Neil Patel News

Kansas City Repertory Theatre continues its 2015-16 season and its commitment to the creation of unforgettable new plays with the WORLD PREMIERE of Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin, written by and starring Michael Benjamin Washington and directed by the critically acclaimed Lucie Tiberghien. This story is more than relevant. It's riveting. Those who stand up for equality in 2015 are following in the footsteps of Bayard Rustin, the lesser known but powerfully influential civil rights leader who orchestrated the March on Washington and stepped forward himself as an openly gay man at a time when few had the courage to do so. In this ode, an exiled Rustin masterminds 'a tribute to the ancestors' 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This exciting production begins Friday, Oct. 16 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 15 at KC Rep's Copaken Stage in the Power & Light District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs now through November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project. Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Christopher J. Hanke takes a look at some of the historic research that helps put the actors in a 1950s state of mind.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs tonight, September 29, through November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project. Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM.

One man, two chairs, six guitars and 15 songs mark the road from loss to redemption for singer-songwriter Benjamin Scheuer in his haunting autobiographical solo musical THE LION launching its national tour at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Mass.

La Jolla Playhouse and Kansas City Repertory Theatre is presenting the world-premiere production of Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin, by Michael Benjamin Washington, directed by Lucie Tiberghien (Blood and Gifts). Tiberghien replaced Phylicia Rashad, who had to depart the project due to scheduling conflicts. Check out photos from the production below!

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, announces casting for Perfect Arrangement, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs September 29- November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street® project. Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, announces casting for Perfect Arrangement, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed byMichael Barakiva (White People).  The limited engagement runs September 29- November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street® project.  Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT)'s new Artistic Director Sean Daniels opens his first season at the helm of the company with 'The Lion,' a solo-musical written and performed by Benjamin Scheuer and directed by Daniels. After highly-praised runs in Edinburgh and London, two Off-Broadway productions, and several awards, 'The Lion' is beginning a two-year national tour that launches from MRT. The gripping musical takes the audience on one man's musical journey from boyhood to manhood, through pain and healing, to discover the redemptive power of music.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT)'s new Artistic Director Sean Daniels opens his first season at the helm of the company with 'The Lion,' a solo-musical written and performed by Benjamin Scheuer and directed by Daniels. After highly-praised runs in Edinburgh and London, two Off-Broadway productions, and several awards, 'The Lion' is beginning a two-year national tour that launches from MRT. The gripping musical takes the audience on one man's musical journey from boyhood to manhood, through pain and healing, to discover the redemptive power of music.

La Jolla Playhouse and Kansas City Repertory Theatre announce the cast and creative team for its world-premiere production of Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin, by Michael Benjamin Washington, directed by Lucie Tiberghien (Blood and Gifts).

The Glimmerglass Festival, Central New York's opera and musical theater company, has announced its 2016 season.

The Glimmerglass Festival, Central New York's opera and musical theater company, has announced its 2016 season.

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY is now running through June 14. Check out photos from the opening night party below! 

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY is now running through June 14. Check out scenes from the Penn and North concert below!

Mitchell Brunings brings the man and his music to life.

Due to high ticket demand, NEIL LaBUTE'S play, THE WAY WE GET BY, has been extended for one week and will now play through Sunday, June 21st at Second Stage Theatre. 

The world premiere production of MARLEY, the first original musical based on both the life and music of Bob Marley, began rehearsals March 24 at Center Stage, the State Theater of Maryland. MARLEY is now running through June 14.  Check out a first look below!

Second Stage Theatre welcomes film star Amanda Seyfried (Les Miserables, Dear John, Mamma Mia!, upcoming Ted 2 and Pan) in her off-Broadway debut opposite Thomas Sadoski (The Newsroom, Wild, upcoming in NBC's The Slap) in the world premiere production of NEIL LaBUTE's drama, The Way We Get By. Directed by Tony nominee LEIGH SILVERMAN, the production began previews on April 28, 2015 and officially opened last night, May 19, 2015 at Second Stage Theatre, 305 West 43rd Street. Check out highlights of the duo in action below!

Second Stage Theatre welcomes film star Amanda Seyfried (Les Miserables, Dear John, Mamma Mia!, upcoming Ted 2 and Pan) in her off-Broadway debut opposite Thomas Sadoski (The Newsroom, Wild, upcoming in NBC's The Slap) in the world premiere production of NEIL LaBUTE's drama, The Way We Get By. Directed by Tony nominee LEIGH SILVERMAN, the production began previews on April 28, 2015 and officially opened last night, May 19, 2015 at Second Stage Theatre, 305 West 43rd Street. Check out photos from opening night below!