Ars Nova News

Amid the current fractured national landscape - where political and cultural tensions have many people deeply angered, saddened, and retreating to their own ideological camps - the grassroots reading and discussion series, Community Matters at People's Light aims to spark conversation about relevant issues in our community with a diverse array of perspectives and voices. Performed readings of new plays are the centerpiece of each evening, followed by a discussion with community partners, special guests, artists, and audiences. The fifth season of Community Matters features the reading and discussion of plays focused on the American work-force, mental illness, and the representation of race, gender, and sexuality in art.

In Episode 415 of 'Something New' -- a musical theatre podcast that interviews diverse artists and premieres original songs -- award-winning songwriter Joel B. New sat down with Devin Ilaw. Devin Ilaw is a performer, musician, music director, and vocal coach. He can currently be seen making his Broadway debut in LES MISERABLES, now playing through September 4th. Favorite credits include the 25th anniversary tour of LES MISERABLES, MISS SAIGON, BERNSTEIN'S MASS, WEARING BLACK, and THE KING AND I. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon.

Before their August 3rd opening at NYMF, LUDO's Broken Bride is presenting a... 'Broken Bride Preview Cabaret' on Saturday, July 23rd at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm) at The West End Lounge 955 West End Avenue (at 107th Street). 

Jared Zirilli, of RAIN at The Old Globe, ROMANCE LANGUAGE at Ars Nova, The Civilians PRETTY FILTHY, Broadway LYSISTRATA JONES, touring WE WILL ROCK YOU and WICKED, as well as Off Broadway FAT CAMP, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, BARE, and TWILIGHT THE MUSICAL plus The Alley Theatre's A FEW GOOD MEN brings you the latest 'Jared's Broadway Boo's' # 73 with WICKED and BROOKLYN's Eden Espinosa. Check out the episode below:

16th Street Theater's ninth season 2016 continues with the world premiere of A. ZELL WILLIAMS' biting comedy CARROLL GARDENS  directed by Artistic Director ANN FILMER and playing September 8 - October 15, 2016 at North Berwyn Park District's 16th Street Theater 6420 16th Street in Berwyn, with a press opening of Thursday, September 15 @ 7:30 PM.

The New York Musical Festival (NYMF), previously known as The New York Musical Theatre Festival, has announced that they have partnered with The ASCAP Foundation, The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and SDC Foundation to curate three panel conversations with industry professionals, aimed at providing more insight into the musical development process.

Last night, film and television star Jennifer Grey came to see the quietest show in New York City, the hit Ars Nova production of SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS, which opened last Wednesday at the Pershing Square Signature Center/Linney Theatre and is playing a limited engagement through September 25th. Scroll down for photos of Grey with the cast!

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today the complete cast for Erika Sheffer's The Fundamentals, a smart and searing look at America's corporate culture through the story of a Manhattan hotel maid with higher aspirations. Directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov, the cast features ensemble members Alana Arenas (Millie), Caroline Neff (Stellan) and Alan Wilder (Abe) with Audrey Francis(Eliza) and Armando Riesco (Lorenzo). Peyankov and Sheffer last collaborated on Steppenwolf's 2014 Chicago premiere of Russian Transport, which also featured ensemble member Alan Wilder. Previews begin November 10, 2016 and the show runs through December 23, 2016 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted.Single tickets ($20 - $89) go on sale Friday, August 5 at 11am. 2016/17 season subscriptions and memberships are currently on sale through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today the complete cast for Erika Sheffer's The Fundamentals, a smart and searing look at America's corporate culture through the story of a Manhattan hotel maid with higher aspirations.

Joe's Pub at The Public has announced its nightly performances, running July 20-31, 2016. Scroll down or visit www.joespub.com for details!

The May Queen, the sassy, new office comedy, has its Cape Playhouse premiere as the fourth play in in the historic theatre's 90th anniversary season. Directed by Amanda Charlton, it plays a two week engagement, July 26 - August 6; press night is set for Tuesday, July 26 at 7:30 pm.

Joe's Pub at The Public has announced its nightly performances, running July 20-31, 2016. Scroll down or visit www.joespub.com for details!

Ragtime On Ellis Island just announced that Tony Award winner and Original Broadway cast member Brian Stokes Mitchell (Shuffle Along, Man of La Mancha) and acclaimed stage and television star Andy Mientus (Spring Awakening, Les Miserables) have joined the lineup of the highly anticipated site-specific developmental concert on Monday, August 8. The all-star cast, directed by Sammi Cannold (Violet on a moving bus at A.R.T; Assistant Director for Diane Paulus & Rachel Chavkin), will perform a selection of songs from the Tony Award-winning musical that features music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally. The concert is being presented by Suzanne Friedman with an eye towards an immersive, full production of the acclaimed American musical on Ellis Island in 2017.

WP Theater (formerly known as Women's Project Theater) has announced its 2016-17 Season at the McGinn/Cazale Theater (2162 Broadway, at 76th Street), the artists for the 2016-2018 WP Lab and the new Domestic Partner residency initiative.

THE ANNOTATED HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN MUSKRAT, an experimental American epic, will receive its New York premiere in the 2016 Ice Factory Festival at New Ohio Theatre.

Are you ready to ROCK, Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh CLO is proud to announce casting for the Pittsburgh premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, September 22 - December 18 at the CLO Cabaret. This cult film-turned musical smash is a toxic love story with an environmental twist you won't want to miss! Featuring a rock score with instant hits such as: "Who Will Save New Jersey," "Thank God She's Blind," "My Big French Boyfriend" and "Evil is Hot," THE TOXIC AVENGER is sure to satisfy musical theater and movie lovers from the 'Burgh and beyond.

McDaniel College offers a variety of art, music, theatre, literary, film and other events during the fall of 2016.

National Alliance for Musical Theatre (Betsy King Militello, Executive Director) has announced the line-up of new musicals for their 28th Annual FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS, which takes place on Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28, 2016 at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues).