Signature Theatre News

SHOW BOAT is back in an appealing production by the Washington National Opera. The Kennedy Center Opera House is a fitting berth for Captain Andy's Cotton Blossom and the happy/troubled show folk who make it their home. Boasting a cast and chorus of 100, WNO's SHOW BOAT allows the story to roll along the 40-year time span and the glorious music to enthrall the audience once again.

The Off-Broadway League today gave out awards in 14 categories and two additional special awards for the 2013 Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway. The Lortel Awards were handed out on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at NYU Skirball Center, hosted by acclaimed stage and screen actors Aasif Mandvi and Maura Tierney. This year's event once again benefited The Actors Fund.

The Off-Broadway League previously announced award nominations in 14 categories and two additional special awards for the 2013 Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway. The Lortel Awards will be handed out today, May 5, 2013 at NYU Skirball Center beginning at 7:00pm EST, and hosted by acclaimed stage and screen actors Aasif Mandvi and Maura Tierney. This year's event will once again benefit The Actors Fund.

Jujamcyn Theaters and True Colors Theatre Company (Kenny Leon, Co-Founding Artistic Director) have announced the 5th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street). The event, which is free and open to the public, features high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh and Seattle performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright.

As previously announced, John O'Hurley will star as King Arthur. Also starring will be Michelle Ragusa as The Lady of the Lake, Kevin Cahoon as Historian, John Scherer as Sir Robin, David Hibbard as Patsy, Chris Hoch as Sir Lancelot, Ben Davis as Sir Dennis Galahad, and Tally Sessions as Dennis' Mother/Sir Bedevere. Joining them will be broadcast legend Bob Costas as The Voice of God.

This week's feature is 'Seeing You There' by Adam Gwon. Tony-nominee Josh Young (Jesus Christ Superstar), who happens to be a co-founder of Cutting-Edge Composers, sang this at our first concert at the Laurie Beechman Theatre.

Round House Theatre concludes its 2013 Bethesda season with the area premiere of Becky Shaw, which runs May 29 thru June 23. Patricia McGregor makes her Round House directing debut with this comedy by Gina Gionfriddo, which was an Off-Broadway smash hit as well as aPulitzer Prize finalist. Opening night is Monday, June 3, 2013.

Signature Theatre has announced a change to the theatre's Legacy Program for the 2013-14 All-Premiere Season: the theatre will produce the World Premiere of Horton Foote's THE OLD FRIENDS, directed by Michael Wilson and featuring Betty Buckley, Hallie Foote and Lois Smith. THE OLD FRIENDS replaces the previously announced EDWARD ALBEE'S LAYING AN EGG, which Signature remains committed to premiering in a future season.

You only have until May 5 to hear some great melodies by the team that brought you MAMMA MIA!

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.

Soho Rep presents the world premiere of Lucas Hnath's play A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney.

Atlantic Theater Company has just announced casting for the world premiere of Rod McLachlan's new play GOOD TELEVISION, directed by Bob Krakower. The cast will feature Talia Balsam, Jessica Cummings, John Magaro, Kelly McAndrew, Zoe Perry, Luke Robertson, Andrew Stewart-Jones, and Ned Van Zandt.

No Rules takes a chance on an untested work and makes a solid attempt.

Jujamcyn Theaters (Jordan Roth, President) and True Colors Theatre Company (Kenny Leon, Co-Founding Artistic Director) have announced the judges for the 5th Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition on Monday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street). The event, which is free and open to the public, features high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh and Seattle performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright.

Signature's Sondheim Award Gala was presented to honor those who have contributed to the works of legendary composer, Stephen Sondheim, and the canon of American theater. Check out the photos from this year's event.

Ghost-Writer by Michael Hollinger will be in performance at MetroStage April 25-June 2.

No Rules Theatre Company will continue their first season at Signature Theatre with The Personal(s), adapted by Brian Sutow from acclaimed films by Stanley Tucci and Theo Van Gogh, tonight, April 24 - May 18.

Columbia University School of the Arts presents Ruby Place Nest on the Ground at The Perishing Square Theater, 480 West 42nd Street, New York, is the new home to the festival. New York Theater Workshop 2050 directing fellow, Reginald L. Douglas is at the helm of this commencing production of the annual playwriting festival, New Plays Now 2013. 'Ruby Place Nest on the Ground is a poignant, heartfelt play full of beautiful poetics, rich gospel music, and overflowing with love.' shares director Reginald L Douglas. 'Angelica's gift for language and character has resulted in a play that is at once deeply personal and epic in scope and size.'