphant Baby! (music by Joe, lyrics by Robert Maddock), seen at the Metropolitan Room and the York Theatre, directed by Brad Oscar. Joe is a graduate of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. For more information, visit www.MrJoeIconis.com.

Tickets to Things To Ruin are $20 and are available in advance via telephone at 212-352-3101 or online at www.thezipperfactory.com. The Zipper Factory is located at 336 West 37th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, New York.

Aladdin - 10/30/2008

DISNEY's ALADDIN opens October 30th and runs through January 4th at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive. Based on the smash hit 1992 Disney film Aladdin, DISNEY's ALADDIN is a magical journey for all ages, featuring an Academy Award-winning score. DISNEY's ALADDIN is directed and choreographed by Marriott Theatre for Young Audience's favorite, Rachel Rockwell (Seussical, Wizard of Oz, Princess and the Pea).

DISNEY's ALADDIN is a soaring magic carpet ride through Agrabah, the City of Enchantment. In the heart of the city lives a street urchin named Aladdin whose whole life changes when he discovers a magic lamp and unleashes a fun-loving, larger-than-life Genie who grants him three wishes. Aladdin sees this as his opportunity to be with the beautiful, free-spirited Princess Jasmine, who is only allowed to marry a prince. When the evil Jafar steals the lamp and tries to get the three wishes for himself, Aladdin must save the kingdom. Through his adventures, Aladdin learns that he is a prince where it truly matters most�on the inside. DISNEY's ALADDIN is a celebration of finding everlasting love and being true to oneself no matter what the circumstances. The thrilling score of this classic family production includes Disney favorites "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me."

DISNEY's ALADDIN stars Bernie Yvon as the Genie, Christine Bunuan as Jasmine, and Andrew Keltz as Aladdin. Also featured is Roger Anderson as the Sultan, Debbie Laumand-Blanc as Iago, Jeff Max as Jafar, and Joe Tokarz as Razoul. The ensemble includes Ericka Mac, Jason Shuffler and George Wolff.

Roberta Duchak will serve as Musical Director. Patti Garwood is the Music Supervisor. Set Design is by Alan Schwanke, Lighting Design by Jesse Klug, Costume Design by Nancy Missimi, and Sound Design by Bob Gilmartin. Jeff Bell conducts the Marriott Theatre orchestra.

The performance schedule for DISNEY's ALADDIN is as follows: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 am; Saturdays at 11 am and select Sunday performances at 10 am. Please call 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for the exact schedule, as some show times and dates may vary. Tickets for all shows are $12, excluding tax and handling fees. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

Disney's 'Alladin' Comes to Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences Starting 10/30 - 10/30/2008

DISNEY’s ALADDIN opens October 30th and runs through January 4th at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive. Based on the smash hit 1992 Disney film Aladdin, DISNEY’s ALADDIN is a magical journey for all ages, featuring an Academy Award-winning score. DISNEY’s ALADDIN is directed and choreographed by Marriott Theatre for Young Audience’s favorite, Rachel Rockwell (Seussical, Wizard of Oz, Princess and the Pea).

DISNEY’s ALADDIN is a soaring magic carpet ride through Agrabah, the City of Enchantment. In the heart of the city lives a street urchin named Aladdin whose whole life changes when he discovers a magic lamp and unleashes a fun-loving, larger-than-life Genie who grants him three wishes. Aladdin sees this as his opportunity to be with the beautiful, free-spirited Princess Jasmine, who is only allowed to marry a prince. When the evil Jafar steals the lamp and tries to get the three wishes for himself, Aladdin must save the kingdom. Through his adventures, Aladdin learns that he is a prince where it truly matters most—on the inside. DISNEY’s ALADDIN is a celebration of finding everlasting love and being true to oneself no matter what the circumstances. The thrilling score of this classic family production includes Disney favorites “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”

DISNEY’s ALADDIN stars Bernie Yvon as the Genie, Christine Bunuan as Jasmine, and Andrew Keltz as Aladdin. Also featured is Roger Anderson as the Sultan, Debbie Laumand-Blanc as Iago, Jeff Max as Jafar, and Joe Tokarz as Razoul. The ensemble includes Ericka Mac, Jason Shuffler and George Wolff.

Roberta Duchak will serve as Musical Director. Patti Garwood is the Music Supervisor. Set Design is by Alan Schwanke, Lighting Design by Jesse Klug, Costume Design by Nancy Missimi, and Sound Design by Bob Gilmartin. Jeff Bell conducts the Marriott Theatre orchestra.

The performance schedule for DISNEY’s ALADDIN is as follows: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 am; Saturdays at 11 am and select Sunday performances at 10 am. Please call 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for the exact schedule, as some show times and dates may vary. Tickets for all shows are $12, excluding tax and handling fees. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

Personal Space Theatrics to Present 'The Zombie Prom' Benefit 10/30 - 10/30/2008

Personal Space Theatrics presents The Zombie Prom onThursday, Oct 30th 2008 at The Delancey, 168 Delancey (b/w Clinton and Attorney). Take the J train to Essex Street or the F train to Delancey. Doors will open at 8pm. The cover is $10.

All proceeds will benefit Personal Space Theatrics’ 6th Season

Live Music by Menya, Baby Teardrops, Fall On Your Sword, Peculiar Gentlemen. The evening is emceed by NyelLee

"Come out to The Delancey on Thursday, October 30th dressed to kill and party the night away to benefit Personal Space Theatrics. Celebrate Halloween with a night of live bands to rock you into the undead, the crowning of a Zombie Prom King and Queen, drink specials, raffle and costume contest," describe press notes.

Personal Space Theatrics, Inc., founded in 2001, is a non-profit theater company dedicated to serve a curious and passionate audience by fundamentally changing the way they experience theatre by removing the barrier between stage and audience, creating a community within a shared space.

For more information please visit personalspacetheatrics.org

O Solo Mio Premieres 'SOUVENIRS: 4 SOLO SHOWS' 10/30 - 10/30/2008

O Solo Mio Productions announced today the premiere of SOUVENIRS: 4 SOLO SHOWS ABOUT THE THINGS YOU CAN'T FORGET (www.MattHoverman.com/Souvenirs.html), a collection of hilarious and touching monologues written and performed by Karen Fitzgerald, Robin Amos Kahn, Shawn Kathryn Kane and John Mahoney (and featuring singer/songwriter Garry Novikoff). In SOUVENIRS, four solo artists take the audience on four hysterically funny and personal journeys that involve a mother who refuses to die, a gay teenage mailman who delivers more than the mail, a perpetual people pleaser who treks to India to learn how to say no, and a daughter who finally confronts her derelict father. SOUVENIRS will play for four performances at the Blackbird Theatre at Where Eagles Dare Studios, 347 West 36th Street, 13th floor (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, from Thursday, October 30th to Sunday, November 2nd.

All four solo shows were developed with and directed by Matt Hoverman, winner of the 2006 FringeNYC Best Playwriting Award, and a prominent NYC solo show coach. Previous solo shows developed with Matt Hoverman include: HOT CRIPPLE by Hogan Gorman (2008 FringeNYC Best Actress Award), BRIDEZILLA STRIKES BACK! by Cynthia Silver (2005 FringeNYC Best Solo Show Award) and SACRED IS THE NEW PROFANE by Cheryl Harnest (2008 Midtown Int'l Theatre Festival Best Production of a Solo Show Award).

Karen Fitzgerald's film credits include Conversations with God directed by Stephen Simon and A Terrible Meek directed by three-time Emmy winner Bill Humphreys, with whom she also co-wrote and performed Reflections. Emmy-nominated writer Robin Amos Kahn wrote for The Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives and won a Writers' Guild Award for Guiding Light. Shawn Kathryn Kane is a founding member of NYC theater company Thirsty Turtle Productions and has acted with Gene Frankel Underground, the ArcLight Theater and the Looking Glass Theater. John Mahoney is a founding member of comedy groups The Sons of Streisand and Radio Radio, and is the creator/producer/writer of the comedy quiz show Enlightning (with Paul Provenza).

Tickets for SOUVENIRS are $15 online ($20 at the door/$10 student). The performance schedule is as follows: Thursday, October 30th – Saturday, November 1st at 8pm, Sunday, November 2nd at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.smarttix.com or calling (212) 868-4444. For more information, please visit www.MattHoverman.com/Souvenirs.html.

Michael Arden to Perform Joni Mitchell's BLUE at Joe's Pub 10/28- 10/30 - 10/30/2008

Joseph Keckler, Carol Lipnik and Spookarama to Perform at Spiegelworld 10/30 - 10/30/2008

What better way to spend Devil's night then experiencing a performance conjured by New York chanteur and multi-media performance artist Joseph Keckler and cult songstress Carol Lipnik with her band Spookarama. You can do just that On Thursday, October 30, 8:00pm at Spiegelworld (Pier 17, South Street Seaport at Beekman Street).

Imagine attending a séance in a deserted Coney Island amusement park at night. Like some strange siren mediums, Lipnik and Keckler with their hauntingly beautiful voices channel the spectrum of human emotions. At one moment madcap and reckless, the next sorrowful and lamenting, with every step in between accounted for by a poetic image-rich and genre defying songwriting that echoes sources as varied as Weimer-era German cabaret, swamp blues, psychedelic folk, and turn of the century parlor songs.

Lipnik is expertly accompanied by critically acclaimed eclectic jazz pianist DrEd Scott (here a one man band wonder) on crazed carnival keyboards, guitar, accordion and percussion, together with the woozy woven strains of Jacob Lawson's masterful gypsy violin and electronics.

To come out the other side of this performance is to feel haunted, enriched, and somewhat dazed by the mad rush of colors that make up such a unique musical world.

www.myspace.com/josephkeckler

www.myspace.com/carollipnikandspookarama

Tickets $15. Advance tickets at www.spiegelworld.com or (212) 279-4200

Stephen Schwartz to Promote DEFYING GRAVITY Novel at B&N 10/30 - 10/30/2008

Award-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz, famed for his scores for such hit musicals as Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked, will speak, answer questions, and perform several of his songs during the book signing event Thursday, October 30th, 5:30 pm at Barnes and Noble at 1972 Broadway at 66th street in Manhattan. He joins Carol de Giere, author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked, the new 544-page authorized career biography of Schwartz from Applause Theatre and Cinema Books now available in stores and online. Schwartz, de Giere, and singer Scott Coulter will be guests on the WOR Radio Joey Reynold's show that will air the following morning.

At the Barnes and Noble event, biographer Carol de Giere will be querying Schwartz about musical themes in the Wicked score, the making of Godspell, working with his agent Shirley Bernstein (Leonard Bernstein's sister), and other topics. Mr. Schwartz will take questions from the audience and perform at the piano. Schwartz and de Giere will autographs books at the end of the presentation. The event helps celebrate Wicked's 5th anniversary on Broadway.

Defying Gravity takes readers behind the scenes for the making of Schwartz-related musicals from Godspell in 1971 through Wicked in 2003. The Wicked section of the book spans 150 pages and covers the story of the show's developmental stages. Bookwriter Winnie Holzman has commented: "Trying to reconstruct the writing process of a musical is nearly impossible. Carol de Giere has captured it." The author developed her manuscript after conducting over eighty hours of interviews with Schwartz as well as with 100 colleagues, friends, and family members.

The book's official website includes additional information: http://www.defyinggravitythebook.com/.

The Joey Reynold's radio show segment with Schwartz and de Giere runs live in the New York Tri-State between 4 and 5 am on October 31st. It will then be available as a podcast in the morning on the WOR web page and archived on Joey's web page. The show runs nationally with the segment airing earlier in other parts of the country. As part of the show, Scott Coulter and Stephen Schwartz will perform several popular songs from Schwartz's musicals. http://wor710.com/.

Ross Valley Players to Present 'Sabrina Fair' Starting 10/31 - 10/31/2008

The Ross Valley Players presents Sabrina Fair by Samuel Taylor to be directed by Michael Paul Pulizzano.

A modern version of "Cinderella" set in the 1950s, this sophisticated romantic comedy follows the chauffeur's daughter, Sabrina Fairchild, who returns from Paris to live with her father at the beautiful Long Island estate of the wealthy Larrabee family. The once timid and awkward Sabrina returns from Paris a sophisticated, enchanting, beautiful young woman, who vows to "be in the world, of the world, to never stand aside and watch." First performed by Ross Valley Players exactly 50 years ago, this Broadway play was the inspiration for the 1954 Hollywood classic "Sabrina," starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden.

The cast will feature Cary Cronholm as Sabrina Fairchild. The cast also includes Robyn Wiley as Maude Larrabee, Barbara Van Dermeer as Julia Ward McKinlock, David Shirk as Linus Larrabee, Jr., Tom Reilly as Linus Larrabee, Mary Jane Baird as Margaret, Stephen Gustavson as David Larrabee, Jayme Catalano as Gretchen, John Anthony Nolan as Tom Fairchild, Nicole Price as a young woman, John Rose as a young man and Christopher Struett as Paul d'Argenson.

The show will run from Oct. 31 to Dec. 7, 2008, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays (Nov. 13, 20, Dec. 4) and 2 p.m. Sundays (Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7) No performance Thanksgiving, Nov. 27.

The Ross Valley Players establishes a tradition with its opening weekend "Buzz at the Barn."
Pre-performance reception event, featuring complimentary beverages and appetizers, presented the first Saturday of each new production. "Buzz at the Barn" reception events included in the price of performance admission. Reservations recommended.

All performances are the Ross Valley Players Barn Theatre, Marin Art & Garden Center,30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at Lagunitas, Ross, CA.

COST: $15-$25 General admission: $25; Senior citizens (62+): $20; Youth: (18 and under): $20. Thursday shows are $15 (no other discounts apply), "Pay What You Will" on Friday, Nov. 7, with a limited number of tickets available at the box office between 7-7:20 p.m. Tickets can be ordered by phone 415-456-9555 on online at www.rossvalleyplayers.com

'Happy Days' to Run a La Mirada Theatre Starting 10/31 - 10/31/2008

Bob Boyett, Nice Productions, Inc., McCoy Rigby Entertainment, CBS Corporation, Tom Miller and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts present the second production of La Mirada Theatre’s 2008-2009 season of shows, the launch of the national tour of HAPPY DAYS -A New Musical, book by Garry Marshall, music and lyrics by Paul Williams, directed by Gordon Greenberg, Music Arrangement and Music Supervision by John McDaniel and Choreographed by Michele Lynch. HAPPY DAYS - A New Musical will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and will run through Sunday, November 16 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue.

Goodbye gray skies, hello blue – HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical launches its national tour at La Mirada Theatre in October 2008. Based on the hit Paramount Pictures’ television series, HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical reintroduces one of America’s best-loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee. This time capsule is complete with familiar friends: Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi, Pinky Tuscadero and of course, the king of cool: Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli.

Arnold’s, the famed drive-in malt shop, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and TV-worthy wrestling match. Complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’, HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical brings back the nostalgia of the ‘50s in a perfect family entertainment.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

GARRY MARSHALL (Book) has created, written and produced some of television’s most beloved situation comedies, including Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Mork & Mindy and The Odd Couple. He has directed 16 movies. Among them are Pretty Woman, Beaches, Overboard, The Princess Diaries 1 & 2 and Runaway Bride. As an actor he’s played many memorable roles, including ‘Mr. Harvey’ in his sister Penny Marshall’s “A League of Their Own” and ‘Irwin’ in his son Scott Marshall’s debut feature, “Keeping Up with the Steins.” In 1995, Marshall wrote his autobiography with his daughter Lori, called “Wake Me When It’s Funny.” And in 1997, he built a theater in Burbank, California with his daughter Kathleen, called the Falcon Theatre.

Academy Award-winning composer PAUL WILLIAMS (Music and Lyrics) brings a new energy to the ‘50s genre. His diverse style of songwriting has given the world pop hits recorded by The Carpenters (“We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” among others) and Barbara Streisand (“Evergreen” – the love theme from “A Star is Born”), to the frothy confection, “The Theme to the Love Boat.” He also composed the song “The Rainbow Connection” for “The Muppet Movie.”

The cast of HAPPY DAYS - A New Musical includes Joey Sorge as Fonzie, Cynthia Ferrar as Mrs. Cunningham, John Massey as Mr. Cunningham, Steven Booth as Richie Cunningham, Chris Fore as Potsie, Felica Finley as Pinky, Barry Pearl as Arnold, Eddy Rioseco as Chachi, Whitney Bashor as Joanie, Molly Alverez as Lori Beth. Also featuring Justin Duval, Gabrielle Hatchett, Matt Merchant, Jaclyn Miller, Jill Morrison, Leah Sprecher Jeff Summer and the Troubadour Theatre Company’s Matt Walker.

HAPPY DAYS - A New Musical has assembled an award-winning design team. The set design is by Walt Spangler. Lighting design is by Jeff Croiter. The costume design is by David C. Woolard. The sound design is by Julie Ferrin. Hair and wig design is by Judi Lewin.

HAPPY DAYS - A NEW MUSICAL will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and runs for three weeks through Sunday, November 16. Performances will be 7:30pm on Tuesday through Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm and 7pm on Sundays. There will be no performances on Saturday, November 1 at 2pm and Sunday, November 2 at 7pm. Tickets are $40 and $48 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com. Student, Senior, Children and group discounts are available. For more information, call the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, now in its fourth decade, has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California." This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions for its Southern California audiences since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades including Ovation and Emmy Awards and Tony Award nominations. The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue. Parking is theatre-adjacent and free. For further information 562-944-9801or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com

McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT combines the talents of musical theatre star Cathy Rigby with Tom McCoy's extensive production and theatrical experience and has become one of the nation's premier theatrical production companies. Credits include Tony-nominated Broadway shows, long-running national tours, multiple-award-winning Los Angeles stage productions, and hit TV specials.

The number of major theatrical awards garnered by McCoy Rigby Entertainment includes 3 Ovation Awards, 25 Drama-Logue Awards, 3 Backstage Garland Awards and 3 Tony Award nominations, 20 Ovation nominations and 8 NAACP award nominations for the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. In addition, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded McCoy Rigby Entertainment an Emmy for Best Scene Design as part of four nominations for the A&E network production of Peter Pan. www.mccoyrigby.com

'Happy Days' to Run at La Mirada Theatre Starting 10/31 - 10/31/2008

Bob Boyett, Nice Productions, Inc., McCoy Rigby Entertainment, CBS Corporation, Tom Miller and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts present the second production of La Mirada Theatre’s 2008-2009 season of shows, the launch of the national tour of Happy Days -A New Musical, book by Garry Marshall, music and lyrics by Paul Williams, directed by Gordon Greenberg, Music Arrangement and Music Supervision by John McDaniel and Choreographed by Michele Lynch. Happy Days - A New Musical will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and will run through Sunday, November 16 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue.

Goodbye gray skies, hello blue – Happy Days – A New Musical launches its national tour at La Mirada Theatre in October 2008. Based on the hit Paramount Pictures’ television series, Happy Days – A New Musical reintroduces one of America’s best-loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee. This time capsule is complete with familiar friends: Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi, Pinky Tuscadero and of course, the king of cool: Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli.

Arnold’s, the famed drive-in malt shop, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and TV-worthy wrestling match. Complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’, Happy Days – A New Musical brings back the nostalgia of the ‘50s in a perfect family entertainment.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

Garry Marshall (Book) has created, written and produced some of television’s most beloved situation comedies, including Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Mork & Mindy and The Odd Couple. He has directed 16 movies. Among them are Pretty Woman, Beaches, Overboard, The Princess Diaries 1 & 2 and Runaway Bride. As an actor he’s played many memorable roles, including ‘Mr. Harvey’ in his sister Penny Marshall’s “A League of Their Own” and ‘Irwin’ in his son Scott Marshall’s debut feature, “Keeping Up with the Steins.” In 1995, Marshall wrote his autobiography with his daughter Lori, called “Wake Me When It’s Funny.” And in 1997, he built a theater in Burbank, California with his daughter Kathleen, called the Falcon Theatre.

Academy Award-winning composer Paul Williams (Music and Lyrics) brings a new energy to the ‘50s genre. His diverse style of songwriting has given the world pop hits recorded by The Carpenters (“We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” among others) and Barbara Streisand (“Evergreen” – the love theme from “A Star is Born”), to the frothy confection, “The Theme to the Love Boat.” He also composed the song “The Rainbow Connection” for “The Muppet Movie.”

The cast of Happy Days - A New Musical includes Joey Sorge as Fonzie, Cynthia Ferrar as Mrs. Cunningham, John Massey as Mr. Cunningham, Steven Booth as Richie Cunningham, Chris Fore as Potsie, Felica Finley as Pinky, Barry Pearl as Arnold, Eddy Rioseco as Chachi, Whitney Bashor as Joanie, Molly Alverez as Lori Beth. Also featuring Justin Duval, Gabrielle Hatchett, Matt Merchant, Jaclyn Miller, Jill Morrison, Leah Sprecher Jeff Summer and the Troubadour Theatre Company’s Matt Walker.

Happy Days - A New Musical has assembled an award-winning design team. The set design is by Walt Spangler. Lighting design is by Jeff Croiter. The costume design is by David C. Woolard. The sound design is by Julie Ferrin. Hair and wig design is by Judi Lewin.

Happy Days - A NEW MUSICAL will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and runs for three weeks through Sunday, November 16. Performances will be 7:30pm on Tuesday through Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm and 7pm on Sundays. There will be no performances on Saturday, November 1 at 2pm and Sunday, November 2 at 7pm. Tickets are $40 and $48 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com. Student, Senior, Children and group discounts are available. For more information, call the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, now in its fourth decade, has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California." This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions for its Southern California audiences since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades including Ovation and Emmy Awards and Tony Award nominations. The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue. Parking is theatre-adjacent and free. For further information 562-944-9801or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com

McCoy Rigby Entertainment combines the talents of musical theatre star Cathy Rigby with Tom McCoy's extensive production and theatrical experience and has become one of the nation's premier theatrical production companies. Credits include Tony-nominated Broadway shows, long-running national tours, multiple-award-winning Los Angeles stage productions, and hit TV specials.

The number of major theatrical awards garnered by McCoy Rigby Entertainment includes 3 Ovation Awards, 25 Drama-Logue Awards, 3 Backstage Garland Awards and 3 Tony Award nominations, 20 Ovation nominations and 8 NAACP award nominations for the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. In addition, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded McCoy Rigby Entertainment an Emmy for Best Scene Design as part of four nominations for the A&E network production of Peter Pan. www.mccoyrigby.com

Lesley Gore to Return to NY Stage One Night Only, 10/31 - 10/31/2008

LESLEY GORE - the singer behind such iconic 1960s hits as "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me" - will return to New York City for a special, one-night-only performance of her new show, "It's Still Her Party," in the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street) at 7:00 PM, October 31st.

In addition to her own famous hits, she will offer new interpretations of modern classics by The Beach Boys ("God Only Knows"), Bob Dylan ("Blowing In The Wind"), Laura Nyro ("I Never Meant to Hurt You") and John Lennon ("Imagine"), in addition to pop/jazz standards by George Gershwin, Michael Legrand and Sergio Mendes. "My show is a collaboration of both worlds, the songs of the '60's and the ones that I am singing now in my 60's - If I were to get up on a stage and do a full show and not include 'It's My Party,' the audience would have at me. Fortunately, I love to sing the hits," says Gore. She will be joined onstage by five musicians and three background vocalists. "This is the greatest band I have ever worked with," Gore continues. "I call them The Dream Band."

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, Gore was discovered by music legend Quincy Jones and recorded "It's My Party" when she was just 16 years old. In the years that followed, she helped create the soundtrack of the 1960s with over two dozen chart hits. The most commercially successful solo artist of the "Girl Group" era, Gore paved the way for future generations of independent female vocalists from Pat Benatar to Madonna and Gwen Stefani with such hits as "She's A Fool," "Maybe I Know," "California Nights" and "Judy's Turn to Cry".

After years of success as a chart-topping pop singer, Gore attended Sarah Lawrence College and eventually began writing her own music. She earned an Academy Award nomination for co-writing "Out Here On My Own" for the film Fame and co-wrote "My Secret Love" for Allison Anders's film Grace of My Heart, starring Brigit Fonda. In 2005, Gore returned to the recording studio to record Ever Since, which received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Billboard Magazine. In addition to extensive national radio coverage, music from the album was featured on "CSI: Miami," "The L Word," and the Jeff Lipsky-directed film Flannel Pajamas. Lesley's compositions have been recorded by Patti Austin, Bernadette Peters, Dusty Springfield, and Quincy Jones, among many others.

"It's Still Her Party" will begin at 7:00 PM Friday, October 31st in the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (ground floor entrance at Fifth Avenue and 83rd Street). All tickets are $50. Please call (212) 570-3949 or visit www.metmuseum.org/tickets/ for more information.

Village Halloween Costume Ball - 10/31/2008

Nonstop theater, a costume competition and ballroom dancing will bewitch the East Village in Theater for the New City's 32nd annual Village Halloween Costume Ball on Friday, October 31 at TNC, 155 First Avenue. This unique festival continues as a grand coming-together for everyday New Yorkers and artists alike. A carefree fall tradition, it celebrates the creativity that comes with the season.

The one-night fiesta takes over all four of TNC's theater spaces, plus its lobby and the block of East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues. Customarily over 1,400 wildly-clad celebrants gather for dancing, dining, showing off costumes and viewing acts from the cutting-edge of Cabaret and Theater. Admission is $20; costume or formal wear is required.

Info/ticketing www.theaterforthenewcity.net, (212) 254-1109

Transport Group to Present Revival of Shaw's 'Bury the Dead' Starting 10/31 - 10/31/2008

Transport Group, the winner of a special 2007 Drama Desk Award and a 2007 Obie Award, will present the first major New York revival of Irwin Shaw’s Bury the Dead, directed by Joe Calarco, beginning performances Friday, October 31, at 220 East 4 Street, between Avenues A and B (6 to Astor Place, W/N to 8th Street or F/V to Second Avenue). The opening has been scheduled for Sunday, November 9, at 3pm.

Irwin Shaw’s harrowing 1936 classic Bury the Dead takes place during “the second year of the war that is to begin tomorrow night.” While a military burial detail goes about its sad duties, the dead soldiers shockingly begin to rise up, pleading not to be buried. Word of their insurrection spreads rapidly: the dead will not yield so easily. In a series of touching scenes the dead men talk with their loved ones of the days of living, now lost forever. Lucille Lortel Award-Winner Joe Calarco (Shakespeare’s R & J) directs Shaw’s legendary anti-war play.

The cast of Bury the Dead is Jeremy Beck, Fred Berman, Mandell Butler, Donna Lynne Champlin (OBIE Award winner for Transport Group’s The Dark at the Top of the Stairs), Jake Hart, Jeff Pucillo, and Matt Sincell.

Irwin Shaw was an American playwright, screenwriter and novelist who was also a highly regarded short story author. He was born Irwin Gilbert Shamforoff in 1913 in the South Bronx, New York City, to Russian-Jewish immigrants. His younger brother, David Shaw, became a noted Hollywood producer. Shortly after Irwin’s birth, the Shamforoffs moved to Brooklyn, and Shaw changed his surname upon entering college. He spent most of his youth in Brooklyn, where he graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934. Shaw began screenwriting in 1935 at the age of 21, and he scripted for several radio shows, including Dick Tracy, The Gumps and Studio One. He recaptured this period of his life in his short story “Main Currents of American Life,” about a hack radio writer grinding out one script after another while calculating the number of words equal to the rent money. In 1936, Shaw’s first play, Bury the Dead, was produced.

