Robert Wierzel News

There's a glorious sound coming from Arena Stage. From out of the mists of time, in monochromatic colors as if from a tintype, comes the sublime harmonizing of 13 voices, giving an idea of the transporting power of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

The 35th annual Helen Hayes Awards honored local theater on Monday, May 13, at The Anthem.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at Arena Stage's Jubilee. Inspired by the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, this uplifting new work chronicles the bold African American ensemble as they travel the world, captivating kings, queens and audiences with hymns and spiritual songs supported by their rich voices. Written and directed by Thompson with vocal arrangements and music direction by Dianne Adams McDowell, Jubilee runs April 26 - June 2, 2019 in the Kreeger Theater.

Jubilee is now on stage at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Inspired by the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, this uplifting new work chronicles the bold African American ensemble as they travel the world, captivating kings, queens and audiences with hymns and spiritual songs supported by their rich voices. Check out video from the production below!

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the full company for the world premiere of Tazewell Thompson's inspirational a cappella music infused play, Jubilee. Inspired by the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, this uplifting new work chronicles the bold African American ensemble as they travel the world, captivating kings, queens and audiences with hymns and spiritual songs supported by their rich voices. Written and directed by Thompson with vocal arrangements and music direction by Dianne Adams McDowell, Jubilee runs April 26 - June 2, 2019 in the Kreeger Theater.

This past weekend at the Ordway Center, MN Opera unveiled their World Premiere The Fix in tribute to the All-American sport and spirt of baseball. The story created through the company's New Works Initiative by Eric Simonson, who wrote the libretto and also directed the production, was accompanied by composer Joel Puckett. With glowing nostalgia, the 1919 White Sox under Charles Comiskey's ownership and headed by baseball great Shoeless Joe Jackson, sought to 'fix' the 1919 World Series, which disappointed baseball fans across America.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today that Maurice Jones has stepped into the title role of the Theater's upcoming production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, in the Courtyard Theater, April 17-June 9, 2019.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today that Maurice Jones has stepped into the title role of the Theater's upcoming production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, in the Courtyard Theater, April 17-June 9, 2019. Jones steps into the role following Raul Esparza's departure.

The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle is pleased to announce the winners of its 2018 Craig Noel Awards. Now in its 17th year, the Craig Noel Awards honor the achievements of professional theaters in San Diego County.

Dear Readers, it has been one crazy year with some amazing theater. You know it's true. We've had dead teens riding a roller coaster, demonic puppets, and an ageless guy with a picture of himself in his attic. And, of course, a hip-hop founding father sweeping through town. But let's not talk about the juggernaut when we have such amazing things right here that blew us all away. At least they blew me away. So, let's talk about what blew me away this past year and what I have chosen to give my BWW 2018 Seattle Critic's Choice Awards (Jay's Picks) to (not to mention all those honorable mentions since often I can't limit myself to just one).

The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle has announced the nominations for its 2018 Craig Noel Awards. Now in its 17th year, the Craig Noel Awards honor the achievements of professional theaters in San Diego County. The nominees are chosen by a nine-member body of professional critics who write for San Diego newspapers, magazines, online publications and blogs.

The Alliance Theatre announced casting today for its upcoming production EVER AFTER, a captivating musical based on the hit film.

One hundred years after the armistice of The Great War, it is still crucial to honor the memory of all who fought to create a better world for the future. Washington National Opera's production of Silent Night, which opened on Saturday night at the Kennedy Center, is a glorious celebration of the brave soldiers who have risked their lives for their countries. The production is weakened by some questionable staging choices but serves as a suitable showcase for opera's rising stars.

Washington National Opera celebrates the centennial of the WWI Armistice with Kevin Puts's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Silent Night, November 10-25, in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets start at $35. Based on the true story of a wartime ceasefire, an event depicted by the 2005 film Joyeux Noel, Silent Night features a cast comprised entirely of WNO family-current members and alumni from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program and WNO Chorus-with libretto in multiple languages that capture a powerful vision of humanity and hope. With gratitude for their sacrifice and service, Washington National Opera presents Silent Night in honor of all Veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to hosting a Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 25, additional discounts to see the production will be offered for active-duty service members for select performances.

Washington National Opera celebrates the centennial of the WWI Armistice with Kevin Puts's and Mark Campbell's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Silent Night, November 10-25, in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets start at $35. Based on the true story of a wartime ceasefire, an event depicted by the 2005 film Joyeux Noel,Silent Night features music by Kevin Puts and libretto by Mark Campbell and stars a cast comprised entirely of WNO family-current members and alumni from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program and WNO Chorus-with libretto in multiple languages that capture a powerful vision of humanity and hope. With gratitude for their sacrifice and service, Washington National Opera presents Silent Night in honor of all Veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to hosting a Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 25, additional discounts to see the production will be offered for active-duty service members for select performances.

Washington National Opera celebrates the centennial of the WWI Armistice with Kevin Puts's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Silent Night, November 10-25, in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets start at $35. Based on the true story of a wartime ceasefire, an event depicted by the 2005 film Joyeux Noel, Silent Night features a cast comprised entirely of WNO family-current members and alumni from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program and WNO Chorus-with libretto in multiple languages that capture a powerful vision of humanity and hope. With gratitude for their sacrifice and service, Washington National Opera presents Silent Night in honor of all Veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to hosting a Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 25, additional discounts to see the production will be offered for active-duty service members for select performances.

Peak Performances continues its galvanizing 2018-19 season with Liz Gerring Dance Company's field (October 18-21), the final installment in a trilogy of works Peak Performances has commissioned from the acclaimed choreographer. This work of movement, sound, and light marks the third collaboration between Liz Gerring, composer Michael J. Schumacher, and designer Robert Wierzel, following 2013's glacier and 2015's horizon.

Peak Performances continues its galvanizing 2018-19 season with Liz Gerring Dance Company's field (October 18-21), the final installment in a trilogy of works Peak Performances has commissioned from the acclaimed choreographer.

Dear Readers, in the past you may have heard me refer to what I call "theatrical alchemy". It's where all the right elements seem to magically come together in just the right ways to form pure theatrical gold. Well, the Seattle Rep currently has a bunch of alchemists working with them with their joint production with the American Conservatory Theater and their presentation of "A Thousand Splendid Suns", a riveting tale filled with so much tragic beauty that you'll be left breathless.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces that four-time Tony Award nominee and Law and Order: SVU alum Raul Esparza will lead William Shakespeare's Hamlet, staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, in the Courtyard Theater, April 17-June 9, 2019.