Folger Theatre News

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, under the leadership of Diane Paulus, Artistic Director and William Russo, Managing Director; presents the last production of its 2013/14 Season, THE TEMPEST, adapted and directed by Aaron Posner and Teller from the play by William Shakespeare, with magic by Teller, music by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan, and movement by Matt Kent of Pilobolus.

The Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Programs proudly present two raw and devastatingly humanistic plays running in repertory this May. Sam Shepard's poetic and psychedelic rock and roll drama The Tooth of Crime, directed by Dan Rogers (Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Programs '15), and Adam Rapp's surreal and dark new-age comedy, Stone Cold Dead Serious, directed by Flordelino Lagundino (Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Programs '15). Performances of both plays run through May 18 in the Pell Chafee Performance Center, 87 Empire Street, Providence. Audiences should note that both of these productions contain mature subject matter and adult language. Scroll down to see some photos from the productions!

The Folger Shakespeare Library hosts a preview screening of the inspiring new documentary Still Dreaming from the filmmakers who brought us Shakespeare Behind Bars (Philomath Films) and featuring the co-directors of New York's highly-acclaimed Fiasco Theater (currently on stage at the Folger with The Two Gentlemen of Verona through May 25). The advanced screening will take place on Monday, May 19 at 7:00pm at the Folger Theatre.

The Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Programs present two raw and devastatingly humanistic plays running in repertory this May. Sam Shepard's poetic and psychedelic rock and roll drama The Tooth of Crime, opens tonight, May 1st and is directed by Dan Rogers (Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Programs '15).

Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd announces the cast and creative team for recent Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Appearing in titles roles are Resident Actor Jeffrey Bean as Vanya, Sharon Lockwood returning to the Alley as Sonia, Alley Artist Josie de Guzman returning as Masha, and Resident Actor Jay Sullivan as Spike. Rounding out the cast and making their Alley debuts are Rachael Holmes as Cassandra and Sarah Nealis as Nina. Jonathan Moscone, Artistic Director of California Shakespeare Theater, helms the production and returns after having directed the Alley's 2011 production of Amadeus.

The Washington Stage Guild completes its Season of Dreams with the area premiere of Simon Bent's ELLING, a whimsical comedy of the power of friendship when everyday life is an adventure. Bent's London hit is based on a quartet of novels by the Norwegian writer Ingvar Ambjornsen that was the source of an Oscar-nominated film in 2002. ELLING is the story of a pair of misfits who, after rooming together for years in an institution, are offered an independent life - if they can cope with it. Elling and Kjell Bjarne must learn to deal with the world and each other's fears and quirks, and Elling's discovery of literary ambition becomes a path to a 'normal' life. Along the way the two have a series of offbeat adventures as they struggle with bureaucracy, relationships, and their own demons.

Joseph Haj, producing artistic director of PlayMakers Repertory Company, is leading a team of artists from PlayMakers to mount a production of William Shakespeare's 'Pericles' at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).

Theatre South Carolina will conclude its 2013-14 season with a production of Shakespeare's haunting tale of revenge and madness, Hamlet, April 18-26 at Drayton Hall Theatre.

Fiasco Theatre's production of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona, delights and impresses. Lighthearted and gay (as in 'keenly alive and exuberant'), the six-member ensemble's streamlined presentation of the tale is filled with chuckles and bubbles, buffoonery and romantic jests.

Washington theatre celebrated its highest honors for achievement at the 30th Annual Helen Hayes Awards tonight, April 21, 2014 at the National Building Museum. Scroll down for the full list of winners!

Virginia's Tony-Award winning Signature Theatre announces the cast for The Threepenny Opera, Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's cutting and enduring critique of capitalism and corruption. Directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Tender Napalm, Dreamgirls, Really Really), the production stars Mitchell Jarvis (Broadway's Rock of Ages) as the charismatic Macheath, known to popular culture as Mack the Knife.

Yale Repertory Theatre, in a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, presents the world premiere of The House that will not Stand by Marcus Gardley, directed by Patricia McGregor. The House that will not Stand will be performed at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street) today, April 18-May 10. Opening Night is Thursday, April 24.

Virginia's Tony-Award winning Signature Theatre presents The Threepenny Opera, Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's cutting and enduring critique of capitalism and corruption. Directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Tender Napalm, Dreamgirls, Really Really), the production stars Mitchell Jarvis (Broadway's Rock of Ages) as the charismatic Macheath, known to popular culture as Mack the Knife. Click below to watch a foreboding promo for the show!

The highly celebrated New York troupe Fiasco Theater will make their Washington, DC debut with their production of William Shakespeare's clever comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Folger Theatre. Directed by company members Jessie Austrian and Ben Steinfeld, The Two Gentlemen of Verona will play at the Folger from today, April 17 - May 25, 2014.

Virginia's Tony-Award winning Signature Theatre announces the cast for The Threepenny Opera, Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's cutting and enduring critique of capitalism and corruption. Directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Tender Napalm, Dreamgirls, Really Really), the production stars Mitchell Jarvis (Broadway's Rock of Ages) as the charismatic Macheath, known to popular culture as Mack the Knife. Scroll down for a first look at the cast!

theatreWashington today kicks off its celebratory theatreWeek (April 14 - 20, 2014), offering countless opportunities for both lifelong patrons and reticent newbies to explore Washington's diverse professional theatres-from discounted performances to ticket giveaways and promotions to behind-the-scenes events. A joint endeavor with presenting sponsor The Washington Post, the Washington theatre community, Destination DC, and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the campaign spotlights Washington-area theatre through a regional ad campaign, to be seen by millions. The celebration culminates with the 30th Annual Helen Hayes Awards on April 21 at the National Building Museum.

The Washington Stage Guild completes its Season of Dreams with the area premiere of Simon Bent's ELLING, a whimsical comedy of the power of friendship when everyday life is an adventure. Bent's London hit is based on a quartet of novels by the Norwegian writer Ingvar Ambjornsen that was the source of an Oscar-nominated film in 2002. ELLING is the story of a pair of misfits who, after rooming together for years in an institution, are offered an independent life - if they can cope with it. Elling and Kjell Bjarne must learn to deal with the world and each other's fears and quirks, and Elling's discovery of literary ambition becomes a path to a 'normal' life. Along the way the two have a series of offbeat adventures as they struggle with bureaucracy, relationships, and their own demons.

The Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Programs present two raw and devastatingly humanistic plays running in repertory this May. Sam Shepard's poetic and psychedelic rock and roll drama The Tooth of Crime, opens May 1st and is directed by Dan Rogers (Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Programs '15). Alternating with this Shepard play starting May 2nd is Adam Rapp's surreal and dark new-age comedy, Stone Cold Dead Serious, directed by Flordelino Lagundino (Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Programs '15). Performances of both plays run May 1 through May 18 in the Pell Chafee Performance Center, 87 Empire Street, Providence. General admission is $10, with a $5 discounted ticket for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now at the Trinity Rep box office, by phone (401) 351-4242, and online at www.trinityrep.com. Audiences should note that both of these productions contain mature subject matter and adult language.