John Baker News

Malinda L. Beckham has always been a master of directing testosterone-fueled plays where men fight and abuse each other. She and her cast bravely take on Martin McDonagh’s script and make wise decisions. The pace is breakneck, never allowing the viewer to wallow much in the muck. She brings out the black comedy and never seems to fear that aspect.

As the next production of their 51st Season in Barboursville, Four County Players will present ANYTHING GOES, opening March 8 on the Mainstage. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Firing up the stage in its first production of 2024, Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. (DDTCo.) presents The Pillowman, a riveting play that examines themes of storytelling, morality, and duality. It's a gripping narrative written by Martin McDonagh and directed by Malinda L. Beckham that uncovers the truth teetering precariously between guilt and innocence.

Music Theater Works’ final production of its 2023 season, Shrek: The Musical, in the Center Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, is now playing through December 31. Shrek: The Musical is directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, choreographed by Laura Savage and music directed by Linda Madonia.

This holiday season, join the cast of Mill Mountain Theatre's 'Elf the Musical' for a festive and glamorous Broadway production. Based on the beloved film, this holiday spectacle is sure to become a tradition for families.

Music Theater Works, currently presenting Lerner & Loewe’s Brigadoon through November 12,is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the final production of its 2023 season, Shrek: The Musical, in the Center Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, December 21 – December 31.

DIRT DOGS THEATRE CO. opens Season 8 with 'The Birds' in a thrilling production.

Music Theater Works 150th production, THE PRODUCERS A Mel Brooks Musical is now playing a limited engagement through August 20 in the Center Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie. Check out the photos here!

ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut recently wrapped the final production of their 2022-2023 season - THE SECRET GARDEN. Performances ran this May and June.

Music Theater Works, currently presenting its second production in the 2023 season, Pippin, through June 25, has announced the cast and creative team for its third production in the 2023 season, THE PRODUCERS A Mel Brooks Musical in the Center Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts In Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, August 10 - 20.

ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut has announced the cast for the final production of their 2022-2023 season – THE SECRET GARDEN. The show promises to be the perfect spring musical and will close out the theater's fifth season.

That Dirt Dogs would choose MISERY for their “season of love” makes perfect sense. As a company they have made a name for themselves by creating plays fueled by testosterone laden energy and provocative rough language. There is an intensity and violence that suggests MISERY would be a perfect project for them, and indeed this production proves that assumption mostly correct.

Check out photos from opening night of A Bright New Boise at Signature Theatre!

Experience the heart-pounding tension of Misery as Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. (DDTCo.) envelops you in the narrative through an intimate staging of the tangled relationship between a trapped author and his psychotic fan.

To celebrate their 50th holiday season in Barboursville, Four County Players will present ELF: THE MUSICAL opening November 18 on the Mainstage. This production features a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar, Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and is based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum.

Shakespeare’s Globe is announcing eight new Trustees joining the Board this year. Several of the organisation’s Trustees are retiring this year, with a combined thirty-nine years of service supporting the Globe most recently through successive lockdowns, through to reopening the theatre, and planning for the future. 

Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. will open its 2022-2023 season by exploring the disturbing question: Can one be innocent though proven guilty? In Coyote on a Fence, Illiterate yet affable, Bobby Reyburn loves to do impressions and watch soap operas.

The new album features The Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn as well as PJ Harvey saxophonist Terry Edwards who also performed on Rural Tapes. They are also joined by Kristine Tjøgersen (clarinet, bass clarinet), Lars Løberg Tofte (bass), Marin Stallemo Bakke (violins) and Øystein Braut (electric guitar).

Full cast and creative team have been announced for Surging Films & Theatrics 2022 season's production of Urinetown.

Dirt Dogs UNLEASHED, in association with Sweet Darlin' Productions, will present Shakin' the Blue Flamingo, an original play by Gwen Flager, directed by Bonnie Hewett.