Stephanie Pope News

On Friday, October 1, 2021, I had the pleasure of returning to the ACT of CT in Ridgefield, CT, to see yet another amazing performance, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ, a phenomenal show featuring the legendary music of songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were the writers of many of the greatest rock n’ roll songs of the 1950s, songs that to this day remain among the greatest of all-time.  The excellent direction and choreography of Stephanie Pope Lofgren enhances the quality of this production starring an extremely talented cast the includes Albert Guerzon, Arnold Harper II, Avionce Hoyles, Jordan Fife Hunt, Keyonna Knight, Courtney Long, Kelly MacMillan, and Juson Williams.  Whether collaborating in full ensemble numbers, harmonizing in smaller groups, or performing solo, every cast member truly shines in this production, through singing and dancing.  They furthermore have excellent stage chemistry with each other, both in terms of their synchronized dancing and harmonized singing.

ACT of Connecticut will welcome audiences back for their 2021-2022 Season with the record-breaking Broadway smash-hit musical revue, Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller.

Morning technique classes in ballet, East Indian, Afro-Cuban, rhythm, and acting set up the critical foundational training for the quintessential 'Fosse dancer.' Afternoons will be spent studying longer excerpts from signature pieces of Fosse choreography in an intimate, constructive, and challenging class environment.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announces the 22nd annual series of new plays, now virtual, by TRU writers produced by TRU producers, as part of TRU Voices New Plays Virtual Reading Series. Presented with generous support from The StoyLine Project, the plays will be performed on Sundays, June 20, June 27, and July 11, 2021 at 3:00pm.

Theater Resources Unlimited announces the 22nd annual series of new plays, now virtual, by TRU writers produced by TRU producers, as part of TRU Voices New Plays Virtual Reading Series.

The Verdon Fosse Legacy is jazzed to be holding a 2021 summer residency at New York City's acclaimed Broadway Dance Center.

Cleveland Musical Theatre rebrands as New City Music Theatre and will move to New York City. New City Music Theatre (NCMT) responds to the artistic needs of a contemporary world.

'Still Standing' is a video  celebrating the amazing professional artists, on and off stage, who are anxiously awaiting the day when  the lights of Broadway will once again be lit and audiences around the world can come back to the theatre.  

This six-day Zoom series--targeting multiple time zones--enables everybody (dance professionals, performers, students, Broadway lovers, dance aficionados, and Fosse fans alike) from around the world to come together and learn Bob Fosse's signature stylized choreography from some of the most sought after Legacy-sanctioned reconstructors.

Theater Resources Unlimited hosts weekly Community Gatherings every Friday at 4:30pm via Zoom, to explore the creation of art and theater in the time of COVID-19. Ask questions, bring answers, be part of a community - it's an opportunity to network with theater professionals and talk about keeping theater alive during these challenging times.

The Halifax Black Film Festival has chosen the short film, Compassionate Release - The Ravages of Time, by award-winning film writer and director Lynn Dow, to screen at this year's festival from February 23 - 28. By special arrangement, Compassionate Release features the Bob Dylan song, I shall Be Released, as the soundtrack.

Theater Resources Unlimited has announced TRUSpeak ... Hear Our Voices! Virtual Fundraiser on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 5pm (eastern time) via Zoom. TRUSpeak is a curated selection of short plays and musicals by TRU writers, produced by TRU producers and directed by TRU directors, all touching upon current social issues.

Norwegian Cruise Line is showcasing its continued commitment to the performing arts community with its  second “EMBARK NCL Spotlight” episode, “Live From Broadway,” following the highly successful debut of its first “EMBARK NCL Spotlight” episode, “The Choir of Man – Live From London'.

On Monday October 5th, MONDAYS For BIDEN, a group created by Broadway Veteran Jeffrey Schecter, held DANCING For DEMOCRACY, a virtual fundraiser to benefit the Biden Victory Fund. The event was held on the Broadway Sessions YouTube Channel and was hosted by Schecter and fellow A Chorus Line Alum, J. Elaine Marcos.

Today (October 5) in live streaming: Dancing for Democracy, a new Broadway for Biden Phone Bank, and so much more!

For anyone who missed the August 31st Zoom debut of the video, a?oeThe Theatre Will Survivea?? (Lyrics: Michael Colby/Music & Orchestrations: Ned Paul Ginsburg) you can now enjoy it on Vimeo, along with a talk back with many of the stars who contributed their talents to the video, all of which benefits The Actors Fund.

MONDAYS For BIDEN, a group conceived by Broadway’s Jeffrey Schecter, announces their interactive virtual fundraising event “DANCING For DEMOCRACY” in partnership with Broadway Sessions and Broadway for Biden on Monday October 5th at 9:00pm EST. The group was formed to provide a virtual place for busy artists, humanitarians, parents and all who want to help JOE BIDEN become our next US President. 100% of donations raised during this event go directly to the Biden Victory Fund. MONDAYS For BIDEN and DANCING For DEMOCRACY creator, Jeffrey 'Shecky' Schecter will host along with fellow Broadway veteran and A Chorus Line alum, J. Elaine Marcos. It promises to be a spirited and dynamic one-hour virtual experience featuring performances and testimonials by some of Broadway and Hollywood’s most well-loved performers. You’ll get to hear first hand why a Joe Biden presidency is important to them and to the future of this country.

Mondays for Biden, in partnership with Broadway Sessions and Broadway for Biden, has announced more special guests for its interactive virtual fundraising event 'Dancing For Democracy' on Monday October 5th at 9:00pm EST.

Prominent members of the Broadway Community joined together to sing their support for the Biden/Harris Presidential ticket in 'Soul of the Nation', lyrics (sung) by Christine Toy Johnson and (spoken) Notorious Pink, music by Kim D. Sherman and Scott Killian.

Join many of Broadway's greatest voices live at MetropolitanZOOM on Monday, August 31st at 7pm as they celebrate the premiere of the original music video, a?oeThe Theatre Will Survive.'