Langston Hughes News

Following its celebrated opening at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Pullman Porter Blues travels across the country to sweep D.C. audiences along for a ride in its world-premiere co-production at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Inspired by her grandfather's work on the postal trains, playwright Cheryl L. West, whose work at Arena Stage includes Jar the Floor and Play On!, returns with the tale of three Pullman train porters whose journey is underscored by Midwest blues songs, including "Sweet Home Chicago" and "This Train." Directed by Lisa Peterson (Arena's The Rainmaker and The Quality of Life), Pullman Porter Blues runs November 23, 2012 - January 6, 2013 in the Kreeger Theater.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre, in association with Castillo Theatre, will present Sowa's Red Gravy by Diane Richards at Castillo Theatre (543 West 42nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.). Performances begin tomorrow, October 18th with Opening Night set for Sunday, October 28th. Performances continue through November 18th only. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre, in association with Castillo Theatre, will present Sowa's Red Gravy by Diane Richards at Castillo Theatre (543 West 42nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.). Performances begin Thursday October 18th with Opening Night set for Sunday, October 28th. Performances continue through November 18th only.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem kicks off their 13th season in a groundbreaking co-production with The Public Theater and National Black Theatre of DETROIT '67. The UPTOWN MEETS DOWNTOWN kick-off reception will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012, at 7:00 pm at the National Black Theater.

Actors' Equity Association announced today that Emmy-Award winning director/producer and writer William Greaves is the recipient of the 2012 Paul Robeson Award. Created in 1971, the Award recognizes a person who best exemplifies the principles by which Mr. Robeson lived. The award will be presented to Mr. Greaves at the October 12 Eastern Regional Membership Meeting at the Union's headquarters in New York City.

University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music has announced its 2012-2013 mainstage series, including selections from opera, musical theatre and drama.

Opera Exposures, the not-for-profit organization dedicated to presenting concerts and recitals featuring seasoned professional musicians and young operatic artists in accessible venues at affordable prices, will celebrate National Opera Week by presenting a FREE recital on Sunday, October 28, at 3 PM at St. Marks Church, 131 East 10th Street at 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.

Mid-Michigan's award winning professional theatre company, Williamston Theatre, located at 122 S. Putnam in downtown Williamston, introduces their new theatrical experience in 'found spaces' (rooms that are not traditional theatre spaces), Dark Nights in Billtown. The first round of staged readings will take place Friday, November 2 through Sunday, November 4.

You'll never look at another set without thinking about what goes into creating it.

Just in time for the holidays, iLuminate, the sensational dance-in-the-dark act that fuses performance with technology to literally glow in the dark, and earned a third-place finish on season six of 'America's Got Talent,' will debut a live show in New York City at The Duke on 42nd Street, a NEW 42ND STREET project on West 42nd Street. The limited run engagement commences November 23, 2012 and runs through January 5, 2013.

Woodie King Jr's New Federal Theatre, in association with Castillo Theatre, will present Sowa's Red Gravy by Diane Richards at Castillo Theatre (543 West 42nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.). Performances begin October 18th with Opening Night set for Sunday, October 28th. Performances continue through November 18th only.

Westport Country Playhouse will present an education and community engagement initiative, "What Happens to a Dream Deferred: Lorraine Hansberry and 'A Raisin in the Sun'," in conjunction with the Playhouse's production of Hansberry's landmark drama, "A Raisin in the Sun," directed by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad.

The Clearwater Foundation honors David Amram with the Power of Song Award on Friday, November 9 at 6:30 PM at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space, located at 95th and Broadway, New York City.

Chicago Slam Works (CSW) has announced its 2012-13 season packed with innovative collaborations and dynamic performances at a new location, Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. The season, directed by Artistic Director J.W. Basilo, features poets and storytellers facing off in 'Two Sides', October 10, 17 and 24, 2012, deceased poets challenging the living in 'Dead or Alive' December 5, 12 and 19, 2012, dancers and poets collaborate for 'In Motion', March 13, 20 and 27, 2013 and the season concludes when top German poets join Chicago poets in 'In Any Tongue', August 2 and 3, 2013. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Raven Theatre. Tickets are $14 and free parking is available. For tickets or information visit www.chicagoslamworks.com or call 847-556-8679.

When it comes to the subject of transracial adoption, it would be nice to think that any child is better off with two loving and supportive parents of a different race than with nothing permanent at all, but in Bennett Windheim's challenging play, Normalcy, which deals specifically with the issue of white parents adopting black children, there is a passionate argument presented that claims such an act will inevitably cause serious damage for the child.

Porchlight Theatre Company presents an outdoor production of Timberlake Wertenbaker's OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD at the Redwood Amphitheatre located at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross.

Mike Bartlett's hit play COCK plays its 100th performance today, August 11 at 8pm.

Mike Bartlett's hit play COCK will play its 100th performance this Saturday, August 11 at 8pm.