During the 1940s, Shaw wrote for a number of films, including Talk of the Town (a comedy about civil liberties), The Commandos Strike at Dawn (based on a C.S. Forester story about commandos in occupied Norway) and Easy Living (about a football player unable to enter the game due to a medical condition). Shaw married Marian Edwards (daughter of well known screen actor Snitz Edwards.) They had one son, Adam Shaw, born in 1950, himself a writer of magazine articles and non-fiction. Shaw enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a warrant officer during World War II. The Young Lions, Shaw’s first novel, was published in 1949. Based on his experiences in Europe during the war, the novel was very successful and was adapted into a 1958 film. Although the adaptation was as faithful as could be expected of Hollywood in 1958, Shaw was not happy with it. Shaw’s second novel, The Troubled Air, chronicling the rise of McCarthyism, was published in 1951.

He was among those who signed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the John Howard Lawson and Dalton Trumbo convictions for contempt of Congress, resulting from hearings by the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Falsely accused of being a communist by the Red Channels publication, Shaw was placed on the Hollywood blacklist by the movie studio bosses. In 1951 he left the United States and went to Europe, where he lived for 25 years, mostly in Paris and Switzerland. He later claimed that the blacklist “only glancingly bruised” his career. During the 1950s he wrote several more screenplays, including Desire Under the Elms (based on Eugene O’Neill’s play) and Fire Down Below. While living in Europe, Shaw wrote more bestselling books, notably Lucy Crown (1956), Two Weeks in Another Town (1960), Rich Man, Poor Man (1970) (for which he would later write a less successful sequel entitled Beggarman, Thief) and Evening in Byzantium (made into a 1978 TV movie). Rich Man, Poor Man was adapted into a highly successful ABC television miniseries in 1976. His novel Top of the Hill, about the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid in 1980, was made into a TV movie, starring Wayne Rogers, Adrienne Barbeau, and Sonny Bono. His last two novels were Bread Upon the Waters (1981) and Acceptable Losses (1982). He died in 1984 after undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Joe Calarco is the adaptor/director of Shakespeare’s R&J, which ran for a year in New York and earned him a Lucille Lortel Award. He also directed the play’s premieres in Chicago (five Jeff Award nominations including Best Play and Best Director) and Washington, D.C. (Helen Hayes Award nominations for Best Play and Best Director). R&J completed a celebrated run in London’s West End in late 2003, for which he received honorable mention from the Evening Standard Awards for his direction. He directed the Japanese premiere in Tokyo in January of 2005. Mr. Calarco directed the critically-acclaimed world premiere of the musical Sarah, Plain and Tall at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York and attended the O’Neill Musical Theatre Conference in the summer of 2003 to further work on the musical. He directed Julia Jordan’s The Summer of the Swans at the Lucille Lortel and her play Boy for Primary Stages. He is an Artistic Associate at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia where he directed productions of Urinetown, William Finn’s Elegies: a song cycle (three Helen Hayes nominations including Best Musical), the world premiere of Norman Allen’s Nijinsky’s Last Dance (4 Helen Hayes Awards including Best Play and Best Director), Side Show (four Helen Hayes Awards including Best Musical and Best Director), and the world premiere of his own play, in the absence of spring, which premiered in New York at Second Stage as the inaugural production of their New Plays Uptown series, under his own direction.

He directed the national tour of Ring of Fire. Regional credits include: The Burnt Part Boys (Barrington Stage Company), The Glass Menagerie (starring Mare Winningham) and Lincolnesque (The Old Globe), M Butterfly and The Last Five Years (Philadelphia Theatre Company, Barrymore nomination for Best Director, win for Best Musical), Elegies: a song cycle (also at PTC, seven Barrymore nominations, two wins: best musical director and best ensemble of a musical), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare Theatre), My Fair Lady and Of Mice and Men (The Hangar Theatre), Edward II, Suddenly Last Summer, To Kill A Mockingbird, Keely & Du, Educating Rita, How I Got That Story, Goodnight Desdemona, Goodmorning Juliet, Babes In Arms, and Godspell. He directed Twice Charmed: an original twist on the Cinderella story for Disney Creative Entertainment, and the premiere of The Mistress Cycle for the New York Musical Theatre Festival for which he also directed a reading of the musical Liberty Smith. He also recently directed a presentation of Meet John Doe for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT). As a writer, his adaptation of Antigone was workshopped at the National Theatre in London. He was a contributor to The Audience, conceived and directed by Jack Cummings III. He is writing the book for the musical Golden Gate for Second Stage and the book for the musical The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, which had its West End premiere in conjunction with Mercury Musical Developments in London and was recently seen at Barrington Stage Company under his direction. He served as resident playwright at Expanded Arts, Inc. for two years. He has been Joseph Papp artist in residence at Second Stage, is one of New York Theatre Workshop’s “usual suspects,” is a Drama League directing fellow, and a graduate of Ithaca College.

The set design for Bury the Dead is by Sandra Goldmark (Henry Hewes Award nominee for Transport Group’s Crossing Brooklyn); the costume design is by Kathryn Rohe; the lighting design is by R. Lee Kennedy (Drama Desk Award nominee for Transport Group’s The Audience); the sound design is by Michael Rasbury; casting is by Nora Brennan Casting; production stage manager is Wendy Patten.

Founded in 2001, Transport Group, under the leadership of Jack Cummings III, artistic director, and Lori Fineman, executive director, is a not-for-profit theatre company that develops and produces work by American playwrights and composers with the aim of exploring the American consciousness in the 20th and 21st centuries. Transport Group presented its premiere production in 2002: Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, which featured older actors in the roles of Emily and George and a twelve-year-old girl as the Stage Manager. Its second production, Requiem for William, an evening of seven seldom produced plays by William Inge, that featured a cast of 26 as well as original songs, premiered in 2003. In 2004 the company presented the first New York revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s First Lady Suite, which received rave reviews, played to sold-out houses, and earned two Drama Desk Award nominations including outstanding revival of a musical. Recent productions include the world premiere of the musical The Audience, which featured a cast of 46 actors and earned three Drama Desk Award nominations, including outstanding musical; Normal, a new musical about a mother’s battle to save her daughter from anorexia; cul-de-sac, a new play by Tony Award nominee John Cariani; the first New York revival of Tad Mosel’s Pulitzer Prize play, All the Way Home; the 50th anniversary, Obie-winning production of William Inge’s The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, and the world premiere musicals Crossing Brooklyn and Marcy in the Galaxy. Transport Group is the winner of a special 2007 Drama Desk Award for its “breadth of vision and its presentation of challenging productions.”

Bury the Dead plays Thursday through Saturday and Monday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm through Sunday, November 23, at 220 East 4 Street, between Avenues A & B (6 to Astor Place, W/N to 8th Street or F/V to Second Avenue). There is only an evening performance on Saturday, November 1 and there is an added performance on Wednesday, November 5, at 8pm. The evening performance on Saturday, November 8 is at 7pm. Tickets are $38 and are available at www.transportgroup.org or by phoning TheaterMania at (212) 352-3101; $10 rush tickets are available to students one hour prior to curtain. For more information about Transport Group and Bury the Dead, visit www.transportgroup.org.

Transport Group to Present Revival of Shaw's 'Bury the Dead' Starting 10/31 - 10/31/2008

Mount Vernon Hotel to Present an Evening With Edgar Allan Poe 10/31 - 10/31/2008

The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden invites New Yorkers to spend Halloween with the author of "The Raven" himself, poet Edgar Allan Poe. While the real Poe passed away in 1849, his spirit will be channeled for three nights in late October as acclaimed actor Kevin Mitchell Martin presents An Evening with Poe, a one-man play based on Poe's life and writings. From Wednesday, October 19th through Friday, October 31st at 6:15 and 8:00 PM each night, Martin will conjure up Old New York spirits with bone-chilling readings of Poe's letters and stories. An Evening with Poe is appropriate for children age 10 and older.

Tickets are $18 for Museum members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are required and can be made at 212.838.6878. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden is located at 421 East 61st Street between York and First Avenues. Nearest subway: N, W, R, 4, 5, 6 at the 59th Street/Lexington station.

ABOUT THE MOUNT VERNON HOTEL MUSEUM & GARDEN
The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and research of art and artifacts pertaining to the Mount Vernon Hotel. The Museum takes visitors back to the days when midtown Manhattan was a country escape for New Yorkers living in a crowded city at the southern tip of the island. New York City's only surviving day hotel, this landmarked building, which was constructed in 1799, brings the bygone era of old New York alive by promoting the dissemination of historical knowledge through docent-guided tours of its historic rooms, education programs, exhibitions, publications, lectures and symposia. For more information, please call 212.838.6878 or visit www.mvhm.org.

THINGS TO RUIN Returns to Zipper Factory 10/31 - 10/31/2008

Eden Espinosa & Megan Hilty to Return to LA WICKED for Final Weeks - 10/31/2008

WickedLA155.jpg" alt="" width="233" height="350" />Eden Espinosa and Megan Hilty, who originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda in the Los Angeles production of WICKED, return to the production on Friday, October 31, through the end of the engagement at the Pantages Theatre. WICKED must close at the Pantages Theatre on Sunday, January 11, 2009; the production then travels to San Francisco where it begins performances on January 27, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre.

Tickets for WICKED are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com/wicked, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office (opens daily at 10am), 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

After leaving WICKED at the end of 2007, Eden performed the title role in Flora, The Red Menace for Reprise Theatre Company in Los Angeles, and then joined the final, historic Broadway company of Rent as Maureen Johnson, at the Nederlander Theatre in New York. Megan Hilty just completed the pre-Broadway engagement of 9 to 5 at the Ahmanson Theatre, where she originated the role of Doralee Rhodes; it will open at the Marquis Theatre in New York spring 2009.

Producer David Stone said, "When we opened the Los Angeles company, we wanted to make sure that we had a brilliant cast for the Pantages Theatre - and the Southern California audience took Eden and Megan to their hearts. Since leaving WICKED, both have added major credits to their resumes. We can't think of a better way to finish the Los Angeles engagement, than by returning these two stars to our production."

Eden was born and raised in Southern California. She has performed the role of Elphaba to critical acclaim on Broadway, in the San Francisco stop on the national tour, and in the Los Angeles production from its opening through December, 2007. She created the title character in Brooklyn the Musical and performed it from the original workshop, on through its Broadway run. You may have heard her on such recordings as Hair (BCEFA benefit recording), The Maury Yeston Songbook, Bright Lights, Big City, and John McDaniel Live at Joe's Pub.

Megan Hilty made her Broadway debut as Glinda in WICKED and performed the same role in the Los Angeles production from its opening through last May. Other credits include Café Puttanesca (City Theatre), Suds (OCT) and the world premiere of Vanities, The Musical (TheatreWorks). TV credits include The Closer, The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Ugly Betty and Shark. Megan can also be heard as the singing voice of Snow White in Shrek The Third, and also as the soloist/voice of Miss Lee on Disney's The Secret of the Magic Gourd.

When the Los Angeles production of WICKED plays its final performance on January 11, 2009, it will have played 791 performances and 12 previews. WICKED began previews on February 10, 2007 and opened on February 21. It set the record for top box office earner during a single week in Los Angeles theatre history when it grossed a record $1,949,068 during the week ending December 30, 2007. To date, WICKED has been seen in Los Angeles by 1.5 million patrons with a gross of $120 million.

Winner of 20 major awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. 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.

Declared "A Cultural Phenomenon" by Variety, WICKED currently has productions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Melbourne and on a North American tour. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman. The production is directed by Joe Mantello with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. WICKED is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Bette Midler Announces Second Annual HULAWEEN BENEFIT at NYRP 10/31 - 10/31/2008

A star-studded capacity crowd is expected at the annual Hulaween benefit for Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project (NYRP) on Friday, October 31, 2008 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A crowd of over 1,000 guests will be entertained by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. In addition, Emmy award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin will perform her "D List" stand-up comedy throughout the evening as iconic American designer Michael Kors peruses the crowd for winners of the annual costume contest.

In addition to those celebrities involved in the evening, expected to attend are Kareem Abdul Jabar, Martha Stewart, Pink, The B-52's, John McEnroe and Patti Smyth, Suze Orman, and more to follow in the coming weeks.

Alice Waters, the internationally acclaimed chef from Chez Panisse in Berkeley, will receive the "Wind Beneath My Wings" Award for her pioneering advocacy for locally grown and sustainably harvested food that has become a model for restaurant and home cooking all over the world. A special committee of celebrity chefs has been formed to honor Waters by making their signature appetizer for the cocktail party. They include: April Bloomfield, The Spotted Pig and The John Dory; David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar; Tom Colicchio, Craft; Lisa Fernandes, Mai House; Kurt Gutenbrunner, Wallse, Café Sabarsky, and Blaue Gann; Jonathan Waxman, Barbuto; and Andrew Zimmern, SuperTarget Meal Adventure Guide and Host, "Bizarre Foods," The Travel Channel.

Dress for the event is "Costumes or Else" and celebrity event planner Robert Isabell will create the ambiance that this year will be themed "A Ghoulish Green Market" as a further tribute to Waters.

For the first time, NYRP is opening up the Waldorf-Astoria ballroom's balcony to accommodate more guests than ever before. Balcony tickets are available for $630 which includes pre-dinner cocktail party, dinner, and the evening's program with Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine's performance.

In addition, the NYRP Junior Committee, "The Buds," will hold an after-party disco and casino night in the Astor Room on the Third Floor of the Waldorf-Astoria at 10:30pm. Tickets for The Buds after-party are $150.00 per person. "The Buds" have pulled out all the stops! Scott Melker will be the DJ again – he also DJ's for Kanye West and Wu Tang, and is sought after on the international party circuit including the MTV Music Awards. In addition, there will be a casino – Blackjack, Texas Hold 'em, Roulette, and other games for those who want to "rest" in between dances. An open bar completes the perfect package for a Halloween Extravaganza on a Friday night! Note – The Buds after-party is a stand-alone event, and attendance at the main Hulaween gala is not necessary.

For tickets and information about Hulaween or the Junior Committee Buds after-party call Buckley Hall Events (914) 579-1000 or visit www.nyrp.org.

HERE Arts Hosts Halloween Events After ARIAS WITH A TWIST 10/31 - 10/31/2008

HERE Arts Center in New York has announced that ARIAS WITH A TWIST has been extended to run through December 31, 2008. The CD ARIAS WITH A TWIST was released on October 3.

Created by Joey Arias, a New York performance artist, drag artist, actor and singer, and Basil Twist, a noted puppeteer, ARIAS WITH A TWIST is a 70-minute collaborative play featuring Arias performing with virtually unseen puppeteers who handle marionettes and hand puppets. It premiered on June 12, 2008 at the Dorothy B. Williams Theatre at the HERE Arts Center in New York. Arias sings several songs, including Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, All By Myself by Eric Carmer and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by the Beatles. The New York Times wrote, "Eat you heart out Madonna." TimeOut New York said that the play is an "eye-popping, delightfully transgressive lysergic fantasia." The New York Post called it "gleeful anarchic fun." The New York Press said it is "a glittering, trippy fantasia." The puppeteers are Oliver Dalzell, Randy Ginsburg, Kirsten Kammermeyer, Mat Leabo, Jessica Scott, Lindsay Abromaitis Smith.

Joey Arias, a North Carolina native, arrived in New York in the mid-70s. He was a fixture of the 80s New York performance art scene, developing a successful career in cabaret. He portrayed Joan Crawford in New York productions of CHRISTMAS WITH THE CRAWFORDS. His film credits include BIG TOP PEE-WEE, MONDO NEW YORK, ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK, FLAWLESS, TO WONG FOO: THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! Julie Newmar and WIGSTOCK: THE MOVIE. Before ARIAS WITH A TWIST, he played the role of the Mistress of Seduction ZUMANITY, A Cirque du Soleil show which ran at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on the famed Las Vegas strip.

Twist was recently selected by TimeOut New York for the "The New York 40," a group of important New Yorkers featured with interviews to celebrate the 40th anniversary of TimeOut. He is the recipient of an Obie Award and a Guggenheim fellowship, and is the founder and director of the Dream Music Puppetry Program at HERE Arts Center.

Since 1993, HERE has been one of New York's most prolific producing organizations, and today, it stands at the forefront of the city's presenters of daring new hybrid art. HERE supports multidisciplinary work that does not fit into a conventional programming agenda. HERE's aesthetic represents the independent, the innovative, and the experimental: HERE has developed such acclaimed works as Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues; Basil Twist's Symphonie Fantastique; Hazelle Goodman's On Edge; Trey Lyford & Geoff Sobelle's all wear bowlers; and original musical and dance works created and directed by HERE Co-Founder and Artistic Director Kristin Marting. HERE is located at 145 6th Avenue (between Spring and Broome), New York (entrance on Dominick Street). For more information, call 212-647-0202 or visit http://www.here.org.

To purchase tickets to ARIAS WITH A TWIST, call the HERE Box Office at 212-352-3101 or visit https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/219. For ticket information, email tickets@here.org.

Theatre Talk Welcomes Griffiths and Radcliffe 10/31 - 10/31/2008

Theatre Talk presents producers Emanuel Azenberg and James Freydberg, who will appear on Friday, October 24th at 1:00 AM (Saturday morning) on Thirteen. The veteran impresarios will discuss how Broadway and the theater world will cope -- and even prosper -- during the coming economic downturn. How must the industry change if it is going to survive? (Reairs on CUNY TV, Channel 75 on Saturday, November 1 at 8:30 PM; Sunday, November 2 at 12:30 PM; and Monday, November 3 at 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.)

Also coming up, actors Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe appear on Friday, October 31st at 1:00 AM (Saturday morning) on Thirteen. Daniel Radcliffe (star of the Harry Potter movies) and Tony Award-winner Richard Griffiths (The History Boys) discuss their roles in Equus, Peter Shaffer's classic 1973 drama, now being revived on Broadway. (Reairs on CUNY TV, Channel 75 on Saturday, November 8 at 8:30 PM; Sunday, November 9 at 12:30 PM; and Monday, November 10 at 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.) Youtube clip

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel (Broadway columnist for the New York Post) and series producer Susan Haskins.

For clips and highlights from the show, click here.

To watch the show in streaming video or iTunes, cick here.

Playbill Radio broadcasts an audio version of Theater Talk every Saturday at 7:00 PM, Monday at 11:00 PM, and Tuesday at 2:00 PM.

Northwestern University to Present 'Sweeney Todd' Oct. 31 to Nov.9 - 10/31/2008

The Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University is celebrating the start of its 2008-09 season with the Tony Award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler.

Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31; 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2; 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6; 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7; 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus.

From an adaptation by Christopher Bond, Sondheim and Wheeler's exhilarating ride of music, song and spectacle is based on the 19th century legend of Sweeney Todd. Returning home after 15 years in the Australian penal colonies on false charges, Todd joins forces with the owner of the worst meat pie shop in London to seek revenge on those who have wronged him. The results of this dark plot are mass murder, a booming meat pie business and grave misfortune.

Many theater fans have seen the original 1979 Broadway stage production of "Sweeney Todd," the 2005 Broadway revival, or Tim Burton's macabre 2007 film with Johnny Depp in the title role, however, director George Cederquist is taking a different approach to the TIC production.

"While ‘bloodiness' is a major part of the storytelling, each murder is done in a very abstract and theatrical way that builds the suspense," says Cederquist. "The theme that we are focusing on is ‘obsession,' specifically on what acts of violence does one commit when one is obsessed and how does one justify those acts. Our production explores the logic behind obsession. It is a version of ‘Sweeney Todd' that's never been done before."

The 25-member student cast includes undergraduate theatre majors from the School of Communication, as well as undergraduate voice students from the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music. The musical is set in the Edwardian era and features long sequences of dreams, fantasies and fetishes. The music is classical and operatic, with haunting melodies and witty and emotional lyrics that will be performed by a live eight-piece orchestra.

Cederquist is a graduate student at Northwestern's School of Communication who is taking some classes at the Bienen School of Music. He has directed professionally in Chicago for six years.

The production is best-suited for teenagers and adults. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Single tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for seniors aged 65 and older, Northwestern faculty and staff and area educators and administrators; and $10 for children and full-time students. For tickets, call the Theatre and Interpretation Center Box Office at (847) 491-7282 or visit http://www.tic.northwestern.edu to order tickets online.

'DISNEY's ALADDIN' opens October 30th - 10/31/2008

Terry James, Executive Producer

Aaron Thielen, Lead Artistic Director

Andy Hite, Artistic Director

Present

Disney’s

ALADDIN

October 30, 2008 – January 4, 2009

THE MARRIOTT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice

Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Jim Luigs

DISNEY’s ALADDIN opens October 30^th and runs through January 4^th at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive. Based on the smash hit 1992 Disney film Aladdin, DISNEY’s ALADDIN is a magical journey for all ages, featuring an Academy Award-winning score. DISNEY’s ALADDIN is directed and choreographed by Marriott Theatre for Young Audience’s favorite, Rachel Rockwell (Seussical, Wizard of Oz, Princess and the Pea).

DISNEY’s ALADDIN is a soaring magic carpet ride through Agrabah, the City of Enchantment. In the heart of the city lives a street urchin named Aladdin whose whole life changes when he discovers a magic lamp and unleashes a fun-loving, larger-than-life Genie who grants him three wishes. Aladdin sees this as his opportunity to be with the beautiful, free-spirited Princess Jasmine, who is only allowed to marry a prince. When the evil Jafar steals the lamp and tries to get the three wishes for himself, Aladdin must save the kingdom. Through his adventures, Aladdin learns that he is a prince where it truly matters most—on the inside. DISNEY’s ALADDIN is a celebration of finding everlasting love and being true to oneself no matter what the circumstances. The thrilling score of this classic family production includes Disney favorites “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”

DISNEY’s ALADDIN stars Bernie Yvon as the Genie, Christine Bunuan as Jasmine, and Andrew Keltz as Aladdin. Also featured is Roger Anderson as the Sultan, Debbie Laumand-Blanc as Iago, Jeff Max as Jafar, and Joe Tokarz as Razoul. The ensemble includes Ericka Mac, Jason Shuffler and George Wolff.

The performance schedule for DISNEY’s ALADDIN is as follows: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 am; Saturdays at 11 am and select Sunday performances at 10 am. Please call 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for the exact schedule, as some show times and dates may vary. Tickets for all shows are $12, excluding tax and handling fees. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

TOMORROW MORNING, THE MUSICAL Receives Chicago Production Starting 10/31 - 10/31/2008

From Hilary A. Williams, London producer of Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf with Kathleen Turner and The Postman Always Rings Twice with Val Kilmer and the Chicago Director Tom Mullen (Urinetown, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) comes the exciting Chicago premiere of Tomorrow Morning, an acclaimed new musical by accomplished U.K. playwright, composer and lyricist Laurence Mark Wythe. Tomorrow Morning runs Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.

"Tomorrow Morning is near and dear to my heart," says Williams. "Recently, musical stages in the U.K. and the U.S have been dominated by restagings of established works or jukebox musicals. I firmly believe that in order to keep musical theater vibrant, new talent needs the opportunity to be seen and heard, so I am honored to lend my support to this new musical penned by such a brilliant new voice."

Tomorrow Morning is about two couples—one is contemplating the end of their relationship, the other is on the brink of a deeper commitment. The couples, though separated by time, are bound together by the uncertainty of impending change and the ultimately redeeming power of love. Tomorrow Morning is filled with humor and sensitivity. British critics have called the score "witty and poignant" (What's on Stage.com) with "searing ballads and snappy, insightful comedy numbers" (Stage).

"This musical comes from a very personal place for me," says Wythe. "As a child I was touched by the divorce of my parents. Even now, as a married man with children of my own the memories are still strong. But time has given me an incredible gift of seeing how one survives intimidating times of change and can even thrive with the strength that comes from love and family."

An early version of Tomorrow Morning had its world premiere in London's New End Theatre on July 10, 2006. That same year it was honored in Theatre Radio's Best Musical of 2006 competition and this past October was a finalist for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's annual festival of new works in New York.

In August 2007 a first draft of an Americanized script previewed in a reading at Theatre Building Chicago's Stages Festival of New Musicals. Now, for the 2008 full production staging, additional significant adjustments have been made to the script, and songs have been deleted and added to raise the dramatic stakes.

"I'm excited to direct this exciting Chicago premiere," adds director Mullen. "Wythe has provided a virtual treasure trove of incredible material which any director would be thrilled to work with. Couple that with a top notch cast, a talented design team and the incredible support of executive producer Hilary Williams and the end result promises to be nothing but spectacular."

The four-star Equity cast of Tomorrow Morning includes: Charissa Armon (Katherine) was most recently seen as Avia in Unlock'd at Ravinia. Other Chicago credits include Woman 1 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change at Noble Fool Theatricals, and Mother in Ragtime (After Dark Award recipient /Jeff Nomination) at Porchlight Music Theatre, Michael Mahler (John). Mahler's Chicago credits include The Producers (Theater at the Center) The Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Forbidden Broadway SVU! (Royal George) and My Favorite Year (Bailiwick – Jeff Citation, After Dark Award), Jonathan Rayson (Jack). Ravson's Broadway credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), A Year With Frog and Toad; Off-Broadway: Final cast of I Love You, You're Perfect Now Change and Emily Thompson (Kat) is a 2007 graduate of Northwestern University. Chicago credits include Little Women and Les Miserables (Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire), Dennis Deyoung's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Bailiwick Repertory) and The Boys from Syracuse (Drury Lane Oakbrook).

The design team for Tomorrow Morning includes Dan R. Conley (scenic design), Bill Morey (costume design), Jennifer Kules (lighting design), Timothy K. Schmidt (sound design), Mike Tutaj (film design) and Brett Rowe (musical direction). Ellyn Costello is the production stage manger.

Tomorrow Morning receives its Chicago premiere Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago. Performances for Tomorrow Morning are Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (Nov. 12 and 19 only), Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (5 p.m. for press opening Nov. 9 only).

Tickets prices are $25 for previews (through Nov. 8); $32.50 for Wednesday matinees, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m., $34.50 for Saturdays at 8p.m., and $28.50 for Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets or more information call the box office at 773.404.7336 or visit www.tomorrowmorningthemusical.com. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Call GroupTix: 877-4-GRP-TIX (877-447-7849).

Transport Grou's Bury the Dead - 10/31/2008

Irwin Shaw's harrowing 1936 classic play BURY THE DEAD takes place during "the second year of the war that is to begin tomorrow night." While a military burial detail goes about its sad duties, the dead soldiers shockingly begin to rise up, pleading not to be buried. Word of their insurrection spreads rapidly: the dead will not yield so easily. In a series of touching scenes, the dead men talk with their loved ones of the days of living, now lost forever.

Transport Group is thrilled to welcome Lucille Lortel Award- Winner Joe Calarco (Shakespeare's R & J) to direct the first major New York City revival of Shaw's legendary anti-war play, starring OBIE-winning actress and Transport Group favorite, Donna Lynne Champlin.

October 31 - November 23 Thur - Sat @ 8pm / Sat @ 2pm / Sun @ 3pm Wed Nov 5 @ 8pm / No Matinee Nov 1

Tickets: www.transportgroup.org or call 212-352-3101

New York Times Bestselling Horror Author F. Paul Wilson to Headline Panel Discussion at Special Halloween Performance of Perfect Crime - 10/31/2008

F. Paul Wilson, the New York Times bestselling author of The Keep, The Tomb will headline a panel discussion on "Horror, Mystery and Suspense Genres in the 21^st Century" before the Halloween performance of Perfect Crime, the longest-running play in the history of New York theater. He will be joined by Meredith Anthony and Lawrence Light, authors of the Times Square-set horror novel Ladykiller.

