Brian Murray News

Following their critically acclaimed world premiere in December the Gelsey Kirkland Ballet returns with an evening of dance at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space (2537 Broadway on the southwest corner of 95th Street and Broadway) Friday, March 7 at 7:30PM and Saturday, March 8 at 7:30PM. This 20-member company, under the artistic direction of Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov present their first mixed program including 'Raymonda Suite,' 'Leaves are Fading' Pas de Deux, 'Ballebille' from Napoli, 'Flames of Paris' Pas de Deux, 'Pas De Quatre' and 'Cavalry Halt.' As part of the shared vision that Ms. Kirkland and Mr. Chernov are attempting to fulfill with the creation of Gelsey Kirkland Ballet, Ms. Kirkland has provided her own personal touch to master works such as The Leaves are Fading, which was created on her at ABT by the renowned British choreographer Antony Tudor. The program also includes the New York premiere of Petipa's Cavalry Halt, a piece rarely viewed by US audiences.

Gingold Theatrical Group, under the leadership of David Staller, will honor philanthropist Anita Jaffe and playwright/actor Charles Busch at its Annual Golden Shamrock Gala, St. Patrick's Day, March 17, at Manhattan Penthouse(80 Fifth Ave at 14th Street).

Esteemed Broadway veterans Mia Dillon, Brian Murray and Gordana Rashovich will headline Hartford Stage's revival of Noel Coward's A Song at Twilight, directed by former Artistic Director, Mark Lamos, who returns to celebrate the company's 50th Anniversary Season. The co-production with Westport Country Playhouse will run from February 20 to March 16.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, will present BRECHT FEST, a special series exploring the songs, poetry and stories of Bertolt Brecht, to be presented on Monday, February 3 and Monday, February 10 at CSC (136 East 13th Street). CSC is currently presenting Brecht's A MAN'S A MAN, directed by Brian Kulick and with a new score and new songs by Tony Award-winning composer Duncan Sheik, continuing the company's exploration of the works of Brecht, which began in 2011 with the sold-out production of Galileo and was followed by last season's The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

On Thursday, February 13 at noon, the Arvada Center opens the children's theater production Lyle the Crocodile adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling with music by Richard Gray. The play is based on Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber. Lyle the Crocodile will run February 13 - May 23, 2014. Performances are 10:00 a.m. and noon, most Tuesdays through Fridays, and some Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $8 weekdays and $10 weekends and holidays for reserved seating. Lyle the Crocodile will be Audio Described for the sight impaired on March 4 at 10:00 a.m. and noon and Shadow performed for the hearing impaired on March 5 and 6, at 10:00 a.m. and noon. Shadow- interpreted theater utilizes specially trained American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to perform as 'shadows' on stage alongside actors. To purchase tickets and for more information call 720-898-7200 or go to www.arvadacenter.org. Lyle the Crocodile is recommended for all ages.

IHI Therapy Center, NYC's leading psychotherapy center for the LGBTQ community, hosts their 40th anniversary celebration gala: Love, Yourself, tonight, December 9th, 2013, at New York Theater Workshop (79 East 4th St).

Tina Benko has received the annual St. Clair Bayfield Award presented by the Actors' Equity Foundation for her performance as Titania in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Julie Taymor as Theatre for a New Audience's inaugural production at its new home in Brooklyn. The announcement was made by Arne Gundersen, President of the Foundation.

IHI Therapy Center, NYC's leading psychotherapy center for the LGBTQ community, has announced its celebrity cast for their 40th anniversary celebration gala: Love, Yourself, which will take place onMonday, December 9th, 2013, at New York Theater Workshop (79 East 4th St).

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, will present its annual Monday Night Open Rehearsal Series, this year featuring Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. On three Monday evenings - October 21 & 28 and November 4 - different actors and directors will explore the text of Julius Caesar, giving theater-goers the opportunity to become part of the discovery process, and experience different acting approaches and directorial interpretations of one of Shakespeare's boldest tragedies. Here is the line-up for this year's Open Rehearsal series:

