Joseph Baker News

There's a moment in the first act of Nicky Silver's THE LYONS when dying patriarch 'Ben' is asked whether he is in pain; his response, a monosyllabic 'Yes,' hardly ranks with any of the brilliantly barbed lines scattered throughout the play, but as intoned by veteran actor Ron Gephart, it acquires a startling variety of shades. As uttered by this gifted performer, a number of insights can be gained into the unfortunate Ben's character: Frustration, resignation, intolerance. If Mr. Gephart can manage that by simply saying 'Yes,' imagine what he is able to do with the dialogues and monologs that follow.

For some months, I had been hearing strong, positive comments about a previous stage reading of actor/singer Justin Asher's original HAINT, and finally, tonight, after mounting publicity (including a spot on WKNO's Checking on the Arts and an article in The Commercial Appeal's GO MEMPHIS), I was able to attend the first, complete performance of the play, staged by New Moon Theatre at Theatre Works. Not since Jerre Dye's original CICADAS have I left a theatre in such a state of excitement; like Mr. Dye's play, which recently had a highly successful production in Chicago, this is a play born of a region and time - in this case, the isolated Ozarks of Arkansas in 1953.

Long Wharf Theatre presents, in association with Miracle or 2 Productions, The Bikinis, a celebration of great songs from the 1960s through today. The show will take place in the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from July 9 through July 27, 2014. Tickets are $55. The show was created and written by Ray Roderick and James Hindman, with music arrangements by Joseph Baker, and additional music and lyrics by Baker and Roderick. The cast includes Meghan Duffy, Lori Hammel, Regina Levert, and Karyn Quackenbush.

Stage Door Productions BEST OF BROADWAY 2 Proves You Don't 'Gotta Have a Gimmick'

The collaboration of Jules Stein and Stephen Sondheim on GYPSY provided the late Ethel Merman with a career boost into immortality. What isn't familiar about this material? Everyone knows the general outline of the play itself - 'Mama' Rose is 'Mommie Dearest' without the wire hangers; at the beginning of the play, she practically declares war on a quiet home life and, taking with her daughters June (the precocious and 'pretty' one) and Louise (the shy and recessive one), she practically declares war on domesticity and seeks to channel her dreams through their success.

Don't Put Your Faith in HIMmelman

The York Theatre Company continues the Winter 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series Celebrating Sheldon Harnick with Smiling, The Boy Fell Dead with Book by Ira Wallach, Music by David Baker, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The creative team includes director James Glossman with music direction by Joseph Baker, and casting by Geoff Josselson. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The York Theatre Company continues the Winter 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series Celebrating Sheldon Harnick with Smiling, The Boy Fell Dead with Book by Ira Wallach, Music by David Baker, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The creative team includes director James Glossman with music direction by Joseph Baker, and casting by Geoff Josselson. The limited engagement will play 5 performances ONLY February 21-23, 2014 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). BroadwayWorld was there for the opening and brings you photos from the festivities below!

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Andrew Levine, Executive Director) continues the Winter 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series Celebrating Sheldon Harnick with Smiling, The Boy Fell Dead with Book by Ira Wallach, Music by David Baker, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The creative team includes director James Glossman with music direction by Joseph Baker, and casting by Geoff Josselson.

York Theatre Company continues the Winter 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series with Smiling, The Boy Fell Dead with Book by Ira Wallach, Music by David Baker, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Directed by James Glossman and with music direction by Joseph Baker, the cast features Anthony Apicella, Reathel Bean, Anthony Blaha, Allison Carr, Emily Daly, Laura Darrell, Matt Dengler, Nick Gaswirth, David Green, Rose Hemingway, Nancy Johnston, Judy Kaye, Paul Murphy and Tony Roberts. The limited engagement plays 5 performances ONLY February 21-23, 2014 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Photo credit: David Loughner/York Theatre Company. Meet the cast below!

The York Theatre Company continues the Winter 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series Celebrating Sheldon Harnick with Smiling, The Boy Fell Dead with Book by Ira Wallach, Music by David Baker, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The creative team includes director James Glossman with music direction by Joseph Baker, and casting by Geoff Josselson.

Director Jason Summers and four powerhouse singers recreate the girl groups of the Sixties on stage at Gretna Theatre

Kansas City's American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center has announced their 2012-2013 season, which will include 5 Kansas City Premieres and one favorite holiday hit. Starting off the season is comedy about family by one of AHT's favorite playwrights, Sean Grennan, MAKING GOD LAUGH. The season also includes a riotous adaptation of the thriller, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. The holidays have everyone laughing with the return of the Sisters of Mount St. Helens in NUNCRACKERS.

Kansas City's American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center has announced its 2012-2013 season, which will include five Kansas City Premieres and one favorite holiday hit. Starting off the season is comedy about family by one of AHT's favorite playwrights, Sean Grennan, MAKING GOD LAUGH. The season also includes a riotous adaptation of the thriller, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. The holidays have everyone laughing with the return of the Sisters of Mount St. Helens in NUNCRACKERS.

Goodspeed Musicals celebrates summer fun in the groovy production The Bikinis a new musical beach party. This hip musical will now end its run on September 9 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., Goodspeed's home for developing new works.

Goodspeed Musicals celebrates summer fun in the groovy production The Bikinis a new musical beach party. This hip musical will end its run today, September 2 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., Goodspeed's home for developing new works.

Goodspeed Musicals, the first two-time Tony Award-winning theatre in the country, presents the fab new musical The Bikinis will round out their three-show season. Destined to be a summer smash, this fun-loving, finger-snappin' blast-from-the-past is chock-full of hit tunes from the 60s and 70s. Don't miss The Bikinis, playing through September 2, 2012; it'll be a gas! BroadwayWorld brings you Aa first look at the show below!