Coming Up This Week in Theatre - 2/6/2008

Mame - WA - 2/12/2008

The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA presents:

Mame Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Based on the novel by Patrick Dennis and the play Auntie Mame by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee *New Dates: February 12 – March 2, 2008

Subscribers who need to adjust their season ticket package because of the date changes should call (206) 625-1900 or stop by The 5th Avenue Theatre box office at 1308 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Subscription packages are available now and prices range from as little as $82 (4 shows, previews) to $383 (6 shows, weekend). The Second Sunday Talkback, 30-Or-Under and Q Club ticket packages remain popular season packages. Visit www.5thavenue.org for more information.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead - 2/6/2008

CENTERSTAGE. In the Head Theatre. Through March 9. $10 - $60. www.centerstage.org

Light Up the Sky - 2/10/2008

A play by Moss Hart. Through February 10. Vagabond Players. 806 S. Broadway Baltimore, MD 21231 www.vagabondplayers.com or 410-563-9135.

Dead Man's Cell Phone - 2/8/2008

Playwrights Horizons presents the New York premiere of Dead Man's Cell Phone, a new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl. Directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Bogart, the production will begin previews on Friday, February 8 at Playwrights Horizons' Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street). Opening Night is set for Tuesday, March 4 at 7PM.

Mary-Louise Parker joins previously-announced cast member, Tony Award nominee Kathleen Chalfant.

"Dead Man's Cell Phone Gordon is dead, but his cell phone lives on. When Jean, an empathetic museum worker, answers his ringing phone beside her in a café, she is soon playing unwitting comforter and confessor to the man's grieving friends and family," describe press notes, "Before she knows it, Jean is ensnarled in the underbelly of the dead man's bizarre life. A wildly imaginative new comedy, Dead Man's Cell Phone is the odyssey of a woman forced to confront her assumptions about morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technology-obsessed world."

The performance schedule for Dead Man's Cell Phone will be Tuesdays through Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays at 2:30PM & 8PM and Sundays at 2:30PM & 7:30 PM. Subscriptions are now available to guarantee seats to Dead Man's Cell Phone. Single tickets will go on sale December 28. For subscription and ticket information to all Playwrights Horizons productions, call Ticket Central 212-279-4200, Noon to 8PM daily, or purchase online at the Playwrights Horizons website at www.playwrightshorizons.org

Passing Strange - 2/8/2008

Passing Strange, an original narrative musical which made its acclaimed and extended engagement at the Public Theatre last summer, will arrive on Broadway in February 8, 2008 at the Belasco Theatre; officially opening February 28, 2008.

Performance dates and tickets (on-sale through Telecharge) will be available shortly. The Belaso Theatre is located at 111 West 44th Street, New York.

Passing Strange is a new rock musical by singer/songwriter and performance artist Stew and Heidi Rodewald. "Passing Strange takes musical theatre on a whole new trip," state press notes, "Stew, a popular performer at Joe's Pub, was commissioned by The Public and Berkeley Rep to develop this moving and hilarious story of a young black bohemian in search of self and home who charts a course for "the real" through sex, drugs, and rock and roll...It's a quirky journey from L.A. to authenticity, crossing boundaries of place, identity, and theatrical convention on the way."

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - 2/11/2008

The African-American production of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Debbie Allen, will hit Broadwawy beginning the week of February 11, 2008 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre.

"Hypocrisy, greed and secret passions threaten to tear apart a wealthy but dysfunctional Mississippi family in Tennessee Williams' stunning American masterpiece. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof searingly portrays the larger-than-life characters of Maggie 'the Cat,' her alcoholic husband, Brick, and the dominating family patriarch, Big Daddy," explain press notes.

The Producers (Las Vegas) Closing - 2/9/2008

The Las Vegas production of Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Producers is announced to close at the Paris on February 9, 2008. Tony Danza will continue to portray down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock through the remainder of the production's run.

Betrayed - 2/6/2008

Culture Project will next produce the World Premiere of George Packer's new play Betrayed, directed by Pippin Parker in 2008. Marking Packer's playwriting debut, Betrayed will begin performances on Friday, January 25 at Culture Project's SoHo theater (55 Mercer Street). Opening Night is set for February 6, 2008.

