Lynn Ahrens News

The most exciting moment in ZACH's Theatre's history will happen this fall with the opening of the new Topfer Theatre. The once-in-a-lifetime first season will include a world premiere, an American musical with a full orchestra for the first time at ZACH, a beloved classic made new, an international concert guest star, and the biggest, snowiest holiday favorite of all time, all taking full advantage of the technological capabilities of the extraordinary new theatre.

Ragtime, The Musical sweeps into CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center, running October 25 - November 11, 2012. For tickets, call (502) 459-0660 or go online at www.CenterStageJCC.org.

The York Theatre Company in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, welcomes Marya Grandy (Les Miserables, Damn Yankees) to the cast of Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire, filling in for Jacquelyn Piro Donovan from October 13 - November 4, due to a prior commitment.

David Hunter, who reached the semi-finals of Andrew Lloyd Webber's ITV1 search for Jesus for his new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, is to star as Horton the Elephant in the new London production of Seussical at the Arts Theatre from December 4.

Tasti D-Lite has named a new flavor, "MISS BYRD'S RED VELVET D-LITE," to honor one of the best reviewed Off-Broadway shows of the year, Closer Than Ever with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire. Current cast members of The York Theatre Company production, Jacquelyn Piro Donovan, Anika Larsen, James Moye, and Sal Viviano, will be on hand on Thursday, October 4th at 5:00 p.m. at the Times Square Tasti D-Lite (1588 Broadway between 47th & 48th St) to introduce the world to the deliciously decadent new treat. There will also be an in-store raffle to win two tickets to Closer Than Ever and a $25 Tasti Treat Card.

The Ahrens and Flaherty musical, now on at Oyster Mill, shines brightly on the playhouse stage. This is one show that won't... as luck would have it... go to the dogs.

Janet Brenner and Michael Coco will present Fiction in Photographs, a new musical featuring the music and lyrics of Dan Mills, conceived and directed by Randy Redd, and featuring the photography of Sasha Israel. Three free presentations, open to the public, will be offered at the New World Stages/Stage 1 (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues) on Wednesday October 10th (4pm), Thursday October 11th (7pm) and Friday October 12th (7pm).

ANNIE, the new production of the Tony Award-winning musical, went into rehearsal today in New York City with its full company. The production begins previews October 3, 2012 and opens November 8, 2012 at the Palace Theatre (Broadway at 47th Street). Meet the full cast below!

Previews begin Friday, October 12 for the Playwrights Horizons' production of THE WHALE, the New York premiere of a new play by Obie Award winner Samuel D. Hunter (A Bright New Boise). Directed by Davis McCallum (February House, A Bright New Boise, the upcoming Water By the Spoonful at Second Stage), the production has an Opening Night set for Monday, November 5 at 7PM at Playwrights Horizons' Peter Jay Sharp Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

Jessica Redish, founding artistic director of The Music Theatre Company (TMTC), Highland Park's Equity theatre, 1850 Green Bay Road, is proud to announce the company's fifth season. The 2012-2013 season features the mainstage production, in spring 2013, of the Tony Award-winning The Pajama Game, directed by Jess McLeod and choreographed by Founding Artistic Director Jessica Redish, three Musicals in Concert and five Artists in Concert. Season subscriptions for the Musicals in Concert series and single tickets for the 2012 - 2013 season are on sale now. To purchase subscriptions, single tickets or for more information call The Music Theatre Company at 847.579.4900 or visit www.themusictheatrecompany.org.

Oyster Mill Playhouse has announced its seventh production and second musical of the 2012 season, LUCKY STIFF, the first collaboration for the team of Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music), and its final show of its 2012 season, the comedy MY THREE ANGELS by Samuel Spewack and Bella Spewack and based on LA CUISINE DES ANGES by Albert Husson. The 1955 film We're No Angels, which starred Humphrey Bogart and Peter Ustinov, is based on this play.

The next chapter in my journey with the cast of Creative Ministries Performing Art Center's (CMPAC) A Christmas Carol, The Musical continues with their first sit-down reading. It was more of a fun information/getting to know you session.

The York Theatre Company in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will welcome James Moye (Dogfight, Million Dollar Quartet) to the cast of Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire, filling in for George Dvorsky from September 25 - October 7, due to a prior commitment.

In just three days, Times Square will turn into every theatre lover's dream as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS presents the 26th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction. The all day, outdoor extravaganza features celebrities from Broadway's biggest shows, live and silent auctions with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive backstage access, and one-of-a-kind theatre treasures. As usual, BroadwayWorld.com will be streaming live video from the Grand Auction. Check back on Sunday for full details!