The discussion will begin at 6:30PM at The Snapple Theater Center, 210 West 50^th Street (at Broadway) and is free to those holding a ticket for that evening's 8PM performance of Perfect Crime.

The cast of Perfect Crime includes Catherine Russell, who has starred in the show since its first performance and played all but four of its 8,700+ performances, Michael Brian Dunn (Broadway's The Life, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd), Robert Emmet Lunney (Broadway's Mauritius, Deuce, The Graduate, A Doll's House, Dancing at Lughnasa), Patrick Robustelli and Richard Shoberg (24 years as Tom Cudahy on ABC's All My Children). The play was written by Warren Manzi and directed by Jeffrey Hyatt.

Tickets for the special Halloween performance of Perfect Crime are $35 (regularly $51). They are available by calling or visiting the Snapple Theater Center box office at (212) 921-7862. Specially-priced $26 student tickets are also available by calling or visiting the box office.

HAPPY DAYS - A New Musical Announces the First Stop of the National Tour - 10/31/2008

Goodbye gray skies, hello blue – Happy Days – A New Musical launches its national tour at La Mirada Theatre in October 2008. Based on the hit Paramount Pictures’ television series, Happy Days – A New Musical reintroduces one of America’s best-loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee. This time capsule is complete with familiar friends: Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi, Pinky Tuscadero and of course, the king of cool: Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli. Arnold’s, the famed drive-in malt shop, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and TV-worthy wrestling match. Complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’, Happy Days – A New Musical brings back the nostalgia of the ’50s in a perfect family entertainment.

Bob Boyett, Nice Productions, Inc., McCoy Rigby Entertainment, CBS Corporation, Tom Miller and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts are thrilled to present the second production of La Mirada Theatre’s 2008-2009 season of shows, the launch of the national tour of Happy Days -A New Musical, book by Garry Marshall, music and lyrics by Paul Williams, directed by Gordon Greenberg, Music Arrangement and Music Supervision by John McDaniel and Choreographed by Michele Lynch. Happy Days - A New Musical will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and will run through Sunday, November 16 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue.

Garry Marshall (Book) has created, written and produced some of television’s most beloved situation comedies, including Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Mork & Mindy and The Odd Couple. He has directed 16 movies. Among them are Pretty Woman, Beaches, Overboard, The Princess Diaries 1 & 2 and Runaway Bride. As an actor he’s played many memorable roles, including ‘Mr. Harvey’ in his sister Penny Marshall’s “A League of Their Own” and ‘Irwin’ in his son Scott Marshall’s debut feature, “Keeping Up with the Steins.” In 1995, Marshall wrote his autobiography with his daughter Lori, called “Wake Me When It’s Funny.” And in 1997, he built a theater in Burbank, California with his daughter Kathleen, called the Falcon Theatre.

Academy Award-winning composer Paul Williams (Music and Lyrics) brings a new energy to the ‘50s genre. His diverse style of songwriting has given the world pop hits recorded by The Carpenters (“We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” among others) and Barbara Streisand (“Evergreen” – the love theme from “A Star is Born”), to the frothy confection, “The Theme to the Love Boat.” He also composed the song “The Rainbow Connection” for “The Muppet Movie.”

The cast of Happy Days - A New Musical includes Joey Sorge as Fonzie, Cynthia Ferrer as Mrs. Cunningham, John Massey as Mr. Cunningham, Steven Booth as Richie Cunningham, Chris Fore as Potsie, Felica Finley as Pinky, Barry Pearl as Arnold, Eddy Rioseco as Chachi, Whitney Bashor as Joanie, Molly Alverez as Lori Beth and James Michael Lambert as Ralph Malph. Also featuring Justin Duval, Gabrielle Hatchett, Matt Merchant, Jaclyn Miller, Jill Morrison, Leah Sprecher Jeff Sumner and the Troubadour Theatre Company’s Matt Walker.

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, now in its fourth decade, has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California." This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions for its Southern California audiences since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades including Ovation and Emmy Awards and Tony Award nominations. The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue. Parking is theatre-adjacent and free. For further information 562-944-9801or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com

McCoy Rigby Entertainment combines the talents of musical theatre star Cathy Rigby with Tom McCoy's extensive production and theatrical experience and has become one of the nation's premier theatrical production companies. Credits include Tony-nominated Broadway shows, long-running national tours, multiple-award-winning Los Angeles stage productions, and hit TV specials.

American Buffalo - 10/31/2008

previews begin AMERICAN BUFFALO

American Buffalo - 10/31/2008

first preview begins of AMERICAN BUFFALO

A House With No Walls - 11/1/2008

From the author of 'Bee-Luther-Hatchee' and 'Permanent Collection' comes this inspired-by-real-life drama about two African-Americans on opposite sides of a profound debate. Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's Philadelphia home and slave quarters. Soon a rising academic star who has just published a startlingly conservative book and a liberal Afrocentric political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American legacy and identity. Elegantly juxtaposed with this fictionalized present-day conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about where we've been and where we go next.

Chicago premiere by Thomas Gibbons directed by Louis Contey.(Previews 10/29 � 10/31) Runs November 1- December 21, 2008.

Performances take place at TimeLine's home inside the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, near the corner of Wellington and Broadway in the Lakeview East neighborhood. FlexPass Subscriptions for TimeLine's 2008-09 season will go on sale in April. For more information about subscriptions, ticket availability and group sales, call (773) 281-TIME (8463) or visit timelinetheatre.com.

Discovering Performer's Physicality - 11/1/2008

International Laboratory "Discovering Performer's Physicality"

under the direction of Sergei Ostrenko

November 1 - 7, 2008 Ystad, Sweden

Participants Actors of physical, dramatic, dance and musical theatres, circus performers, dancers, choreographers and directors.

Programme Iintensive practical training, lectures, discussion club.

During the Lab accommodation and meals for participants are provided.

Programme and registration: http://www.iugte.com/projects/performers.physicality.php

Philadelphia Improv Festival Returns This November - 11/1/2008

The producers of the Philadelphia Improv Festival are working through the summer to finalize a stellar line-up for their fourth annual affair. This year's festival will take place November 13-15 and will be in a brand new location -- Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street. The festival showcases long and short form improv groups from all over the country, along with workshops to help performers discover and hone their craft.

Single tickets grant admission to a block of three group shows and are $10. Day Passes are also available for $20 and Weekend Passes for $50. More information on the festival is available at www.phif.org

"It's really exciting to see the alt-comedy renaissance that Philly's experiencing right now. We've had some big names in standup coming through here for years... but recently we've seen an incredible surge; not only the nationally-recognized improv and sketch acts coming in, but also some remarkable comedy being developed locally," said Matt Nelson, Executive Producer of the festival.

The festival gives audiences a chance to see spontaneous long and short form comedy happen before their eyes. Previous groups who have performed at the festival include:� Unexpected Company (Warwick, RI), Dwayne's Guesthouse (NYC), BillyHawk (Los Angeles, CA), Cathcart & Olson (Chicago, IL), and Cubicle (NYC) and local favorites Rare Bird Show, ZombieShark, Delaware Comedy Theatre, Choosical, Men About Town, and Industrial.

Improv companies that have participated in the festival include comedians from New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Portland, Baltimore, DC and many other cities across the country. Those performers represent renowned improv theatres such as the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (NYC), iO West (LA), the Dirty South Improv Theater (NC), the Magnet Theater (NYC), Washington Improv Theater (DC) and the People's Improv Theater (NYC).

"One of the primary objectives of our festival is to help brand Philadelphia as a destination for comedy fans - and I think the quality of improvisation at our festival just keeps rising to the occasion," added Nelson. "We've got interest from international acts and some big names in the improv world... and we're seeing our own locals groups take the stage and likewise respond with vigor. We're positioned to entertain and educate both audiences and performers alike, and that's just a great thing to be a part of."

The Philadelphia Improv Festival (PHIF) is an annual three-day festival taking place each fall; dedicated to the celebration of improvisational comedy both locally and across the country.

The Gay and Lesbian Center of Souther Nevada Presents Annual Honorarium 11/1 - 11/1/2008

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada is proud to announce the 14th Annual Honorarium, will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008, 6pm at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. This year’s theme, “Many Colors, One Community” reminds us that we unite to create positive change for the Southern Nevada community.

This year’s categories and honorees are: Woman of the Year, Cyntha Hall; Man of the Year, Peter O’Neill; Corporation of the Year, Findlay Auto Group; Friend of the Community, Mya Lake Reyes (LVCVA); Youth of the Year, Timmy Scott; Volunteer of the Year, Chris Saldaña; Entertainer of the Year, Pamela Anderson; Non-Profit of the Year, Matthew Sheppard Foundation; Lifetime Achievement; Randy Reinoso; Legacy Award, Kathy Gillespie; Cornerstone Award, Jon Sparer and John Klai. Each of these honorees has distinguished themselves as community leaders through their commitment to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community by giving of their time, talents or resources during the past year. The Lifetime Achievement, Legacy and Cornerstone Awards honor individuals who consistently give over many years. 2008 marks the 15th year that The Center has proudly served the Southern Nevada LGBT community and we are dedicating this year’s banquet to the memory of Alan Huss.

For more information please visit www.thecenterlv.com

West Coast Ensemble Presents West Coast Premiere of Durang's 'Miss Witherspoon' - 11/1/2008

West Coast Ensemble presents the West Coast Premiere of Christopher Durang’s MISS WITHERSPOON, directed by Joel Swetow (The Cherry Orchard, Twelfth Night). MISS WITHERSPOON will preview Sunday, October 26 at 3pm; Wednesday, October 29; Thursday, October 30; and Friday October 31 at 8:00pm and will open on Saturday, November 1 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, December 14 at the new home of West Coast Ensemble - The El Centro Theatre, 800 N. El Centro Ave. in Hollywood.

A master of contemporary absurdism, Christopher Durang takes on religion, spirituality and our quest for something beyond ourselves in this charmingly twisted off-Broadway hit!

SKYLAB IS FALLING! When a piece of an orbiting space station falls on Veronica, she embarks on a hilarious odyssey through the great beyond, aided by her spirit guide Maryamma. Named one of the ten best plays of 2005 by Time and Newsday, this raucous comedy takes us on a journey through life, the after-life, and whatever happens in between, as a reluctant traveler discovers that the only thing worse than the world she left behind is having to go back for seconds.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

CHRISTOPHER DURANG (Playwright) is a playwright whose plays include A History of the American Film (Tony nomination, Best Book of a Musical, 1978), The Actor’s Nightmare, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (Obie award; off-Bway run 1981-83), Beyond Therapy (on Broadway in 1982, with Dianne Wiest and John Lithgow), Baby with the Bathwater (Playwrights Horizons, 1983), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Public Theatre, 1985; Obie award, Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award), Laughing Wild (Playwrights Horizons, 1987), Durang/Durang (an evening of six plays at Manhattan Theatre Club, 1994, including the Tennessee Williams’ parody, For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls), Sex and Longing (Lincoln Center Theatre production at the Cort Theatre, 1996, starring Sigourney Weaver), and Betty’s Summer Vacation (Playwrights Horizons, 1999; Obie award). His most recent works are Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge, which premiered at City Theatre in Pittsburgh in 2002. And the musical Adrift in Macao, with music by Peter Melnick and book and lyrics by Durang, which premiered at New York Stage and Film in summer 2002, and is under option for off-Broadway 2003-04. Durang is also a performer, and acted with E. Katherine Kerr in the N.Y. premiere of Laughing Wild, and with Jean Smart in the L.A. production. He shared in an acting ensemble Obie for The Marriage of Bette and Boo; and with John Augustine and Sherry Anderson has performed his crackpot cabaret Chris Durang and Dawne at the Criterion Center, Caroline’s Comedy Club, Williamstown Summer Cabaret, and the Triad, winning a 1996 Bistro Award. In the early 80s, he and Sigourney Weaver co-wrote and performed in their acclaimed Brecht-Weill parody, Das Lusitania Songspiel, and were both nominated for Drama Desk awards for Best Performer in a Musical. In 1993 he sang in the five person off-Broadway Sondheim revue, Putting It Together, with Julie Andrews at the Manhattan Theatre Club. And he played a singing Congressman in the Encores presentation of Call Me Madam with Tyne Daly at City Center. In movies, he has appeared in The Secret of My Success, Mr. North, The Butcher’s Wife, Housesitter, and The Cowboy Way, among others. He has a B.A. from Harvard College, and an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Yale School of Drama. In 1995 he won the prestigious three-year Lila Wallace Readers Digest Writers Award; as part of his grant, he ran a writing workshop for adult children of alcoholics. In 2000 he won the Sidney Kingsley Playwriting Award.

JOEL SWETOW (Director) is a director, coach, actor, and voiceover artist. Directing projects include critically- acclaimed, award-winning productions of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard”, Moliere’s “The Learned Ladies”, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It,” as well as several world premieres. Next spring, he will direct “The Crucible” at The Actors Co-op here in Los Angeles.

As an actor in television and film, he recurred on “Charmed” for an extended two year arc, guest starred on “Burn Notice” “Alias”, “Judging Amy”, “N.Y.P.D. Blue”, “Stargate”, “Star Trek: Enterprise”, and “Days of Our Lives” and has had major roles in Clive Barker’s “Lord of Illusions”, “The President’s Man 2”, “Live from Baghdad”, “Return to the Batcave”, “3 Ninjas”, and “Ruby Ridge”, also among many others. On stage, he has appeared in countless leading roles in N.Y.C., Los Angeles, and regional theatre, including Estragon in “Waiting For Godot”, the Duke in “Measure for Measure”, Malvolio in “Twelfth Night”, Brutus in “Julius Caesar”, Shylock in “The Merchant of Venice”, Vershinin in “The Three Sisters”, Ned Weeks in “The Normal Heart”, Matt Friedman in “Talley’s Folly”, Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” and the title role in “Tartuffe”.

The cast of MISS WITHERSPOON features Pia Ambardar, Kelly Lloyd, Andrew Morris, Sara J. Stuckey and LeShay Tomlinson

MISS WITHERSPOON has assembled an award-winning design team. The Set design is by Stephen Gifford. The Lighting Design is by Peter Gottlieb. The Costume Design is by E.B. Brooks. The Sound Design is by Rebecca Kessin. The Production is Stage Managed by Erin Beddinger and Produced for WCE by Richard Israel and Ben Campbell

MISS WITHERSPOON will open Saturday, November 1 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, December 14 at The El Centro Theater, 800 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038. Preview performances will be Sunday, October 26 at 3pm; Wednesday, October 29; Thursday, October 30; and Friday October 31 at 8:00pm. Ticket prices are $10 previews, $22 general, $20 student/senior/union. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. For tickets, please visit www.tix.com or call the West Coast Ensemble Box Office at 323-460-4443.

Founded in 1981 by Les Hanson, West Coast Ensemble Theatre has been a part of the Los Angeles theatre community for 27 years. A membership theatre ensemble, WCE is dedicated to presenting high quality theatrical productions which address the social, cultural and artistic needs of the Los Angeles community while providing an artistic home for its membership. Recent award-winning productions include Stephen Sondheim's ASSASSINS, Tim Acito's ZANNA, DON'T!, Jim Geoghan's TWO GENTLEMEN OF CORONA, and Adam Guettel and Tina Landau's FLOYD COLLINS.

Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Mock The Vote - 11/1/2008

Our 43nd Annual Champagne Gala & Auction

Set in a parallel universe (although one bearing curious similarities to our own), MOCK THE VOTE explores the behind-the-scenes intrigue surrounding a hotly contested presidential campaign. The pressing domestic issue of the day is the Kibble Crisis (the skyrocketing cost of dog food), and in foreign policy the country is in danger of declaring war on Bermuda due to a difference of opinion regarding the proper length of dress trousers. Candidates Mildred Fillmore and Taylor Zachary battle for the White House, and no holds are barred � especially not if they get a laugh.

A silent auction will feature one-of-a-kind items, including the opportunity to bid on a walk-on role in a future Lamplighters production. All tickets include a champagne reception sponsored by Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards and Segura Viudas Aria following the show.

Disclaimer: No politicians were harmed in the making of this spoof. Although we thought about it�

Heather Moran Presents Rosie! A Tribute... - 11/1/2008

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

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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 Critically Acclaimed 'Disturbed' is Back for Halloween - 11/1/2008

Oracle Continues the Horrific Tradition
The Critically Acclaimed Disturbed series is Back for Halloween

This October, Oracle Productions submits their third installment of horrifying Halloween entertainment. Opening
October 10th, the warped minds of Oracle’s artistic collective are at it again with Disturbed III, a 15-minute theatre-of-horror series that is becoming a Halloween staple among Chicago thrill-seekers. Further expanding on the model of an inverted haunted house, Oracle’s intimate space requires the audience to stay stationary, while the action pops out of every unexpected corner in a twisted, confined environment. This year, Oracle unabashedly closes the gap between imagination and realism in the gallery of a brainsick artist who has turned human anatomy into a medium of gruesome, surgical sculpture.

Professional acting, complex multimedia sequences, dramatic narrative, and explicit themes set Disturbed III apart from traditional Halloween entertainment. Performances run every 30 minutes, 8PM to 11:30PM October
10-11, 16-19, 23-26, 28-11/01 at Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway. Tickets are $9. Visit www.oracletheatre.org for schedules and online ticket sales; phone and voicemail reservations are not accepted for this event.

Time Out Chicago called the original Disturbed, “crap-your-pants scary,” claiming, “…the storefront mind-fuck…makes for a wicked (Halloween) alternative.” Last year, Metromix Chicago described Disturbed II as “More Bone Chilling than any haunted spectacle.” Once again combining live action, multimedia, prosthetic make-up and special effects, Disturbed III will twist and gnarl the psyche of participants.

Series creator Brad Jayhan-Little explained, "There is a difference between startle and scare. Haunted houses just startle people. Disturbed will really scare them." In the same vein, Disturbed II, created and directed by Colby Hanik, presented a live-action styling of a gory ‘Slasher Film’ to audiences standing only five feet from the action. Inspired by the horror of Poe and the fantastical fiction of H. G. Wells, Disturbed III brings an all-new twisted plot and spectacles worthy of the Grand-Guignol that promise to leave this year’s audiences nothing less
than...DISTURBED.

WARNING: Due to explicit imagery and violent action, Disturbed III is for adults 18 and older ONLY. More specifically, it is for participants who enjoy the once-a-year thrills of a horrifying haunted house. Performances
run every 30 minutes, 8PM to 11:30PM October 10-11, 16-19, 22-26, 28-11/01 at Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway. Tickets are $9. Visit www.oracletheatre.org for schedules and online ticket sales; phone and
voicemail reservations are not accepted for this event. Press are invited to all performances.

Happy Halloween...

The Chicago Premiere of 'Margaret Garner' Novemeber 1st - 11/1/2008

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS

THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF MARGARET GARNER IN NOVEMBER 2008

Librettist Toni Morrison and Grammy Award-Winning Composer Richard Danielpour’s

Acclaimed New Opera to Star World-Renowned Mezzo-Sopranos Denyce Graves (Nov. 1 and 2) and Tracie Luck (Nov. 6, 8 and 9), Under the Direction of Broadway Sensation Kenny Leon

Production Marks the Return of Grand Opera to the Stage of the Auditorium Theatre

For the First Time in More Than 65 Years

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, in association with Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT), presents the Chicago premiere of Margaret Garner, a new American opera based on one of the most significant and controversial fugitive slave stories in pre-Civil War America. The opera will be directed by Kenny Leon, whose recent Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning A Raisin in the Sun; Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. Margaret Garner features music by Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour and a libretto by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, a novelist noted for her poetically charged and richly expressive depictions of the African American experience. Internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, particularly well-known to operatic audiences throughout the world for her portrayals of the title roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila, and for whom Margaret Garner was written, will bring her critically hailed performance to the stage of the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Nov. 1 and 2. Celebrated mezzo-soprano Tracie Luck, who sang Margaret Garner with the New York City Opera, will sing the title role at the Nov. 6, 8 and 9 Chicago performances. Tickets are now on sale.

Additional casting for lead roles in the Margaret Garner Chicago debut include baritones Gregg Baker (Nov. 1, 2 and 8) and Chicagoan Patrick Blackwell (Nov. 6 and 9) as Robert Garner; baritones James Westman (Nov. 1, 2 and 8) and Timothy Mix (Nov. 6 and 9) as Edward Gaines; soprano Kristine Biller Mattson as Caroline Gaines (Nov. 1 – 9); soprano Karen Slack as Cilla (select dates); tenor Jason Collins as Casey (Nov. 1 – 9); tenor Ryan MacPherson as George Hancock (Nov. 1 – 9); and tenor Torrance Blaisdell as the auctioneer (Nov. 1 – 9). Auditions were held in Chicago last September for select roles. In addition to Patrick Blackwell, bass-baritone Aaron Stegemöller was cast in the role of the third judge at the Chicago auditions.

The Chicago performances feature more than 150 artists, including soloists, two choruses and the Chicago Sinfonietta under the musical direction of Stefan Lano. The Chicago premiere of Margaret Garner marks the first time since 1941 that an opera of this scale has been presented on the stage of the Auditorium Theatre. The piece was originally commissioned by MOT, Cincinnati Opera and Opera Company of Philadelphia for its 2005 debut.

The opera tells the compelling story of Margaret Garner’s quest for freedom. Fleeing Kentucky’s Maplewood Plantation in 1856 to Ohio, Margaret Garner made the horrific decision to sacrifice her own children when capture was at hand, rather than see them returned to the bonds of slavery. The opera richly speaks to audiences on a human level and as a vivid portrait of one of the most difficult periods in American history.

“Margaret Garner is a beautiful and heartrending work, and we are certain that the opera will resonate with Chicago audiences in many powerful ways,” said Brett Batterson, executive director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. “Although the Auditorium Theatre has been host to the finest artists in the world since its opening, and has produced a number of concerts and special events, we have not undertaken any project this ambitious for decades. Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan designed the Auditorium Theatre for music and opera, and its acoustics are world renowned. We take tremendous pride in casting an immensely talented group of singers and actors for the Chicago premiere of an opera of such high artistic, educational and historic importance.”

“More than anything else, Margaret Garner is an opera that reminds us that we all belong to the same human family, and it demonstrates what can happen when we forget this fundamental truth,” said Richard Danielpour. “While slavery has been outlawed in the United States since 1865, its lingering effects have proven that issues concerning race, class, and the true meaning of freedom are in no way resolved in our country. Visiting Washington, D.C., today, one can see memorials to heroes from every war and cause, but there is not one memorial to the people who suffered under the institution of slavery. It is my hope that Margaret Garner will both memorialize and remind us of what we as a society are so easily inclined to forget.”

A Brief History of Margaret Garner

Margaret Garner is based on the true story of one of the most significant and controversial cases of all antebellum fugitive slave stories. Margaret Garner’s love for her husband and children fueled her ongoing fight for survival as she endured unimaginable abuse and hardship. In 1856, Garner and her husband fled with their children to Ohio in an attempt to escape their lives as slaves at Kentucky’s Maplewood Farm. Facing recapture, Garner made the chilling decision to attempt to kill herself and her two children, rather than see them return to the bonds of slavery. As her husband was dragged from their hiding place, Garner succeeded in killing her two-year-old daughter before being overpowered by a party of U.S. marshals. Margaret Garner’s trial became the longest fugitive slave case of this era. An intense national debate – over whether Garner should be tried for “destruction of property” or murder – directly and blatantly addressed critical questions that fueled the Civil War.

Performance Schedule

Margaret Garner will be presented November 1 – 9. The performance schedule is as follows:

Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m.*

Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m.* – Gala performance (no price level I available for this performance)

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.**

Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.**

Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.**

* featuring Denyce Graves

** featuring Tracie Luck

Friday, Oct. 31. at 11 a.m.: Full 3-hour dress rehearsal open to student groups, elementary through college/university ($10 seats; groups of 10 or more; performance recommended for 8^th grade and up, due to mature content).

Ticket Information

Tickets are now on sale. Single ticket prices are $150 / $120 / $85 / $55 / $40. For tickets, visit the Auditorium Theatre box office at 50 E. Congress Parkway; call Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500; or log on to ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit margaretgarnerchicago.org or auditoriumtheatre.org.

Discounted Margaret Garner tickets are currently available for groups of 10 or more, including student groups for the Oct. 31 dress rehearsal. For more information on group sales, call Beth Bullock at (312) 431-2357 or e-mail bbullock@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Margaret Garner tickets are currently available as part of two Auditorium Theatre 2008-2009 subscription series. The American Series includes Margaret Garner, Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Arts Appreciation Series includes The Kirov Ballet & Orchestra performing Giselle, Margaret Garner, Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, Batsheva Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Nederlands Dans Theater I. Subscribers receive discounted tickets, priority seating, invitations to special events, prepaid discounted parking and other benefits. For more information on subscriptions, call Beth Bullock at (312) 431-2357 or e-mail bbullock@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Tickets, tables and sponsorships are currently available for the Margaret Garner Gala on Sunday, Nov. 2. The Margaret Garner Gala package includes tickets to the performance at 3 p.m; a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m.; a gala dinner at 7:15 p.m. at The Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe); and entertainment at 8:45 p.m. Individual gala tickets are $500 / $750. Tables of 10 are $5,000 / $7,500 / $10,000. Gala sponsorships are available for $25,000. For more information, call (312) 922-2110 ext. 368 or e-mail amartinez@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Sponsors and Supporters

This enormous undertaking has met with significant leadership support from the Chicago community. The lead corporate sponsor of Margaret Garner is The Boeing Company and the lead individual sponsors are Bob and Marjilee Blackwell. The Chicago Community Trust is the lead foundation sponsor and the Louise H. Landau Foundation is the lead civic engagement partner. Kraft Foods, Inc. is the lead education sponsor and United Airlines is the official and exclusive airline of the Auditorium Theatre. The Palmer House Hilton is the official hotel partner. Margaret Garner Project co-chairs are James and Mary Bell, Bob and Marjilee Blackwell, Gail Waller and Tim Schwertfeger. Margaret Garner Gala co-chairs are Sandra and Timothy Rand and Andrea and William Zopp. The Margaret Garner Gala sponsor is Exelon Corporation. Additional corporate and foundation support is being provided by Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Best Portion Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, Sage Foundation, The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, Merrill Lynch and The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs - City Arts Program Grant.

Community Collaborators

The historical, legal and moral issues explored in Margaret Garner lend themselves to a broad spectrum of related activities. Community collaborators include the following organizations: Roosevelt University; Chicago Public Schools Office of Fine Arts; Chicago Foundation for Women; The Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms; The Chicago Urban League; Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media; Columbia College Chicago; DuSable Museum of African American History; Facing History and Ourselves; The HistoryMakers; Ravinia Festival Association; WTTW 11 – 98.7 WFMT; in addition to the Chicago Sinfonietta and Michigan Opera Theatre.

The Margaret Garner project manager is Gail Kalver, former executive director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Additional information is available at margaretgarnerchicago.org.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural and community programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 922-2110 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org, now featuring Chicago’s Landmark Stage, a comprehensive online history of the Auditorium from 1889 through today, made possible by the generous support of the American Express Performing Arts Fund.

TimeLine Theatre Company presents A House With No Walls! - 11/1/2008

TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF A HOUSE WITH NO WALLS
BY THOMAS GIBBONS, OCTOBER 29 - DECEMBER 21

TimeLine Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of A House With No Walls by Thomas Gibbons. The play, directed by Louis Contey, runs November 1 through December 21, 2008 (previews October 29 through October 31) at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. Press Opening performances are Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit timelinetheatre.com or call 773.281.TIME (8463).

Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington’s home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American identity and legacy. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington’s slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about race in America, both where we’ve been and where we go next.

