Nell Benjamin News

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.

The Muny announced today its complete cast for Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) Into The Woods, playing July 21-27. The production will be directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak.

Dallas Theater Center welcomes Megan Hilty and Seth Rudetsky to headline Centerstage 2015 tonight, May 9.

South Bend Civic Theatre presents the frantic comedy The Explorers Club, 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.

La MaMa will present the world-premiere of THIS IS MARY BROWN - a solo play written and performed by Winsome Brown - with preview performances starting June 11 prior to an official press opening June 14 at La MaMa's First Floor Theatre (74 E. 4 St.) in Manhattan. Brad Rouse directs the production, which runs through June 28. Following its debut at La MaMa, THIS IS MARY BROWN will travel to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

The organization's 32nd season will be extended by two weeks this summer.  The Hurst Theatre opens with the groundbreaking revival version of the musical CABARET, running in repertory with Other Desert Cities, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Junie B. Jones The Musical.  Following the regular season, the theatre recently announced the launch of the Aspen Theatre Festival, featuring new plays and musicals being developed for the stage.  The festival takes place the week of August 23rd - 28th.

When the title of the musical is followed by 'based on the book/film...', there tends to be one of two reactions- excitement (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MARY POPPINS, RAGTIME) or dread (SISTER ACT, GHOST, CARRIE). And while the Broadway-bound BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE, now playing through May 10th at the Delaware Theatre Company, does not quite reach the level of LA CAGE or RAGTIME, it's hard to resist the feel-good charm bubbling off the stage.

Colin Donnell and Patti Murin, who recently starred opposite each other in Encores! LADY, BE GOOD, will return to the stage in Irving Berlin's HOLIDAY INN at The Muny in St. Louis beginning July 6, just one week after they tie the knot!

Delaware Theatre Company opened the new musical, BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, on April 8th,with Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Broadway's LEGALLY BLONDE: the musical), Music by Duncan Sheik (Broadway's SPRING AWAKENING), and directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Broadway's RAGTIME). It has now extended its run at DTC through May 10th.

The Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770 honors legendary Music Producer Clive Davis as the 2015 recipient of the Order of the Golden Sphinx award.

Delaware Theatre Company will open the new musical, BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE this Saturday, with Book and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Broadway's LEGALLY BLONDE: the musical), Music by Duncan Sheik (Broadway's SPRING AWAKENING), and directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Broadway's RAGTIME).

?Dallas Theater Center announced today complete details for the rolling world premiere of Colossal, a new play by Andrew Hinderaker. DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty directs the Kennedy Center Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award-winning play, which is choreographed by founder and artistic director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Joshua L. Peugh. Colossal begins with previews tonight, April 2 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance and runs through Sunday, May 3.

Santa Barbara high school students bring audiences a range of exciting musicals, including Legally Blonde, Crazy for You, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Young Frankenstein.

?Dallas Theater Center announced today complete details for the rolling world premiere of Colossal, a new play by Andrew Hinderaker. DTC artistic director Kevin Moriarty directs the Kennedy Center Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award-winning play, which is choreographed by founder and artistic director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance Joshua L. Peugh. Colossal begins with previews on Thursday, April 2 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance and runs through Sunday, May 3.