Arena Stage News

Bill Rauch, Artistic Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is the 2012 recipient of The Zelda Fichandler Award recognizing an outstanding director or choreographer who is transforming the regional arts landscape through imaginative, brave work in theatre. The $5000 award, given by Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, heralds both accomplishment to date and promise for the future, and commends deep commitment to a community.

Yale Repertory Theatre, in a co-production with American Repertory Theater, presents the world premiere of Marie Antoinette by David Adjmi, directed by Rebecca Taichman. Marie Antoinette will be performed at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street) October 26 through November 17. Opening Night is Thursday, November 1. The cast includes Fred Arsenault, Hannah Cabell, David Greenspan, Marin Ireland, Vin Knight, Jo Lampert, Polly Lee, Steven Rattazzi, Jake Silbermann, Teale Sperling, Brian Wiles, and Ashton Woerz.

Seattle Repertory Theatre announced the line-up for its first New Play Festival in Winter 2013, including four plays-in-progress from three Seattle playwrights and a native Idahoan. From Jan. 5 to Feb. 3, Seattle Rep will present workshops and readings of new works by Robert Schenkkan (By the Waters of Babylon, The Kentucky Cycle), Samuel D. Hunter (A Bright New Boise, The Whale), and Elizabeth Heffron (New Patagonia, Mitzi's Abortion). Newcomer Justin Huertas rounds out the group with an innovative debut. Established Northwest directors Sheila Daniels (Dancing at Lughnasa, Seattle Rep; Ramayana, ACT) and Artistic Director Jerry Manning (I Am My Own Wife, Of Mice and Men) will direct.

Today we are continuing BroadwayWorld's extensive coverage of the forthcoming Fathom cinema presentation of the epic brand new arena production Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR by highlighting the show's sole female voice, Mary Magdalene, as portrayed in this fresh, ultra hi-tech, extravagantly sensorial production by Spice Girl and West End notable Melanie C..

The Washington Stage Guild kicks off its 27th season with one of the most beloved plays of the past century, an indelible hit by the Stage Guild's 'playwright in residence' - George Bernard Shaw. PYGMALION was written in 1912, and the story of Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, her speech lessons at the hands of the temperamental Henry Higgins, and the sparks that fly between them, has rarely left the stage since its premiere. Directed by Stage Guild Artistic Director, Bill Largess, Shaw's comedy is sharp and insightful, asking questions as valid today as a century ago. Exactly what 'makes' a lady a lady? The way she behaves, or the way she is treated?

New Line Theatre, 'the bad boy of musical theatre,' now in its 22nd season of alternative, adult musical theatre, has announced its cast for the powerhouse Pulitzer Prize winning rock opera NEXT TO NORMAL, running Feb. 28-March 23, 2013 at the Washington University South Campus Theatre.

Rosalind Productions Inc. will present the Off-Broadway premiere of Jennifer Maisel's The Last Seder. This Off-Broadway limited engagement at Theater Three (311 West 43rd Street) begins December 1st and continues through December 20th only. Opening Night is set for Tuesday December 4th (7pm). The show runs 90 minutes without an intermission.

Madison Dirks chatted with BWW about making his Broadway debut in Albee's hilarious and provocative masterpiece.

Actor Brian Hutchison will resume the role of "Danny Miller" in the National Tour of LOOPED starring Four Time Emmy Award® Winner & Tony Award® Nominee Valerie Harper. Hutchison created the role in the 2010 Broadway production.

About Face Theatre blends classic Christmas tales with queer pop culture for its world premiere holiday production WE THREE LIZAS with book and lyrics by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music by Alan Schmuckler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing November 30 - December 23, 2012 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago.

Acclaimed theater company Playwrights Horizons recently announced additional performers participating in the return of its popular benefit evening STORIES ON 5 STORIES: Poetic Justice this evening, October 22.

John Montgomery Theatre Company (JMTC) presents acclaimed New York monologist Bob Brader's Preparation Hex at The United Solo Theatre Festival, tonight, October 21-29, 2012.

Acclaimed theater company Playwrights Horizons has announced additional performers participating in the return of its popular benefit evening STORIES ON 5 STORIES: Poetic Justice on Monday evening, October 22.

Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault and Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer today announced that Tony-nominated actress Nancy Opel (Broadway's "Memphis," "Urinetown," "Teddy & Alice," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Anything Goes," others) and Edward Gero ("King Lear" with Stacey Keach for Goodman and Shakespeare Theatre Company; Ford's "A Christmas Carol"; Goodman and Arena Stage's "Red") will star in the spring production of "Hello, Dolly!" at Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW). The production will be directed by Schaeffer and co-produced by Ford's Theatre and Virginia's Tony-winning Signature Theatre. The production will play from March 15 through May 18, 2013. Additional casting will be announced in early 2013.

Dallas Theater Center continues its exciting and conversation-provoking 2012-2013 season with the regional premiere of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. This unique experience will transport audience members into the thrilling and aggressive world of professional wrestling, complete with a wrestling ring, while weaving a story of power and class in America. The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity runs at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre tonight, October 19 - Sunday, November 11.

Triple-platinum recording artist Aaron Carter, scheduled to complete his run as Matt in The Fantasticks on October 21, 2012, will remain with the production through January 27, 2013. A new block of tickets is now on sale at Ticketmaster.com.