Joanna Merlin News

Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA), the not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic vision and technique of actor/director/author Michael Chekhov, today announced the appointment of Thomas Morrissey as its Managing Director. He will work alongside former Managing Director, Jessica Cerullo who now steps into the newly created role of MICHA's Artistic Director. Together, they will manage the day-to day operations of MICHA, produce the annual International Summer Workshop and Festival at Connecticut College in June, and seek out other ways to extend and preserve the legacy of Michael Chekhov and the MICHA.

National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) will launch its Fall extension of the critically-acclaimed Yiddish language production of Fiddler on the Roof, playing at the Museum of Jewish Heritage (MJH) at Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place, by dedicating its Monday, September 3rd 7pm performance to the memory of its longtime friend and collaborator Theodore Bikel.

More Lessons For Teachers, a newly expanded collection of the iconic acting teacher Michael Chekhov's lectures and technique, will be available in hard copy and PDF this summer. Published in English, German and Russian, the new edition supplements the 18 lessons from Chekhov's original book with nine additional lectures from the Chekhov archives.

The Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA), the not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic vision and technique of Michael Chekhov, today announced that Tony-nominated actress and educator Michele Shay will receive the first-ever Zelda Fichandler Scholarship. Established in Fall 2017 to benefit the next generation of Chekhov teachers and practitioners, the Scholarship provides full tuition for two weeks to MICHA's International Michael Chekhov Workshop, which takes place every summer at Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut.

Today, the Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA), announced the establishment of the Zelda Fichandler Scholarship to benefit the next generation of Chekhov teachers and practitioners.

FRIGID New York @ Horse Trade in association with Elephant Run District will present the World Premiere of Chris Harcum's Martin Denton, Martin Denton, directed by Aimee Todoroff, July 6-23 at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Avenue and Bowery) with performances Today through Saturday at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets ($25/$20 students & seniors) may be purchased in advance at www.horseTRADE.info. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission. 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Rob goes to Central Park West and Kevin goes to WOOP WOOP.

MICHA, the not-for-profit association dedicated to attending to actor/director/author Michael Chekhov's artistic vision and technique, announced the recipients of its coveted Studio Scholarships today.

Curtain up! Light the lights....literally, because this week's guest is Tony Award winning lighting designer Ken Billington, Ken swings by Shetler Studios to discuss his over one hundred Broadway credits including SWEENEY TODD, CHICAGO, and ON THE 20TH CENTURY.

This week Rob, Kevin, and Tony Award historian Bryan Hobgood discuss categories that used to be part of the Tony Awards ceremony but have since been removed....plus, categories that we want to see added for future shows!

5,6,7,8.....TONY! Rob and Kevin welcome back Tony Awards historian Bryan Hobgood to discuss the 2016-2017 Tony Award Nominations! This week's episode focuses on this season's musical works. From COME FROM AWAY to GROUNDHOG'S DAY. HELLO, DOLLY to SUNSET BOULEVARD. Josh Groban to Ben Platt, and everything in between that sings, is discussed, dissected, and dismantled.

In 1996, when Julie Andrews was the only artist involved with VICTOR/VICTORIA to receive a Tony nomination, she withdrew her name from the ballot. In a statement, she said, 'I have searched my conscience and my heart and find that I cannot accept this nomination, and prefer instead to stand with the egregiously overlooked --'

Tony! Tony! Tony! Rob and Kevin welcome back Tony Awards historian Bryan Hobgood to discuss the 2016-2017 Tony Award Nominations! This week's episode focuses on this season's dramatic works. From OSLO to INDECENT, THE LITTLE FOXES to SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, Kevin Kline to Laurie Metcalf, and everything in between, is discussed, dissected, and dismantled.

FRIGID New York @ Horse Trade in association with Elephant Run District will present the World Premiere of Chris Harcum's Martin Denton, Martin Denton, directed by Aimee Todoroff, July 6-23 at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Avenue and Bowery) with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets ($25/$20 students & seniors) may be purchased in advance at www.horseTRADE.info. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission. 

This Week: One of Rob and Kevin's favorite people, Robbie Rozelle, swings by to discuss his illustrious career as a graphic designer for cast recordings AND to talk about his upcoming show at Feinstein's/54 Below, Songs From Inside My Locker, which is June 9th, 2017 at 9:30pm.

Everything today is thoroughly Hal....Luftig, that is! Four time Tony Award winning producer Hal Luftig swings by Shetler Studios to look back on his career of hits including THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, LEGALLY BLONDE, and KINKY BOOTS.

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: Woody Allen's only movie musical & a great resource for obscure cast recordings!

What does a musical coordinator do, you ask? Well, John Miller, one of Broadway's most respected in the field, swings by to discuss this pivotal role and some of his 100 plus Broadway credits... yes, that's right, 100 plus Broadway credits! 

Every week director Robert W Schneider and actor Kevin David Thomas pull back the curtain on neglected, forgotten, and under appreciated musicals, as well as bizarre performances, endearing television appearances, and all things show business. This Week: The schizophrenia of the 1970s, Mrs. Garrett slays Kander & Ebb, Bacall belts her face, why Lee Roy Reams is the best bartender, and Wright & Forrest start anew.

Brilliant. Hysterical. Dangerous. Those three words best sum up veteran character actor Lewis Stadlen. A two time Tony nominee, Lewis has seen it all and has worked with the best. His many credits include MINNIE'S BOYS, the 1974 revival of CANDIDE, the 1996 revival of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, THE PRODUCERS, GUYS AND DOLLS, plus four Neil Simon premieres. And, now, Lewis sits down with Rob and Kevin to look back on his journey; unedited and unfiltered.