"In early 2007, The New Yorker writer George Packer published an article about the desperate situation of the Iraqis who had risked their lives to help the American effort in their country and were being hunted down as a result, with little or no U.S. protection. The article helped draw national attention to a humanitarian crisis and a moral scandal. Betrayed, Packer's first play, based on his interviews in Iraq and other countries, tells the story of three young Iraqis - two men and a woman - who are motivated by hope to go work for the Americans, until they begin to wonder who, if anyone, can be trusted…"

Performances are Monday at 8PM, Wednesday – Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 3PM & 8PM and Sunday at 3PM. Tickets are priced at $25 - $60 and will be available beginning tomorrow by calling 212-352-3101 or visiting www.cultureproject.org

Musical Mondays Honor Ervin & Edith Drake - 2/10/2008

On Sunday, February 10 2008 at 12:30 pm Musical Mondays honors songwriter Ervin Drake and his wife Edith ( the 'Love Couple' ) at a Luncheon and Silent Auction at Sardi's. If you don't know his name, you know his songs: "Good Morning Heartache," "Tico-Tico," "It Was a Very Good Year, I Believe, 450 more plus the scores to "What Makes Sammy Run" and "Her First Roman." One of his latest WHO ARE THESE STRANGERS was recorded by Michael Feinstein.

Some of the performers scheduled to appear and perform include: Marc Kudisch, Ron Raines, Christine Pedi, Karen Saunders, Steve Ross, KT Sullivan, WOR's Joey Reynolds (to toast, roast and who knows what else ?) and some surprise guests. Be there when the Songwriter's Guild presents their Special Recognition Award to Ervin Drake. Benefit Committee:

Co-chairs Pat Addiss and Sandi Durell Jean Banks, Janet Barbash, Rose Billings, Bob Blume, Linda Amiel Burns, Linda Burson, Myra Chanin, Frank Evans, Jae French, Joyce Galley, Bick Goss, Jonathan Herzog, Peter Jones, Michael Kerker, Kailee Scales, Schele Williams

Regular Table Seating, $150* Premium Table Seating, $250* Premium Tables of Ten and Program recognition, $2500* For reservations via Internet: http://www.musicalmondays.org (PayPal).  For reservations via telephone: SmartTix (212) 868-4444 Telephone reservations are subject to a $5 service charge per ticket.

Chita Rivera @ Shaw Theatre, UK - 2/8/2008

Broadway legend Chita Rivera will perform from February 8 – 10, 2008 at the Shaw Theatre in Euston Road as part of a new West End concert series season "Feinstein's at the Shaw Theatre. The vision of the new enterprise is similar to its New York City counterpart 'Feinstein's at the Loew Regency.

The Slugbearers of Kayrol Island - 2/12/2008

The Tony Award-winning Vineyard Theatre continues its 2007-08 Season with the unique new musical The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island (Or, The Friends of Dr. Rushower) with libretto and drawings by Ben Katchor and music composed by Mark Mulcahy, with previews to begin January 25, prior to its official press opening on February 12 at Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street).

"Ben Katchor's drawings form the animated background for The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island, set in and around Manhattan and on a tropical factory-island of exploited workers. For this unique new musical, Mr. Katchor was inspired by the tradition of the 'picture reciter,' a form of live entertainment from 17th-century India. Updating and exploring this tradition, he has created original, hand-drawn still and animated sequences which complement Mark Mulcahy's indie-rock score," explain press notes.

Bob McGrath is set to direct the ensemble cast led by Peter Friedman, Bobby Steggert, Stephen Lee Anderson and Tom Riis Farrell. John Carrafa (Urinetown) will choreograph. The cast of The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island includes Stephen Lee Anderson, Tom Riis Farrell, Jody Flader, Peter Friedman, Matt Pearson, Bobby Steggert and Will Swensen.

Performances of The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island run January 25 through March 2; Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tickets are $60; 2 hours prior to curtain, students may purchase any available seats for $20 each. Valid student ID required; limit 2 tickets per ID. For reservations and additional information about Vineyard Theatre, call 212-353-0303 or visit www.vineyardtheatre.org

The Crucible - 2/6/2008

The Schoolhouse Theater and Mare Nostrum Elements presents a rare Off-Broadway revival of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Arthur Miller's The Crucible at The Arclight Theatre. Directed by Pamela Moller Kareman, performances of this limited engagement begin February 6 with opening night scheduled for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30PM. This acclaimed regional production arrives in NYC from Croton Falls, New York.

"The Crucible, a historical play based on events of the 1692 Salem witchcraft trials, is a powerful and timeless depiction of how intolerance and mass hysteria can tear a community apart. When Abigail Williams is held under suspicion of practicing witchcraft, she in turn levels charges against her former employer, Elizabeth Proctor. In the wake of Abigail's charges, Reverend Parris begins hearing accusations and counter-accusations from all sides of the community, so he brings in a judge to determine who is guilty. A powerful parable about McCarthyism, the themes of religious persecution and the need for personal strength resonate to the present," explain press notes.