A House With No Walls is the third drama in Gibbons’ “race trilogy,” which also includes the plays Bee-luther-hatchee and Permanent Collection, both of which premiered in Chicago at Northlight Theatre. Inspired by the true story of a controversy that arose in Philadelphia in 2002 during the construction of the city’s new Liberty Bell Center, the play had its world premiere in January 2007 at Philadelphia’s InterAct Theatre and went on to be performed around the United States as part of the National New Play Network.

“This is a provocative and innovative play that addresses not only race relations in this country, but also the challenges that come from trying to even discuss race relations,” said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers. “Honestly, it’s not a conversation we’ve had enough at TimeLine, and we’re very much looking forward to engaging in that dialogue with this production.”

The cast of A House With No Walls features Barbara LW Myers (Cadence), Steve O’Connell (Allen), Mark Richard (Gardner, Park Ranger, George Washington), Leslie Ann Sheppard (Oney), Eric Sherman-Christ (Austin, Jacob) and A.C. Smith (Salif).

Performance Schedule/Events

Preview performances are Wednesday, October 29 through Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m. A House With No Walls opens on Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m. and then runs Wednesdays (12/3, 12/10 and 12/17 only) and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. (also 4 p.m. on November 28), Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Sunday, December 21, 2008. There will be no performance on Thanksgiving Day. The running time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, including one intermission.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS: Free post-show discussions led by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the production dramaturg and members of the cast on Thursdays, November 6, 13 and 20; Sundays, November 23 and 30; and Wednesday, December 3.

SUNDAY SCHOLARS SERIES: A free hour-long post-show panel discussion with experts on the themes and issues of the play on Sunday, November 16.

DISCUSSION WITH TIMELINE COMPANY MEMBERS: Free post-show discussion with TimeLine Company members on Sunday, December 7.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are $25 (Wednesday – Friday) or $35 (Saturday & Sunday). Preview tickets are $15. Student discount is $10 off the regular ticket price with valid ID. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are available. Advance purchase is recommended as performances may sell out. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 773.281.TIME (8463) or visit timelinetheatre.com.

Audience Resources

Dramaturgical lobby displays, a production Study Guide and other information will be made available at timelinetheatre.com. A streaming video preview will be available at StageChannel.com.

Sponsors

TimeLine’s 2008-09 season is sponsored in part by the McCormick Foundation.

Location/Transportation/Parking/Accessibility

TimeLine Theatre is located at 615 W. Wellington Ave., inside the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ building, near the corner of Wellington and Broadway in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. CTA El stops at Diversey (Brown/Purple lines) and Belmont (Red/Brown/Purple lines) are nearby. CTA busses #36-Broadway, #76-Diversey, #77-Belmont, #22-Clark and #8-Halsted stop nearby. There is limited street parking, but several paid parking facilities are located nearby. Visit timelinetheatre.com for complete directions and parking information. There are two flights of stairs totaling 18 steps between the street and the theater space, with no elevator.

Production Staff

The production staff for A House With No Walls includes Collette Pollard (Scenic Design), Alex Wren Meadows (Costume Design), Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Design), Andrew Hansen (Sound Design & Original Music), Mike Tutaj (Projections Design), Ann Meilahn (Properties Design), Aaron Carter (Dramaturg), Jo Ann Flores (Stage Manager), Kristopher McDowell (Production Manager), James Ogden (Technical Director), Mac Vaughey (Master Electrician), Lucinda Alipio (Assistant Director), Patrick Fries (Assistant Stage Manager), Kristin Eaves (Wardrobe Supervisor), Robert Coleman (Graphic Designer), James Keister (Lobby Display Designer), Lara Goetsch (Director of Marketing and Communications), PJ Powers (Artistic Director) and Elizabeth K. Auman (Managing Director).

Biographies

Thomas Gibbons (Playwright) is playwright-in-residence at InterAct Theatre in Philadelphia, which has produced six of his plays: Pretending to America, 6221: Prophecy and Tragedy, Axis Sally, Black Russian, Bee-luther-hatchee and Permanent Collection. His plays have been seen at the National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, off-off-Broadway at Blue Heron Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Actors Express, Florida Stage, Unicorn Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage and others. Gibbons is the recipient of six playwriting fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a Roger L. Stevens Award from the Fund for New American Plays, a Barrie and Bernice Stavis Playwriting Award, two Barrymore Awards for outstanding new play, and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts.

Louis Contey (Director) is an Associate Artist at TimeLine. He received a Joseph Jefferson Citation for Outstanding Direction of Awake and Sing! and a Jeff Citation nomination for It’s All True, both at TimeLine. Other TimeLine productions include Trumbo, Paradise Lost, The General from America, Pravda and Copenhagen. He has directed more than 60 plays, among them Requiem for a Heavyweight, A View from the Bridge, A Streetcar Named Desire, All My Sons, Rocket to the Moon, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Judgment at Nuremberg, Meet John Doe, Boys Next Door and Marriage Play. He is an 11-time Joseph Jefferson nominee and has received seven Joseph Jefferson Citations. He has worked at The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Theatre at the Center, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Shattered Globe Theatre, Provision Theatre, Eclipse Theatre and American Theater Company, among others. He received his M.F.A. in directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University, where he is currently an adjunct instructor.

About TimeLine Theatre Company

TimeLine was founded in April 1997 by six graduates of The Theatre School at DePaul University. The company’s mission is to present stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.

TimeLine’s first 11 seasons featured 35 productions, including five world premieres and eight Chicago premieres. Praised as “a must-see company” (Chicago Sun-Times) and a “fast-rising Chicago company” (The New York Times) and recipient of the 2006 Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence, TimeLine has received 37 Non-Equity Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production six of the past eight seasons: Not About Nightingales (2001); The Crucible (2002), Awake and Sing! (2003), Hannah and Martin (2004), This Happy Breed (2005) and Fiorello! (2007). TimeLine’s 2008-09 season is presented under contract with Actors Equity Association.

The rest of TimeLine’s 2008-09 season will include:

The world premiere of NOT ENOUGH AIR, by Masha Obolensky, directed by Nick Bowling, January 24 – March 22, 2009 (previews 1/21 – 1/23)
The Chicago premiere of THE HISTORY BOYS, by Alan Bennett, directed by Nick Bowling, April 25 – June 21, 2009 (previews 4/22 – 4/24)

Company members are Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, David Parkes, Maureen Powers, PJ Powers and Benjamin Thiem. TimeLine is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, Theatre Communications Group and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.

Passage Theater Annouces New Season - 11/1/2008

Passage Theatre Artistic Director June Ballinger has announced the 2008-2009 season, which will include the world premieres of Amber Kain's darkly comic thriller The Summer House, and Caridad Svich's Instructions for Breathing; as well as the 7th Annual Solo Flights Festival: Passage's popular festival of one-person shows, music and dance. Passage is in residence at the historic Mill Hill Playhouse, located at 205 E. Front Street in Trenton.

The season opens with The Summer House by Amber Kain, directed by Jade King Carroll, October 30 through November 23 (Press Opening November 1). This darkly comic thriller serves an excess of love on the rocks - with a new twist. Kennedy Sommer, of the wealthy, cultured and inscrutable Manhattan Sommer family, pursues a rushed marriage to a charming stranger she met online. Oddly, she invites her parents to join her and her new husband on their honeymoon at the family summer house in the Catskill Mountains, and when Kennedy's husband goes missing, the climate turns explosive.

Solo Flights Festival: Passage's popular festival of one-person shows, music and dance, returns for its 7th season March 5 through March 29. Featured artists will include The Daily Show's Lauren Weedman in Bust; Michèle LaRue will perform the haunting Victorian tale The Yellow Wallpaper; Carlyle Brown recounts his own journey of self-awareness and identity during his trip to Africa in The Fula from America: An African Journey; and Miche Braden, the star of Passage's hit show The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith returns - this time as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.

In spring 2009, Caridad Svich's Instructions for Breathing, will have its world premiere, directed by Daniella Topol, April 30 through May 24. In a world of hurry, what's the cost of playing? Jon and Sara return home one night to find that their child, Sonya, has mysteriously vanished through a casual act of neglect. Her disappearance turns her parents - and the community - upside down with regrets, judgments, and gossip; but also galvanizes them to take responsibility for their own fate in today's global and frenetic society. This lyrical, dreamlike drama exposes tragedy in the modern world - personal, private and public - in a fiercely witty look at love, lies and the language we use to disguise our hearts.

For over 20 years, Passage Theatre has developed and showcased new work by emerging and established playwrights. "Our artistic mission is to produce original works that tests the limits of conventional theater and still speak to a richly diverse audience," said Passage Artistic Director June Ballinger. As a key participant in the revitalization of urban Trenton, Passage presents outstanding plays that celebrate experiences common to all and transcend culture and race.

Performances take place in the historic Mill Hill Playhouse, an intimate 115-seat theater in the heart of downtown Trenton adjacent to the beautiful Mill Hill district (Front and Montgomery Streets). Free secure parking is available on S. Montgomery St., Ernie Kovacs St., E. Front St. and in the Artworks parking lot.

For tickets, membership or directions, please call (609) 392-0766 or visit online at www.passagetheatre.org.

Tickets can be purchased at the Passage Theatre Office: 219 East Hanover Street in Trenton, Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm -5:30 pm or at the box office, one hour before each performance at the Mill Hill Playhouse, Front and Montgomery Streets, Trenton.

Accessibility

Passage Theatre is committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to the joy of the performing arts. Passage is dedicated to being a leader in the education and assistance of all organizations, working towards making our programs and services accessible to people with disabilities. To learn more, please contact Passage at (609) 392-0766.

Passage Theatre Company is a member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, ArtPride New Jersey, Theatre Communications Group, MTAACC (Metropolitan Trenton African-American Chamber of Commerce, GMCCC (Greater Mercer County Chamber of Commerce), and the newly formed Arts and Business Council of Greater Trenton.

Passage's mainstage season is made possible by: New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; The Times of Trenton; Trenton Marriott at Lafayette Yard; Bank of America; Capital City Redevelopment Corporation; City of Trenton Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture; WIMG 1300; New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission; Wachovia; Curtis McGraw Foundation; and, RK Mellon Foundation.

Theatre Royal Bath and A.C.T Team Up for World Premiere of 'My Life' - 11/1/2008

In a co-commission with Theatre Royal Bath, ten talented young actors from communities throughout the Bay Area come together for the world premiere of My Life in the Silents by acclaimed playwright Timothy Mason (Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical on Broadway). Designed and directed by A.C.T. Young Conservatory Director Craig Slaight, My Life in the Silents continues the unique international artistic exchange between students from the United States and England. In this playful new comedy set in Hollywood’s silent film era, a precocious teenager flees small-town Minnesota to chase her dream of becoming a movie star in Los Angeles—but discovers the road to fame isn’t exactly paved with gold. My Life in the Silents is packed with fresh theatricality, silent film antics, vaudevillian flavor, and a cast of sparkling characters—including real-life celebrity gossip columnist Louella Parsons—all played by members of A.C.T.’s renowned Young Conservatory. My Life in the Silents plays November 1–8 at Zeum Theater, located at Yerba Buena Gardens (Fourth and Howard streets). Tickets are $15.50–$20.50 and are available by calling A.C.T. Ticket Services at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org.

This much-awaited fifth and final installment completes Mason’s celebrated Young American Cycle, A.C.T.’s commissioned series of plays exploring the lives of young people during important times in American history. “By focusing on times of change in our history that have shaped youth culture, Timothy creates plays that transcend the ‘children’s theater’ label,” says Slaight, who has had a 20-year artistic relationship with Mason. “Timothy looks at the young characters in the play with incredible humor and empathy, as they strive to find who they are, fueled by the need to get up and get out and to surpass their roots. And I know our talented actors who are growing up in an idolized celebrity culture will be able to bring their own spin on the age-old ambition to make a mark in the world.”

“Our ongoing collaboration with the A.C.T.’s incredible Young Conservatory is unique and the pinnacle of our work at the Theatre Royal Bath,” says Lee Lyford, artistic director of the Young People’s Theatre at Theatre Royal Bath, who will be directing the play later this year in England featuring Young People’s Theatre members as part of the artistic partnership. “It has enabled us to work with the highest caliber of artists to produce outstanding work for and by young people, and My Life in the Silents is no exception.”

Since 1999, A.C.T.’s Young Conservatory has nurtured uniquely successful international programs, working with organizations including London’s Royal National Theatre, Zurich’s Hochschule für Musik und Theater, and Theatre Royal Bath. The programs, which have facilitated international exchange programs and new play development, have resulted in commissions or co-commissions of new works from world-renowned playwrights including Constance Congdon and Mark Ravenhill. My Life in the Silents represents the Young Conservatory’s fourth co-commission with Theatre Royal Bath. In preparation for this production, Young Conservatory actors hosted students from England this past summer to workshop the play with Mason himself, fostering an intimate relationship among the author, the Young Conservatory ensemble, and this production. The artistic collaboration from the two companies will continue in the summer of 2009, when the Young People’s Theatre students host their A.C.T. Young Conservatory counterparts in England in preparation for a world premiere play by up-and-coming Irish writer Ursula Rani Sarma.

A talented group of young Bay Area actors makes up the cast of My Life in the Silents, including Rachel Cunningham (Saint Ignatius College Preparatory), Hannah Gorman (Urban School of San Francisco), Haley Leitman (Bentley School), Kate Fox Marcom (recent graduate), Natasha Morris (San Francisco School of the Arts), Amy Munz (International High School), Katie Rich (Miramonte High School), Zack Scott (recent graduate), Ryan Semmelmayer (Foothill High School), and Forrest Tiffany (Saint Francis High School).

My Life in the Silents is Timothy Mason’s fifth play for A.C.T.’s Young Conservatory and part of his two-decade-long collaboration with Slaight (Ascension Day, The Less Than Human Club, Time on Fire, Mullen’s Alley). Mason’s other plays have been produced by Circle Repertory Company in New York (where he was a company playwright), Actors Theatre of Louisville, South Coast Repertory, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Victory Gardens, Portland Stage Company, the Jungle Theater, and the Guthrie Theater Lab. A host of wonderful actors have created roles in his plays, including Julie Harris, Mary-Louise Parker, and Timothy Hutton. Mason has written many plays and musicals for young audiences, for the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis and the Seattle Children’s Theatre. His musical, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (with composer Mel Marvin), is the annual holiday production of San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre and in October 2006 opened on Broadway. Mason is nearing the completion of his first novel, a fantasy-adventure for older kids called The Last Synapsid.

The A.C.T. Young Conservatory offers a broad range of theater training for young people aged 8 to 19. The ten sessions and four public productions offered throughout the year are designed to develop talent and creativity, as well as communication and cooperation skills, for young people with all levels of theater background. Working professional actors and directors lead students in a spectrum of classes, including acting, directing, voice and speech, musical theater, audition, and improvisation. Call 415.439.2444 or visit act-sf.org/conservatory for applications and information.

A.C.T.’s stage at Zeum Theater is dedicated to the development of new works, new forms, and new artists. A.C.T.@Zeum was launched in October 2001 with the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program’s world-premiere staging of Marc Blitzstein’s No for an Answer, directed by A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff. Zeum Theater is the current home of the Young Conservatory New Plays Program and gives A.C.T. an additional stage for readings, workshops, rehearsals, and other aspects of new play and production development.

My Life in the Silents is made possible by a generous grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation with additional support provided by the Crescent Porter Hale Foundation and the David B. Gold Foundation.

'A Brush With Georgia O'Keeffe' to Play at Smithsonian on 11/1 - 11/1/2008

"A Brush With Georgia O'Keeffe," a new play by Natalie Mosco, which recently concluded a successful off-Broadway run in New York, will play a special performance at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC on Saturday, November 1 at 3:00 PM. Natalie Mosco stars as famed painter Georgia O'Keeffe. There will be a meet and greet with the performers after the show.

This one-time only event will be presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities." This exhibition, which runs through January 4, 2009, is the first to pair these artists, celebrating their mutual appreciation of the natural world and revealing the visual connections between O'Keeffe's paintings and Adams' photographs. Forty-two of O'Keeffe's paintings are featured.

Originally directed by Broadway veteran Robert Kalfin with Scenic Design by Kevin Judge, Costume Design by Gail Cooper Hecht, Lighting Design by Paul Hudson, Projections Design by Marilys Ernst and Original Composition and Sound Design by Margaret Pine, the play also features Virginia Roncetti and David Lloyd Walters in multiple roles.

Mosco's play follows the remarkable life of the celebrated American painter Georgia O'Keeffe. O'Keeffe, who was once torn between a career as an artist or musician, seemed to strike a balance between the two by infusing her painting with what she termed "visual music." As Alfred Stieglitz's model, muse and lover, she became the widely known subject for a long series of photographs that were part of his artistic legacy. But it was only after Stieglitz's death that O'Keeffe was finally free to immerse herself in nature once again, the source that had truly defined her paintings and offered her 98 year old life its greatest meaning.

Natalie Mosco has been a performer, writer, choreographer, director and teacher on three continents. She played leading roles on Broadway (The Magic Show), in London (Grand Hotel) and was a member of the original Broadway production of HAIR. She recently appeared in the Paper Mill Playhouse's acclaimed revival of Follies. As a performer living in Australia, she became a well-known personality on television as well as on stage and is a founding member of Shakespeare Globe (Sydney) where she played Cleopatra in Antony & Cleopatra. Her own artwork has been exhibited at MOMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has just completed her Doctorate for the University of Western Sydney.

Tickets for the special performance of "A Brush With Georgia O'Keeffe" are $25 general admission; $20 for members and can be ordered by calling (202) 633-8490.

RICKY JAY Performs at San Francisco JCC on 11/1 - 11/1/2008

The Friend Center for the Arts presents An Evening with Ricky Jay on Saturday, November 1 at 8pm at Kanbar Hall, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF). This performance, part of the ACRACADABRA series, kicks of the JCCSF's 2008-2009 season. Tickets are $70-$76 and recommended for mature audiences.

Ricky Jay is a world-renowned sleight-of-hand master and magician, and source on the subject for the Encyclopedia Britannica, He is also known for his stage and screen work with David Mamet and his acting roles in hits like HBO's Deadwood. His appearance in Kanbar Hall is a Bay Area exclusive.

ABRACADARBRA SERIES

For the 2008-09 Season, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) has conjured up an enchanting new fall series exposing the origins of magic, mysticism and the paranormal, headlined by the one and only Ricky Jay. 'Abracadabra' will feature , artists, writers, and performers, and focus on serious superstitions, friendly monsters, enduring spirituality, tradition and more.

The series runs from October through December, when the Katz Snyder Gallery on the second floor on the JCCSF will host an exhibit curated by Marcia Reines Josephy. "Magic and Superstition in the Jewish tradition," features some 50 items both old and new from all over the world, including amulets, rites of transition, new rituals, Hamsa, the Evil Eye, and zodiac/kabbalah. Objects range in age from the 1800s to today, and reflect the continuity and diversity of the Jewish experience.

Events and Performances:

Jewish Adventures with the Paranormal with Eddy Portnoy Thursday, 10/16, 8 pm Scholar Eddy Portnoy of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America takes a romp through the little known history of Jewish psychics, pseudo scientists and seers of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Tickets are $10 and $12.

Magician Jay Alexander Sunday, 10/19 at 2 pm: This family event with astounding magician and comedian Jay Alexander will be an afternoon of high-energy, intelligent entertainment. His fans include Robin Williams and the Rolling Stones, among many others! Suitable for ages 8 and up. Tkts: $15 - $20

The Besht: Teacher Shaman, Magician: A Brunch Seminar Sunday, 10/26 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Moshe Idel of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem talks about the origins of the Hasidic movement and its mystical founder, the Ba'al Shem Tov, who lived much of his life as a miracle worker. Tickets $20 & $25 includes brunch.

Moshe Idel on Jewish Magical and Mystical Traditions Monday, 10/27 at 8 p.m. Also a prominent kabbalah scholar, Moshe Idel discusses the role of magic in Jewish mysticism, the use of amulets and incantations, and the persistence of the Jewish magical tradition in contemporary Israeli society. He will appear in conversation with Nathaniel Deutsch of UC Santa Cruz. Tkts: $10 & $12

An Evening with Isabel Allende Wednesday, 10/29 at 8 p.m. Magical realist writer Isabel Allende appears in conversation with JCCSF Director of Lectures and Literature Barbara Lane. Born in Peru and raised in Chile, Allende has become a best-selling author across four continents, with works translated into more than twenty-seven languages. Tkts: $15 - $25

An Evening with Ricky Jay Saturday, 11/1 at 8 p.m. Ricky Jay, the world renowned sleight-of-hand master/magician, and source on the subject for the Encyclopedia Britannica, is also known for his stage and screen work with David Mamet and his acting roles in hits like HBO's Deadwood. His appearance in Kanbar Hall is a Bay Area exclusive! Recommended for mature audiences only. Tkts: $70 - $76

Abracadinner Friday, 12/5 at 6:30 p.m. A special evening of magic complete with dining and laughter, as magician Manny Sperling delights and entertains with his unique brand of family-oriented fun. $35 & $40 (Children under 12: $15)

Jews and Magic Sunday, 12/7 at 2 p.m. Magician and historian Manny Sperling hosts a multi-media homage to legendary Jewish magicians ranging from Houdini and Ballantine to Copperfield and Blaine, offering both background and performance. Not recommended for small children. Tkts: $20 - $25

CLASSES:

Jews, Art & Magic
Three Monday classes 10/27 - 11/10 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Elayne Grossbard, Francesco Spagnolo and Deena Aranoff explore the relationship between Rabbinic Judaism, magic and superstition in art, music and text. $30 & $40

Monsters in the Jewish Imagination
Three Wednesday classes 10/29 - 11/12 from 6:30 -8 p.m.
Nathaniel Deutsch of UC Santa Cruz explores a Judaism made up of shadowy realms of spirits, demons and man-made monsters, and reveals why the dead like to gather in synagogues at night, how to avoid the evil eye, and how to make a golem. $30 & $40

The JCCSF is the longest-serving Jewish Community Center on the West Coast, providing educational, social, cultural and recreational programs to the entire Bay Area since 1877. Open to people of all ages, all faiths and all backgrounds, the JCCSF provides quality experiences through a mix of formal and informal activities. The JCCSF is located at 3200 California Street (at Presidio), and since its grand opening in January 2004, it has welcomed over 5,000 individuals on a daily basis.

For tickets to all events, please phone the JCCSF Box Office at 415/292-1233 or visit the website at www.jccsf.org.

Bernadette Peters to Perform Special Benefit Concert for 'Chimes' at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall - 11/1/2008

Bernadette Peters will perform a special benefit concert for Chimes, a Baltimore-based not for profit organization serving more than 2,000 people with disabilities. The concert is Saturday night, November 1st 2008 at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m.

One of Broadway's brightest stars, Peters received both the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for her critically-acclaimed performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical Song and Dance. She garnered Tony nominations for her memorable performance as Momma Rose in Sam Mendes' critically-acclaimed revival of Gypsy. "Bernadette Peters is a revelation!" Ben Brantley of The New York Times declared of her star turn in the show. Peters also received Tony nominations for her work in the 1992 musical The Goodbye Girl; Stephen Sondheim's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Sunday in the Park With George; the Jerry Herman/Gower Champion ode to the movies, Mack and Mabel; and the Leonard Bernstein/Comden and Green musical On The Town. In addition to these honors, Peters earned a Drama Desk nomination for her memorable portrayal of the Witch in Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in the 2007-2008 season, the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall has been the home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since its opening on September 16, 1982. Among the most recognizable structures in Baltimore, the unique, circular building instantly became the artistic and cultural hub of Baltimore, serving as a world-class performance space for the BSO. Named for the late Baltimore philanthropist and former BSO president, Joseph Meyerhoff, the 2,443-seat hall has been hailed for its pristine acoustics and versatility. As one of the city’s premier cultural venues, the Meyerhoff has played host to international classical stars such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell and pianist Emanuel Ax, and popular performers including singer-songwriter Harry Connick, Jr., bluegrass singer Allison Krauss and comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

For more information about CHIMES and to purchase tickets please visit www.chimes.org

Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

American Opera Projects Presents Workshop of Schwartz's 'S�ance' in November - 11/1/2008

American Opera Projects, the Brooklyn-based company "known for bringing cutting-edge vocal productions to the masses" (New York Magazine), presents the final New York workshop of Stephen Schwartz's new opera Séance on a Wet Afternoon at the end of November in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Manhattan performance (The Angel Orensanz Center, 172 Norfolk St.) will be at 8:00pm on Friday, November 21, 2008. The Brooklyn performance (South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY) will be held at 8:00PM on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Tickets to each performance are $50. AOP will honor Mr. Schwartz and the company's own 20-year history with post-show receptions available to the public with an additional donation.

The two-act opera will be performed by singers Lauren Flanigan, Hila Plitman, Caroline Worra, Jessica Miller, Ory Brown, Michael Zegarski, Daniel Hoy, Madeline Marquis, John Kimberling, and Maeve Hoglund accompanied by Charity Wicks and Chris Cooley, pianists. Valéry Ryvkin will be the Music Director for both performances.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon is the first opera by noted Broadway and film composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked", "Godspell", "Enchanted", etc.). Based on the novel by Mark McShane and the award-winning screen adaptation by Bryan Forbes, Séance is a psychological thriller about a medium, Myra Foster, who conspires with her husband to gain fame and fortune by kidnapping a girl and then "finding" her through her séances.

After each performance, audience members who make an additional donation of $100 dollars will be given the opportunity to attend a reception with the composer and cast of Séance on a Wet Afternoon. The reception will be held in honor of AOP's 20th anniversary of developing and presenting new opera and Mr. Schwartz's contribution to contemporary theatre music.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon receives its final New York Workshop by American Opera Projects on November 21 and 22 as part of the company's First Chance series. First Chance is a seasonal program that allows composers and librettists to hear their work in part or in full for the first time before an audience, with live singers and accompaniment. AOP produced a concert workshop of Act One of the two-act opera in January 2008 at South Oxford Space, Brooklyn and The Rose Studio at Lincoln Center. The opera will have its premiere in 2009 at Opera Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA.

Tickets and more information about Séance on a Wet Afternoon are available at the American Opera Projects website, www.operaprojects.org.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Stephen Schwartz, composer/librettist

Stephen Schwartz Stephen Schwartz was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. His first major credit was the title song for the play Butterflies are Free; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.

In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for Godspell, for which he won several awards including two Grammys. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein's Mass, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for Pippin and two years later, The Magic Show. At one point, Godspell, Pippin, and The Magic Show were all running on Broadway simultaneously.

Other works as a composer and/or librettist include The Baker's Wife, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel's Working, Captain Louie, Personals, Rags, Children of Eden. Film works include the Disney animated features Pocahontas, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He also provided songs for DreamWorks' first animated feature, The Prince of Egypt, for which he won another Academy Award for the song "When You Believe".

Mr. Schwartz's most recent musical, Wicked, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway.

Valéry Ryvkin, Music Director
In little more than half a decade, conductor Valery Ryvkin has proven himself an Artistic Director on the move, aligning the creative talents of artistic planning, and superb music-making alongside an extraordinary insight into administration, fundraising, and incorporation of an arts institution into the fabric of the community. In other words, Ryvkin has become the Maestro for the next generation! Since becoming Artistic Director of Opera Santa Barbara six years ago, Maestro Ryvkin has moved the company from a classy 'mom and pop' effort to a respected and highly cultivated institution with a budget of $1,200.000 - while also bringing to the company the concept of a Festival Season: a Puccini Festival in 2006 and a Verdi Festival in 2007. His organizational impact was equally felt as the new Artistic Director of the Greensboro Opera, when, during his first season in 2005-06, he was personally instrumental in bringing the company it's very first $1,000,000 donation - a hallmark in the company's 25 year history. Given today's financial environment, an achievement of envious proportions! As a result of his creative leadership, Opera Santa Barbara recently was able to make the extraordinary announcement that composer Stephen Schwartz of Broadway fame - Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, Pochahontas, Prince of Egypt - has been commissioned to write his very first opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, for the company, to be conducted by Maestro Ryvkin in a world premiere in the Fall 2009.

