Jonathan Larson News

Following its European Premiere at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Without You, written and performed by Rent star Anthony Rapp, now transfers to the Menier Chocolate Factory, London from 29th August - 15th September 2012. Press Night Wednesday 5th September.

Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Julianne Boyd, Artistic Director, and Tristan Wilson, Managing Director, presents a workshop production of the new musical The Black Suits with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Iconis and Robert Emmett Maddock. The Black Suits is part of Barrington Stage's Musical Theatre Lab, William Finn, Artistic Producer. Directed by John Simpkins, with musical direction by James Sampliner, The Black Suits will run August 16 through September 2 at BSC's St. Germain Stage (formerly Stage 2), located on the upper level of the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center, 36 Linden Street, Pittsfield. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the show below.

Libra Theater Company is pleased to present a celebratory birthday concert, looking back on its second full year of producing entertaining and innovative theater. To commemorate the company's birthday, Libra will welcome many friends and former artists to the stage to perform great songs and share personal stories.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director William Russo have announced that Red Dog Howls, written by Alexander Dinelaris and directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, will begin performances Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at 7pm at NYTW, 79 East 4 Street, between Bowery and Second Avenue. Opening night is scheduled for Monday, September 24 at 7pm.

As we make our way into the second week of August and beyond, I trust you will want to be planning to take in some of the productions showing at any number of the theatre and live performance establishments here on the idyllic California Central Coast!

Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Julianne Boyd, Artistic Director, and Tristan Wilson, Managing Director, presents a workshop production of the new musical The Black Suits with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Iconis and Robert Emmett Maddock.

The Human Race Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals, has announced the three-play line-up for its 2012 Festival of New Musicals.

Applications are now being accepted for the January 2013 installment of the tri-annual CAP21 Writers Residency.

Westport Country Playhouse will stage the world premiere of a new comedy, "Harbor," written by two-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin and directed by Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos, August 28 - September 15. The cast includes Tony Award nominee Bobby Steggert (Broadway's "Ragtime"), Emmy Award nominee Paul Anthony Stewart ("Guiding Light"), Kate Nowlin and Alexis Molnar.

The American Theatre Wing today announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Jonathan Larson Grants. The grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers, help to continue Tony Award-winning composer Jonathan Larson's dream of infusing musical theatre with a contemporary, joyful, urban vitality.

Is it possible that "Rent", Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking hit from 1996 has now become so dated that it no longer has the edge it once had? Or is it that the current production from the 5th Avenue Theatre is so desperately trying to be edgy that it shows its weakness? That is the question before us. But whatever you feel about the show itself, the current production at the 5th takes so many missteps that it's hard to see the show as anything but an adorable relic.

The cast of DANCING WITH THE STARS: ALL STARS has just been announced. The show will premiere Monday, September 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT on the ABC Network. The All-Stars cast will feature Gilles Marini, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Monaco, Shawn Johnson, Melissa Rycroft, Joey Fatone, Helio Castroneves, Drew Lachey, Bristol Palin, Apolo Anton Ono, Kirstie Alley and Emmit Smith.

Zoe Birkett, who shot to fame in 2002 as a finalist on the first series of Pop Idol, won by Will Young, and has gone on to appear in the West End in Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical, Thriller Live, What A Feeling, Respect La Diva and Hair, is to play Maureen Johnson in a new London production of the multi award-winning musical Rent.

Austin Theatre Project Announces its 2013 Season As they are preparing and auditioning for their final production of their inaugural season, Austin's newest professional theatre company, Austin Theatre Project, is proud to announce its 2013 season.

Libra Theater Company is pleased to present a celebratory birthday concert, looking back on its second full year of producing entertaining and innovative theater. To commemorate the company's birthday, Libra will welcome many friends and former artists to the stage to perform great songs and share personal stories.