Michele Ragusa News

There were actually those who thought Cole Porter, Broadway's fountain of divine wit and sophistication, had run dry by that winter of 1948.  Though his recent offerings like Something For The Boys and Mexican Hayride were far from flops, his kind of thin-plotted musical comedy where the book and the songs often had little more than a passing acquaintance with each other was being overshadowed by the enormous success of Rodgers and Hammerstein's integrated musical dramas.  Even in the lightest of entertainments, the public was becoming more and more enthralled by musicals with strong plots and well-developed characters.

Theatrical Producers Jeff Gardner and Ken Denison, are pleased to announce that they have assembled an all-star cast for a reading of their new musical GRUMPY OLD MEN: THE MUSICAL to be presented in New York City in October. The reading is not open to the public, and is by invitation only.

Beth Leavel, Michele Ragusa and Kelly Sullivan become the new leading ladies of Mel Brooks' award-winning Young Frankenstein this summer at the Hilton Theatre (213 W 42nd St), joining original cast members Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley, Fred Applegate and Christopher Fitzgerald. Kelly Sullivan will assume the role of Inga on Tuesday, July 8th; Tony winner Beth Leavel (Drowsy Chaperone) will become Frau Blucher on Tuesday, July 22nd and Michele Ragusa (Adrift in Macao) takes over the role of Elizabeth on Tuesday, August 5th.

Beth Leavel, Michele Ragusa and Kelly Sullivan become the new leading ladies of Mel Brooks' award-winning Young Frankenstein this summer at the Hilton Theatre (213 W 42nd St), joining original cast members Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley, Fred Applegate and Christopher Fitzgerald. Kelly Sullivan will assume the role of Inga on Tuesday, July 8th; Tony winner Beth Leavel (Drowsy Chaperone) will become Frau Blucher on Tuesday, July 22nd and Michele Ragusa (Adrift in Macao) takes over the role of Elizabeth on Tuesday, August 5th.

The York Theatre Company's (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) presents a concert revival of GRIND.

The York Theatre Company presents a concert revival of 'Grind.'

With their Platinum Anniversary just around the corner, Paper Mill Playhouse is celebrating the abundance of springtime with a musical comedy favorite, Cole Porter's 'Kiss Me, Kate!' James Brennan's 'wunderbar' direction and 'too darn hot' choreography by Patti Columbo take center-stage with the hard-working and high-energy cast led by Mike McGowan, Michele Ragusa, Amanda Watkins and Timothy J. Alex!

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) officially opened its mainstage production of Cole Porter's masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, returning to the Paper Mill Stage after a 40 year absence.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) announces its mainstage production of Cole Porter's masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, returning to the Paper Mill Stage after a 40 year absence. Directed by Paper Mill favorite James Brennan, Kiss Me, Kate won the very first Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949 - and has been delighting audiences ever since. Kiss Me, Kate will run at the Millburn theatre from April 16 through May 18, 2008.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) announces its mainstage production of Cole Porter's masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, returning to the Paper Mill Stage after a 40 year absence. Directed by Paper Mill favorite James Brennan, Kiss Me, Kate won the very first Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949 - and has been delighting audiences ever since. Kiss Me, Kate will run at the Millburn theatre from April 16 through May 18, 2008.

The Emelin Theatre, a non-profit performing arts center in Mamaroneck, NY, today announced that Broadway star Karen Mason, who originated the role of Tanya in Broadway's Mamma Mia! - a role for which she received a 2002 Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress - will join the cast of the Emelin's Kleinbort Collection.

American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Guys and Dolls, playing October 9 through 21 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, starring Sarah Uriate Berry and Burke Moses.

The York Theatre Company presented 'NEO3,' a benefit concert celebrating emerging musical theatre writers tonight, on Monday, June 11th at its home in the Theatre at Saint Peter's

The York Theatre Company will present 'NEO3,' a benefit concert celebrating emerging musical theatre writers tonight, beginning at 6:00 pm at its home in the Theatre at Saint Peter's

The 2006-07 Drama League Awards were presented at the 73rd Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Friday, May 11, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, and BroadwayWorld was there!

An array of acclaimed stars, playwrights and directors attended a cocktail party for the 22nd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards ceremony, and BroadwayWorld was there!

An array of acclaimed stars, playwrights and directors will attend a cocktail party for the 22nd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards ceremony

Paper Mill Playhouse's rally - which was staged with the goal of keeping the venerable Millburn, New Jersey theatre from closing - took place on Monday, April 9th at 7 PM.

The Paper Mill is in a financial crisis and needs $1.5 million by Friday to keep their doors open.

The League of Off-Broadway Theatres and Producers today announced the nominations for the 22nd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway, which will be presented on Monday, May 7th at New World Stages