Signature Theatre News

Today we are talking to a spectacularly talented composer/lyricist noted for his incredibly impressive and accomplished oeuvre thus far, having collectively composed more than twenty full-length musicals, operas and specialty performance pieces - Michael John LaChiusa. Discussing his vast array of projects from BUZZSAW BERKELEY to FIRST LADY SUITE, HELLO AGAIN and THE PETRIFIED PRINCE Off-Broadway through to his double-header in the 1999-2000 millennial season with MARIE CHRISTINE and THE WILD PARTY both on Broadway to his Off-Broadway, regional and international successes since, ranging from LITTLE FISH to another two-show-season in 2006 with BERNARDA ALBA and SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE as well as THE HIGHEST YELLOW and the recent Americana-themed epic musical pseudo-trilogy of LOS otros, QUEEN OF THE MIST and GIANT. Additionally, LaChiusa touches upon some of his lesser-known work, such as his musical revue HOTEL C'EST L'AMOUR, various operatic pieces, additional material he provided for pieces such as THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS and his previous and upcoming solo musicals for continuing collaborator Audra McDonald, such as SEND (who are you? i love you) and MARLENE DIETRICH'S ABCs OF LOVE. Most importantly, LaChiusa takes us behind the scenes of the sparkling new deluxe cast album for GIANT, starring Brian D'Arcy James, and discusses the themes, ideas and adaptation of the Edna Ferber novel itself in a fascinating and revealing analysis of the vast, enveloping and vivid score he has composed for GIANT. Also, LaChiusa offers the 411 on this year's Tony Awards specialty song composed for host Neil Patrick Harris and some starry cohorts (Megan Hilty, Laura Benanti and Andrew Rannells), as well as previous Tony show one-offs penned for Hugh Jackman and others. Plus, LaChiusa clues us in on his upcoming projects - including FIRST DAUGHTER SUITE - and much, much more in this career-spanning conversations with one of modern musical theatre's most daring and prolific artists.

Everyman Theatre closes its historic 2012/13 season with a staging of the rarely produced comedic gem, The Beaux' Stratagem. Founding Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi directs the production, which features a large cast of 15 actors and includes Resident Company Members Megan Anderson, Clinton Brandhagen and Bruce Randolph Nelson. Everyman moved into its brand new theatre in January of this year. The production will run now through June 30th. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below!

Phone rings. Door chimes. In comes Company, one of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim's most beloved musicals, produced at Signature Theatre for the first time in twenty years and directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The cast of fourteen, led by Matthew Scott (First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb; Side By Side By Sondheim) in the role of Bobby, features many of Signature's most well-known stars in an enchanting, deeply funny exploration of love and marriage. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the show below!

Sondheim's masterpiece is given riveting production and should not be missed.

How does a state contend with a barbarous ruler who is perceived to be appointed by God? King Richard II, portrayed by three-time OBIE Award winner Rocco Sisto, has designed the murder of his uncle, wasted public funds, and used the influence of his crown to misrule a nation. When Richard banishes Henry Bolingbroke (played by Tom O'Keefe, The Taster 2010), he unwittingly fashions an enemy who is intent on orchestrating the King's demise.

Everyman Theatre closes its historic 2012/13 season with a staging of the rarely produced comedic gem, The Beaux' Stratagem. Founding Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi directs the production, which features a large cast of 15 actors and includes Resident Company Members Megan Anderson, Clinton Brandhagen and Bruce Randolph Nelson. Everyman moved into its brand new theatre in January of this year. The production will run now through June 30th. Click below for a sneak peek at the production!

Earlier today, the Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that starting with the 2013-2014 season, New York-based theatre companies can now be eligible to receive the Regional Theatre Award. BroadwayWorld has since confirmed that New York City theatre companies that are associated with a Broadway house will continue to be ineligible for the award- including such groups as Roundabout Theatre Company and Manhattan Theatre Club.

The Tony Awards Administration Committee has announced that starting with the 2013-2014 season, New York-based theatre companies can now be eligible to receive the Regional Theatre Award.

Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the opening of The Music Man at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre on Friday, June 28 with a Preview on June 27. The show runs through August 4, 2013.

Brave Spirits Theatre has announced its fourth production, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The production will run beginning tonight, June 12 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE, Washington, D.C.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a love-struck comedy taking the Benedum stage tonight, June 11-16, 2013. Audiences are sure to be delighted by the antics of seven brothers and 'wannabe' brides living under one roof in 19th century Oregon. Noted Broadway performers including Pittsburgh CLO alumni George Dvorsky and Mamie Parris will take the lead as Adam and Milly, along with an incredibly talented Pittsburgh CLO cast.

Jeffrey Walker's top picks for summer theatre in Washington, DC and the metro area.

COMPANY at Signature Theatre is electrifying and brilliant. Director Eric Schaeffer's return to COMPANY - after 20 years - may well be considered among his finest directorial achievements. Sondheim is often called 'Signature's signature.' COMPANY, now playing through June 30, shows us why. If we gave out stars at Broadway World, I'd give them ten for COMPANY.

For one performance only, RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY presents Molloy by Samuel Beckett.

As the summer days near, BroadwayWorld rounded up our worldwide community - from Australia to Spain, California and beyond! - to bring you our top picks for the best of summer theater in each of our main markets! Looking for the best of the summer venue and production offerings in your area? Let's hear from a sampling of the BroadwayWorld experts!

Two area favorites E. Faye Butler and Nova Y. Payton will unite to star in Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller in Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater's 2013/14 season.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival presents the New York premiere of Roger Bean's ("The Marvelous Wonderettes") new musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM - winner of the LA Drama Critics Circle, LA Weekly Theatre and Backstage Garland Awards for Outstanding Musical. LIFE COULD BE A DREAM is an official selection of the 2013 New York Musical Theatre Festival and will play at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) in Manhattan beginning July 8th, 2013 for 6 performances only!

Sol Children Theatre will present two completely different productions in June. Nevermore, a one-act musical based on the life and work of literary great Edgar Allan Poe will run June 14-16, and The Commedia Puss in Boots will play June 28-30.

Phone rings. Door chimes. In comes Company, one of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim's most beloved musicals, produced at Signature Theatre for the first time in twenty years and directed by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The cast of fourteen, led by Matthew Scott (First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb; Side By Side By Sondheim) in the role of Bobby, features many of Signature's most well-known stars in an enchanting, deeply funny exploration of love and marriage. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!