K. Todd Freeman News

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a starry Pinter and tasty musical treat to a portrait of grief, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews!

The New York Premiere production of The Light, the first show at MCC Theater's new home, The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space (511 West 52nd Street), opened just last night, February 10.

The National Theatre has announced its upcoming lineup for the first half of 2019.

Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim,presents highlights from, Steppenwolf and the National Theatre: Downstate by Bruce Norrison Monday, January 28 at 7:30pm.

Based on the internationally best-selling series of books by Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler), the third and final season of the Peabody award-winning Netflix original premieres worldwide January 1, 2019. Starring Emmy and Tony Award-winner Neil Patrick Harris, A Series of Unfortunate Events recounts the tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans - Violet, Klaus, and Sunny - whose evil uncle Count Olaf (Harris) will stop at nothing to get his hands on their inheritance. After foiling his many dastardly plans and disguises, the young siblings might finally discover the truth about their parents' mysterious death, while unraveling the layers of a clandestine organization, and revealing the secrets of the coveted, missing sugar bowl.

Works & Process at the Guggenheim is pleased to announce its spring 2019 season. Since 1984 the performing arts series has championed new works and offered audiences unprecedented access to leading creators. Programs explore the artistic process through stimulating discussions and riveting performance highlights. Each 70-minute program takes place in the intimate Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Peter B. Lewis Theater. Additional information is available at worksandprocess.org.

Based on his prior works, Playwright Bruce Norris seemingly relishes nothing more than to push the buttons of the liberal, cultural elite (aka most theatergoers). He is in rare form in DOWNSTATE. The show is well-acted and directed with tact and skill by Pam MacKinnon.

Due to popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre Company extends its critically acclaimed world premiere production of Downstate by Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris, directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon. A co-commission and co-production with the National Theatre of Great Britain, Downstate  transfers to London in spring 2019 and features an American and British cast and creative team.  In a ? ? ? ? (out of 4) star review, The Chicago Tribune calls the play, "a must-see…one of the more incendiary and thus important productions in the illustrious history of the Steppenwolf" and The New York Times makes Downstate a Critic's Pick, calling it "a great, squirmy moral-thrill-ride of a play."

Steppenwolf Theatre Company opens its 43rd season with a fiery, provocative new work from Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris, directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon. Downstate is a co-commission and co-production with the National Theatre of Great Britain.

The National Theatre has today announced its new season

Steppenwolf Theatre Company opens its 43rd season with a fiery, provocative new work from Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris, directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon. Downstate is a co-commission and co-production with the National Theatre of Great Britain.

Victory Gardens Theater hosts writer Dan Kois for special discussion and signing of his book The World Only Spins Forward: The Ascent of Angels in America. Kois will be joined on stage by Chicago actors and writers for a reading of excerpts from the book. This one-night-only event will be held on Monday, October 1 at 7:00pm at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.

 Steppenwolf Theatre Company opens its 43rd season with a fiery, provocative new work from Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris, directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon. Downstate is a co-commission and co-production with the National Theatre of Great Britain. This exciting collaboration will premiere at Steppenwolf in fall 2018 and transfer to the National Theatre in spring 2019 featuring an American and British cast and creative team. Previews begin September 20, 2018, opening is September 30 at 6pmand the production runs through November 11, 2018 in the Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. Single tickets ($20-$99) are now on sale through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro announced today the addition of Rajiv Joseph and Karen Rodriguez to the world-renowned Steppenwolf ensemble. An Obie Award-wining and Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright, Rajiv Joseph's Guards at the Taj was produced at Steppenwolf this past May to great acclaim. Karen Rodriguez, a celebrated Chicago-based actor, recently performed at Steppenwolf in The Doppelganger (an international farce) and The Rembrandt, and will be featured in this season's world premiere of Isaac Gomez's La Ruta, in a role written specifically for her.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company opens its 43rd season with a fiery, provocative new work from Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris, directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon. Downstate is a co-commission and co-production with the National Theatre of Great Britain.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce the complete casting and directors for the first four shows of its 2018/19 season: Downstate by Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris; Familiar by Danai Gurira; La Ruta by Isaac Gomez; and A Doll's House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath. Directors Danya Taymor (Familiar) and Robin Witt (A Doll's House, Part 2) are added to the 2018/19 director lineup. Single tickets for Downstate and Familiar will go on sale Friday, August 10 at 11am. Single tickets for La Ruta and A Doll's House, Part 2 will go on sale Friday, October 19 at 11am. Classic, Black Card, Red Card and Directors Circle Memberships are currently on sale through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

From Esmé Squalor (Lucy Punch)'s knife shoes to Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris)'s Carnivorous Carnival hat, take a look behind the scenes at the very IN costumes that were created for A Series of Unfortunate Events, season 2.

Netflix hosted it's worst premiere this evening, asking guests to avert their eyes as they debuted Season 2 of A Series of Unfortunate Events at the Metrograph in New York City. Unsuspecting patrons were treated to abominable treats and fanfare, all poorly themed to the latest season, where they sipped on aqueous martinis (consisting merely of cold water with an olive on top, served in a fancy glass) and enjoyed art deco decor. Talent in attendance included the dastardly Count Olaf who dared to disguise himself as Neil Patrick Harris, newly minted cast member Allison Williams, and fan favorites Patrick Warburton, Sara Rue, Lucy Punch, K. Todd Freeman, Malina Weissman, and Louis Hynes among other unspectacular Season 2 stars.

WATCH: Extended Clip From Second Season Of Netflix's A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Stefano, Captain Sham, Shirley, a frightening doctor, a terrible detective or a nightmarish auctioneer - no matter what he looks like and which alias he uses, Count Olaf is always an awful and dangerous person. And he's about to get worse.