Signature Theatre News

A total of 35 established and emerging writers, composers and lyricists will converge on the Goodspeed campus this month to participate in the first-ever Johnny Mercer Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals. The writing teams, representing more than twenty new musicals, will populate the campus, creating a truly exciting environment for discovery and inspiration.

Celebrate Black History Month with The Generic's steamy and sultry 'Hoodoo Love', as it conjures its magic in its regional debut, February 1-24, 2013 in Norfolk, Va.

The Strawberry Theater Festival will present The Light in the Refrigerator by Laura Zlatos, directed by Francesca Mantani Arkus, running Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - Sunday, March 9, 2013 at Hudson Guild Theater, 441 West 26th St. NY, NY.

They say when one door closes another opens. The same is true of theatre curtains, theatrical productions and theatre companies. BRAVO@KAT, Theatre for Young Artists, is the newest 'kid' on the Montgomery County block and is so proud to be a part of the award-winning Kensington Arts Theatre. A musical theatre program designed for children in grades 3-8, BRAVO@KAT has selected The Music Man Jr. as its inaugural production.

The Old Globe today named director Nicholas Martin an Associate Artist of The Old Globe. He is the 56th artist to receive the prestigious honor recognizing over half a century of his unique contributions to the institution both on and offstage. After making his acting debut in 1957 as the Fool in King Lear, Martin went on to appear on the Globe stage in 18 additional productions, including The Merry Wives of Windsor (1965), The School for Scandal (1989) and Hamlet (1960 and 1990). As a director, he helmed the Globe productions of Later Life, Full Gallop, Overtime, Macbeth and The Mask of Moriarty. The Old Globe is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion with Martin's production of Shaw's masterwork, which runs through Feb. 17. Tickets to Pygmalion can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey, known for her critically acclaimed work in Long Wharf Theatre's productions of The Glass Menagerie and Shirley Valentine, will star in Curse of the Starving Class, by Sam Shepard, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

The Flea Theater presents the World Premiere of The Vandal by Hamish Linklater. Obie and Drama Desk Award winner Deirdre O'Connell has replaced Holly Hunter in her role. This limited Off-Broadway engagement begins previews tonight, January 18 with opening slated for January 31. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online at www.theflea.org or by calling 212-352-3101.

Internationally-celebrated classical and gospel vocalist Jubilant Sykes, Broadway veteran Kecia Lewis-Evans, and Tom Frey will star in the world premiere of Daniel Beaty's Breath & Imagination - The Story of Roland Hayes, directed by Darko Tresnjak, on stage from January 11 through February 3. Press Night: 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16. Opening Night: 8 p.m. tonight, January 18.

Chicago Children's Theatre (CCT) skips a few grades following its recent smash hit, Harold and the Purple Crayon, with a new production of Bud, Not Buddy, January 12-February 24, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Press opening is Friday, January 18 at 7 p.m. Single tickets start at $20, and are on sale now. To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. For group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.

Join us at Hartford Stage for FreeView, a preview of select scenes followed by an intimate Q & A session with the actors and director of Breath & Imagination, at 12 p.m. today, January 17. There will also be a free raffle for great prizes and receive special show discounts just for attending.

Executive Producer Mike Isaacson announced today the directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2013 Season, which opens on June 17 with Monty Python's Spamalot. 'This is a phenomenally talented group of artists, and I'm thrilled to be working with all of them. Last season our audience inspired us to take many risks and push ourselves far. These directors and choreographers are already working on ways to top last season's level of excitement and excellence.'

Signature Theatre (James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director; Erika Mallin, Executive Director) has announced that Martha Clarke and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins have joined the Residency Five program, which provides five-year residencies for multiple playwrights, guaranteeing three full productions of new work over the course of each playwright's residency. The other artists currently in the Residency Five program are Annie Baker, Will Eno, Katori Hall, Kenneth Lonergan, and Regina Taylor.

A delightful midwinter night's dream, ALMOST, MAINE by John Cariani will play TheaterWorks in downtown Hartford. The sweet and poignant comedy runs January 25 - March 3, 2013, directed by Amy Saltz.

2012 was a huge success for theater in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma today announced major casting decisions for its 50th Anniversary Season in 2013, featuring new and returning national talent including Helen Hedman, Eleasha Gamble, Mel Sagrado Maghuyop, Heather Geery-Mayfield and Tom Huston Orr. Scenic Designer Adam Koch (MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET) will also return to provide set design for TARZAN and BIG RIVER.

Beginning with preview performances on Wednesday, January 23rd and opening officially on Friday, January 25th, Playhouse on Park presents the Ron Hutchinson play, 'Moonlight and Magnolias.'

A total of 35 established and emerging writers, composers and lyricists will converge on the Goodspeed campus this month to participate in the first-ever Johnny Mercer Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals. The writing teams, representing more than twenty new musicals, will populate the campus, creating a truly exciting environment for discovery and inspiration.

Hartford Stage will host a post-show Clergy Panel discussion about faith with members of the Greater Hartford religious community after the performance of Breath & Imagination tonight, January 15.