American Opera Projects (AOP), producer
American Opera Projects (AOP) is a driving force behind the revitalization of contemporary opera and music theater in the United States through its exclusive devotion to creating, developing and present new American Opera and music theatre projects. AOP's mission is to champion innovative works of music theater, to expand the art form, and to identify, develop and present new works by emerging and established talent. AOP productions have appeared at the Royal Opera House, London, the Lincoln Center Festival, Skirball Center at NYU, the Guggenheim Museum, Symphony Space, the Annenberg Center in Philadelphia, Berlin's Stükke Theater and Max Kade Auditorium, Aleksander Fredro Teatr in Poland, the Ensemble Theater am Petersplatz in Vienna, TADA! Children's theater, The Center for Jewish History, the Daryl Roth 2 Theatre, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and at many out-of-doors performances sponsored by the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation. AOP won a 2006 Encore Award from the Arts & Business Council of NY for its innovative work and is a member of OPERA America.

AWESOME 80's PROM to Take Place at Webster Hall 11/1 - 11/1/2008

What do Friday the 13th, Children of the Corn, and Nightmare on Elm Street all have in common? They're all ‘80s movies! And now is your chance to celebrate those awesome ‘80s horror flicks with a special AWESOME 80S HALLOWEEN PROM on Saturday November 1st at Webster Hall!
This special Prom will include an awesome COSTUME CONTEST with CASH prizes, a new ‘80s soundtrack with a Halloween theme, a "Thriller" of a performance by our special guest star, and more! DRESS UP AND WIN $$$, CONCERT TICKETS & MORE!

Dress up like "Jason" or "Chucky" or anyone you'd like and you could win one of the following awesome prizes:

GRAND PRIZE
$500 CASH!!!
TWO Tickets to see NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK in concert at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in ATLANTIC CITY! And - An Awesome 80s Prom T-Shirt!

1st PRIZE
TWO Tickets to see NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK in concert at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in ATLANTIC CITY! And - An Awesome 80s Prom Tee-Shirt!

2nd PRIZE
Lunch for Two at Murphy & Gonzales Pub and Cocina! And - An Awesome 80s Prom T-Shirt!

And in the spirit of voting for Prom King & Queen, we're going to let the audience decide the winners of the contest, too!!

THE AWESOME 80S PROM is the award-winning new interactive experience in the style of Tony n’ Tina's Wedding and The Donkey Show set at the Wanaget High’s Senior Prom… in 1989! All your favorite characters from your favorite '80s movies are at THE PROM, from the Captain of the Football Team to the Asian Exchange Student, from the Geek to the hottie Head Cheerleader, and they’re all competing for Prom King and Queen. And just like on "American Idol," the audience decides who wins, all while moonwalkin’ to great retro hits like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go!” Come "Back in Time,” to quote a Huey Lewis tune, and join the break-dance circle or just sit back and watch the '80s drama unfold.

THE AWESOME 80S PROM was conceived and directed by Ken Davenport and written by Davenport and “The Class of 1989”, a group of performers including Sheila Berezan, Alex Back, Adam Bloom, Anne Bobby, Courtney Balan, Nicole Cicchella, Mary Faber, Stephen Guarino, Jeff Hiller, Emily McNamara, Troy Metcalf, Jenna Pace, Amanda Ryan Paige, Brian Peterson, Jessica West Regan, Kathy Searle, Mark Shunock, Josh Walden, Noah Weisberg, BranDon Williams, Simon Wong and Fletcher Young.

Davenport, “The PT Barnum of Off-Broadway” (NY Times), was recently named one of Crain’s “40 Under 40” and is the only producer to have three shows running simultaneously Off-Broadway: in addition to Prom, he also has Altar Boyz (www.altarboyz.com and My First Time (www.MyFirstTimeThePlay.com). Ken is also the Producer of the new Broadway musical 13 and the 20th Anniversary revival of David Mamet’s Speed-The-Plow starring Jeremy Piven, and was recently featured in an iPhone commercial. Ken is currently developing a musical version of the film Somewhere in Time.

Beck and May Creators of 'Top 8' MySpace Musical To Perform at Duplex - 11/2/2008

The creators of the new musical based off of the trials and tribulations of the popular social networking site MySpace, titled "Top 8: A New Musical" will be performing selections at the Duplex (61 Christopher Street) in NYC on November 2nd and 3rd, 2008. The creators Jordan Beck and Jonathan May state the following about the project, "Once upon a time, a man named Tom started an online community called MySpace. It has since become the preeminent networking tool for musicians, comedians, filmmakers, actors, singers and people in general. All around the world, people are joining MySpace by the millions. It has become a cultural phenomenon. We've decided to musicalize it."

"The premise: Eight strangers search for their true identities using MySpace as a tool to find themselves. These eight characters, based on people you might meet on MySpace, come together on stage for a hilarious yet thought provoking night of musical comedy. They are all from different walks of life. But they seek one thing in common; Approval."

Jordan Beck (Book & Lyrics) is 23 years old. As a member of the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood, CA, he has studied under John Sparks and Scott Guy. Previously, he wrote the book and lyrics to Sequins! The Show Choir Musical with composer Gregory Nabours, as well as a musical adaptation of Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. As a lyricist, he has also collaborated with twin composers Jason and Nolan Livesay. Jordan Beck is also the artistic director of GreenRoom Stage Productions

Jonathan May (Music) is 20 years old. He began studying classical piano at age 5 with Elizabeth Beck and at 13 began studying jazz piano with UCR Jazz Piano Professor Larry Flahive. At 15 he began playing with the UCR Jazz Ensemble, directed by Bill Helms. He currently plays solo jazz piano at the Citrus City Grille in Riverside, the Citrus City Grille in Orange, and he performs with his Uncle, Benjamin May, in a piano/bass duo every week at the New York Grille in Ontario, CA. He also plays solo ragtime piano weekly at Disneyland's Refreshment Corner on Main Street. As a composer and arranger, Jonathan has had his original choral compositions and arrangements performed by various groups. This marks his first musical theatre collaboration, though he has worked with Jordan Beck on additional material before including the audition favorite "A Little Tude" and "Song of an Unborn Child", both of which can be heard on their Beck & May MySpace Profile.

For more information regarding the musical and its development please visit the MySpace.

Beck and May, Creators of 'Top 8' MySpace Musical To Perform at Duplex - 11/2/2008

For more information regarding the musical and its development please visit the MySpace page.

Actors Fund Presents Special 'In The Heights' Performance 11/02 - 11/2/2008

The Actors Fund has announced that they will present a special performance of In The Heights on Sunday November 2nd at 7PM. To purchase tickets call 212-221-7300 or email tickets@actorsfund.org

The Actors Fund is a nonprofit, nationwide human services organization providing programs that support the unique, essential needs of all who work in entertainment and the performing arts - on stage or camera and behind the scenes. The Actors Fund assists those working in theater, film, television, radio, music, dance, opera and circus. The Fund is a safety net, offering quality services for and individual attention to our community, giving all a responsive place to turn in times of need or crisis.

The Actors Fund offers a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health care services, employment and training and housing. Administered through our offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, these programs help people solve problems and make positive changes in their lives.

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.actorsfund.org

In The Heights won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Original Musical.

In The Heights began previews on Thursday, February 14, 2008, and opened Sunday, March 9, 2008, at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street). The musical stars Andréa Burns, Janet Dacal, Robin De Jesús, Carlos Gomez, Mandy Gonzalez, Christopher Jackson, Priscilla Lopez, Olga Merediz, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karen Olivo and Seth Stewart will be on hand for the CD signing. The original cast recording of In The Heights is released on Ghostlight Records.

With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, In The Heights is directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler. Alex Lacamoire is music director and music arrangements are by Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman.

On Broadway, In The Heights features a scenic design by Anna Louizos, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Acme Sound Partners.

In The Heights "is a quintessential New York musical about a vibrant and tight-knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. The music pulses with the hopes and dreams of three generations as they struggle to forge an identity in a neighborhood on the brink of transition," state press notes.

The show played a successful Off-Broadway run at 37 Arts on Sunday, July 15, 2007, having played 33 preview and 182 regular performances.

For more information, visit www.intheheightsthemusical.com.

Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Mock The Vote - 11/2/2008

Our 43nd Annual Champagne Gala & Auction

Disclaimer: No politicians were harmed in the making of this spoof. Although we thought about it�

Tommy Tune's 'Turn of the Century' - 11/2/2008

Where to begin? I have so many things to say about the world premiere production of the musical "Turn of the Century" at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, a show with more than a dash of incisive sophistication, that I hardly know how to start this review. I'll just say that it is an extraordinarily beautiful production, very enjoyable and tuneful and transporting as directed by auteur icon Tommy Tune, one of the pioneers of the "jukebox" musical with "My One and Only," twenty-five years ago. As viewed on Wednesday evening, October 1, 2008 (in a performance signed for the hearing impaired, by the way), "Turn of the Century" played assuredly and stylishly. And yet in many ways the show's potential outstrips its current payoff.

Don't get me wrong-if you attend between now and November 2nd you will have a wonderful, effervescent time. The show frequently looks amazing, and completely unlike anything else. Sets by the popular Walt Spangler, lighting by Natasha Katz and above all gorgeous costumes by Dona Granata are all really first rate. But if the creative team digs a little deeper and thinks a wee bit harder, then future productions of this closely scrutinized script and score will pay off even richer dividends-for audiences as well as for investors.

This new "jukebox" musical comedy, the idea of Marshall Brickman and now fleshed out by him and his "Jersey Boys" co-writer, Rick Elice, tells a romantic fairy tale not based on any literary or film source, but rather (similar to "Mamma Mia!") based on the songs presented in the course of the evening. And in the case of "Turn of the Century," the songs chosen represent a potpourri of the greatest American popular songs of the 20th century. Unlike "Mamma Mia!," however, the songs for the most part are not character-in-the-moment songs but are performance songs-that is, the characters know most of the time that they are singing songs.

And that is where the parallels with "Jersey Boys" are the strongest. If Brickman and Elice are interested in a second Broadway musical about songwriters and performers, about the music publishing business and how it worked in 20th century America, then they have hit on a fantastic idea. I was afraid that the time-travel framing device of their script (in short, a womanizing piano player and an unlucky singer-actress are somehow transported from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 1900 and make a living by "writing" songs not yet written) would just be an excuse, in the way that "Ain't Misbehavin'" is not really about five denizens of a 1940s supper club, but is really a period musical revue with a dramatic "feel" to it.

On the contrary. This story is really about these two characters, Billy Clark and Dixie Wilson, and how their love story unfurls over nine months and one hundred years. Billy and Dixie are portrayed here, respectively, by film and theater star Jeff Daniels and by Broadway chanteuse Rachel York, the Julia Roberts of the American musical theater. Daniels is a warm, centering presence, even if his singing is not what it could be and he appears a bit older than he seems to be portraying. York is simply magnificent, never less than stunning in appearance, and singing and acting with a beguiling air of eternal confidence and technical mastery. She is giving a performance that demands to be seen and savored. A truly remarkable star "turn."

And I am thrilled that Brickman and Elice have taken their time-travel idea seriously. There is conflict and risk and love to be won and lost amongst all the glamour gowns and Gilded Age gold and Tin Pan penny royalties. But even though this script was recently awarded a 2008 Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, I think its authors can go further.

The way that the "rip in the time fabric" happens works well enough, and the payoff of the time-travel resolution is almost as effective. But we don't see these two lost souls figuring out how to walk and talk and order a cup of coffee in the midtown Manhattan of 1900 (where do they live?). Nor do we see any lasting impact of their time travel on New York, other than the fact that some songs got written early.

The biggest missed opportunity of the night, from my perspective, is that this show blows in every way but one its opportunity-the best opportunity since "Ragtime," by the way-to help musical theater fans understand that amazing crucible of American, European and African life that produced in turn of the century New York City the type of popular music that the world loved over two world wars and for the entire life cycle of the Iron Curtain.

Young Israel Baline, who actually did turn 12 years old in 1900, appears as a significant character in this show, played alternately by Chicagoans Jonah Rawitz and Matthew Gold. This is a brilliant stroke. It doesn't matter that Izzy doesn't play the piano only in F-sharp Major (as his grown-up self, Irving Berlin, would do), that he doesn't sound particularly Jewish or Russian or Noo Yawk, etc.-none of that matters. The role as written and performed (I saw Matthew Gold in the role) is perfect.

The Baline family, unfortunately, is in only one scene toward the end (and hardly in a well-researched depiction). And where is the Kern family, or any mention of the Cohans or of Irish or German or Italian music and theater of the time and place? There is only one fleeting reference to the African-American music of the time, in a plot point related to Scott Joplin.

I longed for "Turn of the Century" to stretch its wings beyond the well-heeled upper classes of Manhattan's WASPy socialites of the time and its depiction of Tin Pan Alley (including as it does another real-life character in the music publisher Max Dreyfus, played by Broadway and Chicago veteran Ron Orbach). The greater world doesn't absorb any impact from Billy and Dixie's sudden appearance (beyond young Berlin's formation), nor does it really impact them back. I strongly urge that these aspects be brought into the script for any future productions.

As a pure love story, the script is fairly successful, though it is only at the end that I realized the dramatic arc really belongs to Billy-it is his story, not theirs equally. This aspect can easily be sharpened by bits of dialogue, making it clear that he is the one with the drive and yet the doubt, etc. And clearly the love story is where the writers are aiming-glimpsed in the Goodman lobby were t-shirts for sale with the tagline, "How far would you go to find the love of your life?" (Scoop them up now, fans.) And using Rodgers and Hart's immortal song "Where or When" as a duet to open and close the show is inspired.

We quickly meet the leading characters at a swanky, private Y2K party, where Prince's "1999" is a fun and effective first ensemble number. After a bit, the time travel miracle occurs, cued to us by the "new" partygoers's rendition of "Auld Lang Syne." Billy and Dixie figure out what is going on (a little too quickly for my taste, but realistically enough), and then realize they can make more than a good living in their new situation when they lead the cast in a rousing rendition of "Alexander's Ragtime Band," one of the very first popular songs in a recognizable 20th century idiom. (Am I the only one who wished that Jerome Kern's "They Didn't Believe Me" had been given its due here as well?)

A montage of quick success follows, which includes "Moon River" sung by Evelyn Nesbit (literally "the girl on the swing"), "As Time Goes By," "My Way" and "I Am Woman," the latter sung in a nice touch by the "Florodora Sextette." I was feeling bad for the royalties our heroes are effectively stealing from the real composers and lyricists, but eventually Dixie Wilson gave voice to my concerns. (Dixie, by the way, has something of a steel trap mind as far as lyrics go, and apparently Billy is quick with handwritten manuscript notation.)

A medley of the duo in performance as the toast of New York is based around "I Write the Songs" (believe it or not, and it works), and includes a brief reprise of "Alexander" as well as "That's Amore" and others. At this point Rachel York is wearing a dead ringer for Dolly Levi's red Harmonia Gardens dress, and why not? She is walking star wattage. However, "Turn of the Century"'s conductor, Michael Biagi, rises out of the orchestra pit on some sort of hydraulic lift from time to time, which seemed distracting to me. Pick a height, already, and stick with it!

After we meet young Izzy Baline, another superb production number takes us out of our seats, "Stepping Out With My Baby." The show's choreography, by the way, is by Broadway song and dance man Noah Racey, doing fine work and capturing the feel of a long ago time while maintaining the standards of the very much alive Mr. Tune.

A somewhat awkward dialogue scene in the Orientale photography studio-cum-boudoir of a rich composing rival's wife, Lily Van Heusen (played by the really excellent New York actress Rachel de Benedet) points out another flaw in the script as it now stands. There is no real reason that the show is performed in one long act, other than the fact that the dramatic tension is never pitched high enough to withstand the reduction naturally brought about by an intermission.

But if this scene were rewritten (or better yet, reconceived) to eliminate the speed at which Billy admits to being from the future, and the accompanying speed with which Lily believes him, then an act break could readily occur, and the next scene, including York's great rendition of the Lambert, Hendricks and Ross classic, "Twisted" (a/k/a "My Analyst Told Me"), would make a great Act Two opener. In that this number is the first one in the show in which a character doesn't know she is singing (think Rodgers and Hammerstein), this change of structure might capitalize on that fact.

Little Izzy returns, and performs his new song idea, "Always," as a lovely gift for Dixie. And, as "Turn of the Century" seems to be eager to use as many Berlin songs as it can, Dixie's dream of playing the lead role in "Annie Get Your Gun" is dramatized next. (I don't think that either Dixie Wilson or Rachel York is right for Annie, but I don't think they are right for other musical theater roles that are discussed, either. Mame? Not yet. Gypsy? Which role? Eliza Doolittle? No. Evita? Maybe.

This sequence is dominated by a pretty realistic and funny portrayal of how "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly" would go if performed by a cast not quite sure what to make of it. One also gets the impression that these hapless performers are surrounded by a script probably not very well remembered by Wilson and Clark, and that the thing is surrounded by the somewhat queasy possibility that the real Annie Oakley might get wind of the whole shebang!

As big rifts in their romantic relationship occur, Billy and Dixie sing a quite stunning duet consisting of "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer and the Depression-era "Willow, Weep for Me" by Ann Ronell. The musical arrangement, like the whole show, is lovely, lovely, lovely, and credited to Steve Orich and Daryl Waters. The nine or ten piece orchestra is whiz-bang, as they are throughout, and the players deserve every penny and more of whatever they are earning. All of the night's music is jazzy, witty and seductive.

Unfortunately, the show's biggest puzzlement of logic occurs at this point. If Billy and Dixie's time in the past is about nine months, then this moment would occur in summertime. And yet, it seems to be snowing here, and Dixie is wearing a snow outfit straight out of "Dr. Zhivago." The upstage pas de deux couple, perhaps skating on a frozen Central Park Lake, could be retained, but the costuming and lighting need to be adjusted for this number. Surely this is on the list for change.

Next comes a song which I suspect is newly written for "Turn of the Century" by Daryl Waters (correct me if I'm wrong), a patter and strut, in-performance number for the men's ensemble and the polished Chicago actor Kevin Gudahl as frustrated songwriter Harry Van Deusen. And early in the show, Billy lets Dixie know that he wants to write a real song with her, not just remember one and pass it off as original. So at the emotional climax of the show, the fragment we heard earlier becomes yet another song I suspect is a Daryl Waters original, the full ballad which I think is called "You Are the Music." It is lovely and was given full-throated life by York, with thoroughly committed faux-piano playing by Daniels (I didn't mind one bit all night).

Now for some comments and quibbles. Though the designs are conceived with style and meaning and executed with high polish and beauty, the opening of the show both enchanted and confused me. The show's set is framed by a large clockface, around which a Times Square-style chaser light system periodically shows pertinent messages to the audience. But before the performance began, news items from 1999 were interspersed with odd announcements of the "final concerts" of artists such as Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel and the BeeGees. I didn't get it. And a remarkable, projected starfield that moved and danced and enchanted me within the clockface turns out to be snow, in that the whole stage set is supposed to be a snow globe. I don't know about you, but I don't own any snowglobes surrounded by a clockface. As the summertime snow scene didn't work for me (despite its loveliness), I would recommend that the designers drop any snowglobe concept in favor of a time-out-of-joint cosmic nowhere-type star-based feel, which is what I first thought I was seeing. Just a friendly suggestion.

That said, some of the early projections thrown onto the all-white set are quite inventive and captivating. I think there should be even more. The all-black piano downstage right (it is there all night, though it does rotate) is quite stylish (its keys light up). All in all, the set pieces, the lights, the entire look of the show is creatively different from anything I have seen. Such great talent is amassed here.

And it is great to see some of Chicago's top musical theater performers on display here, working on new material alongside their peers from New York. Nicholas Belton and Tommy Rapley from Court Theatre's recent "Carousel" and James Rank and Jeff Parker from Drury Lane Water Tower's inaugural "Grand Hotel" appear in the men's ensemble, and the After Dark Award-winning Rebecca Finnegan and McKinley Carter are standouts among the women. Most production sequences involve a chorus of twelve or fourteen performers, by the way, so this show never feels slimmed down or "in development."

But as much as I appreciated Jeff Daniels's big-name box office appeal, his commitment to the material and his chops for comedy, I couldn't help but wonder what this show would be like were Billy Clark played by an innately musical, slightly more suave piano man like John Barrowman, Neil Patrick Harris or Raul Esparza. I'm not sure that his acting credits outweigh his musical debits. Rachel York's Dixie Wilson is a beautiful, fragile yet strong creature, struggling for stardom and dignity in her corner of the world and yet thrown into another she doesn't understand. Her star power rises with every performance.

It goes without saying that anyone interested in the future of the musical theater should see "Turn of the Century" if at all possible. But even "regular" theatergoers will have a fun, funny and rapturous time. Any evening spent with songs by our greatest writers, staged by Tommy Tune, is an evening well spent. And there is plenty of high society eye candy on display here as well.

I for one will be watching for announcements regarding the future of this inventive and moving theatrical story. There is too much good here to let it end at the Goodman. But that's my point-don't stop here, keep going to reach the place where you are headed. The romance, the time travel, the colorful origins of American popular music and the character delineations are the places that need some attention. Give those some nourishment, and the fruit this show yields may be juicy and tremendously appealing. My best of luck to all concerned!

Rehearsal photos by Michael Brosilow. Performance photos by Liz Lauren.

Photos (from top): Tommy Tune; Rachel York and Jeff Daniels; Rachel York; Jonah Rawitz and Matthew Gold; "1999" ensemble; "Alexander's Ragtime Band" ensemble; York and company; York and Rawitz; Jeff Daniels; Kevin Gudahl, Rachel de Benedet and Ron Orbach; men's ensemble and Daniels; Daniels.

"Turn of the Century" plays now through November 2, 2008 at the Goodman Theatre's Albert Theatre, 170 North Dearborn Street in Chicago. For tickets call 312-443-3800 or visit www.goodmantheatre.org.

Margaret Garner' Gala Novemeber 2st - 11/2/2008

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS

THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF MARGARET GARNER IN NOVEMBER 2008

Librettist Toni Morrison and Grammy Award-Winning Composer Richard Danielpour’s

Acclaimed New Opera to Star World-Renowned Mezzo-Sopranos Denyce Graves (Nov. 1 and 2) and Tracie Luck (Nov. 6, 8 and 9), Under the Direction of Broadway Sensation Kenny Leon

Production Marks the Return of Grand Opera to the Stage of the Auditorium Theatre

For the First Time in More Than 65 Years

A Brief History of Margaret Garner

Performance Schedule

Margaret Garner will be presented November 1 – 9. The performance schedule is as follows:

Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m.*

Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m.* – Gala performance (no price level I available for this performance)

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.**

Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.**

Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.**

* featuring Denyce Graves

** featuring Tracie Luck

Ticket Information

Sponsors and Supporters

Community Collaborators

The Margaret Garner project manager is Gail Kalver, former executive director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Additional information is available at margaretgarnerchicago.org.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

Auditorium Theatre Gala for 'Margaret Garner' Nov. 2nd - 11/2/2008

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS A SPLENDID GALA TO CELEBRATE THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF MARGARET GARNER SUNDAY, NOV. 2

Gala to Feature Matinee Performance of Toni Morrison and Richard Danielpour’s

Acclaimed Opera starring world-renowned mezzo soprano Denyce Graves,

followed by a Reception, Dinner and Entertainment at the Palmer House Hilton

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University will host an unforgettable gala on Sunday, Nov. 2 to celebrate the Chicago premiere of Margaret Garner, a new American opera based on one of the most significant and controversial fugitive slave stories in pre-Civil War America.

The gala begins at 3 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, where guests will gather to enjoy the epic opera. Internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves stars in the title role, a role written specifically with her in mind. The opera is directed by Broadway sensation Kenny Leon and features music by Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour and a libretto by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.

Following the opera, the gala moves to the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, where guests can enjoy a cocktail reception in the beautifully restored and renovated Grand and State Ballrooms before enjoying a superb dinner with the opera’s cast and creators. Live entertainment caps the extraordinary evening of music, powerful artistry and brilliant performances.

Tables of ten tickets to the gala are available for $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000. Individual tickets are priced at $500 or $750. For more information, call (312) 922-2110 ext. 368 or e-mail amartinez@auditoriumtheatre.org.

The Margaret Garner Gala co-chairs are Sandra and Timothy Rand and Andrea and William Zopp. The Gala sponsor is Exelon Corporation.

The Margaret Garner Project co-chairs are James and Mary Bell, Bob and Marjilee Blackwell and Gail Waller and Tim Schwertfeger. The Margaret Garner Executive Committee chairs are Amina Dickerson and Anna E. Roosevelt.

The Margaret Garner Gala committee includes Virginia Bobins, Marcus Boggs, Bill and Peggy Brazley, Diane Dinkins-Carr, Lester N. Coney, Amina Dickerson, Sondra Berman Epstein, Margaret Garner, Erin Gilbert, Suzanne Griffith, Ronne Hartfield, Hermene Hartman, Judge Patricia Holmes, Twyler L. Jenkins, Mel Katten, James and Pauline Montgomery, Barbara Pace-Moody, Ann Nash, Isobel Neal, Andre and Dana Rice, Jane M. Saks, Audrey Tuggle and Nancy Yawitz.

Margaret Garner Gala sponsors include Best Portion Foundation, BET Networks, Kraft Foods, Inc., Mesirow Financial, Roosevelt University, Sara Lee Corporation, Schiff Hardin LLP, William Brazley & Associates, Ltd., Nicholas and Kathleen Amatangelo, Bruce and Ann Bachman, Maria Bechily and Scott Hodes, Norman R. and Virginia Bobins, Debbie Bricker, Sidney Epstein and Sondra Berman Epstein, Charles Gardner and Patti Eylar, Ronne Hartfield, Mel and Renee Katten, Jim and Kay Mabie, James and Linda Mitchell, James and Pauline Montgomery, Tom and Ann Nash, Isobel Neal, Sandra and Timothy Rand, George and Joan Segal, Seymour and Nancy Taxman, Ken and Marsha Tucker, Edward and Dia Weil, Robert and Sue Wieseneck and Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media, Columbia College Chicago.

Benanti, Creel, Huffman and More Appear in 'Broadway Loves Joe's Pub' 11/2 - 11/2/2008

Jamie McGonnigal will present "Broadway Loves Joe’s Pub” a concert featuring the best of the best from the Broadway concerts at Joe’s Pub over the last ten years.

Directed by McGonnigal with Music Direction by Lynne Shankel (Cry-Baby, Altar Boyz) "Broadway Loves Joe’s Pub" will happen Sunday, November 2 at 9:30PM at Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, NY. Emmy Award-Winning Actress and Comedian, Judy Gold will be hosting the celebration.

Joining host Judy Gold will be Tony Award-Winners Laura Benanti (Gypsy, ABC’s Eli Stone), and Cady Huffman (The Producer’s, Curb Your Enthusiasm), Tony Nominee Gavin Creel (West End’s Mary Poppins, Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Steven Pasquale (A Man of No Importance, FX’s Rescue Me). Other stars will be announced in the coming weeks. The performers will all be reprising songs they have performed in previous Joe's Pub events, giving fans a chance to relive the magical nights from years past at the Pub.

