Shakespeare Theatre Company News

The Screwtape Letters, the entertaining and provocative theatrical adaptation of the best selling novel by C.S. Lewis about spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view, has extended its run at The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, through February 15th. The play also enjoyed sold-out runs Off-Broadway in New York and in Washington, D.C.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has begun enrollment for its summer educational programs which offer training in classical theatre by professional theatre artists. 'In addition to our mission of presenting Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterpieces, The Shakespeare Theatre is proud that in these very difficult times for the arts, we remain steadfast in our dedication to training the artists of the future.

The Awards Gala The 25th Anniversary Helen Hayes Awards will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 at the Warner Theatre and JW Marriott Hotel.

Theater News from Broadway and the Baltimore/Washington Region

Winner of the 1967 Pulitzer Prize, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance comes to Arena Stage in a contemporary and provocative new staging under the direction of experienced Albee collaborator Pam MacKinnon. Featuring Broadway stars Kathleen Chalfant (Wit, Angels in America), Terry Beaver (Henry IV, The Last Night of Ballyhoo), Ellen McLaughlin (Angels in America) and Carla Harting (Eurydice),joined by Helen Hedman and James Slaughter, A Delicate Balance runs February 6-March 15, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The press opening performance is Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. 'Albee is fearless about writing stories that get us in the solar plexus, and he does so with his brilliant wit, dynamic storytelling and rigorous use of language,' shares Artistic Director Molly Smith. 'His work draws the best artists, and with this production audiences are fortunate to have an enormously strong cast and creative team-approved by Albee himself.' A frequent director of Albee plays, MacKinnon has directed The Play About the Baby, the world premieres of Peter and Jerry: Homelife and The Zoo Story (now titled At Home at the Zoo) and Occupant, as well as the U.S. regional and European premieres of The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?

The previously announced Kathleen Chalfant (Obie Award-winner for Wit) and Ellen McLaughlin (original Angel in Broadway's Angels in America) will be joined by Terry Beaver, Carla Harting, Helen Hedman and James Slaughter for the upcoming production of Edward Albee's provocative drama A Delicate Balance. Directed by Pam MacKinnon, A Delicate Balance will officially open February 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The show will run February 6 through March 15, 2009. Full release to follow at a later date.

Winner of the 1967 Pulitzer Prize, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance comes to Arena Stage in a contemporary and provocative new staging under the direction of experienced Albee collaborator Pam MacKinnon. Featuring Broadway stars Kathleen Chalfant (Wit, Angels in America), Terry Beaver (Henry IV, The Last Night of Ballyhoo), Ellen McLaughlin (Angels in America) and Carla Harting (Eurydice),joined by Helen Hedman and James Slaughter, A Delicate Balance runs February 6-March 15, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The press opening performance is Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. 'Albee is fearless about writing stories that get us in the solar plexus, and he does so with his brilliant wit, dynamic storytelling and rigorous use of language,' shares Artistic Director Molly Smith. 'His work draws the best artists, and with this production audiences are fortunate to have an enormously strong cast and creative team-approved by Albee himself.' A frequent director of Albee plays, MacKinnon has directed The Play About the Baby, the world premieres of Peter and Jerry: Homelife and The Zoo Story (now titled At Home at the Zoo) and Occupant, as well as the U.S. regional and European premieres of The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?

ATC breaks ground with unprecedented mid-run cast switch, offering audiences the rare chance to see two versions of each play

In her 13 years as artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Sharon Ott led the company to new artistic heights, national prestige, and a well-deserved Tony Award. Now, after a 12-year absence, she returns with a gripping production of Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic Crime and Punishment. The scene of this Crime is Berkeley Rep's intimate Thrust Stage, where Ott earned her reputation as a dazzling director. The show begins previews on February 27, opens March 4, and closes March 29. Its executive producers are John and Helen Meyer and Richard H. Rubin and H. Marcia Smolens, with production sponsorship from the Bernard Osher Foundation. BART and Wells Fargo are the season sponsors for Berkeley Rep's 41st year of fearless theatre.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company announced that during the run of Mike Daisey's HOW THEATER FAILED AMERICA, there will be free industry roundtables following three performances to discuss the many issues raised in the piece. The roundtable discussions following performances on January 9, 12, and 16 will include local theatre administrators, artists, and funders.

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre announces its 2009 conference: Roots. Renaissance. Revolution. From June 4-6, 2009, the theatre community will come together in Baltimore to investigate how generational perspectives affect the entire field, including the choice of plays produced, the atmosphere created in workplaces, the appeal of various leadership styles, and the processes used to identify, attract and retain audiences.

ATC breaks ground with unprecedented mid-run cast switch, offering audiences the rare chance to see two versions of each play

The Screwtape Letters features expanded holiday performance schedule to include December 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. and a special New Year's Eve performance on December 31. After the New Year's Eve 8 p.m. show, there will be a champagne toast in the theater lobby followed by a special talk-back with Max McLean (co-creator and star) and Jeffrey Fiske (co-creator and director), who will foster audience discussions about the show's provocative themes and answer questions about how they adapted C.S. Lewis' classic novel into a hit stage production.

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company announced that during the run of Mike Daisey's HOW THEATER FAILED AMERICA, there will be free industry roundtables following three performances to discuss the many issues raised in the piece. The roundtable discussions following performances on January 9, 12, and 16 will include local theatre administrators, artists, and funders.

The Screwtape Letters, the entertaining and provocative theatrical adaptation of the best selling novel by C.S. Lewis about spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view, has extended its run at The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, through February 15th. The play also enjoyed sold-out runs Off-Broadway in New York and in Washington, D.C.

Paul R. Tetreault, Director of Ford's Theatre Society, announced the line-up for the free Living Lincoln Series, which will premiere Feb. 16, 2009. This Monday-night series will explore the many aspects of President Lincoln's personality and life through lectures, panels, play readings and performances. The series is part of the grand reopening for Ford's Theatre, which reopens in February after an 18-month renovation.

Paul R. Tetreault, Director of Ford's Theatre Society, announced the line-up for the free Living Lincoln Series, which will premiere Feb. 16, 2009. This Monday-night series will explore the many aspects of President Lincoln's personality and life through lectures, panels, play readings and performances. The series is part of the grand reopening for Ford's Theatre, which reopens in February after an 18-month renovation.

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS, the hit drama based on C.S. Lewis' classic novel, now playing at The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, will host a birthday celebration in honor of C.S. Lewis' 110th birthday on Thursday, December 4.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Orange County's beloved holiday tradition, returns to South Coast Repertory for its 29th season.

The previously announced Kathleen Chalfant (Obie Award-winner for Wit) and Ellen McLaughlin (original Angel in Broadway's Angels in America) will be joined by Terry Beaver, Carla Harting, Helen Hedman and James Slaughter for the upcoming production of Edward Albee's provocative drama A Delicate Balance. Directed by Pam MacKinnon, A Delicate Balance will officially open February 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The show will run February 6 through March 15, 2009. Full release to follow at a later date.