The Crucible runs February 6 - March 2. Show times are Wednesdays at 2pm; Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm; and Sunday at 2pm, with added shows February 6 & 27 at 7:30pm.

The Arclight Theatre is located at 152 West 71st Street. Tickets are $40, $35 for students and seniors. For tickets and information call 212-352-3101 or visit www.TheaterMania.com.

Li'l Abner - LA Reprise! - 2/6/2008

The 2007-2008 season of Reprise! Broadway's Best continues with Li'l Abner, to perform Tuesday, February 5 through Sunday, February 17 (press opening February 6) at the Freud Playhouse at UCLA. The production will be directed by Michael Michetti, choreographed by Lee Martino and has musical direction by Darryl Archibald.

Cathy Rigby (Mammy Yokum), Fred Willard (General Bullmoose), and Brandi Burkhardt (Daisy Mae) will star. The production will be directed by Michael Michetti, choreographed by Lee Martino, and has musical direction by Darryl Archibald.

"Welcome to Dogpatch, U.S.A., which has just been deemed 'the most unnecessary, no account' town in the country. In a scramble to keep Dogpatch from being used for atomic testing and to also save the beloved Sadie Hawkins day, Li'l Abner, Daisy Mae and the other wild and colorful citizens of Dogpatch must find a reason why their town is worth something," explain press notes. Based on the famous comic strip by Al Capp, this witty musical satire features the songs "Namely You," "The Country's in the Very Best of Hands,' and the raucous, foot-stomping "Jubilation T. Cornpone."

Li'l Abner will perform Tuesday, February 5 through Sunday, February 17 (press opening February 6) at the Freud Playhouse at UCLA. For tickets, please call the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 310/825-2101 or visit www.reprise.org

Applause - Encores! - 2/7/2008

New York City Center Encores! begins its 2008 season with the 1970 Tony Award-winning hit, Applause, starring Christine Ebersole, Kate Burton, Mario Cantone, Tom Hewitt, Michael Park, Megan Sikora, Chip Zien and Erin Davie. Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall with Music Direction by Rob Berman, Applause will play five performances, from February 7-10 at New York City Center, 131 West 55th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues).

Applause, based on the classic Bette Davis film, All About Eve, is the ultimate backstage musical – the story of the great Broadway star Margo Channing (Christine Ebersole) and her duplicitous understudy, Eve Harrington (Erin Davie).

The Encores! cast is: Christine Ebersole, Kate Burton, Mario Cantone, Tom Hewitt, Michael Park, Megan Sikora, Chip Zien and Erin Davie, with Tony Freeman, Bob Gaynor, David Studwell, J.D. Webster, Cole Burden, John Carroll, Paula Leggett Chase, Susan Derry, Sarah Jane Everman, Lisa Gajda, Gregg Goodbrod, Justin Greer, James Harkness, Joe Komara, Raymond Lee, Monica Patton, Manuel Santos, Jennifer Savelli, Chaunteé Schuler, Steven Sofia, Kevin Vortman and Kristen Beth Williams.

Performances: Thursday, February 7 at 8:00 pm Friday, February 8 at 8:00 pm Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm Sunday, February 10 at 6:30 pm

Tickets for the 2008 Encores! season are available at the New York City Center Box Office (West 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues), through CityTix at 212-581-1212, or online at www.nycitycenter.org. Orchestra and Grand Tier tickets are $95; Mid-Mezzanine tickets are $90; Rear Mezzanine and Front Gallery tickets are $50; Rear Gallery tickets are $25.

Anchors - 2/7/2008

"Anchors" by Tony Zertuche, directed by Eliza Beckwith. February 7 - 23rd, 2008 at The Kirk Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd St). Tickets are $18. Visit www.LivingImageArts.org or call 212-279-4200

"Michael Goliad is stuck! He is stuck in his life, stuck on himself, and now... He's stuck in the Navy! As the US revs up for the first Gulf War, Mexican-American, Michael Goliad joins the Armed Forces to pay for college, but soon realizes what it really means to become Property of the U.S. Navy. Now Goliad must fight for love, life and the pursuit of manhood as he is shipped off to his first duty station in the Philippines. All he wants is to be his own man, but the Navy and a certain gorgeous Filipina have other plans. With the help of female recruit Jeri Lewis, his fun-loving bunk mate Schotz and a pair of tyrannical Company Commanders, Goliad is bound to be haze gray and underway," explain press notes.