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, presents Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, starring Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet and Julian Cihi as Romeo, directed by Tea Alagic, and beginning previews today, September 28 at 3 pm, one day later than originally scheduled. The official press opening is set for Wednesday, October 16.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced today that its upcoming production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, starring Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet and Julian Cihi as Romeo, directed by Tea Alagi?, will now begin previews Saturday, September 28 at 3 pm, one day later than originally scheduled. The shift is due to a scenic element modification that will require additional technical rehearsal later this week. The official press opening remains Wednesday, October 16.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced today that its upcoming production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet starring Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet and Julian Cihi as Romeo, directed by Tea Alagi? will extend for one additional week through Sunday, November 10. Previews begin Friday, September 27 prior to an official press opening Wednesday, October 16. The cast also features McKinley Belcher III (Benvolio), Daniel Davis (Friar Laurence), Stan Demidoff (Paris/Sampson), Harry Ford (Gregory, Friar John, Watchman), David Garrison(Capulet), T. R. Knight (Mercutio), Anthony Michael Martinez (Prince), Kathryn Meisle (Lady Capulet), Dion Mucciacito (Tybalt), John Rothman(Montague/Apothecary) and Daphne Rubin-Vega (Nurse). Set design is by Marsha Ginsberg; costumes by Clint Ramos, lighting by Jason Lyons, and original music and sound by Ryan Rumery.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced complete casting today for its upcoming production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet starring Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet. Julian Cihi has been cast as Romeo. Daniel Davis replacesWilliam Hurt as Friar Laurence. Hurt has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons. Previously announced Emmy Award nominee T.R. Knight(Mercutio) and Tony Award nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega (Nurse) will be joined by McKinley Belcher III (Benvolio), Stan Demidoff (Paris/Sampson),Harry Ford (Gregory, Friar John, Watchman), David Garrison (Capulet), Anthony Michael Martinez (Prince), Kathryn Meisle (Lady Capulet), Dion Mucciacito (Tybalt) and John Rothman (Montague/Apothecary). CSC's Romeo & Juliet, which begins performances Friday, September 27, will be directed byTea Alagi? (Jackie). Set design is by Marsha Ginsberg; costumes by Clint Ramos, lighting by Jason Lyons and sound by Ryan Rumery. The official opening night is Wednesday, October 16. Romeo & Juliet will play a limited engagement through Sunday, November 3. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 4 at 12pm.

North Coast Repertory Theatre announces its 32nd Season. From its modest beginning in 1982, North Coast Repertory Theatre, a non-profit organization, has evolved into one of the area's leading performing arts organizations, recognized for the quality of its work and its commitment to excellence. North Coast Repertory's 32nd Season promises to be a season filled with laughter, romance, mystery and passion. With two World Premieres, two San Diego Premieres and two Musicals, this season promises to be one of the most exciting ever.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced today additional casting for its upcoming production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet starring Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet. Academy Award winner William Hurt will play the role of Friar Laurence; Emmy Award nominee T.R. Knight has been cast as Mercutio and Tony Award nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega as the Nurse. CSC also announced that Finn Wittrock, previously announced to co-star as Romeo, has withdrawn from the production due to a film offer. A new Romeo and complete casting will be announced shortly. CSC's Romeo & Juliet, which begins performances Friday, September 27, will be directed by Tea Alagi? (Jackie). The official opening night is Wednesday, October 16. Romeo & Juliet will play a limited engagement through Sunday, November 3. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, September 5 at 12pm.

Classic Stage Company has announced that Deb Radloff, who appeared in the company's recent production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, is this year's recipient of the Rosemarie Tichler Fund grant. The Fund was established in 2010 with the mission to assist young actors who have appeared at CSC and who have recently made the transition from their training into the profession. The $3000 grant can be used by the young artist to continue training or to offset loans they may have incurred while studying their craft. With the grant, CSC hopes to make a difference in the lives of young actors at the start of their careers as well as to heighten awareness in the community to the specific needs of actors. The recipient was selected by a panel of judges which included Rosemarie Tichler, CSC Artistic Director Brian Kulick and CSC Casting Director James Calleri.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center presents the 2013 National Playwrights Conference. Under the leadership of Artistic DirectorWendy C. Goldberg, the Conference will run from today, July 3 to July 27 and develop eight new plays.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center has announced full casting for the 2013 National Playwrights Conference. Under the leadership of Artistic DirectorWendy C. Goldberg, the Conference will run from July 3 to July 27 and develop eight new plays.

Gingold Theatrical Group's PROJECT SHAW presents Bernard Shaw's madcap comedy TOO TRUE TO BE GOOD at 7pm at The Players Club (16 Gramercy Park South) in Manhattan. David Staller produces and directs.

Classic Stage Company's new production of Bertolt Brecht's THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE, featuring Christopher Lloyd (Azdak), directed by Brian Kulick (who directed Brecht's Galileo last season), and featuring new music by Tony Award-winning singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening), closes today, June 23, after a two-week extension.