The concert is part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration at Joe’s Pub. Joe's Pub at The Public Theater (Director, Shanta Thake; General Manager, Kevin Abbott) debuted in October of 1998 as a performance space dedicated to presenting artists across a variety of genres, and was founded on the principle of showcasing affordable, accessible, and quality entertainment to the people of New York. The intimate space quickly became one of New York’s most in demand venues for music, theater, cabaret, dance, and comedy, presenting artists from over 90 countries. The Village Voice voted Joe's Pub the “Best Excuse to Let a Single Venue Dictate Your Taste”. Newsweek calls the club "one of the country's best small stages" and New York Magazine raves “you never know what you’ll find next at Joe’s Pub, but you can count on the fact that it will be good, very good."

All seats for "Broadway Loves Joe’s Pub" are $50. For Tickets, call 212-967-7555 or visit www.joespub.com; or in person at The Public Theater Box Office from 1pm to 6pm and at Joe's Pub from 6pm to 10pm (both located at 425 Lafayette St.). For table reservations call 212-539-8778. Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

Benanti, Creel, Huffman and More Appear in 'Broadway Loves Joe's Pub' 11/2 - 11/2/2008

NYMF TO Honor Goodman At Fifth Anniversary Awards Gala 11/2 - 11/2/2008

The New York Musical Theater Festival will honor producer Robyn Goodman at its fifth Anniversary Season Awards Gala on Sunday, November 2nd at The Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). The winners of The NYMF 2008 Awards for Excellence, which will be announced later this month, will also be honored at the gala.

Robyn Goodman produced Avenue Q, In the Heights (Tony Awards for Best Musical), Metamophoses, A Class Act, Steel Magnolias, Barefoot in the Park, High Fidelity on Broadway. Off-Broadway credits include Bat Boy; tick, tick…BOOM!, Our Lady of 121st Street; Red Light Winter and Altar Boyz. Co-founder of Second Stage Theatre, Goodman was its artistic director for 13 years; she is currently artistic consultant to the Roundabout, where she curated Speech and Debate at the Underground Theatre.

Special appearances and performances will include a reunion of the original NYMF cast of Altar Boyz (Ryan Duncan, Cheyenne Jackson, David Josefsberg, Andy Karl and Tyler Maynard), as well as Gary Adler (Altar Boyz, Avenue Q), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q), Robert Lopez (Avenue Q), Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Finding Nemo: The Musical), Kevin McCollum (producer, Avenue Q, In The Heights), Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights), and the current casts of Altar Boyz, [title of show] and the award-winning NYMF 2008 shows.

Events of the Evening
6:00pm   Cocktails & Silent Auction
7:00pm   Dinner
8:30pm   Awards Presentation & Performance
10:00pm   VIP After-Party at Trattoria Dopo Teatro

Tickets
Champion Tables of 10: $5,000 | Champion Tickets: $500
(includes preferred seating and admission to the VIP After-Party with the artists)
Supporter Tables of 10: $3,750 | Supporter Tickets: $375
Artist Sponsor Tickets: $200
(covers the cost of dinner for one of the award winners)

To purchase tickets, call (212) 664-0979 x13 or email gala@nymf.org <mailto:gala@nymf.org>
www.NYMF.org

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) celebrates its fifth year with 24 full productions, a dance series, a developmental series, concerts and special events. Since its inception in 2004, this three-week annual festival has premiered more than 160 new musicals – many of which have gone on to award-winning productions in New York, in regional theaters and on tour in 38 states, and nine countries worldwide. NYMF 2004 hit Altar Boyz has played well over 1,000 performances Off-Broadway and spawned two National Tours; fellow NYMF alum [title of show] recently opened to rave reviews at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway; Nerds is coming to Broadway this Spring; and Off-Broadway audiences will soon see My Vaudeville Man.

Hailed as "the Sundance of Musical Theatre," NYMF exists to revitalize one of America’s greatest art forms by discovering, supporting and promoting new musical theater artists, producers, and projects, and by introducing a diverse audience to the vibrancy of contemporary musical theater. Widely regarded as the essential source for new material and talent discovery, NYMF is the flagship program of The National Music Theater Network, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. The 2008 Festival season was presented in association with BroadwayWorld.com, Production Resource Group and TheaterMania.com, and was supported by amNewYork, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, BroadwayBox.com, BroadwayInsider.com, Frank & Camille's Fine Pianos, HX Magazine, Jossip.com, King Displays, Queerty.com, Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, Metromix.com, The New York Blade, Next Magazine, Panasonic Astrovision, Tekserve, TheMENEvent, VOGA Italia, and The Zipper Factory. NYMF is supported, in part, by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency

NYMF To Honor Goodman At Fifth Anniversary Awards Gala 11/2 - 11/2/2008

Will Geer Theatricum Presents Development Series BOTANICUM SEEDLINGS - 11/2/2008

The end of summer marks the close of the classical repertory season at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. However, the Botanicum continues its theatrical exploration by supporting new artistic voices through its ongoing development series for playwrights, "Botanicum Seedlings." The program's fall playreadings are Brett Webster's Lost and Found in the Underground on Sunday, November 2 and Nude and Sunflower by Reba Waters Thomas on Sunday, November 9. Readings begin at 1 pm and admission is free.

"We're particularly excited about these two plays, because they both speak to our time - politically and artistically - in very different ways," says playwright-in-residence Jennie Webb. "The writers are coming from opposite directions, stylistically, and introducing Theatricum artists and audiences to their work is what Seedlings is all about." Webb created and runs the program, which is structured to focus on the needs of writers with scripts at various stages of development. Writer/director Julie Retzlaff acts as Seedlings Literary Coordinator.

Opening the Botanicum Seedlings fall playreadings on November 2 is an expressionistic look at a sharply-divided America of the future, Lost and Found in the Underground by Brett Webster. Directed by Ronnie Clark (L.A.'s Ghost Road Company and Moving Arts, as well as Arizona Shakespeare Company) and featuring Theatricum company member Gerald Rivers, the play is a riveting piece of poetic propaganda which tells the story of a people who refuse to be held down. Through the language of sex, love, violence and hope, Lost and Found in the Underground delivers a fervent message, particularly on the eve of our country's very pivotal election. Brett Webster is an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose plays, including Cold Coffee, Children of the Night and Turtle Soup, have been featured at theaters and festivals in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, and here in L.A. at Company of Angels, Theatre-Theater, Avery Shreiber Theatre, Powerhouse Theatre and the Unknown Theater, where he was a founding member.

On November 9, Nude and Sunflower by Reba Waters Thomas takes the stage. This provocative new work investigates the shadowy nature of art and ownership, principles and power, history and family. When a prominent New York judge's obsession with acquiring a work of art raises the elusive ghosts of 1939 Vienna, what past and future crimes hang in the balance, and who will ultimately pay the price? Playwright Reba Waters Thomas first played opposite Billie Burke in Mrs. McThing at the Pasadena Playhouse and went on to appear in dozens of television shows, plays and films as a juvenile performer. She acted with Stanford Repertory Theatre, taught theater at Pomona College, went to UCLA law school and practiced law in Los Angeles. This is her first full-length play. Julie Retzlaff, who has worked in NY (Ensemble Studio Theatre and Arclight Theatre Company) and CA (Pacific Repertory Theatre) directs a cast featuring Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, Barbara Tarbuck and Jennifer Taub.

Initiated in 2002, the Botanicum Seedlings series acts as an adjunct to the Theatricum Botanicum's Summer Repertory Season, commencing before the summer activities are underway with its winter playreadings, continuing with spring playreadings as the season opens, and culminating after the season winds down with a fall workshop production or playreadings. Throughout the calendar year, plays are also selected to receive GreenReads, providing an unrehearsed, fresh look at scripts in various stages of development.

The Botanicum Seedlings fall playreadings take place Sundays, November 2 and 9 at 1 pm. Admission to the playreadings is free and open to the public; donations to support this series will be gratefully accepted. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. For further information, the public should call (310) 455-2322 or visit www.theatricum.com. The theater is outdoors; in case of inclement weather, please call for alternate performance times.

Theatre Rhinoceros and Grooviness Prodcution Concludes 'His Heart Belongs to Me' - 11/2/2008

Theatre Rhinoceros and Grooviness Productions presents His Heart Belongs to Me, a new play by Jerry Metzker and directed by Maureen Studer.

"The unexpected death of his beloved partner sends a gay man's life on a tailspin that requires all of his inner reserves of strength to overcome," describe press notes of the show.

The cast includes Amanda Lee, Joan Saunders, Lauri Smith and Matt Weimer.

It plays at the Theatre Rhinoceros Studio, 2926 16th Street off Van Ness, San Francisco from October 23 through November 2. Thursday-Saturdays at 8 pm and Sunday November 2 at 3 pm

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office: 415-861-50

Jamie McGonnnigal Presents BROADWAY LOVES JOE'S PUB Featuring Benanti, Chase, Blonsky and More - 11/2/2008

Jamie McGonnigal will present "Broadway Loves Joe's Pub" a concert featuring the best of the best from the Broadway concerts at Joe's Pub over the last ten years.

Directed by McGonnigal with Music Direction by Lynne Shankel (Cry-Baby, Altar Boyz) "Broadway Loves Joe's Pub" will happen Sunday, November 2 at 9:30PM at Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, NY. Emmy Award-Winning Actress and Comedian, Judy Gold will be hosting the celebration.

Joining host Judy Gold, Tony Award-Winners Laura Benanti (Gypsy, ABC's Eli Stone), and Cady Huffman (The Producer's, Curb Your Enthusiasm), Tony Nominee Gavin Creel (West End's Mary Poppins, Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Steven Pasquale (A Man of No Importance, FX's Rescue Me) will be Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky and Rent's Will Chase. The performers will all be reprising songs they have performed in previous Joe's Pub events, giving fans a chance to relive the magical nights from years past at the Pub.

The concert is part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration at Joe s Pub. Joe's Pub at The Public Theater (Director, Shanta Thake; General Manager, Kevin Abbott) debuted in October of 1998 as a performance space dedicated to presenting artists across a variety of genres, and was founded on the principle of showcasing affordable, accessible, and quality entertainment to the people of New York. The intimate space quickly became one of New York's most in demand venues for music, theater, cabaret, dance, and comedy, presenting artists from over 90 countries. The Village Voice voted Joe's Pub the "Best Excuse to Let a Single Venue Dictate Your Taste". Newsweek calls the club "one of the country's best small stages" and New York Magazine raves "you never know what you'll find next at Joe's Pub, but you can count on the fact that it will be good, very good."

All seats for "Broadway Loves Joe's Pub" are $50. For Tickets, call 212-967-7555 or visit www.joespub.com; or in person at The Public Theater Box Office from 1pm to 6pm and at Joe's Pub from 6pm to 10pm (both located at 425 Lafayette St.). For table reservations call 212-539-8778. Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

Village Players Performing Arts Center Presents Betrayal - 11/2/2008

Village Players Performing Arts Center Presents:

Harold Pinter's

BETRAYAL

Kicking off the new season in the Village Players Blackbox is Betrayal, an intimate three person look at relationships by Harold Pinter, the 2005 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Betrayal is Pinter's award-winning drama following the tangled love affair of Emma, the doomed romantic, her husband Robert, and his best friend Jerry portrayed from its poignant ending to its wicked first kiss. The play opens in a dimly lit pub with two ex-lovers reminiscing about the past. What happens next? The audience journeys back in time to discover how everything began to fall apart.

"There is such a thrill in taking on the challenge of directing a play when we know the ending from the get-go, and in the case of Betrayal the ending is not a hopeful place to be," enthused director Thrisa Hodits. "Our production is a memory wasteland. We start where Emma starts, with hardly anything. As the past is relived and secrets revealed, the space is uncovered. I'm drawn to Emma's quest to simply find a place to fit in. She is tossed up into the air and never, ever caught."

Hodits comes to Betrayal fresh from directing the devised piece Ghost Stories, a Journey into Grandmother's Attic for Summerplace Theatre in Naperville. Up next, she will direct Ruddigore with G&S Opera Company at the University of Chicago, their third collaboration.

The cast includes David Schaplowsky as Robert (Dracula & Taming of the Shrew, Theatre-Hikes), Laurens Wilson as Jerry (Steep Theatre's Greensboro: A Requiem), Paulette Hicks as Emma, and Marco Tazioli as the Waiter (The Country Girl, Illinois Theatre Center). The crew includes Set & Costume Designer Soule Golden (Cugat & Deshar Alhat, Luna Negra Dance Theater; Joffrey Ballet), Sound Designer Adam Hubbell (Asst. Sound Designer, Edward II, Chicago Shakespeare), Lighting Designer Eli Thorkelson (Iolanthe, Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company) and Dialect Coach Howard Timms (VP's You Never Can Tell; network playwright at Chicago Dramatists).

Betrayal will preview October 31 & November 1, opens November 2, and runs through November 13, 2008. Performances are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM & Sundays at 2:30 PM. All tickets are $20.

Presented in the Playground 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.

THE AFFAIR IN 22B Extended By Popular Demand Through 11/2 - 11/2/2008

Following rave reviews and near capacity attendance, the producers of "The Affair in 22B" have decided to extend performances through November 2nd.

"The Affair in 22B" stars Broadway actor John Halbach, known best for his performances in Roundabout Theatre Company's "Tartuffe" and Off-Broadway in Irish Repertory Theatre's "Beowulf." He has been cast as the male lead role of Paul while his co-star, Renee Rakel, has been introduced to the New York theatre scene in the role of Abbey.

"I'm proud to announce that we have decided to extend performances," says Marc Eardley, the play's Director and Founder of 3S Theatre Collective. "John and Renee are both stars in the making, and they are breathing so much life into this script! Their chemistry is absolutely perfect, which makes me very proud of this show!"

Written by Jay Christopher (aka Jack Kelly) in 1984, the play revolves around the relationship of the two main characters, Abbey and Paul, who share their lives in a run-down New York apartment, and who are looking to build a successful and meaningful relationship, though Paul's eagerness towards conflict and negativity plays an integral role in the downfall of the couple's companionship.

The play was Christopher's favorite work while he was still alive and he always wanted to produce it, but never had the opportunity.

"The Affair in 22B" is currently being performed at The Sonnet Theatre, located at The Producer's Club, 358 West 44th Street, New York, NY. "The Affair in 22B" will now run until November 2nd, with performances on Mondays at 8 pm, Tuesdays at 8 pm, Thursdays at 8 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets cost $27.50.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, please contact 3STC at 917-628-0363, or visit www.3stc.com.

92YTribeca Theater's Dance-a-Raoke All-Female Hip-Hop Dance Battle 11/2 - 11/2/2008

92YTribeca Theater has added the following events to the November 2008 schedule.

Sun, Nov 2, 7 pm, $12 Preshow Happy Hour at 6 pm
"Dance-a-Raoke!" | ALL FEMALE HIP-HOP DANCE BATTLE
Tweetie hosts this dance-off with the Montazh Performing Arts Company, Chi-Chi and more in this monthly dance series.

Mon, Nov 3, 7:30 pm, $15
Naked Angels First Mondays: BEND
Hear Eric Bernat's new play, Bend, about a young man whose life is thrown into chaos.

Wed, Nov 5, 5:30 pm, $25
AN EVENING WITH [TITLE OF SHOW]
Join This American Life's Ira Glass and the extraordinary company of Broadway's huge hit [title of show] for a lively conversation and performance in celebration of the little musical that could. With creators Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen, their co-stars Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell, Director Michael Berresse and Musical Director Larry Pressgrove.

Sun, Dec 7, 7 pm, $12 Preshow Happy Hour at 6 pm
"Dance-a-Raoke!" | ARTICHOKE DANCE COMPANY
Experience the daring and passion-filled action of this company whose style combines gymnastics and the percussiveness of jazz.

For tickets, visit www.92Y.org/92yTribeca or call 212-601-1000.

92YTribeca Theater is located at 200 Hudson Street, New York City.

For more information, visit www.92YTRIBECA.org.

DREAMER - THE SONGS OF BECK & MAY Opens at the Duplex 11/2 - 11/2/2008

The Duplex presents DREAMER – The Songs of Beck & May – an evening of music by Jordan Beck and Jonathan May, the songwriting team behind TOP 8: The MySpace Musical. DREAMER - The Songs of Beck & May will be performed on Sunday, November 2nd at 9:30pm and Monday, November 3rd at 9:30pm at the Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, New York.

According to lyricist Jordan Beck, “the evening will feature material from TOP 8 as well as songs from some of our other upcoming projects. We have quite a variety of songs, ranging from funny to heartfelt to somewhat controversial. The performers will be backed by composer Jonathan May on the piano, accompanied by drummer Josh Samuels, a bassist, and a cellist.”

DREAMER – The Songs of Beck & May will feature performances by John Blaylock, Andrew Call (Broadway’s CRY BABY, HIGH FIDELITY, Glory Days, and Off-Broadway’s ALTAR BOYZ), Heather Corrigan (National Tour of JUNIE B. JONES), Brian Crum (Broadway’s WICKED, GREASE, and ALTAR BOYZ in Chicago), Kelly Felthous (Off-Broadway’s SEUSSICAL), Justin Gamble, Henry Gainza (Off-Broadway’s FOUR GUYS NAMED JOSE), Tiffany Ellen Solano (TOP 8), Dani Spieler (Broadway’s LEGALLY BLONDE), Katherine Tokarz (Broadway’s WICKED, A CHORUS LINE, and WHITE CHRISTMAS), and more.

Tickets are $10 + 2 Drink Minimum. For reservations, call (212) 255-5438 or visit http://www.theduplex.com.

Michael McGurk and Gina Philistine to Teach Master Class at CLO Academy 11/2 - 11/2/2008

Pittsburgh CLO Academy has announced that Broadway veterans Michael McGurk (pictured) and Gina Philistine will teach a master class for students at the Academy's annual Musical Theater Extravaganza from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.

Both McGurk and Philistine are natives of Pittsburgh who are graduates of Seton LaSalle High School and former students at CLO Academy. McGurk has starred on Broadway in The Wedding Singer and The Music Man, while Philistine appeared in Bombay Dreams and Saturday Night Fever. At Musical Theater Extravaganza (MTX) they will demonstrate Broadway choreography in two separate workshops and then host a Q & A session with the students after the lessons.

Prior to the workshop, casting agent Donna Belajac will walk the students through the in-depth process of auditioning for the camera. Belajac has been the head of Donna Belajac Casting for nearly 30 years, during which time she has done the principal location casting for locally-made movies such as "Flashdance," "Silence of the Lambs," "Wonder Boys" and "The Mothman Prophecies." She also has taught acting at Carnegie Mellon University.

The event is open to the public. Registration costs $100 for non-Academy students, $50 for current Academy students, $50 for Seton LaSalle students and $90 for students attending schools that participate in the Gene Kelly Awards.

For more information or to register, please visit pittsburghCLO.org or contact CLO Academy Principal Patty Maloney at (412) 281-2234 x104 or pmaloney@pittsburghclo.org.

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Pittsburgh CLO is a not-for-profit arts organization that appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends beyond the summer season, with such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

For more information, visit www.pittsburghclo.org.

Photo courtesy Pittsburgh CLO

Valerie Smaldone Kicks off New Series SUNDAY SALON Starting 11/2 - 11/2/2008

Join Celebrity Interviewer/Media Personality Valerie Smaldone as she kicks off a new series of up close and personal interviews with Broadway celebrities and theater icons, SUNDAY SALON.

This new regular series kicks off on Sunday, November 2nd at 6 PM with choreographer Christopher Gattelli at Etcetera Etcetera's private salon, 352 West 44th Street between 8th and 9th.

Valerie Smaldone will conduct a lively onstage discussion with this acclaimed choreographer and audience members will be invited to ask questions as well.Admission: $20, food and beverage minimum $15, Students: $15

For tickets: Visit TheaterMania.com
http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/148791.

On November 2nd the special guest will be Christopher Gattelli. Growing up in Bristol, PA, Gattelli started dancing at the age of 11 and that year was cast in the national tour of Evita. Gattelli landed his first professional job in New York while finishing his senior year of high school in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. A "Star Search" Grand Champion, he has since amassed an impressive array of acting, dancing and choreography credits to his name. He is the choreographer of the newly opened musical, Thirteen, as well as South Pacific, for which he won a Tony and Outer Critics Circle nomination. His past credits include Sunday in the Park With George, The Ritz, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, High Fidelity. Off-Broadway he has choreographed, Altar Boyz, Bat Boy:The Musical, tick, tick...BOOM!, 10 Million Miles, Adrift in Macao, I Love You Because, How to Save the World...as well as Silence! The Musical, Chess with Josh Groban, Hair with Jennifer Hudson, and The Rosie O'Donnell Show for which he was the resident choreographer. Upcoming this winter, Jim Henson's Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas.

Sunday Salon Producer and Host Valerie Smaldone is a 5 time Billboard Magazine Award winner for her years in New York radio hosting a consistently top rated show. She was also the co-creator, writer, producer and host of 'Spotlight On,' a nationally syndicated program that featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Celine Dion, to name a few. Valerie has produced, co-written and performed in her play with music, "Spit it Out!" Spring of 2007, Valerie performed in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, 'Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell" and was a "guest speller" in the Broadway show, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." A successful voice-over artist with more than 1,000 commercials, television news promos and movie trailers to her credit, Valerie has been the 'Voice of God' and on stage emcee for Broadway on Broadway in Times Square, Broadway Under the Stars, and Broadway Meets Country. As president of Two Sides of A Coin Productions, Valerie has produced dozens of live shows including: Cyndi Lauper's Broadway Welcome Party: An Intimate Evening with Phoebe Snow, One Wicked Night with Stephen Schwartz and many events for The Three Tomatoes e-newsletter. A spokesperson for women's health and personal responsibility, she is a sought after public speaker and host for corporate and charitable events. She is currently developing several projects for advanced media, and writing a book.

Epic Theatre Ensemble Gets Out the Vote With First Vote '08 on 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Epic Theater Ensemble, in partnership with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, will host a one-night only special event to benefit Epic’s innovative, civic-minded in-school and after-school education programs. Some of today’s top writers and performers will honor a large group of First Time Voters with an evening of satirical, scandalous, and inspiring short plays, songs, sketches, and toasts. The annual event is set for Election Eve, Monday, November 3rd at 7:30 p.m. in The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (899 Tenth Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets).

The writers and performers scheduled to appear at this year’s event include, Tanya Barfield, Mia Barron, Stephen Belber, Leila Buck, Julia Cho, Kathleen Chalfant, Colman Domingo, Melissa Friedman, Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros, Rachael Holmes, Teri Lamm, Craig Lucas, Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr., Nilaja Sun, David Strathairn, James Wallert, Sarah Winkler, David Zellnik, with Gordon Elliott (TV’s Food Network celebrity host/producer) as the non-citizen, non-partisan Master of Ceremonies!

Every year Epic Theatre Ensemble stages an election eve event honoring student alumnae from Epic’s innovative, civic-minded education programs who will be voting for the first time the next day. This one-hour benefit weaves together a collection of short plays, spoken op-eds, music, comedy sketches, and toasts that take a satiric, passionate, and most often personal perspective on citizenship, democracy, and the experience of voting.

Performing artists and writers who have contributed and performed at past First-Time Voter Nights include David Strathairn, Eve Ensler, Tony Kushner, Nilaja Sun, Warren Leight, Kathleen Chalfant, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Emily Mann, Tamara Tunie, The Petersons, Christopher Durang, Austin Pendleton, Erin Cressida Wilson, Scott Bryce, Aaron & Julia Korhn, Ariel Dorfman, Amy Redford, just to name a few.

Epic Founding Producer, Zak Berkman, adds that “for this extraordinary election year we are expanding our First Time Voter event in many directions. Our honorees will be working with Epic’s artists to register voters and utilize street theatre and other theatrical activities to increase awareness of the election throughout the fall. They will also be contributing writing that will be performed alongside the professional contributions on November 3rd. We are thrilled to be partnering for the first time with John Jay College of Criminal Justice to identify honorees, contributors, and present the culminating election-eve event at their Gerald Lynch Theater.”

Tickets for “First Vote ’08” are priced at $50 / $25 for General Admission, $10 Student (w/code “ST10” and student ID) , and there are a limited number of VIP TICKETS at $250 (includes a special pre-show reception with the performers from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., priority seating, and recognition in program).

General Admission and Student tickets are available online at www.ticketcentral.com or by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200. Special VIP tickets can be purchased via email at SarahWinklerEpic@aol.com or by calling (212) 239-1770.

Epic Theater Ensemble is a company of Citizen-Artists using theatre to inspire dialogue about vital social, ethical, and political issues. Epic’s mission is to build citizenship in communities throughout the city by producing socially-minded plays Off-Broadway, and connecting these plays to the NYC Public Schools via ground-breaking, fully-integrated artist residencies. Using theatrical participation to foster dialogue on the complex relationships between individuals and their civic context, Epic's artists champion the belief that a theatre which addresses social issues is critical to the health of our democracy.

Winner of OBIE, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics, American Theatre Wing, and OTTO Awards, Epic Theatre Ensemble was founded in 2001 by Zak Berkman, Melissa Friedman, Teri Lamm, Ron Russell and James Wallert. Additional Producing Artists are Will Pomerantz, Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. and Sarah Winkler. Epic's past productions include Nilaja Sun's No Child..., which Epic commissioned, developed and premiered before its commercial transfer and national tour, as well as premieres of Palace of the End by Judith Thompson (Epic Commission, 2008 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Winner), A Hard Heart by Howard Barker (featuring Kathleen Chalfant), Beauty on the Vine by Zak Berkman (featuring Epic Associates David Strathairn and Olivia Wilde), Hannah and Martin by Kate Fodor (featuring David Strathairn), Einstein's Gift by Vern Thiessen (featuring Aasif Mandvi and Shawn Elliott), Habitat by Judith Thompson and revivals of GB Shaw’s Widowers’ Houses (with Peter Jay Fernandez), Little Eyolf by Henrik Ibsen and Time and the Conways by J.B. Priestley.

Epic's first official day of operations was September 11, 2001. Rather than be deterred by world events, Epic's Founders were galvanized to work even harder to create a company that embraces theatre and theatre-artists as unique instruments for empowering diverse voices, fostering public dialogue, and inspiring social change. The artists who participate in Epic's Off-Broadway Season are also part of the company's nationally acclaimed arts-education residencies that are presented in public schools and community centers in New York, New Jersey, and New England. Epic Theatre Ensemble is a Member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, as well as ART/NY.

The Path Fund Holds BC/EFA Benefit With Parrish, Pascale, Murney and More, 11/3 - 11/3/2008

B.B. King Blues Club and The Path Fund, Inc. will present JEREMY SCHONFELD'S DRIFT with Kris Coleman (Jersey Boys), Jarrod Emick (Tony Award Winner for Damn Yankees), Terrence Mann (Tony Nominated star of Les Miserable and Beauty and the Beast), Karla Mosley (Expatriate), Julia Murney (Wicked), Hunter Parrish (Spring Awakening, TV's Weeds) and Adam Pascal (Rent). With Scott Coulter and Michelle Kinney. Doors will open at 6:30pm, show is at 8:00pm. Ticket cost is $30 SRO, $60 General admission seating (first come, first served).

This one night only event is a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and The Broadway Dreams Foundation.

