Ron Williams News

Michigan's 2013-14 professional theater season was a tempestuous one, an even more unsettled year than usual for the state's theaters. So perhaps it was appropriate that this year's Wilde Awards were the 13th annual edition.

Phileas Fogg is determined to travel around the globe in 80 days to prove a point...and win a bet. Many miles and adventures stand between Fogg and his goal, not to mention all the comedic characters he meets along the way.

Now on stage at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester is Cole Porter's 'You Never Know', a delightful musical from 1938. If you are like me, just say the words "Cole Porter" and I'll be there! This is the final production of the season, which has offered a wide variety of genres to fit everyone's taste.

Hidden identities and high society collide to provide a spirited evening of song and dance and slamming doors in "Cole Porter's You Never Know." The Baron Rommer has the penthouse suite at the Hotel Ritz in Paris for the summer of 1929. The baron's butler's head has been turned by a lovely society woman, but at his station, he knows he doesn't stand a chance. If he were only a baron…. What could he do but trade identities with his boss? But that's only the first of the misunderstandings and mix-ups that will have you laughing.

In celebration of its 45th anniversary, Dance Theatre of Harlem's 2014 New York City season at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall was announced today by executive director Laveen Naidu and artistic director Virginia Johnson. There will be six performances from April 23 through April 27. The season will be highlighted by the New York City premieres of three new works. The first, past-carry-forward choreographed by Thaddeus Davis and Tanya Wideman Davis, considers the legacy of the Great Migration of African Americans from the agrarian South to the industrial North in the early part of the twentieth-century. The second is the acclaimed Dancing On The Front Porch of Heaven, which will be seen for the first time in New York since it was created in 1993 by Ulysses Dove for the Royal Swedish Ballet. Subtitled 'Ode to Love and Loss,' it was choreographed during a challenging period in Ulysses Dove's life, during which he lost 13 close friends and relatives, including his father. The New York premiere of Pas de Dix From Raymonda, choreographed by Marius Petipa with music by Alexander Glazunov, will be a special tribute to the late Frederic Franklin, who was an artistic advisor to DTH.

Starting with Seattle Shakespeare Company's production of "Richard II" and continuing on with the company's Spring production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," Seattle Shakespeare Company (SSC) and Shakespeare Walla Walla are embarking on a partnership to bring professional classical theatre productions to Eastern Washington.

Forever a champion of new musical theatre THE TORI PARTY will feature special guests, the boys of 'The 8th Fold' - a new musical with music & lyrics by Gianni Onori and book by Ava Eldred and Gianni Onori, which recently celebrated it's world premiere in concert in the west end's Duchess theatre to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Also Featuring: Paul Spicer (Producer and Actor Fame, Avenue Q), Ambra Caserotti (Rent), Ben Cousin (Streets, Hackney Empire), Matt Wills (Singer/Song Writer). With Musical Direction by Susanna Squires (Another Way).

Forever a champion of new musical theatre THE TORI PARTY will feature special guests, the boys of 'The 8th Fold' - a new musical with music & lyrics by Gianni Onori and book by Ava Eldred and Gianni Onori, which recently celebrated it's world premiere in concert in the west end's Duchess theatre to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Also Featuring: Paul Spicer (Producer and Actor Fame, Avenue Q), Ambra Caserotti (Rent), Ben Cousin (Streets, Hackney Empire), Matt Wills (Singer/Song Writer). With Musical Direction by Susanna Squires (Another Way).

'The Game's Afoot' takes audiences to a mystery mansion with Sherlock Holmes. Well, not Holmes, himself. Rather, William Gillette, a 1930s actor best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes. After bringing his castmates to his Connecticut estate for a holiday celebration, the merriment ends abruptly when a guest is stabbed to death. Gillette, determined to save his guests, hilariously decides to channel his most beloved role, Sherlock Holmes, to solve the deadly puzzle.

"The Game's Afoot" takes audiences to a mystery mansion with Sherlock Holmes. Well, not Holmes, himself. Rather, William Gillette, a 1930s actor best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes. After bringing his castmates to his Connecticut estate for a holiday celebration, the merriment ends abruptly when a guest is stabbed to death. Gillette, determined to save his guests, hilariously decides to channel his most beloved role, Sherlock Holmes, to solve the deadly puzzle.

Jonathan Reid Gealt performed in concert on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September at St. James for TransAtlantic. Craig Adams and Steven Luke Walker joined Gealt in concert for a TransAtlantic mix of new musical theatre. Matthew Barrow, Craig Colton, Danielle Hope, Kelly Anne Gower and Jennifer Tierney were also performing, plus two of the three 'Quiet' competition winners' Daniel Gregory (PPA 3rd year) and Tom Cromwell (from Australia). The band was led by Aaron Williams.

Due to popular demand, Jonathan Reid Gealt will be in concert on both tonight, Saturday 14th September, in addition to Sunday 15th September at St. James for TransAtlantic. The evening of the 14th will include a teaser of what's to come on Sunday night to whet your appetite for Jonathan's 'Here For You' UK album celebration.

Due to popular demand, Jonathan Reid Gealt will be in concert on both Saturday 14th September, in addition to Sunday 15th September at St. James for TransAtlantic. The evening of the 14th will include a teaser of what's to come on Sunday night to whet your appetite for Jonathan's 'Here For You' UK album celebration.

Performance Network Theatre is proud to present three community discussions on Monday, May 13 at 6pm, Sunday, May 19 at 4:30pm, and Sunday, June 2 at 4:30pm regarding "The Mountaintop," by Katori Hall - the current Performance Network production that is an imagined portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last night on earth. These discussions are open to the public to facilitate dialogue about the play's innovative take on Dr. King's final hours.

'Broadway Damage' has just been remastered in strikingly vibrant Blu-ray to celebrate its happy-go-lucky 15th Anniversary and that time when hope brought us back onto the dance floor. Check out the trailer for Broadway Damage below!

The prestigious 48th annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards took place at the Artscape Theatre last night, Sunday March 17, 2013.It was a glamorous red carpet event, attended by celebrities, VIP's and the creme de la creme of the South African theatre scene. Top South African comedian Alan Committee hosted the onstage proceedings with great humour and flair. Africa Melane, a Fleur du Cap panel member and Capetalk presenter was his co-host for the evening.

The nominees have been announced for the prestigious 48th annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards that will take place at a glamorous function on Sunday 17th March at 6pm at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) presents its Equity Mainstage production of THE COLOR PURPLE.

The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) presents THE COLOR PURPLE, February 8 through the 24th, 2013. Get a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal for the NY Regional Premiere below, with extra footage!