Nell Benjamin News

The Board of Directors and Artistic Director, David Leidholdt, have announced the Teen Performing Arts Academy's inaugural production of Legally Blonde Jr. on the Ryan Mainstage.

Dallas Theater Center announced today details for its upcoming MOONSHINE Celebration, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Co-Chairs Brice Beaird, Elle Oberdick and Dan Waldmann, along with Honorary Chairs Lyn Muse and Kim Sheffield, will welcome guests to be among the first to experience DTC's newest Broadway-bound production MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater.

In The Wings Productions, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tanya Glassman and Executive Director Adam Glassman, is tickled pink to present Legally Blonde The Musical. Having won over audiences across the nation, Elle, Bruiser and friends will make their Snug Harbor Music Hall debut for a two week limited engagement, opening Friday, August 7 and playing through Sunday, August 16.

Dramatists Guild Fund President Andrew Lippa and Executive Director Rachel Routh announced today that Laurence O'Keefe will Co-Chair the nonprofit's Fellows Program.  

I have to admit I had never seen the 2001 MGM movie, Legally Blonde before seeing LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. And I am happy to say it is great fun for all ages in every aspect from the effervescent musical numbers presented by the remarkably energetic cast to the over-the-top bright pink costumes designed by Kristie Rutledge. Director/Musical Director Anne Gesling and choreographer Lauren Blair surely spent hours on end putting together the many incredibly intricate musical numbers, including the momentous "What You Want," Elle's video essay to get into Harvard, which includes at least 3 set changes, several costume changes by dozens of cast members, and many types of dance from tap to jazz. That 12-minute number alone is worth the price of admission on its own!

Music Theatre International Chairman and CEO Freddie Gershon and his wife Myrna hosted eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country for four days of classes and activities honoring them for working to make a difference for their students and communities through the process of staging musical theatre productions in their schools and educational theatre groups.  The event known as the 6th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP culminated in a gala dinner at Chez Josephine on July 11th.  Joining the festivities were Broadway greats Bernadette Peters and Brian d'Arcy James. Scroll down for photos!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Beaches,' 'Kinky Boots' and 'Gotta Dance' show how a pre-Broadway tryout is done, while 'Fancy Nancy,' 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Pinocchio' go for a younger demographic. Meanwhile, Ravinia, Grant Park and Three Oaks (MI) do summer concerts, and The Music Theatre Company announces its own surprise demise.

Eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country will work one-on-one with Broadway greats at the 6th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP July 8th - 11th.

B Street Theatre has announced that they are adding three shows to the run of 'The Explorers Club,' Sundays at 7pm: 7/12, 7/19 & 7/26.

The new musical GOTTA DANCE will take its first steps with an all-star cast.

Hungry-or thirsty- for adventure? Feral Tale Theatricals will bring to the stage for four special performances a hilarious new comedy by playwright Nell Benjamin: "The Explorers Club." The wildly farcical production will be offered to the Las Vegas community.

Theatre Aspen announced casting for the organization's upcoming slate of repertory shows, which includes CABARET, Peter and the Starcatcher, Junie B Jones the Musical and Other Desert Cities.

Theatre Aspen announced casting for the organization's upcoming slate of repertory shows, which includes CABARET, Peter and the Starcatcher, Junie B Jones the Musical and Other Desert Cities.

South Bend Civic Theatre presents the frantic comedy The Explorers Club, today, June 12-28, 2015 in the Warner Theatre, 403 N. Main Street, in South Bend. Set in 1879 London, the prestigious Explorers Club members face an imminent crisis: their bartender is nowhere to be found. Well, that and their acting president wants to admit a woman to their distinguished membership of scientists. The candidate is beautiful, smart and the discoverer of a lost tribe, having brought back a member of the tribe for display. The decision to accept her could shake the foundations of the British Empire and worse, threaten cigars and brandy time at the club! What will the members do at this most difficult crisis in their three-hundred year history? Why, order more drinks, of course! An inspired, uproarious farce by Nell Benjamin.

The Blank Theatre in Hollywood is now accepting scripts for its 2015-2016 Living Room Series. Submissions will be accepted between June 1 and August 31, 2015.

The summer of 2015 is looking to be the best summer yet! This year's Summer lineup of theater is stellar! Take a look at my top 5 picks of Summer Theater that you should check out as you relax under the heat and soak up the sun!

The 2015 summer season at the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre begins with a musical comedy that's so much fun it shouldn't be legal! Legally Blonde the Musical is set for a two weekend run at the outdoor venue from Friday, May 29 through Sunday, June 7. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 pm.

Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak are proud to announce BrightSide Theatre's 2015-2016 5th Anniversary Season - 'Season Five - Season of Farce!' - Noises Off; Not Now, Darling; and the smash hit musical comedy Monty Python's Spamalot. 'With BrightSide Theatre having been founded for the love of farce, we knew our Fifth Anniversary Season had to be filled with pure laughter. These three farces are the epitome of Laugh-Out-Loud comedies! From the show named the greatest farce of all times, to a classic British farce, to the musical that always 'Looks on the BrightSide of Life', explains Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak , 'we invite you to join us as we celebrate our Fifth Anniversary by sharing in the laughter that will entertain you throughout our 'Season Five - Season of Farce!' '

The Dallas Theater Center Board of Trustees announced today the appointment of Jeffrey Woodward as managing director of the 56-year-old organization. Woodward's experience includes Syracuse Stage and 17 years at McCarter Theatre Center. The appointment follows the departure of Heather M. Kitchen, who announced her retirement in September 2014. Woodward will formally assume his post in mid-July.