Don Amendolia News

There are undoubtedly other productions worthy of merit in 2016 which I did not cover. This list is based only on what I saw and reviewed. (alphabetical listings; Equity, Equity-waiver & Non-Equity productions are mixed) (artists performing outside LA may be included in performance categories) No set, costume, technical awards. I leave that to the bigger awards and to the expertise of those who really know those fields inside out.

Playwright John Pielmeier's Agnes of God, written in 1982, was based upon a real life police case of a novice nun in Boston, accused of murdering her baby. Coyote StageWorks just closed a stellar 10 performance only run of the play at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. Under the direction of veteran actor/director Don Amendolia, Agnes of God proved itself as topical today as it did in the 80s, and Broadway is ripe for a revival.

Coyote StageWorks, the award-winning Actors' Equity professional theater company, presents ten performances of the gripping drama AGNES OF GOD by playwright John Pielmeier at the Annenberg Theater beginning today, April 20, 2016.

In Coyote Stageworks' superb production of ART, a plain white painting that contains a bit of texture, and possibly, a few almost invisible tints, serves as the catalyst for three middle-aged men to examine their friendship.The expressions of emotion, whether through the writer's words or through the actors' inflections, body-language, physical altercations, and yelling back and forth, are so natural that I forgot that these gentlemen were acting. They are so convincing that it is almost painful in spots to watch them attempt to destroy each other.

Coyote StageWorks, the award-winning Actors' Equity professional theater company, will present eleven performances of ART by French playwright Yasmina Reza at the Annenberg Theater beginning tonight, March 25, 2016.

Coyote StageWorks, the award-winning Actors' Equity professional theater company, will present eleven performances of ART by French playwright Yasmina Reza at the Annenberg Theater beginning March 25, 2016.

Coyote StageWorks, the award-winning Actors' Equity professional theater company, will present ten performances of the gripping drama AGNES OF GOD by playwright John Pielmeier at the Annenberg Theater beginning April 20, 2016.

Coyote StageWorks, the award-winning Actors' Equity professional theater company, will present eleven performances of "Art" by French playwright Yasmina Reza at the Annenberg Theater beginning March 25, 2016. A 1998 Tony Award winner for Best Play that has been packing in audiences worldwide ever since, "Art" raises questions about art and friendship. In an ironic twist of casting, the comedy will bring together on stage for the first time three original founding members of Coyote StageWorks: Founding Artistic Director Chuck Yates, as well as Larry Raben and David Engel, who are company members and serve on the board of the organization. They have been friends for more than 25 years and the Desert Theatre League has bestowed numerous Desert Star Awards on each.

Not many actors get to revisit a role they played in the past, much less reprise it on the big screen, but Pamela Shaw is the exception.

With a screenplay by Ahrens, and directed by Christopher Ashley, the new movie version of the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical LUCKY STIFF is now in theaters and On Demand. This hysterical musical comedy with a romantic heart stars Tony Award-winners Jason Alexander (JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY, FISH IN THE DARK) and Nikki M. James (THE BOOK OF MORMON, PRELUDES), along with newly elected Equity president Kate Shindle (LEGALLY BLONDE, WONDERLAND), Dennis Farina, Pamela Shaw, and Dominic Marsh.  Below, watch as Ashley, James and Shaw chat with BroadwayWorld about the new film!

Veteran independent film distributor Richard Abramowitz announced that his company Abramorama, will release LUCKY STIFF in New York City today, July 24th. The Orchard will compliment the theatrical release by making the film available to all U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite and digital platforms for a simultaneous day and date release.

With a screenplay by Ahrens, and directed by Christopher Ashley, the new movie version of the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical LUCKY STIFF hits theaters and On Demand on July 24th. Below, check out an exclusive clip of the all-star cast in action!

Yesterday, BroadwayWorld debuted an exclusive look at the new movie version of the  Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical LUCKY STIFF. Today, you can check out the film's full trailer

BroadwayWorld is excited to bring you an exclusive sneak peek of the new film adaptation of the Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical LUCKY STIFF. This hysterical musical comedy with a romantic heart stars Tony Award Winners Jason Alexander (JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY, FISH IN THE DARK) and Nikki M. James (THE BOOK OF MORMON, PRELUDES), and Kate Shindle (LEGALLY BLONDE, WONDERLAND), Dennis Farina, Pamela Shaw, and Dominic Marsh

Veteran independent film distributor Richard Abramowitz announced that his company Abramorama, will release LUCKY STIFF in New York City on July 24th. The Orchard will compliment the theatrical release by making the film available to all U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite and digital platforms for a simultaneous day and date release.

Pamela Shaw chats about her part of Rita LaPorta in LUCKY STIFF!

Dominic Marsh on his leading role of Harry Witherspoon in LUCKY STIFF!

Jayne Houdyshell discusses playing the Landlady in LUCKY STIFF!

Director Christopher Ashley talks helming LUCKY STIFF!

See the late Dennis Farina discuss his role of Luigi in LUCKY STIFF!