Northwestern University News

The SOS show, 'SOS, A Journey Out of the Forgotten Borough... Staten Island...' is returning to the Laurie Beechman Theatre tonight, October 15th at 7 p.m. Candice Guardin impersonates more than 15 characters, including her family, as she takes you through what 'growing up Ginni' was really like, all while singing with a full band.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) announced today that Tony nominee Nancy Opel and Tony winner and NAMT alum Joe DiPietro (O. Henry's Lovers '98) will host the NAMT Songwriters Showcase as part of the 24th Annual Festival of New Musicals on Friday, October 12 from 1:20-2:30pm at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street).

This October, at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, an ancient tale comes roaring back to life in a compelling new telling filled with contemporary wit and wisdom. The clash of swords and shields, the broken hearts and broken oaths, the bonds of friendship and family - An Iliad arises on a bare stage, told by an old man who's seen too much. Two-time Obie Award-winner Lisa Peterson directs a stunning show that stars Henry Woronicz, who masterfully captures the grief and glory of the battle for Troy.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) announced today the eight musicals selected to be part of the 24th Annual Festival of New Musicals at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street).

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces a four week extension of Metamorphoses, based on the myths of Ovid from a translation by David Slavitt, written and directed by Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman. The revival production, coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of the Broadway production, is now playing through December 16, 2012, at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces a four week extension of Metamorphoses, based on the myths of Ovid from a translation by David Slavitt, written and directed by Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman. The revival production, coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of the Broadway production, is now playing through December 16, 2012, at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

Johnny Mercer Foundation and Kaufman Center present 'New Music from The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project' tonight, October 11 at Merkin Hall as part of the Kaufman Center Broadway Close Up Series. The evening, celebrating the first seven years of the Johnny Mercer Foundation's Songwriters Project at Northwestern University, will feature faculty members, Broadway composers and Tony nominees Craig Carnelia (Is There Life After High School?) and Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family), Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lari White and cabaret performer Marilyn Maye with Mike Renzi.

Eclipse Theatre has announced the recipient of their Fourth Annual Corona Award: Steve Scott, Associate Producer of The Goodman Theatre. Eclipse's Corona Award honors an individual who has played an important role in supporting and nurturing the Chicago Theatre community as well as Eclipse Theatre.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The Equity Jeffs, 'Sunday' at Chicago Shakes, 'Hoodoo Love,' the new musicals 'Clear' and 'The Verona Project,' concerts of operetta and cabaret, a Chicago original cast album and more!

Last fall, Theatre Development Fund (TDF) piloted the new program, Autism Theatre Initiative, as part of TDF's Accessibility Programs (TAP), to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families. They presented the first-ever autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show at Disney's landmark The Lion King on October 2, 2011 and followed that up with an autism-friendly performance of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins on April 29, 2012. On September 30, the cast of The Lion King took part in another autism-friendly performance, and Rod Thomas, an actor in the show, wrote about the experience from his perspective. The full piece is as follows:

Resonance Ensemble announces its 10th anniversary season with "Connecting Circuits" featuring two shows in rep, a classic play and new play with resonating themes. This season includes the classic 1920 play R.U.R. by Karel Capek, adapted by Lee Eric Shackleford, directed by Valentina Fratti in rep with THE TRUTH QUOTIENT, by award-winning playwright Richard Manley, directed By Eric Parness. The season will run from January 9 - February 2, 2013 at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42 Street).

Strawdog Theatre Company opens their 25th anniversary season with the Chicago premiere of Jennifer Haley's Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, directed by Joanie Schultz, tonight, October 7 - November 10 at the Strawdog Theatre, 3829 North Broadway Street. The performance schedule is Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Preview performance tickets are $15 with performances Thursday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. There is a benefit preview performance, Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., $50 tickets include access to post-performance reception. Opening/Press Night is Sunday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $28 with group, senior and student discounts available. Thursday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. is an industry performance where available tickets are $10 for people presenting resumes or headshots. Tickets may be ordered online at strawdog.org or by calling OvationTix toll-free: 866-811-4111.

Laura Matalon, President Allied Live, announced today that Andrew Damer will be joining the company's Touring Division as a Senior Marketing Director. In this role Damer will take a prominent role in the engagement management of various touring properties including Billy Elliot the Musical, the upcoming tour of ELF and other accounts. Damer will be based in the Washington, DC office where he will also provide guidance and support to the agency's East Coast clients.

Now at the forefront of play development, with local writers, KTC presents their 11th World Premiere in only two years. Chosen from seven new works, this stand out comedy is being directed by Eric Hunicutt.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will present the regional premiere of Theresa Rebeck's new play O Beautiful, tonight, October 4 - 14 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, Storrs. For tickets and information, call 860-486-2113 and visit www.crt.uconn.edu.

Janet Brenner and Michael Coco will present Fiction in Photographs, a new musical featuring the music and lyrics of Dan Mills, conceived and directed by Randy Redd, and featuring the photography of Sasha Israel. Three free presentations, open to the public, will be offered at the New World Stages/Stage 1 (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues) on Wednesday October 10th (4pm), Thursday October 11th (7pm) and Friday October 12th (7pm).

Johnny Mercer Foundation and Kaufman Center present 'New Music from The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project' on October 11 at Merkin Hall as part of the Kaufman Center Broadway Close Up Series. The evening, celebrating the first seven years of the Johnny Mercer Foundation's Songwriters Project at Northwestern University, will feature faculty members, Broadway composers and Tony nominees Craig Carnelia (Is There Life After High School?) and Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family), Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lari White and cabaret performer Marilyn Maye with Mike Renzi.