President Barack Obama News

The incomparable Chita Rivera released a new solo studio album entitled And Now I Swing on October 13, 2009 from the newly-launched Yellow Sound Label. From classic theater songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes. BroadwayWorld.com checked in with the legendary star

Today marks an important moment for arts communities throughout the United States. In an effort to re-invigorate the arts in American culture, President Barack Obama today declared October 2009 National Arts and Humanities Month.

May 30, 2009 was a historic event for Broadway when President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attended a performance of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE at the Belasco Theatre, marking the first time a sitting President attended a play on Broadway in over 40 years. Reports have confirmed that the Shubert Organization that owns the Belasco will be refurbishing the theater to turn-of-the-century elegance in 2010, and auctioning off items from the current house in celebration of the Obama's attendance.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is warning their loyal subscribers to purchase any additional seats soon, before there are no seats left. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE began previews on September 10th and only a few seats remain.

As Conan O?Brien kicked off his first week hosting The Tonight Show, I decided to live Twitter the debut. From a marathon run from New York City to Los Angeles, President Barack Obama putting world policy debates on hold to discuss Conan, Gwyneth Paltrow inadvertently bad mouthing Coldplay to Ryan Seacret gaying up late night, here are some highlights from my week-long Twitter-fest...

Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch issued the following statement on President Barack Obama's nomination of Rocco Landesman to serve as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts:

The Associated Press reports that President Barack Obama's gift of an iPod to Queen Elizabeth II came packed with 40 songs from popular Broadway productions, including 'The King and I,' 'West Side Story', 'Dreamgirls' and 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

Legendary stand-up comedian Jackie Mason is fightng back after catching heat for using what many people consider to be a Yiddish racial slur to describe President Barack Obama during his Thursday night performance at Feinsteins At Loews Regency.

President Barack Obama has established a new staff position in his White House with the task of overseeing arts and culture, Kareem Dale. Dale, a partially-blind lawyer previously served as national disability director for Obama's campaign and served on the arts policy committee for Obama in Illinois.

Obama on My Mind, a musical inspired by President Barack Obama, will make its world premiere in the UK on March 3rd 2009. In celebration of Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States today, the musical released a title track sung by Ruby Turner. Written and produced by the Ohio-born Teddy Hayes, The Obama Musical focuses on the personalities behind the Democratic candidate's campaign. Tim McArthur directs, with musical direction by Chris Jerome. Casting has not been announced at this time.

With equal parts hope, humor and heartbreak, Portland Center Stage's 2009-2010 Season explores the challenges and rewards of creating community in a nation both defined and distracted by the chasm that often exists between our ideals and our actions... and between one neighbor and another.

In celebration of Black History Month, award-winning Broadway star Andr? De Shields will perform Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory: From Douglass to Deliverance for one show only on Monday, February 9, 2009, 7:30 PM, at SEIU District 1199, 310 West 43rd Street. Presented by Actor's Equity Association's EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Committee, the performance is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Conceived, researched and written by Mr. De Shields, Mine Eyes is directed by Alfred Preisser, Artistic Director, Classical Theatre of Harlem, where Mr. De Shields has frequently performed.

In celebration of Black History Month, award-winning Broadway star Andre De Shields will perform Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory: From Douglass to Deliverance for one show only on Monday, February 9, 2009, 7:30 PM, at SEIU District 1199, 310 West 43rd Street. Presented by Actor's Equity Association's EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Committee, the performance is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Conceived, researched and written by Mr. De Shields, Mine Eyes is directed by Alfred Preisser, Artistic Director, Classical Theatre of Harlem, where Mr. De Shields has frequently performed.

In celebration of Black History Month, award-winning Broadway star Andr? De Shields will perform Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory: From Douglass to Deliverance for one show only on Monday, February 9, 2009, 7:30 PM, at SEIU District 1199, 310 West 43rd Street. Presented by Actor's Equity Association's EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Committee, the performance is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Conceived, researched and written by Mr. De Shields, Mine Eyes is directed by Alfred Preisser, Artistic Director, Classical Theatre of Harlem, where Mr. De Shields has frequently performed.

As the United States of America celebrates the historical inauguration of President Barack Obama and also begins the celebration of Black History Month, Theatre at the Center's Theatre for Young Audiences will present the Theatreworks USA production of The Color of Justice, a play inspired by events and people surrounding the civil rights case of Brown v. Board of Education. This children's show will provide audiences with a fictional tale of real life events which will help audiences remember just how far the United States has come since the 1950's. Recognized for bringing exciting, fun and educational productions, The Color of Justice will run February 2 through February 6 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. The Color of Justice is the tale of a courageous young girl and a great warrior for justice and the battle for equal rights. It is the story of America in the 1950's, a time of segregated restaurants and schools, separate restrooms and drinking fountains for 'colored' and 'whites'. It was also a time when 'separate but equal' was upheld by the United States Supreme Court. Eight year old Grace Carter does not understand why her 'colored' school has to settle for hand-me-downs from 'white' schools. Most importantly, she and her family don't want to be treated like a 'special' group of people. The Color of Justice is the tale of Grace Carter's battle; a battle against bigots, against fearful friends and neighbors and a battle for her safety and her home.

Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.

Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.

As the United States of America celebrates the historical inauguration of President Barack Obama and also begins the celebration of Black History Month, Theatre at the Center's Theatre for Young Audiences will present the Theatreworks USA production of The Color of Justice, a play inspired by events and people surrounding the civil rights case of Brown v. Board of Education. This children's show will provide audiences with a fictional tale of real life events which will help audiences remember just how far the United States has come since the 1950's. Recognized for bringing exciting, fun and educational productions, The Color of Justice will run February 2 through February 6 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. The Color of Justice is the tale of a courageous young girl and a great warrior for justice and the battle for equal rights. It is the story of America in the 1950's, a time of segregated restaurants and schools, separate restrooms and drinking fountains for 'colored' and 'whites'. It was also a time when 'separate but equal' was upheld by the United States Supreme Court. Eight year old Grace Carter does not understand why her 'colored' school has to settle for hand-me-downs from 'white' schools. Most importantly, she and her family don't want to be treated like a 'special' group of people. The Color of Justice is the tale of Grace Carter's battle; a battle against bigots, against fearful friends and neighbors and a battle for her safety and her home.

'We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration,' the star-studded concert kicked off the official inaugural festivities on Sunday, Jan. 18. The event was free and open to the public at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The starry concert brought out a huge audience to cheer on the then President-Elect. BroadwayWorld is proud to bring you Photo Essay of the event. The lineup of performers mixed some of today's biggest pop stars with iconic musical luminaries. Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and many more artists all appear on the same stage. In addition, an assembly of leading actors read historical passages throughout the special.

Since coming together in 2004, David Miller, Carlos Mar?n, Urs Buhler & S?bastien Izambard have spearheaded an entire musical genre by bringing the sound of opera to the world of popular music. With over 22 million albums sold to date, Il Divo continue to confirm performances around the world as part of their massive touring plans for 2009 in support of their fifth album The Promise which is approaching PLATINUM status in the U.S.