Thornton Wilder News

Kansas City Repertory Theatre will open its 50th anniversary celebration with the Kansas City premiere of David Cromer's Our Town, an enduring American story which examines the everyday lives of an average town's citizens in the early twentieth century. Our Town, one of the greatest American plays written by Thornton Wilder, the three-time Pulitzer prize-winning playwright and novelist will be directed by David Cromer, MacArthur Foundation 'genius' grant recipient and director of KC Rep's 2009 production of The Glass Menagerie which received national and local critical acclaim. This co-production with UMKC Theatre will feature redesigned seating at Spencer Theatre in the James C. Olson performing Arts Center on the UMKC campus. The show will run September 5 through 28th. High resolution photos can be found here .

Betsy Wolfe, Andrew Samonsky, John Ellison Conlee, Ann Harada and more join Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana and more in Transport Group's concert presentation of THE MUSIC MAN. Hosted by Joe Iconis,the evening will include 58 actors, and the original orchestration featuring 20 instruments, conducted by Joey Chancey, original choreography by Jeffry Denman, to The Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center tonight, August 11th, 2014. The evening will be directed by five-time Drama Desk nominee, Jack Cummings III.

For the first time in 25 years, The Barn Theatre proudly presents the Tony Award winning musical, HELLO, DOLLY! Kim Zimmer stars as the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi in this classic Broadway hit!

Betsy Wolfe, Andrew Samonsky, John Ellison Conlee, Ann Harada and more complete casting for Transport Group's concert presentation of The Music Man. Hosted by Joe Iconis,the evening will include 58 actors, and the original orchestration featuring 20 instruments, conducted by Joey Chancey,original choreography by Jeffry Denman,.to The Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center on Monday August 11th, 2014. The evening will be directed by five-time Drama Desk nominee, Jack Cummings III.

Eric Rosen, artistic director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre has announced the 2014-15 season, continuing its tradition of presenting stirring classics and evocative new works created by the finest local and national talent available.

The three companies in residence at Park Square Theatre for the 2015 season, Sandbox Theatre, Theatre Pro Rata and Girl Friday Productions, today announce their programming for Park Square Theatre's new Andy Boss Thrust Stage for the next year. These partners will bring diverse aesthetic approaches and artistic forms, fresh talent as well as favorite faces to Park Square's seasons over the next three years. Tickets sales begin July 31st for the theatres in residence.

BWW Interviews: Mimi Holloway, Artistic Director of FESTIVAL OF ORIGINALS

Every summer, Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers work tirelessly to perfect their dance moves, learn all of their lines, and get their vocal harmonies just right for the annual Summer Festival of Shows. These talented young thespians between the ages of 8 and 18 will fill the Little Theater with a variety of shows and musicals to entertain audiences of all ages August 8th-17th.

Theatre producer Steven M. Levy received an honorary award from the London College of Music, part of the University of West London (UWL) on Wednesday 23 July. The University's annual graduation ceremony took place at Wembley Stadium with 1,700 graduates in attendance.

Sundance Institute and the LUMA Foundation today announced that the two organizations will again collaborate to host the second Sundance Institute | LUMA Foundation Theatre Directors Retreat in Arles, France, July 29 through August 11. The Retreat is one of 10 residential programs hosted by Sundance Institute this summer, collectively representing 15 weeks of support and mentorship for promising independent artists in theatre and film from the United States and around the world.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre Executive Director Angela Gieras today announced the launch of the Our Town Heroes campaign in honor of the KC Rep's 50th Anniversary to identify and celebrate local heroes from the community. Our Town heroes can be from the greater Kansas City metropolitan area whose actions impact, inspire and influence our community. Nominations can be submitted online here and winners will be announced throughout the 2014-2015 season opening production, Our Town, running September 5 through the 28th. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2014.

Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. continues its 28th Season with HELLISH HALF-LIGHT: Shorter Play of Samuel Beckett featuring six of the Irish playwright's works directed by Jennifer Markowitz, playing today, July 22 - August 30, 2014 at Angel Island, 731 W. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago.

Hello Dolly is currently playing at the Leawood Stage Company located at the Amphitheater at Ironwoods Park in Leawood, Kan. The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder is the basis for the 1964 production that won a record 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Jerry Herman wrote the music and lyrics for Hello Dolly and Michael Stewart wrote the book. Chris McCoy directs and choreographs the Leawood production.

Steven Carl McCasland, Artistic Director of Beautiful Soup Theater, goes solo at The Metropolitan Room. Wit songs and stories, Steven brings his one-man romp, Mother Wanted Me To Come Out In A Kimono, to the famed New York venue.

Casting is announced for the world premiere of Alecky Blythe's new play inspired by the 2011 London riots, directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins. This is Alecky's first new London production after the success of London Road at the National Theatre.

Playwright Christopher Durang - who won his first Tony Award in 2013 for his comedy VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE on Broadway - will make his debut in the role of Vanya when the play is presented at Bucks County Playhouse (70 S. Main St) in New Hope, PA, from tonight, July 17, to August 10.

Transport Group's concert presentation of The Music Man has sold out The Pershing Square Signature Center's Irene Diamond Stage. Both general admission and premium reserved seating sold out within 24 hours of the initial casting announcement. Transport Group is taking names for a waiting list for cancellation tickets.

Initial casting for Transport Group's concert presentation of The Music Man has been announced. The evening will feature Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Alexandra Silber, Mary Testa, Jill Paice, Heather Mac Rae, Jeffry Denman, Stanley Bahorek, David Greenspan, and D.C. Anderson. Complete casting will be announced at a later date. The concert will be held at the Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42 Street, on Monday, August 11, 2014, directed by five-time Drama Desk nominee, Jack Cummings III.

Regarded as one of the most celebrated American playwrights, Neil LaBute has enthralled audiences all over the world with his layered characters, sharp dialogue and subtle social commentaries. Now, in a London premiere, acclaimed American theatre company Savio(u)r will present his play Autobahn, directed by Off-West End Award nominee Tim Sullivan.

Berkshire Theatre Group presents James Naughton in the world premiere of Cedars at the Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge. Opening Night is July 26 at 8pm. Preview performances begin on July 23 at 8pm and the production closes August 9 at 8pm.