Rita Moreno News

Berkeley Repertory Theatre today announced the world premiere of Imaginary Comforts, or The Story of the Ghost of the Dead Rabbit, written by Daniel Handler and directed by Tony Taccone. The new play begins previews on Thursday, October 5 and the show runs through Sunday, November 19. Individual tickets begin at $30 and can be purchased online at berkeleyrep.org or by phone, 510 647-2949. Press night will be on Thursday, October 12.

Among the show's stars are Teal Davis and Elliott Robinson, who portray the show's protagonists Huck and Jim and take audiences on a journey down the Mississippi River in the rollicking, rambunctious show. Somehow, the two actors found time in their hectic, tech week schedules and sat down to take on our questions in order to offer some insight into why they do what they do, as well as suggesting why you just can't miss Big River during its three-weekend run at 108 Donelson Pike.

In a restored Music Hall, built by Samuel Hannaford in 1878, with renovations amounting to $135 million, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announce the 2017 - 2018 season with several world premieres and an appearance by Audra McDonald.

On Your Feet, the Gloria Estefan bio-musical closes today, August 20, after a nearly two year run at the Marquis Theatre. The show will launch a national tour this fall, with plans to also run abroad.

As previously announced, Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, opens its 2017/18 season with the World Premiere of TREVOR the musical.

Maestro LUKE FRAZIER and THE AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA — Washington, DC's innovative hometown orchestra — have announced their all-star 2017-2018 season. The diverse line-up will include a tribute to legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin, a special evening combining yoga with the APO's favorite standards, a new family show based on the classic tale Around the World in 80 Days, and a program celebrating the wit of iconic songwriter Cole Porter. Unless otherwise noted, all shows are at the Orchestra's new home, Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth Street SW). Tickets to all shows are now on sale at www.AmericanPops.org.

East West Players (EWP) and The Robey Theatre Company (RTC) have announced that screen, stage, and television actor Danny Glover and Emmy Award-winning actress June Angela will star in the revival of Philip Kan Gotanda's Yohen. 

The international touring company of the beloved classic musical "West Side Story," which features music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents, will come to The Theatre at Solaire (Aseana Avenue, Solaire Resort and Casino) next month, August 10-27.

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin's theater, music, and event venue, continues its second annual Summer Concert Series with two August music events featuring the Mark Poniatowski Situation and The Love Dogs.

Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 33rd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues its summer season with 'West Side Story,' the explosive musical retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story set against the backdrop of rival street gangs in 1950s New York City. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury July 7 through 22, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 p.m., with additional specially discounted performances on Thursday, July 13 and 20.

In a recent interview with Daily Beast, playwright Tony Kushner chats about one of his current projects- WEST SIDE STORY. Kushner is rewriting the book for the classic movie for director Steven Spielberg. Don't expect any changes to the score, however. "I am not touching in any way the greatest score of a musical ever written,' says Kushner. 'I love the [1961] film. Who doesn't? I am not changing the story, the setting, the period. It is still the Upper West Side in the late 1950s, but I'm exploring the story.'

Maestro LUKE FRAZIER and THE AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA - Washington, DC's innovative hometown orchestra - will launch their all-star third season with a special benefit event featuring a rare DC-area appearance of vocal legend Marilyn Maye.

Back by popular demand, Lisa Viggiano, the celebrated MAC nominated and Broadway World Award winning artist returns to Don't Tell Mama's Brick Room on July 28th at 7 pm with her latest act, THREE'S A CHARM.  The show is a dynamic journey through the magic of music.  Audiences will experience an eclectic mix of 'charmed' songs and stories, featuring selections from the American Songbook, pop, folk, and musical theater. 

Speak Up, Rise Up has announced their festival line-up which features 18 diverse solo and storytelling shows over the course of the week. Under the Artistic Direction of Asher Novek, the festival runs August 14 - 20 at the historic Connelly Theater on the Lower East Side.

Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 33rd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues its summer season with 'West Side Story,' the explosive musical retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story set against the backdrop of rival street gangs in 1950s New York City. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury July 7 through 22, performances take place outdoors under the stars Today through Sunday evenings at 8:30 p.m., with additional specially discounted performances on Thursday, July 13 and 20.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City in the breathtaking musical, WEST SIDE STORY which opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on July 5th. With book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the original 1957 Broadway production ran for over 700 performances before going on tour, and garnered 6 Tony nominations.

Musicals at Richter (MAR), celebrating its 33rd season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, continues its summer season with 'West Side Story,' the explosive musical retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story set against the backdrop of rival street gangs in 1950s New York City. Staged on the grounds of the Richter Arts Center in Danbury July 7 through 22, performances take place outdoors under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 p.m., with additional specially discounted performances on Thursday, July 13 and 20.

The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery will hold its second biennial American Portrait Gala Sunday, Nov. 19, honoring five individuals whose achievements in their respective fields have been exemplary and whose portraits reside in the museum's collection.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City in the breathtaking musical, WEST SIDE STORY which opens at the Ivoryton Playhouse on July 5th. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal!

The ninth annual JIMMY AWARDS will be held on Monday, June 26th at 7:30PM at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. 74 high school students from across America will compete for the Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor and Actress. Ceremony updates, Inspiring Teacher Award and the nominee award presentations will be streamed live on Facebook.