John Robert News

Minnesota Opera is pleased to announce its season opening, in which the irresistible lure of money seduces the beautiful Manon, triggering her downfall. But true love is her redemption in this soulful opera by the composer of La bohème, Madame Butterfly andTurandot. Manon Lescaut was Puccini's third opera and his first major success. Defending his work against another opera based on the 1731 novel by the Abbé Prévost, Puccini said, “Manon is a heroine I believe in, and therefore she cannot fail to win the hearts of the public. Why shouldn't there be two operas about Manon? A woman like Manon can have more than one lover.” He added, “Massenet feels it as a Frenchman, with powder and minuets. I shall feel it as an Italian, with a desperate passion.”

Complete casting has been announced for the Hampton Roads premiere of "CARRIE The Musical", which will begin performances at The Generic Theater in downtown Norfolk, VA starting October 18.

Minnesota Opera is pleased to announce its season opening, in which the irresistible lure of money seduces the beautiful Manon, triggering her downfall. But true love is her redemption in this soulful opera by the composer of La bohème, Madame Butterfly andTurandot. Manon Lescaut was Puccini's third opera and his first major success. Defending his work against another opera based on the 1731 novel by the Abbé Prévost, Puccini said, “Manon is a heroine I believe in, and therefore she cannot fail to win the hearts of the public. Why shouldn't there be two operas about Manon? A woman like Manon can have more than one lover.” He added, “Massenet feels it as a Frenchman, with powder and minuets. I shall feel it as an Italian, with a desperate passion.”

Minnesota Opera is pleased to announce casting updates for the 2013–2014 season, which boasts three company premieres and five productions new to Minnesota audiences. Based on anticipated demand, the boundary-busting production of The Magic Flutewill receive nine performances. Other season highlights include James Valenti starring in the premiere of a revised The Dream of Valentino by Dominick Argento as part of Minnesota Opera's New Works Initiative; Kelly Kaduce in an opulent production of Puccini's soulful Manon Lescaut; Jacquelyn Wagner, Elizabeth Futral, Brian Jagde and Craig Irvin in a stylish production of Strauss' romantic comedy, Arabella; and Verdi's chilling take on the Shakespearean thriller, Macbeth, starring Brenda Harris and Greer Grimsley. Minnesota Opera is also pleased to announce the roster for the 2013–2014 Resident Artist Program, as well as unveil a new website.

The European Premiere of Stephen Cole and David Krane's autobiographical musical The Road to Qatar has been shortlisted for a coveted Musical Theatre Network 2013 Award.

This week at Joe's Pub at the Public (July 8-14) will feature The Black Lillies, Mima, Rabbit Rabbit, Samia Najimy Finnerty, and more. Details below!

Ip Man the Musical just completed its introductory showcase at the Kallang Theatre in Singapore on the 12th June 2013. The show has been formally approved by government agencies such as Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) with their aim to promote the Singapore musical industry, through knowledge transfer and capabilities development, ensuring the commitment to continue in growing Singapore talents as well as the Asia region.

This May, FOX's Emmy Award-nominated animated comedy BOB'S BURGERS hits the road to bring the critically-acclaimed show directly to fans in the series' first-ever comedy tour, BOB'S BURGERS LIVE! From May 6-11, BOB'S BURGERS LIVE! will make stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco.

Below, check out quotables from NBC's 'LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON' for the week of MARCH 25 - MARCH 28

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) announces the following concerts going on sale this week.

The Hawai'i Young Playwrights Slam, a young playwrights workshop, will be hosted by Kumu Kahua Theatre today, March 26 from 9 am - 5 pm.

The Hawai'i Young Playwrights Slam, a young playwrights workshop, will be hosted by Kumu Kahua Theatre on March 26 from 9 am - 5 pm.

The Short North Stage may be small in size, but the talent in the theater for their latest musical is of gigantic proportions. They opened the Columbus premiere of Adam Gwon's musical, 'Ordinary Days' last night with the production's creator in the audience, and if that lead to any nervousness, it certainly didn't show.

Sixteen of the Boston area's most dynamic young women have been selected to be contestants in the Miss Boston and Miss Cambridge Pageant on February 10, 2013 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston, MA. These women will compete for over $8,000 in scholarships and prizes and to be crowned either Miss Boston or Miss Cambridge.

This February, FOX fuels up with major television events, all-new episodes and big guest stars, including the landmark 850th episode of COPS Feb. 2;

Superstar Beyonce sang The National Anthem at President Barack Obama's 2013 Inauguration earlier this week on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington DC. The performance has become controversial however after it was revealed that Knowles was lip-syncing the whole thing to a backing track with her voice. In the video below, Broadway vocal coach Liz Caplan chimes in on the issse. Check it out below!

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took to the dance floor at the Commander In Chief's Ball tonight, January 21, 2013, to Jennifer Hudson singing Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together.' Watch their special moment below!

Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco has announced its continuing Winter 2012-13 lineup through February, including the SF Sketchfest again this year.

Manhattan Theatre Club's critically acclaimed revival of Henrik Ibsen's AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes, closes today, November 18, at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

Manhattan Theatre Club's new Broadway production of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, directed by Tony winner Doug Hughes, begins the final 8 performances of its acclaimed limited engagement tonight at 7 PM. When it ends its extended, acclaimed run on Sunday, November 18 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street), the production will have played 59 regular performances and 26 previews.