B.B. King Blues Club is located at 237 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue

Tickets can be purchased:
By Phone: 212-307-7171
On the Web: http://www.ticketmaster.com/
In Person: At B.B. King box office from 10:30am to midnight every night

'Black 2: Broadway' Returns With Final 2008 Production 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Black 2: Broadway, the acclaimed production celebrating the contributions of performers of color in the arts, returns with its final production of 2008. Celebrating the life and work of Broadway Veterans BJ Crosby & Adrian Bailey, this exciting evening will feature performances by Broadway's Chuck Cooper, Marva Hicks, Ebony Jo-Ann, Tina Fabrique, Alyson Williams, The Broadway Boys, Chester Gregory, Multi Award Winning Recording Artist Tonex (currently spelled: "TON3X") and many more on Monday, November 3rd at The Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture located in Harlem.

All net profit from this special event will go towards assisting BJ Crosby who suffered a stroke a few months ago and Adrian Bailey who was seriously injured at a Broadway Theatre prior to curtain/show time. Serving its mission "to create a support structure for the ongoing development and proliferation of talent and new works generated by and produced by people of color," as well as to support the theatre community of color as a whole, this Black 2: Broadway will focus on lending a helping hand by raising critical financial assistance to support these two amazing Broadway Veterans.

BJ Crosby was nominated for a 1997 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Musical of the 1996 season for Smokey Joe's Cafe and for Broadway's 1995 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Musical) for "Smokey Joe's Cafe," a performance recreated in the television version titled Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller (2000) (TV).

Adrian Bailey's Broadway credits include La Cage aux Folles (Jacob), The Lion King, The Wild Party, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Who's Tommy, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jelly's Last Jam, Black & Blue, Legs Diamond, My One and Only, Sophisticated Ladies and more. TV credits include HBO's "The Josephine Baker Story."

On March 10, 2002 Black 2: Broadway launched as New York City's premier event showcasing the talents of performers of color, both known and unknown. The Black 2: Broadway stage has presented performances by a host of Broadway actors and national recording artists including TV and stage singer-actresses Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phylicia Rashad, and Melba Moore; New York Undercover star, Malik Yoba; R&B/Gospel singers Shirley Murdock, Alyson Williams and Meli'sa Morgan; Broadway and stage veterans Savion Glover, Lillias White, Marva Hicks, Ebony Jo-Ann, Tina Fabrique, Victor Cook, Darius de Haas, Lillias White, Billy Porter, Shelton Becton, Jenny Burton, Gordon Chambers, Karl Dixon, Jon Stanley, Ron Grant; recording artists LaChanze, Napiera Groves, Ty Stephens, Phoebe Snow, Andre Smith; and The Broadway Inspirational Voices.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is located at 515 Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem. On Monday, November 3rd doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the cocktail hour beginning at 7:00 p.m. and Showtime at 8:00 p.m. sharp. Ticket are $35.00, General Admission and are available at www.theatermania.com.

Black 2: Work, a 501c3 non-profit will once again partner with Black 2: Broadway for this special performance. Black 2: Work awards financial grants to performers of color with a proven track record in the arts.

For more information on Black 2: Broadway, log on at www.b2productions.xbuild.com or www.myspace.com/b2bookings.

'Black 2: Broadway' Returns With Performances by Crosby, Bailey, and More 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Photo Credit Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

Schreiber, Easton and More to Read for Shakespeare Society at 'Making of a Leader' 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Don't Quit Your Night Job Presents 'The Broadway National Convention' 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Don't Quite Your Night Job Presents "The Broadway National Convention" on Monday, November 3 at 7:30 PM

"It's the night before the most important election of the century...and you're still undecided... about where you're gonna party!! Come join Steve Rosen, David Rossmer, Sarah Saltzberg and Dan Lipton, the creators of DON'T QUIT YOUR NIGHT JOB! The hit comedy variety show returns to its birthplace, Joe's Pub, to help celebrate the venue's 10th Anniversary with a unique, politically incoherent Election Eve show. A chance for Broadway and improv to meet... make out... and VOTE, $20," describe press notes.

FOR TICKETS:

On the web at joespub.com; by calling 212-967-7555, or at the Public Theater Box Office (1 PM to 6 PM), or Joe's Pub from (6 PM to 10 PM)

FOR TABLE RESERVATIONS: 212-539-8778

Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

Don't Quit Your Night Job Presents 'The Broadway National Convention' 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Miranda and Sherman to Present 'Freestyle Love Supreme' at Joe's Pub 11/3 - 11/3/2008

From two of the creators of 2008 Tony Award Winning Broadway show "In The Heights," Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman comes Freestyle Love Supreme Part of the Ghostlight Series on Monday, November 3 at 11:30 PM.

"Freestyle Love Supreme is a stage show like no other. Five performers, including 2008 Tony Award Winners Lin Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman, take the crowd on a non-stop, hip-hop improv ride, spinning cues from the audience into instantaneous riffs and fully realized musical numbers. The group has performed at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Paramount Comedy UK and the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. The New York Times calls them, "Masters in the art of Freestyle rhyme." $20," describes press notes.

FOR TICKETS:

On the web at joespub.com; by calling 212-967-7555, or at the Public Theater Box Office (1 PM to 6 PM), or Joe's Pub from (6 PM to 10 PM)

FOR TABLE RESERVATIONS: 212-539-8778

Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

Miranda and Sherman to Present 'Freestyle Love Supreme' at Joe's Pub 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Charlotte d'Amboise to Return to 'Chicago' as Roxie Hart 11/3 - 11/3/2008

On Monday, November 3, the Broadway company of the record-breaking worldwide musical smash CHICAGO is pleased to welcome back two-time Tony Award nominee Charlotte d'Amboise as merry murderess Roxie Hart.

d'Amboise made her debut as Roxie Hart in 1997 with the first national tour of CHICAGO. For that performance, she earned the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, the Los Angeles Ovation Award and the Bay Area Theatre Circle Award.

Since then, she has played Roxie Hart more than 2,000 times, on Broadway (1,250+ performances) and on various national tours (750+ performances) -- more than any other actress in the show's history.

"We're very excited to welcome Charlotte back to the show this November," said producer Barry Weissler. "Speaking on behalf of the entire CHICAGO family, we always find that her energizing presence and unparalleled talent make her one of the best Roxies we've ever had. She is most definitely an audience favorite."

Last year, d'Amboise was nominated for a Best Featured Actress Tony Award for her performance as Cassie in the revival of A Chorus Line. She received her first Tony Award nomination in 1989 for her performance in Jerome Robbins' Broadway.

The daughter of legendary choreographer Jacques d'Amboise, her other Broadway credits include Sweet Charity and Damn Yankees, both of which earned her a Fred Astaire Award; Can-Can with City Center Encores!; Contact; Company; Carrie; Song and Dance and Cats.

Now celebrating eleven glorious years of girls, glitz and glamour on the Great White Way, the razzle-dazzle hit CHICAGO is currently the second longest-running production currently playing on Broadway, as well as Broadway's longest-running musical revival...and it shows no sign of slowing down!

Currently playing at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.), CHICAGO stars Michelle DeJean as Roxie Hart (through Sunday, November 2), Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton as Velma Kelly, two-time Tony Award nominee Tom Wopat as Billy Flynn, Raymond Bokhour as Amos Hart and Carol Woods as Matron "Mama" Morton.

As previously announced, Terra C. MacLeod will appear as Velma Kelly for one week, Monday, October 27 through Sunday, November 2, prior to kicking off the tenth national tour of CHICAGO in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, November 11.

With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, CHICAGO is directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, and features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer.

The production also features orchestrations by Ralph Burns, supervising music direction by Rob Fisher and music direction by Leslie Stifelman.

Visit www.ChicagoTheMusical.com for more information, including ticket prices and performance schedule.

Charlotte d'Amboise to Return to 'Chicago' as Roxie Hart 11/3 - 11/3/2008

John Bucchino Appears in Solo Concert at Birdland - 11/3/2008

Jim Caruso's Cast Party will present composer John Bucchino in concert, as part of the Nightlife Award-winning series Broadway at Birdland. The event will take place on Monday, November 3 at 7pm.

Noted songwriter and pianist John Bucchino presents an intimate solo evening of his work. Bucchino will share songs from his CDs "Grateful," "It's Only Life," and "On Richard Rodgers' Piano," as well as material from his recent Broadway show A Catered Affair. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear these extraordinary songs performed by the composer himself.

John's collaboration with Harvey Fierstein, A Catered Affair, was recently seen on Broadway at The Walter Kerr Theater. He has written songs for the musicals Urban Myths and Lavender Girl, a piece included in 3HREE, an evening of short musicals compiled by Harold Prince, which had productions in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. It's Only Life, a revue of his songs directed by Daisy Prince, premiered at New York's Summer Play Festival and was presented in a concert version at Lincoln Center. He has also written the songs for the Dreamworks animated film JOSEPH, KING OF DREAMS from which "Better Than I" won the 2000 Video Premiere Award for best song. Some recordings of his work are: GRATEFUL, THE SONGS OF John Bucchino (an RCA Victor CD and companion songbook), SOLITUDE LESSONS (another collection of original songs), ON Richard Rodgers' PIANO (solo piano interpretations of Rodgers songs on the composer's own Steinway), and the PS Classics release of IT'S ONLY LIFE. In September 2003, Harper Collins published an illustrated children's book, based on John's song, called GRATEFUL, A SONG OF GIVING THANKS as part of their Julie Andrews Collection. The book includes a CD of a newly recorded version of the song, sung by Art Garfunkel, and is a winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award.

John Bucchino's songs have been recorded and performed by Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, Michael Feinstein, Art Garfunkel, Patti LuPone, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra MacDonald, Liza Minnelli, Deborah Voight, The Boston Pops, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, and many others in venues that include Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera, The Hollywood Bowl, The Sydney Opera House, and The White House. He has been honored as recipient of The Johnny Mercer Songwriter Award (1997), The Songwriters' Fellowship Award (1998), The ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award (1998), The Second Stage Constance Klinsky Award (2000), The Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Commendation Award (2000), The Jonathan Larson Award (2001), The Kleban Award (2001) and the first annual Fred Ebb Award (2005).

John Bucchino in Concert
Monday, November 3 at 7pm
Broadway at Birdland
315 West 44 Street, NYC
Reservations: 212-581-3080
www.BirdlandJazz.com
$25 cover charge, $10 food/drink minimum

Actors Fund Presents Special Performance of 13 - 11/3/2008

The Actors Fund has announced that they will present a special performance of 13 on Monday November 3rd at 7PM. To purchase tickets call 212-221-7300 or email tickets@actorsfund.org

The Actors Fund is a nonprofit, nationwide human services organization providing programs that support the unique, essential needs of all who work in entertainment and the performing arts - on stage or camera and behind the scenes. The Actors Fund assists those working in theater, film, television, radio, music, dance, opera and circus. The Fund is a safety net, offering quality services for and individual attention to our community, giving all a responsive place to turn in times of need or crisis.

The Actors Fund offers a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health care services, employment and training and housing. Administered through our offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, these programs help people solve problems and make positive changes in their lives.

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.actorsfund.org

'13, A New Musical' features music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years). The show began previews on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 and officially opens at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 W. 45th Street) on Sunday, October 5, 2008. With a book by award winning children's author & songwriter Dan Elish ("Born Too Short, Confessions of an 8th Grade Basket Case") and veteran writer for TV and film Robert Horn ("Designing Women"), '13, A New Musical' is directed by Tony Award nominee Jeremy Sams (The Sound of Music in the West End) and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific). Tom Kitt (High Fidelity) is the Music Director.

Ghostlight has emerged as the standard bearer on the Broadway music scene. Their team is relentless in their efforts to promote the music of the most innovative new voices on the Broadway scene. Ghostlight's recent releases of the OCRs for Tony winners In The Heights and Passing Strange, as well as their single release featuring the winner of MTV's Legally Blonde The Musical competition, have brought the label acclaim for their innovative marketing techniques and their efforts to reach the next generation of Broadway music fans via iTunes, music videos and more. Coverage has ranged from Rolling Stone to USA TODAY to The New York Times, from Blender Magazine to Playbill to Billboard, from AP Radio to MyBroadway.com, and much more. In November, they will proudly release a recording that literally captures a moment in time, the highly anticipated, landmark CD Patti LuPone at Les Mouches. Watch a recent MyBroadway.com interview with label founders Kurt Deutsch and Sherie Rene Scott here: http://www.mybroadway.com/pages/index/102

For more information about the production and the cast, visit: http://www.13themusical.com/.

Photo: Genevieve Rafter Keddy

Apple Tree Presents ORDINARY MIRACLES Reading 11/3 - 11/3/2008

A free staged reading of the drama “Ordinary Miracles,” a Catholic nun's story that sets the sacred versus the profane, written by Wilmette playwright Joe Bendy and directed by Lisa Dodson, will be performed at Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park, Illinois on November 3, 2008.

The story centers around the struggle of a Catholic nun to keep the venerable college she heads viable in the face of drastic cultural change. Modern-day feminist Sister Felicity must deal with the brash ideas of the school's newly hired young publicist, an overbearing and unscrupulous businessman trustee, and, most daunting, the unwelcome visit of an apostate pop-music icon alumna whose global celebrity and surprise gift proposal force her to make a faith-testing moral choice. Sister Felicity reflects the strength of other memorable religious women portrayed on stage and screen, such as Sister Helen Prejean in “Dead Man Walking,” Mother Superior Miriam Ruth in “Agnes of God” and Sister Aloysius in “Doubt.” ORDINARY MIRACLES runs about two hours with one intermission, and there will be a pre-show reception, as well as refreshments during the brief post-show talk-back, facilitated by director Lisa Dodson. The reception begins at 7pm. The reading begins at 7:30pm.

ORDINARY MIRACLES features Equity actors Roz Alexander (Sister Philomena), Lisa Dodson (Karen Coogan), Abigail Misko (Sister Grace), Rob Riley (William Manion, Ken Atkins, Drexel Simpson), Jill Shellabarger (Sister Felicity), Dan Sullivan (Dr. Warren Gould), Jeff Trainor (James Brandon), David Turrentine (Dan Coogan) and Nancy Voigts (Magdalena).

ORDINARY MIRACLES, C. Joseph Bendy’s second play written in 2006, leans heavily on his experience working for the venerable college for Catholic women – Milwaukee’s Mount Mary College. His most recently written play, “Hijacking the Northern Star,” will premiere in December 2009 in Hong Kong, where the 16-character, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic hostage drama is set, and follows the immediate aftermath of their 1968 cultural revolution. Born and raised on Chicago’s “shadow-of-the-steel-mills” southeast side, Bendy attended St. Ignatius College Prep on Roosevelt Road, then Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he earned a B.S. in Journalism. Bendy was accepted into the University of Iowa’s highly-reputed Writer’s Workshop, only to drop out to pursue a master’s degree in American Civilization.

Bendy was the publicist and part-time instructor in English literature at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, then became the editor of St. Louis University alumni magazine, and subsequently edited trade magazine based in Tokyo that covered the Far East consumer goods export trade. He moved to Hong Kong as junior partner in, and editor-in-chief of, a start-up trade publishing company, and was among the first journalists to enter mainland China after the Nixon diplomatic breakthrough with that country. Now a leader in business to business on-line commerce, Bendy’s company Global Sources is listed as GSOL on the Nasdaq. After seven years in the British Crown Colony, he moved to Winnetka to open the company’s U.S. office.

After retiring from Global Sources, Bendy started a video production company, concentrating on documentaries. One for a local children’s museum dealt with “The Power of Play.” Another, covering a baseball team from Moscow that came to play in a tournament in Florida, was eventually shown to a country-wide audience on the Soviet Union’s government channel. Bendy also wrote a second novel, based on his Marine Corps experience. But the opposition to the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant in Winnetka by a group of the village’s determined preservationists, plus his experience in joining a country club there, inspired Bendy to write his first play, “The Usurper,” a social satire on the manners and mores of the North Shore.

The Apple Tree Theatre is located at 1850 Green Bay Road, #100, Highland Park, Illinois. For more information, call 847-432-4335 or visit www.appletreetheatre.com

Apple Tree Presents ORDINARY MIRACLES Reading 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Finborough Theatre Opens UK Premiere of ORDINARY DAYS - 11/3/2008

Finborough Theatre’s upcoming production of Ordinary Days – the musical’s European premiere – will feature Julie Atherton, (Kate Monster in Avenue Q on the West End) as Claire; Kenneth Avery-Clark (of the West End’s The Producers and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Jason; Hayley Gallivan (Follies in Concert at the London Palladium) as Deb; and Lee William-Davis (most recently of Mamma Mia! and Mary Poppins in the West End) as Warren.

The European premiere of this vibrant new musical introduces London to American composer and lyricist Adam Gwon, one of the most startlingly talented young musical dramatists working today. Ordinary Days, which follows Deb as she loses her most precious possession – the notes to her graduate thesis – and unwittingly starts a chain of events that turns the ordinary days of four New Yorkers into something extraordinary, made its world premiere this summer at Pennsylvania Centre Stage, and will be seen at the 2008 NAMT Festival of New Musicals in New York.

In anticipation of the European premiere of Ordinary Days, Adam Gwon will be appearing in an exclusive concert featuring extracts from Ordinary Days and selected material from his other works, all performed by stars from the West End and Broadway. The concert will take place on Saturday 1 November 2008 at St. Paul’s, Knightsbridge.

Ordinary Days, directed by Adam Lenson, will play the Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 9ED on Monday 3, Sunday 9, Monday 10, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 November 2008. All performances at 7.30pm. Tickets £18, £14 concessions, can be purchased at the Box Office on 0844 847 1652 or www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk.

Biographies

Julie Atherton made her West End debut as Sophie in Mamma Mia! and originated the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q on the West End. Other credits include Serena in Fame (Aldwych Theatre and National Tour), Kolokolo Bird in Just So (Chichester Festival Theatre), and, most recently, The Last Five Years (Theatre Royal Haymarket). As a founder member of the Notes from New York company she has starred in shows at the Donmar Warehouse, the Arts Theatre, the Trafalger Studios and the Duchess Theatre and has headlined both instalments of Christmas in New York at the Apollo Theatre and Lyric Theatre respectively. www.julieatherton.com

Kenneth Avery-Clark has appeared extensively in the West End, including the original London cast of The Producers (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Ragtime (Piccadilly Theatre) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Novello Theatre). Most recently, Kenneth appeared in The Music Man at Chichester Festival Theatre. Other UK theatre includes Mamma Mia In Concert (Bournemouth Symphony), The Typographer’s Dream (Menier Factory and Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Gideon in The Last Session (Hackney Empire), and Officer Barrel in the workshop of the Broadway hit Urinetown.

Hayley Gallivan’s credits include playing Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof (National Tour), The Boy Friend and Lady Be Good (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park) and Follies in Concert (London Palladium).

Lee William-Davis’ theatre credits include Eddie in Mamma Mia! and Valentine in Mary Poppins (both at the Prince Edward Theatre, West End), Love’s Labour’s Lost (National Theatre), On the Town (English National Opera), Anything Goes (National Theatre), Aladdin (Old Vic), and the national tour of A Chorus Line.

Adam Gwon is a composer and lyricist whose musicals include Ordinary Days, Bernice Bobs Her Hair (with librettist Julia Jordan), Ethan Frome (with bookwriter Michael Ruby), and Lulu. He is currently at work on an original musical with playwright Sarah Hammond, commissioned by Broadway Across America, and an adaptation of Joe Meno’s The Boy Detective Fails, commissioned by Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, as part of their American Musical Voices Project: The Next Generation. Visit www.adamgwon.com.

Director Adam Lenson has assisted Nikolai Foster on the National Tour of Aspects of Love, Terry Johnson on La Cage Aux Folles at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Rachel Kavanaugh on The Music Man at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Ergo Theatre Presents THINK BIG at Laurie Beechman 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Ergo Theatre Company presents "THINK BIG the music and lyrics of Bobby Cronin" on Monday, November 3rd, 2008 at 9:30pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42nd Street, west of 9th Avenue in New York City.

Bobby Cronin is the writer/composer of B.R.A.T.T. CAMP, 'TIL DEATH DO US PART, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THAT'S ANDY (conceiver/add'l material) and more. Recently, Eden Espinosa sang Bobby's commissioned song for the Broadway in South Africa concert at Symphony Space, and the opening number from B.R.A.T.T. CAMP was performed at the "Dance Numbers From Musicals You Haven't Heard of Yet" produced by Ryan Scott Oliver. Cronin is also a member of SSDC and a graduate of Yale University where he was awarded with the Michael P. Manzella Award for Excellence in the Arts, Scholastic and Character.

THINK BIG will premiere group and production numbers from Bobby's musicals.

As reviewed by Cabaret Exchange, "Bobby Cronin thinks big. In all ways. Writing in a contemporary musical theatre vein, the songs are passionate and powerful in a take-no-prisoners way that will knock your socks off."

Featuring:

Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde)
Brad Bass (Wicked, Memphis)
Jared Gertner (Spelling Bee)
JENN FURMAN (Wicked)
Ben Cameron (Aida)
Adam Fleming (Bare, Hairspray)
Kate Pazakis (Jerry Springer)
Tracy McDowell (final cast of Rent)
Ed Romanoff (Hairspray, Most Happy Fella)
BRIAN GALLAGHER (Tommy Euro Tour)
ROBYN ELIZABETH LEE (bratt camp)
ALEXANDRA MELROSE (Caraboo at Goodspeed)
AARON LAVINGE (Rent tour)
Sheila Coyle (Rent tour)
and
an ensemble including:
Noah Galvin (Les Miz, Ace)
Michael Lazar
BETHANY LEAVEY
DAVID BALLARD
MICHAEL BARR
TALA AL-KHUDHAIRI
ALAN SHAW
ALICIA KRAKAUER

Choreography and staging by Richard J. Hinds (Pippin at Deaf West, High School Musical Tour), Jessica Redish (Adding Machine), CRONIN and JOHANNA PINZLER (Ergo Theatre Company)

Musical direction and arrangements by:
JUSTIN HATCHIMONJI and Bobby Cronin

$10 cover plus food/drink minimum. For reservations, call 212-695-6909 or email reservations@westbankcafe.com.

For more information, visit www.westbankcafe.com

Kristy Cates Guests on CURTAIN CALL 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Splash Bar presents Scott Nevins' Curtain Call on Monday, November 3 at 11:30pm with this week's guest performer, known for her star turn as the green one, Elphaba in "Wicked" - Kristy Cates. Kristy just got back from performing out of town for the summer and tonight, directly following the video madness of Musical Mondays she will serve up a full set of Broadway's hottest tunes, belting the roof off of Splash with one Diva turn after another.

Get there early to grab a seat to watch these legendary musical numbers on the screens during Musical Monday's, and then sit tight as Kristy Cates performs live in person. Admission is free until 10pm, $5 after. Must be 21 with ID. Splash is located 50 West 17th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in New York.

92YTribeca Theater's Naked Angels First Mondays: BEND 11/3 - 11/3/2008

ARABIAN NIGHTS Director Mary Zimmerman to Speak at PAGE TO STAGE 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Ten days before Mary Zimmerman unveils THE ARABIAN NIGHTS at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, fans of her work will have an opportunity to peek inside the process of creating a play with this Tony Award-winning director. Zimmerman will be interviewed by Robert Hurwitt, theatre critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, on November 3 during Page to Stage – the second installment in Berkeley Rep's annual trio of talks with eminent theatre artists. This event will be held in the auditorium of the new Berkeley City College at 2050 Center Street, just one block from the Theatre.

"This is Mary's sixth visit to Berkeley Rep, and each time she takes us on a remarkable journey," asserts Tony Taccone, artistic director of Berkeley Rep. "As we approach an election in which oil prices and the Iraq war are such important issues, it truly seems timely to look at the Middle East through the lens of its own ancient tales. I look forward to hearing what Mary has to say about The Arabian Nights – and about her long, successful career."

Though this is Zimmerman’s sixth trip to Berkeley Rep, this is the first time she works her magic on the intimate Thrust Stage. The Arabian Nights runs from November 13 through January 4. The executive producers of this play are Betty and Jack Schafer and Jean and Michael Strunsky. The production sponsor is the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund, with co-sponsorship from Wealth Management at The Mechanics Bank. BART and Wells Fargo are the season sponsors for Berkeley Rep’s 41st year of fearless theatre. Starring in the lead roles will be Sofia Jean Gomez and Ryan Arztberger.

“The first time I ever saw the Thrust Stage, I turned to [Managing Director] Susie Medak and said, ‘This space is perfect for The Arabian Nights,’” Zimmerman remarks. “It is set up beautifully for the show, with that steep rake that lets the audience see to the floor – which is such an important part of this show – and the intimacy that makes the stage space and the theatre space feel so integrated. So it is very exciting to have that first impulse realized now, and to work on the Thrust for the first time.”

Mary Zimmerman made her career by reanimating ancient myths like Argonautika and Metamorphoses… now she breathes new life into the legend of the 1,001 nights. To save her life, a beautiful bride must spin hypnotic tales of genies, jesters, thieves, and kings – winning her freedom by eventually winning her husband’s heart. He falls under Scheherazade’s spell, and Zimmerman enchants the audience as well with her signature style that transforms simplicity into the sublime. Amidst a thousand tales of honor, revenge, and humor, only love emerges victorious. A co-production with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Arabian Nights will travel to Missouri and to Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company in 2009.

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS is adapted from the Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night. It is designed by Daniel Ostling (sets), Mara Blumenfeld (costumes), TJ Gerckens (lights), and Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman (sound), and stars Alana Arenas, Barzin Akhavan, Ryan Artzberger, Ari Brand, Noshir Dalal, Allen Gilmore, Sofia Jean Gomez, Melina Kalomas, Ramiz Monsef, Jesse J. Perez, Nicole Shalhoub, Louis Tucci, Pranidhi Varshney, Stacey Yen, and Evan Zes.

Every year, hundreds of people enjoy Page to Stage, a series of discussions sponsored by Peet's Coffee and Tea. Past programs have featured luminaries such as David Edgar, Will Eno, Danny Hoch, Sarah Jones, Tony Kushner, Delroy Lindo, Terrence McNally, Rita Moreno, Itamar Moses, and Salman Rushdie. No tickets are necessary for these free events, but seating is limited. Each talk begins at 7:00 PM, and doors open at 6:45 PM for general-admission seating. Peet's offers a free coffee tasting to all guests starting at 6:00 PM, and donors to Berkeley Rep at the Supporter level or above also enjoy an exclusive post-talk reception with Zimmerman, catered by Bistro Liaison.

Mary Zimmerman is the recipient of a 1998 MacArthur Fellowship and the 2002 Tony Award for Best Director. She has worked at noted theatres across America, and Berkeley Rep audiences have embraced her acclaimed productions of Argonautika, Journey to the West, Metamorphoses, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, and The Secret in the Wings. Now she breathes new life into the legend of the 1,001 nights. To save her life, a beautiful bride must spin hypnotic tales of genies, jesters, thieves, and kings – winning her freedom by eventually winning her husband's heart. He falls under Scheherazade's spell, and Zimmerman enchants the audience as well with her signature style that transforms simplicity into the sublime. Amidst a thousand tales of honor, revenge, and humor, only love emerges victorious.

