Jean Russell News

Born in 1912, Woodrow Wilson Guthrie was often better known as the hobo poet from Oklahoma, Woody Guthrie. The musician named after an American president protested against capitalism, consumerism and commercialism, which portrays a witty irony in all that he did and the music he based his songwriting on. With this as the background, The Rep's Stackner Cabaret presents the captivating revue Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie, a traveling show first produced at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival Fringe by the Melting Pot Theatre.

A joyous, toe-tapping, and moving theatrical concert event which celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's greatest troubadour, Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie features more than 25 songs including classics like 'This Land is Your Land,' 'Pastures of Plenty' and 'The Ballad of Tom Joad.' The original folk hero, Woody Guthrie, and his infectious melodies defined an American era of political expression and transformed the folk ballad into a vehicle of social commentary and unity. The Rep is excited to kick off 2014 with a musical salute to this music icon in this award-winning production. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

The folks at Theater J have done us a huge favor by bringing back David Lutken and his band, so that we can have another visit with the great American songwriter and activist Woody Guthrie. Staged as an evening of down-home music, complete with opportunities for audience participation and sing-alongs, we can sit in on Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie and see America through the eyes of one of its most accomplished artists.

A joyous, toe-tapping, and moving theatrical concert event which celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's greatest troubadour, Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie features more than 25 songs including classics like "This Land is Your Land," "Pastures of Plenty" and "The Ballad of Tom Joad." The original folk hero, Woody Guthrie, and his infectious melodies defined an American era of political expression and transformed the folk ballad into a vehicle of social commentary and unity. The Rep is excited to kick off 2014 with a musical salute to this music icon in this award-winning production.

Salford tenor Russell Watson is said to be soon taking on the role of Jean Valjean. In discussing the part with the Evening Standard, Watson stated, 'I went to see Cameron Mackintosh about doing LES MISERABLES. We've had a good chat about that. It's something I'd like to do. It would give me a huge amount of satisfaction to play a role like Valjean. I would do it in the West End, towards the end of 2014.'

If your definition of a musical is an orchestra in the pit, dancing, and a plot in which the songs perfectly fit into the story line, WOODY SEZ: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE isn't for you. If, however, you get off on learning about a real person, and sharing his music and philosophy, presented by an engaging note-perfect cast, this is the show for you. CPH has opened its 98th season with a sure audience pleaser!

During the 2013/14 Season an epic slate of personalities and productions awaits you on the Quadracci Powerhouse stage! The monumental, moving, and Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime gives us a glimpse at the early 20th century life of three distinct groups of people, while the side-splitting comedy, Noises Off, peeks behind the curtain at a group of struggling actors. The tumultuous final days of Judy Garland unfold before our eyes in End of the Rainbow, a single virtuoso artist will lead a blazing, contemporary retelling of a Homer classic in An Iliad, and the dynamic birth of Superman will be explored with The History of Invulnerability, forever changing the way we look at superheroes.

Cleveland Play House enthusiastically brings to Northeast Ohio audiences the internationally acclaimed West End hit Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie. This incredible production about the celebrated musician and iconic figurehead of the American Folk Movement, Woodie Guthrie, will take Cleveland Play House's stage from Sept. 13 - Oct. 6 in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater has announced the dynamic directors and creative teams selected for the 2013/14 Season, The Rep's 60th Anniversary. These talented directors and creative teams will help The Rep continue in its commitment to offer brave, challenging, entertaining, stimulating, thought-provoking and vital works with a distinctive aesthetic.

The 2012-2013 Waxlax Second Stage season continues with the musical, Woody Sez, The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie. Devised by David M. Lutkin with Nick Corley, Woody Sez takes the Waxlax Stage from tonight, March 7 - 24, 2013 and is sponsored by Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers.

The 2012-2013 Waxlax Second Stage season continues with the musical, Woody Sez, The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie. Devised by David M. Lutkin with Nick Corley, Woody Sez takes the Waxlax Stage from March 7 - 24, 2013 and is sponsored by Riverside Theatre's Patron Producers.

'Woody Sez' is recommended. The enthusiasm the talented performers have for sharing Woody's music (and his legacy) is infectious. If you're a fan of Woody, you are likely to love it. Even if you only remember singing "This Land is Your Land" in elementary school, this is still a show to see if you appreciate fine musicianship.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutken and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs tonight, September 14 - October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to New York. The BIC preview concert in Millennium Park, concerts by Barbra Streisand, Olivia N-J and Levi Kreis, 'Man Of La Mancha,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'A Class Act' and so much more!

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutken and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs September 14 - October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutkin and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs September 14 - October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) today announced that Broadway actress Mimi Bessette is joining the cast of Woody Sez, a musical tapestry of the American folk hero's life and songs, devised by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley, performed by David M. Lutken, Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell, and Andy Teirstein, directed by Nick Corley. Performances run through this weekend at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street, Cambridge.