Northwestern University News

Ceremony, an award winning, critically acclaimed solo show about love, fear and Ayahuasca, written & performed by Michael Kass & directed by Diana Wyenn, is coming to the Chicago Fringe Festival for three performances only: today, August 30 at 4 PM; August 31 at 10 PM; and September 1 at 7 PM.

This September and October 54 BELOW presents a lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel and a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, the hilarious whodonit opening Bristol Riverside Theatre's season on September 30-October 26. Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, the ensemble cast features Dan Hodge, Matt Leisy, Karen Peakes, and Adam Sowers.

It is my pleasure to announce that Alex Breaux and Madeline Weinsteinhave joined the cast of The Real Thing. Alex, playing 'Brodie,' and Madeline, playing 'Debbie,' will both make their Broadway debuts at the American Airlines Theatre.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Director Martha Lavey engages in conversation with John Lahr about his latest book, Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh in a special one-night-only event on Monday, October 13 at 7pm in the Downstairs Theatre.

Light Opera Works will present COLE PORTER'S GREATEST HITS October 3 through 12 at the Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston.

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced additional casting for The Real Thing, starring Ewan McGregor as 'Henry,' Maggie Gyllenhaal as 'Annie,' Cynthia Nixon as 'Charlotte' and Josh Hamilton as 'Max.' Tom Stoppard's Tony Award-winning play The Real Thing, directed by Sam Gold begins preview performances on Thursday, October 2, 2014 and opens officially on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42ndStreet). This is a limited engagement. The cast also includes Alex Breaux as 'Brodie' and Madeline Weinstein as 'Debbie.' Final casting to be announced.

Eight veteran actors, directors, writers, choreographers and producers have created FWD Theatre Project ("Festival of Works in Development"), a grass-roots initiative for the discovery, development and delivery of original musical theater to the Chicago community. Artistic Director Amber Mak along with Collective Artistic Associates Justin Brill, Wade Elkins, Michael Gillis, Karen Multer, Steve Multer, Missy Greenburg and Scott Sowinski, have announced LaunchingFWD!, a one-night-only concert event at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph Street, Monday, September 22 at 8 pm (doors open at 6 pmfor food and cocktails).

In Alan Ayckbourn's comic thriller Communicating Doors, which runs at Hedgerow Theatre from September 4 to October 5, the prolific British playwright mixes laughter, suspense and a touch of fantasy as he creates a scenario where it's possible to rewrite history.

'Mad Men' star Vincent Kartheiser and Broadway's Larry Pine (CASA VALENTINA) will play Billy Wilder and Raymond Chandler, respectively, in BILLY & RAY, Mike Bencivenga's new play -- directed by the legendary director/writer/producer Garry Marshall -- being given its NY premiere this fall at the Vineyard Theatre (108 E. 15 St.), with previews scheduled to begin October 1 prior to an official opening on October 20, it has been announced by Vineyard's Artistic Directors Douglas Aibel and Sarah Stern.

In the coming months, Broadway will welcome a fresh crop of productions- many of which will mark the Broadway debuts for a slew of talented actors. Whether they are fresh faces or established stars, these Broadway babies will soon take their very first bows on the grandest stages in the world. Meet all of the Great White Way's newest stars below, and be sure to let us know who you're most looking forward to seeing onstage!

Watch out! Richard Schechner returns, armed with another series of shocks and surprises: the world premiere of "Imagining O" at Peak Performances, September 10-13. Transforming the notoriously erotic French novel "Story of O" into a multi-site, immersive production, the 80 year-old director's most recent work promises to reaffirm Peak's commitment to the ultra and outre challenge, and the director's reputation for creating uncomfortable joy in his audiences. The show opens the Kasser Theater's 10th anniversary season.

TEMPE, Ariz.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the second-ever production of The Commons of Pensacola by Amanda Peet, directed by Robin Witt. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from September 12 - October 19, 2014. The press performance is Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 2:30 pm.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. A BIC 'Beautiful' announcement, dates confirmed for Estefan musical 'On Your Feet,' both versions of 'The Wild Party' get local productions, Porchlight sings Disney, 'Toulouse' takes a stage, Tony winners Levi Kreis and Chita Rivera set solo dates here, and much more!

A break up, stranger danger, a piano player's lament, a doggy tale…Short Story Theatre presents an evening of storytelling by WGN'S Judy Markey, Rick Leslie, David Edler, and Denise Kirshenbaum, with original music by Rich Logan. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 15, in the theatre at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue in Glencoe. Tickets are available or purchase on the theatre's website www.shortstorytheatre.com or atshortstorytheatre.brownpapertickets.com.

A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters. BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's MOTOWN below!

A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. The craziness is almost upon us, but there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters . BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's THE BOOK OF MORMON below!