Best of Mexco & USA - 2/10/2008

Santa Cecilia Orchestra under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Sonia Marie De Leon de Vega will perform an orchestra concert at Occidental College, Thorne Hall, Sunday, February 10 at 4:00 p.m.

The program includes Moncayo's Huapango, one of Mexico's most popular compositions, Chavez's Sinfonia India which is considered one of his most nationalistic works, combing modernism and indigenous themes, Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring captures the essence of an ideal America, one of open fields and endless possibilities, and soloist Deborah Buck performs Barber's violin concerto, a virtuoso showpiece.

Tickets, priced at $24, $18 and $5 for youth, are available by calling the Santa Cecilia Orchestra Office at (323) 259-3011

La Cage aux Folles - 2/7/2008

One of Broadway's most popular musicals, La Cage aux Folles previews January 31, opens February 7 and closes March 9 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. With book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, La Cage aux Folles is based on a 1973 French play by Jean Poiret and the subsequent 1978 French-Italian film of the same name. Theatre at the Center's production will be directed by multi Jeff Award winning director Bill Pullinsi. James Harms will also reprise his three-time Jeff award winning role as "Albin" in this production. Rudy Hogenmiller will choreograph this production with musical direction by Bill Underwood.

La Cage aux Folles is a boisterous and uplifting celebration of love in an untraditional family who owns a popular St. Tropez nightclub. Albin (James Harms) and Georges' (Larry Adams) twenty years of domestic tranquility is shattered when their son, Jean-Michel (Phil Higgins) must introduce his prospective straight-laced in-laws to his own loving "parents". The show is filled with gorgeous costumes, fabulous dance numbers and a wonderful score including "The Best of Times", "I Am What I Am" and "The Song on the Sand".

The regular schedule is: Wednesdays & Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. ($36.00); Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ($39.00); Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. ($36.00) and 8:00 p.m. ($39.00); and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. ($39.00). Additional performances include occasional Friday and Saturday matinees and Thursday and Sunday evenings. Season subscriptions are $150. Gift certificates are available and make the perfect gift for all occasions. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. For groups, contact Charlie Misovye at 219.826.3258. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.theatreatthecenter.org.

Idina Menzel on 'Good Day LA' - 2/7/2008

To celebrate the release of "I Stand," the long-awaited and highly anticipated Warner Bros. Records debut of Idina Menzel, she is scheduled to appear on "Good Day LA" on February 7.

Empty Space Ensemble Benefit @ Knitting Factory - 2/11/2008

Empty Space Ensemble invades The Knitting Factory for a one night only fundraising event. Cast members from Wicked, Cry Baby, Gypsy, The Lion King, and more will be belting out love songs all night (from Pat Benatar to Whitney Houston) backed by a live band.

featuring: Carly Jibson, Brad Bass, Sean Bradford, Michael Buchanan, Nancy Braun, Auri Marcus, Rachel Frankenthal, Travis Greisler, Chris Yonan, and Claire Wilmoth Doors open @ 9pm Show @ 9:30pm Tickets:$10 available online at knittingfactory.com or at door

Three Redneck Tenors @ Luxor - 2/6/2008

Join Billy Bob, Billy Joe, and Billy Billee as they mix NASCAR with Beethoven, lite beer with Puccini and even kick up a little dust with Ave Maria Dixie! You'll travel with our 3 redneck cousins from their modest beginnings in Paris, Texas, where they discover that belting out a high C causes pigs to move faster and bar brawlers to scatter; all the way to their triumphant debut at New York's famous Carnegie Hall.

Showing at: Luxor Showroom (located inside Luxor) 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89119. Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun, Mon at 8pm. Sat at 9pm. For tickets and more info log onto: www.lasvegasshows.com

James Blunt @ The Palms - 2/8/2008

James Blunt didn't exactly follow the career path most successful musicians do. He studied aerospace manufacturing engineering and sociology in college and then ended up in the British army for four years, serving in Kosovo. It was in 2003 that he came to the U.S. and caught the attention of songwriter/producer Linda Perry during a performance at the South by Southwest music conference.

He has since performed on numerous television and radio shows throughout the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, also earning the coveted musical guest spot on "Saturday Night Live" in December 2005. The single "High" made its way onto the U.S. charts in 2006.

