Gary Griffin News

Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, known for producing acclaimed, innovative and classic musicals, announces its exciting 2010 season, featuring five smash hit productions. Following a successful 2009 season, Drury Lane Oakbrook has given five well known and highly creative theatrical directors the ability to choose their favorite Broadway musicals, and has given them the license to go beyond the expected and introduce audiences to their vision.

The Kennedy Center today announced a one week and final extension for the touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The musical will now run in the Opera House June 30 through August 9, 2009. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, Fantasia Barrino reprises her critically acclaimed role as Celie in the Kennedy Center performances of THE COLOR PURPLE.

After 17 years, Tony n' Tina are heading on their honeymoon. The Route 66 Theatre Company will present the Chicago premiere of HIGH FIDELITY...THE MUSICAL, in its first major production since its Broadway run in 2006.

After 17 years, Tony n' Tina are heading on their honeymoon. The Route 66 Theatre Company will present the Chicago premiere of HIGH FIDELITY...THE MUSICAL, in its first major production since its Broadway run in 2006.

David Elzer, Peter Schneider and Crooning Crabcakes, LLC are thrilled to present a brand new show from the writer/director of the smash-hit musical sensation, The Marvelous Wonderettes, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, written and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by Lee Martino (Reprise On Your Toes, On The Town) and musical direction by Michael Paternostro (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Thrill Me).

Chautauqua Theater Company Artistic Directors Vivienne Benesch and Ethan McSweeny are proud to announce the final New Play Workshop (NPW) of the 2009 season, The Further Adventures of Suzanne and Monica by Alex Lewin.

Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director) and Barry Grove (Executive Producer) are pleased to announce that noted stage and television actress Ana Gasteyer will return to Manahattan Theatre Club to appear as 'Kitty Dean' in the upcoming Broadway production of THE ROYAL FAMILY by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber featuring direction by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes (Maritius, Doubt).

Due to scheduling requirements in future markets, THE COLOR PURPLE is reducing the Chicago return engagement by eight performances. Theater-goers will be able to see American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino reprise her starring role of Celie at The Arie Crown Theater for one week only, September 2 - 6, 2009.

Chicago is officially one theater company richer after The Ruckus Theater recently karate-chopped and high-fived its way into the Central Time Zone. Made up of an industrious group of Michigan ex-pats, The Ruckus is composed of actors, directors, playwrights, musicians, casting directors, publicity managers, grant writers, baristas, grad students, poets, computer fixers, appointment-makers and census-takers who aim to create a new kind of company-a casteless theater that blends the lines between playwright and actor, audience and company member.

The Kennedy Center recently announced a one week and final extension for the touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The musical will now run in the Opera House June 30 through August 9, 2009. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, Fantasia Barrino reprises her critically acclaimed role as Celie in the Kennedy Center performances of THE COLOR PURPLE.

After 17 years, Tony n' Tina are heading on their honeymoon. The Route 66 Theatre Company will present the Chicago premiere of HIGH FIDELITY...THE MUSICAL, in its first major production since its Broadway run in 2006.

David Elzer, Peter Schneider and Crooning Crabcakes, LLC are thrilled to present a brand new show from the writer/director of the smash-hit musical sensation, The Marvelous Wonderettes, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, written and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by Lee Martino (Reprise On Your Toes, On The Town) and musical direction by Michael Paternostro (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Thrill Me).

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, have announced casting for the first North American Touring production's two-week Boston engagement.

Soul-stirring national tour of the musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel makes a powerful impression at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT

Georges Feydeau's comic romp A Flea in Her Ear began previews May 15th, and opened May 22nd at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Tony-nominated (The Color Purple) director Gary Griffin directs a new adaptation by David Ives. The show runs through June 7.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, are proud to announce that the Providence Performing Arts Center will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical About Love, for eight performances from May 26 - 31.

After a week of wildly successful previews, Georges Feydeau's comic romp A Flea in Her Ear opens tonight at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Tony-nominated (The Color Purple) director Gary Griffin directs a new adaptation by David Ives. The show runs through June 7.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson were presented last night with the League of Chicago Theatres' Artistic Leadership Award for their continued leadership in the Chicago theater community.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Charlotte will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for eight performances, May 19-24. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at BlumenthalCenter.org, by phone at 704-372-1000 and at the Belk Theater box office.

George Feydeau's comic romp A Flea in Her Ear opens in previews tonight at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. It is the final play of the Rep's 2008-09 season, Eric Rosen's first year as artistic director. Opening night for A Flea in Her Ear is Friday, May 22; the show runs through June 7. Tony-nominated director Gary Griffin directs a new adaptation by David Ives that brings a fresh edge to the classic comedy.