Frank Rich News

Film Comment's annual end-of-year survey was released today with Maren Ade's Toni Erdmann, Barry Jenkins's Moonlight, and Paul Verhoeven's Elle taking the top spots among films released in 2016.

One of the truly legendary musicals in the history of Broadway, Merrily We Roll Along opened to enormous fanfare in 1981, and closed after sixteen performances. For the first time, Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened  draws back the curtain on the extraordinary drama of the show's creation - and tells the stories of the hopeful young performers whose lives were transformed by it. Directed by Lonny Price, a member of the original cast, the film is a bittersweet meditation on the choices we all make, and the often unexpected consequences of those choices -- through success and failure. Featuring exclusive appearances by Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Jason Alexander, Mandy Patinkin, Adam Guettel, Frank Rich and the original Broadway cast of Merrily We Roll Along.  Below, Richard Ridge chats with Price about his journey with the musical, the creation of the documentary, and so much more!

It's known as one of the most classic American musicals of all time. Broadway productions have starred legends ranging from Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. While, the motion picture versions were led by Merman and Bette Midler. Now, Gypsy takes the stage at Reston Community Players October 21-November 12 in an exciting opening to the company's 50th season. Loosely based on the memoirs of the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy focuses on the story of her mother, Rose, called "the ultimate stage mother."

The Pulitzer Prize winner and much lauded playwright Donald Margulies' currently back in Los Angeles for his revival of his 1988 Obie Award-winning THE MODEL APARTMENT. His foray into writing for film The End of the Tour made him a festival darling with nominations for Film Independent Spirit and UCLA Scripter Awards.

American Buffalo by Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet (Glengary Glen Ross) opens at The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) on November 17. Tyler Dobrowsky (The Rant, Morality Play) directs the play that put Mamet on the map as a major American playwright. Gamm Artistic Director Tony Estrella, Gamm Resident Director Fred Sullivan, Jr. and Gamm regular Marc Dante Mancini play three small time criminals working together to pull off a 'big time' heist and grab their share of the American Dream.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce an exciting addition to its current season. Artistic Director Eric Rosen will direct a starry cast in the acclaimed musical revue Side by Side by Sondheim.

It's known as one of the most classic American musicals of all time. Broadway productions have starred legends ranging from Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. While, the motion picture versions were led by Merman and Bette Midler. Now, Gypsy takes the stage at Reston Community Players October 21-November 12 in an exciting opening to the company's 50th season. Loosely based on the memoirs of the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy focuses on the story of her mother, Rose, called "the ultimate stage mother."

Center Theatre Group presents August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' which begins previews tonight, August 31, opens September 11 and continues through October 16, 2016, at the Mark Taper Forum.

A sparkling line-up of musical talent will make this summer's 25 the anniversary production of Kander and Ebb's The World Goes Round at the SJT a must-see for all fans of musical theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below!

The marquee in front of the Neil Simon Theatre encourages passersby to 'let the memory live again.' It's been almost thirty-four years since Grizabella, Mistoffelees and Rum Tum Tugger first bowed on Broadway, and now in 2016, the jellicles are back with a vengence. The impact that the show has had on audiences has been famously polarizing, and yet few other musicals in Broadway history have achieved greater success and notoriety than Cats.

Center Theatre Group has announced the casting for August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' which begins previews August 31, opens September 11 and continues through October 16, 2016, at the Mark Taper Forum.

A sparkling line-up of musical talent will make this summer's 25th anniversary production of Kander and Ebb's The World Goes Round at the SJT a must-see for all fans of musical theatre. The production runs 28 July to 3 September (in rep), with Press Night on Friday 29 July. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company will present six productions in the 2016-2017 season, ranging from revamped classic works of theatre to popular, contemporary, Tony Award-winning musicals.

The Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) is delighted to announce the 32nd annual gala, 'Sondheim No. 5,' to be held today, June 18th, 2016 with two performances: 2:00 pm matinee and the evening at 8:00 pm, at the new beautiful Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210). David Galligan directs and serving as Musical Director for his first time is Michael Orland.

No Strings Theatre Company presents Tom Stoppard's entertaining and engaging award-winning play, "The Real Thing" directed by NSTC's Artistic Director, Ceil Herman. The play opens at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N Main Street in Las Cruces runs through Sunday, July 3.

On last night's LATE NIGHT, VEEP executive producer Frank Rich chatted with Seth about the hit HBO comedy. Watch the appearance below!

When Larry Kramer's great political protest play premiered Off-Broadway, there were people who thought of AIDS as God's revenge.

A chance meeting at an opening night party changed the career of a young actor.

Kansas City Actors Theatre will kick off Season Twelve with Herb Gardner's Tony Award winning play, I'm Not Rappaport, directed by Dennis Hennessy from The New Theatre Restaurant.

The sardonic social commentator isn't exactly a fan of musicals, but she says HAMILTON is great.