His sophomore effort "All the Lost Souls" was released in 2007 and featured the hit single "1973." He will perform Friday Feb. 8 at 8pm at the Pearl theater located in The Palms. Tickets may be purchased by calling (866) 80-SHOWS

Boz Scaggs @ Hilton - 2/8/2008

Born in Texas, and raised with an abiding respect for a wide spectrum of American roots music, Boz Scaggs recorded early on with his high school buddy Steve Miller. He made his solo debut in 1969 on Atlantic Records with "Boz...

Showing at: Hilton Theater (located inside Las Vegas Hilton) 3000 South Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109 Purchase Tickets for Boz Scaggs at the Las Vegas Hilton: February 8-9 at 8pm Starting At: $50.00

Smothers Bros @ Orleans - 2/8/2008

Over four decades of audiences have come to love their timeless comedy - the irrepressible brothers whose lengthy career has surpassed all other comedy teams in history - and now you can see the Smothers Brothers live at the Orleans Showroom. Showing at: Orleans Showroom (located inside Orleans) 4500 West Tropicana Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89103

Purchase Tickets for Smothers Brothers at the Orleans: February 8-10 at 8pm Starting At: $33.00 Purchase Tickets at www.lasvegasshows.com

Shoshana Bean & Matt Cusson @ Harlows - 2/7/2008

Broadway, television and recording star Shoshana Bean makes her long anticipated Sacramento debut Thursday February 7th at Harlows with jazz pianist / vocalist Matt Cusson.

Although best known for her work as Elphaba replacing Idina Menzel in "Wicked" and the original cast of "Hairspray", Shoshana has also performed with a huge lineup of pop stars including Usher, Liza Minelli, Gloria Estefan and Luther Vandross, as well as her childhood idols Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson at Jackson's 30th anniversary concert celebration. She also had the priviledge of honoring legend Aretha Franklin at the "Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards." Shoshana sang Franklin's classic "Ain't No Way" alongside Brian McKnight for the nationally broadcast show. Their performance exploded into a standing ovation before the song was even over. www.shoshanabean.com www.myspace.com/mattcusson

Joe Iconis @ Joe's Pub - 2/11/2008

"The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree" is coming to Joe's Pub on February 11 at 9:30PM. Newly Blacklisted writer Joe Iconis returns to the Joe's Pub bringing with him his merry band of musical theater punks. "The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree" is a laid-back evening of Iconis tunes, featuring cuts from Joe's recently-orphaned musical "The Black Suits," and a bunch of new songs.

The cast includes John Gallagher Jr. plus Iconis-regulars Liz Lark Brown, Katrina Dideriksen, Matt Hinkley, Ian Kagey, Lauren Marcus, Krysta Rodriguez, Lance Rubin, Brent Stranathan, Jared Weiss, Jason "SweetTooth" Williams, and The Kissin' Kazoo Sisters.

Joe's Pub at The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette St. NYC. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by phone at (212) 967-7555, on line at www.joespub.com, or in person at the Public Theater Box Office (from 1pm to 6pm), or Joe's Pub (from 6pm to 10pm.) For more info: www.mrjoeiconis.com

Love 'n' Courage Benefit - 2/10/2008

Amanda Green and Elaine Stritch will host the Theater for the New City honors award-winning playwright and longtime TNC supporter Edward Albee in celebration of his highly distinguished 50-year career with "Love 'n' Courage," its 5th annual benefit for Theater for the New City's Emerging Playwrights Program, it has been announced by Crystal Field, Executive Artistic Director of Theater for the New City. This year's benefit takes place at the beautiful National Arts Club (15 Gramercy Park South) on Sunday, February 10, with cocktails beginning at 6:30PM, followed by dinner and performances by Bill Irwin, Marian Seldes, Tammy Grimes, and others.

"Love 'n' Courage" will include selected readings and commendations by esteemed actor Bill Irwin, Tony Award-winner for his performance as George in the recent revival of Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? and in The Goat; and celebrated actress Marian Seldes, Tony Award-winner for her performance in A Delicate Balance in 1967 and whose many appearances in plays by Mr. Albee include Three Tall Women, The Play About The Baby, and Counting The Ways

"Love 'n' Courage," the 5th annual benefit for Theater for the New City's Emerging Playwrights Program will be held at The National Arts Club (15 Gramercy Park South) on Sunday, February 10; Cocktails begin at 6:30pm; dinner at 7:00pm, followed by performances at 8:00pm. Tickets are $125 (tax deductible). For reservations and additional information, please call 212-254-1109 or visit www.theaterforthenewcity.net