James Lapine News

In just a few short months, 3D Theatricals, the newest little Orange County theater company that rose quietly within the walls of Santa Ana's beautiful (but astonishingly ignored) OC Pavilion Theatre late last year is quickly becoming the county's most ambitious new regional theater, mounting some remarkable productions that are quite comparable to the more established nearby regional companies. Its latest offering is a cute, tremendously satisfying production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, with performances continuing weekends thru June 20. Building on the original hit 2005 Broadway production's roots in improvisation, this version is filled with the same giddy fun, but also piles on just as many newer, in-the-moment gags to make it fresh and timely. Despite a few minor gaffes, this SPELLING BEE is a really likable, lofty revival.

A gorgeous, young rock star ruffles the feathers of an already conflicted string quartet in Bay Street's first Main Stage production of the 2010 Summer Season, the witty and moving play DISSONANCE.

Over 350 guests including current and past New York City high school students, and the 23 mentors and 6 guest mentors who have participated in TDF's Open Doors, the theatre arts mentoring program that TDF founded in 1998 with playwright Wendy Wasserstein, will attend this year's graduation on Monday, May 24 at Professional Performing Arts School (328 West 48 Street).

MONSTER is a revelatory theatrical experience which peels back the layers of humanity to reveal what's at the core of human experience. The multi-character format intertwines 16 diverse characters surrounding a vengeful, blood-curdling, torturous murder. MONSTER shatters the 4th wall, engages the audience and ultimately demands they confront their fundamental beliefs.

Restoration, written by Claudia Shear and directed by Christopher Ashley opened at the New York Theatre Workshop this week on May 19, 2010, at 7:00pm. The production runs through Sunday, June 13. BroadwayWorld was on hand to celebrate the opening night, capturing the starry arrivals, curtain call and after party.

One of Orange County's newest theater companies, 3D Theatricals, will present THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE from May 21 thru June 13 at the O.C. Pavilion Theatre in the Arts district of downtown Santa Ana.

William Shakespeare's immortal comedy about the mishaps of love is staged by the Actors' NET of Bucks County, as it continues its fourteenth season. Produced by Virginia Barrie. Directed by Janet Quartarone.

The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW), a non-profit organization committed to promoting visibility and increasing opportunities for women in the professional theatre, is pleased to recognize the talents of two outstanding women: the Ruth Morley Design Award will be given to Tony Award-winning costume designer Susan Hilferty, and the LPTW Lucille Lortel Award and accompanying grant will be presented to director and actor Rebecca Patterson.

STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS, a collection of short plays written for marriage equality to benefit Human Rights Campaign, Marriage Equality New York and New York Theatre Workshop will take place on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Angel Orensanz Center, 172 Norfolk Street in New York City, between Houston and Stanton Streets. Dancing and a glamorous wedding reception will follow.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director William Russo have announced that Restoration, written by Claudia Shear, and directed by Christopher Ashley, will begin performances Friday, April 30, at 8pm, at NYTW, 79 East 4th Street, between Second Avenue and Bowery. Opening night is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at 7:00pm. The production runs through Sunday, June 13; single tickets are on sale Friday, April 16.

A gorgeous, young rock star ruffles the feathers of an already conflicted string quartet in Bay Street's first Main Stage production of the 2010 Summer Season, the witty and moving play DISSONANCE. Written by Damian Lanigan, DISSONANCE makes its New York Premiere on the Bay Street stage as egos, loyalty and love are put the test in this engrossing play about a string quartet in disarray.

terraNOVA Collective & Really Sketchy presents MONSTER by Daniel MacIvor. The show is directed by Steve Cook, performed by Avery Pearson, with lighting Design by Robin A. Paterson, theatrical Consultant Byron Laviolette and associate produced by The Bridge Theatre Company.

Over 350 guests including current and past New York City high school students, and the 23 mentors and 6 guest mentors who have participated in TDF's Open Doors, the theatre arts mentoring program that TDF founded in 1998 with playwright Wendy Wasserstein, will attend this year's graduation on Monday, May 24 at Professional Performing Arts School (328 West 48 Street).

Classic Stage Company (CSC), under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Jessica R. Jenen, will honor their board member Rosemarie Tichler, the highly-respected producer, casting director, teacher and author, at this year's annual benefit gala Monday evening, May 17 at Twenty Four Fifth. The Honorary Chair for the evening is Mike Nichols and Honorary Co-Chairs are Olympia Dukakis, Dianne Wiest, Walter Bobbie and James Lapine. Honorary Artists include F. Murray Abraham, Christopher Durang, Michael Greif, John Guare, Bill Irwin, S. Epatha Merkerson, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn and Michael Stuhlbarg.

On Thursday, May 13th, Barbara Cook & Vanessa Williams performed on ABC's 'The View' in celebration of their Broadway show, Sondheim on Sondheim, now playing at Studio 54. Vanessa Williams also served as a guest co-host for the episode.

One of Orange County's newest theater companies, 3D Theatricals, will present THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE from May 21 thru June 13 at the O.C. Pavilion Theatre in the Arts district of downtown Santa Ana.

On Thursday, May 13th, tune in to watch Barbara Cook & Vanessa Williams perform on ABC's 'The View' on channel 7 between 11:00-12:00PM. Vanessa Williams will also be a guest co-host on Thursday.

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced two additional productions as part of the 2010-2011 theatrical season. Cherry Jones will be starring in George Bernard Shaw's Mrs. Warren's Profession, directed by Doug Hughes. Olympia Dukakis will star in Tennessee Williams' The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore, directed by Michael Wilson.

Yesterday, Sunday May 9 Rafael Pi Roman sat down with Broadway's Barbara Cook to reflect on her career and talk about all things SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Click below to see the heartfelt segment.

On Thursday, May 13th, tune in to watch Barbara Cook & Vanessa Williams perform on ABC's 'The View' on channel 7 between 11:00-12:00PM. Vanessa Williams will also be a guest co-host on Thursday.