The Arabian Nights runs November 13 to January 4 on Berkeley Rep's intimate Thrust Stage. For more information about Page to Stage or tickets to the show, call 510.647.2949 or 888-4-BRT-tix (toll-free) – or visit berkeleyrep.org.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre's Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison Street @ Shattuck, Downtown Berkeley

November 13, 2008 – January 4, 2009
Tuesdays & Fridays @ 8:00 PM
Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM
Thursdays & Saturdays @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sundays @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
No performances on 11/27 (Thanksgiving) or 12/25 (Christmas Day)
No matinees on 11/13, 11/15, 11/16, 11/20, 12/4, 12/13, 12/20 or 1/1
Special 2:00 PM matinee on 12/24 (Christmas Eve) – no performance that night

Special Events:

Page to Stage (free talk w/ Zimmerman): Monday 11/3 @ 7:00 PM
Low-cost previews: Thursday 11/13, Friday 11/14 & Saturday 11/15 @ 8:00 PM & Sunday 11/16 @ 7:00 PM
Target Teen Night: Friday 11/14 @ 6:30 PM
VIP night: Tuesday 11/18 @ 8:00 PM
Press night: Wednesday 11/19 @ 8:00 PM
night/OUT (LGBT event): Thursday 11/20 @ 8:00 PM
30 Below (party for the under-30 crowd): Friday 11/21 @ 8:00 PM
Docent talks: Tuesdays 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 & 12/30 and Thursdays 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 & 1/1 @ 7:00 PM
Student matinees: Wednesdays 12/3 & 12/17 @ noon
Post-play discussions: Thursday 12/11, Tuesday 12/16 & Friday 12/19 @ 8:00 PM

Free tastings: Fridays 11/14 (Berkeley Farmers' Market), 11/21 (Triple Rock Brewery and Fra' Mani Salumi), 12/5 (Kokomo Wines) & 12/12 (Triple Rock Brewery) @ 7:00 PM; Saturdays 11/15 (Fra' Mani Salumi), 11/22 (Domaine Carneros and Teance), 11/29 (Domaine Carneros), 12/6 (Kokomo Wines and Peterson Winery), 12/13 (Craft Distillers and St. Helena Road Winery) & 12/20 (Teance) @ 7:00 PM; and Sundays 11/16 (Raymond Vineyards), 11/23 (Bravante and Raymond Vineyards), 12/7 (Kokomo Wines and Peet's Coffee & Tea) & 12/14 (Bravante Vineyards and Domaine Carneros) @ 6:00 PM

Tickets range fro $13.50 to $7. Half-price tickets available for anyone under 30 years of age. $10 discount for students and seniors one hour before curtain. Groups of 10 or more, contact 510.647.2918 or groups@berkeleyrep.org. For tickets, call 510.647.2949 or 888-4-BRT-Tix (toll-free) or visit www.berkeleyrep.org.

Black 2: Broadway! Lending A Helping Hand - 11/3/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For media or production information: September 29, 2008

Kevin-Anthony 212.694.5721 O 917.442.0605 C b2productions1@aol.com

B2: Productions Presents: "BLACK 2: BROADWAY LENDING A HELPING HAND" ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2008 AT THE SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE

New York, NY -- Black 2: Broadway, the acclaimed production celebrating the contributions of performers of color in the arts, returns with its final production of 2008. Celebrating the life and work of Broadway Veterans BJ Crosby & Adrian Bailey, this exciting evening will feature performances by Broadway's Chuck Cooper, Marva Hicks, Ebony Jo-Ann, Tina Fabrique, Alyson Williams, The Broadway Boys, Chester Gregory, Multi Award Winning Recording Artist Tonex (currently spelled: "TON3X") and many more on Monday, November 3rd at The Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture located in Harlem.

All net profit from this special event will go towards assisting BJ Crosby who suffered a stroke a few months ago and Adrian Bailey who was seriously injured at a Broadway Theatre prior to curtain/show time. Serving its mission "to create a support structure for the ongoing development and proliferation of talent and new works generated by and produced by people of color," as well as to support the theatre community of color as a whole, this Black 2: Broadway will focus on lending a helping hand by raising critical financial assistance to support these two amazing Broadway Veterans.

BJ Crosby was nominated for a 1997 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Musical of the 1996 season for Smokey Joe's Cafe and for Broadway's 1995 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Musical) for "Smokey Joe's Cafe," a performance recreated in the television version titled Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller (2000) (TV). Adrian Bailey's Broadway credits include La Cage aux Folles (Jacob), The Lion King, The Wild Party, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Who's Tommy, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jelly's Last Jam, Black & Blue, Legs Diamond, My One and Only, Sophisticated Ladies and more. TV credits include HBO's "The Josephine Baker Story."

On March 10, 2002 Black 2: Broadway launched as New York City's premier event showcasing the talents of performers of color, both known and unknown. The Black 2: Broadway stage has presented performances by a host of Broadway actors and national recording artists including TV and stage singer-actresses Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phylicia Rashad, and Melba Moore; New York Undercover star, Malik Yoba; R&B/Gospel singers Shirley Murdock, Alyson Williams and Meli'sa Morgan; Broadway and stage veterans Savion Glover, Lillias White, Marva Hicks, Ebony Jo-Ann, Tina Fabrique, Victor Cook, Darius de Haas, Lillias White, Billy Porter, Shelton Becton, Jenny Burton, Gordon Chambers, Karl Dixon, Jon Stanley, Ron Grant; recording artists LaChanze, Napiera Groves, Ty Stephens, Phoebe Snow, Andre Smith; and The Broadway Inspirational Voices.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is located at 515 Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem. On Monday, November 3rd doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the cocktail hour beginning at 7:00 p.m. and Showtime at 8:00 p.m. sharp. Ticket are $35.00, General Admission and are available at www.theatermania.com. Black 2: Work, a 501c3 non-profit will once again partner with Black 2: Broadway for this special performance. Black 2: Work awards financial grants to performers of color with a proven track record in the arts. Sponsored in party by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.

For more information on Black 2: Broadway, log on at www.b2productions.xbuild.com or www.myspace.com/b2bookings.

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Free Staged Reading of Ordinary Miracles Nov 3rd - 11/3/2008

Free Staged Reading of Wilmette Playwright Joe Bendy’s

Religious Women’s Drama “Ordinary Miracles” on

November 3, 2008, at Apple Tree Theatre; Directed by Lisa Dodson

WHAT: A free staged reading of the drama “Ordinary Miracles,” a Catholic nun's story that sets the sacred versus the profane, written by Wilmette playwright Joe Bendy and directed by Lisa Dodson. Amidst her struggle to keep the venerable college she heads viable in the face of drastic cultural change, modern-day feminist Sister Felicity must deal with the brash ideas of the school's newly hired young publicist, an overbearing and unscrupulous businessman trustee, and, most daunting, the unwelcome visit of an apostate pop-music icon alumna whose global celebrity and surprise gift proposal force her to make a faith-testing moral choice. Sister Felicity reflects the strength of other memorable religious women portrayed on stage and screen, such as Sister Helen Prejean in “Dead Man Walking,” Mother Superior Miriam Ruth in “Agnes of God,” and Sister Aloysius in “Doubt.” “Ordinary Miracles” runs about two hours with one intermission, and there will be a pre-show reception, as well as refreshments during the brief post-show talk-back (facilitated by director Dodson).

WHERE: Apple Tree Theatre, 1850 Green Bay Road, #100, Highland Park, IL 60035

Directions, restaurant partners and other info at 847-432-4335 and www.appletreetheatre.com

WHEN: Monday, November 3, 2008

Reception begins at 7 p.m.; reading begins at 7:30 p.m.

CAST: CAST:

BIO: “Ordinary Miracles,” C. Joseph Bendy’s second play written in 2006, leans heavily on his experience working for the venerable college for Catholic women – Milwaukee’s Mount Mary College. His most recently written play, “Hijacking the Northern Star,” will premiere in December 2009 in Hong Kong, where the 16-character, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic hostage drama is set, and follows the immediate aftermath of their 1968 cultural revolution. Born and raised on Chicago’s “shadow-of-the-steel-mills” southeast side, Bendy attended St. Ignatius College Prep on Roosevelt Road, then Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he earned a B.S. in Journalism. Bendy was accepted into the University of Iowa’s highly-reputed Writer’s Workshop, only to drop out to pursue a master’s degree in American Civilization.

Bendy was the publicist and part-time instructor in English literature at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, then became the editor of St. Louis University alumni magazine, and subsequently edited trade magazine based in Tokyo that covered the Far East consumer goods export trade. He moved to Hong Kong as junior partner in, and editor-in-chief of, a start-up trade publishing company, and was among the first journalists to enter mainland China after the Nixon diplomatic breakthrough with that country. Now a leader in business to business on-line commerce, Bendy’s company Global Sources is listed as GSOL on the Nasdaq. After seven years in the British Crown Colony, he moved to Winnetka to open the company’s U.S. office.

After retiring from Global Sources, Bendy started a video production company, concentrating on documentaries. One for a local children’s museum dealt with “The Power of Play.” Another, covering a baseball team from Moscow that came to play in a tournament in Florida, was eventually shown to a country-wide audience on the Soviet Union’s government channel. Bendy also wrote a second novel, based on his Marine Corps experience. But the opposition to the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant in Winnetka by a group of the village’s determined preservationists, plus his experience in joining a country club there, inspired Bendy to write his first play, “The Usurper,” a social satire on the manners and mores of the North Shore.

Irwin, Kushner and LaBute Joine FIRST VOTE Fundraiser 11/3 - 11/3/2008

Epic Theater Ensemble brings out the vote on Election Eve with "First Vote '08," a one-night only special event to benefit Epic's innovative, civic-minded in-school and after-school education programs. Epic Theater Ensemble, in partnership with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, celebrates a group of over 40 First Time Voters including Casimero Torres from the cast of the Off-Broadway hit play The Castle. The evening will feature satirical, scandalous, and inspiring short plays, songs, sketches, and toasts. This annual event is set for Election Eve, Monday, November 3rd at 7:30 p.m. in The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (899 Tenth Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets).

The writers and performers scheduled to appear at this year's event include, Anthony Arnove, David Auburn, Mia Barron, Stephen Belber, Zak Berkman, Leila Buck, Julia Cho, Kathleen Chalfant, Lynn Cohen, Jon de Vries, Colman Domingo, Melissa Friedman, Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros, P.J. Gibson, Adam Green, Rachael Holmes, Bill Irwin, Tony Kushner, Neil LaBute, Teri Lamm, Craig Lucas, Jennifer Maisel, Anne Nelson, Richard Nelson, Seth Numrich, Najla Said, Karenna Gore, Schiff, Thomas Sadowski, Jeremy Shamos, Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr., Nilaja Sun, David Strathairn, Judy Tate, Sarah Winkler, David Zellnik, joined by the cast of the Off-Broadway play The Castle (Kenneth Harrington, Velma Ortiz, Angel Ramos, Casimero Torres) and members of the Epic NEXT Ensemble, with GorDon Elliott (TV's Food Network celebrity host/producer) as the non-citizen, non-partisan Master of Ceremonies!

Every year Epic Theatre Ensemble stages an election eve event honoring student alumnae from Epic's innovative, civic-minded education programs who will be voting for the first time the next day. This one-hour benefit weaves together a collection of short plays, spoken op-eds, music, comedy sketches, and toasts that take a satiric, passionate, and most often personal perspective on citizenship, democracy, and the experience of voting.

Performing artists and writers who have contributed and performed at past First-Time Voter Nights include David Strathairn, Eve Ensler, Tony Kushner, Nilaja Sun, Warren Leight, Kathleen Chalfant, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Emily Mann, Tamara Tunie, The Petersons, Christopher Durang, Austin Pendleton, Erin Cressida Wilson, Scott Bryce, Aaron & Julia Korhn, Ariel Dorfman, Amy Redford, just to name a few.

Epic Founding Producer, Zak Berkman, adds that "for this extraordinary election year we are expanded our First Time Voter event in many directions. Our honorees collaborated with Epic's artists throughout the fall to register over 1000 voters and utilize street, and cafeteria, theatre to increase awareness of this historic election. Some of these honorees have contributed writing that will be performed alongside the professional contributions on November 3rd. We are thrilled to be partnering for the first time with John Jay College of Criminal Justice to identify honorees, contributors, and present the culminating election-eve event at their Gerald Lynch Theater."

Tickets for "First Vote '08" are priced at $50 / $25 for General Admission, $10 Student (w/code "ST10" and student ID) , and there are a limited number of VIP TICKETS at $250 (includes a special pre-show reception with the performers from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., priority seating, and recognition in program).

General Admission and Student tickets are available online at www.ticketcentral.com or by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200. Special VIP tickets can be purchased via email at SarahWinklerEpic@aol.com or by calling (212) 239-1770.

Easton, Waterston, Camrgo and Strong Take Part in Shakespeare Society's PRINCE HAL Reading - 11/3/2008

The Shakespeare Society (Michael Sexton, Artistic Director) will present Richard Easton, Christian Camargo, Jeremy Strong, Elisabeth Waterston, and Professor David Scott Kastan in Politics, Prince Hal, and the Making of a Leader on Monday, November 3 at 6:30pm at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, East 68 Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues. A limited number of tickets, priced at $25 - $45, are available from the Kaye box office at (212) 772-4448. For Shakespeare Society membership information, call 212-967-6802 or go to www.shakespearesociety.org.

On the eve of the 2008 elections, three of America's most celebrated Shakespeareans come together to look at Shakespeare's most successful political leader, Henry V. Featuring the Shakespeare Society's signature combination of performance and commentary, the evening will trace the progress of this remarkable figure, role-playing his way from prodigal son to the leader of a nation. What are the keys to-and costs of-political success?

Due to scheduling conflicts with his upcoming film, Liev Schreiber has had to withdraw from this event.

Tony Award winner Richard Easton (The Invention of Love, The Coast of Utopia, Henry IV) will be reading Falstaff and Henry IV, reprising the role he played in the Lincoln Center Theater production of Henry IV on Broadway opposite Kevin Kline.

Christian Camargo, who will read Prince Hal and Henry V, is a founding company member of Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London, is currently performing in Arthur Miller's All My Sons on Broadway. He will play Hamlet this spring for Theater for a New Audience. Other credits include Theater for a New Audience's Coriolanus, and Henry V at the New York Shakespeare Festival. His Broadway debut was in David Hare's Skylight.

Jeremy Strong, who will read the roles of Poins and Williams, is currently playing Richard Rich in A Man for All Seasons at the Roundabout Theatre Company. Last season he played the lead in David Ives' New Jerusalem. Other credits include Richard Nelson's Conversations in Tusculum (Public Theater); Richard Nelson's Frank's Home (Playwrights Horizons); John Patrick Shanley's Defiance (MTC).

Elisabeth Waterston will read selections from the role of Katherine. She most recently appeared as Miranda in The Tempest at CSC. Other New York credits include The Young Left (Cherry Lane), Father Joy (SPF), Much Ado About Nothing (NYSF), Spring Awakening, Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen, The Vortex.

David Scott Kastan, General Editor of the Arden Shakespeare and George M. Bodman Professor of English at Yale University, will examine Hal's development as a politician looking at the ways impersonation, role-playing and language are used politically and theatrically as well as what Shakespeare shows are the costs of political power-what is sacrificed in pursuit of political success.

The cast also includes Jeremy Strong who is currently appearing in the Roundabout Theatre production of A Man for All Seasons and whose other credits include the lead role of Spinoza in David Ives's New Jerusalem at CSC.

The Shakespeare Society is a not-for-profit membership organization presenting entertaining and challenging programs that combine stage performances by outstanding actors with illuminating commentary by noted Shakespearean writers, scholars, and directors. A fundamental belief of the founders of The Shakespeare Society is that enjoying and understanding Shakespeare begin in the classroom; therefore, a portion of the Society's membership dollars is used to support educational activities in New York City schools. Past participants in Shakespeare Society performances and events include Harold Bloom, F. Murray Abraham, Stephen Greenblatt, Liev Schreiber, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Kathleen Chalfant, Michael Cumpsty, Jefferson Mays, Marcia Gay Harden, Patrick Stewart, Sir Peter Hall, Derek Jacobi, Philip Bosco, Marjorie Garber, Ralph Fiennes, Ron Rosenbaum, Richard Easton, John Guare, and Claire Bloom.

The Shakespeare Society presents Politics, Prince Hal, and the Making of a Leader on Monday, November 3, at 6:30PM at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues). $25-$45 for non-members. To purchase tickets or for ticket information, phone the Kaye Playhouse box office at 212 772-4448. For more information about The Shakespeare Society or Politics, Prince Hal, and the Making of a Leader, or to join The Shakespeare Society, phone 212 967-6802 or visit www.shakespeareociety.org.

Jeremy Sconfeld's 'DRIFT' Benefit at BB King - 11/3/2008

Jeremy Schonfeld'S "DRIFT" BENEFIT with Emick, Mann, Murner, and Coulter will take place on November 3rd At BB KING. DRIFT will feature Kris Coleman (Jersey Boys), Jarrod Emick (Tony Award Winner for Damn Yankees), Adam Kantor, Terrence Mann (Tony Nominated star of Les Miserable and Beauty and the Beast), Karla Mosley (Expatriate), Julia Murney (Wicked), Adam Cantor (Spring Awakening) and Adam Pascal (Rent.)

This one night only event is a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and The Broadway Dreams Foundation.

DRIFT will also be presented with Scott Coulter and Michelle Kinney and The Path Fund Inc.

Doors open at 6:30pm, show begins at 8:00pm $30 SRO, $60 General admission seating (first come, first served) B.B. King Blues Club and Grill is located at 237 West 42nd Street, between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue.

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, online at ticketmaster.com or 212-307-7171, or tickets can be purchased in person at our box office from 10:30 am to midnight every night.

BB King Blues Club is a full-scale restaurant and bar; serving food and drink throughout most of our shows. A $10 food and/or beverage minimum is standard for table seating during all shows. Unless otherwise noted, all shows are suitable for all ages and offer general admission seating. Seating for all shows is first come, first seated; BB King Blues Club does not take advance table reservation, except where noted as a condition of a VIP ticket. The club cannot seat incomplete parties. Standing room for all shows is available at the bar. For further show information, directions to the venue and for the latest updates visit www.bbkingblues.com or call 212-997-4144.

Robbins, Maxwell, Lenox, Washington, Preston and Martindale Read WEEKEND for NYTW - 11/3/2008

New York Theatre Workshop announces that Tim Robbins, Jan Maxwell, Kerry Washington, Carrie Preston, Adriane Lenox, AND Margo Martindale will lead the cast in a reading of Gore Vidal's WEEKEND on Monday, November 3rd, at 7PM. The reading is free to the public.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director William Russo have announced that the cast for Gore Vidal’s Weekend, the final event in the 2008 Pre-Election Series, will include Patch Darragh, Stephen James King, Adriane Lenox, Stuart Margolin, Margo Martindale, Jan Maxwell, Conan McCarty, Hubert Point-Du Jour, Michael Potts, Carrie Preston, Tim Robbins, Charles Turner, and Kerry Washington. The reading of Weekend, which is directed by Leigh Silverman, takes place Monday, November 3, at 7pm at NYTW, 79 East 4 Street. Tickets to this event are free. MEMBERS AND DONORS TO NYTW MAY RESERVE TICKETS IN ADVANCE. ADMISSION FOR GENERAL PUBLIC IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS ON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT.

In Weekend it’s 1968 and the Republican Party is in a struggle for its conscience. Four years earlier after an explosive rise by Barry Goldwater and the far right, Goldwater became the Republican nominee for President running against LynDon Johnson. Crushingly defeated, the Republican Party was left in disarray. Now the longstanding progressive core of the party is attempting to make a comeback. Republican Senator Charles MacGruder is preparing to announce his candidacy for president and make a bold statement against the Vietnam War, when his son arrives for the weekend with shocking and potentially career-ending news.

Weekend premiered on Broadway in the spring of 1968, in the heat of the campaign during which it is set, and Vidal’s biting political humor is no less relevant today. In a whirlwind of self-righteousness, bigotry, blackmail, and opportunism, conservative values are called into question—even into direct contradiction—as pollsters and loyalists try to contain the damage and protect their candidate from the swirling media circus. As politicians question their consciences in the midst of scandal, we get a prescient snapshot of a critical moment in our nation’s political history.

Weekend is the final event of NYTW’s 2008 Pre-Election Series, a program of public readings and events timed to this year’s historic presidential election. The series, which is free to the public, reflects on our country’s political history, and in so doing, shines a spotlight on the current and future political landscape. At times unsettling, even subversive, each event will contribute to the public discourse and spark challenging conversations as we approach this momentous election. From the 19th century, to the furor of the 1960s, to the current administration, we find eerie echoes that remind us that our history is not far behind us.

New York Theatre Workshop, now celebrating its 26th season, is a leading voice in the world of Off-Broadway and within the theatre community in New York and around the world. NYTW has emerged as a premiere incubator of important new theatre, honoring its mission to explore perspectives on our collective history and respond to the events and institutions that shape our lives. In addition, NYTW is known for its innovative adaptations of classic repertory. Each season, from its home in New York's East Village neighborhood, NYTW presents three to five new productions, over 80 readings, and numerous workshop productions, for over 45,000 audience members. Over the past 26 years, NYTW has developed and produced over 100 new, fully staged works, including Jonathan Larson's Rent, Tony Kushner's Slavs! and Homebody/Kabul, Doug Wright's Quills, Claudia Shear's Blown Sideways Through Life and Dirty Blonde, Paul Rudnick's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told and Valhalla, and Caryl Churchill's Mad Forest, Far Away, and A Number. The 2002 remounting of Martha Clarke's seminal work Vienna: Lusthaus and subsequent American tour was one of the longest-running productions in NYTW's history. NYTW supports artists in all stages of their careers by maintaining a series of workshop programs including work-in-progress readings, summer residencies, and minority artist fellowships. In 1991, NYTW received an OBIE Award for Sustained Achievement and in 2000 was designated to be part of the Leading National Theatres Program by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The reading of Weekend is free, open to the public, and will take place at New York Theatre Workshop (79 East 4th Street). NYTW Repeat Defenders can reserve tickets in advance by e-mailing NormaS@nytw.org and NYTW Members can reserve tickets in advance by e-mailing Marketing@nytw.org. Tickets for the general public will be available at the NYTW Box Office on the day of the event starting at 6pm.

'Imagine This' to Premiere at New London Theatre this Fall - 11/4/2008

IMAGINE THIS, the new musical, will have its premiere at the New London Theatre in the West End on Wednesday 19 November, following previews from 4 November.

Set in Poland during 1942, a group of actors in the Warsaw Ghetto stage plays to inspire hope and optimism within their community.� However, with rumours of the Final Solution in the air, their play merges with the reality they are trying to escape and a dramatic love story unfolds.

IMAGINE THIS has music by Shuki Levy and book & lyrics by Glenn Berenbeim and David Goldsmith. IMAGINE THIS will be directed by Timothy Sheader, the new artistic director of the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park. The scenic design is by Eugene Lee (triple Tony Award-winner for "Wicked", "Sweeney Todd" and "Candide") and the costume design is by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award-winner for "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"). The choreography is by Liam Steel, best known for his work with Complicit�, DV8 and Frantic Assembly. With lighting design by Tim Mitchell, orchestrations are by Chris Walker and musical supervision by Phil Bateman.

Performance times for IMAGINE THIS at the New London Theatre are Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.� Tickets, priced from �17.50 - �60.00, with preview tickets from �7.50 - �50.00, are available from the New London Theatre Box Office on 0844 412 4654.

IMAGINE THIS will be produced in London by Beth Trachtenberg, Anita Mann, Leigh Mason, Jean Mason and ICW Productions in association with Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Visit the IMAGINE THIS website at www.ImagineThisTheMusical.com.

Joan Rivers Brings Her Stand Up Back to New York at the Cutting Room For Charity - 11/4/2008

JOAN RIVERS brings her stand up act back to New York on Election Day November 4 at The Cutting Room. She will perform there through December 17.

After a 4 month hiatus (following a successful run of her autobiographical play on London's West End), legendary comedian Joan Rivers returns to New York with her live stand-up act. Join Rivers as she presents an evening of her newest and most outrageous stand-up comedy and riffs on Hollywood, pop culture, celebrities, and award show fashions. Rivers plays at The Cutting Room in Chelsea on the following schedule:
- Tuesday, November 4 at 8pm
- Wednesday, November 5 at 8pm
- Friday, November 7 at 10:30pm
- Wednesday, November 19 at 8pm
- Wednesday, December 10 at 8pm
- Wednesday, December 17 at 8pm

Tickets are $30 with a portion of the proceeds going to Joan Rivers' favorite charities: God's Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs for the Blind. The Cutting Room is located at 19 West 24th (accessible from the N,R,F,V & 6 trains at 23rd Street). For reservations call 212-352-3101 or visit www.SpinCycleNYC.com.

Described as a post-menopausal Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers delivers a raunchy, politically incorrect evening of stand-up comedy. One of the hardest working women in show business, she is a best-selling author, Tony-nominated actress, playwright, screenwriter, motion picture director, Emmy Award-winning television talk-show host, jewelry designer, business woman and mother to "what's-her-name" Melissa. She is on the board of God's Love We Deliver, National Chairwoman of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and gives lectures around the world on suicide prevention and survival. With her trademark mix of outspoken wit, savvy and compassion, she continues to be one of America's most admired first ladies of comedy.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Joan Rivers "made the rounds" in New York during the '50s, appearing in a few off-off Broadway plays (including one where she played a lesbian opposite an equally unknown Barbra Streisand), surviving sleazy agents, tawdry clubs, and hostile audiences. A 1965 booking on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" led to her hosting one of the first syndicated talk shows on daytime TV, "That Show with Joan Rivers" in 1968. In the '70s Joan wrote the TV-movie The Girl Most Likely To (starring Stockard Channing) and then wrote and directed her first feature film Rabbit Test, casting Billy Crystal in the lead. In 1983 Joan became the permanent guest host on "The Tonight Show." Later, she headlined in Las Vegas, sold out Carnegie Hall, produced a Grammy nominated comedy album, and wrote two best-selling books. In 1989 the Tribune Corporation launched Joan in her own syndicated daytime talk show. She won an Emmy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1994 she wrote and starred on Broadway in Sally Marr and Her Escorts, for which she received a Best Actress Tony nomination. Since then, Joan has written three more best-selling books, maintains her own jewelry line on QVC, provided fashion commentaries for E! and The TV Guide Channel, and filmed a special for Bravo

Photo Credit Peter James Zielinksi

Broadway in Chicago Offers Discount Election Day Tix to DIRTY DANCING, JERSEY BOYS & WICKED - 11/4/2008

Broadway In Chicago encourages all Chicagoans to vote and then celebrate the election of the 44th President by offering theater patrons $44 tickets on Election Day, November 4, 2008, to the international stage hits DIRTY DANCING, Jersey Boys and WICKED. Election returns will be announced during intermission and at the close of the show.

By using the promo code VOTE, patrons may purchase any seat in the three theaters on Tuesday, November 4 for only $44. Seats regularly priced below $44 will remain at their regular price. Offer details can be found at www.BroadwayInChicago.com/specialoffers. Tickets are available at Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (18 W. Monroe St., 24 W. Randolph St. and 151 W. Randolph St.), through the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers (including all Hot Tix, select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores) or online at Ticketmaster.com. Groups of 20 or more should call (312) 977-1710.

Performances for all shows on Tuesday, November 4 begin at 7:30 p.m.

DIRTY DANCING is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) through January 17, 2009. A coming of age love story, this show tells the story of a talented and headstrong dancer, Johnny Castle, and Frances "Baby" Houseman, a doctor's daughter with dreams of joining the Peace Corps. The production is an extraordinary experience that explodes with heart-pounding music, spectacular emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.

The Chicago Company of Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, recently celebrated their first anniversary playing at the Bank of America Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.). This group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time, writing their own songs, inventing their own sounds and selling 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years. The Chicago Company of WICKED will take its final bow on January 25, 2009 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) after more than three record-breaking years in Chicago.

For more information, visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Coming Up This Week in Theatre - 10/28/2008

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS

THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF MARGARET GARNER IN NOVEMBER 2008

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS

THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF MARGARET GARNER IN NOVEMBER 2008

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS A SPLENDID GALA TO CELEBRATE THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF MARGARET GARNER SUNDAY, NOV. 2

BETRAYAL