Walt Spangler News

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the full company for the world-premiere historical drama Camp David, penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright and directed by Artistic Director Molly Smith. Based on true events surrounding the 1978 Camp David Accords, the play follows the 13-day meeting between President Jimmy Carter, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat as they attempted to create the impossible: peace in the Middle East. The production features Tony Award nominee Hallie Foote (Broadway's Dividing the Estate) as Rosalynn Carter, Egyptian actor and activist Khaled Nabawy (Kingdom of Heaven, Fair Game) as Anwar Sadat, Tony Award winner Ron Rifkin (Alias, Broadway's Cabaret) as Menachem Begin and Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas (The Waltons) as President Jimmy Carter. Camp David runs March 21-May 4, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater.

directed by ensemble member Austin Pendleton, and featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Francis Guinan and Molly Regan with Steve Haggard, John McGinty and Helen Sadler. This "especially stimulating, smart and important play" (Chicago Tribune) that "Buzzes, Dizzies, and Dazzles" (Chicago magazine) continues for six additional performances, through February 15. In addition, the 3pm performance on February 8, and the 7:30pm performance on February 14 now feature American Sign Language Interpretation and Open Captioning. Tickets to the additional performances of Tribes ($20 - $82) go on sale Friday, 1/17 at 11am through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted), at 312-335-1650 or at steppenwolf.org.

Earlier this week, the cast of A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL went to the 'Good Morning America' studios where they taped a special medley featuring 'It All Comes Down To Christmas' and 'Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana.' Airing this Friday, December 20, the performance features Erin Dilly, Jake Lucas, Noah Baird and David Scott Purdy as The Parker Family with kids ensemble Charlie Babbo, Hannah Bautista, Beada Briglia, Judae'a Brown, Michael Crispi, Alexa Niziak, Luke Spring and Nicky Torchia. Check out a sneak peek below!

Earlier this week, the cast of A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL went to the 'Good Morning America' studios where they taped a special medley featuring 'It All Comes Down To Christmas' and 'Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana.' Airing this Friday, December 20, the performance features Erin Dilly, Jake Lucas, Noah Baird and David Scott Purdy as The Parker Family with kids ensemble Charlie Babbo, Hannah Bautista, Beada Briglia, Judae'a Brown, Michael Crispi, Alexa Niziak, Luke Spring and Nicky Torchia. Scroll down for behind-the-scenes photos of the cast on set!

Review of Steppenwolf Theatre's 'Tribes.'

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's highly anticipated Chicago-premiere production of Tribes by Nina Raine, following the hit Off-Broadway production in 2012. Ensemble member Austin Pendleton is at the helm. The cast of six features ensemble members Alana Arenas, Francis Guinan and Molly Regan with Steve Haggard, Helen Sadler, and John McGinty in the central role of Billy; McGinty joins the cast direct from Guthrie Theater's production in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tribes began previews December 5, 2013 (opening night is December 15; press performances are December 14 at 3pm and December 17 at 7:30pm) and runs through February 9, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Casting is complete for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Chicago-premiere production of Tribes by Nina Raine. Ensemble member Austin Pendleton directs a cast featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Francis Guinan and Molly Regan with Steve Haggard, Russell Harvard and Helen Sadler. The American premiere of Tribes was Off-Broadway at Barrow Street Theater in 2012, and also featured Harvard, alongside ensemble member Jeff Perry; Harvard was recently featured in the Mark Taper Forum production as well.

Singing and dancing extravaganza based on the beloved stories of Jean Shepherd gets the eccentric tone just right in this funny and affectionate remembrance of the simple joys of Christmases past.

It's two minutes to curtain on a Wednesday's opening night performance of the Guthrie's annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and I'm running through a parking garage. Who gets invited to see A CHRISTMAS CAROL and says, no? Nobody, that's who.

Rehearsals are underway for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's highly anticipated Chicago-premiere production of Tribes by Nina Raine, following the hit Off-Broadway production in 2012. Ensemble member Austin Pendleton is at the helm. The cast of six features ensemble members Alana Arenas, Francis Guinan and Molly Regan with Steve Haggard, Helen Sadler, and John McGinty in the central role of Billy; McGinty joins the cast direct from Guthrie Theater's production in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tribes begins previews December 5, 2013 (opening night is December 15; press performances are December 14 at 3pm and December 17 at 7:30pm) and runs through February 9, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the team in rehearsal below!

A CHRISTMAS STORY sticks to what works...a flagpole.

Beth Henley's Southern Gothic comedy/drama pulls you in with its attention-grabbing characters and atmosphere but then leaves you wondering if it's ever going to take you anywhere.

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a one-week extension for The Jacksonian, by Pulitzer Prize winner Beth Henley. Originally set to play a limited Off-Broadway engagement through December 15, this production now plays through Sunday, December 22. Directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, this New York premiere features Ed Harris, Glenne Headly, Amy Madigan, Bill Pullman and Juliet Brett. Previews begin October 25 in advance of an Opening Night on November 7 at The New Group @ Theatre Row (The Acorn Theatre / 410 West 42nd Street).

The producers of A Christmas Story, The Musical have announced the full cast for the production when it arrives at The Theater at Madison Square Garden for its December 11 - 29, 2013 engagement. Reprising their roles will be Dan Lauria (Lombardi, 'The Wonder Years,' 'Sullivan and Son') as Jean Shepherd, John Bolton (Spamalot, Contact, Titanic, 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Gossip Girl') as the Old Man, Tony Award nominee Erin Dilly (Nice Work if You Can Get It, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Mother and Caroline O'Connor (Chicago, Moulin Rouge) as school teacher Miss Shields. Eli Tokash (Mary Poppins) will play Ralphie at certain perforances, Noah Baird as little brother Randy, and Jake Lucas (Newsies, Far From Heaven), donning the famous spectacles will take on the lead role of Ralphie.

Tuesday, October 22 marks the first day of rehearsal for the Guthrie Theater's 2013 production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank. The perennial holiday favorite, now in its 39th year at the Guthrie, features a script by British playwright Crispin Whittell and is directed by Joe Chvala. Chvala is the founder and artistic director of the Flying Foot Forum and has previously served as both director and movement director for the production. Longtime Guthrie actor J.C. Cutler will reprise the role of grubby miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Cutler has been involved in 30 productions at the Guthrie since 1993, including five productions of A Christmas Carol - appearing as Ebenezer Scrooge (2011), Bob Cratchit (1995, 1997), Banker (1996) and Young Scrooge (1993, 1994) - and was last seen on a Guthrie stage in this past summer's original romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice. Check out a first look at highlights below!

Tuesday, October 22 marks the first day of rehearsal for the Guthrie Theater's 2013 production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank. The perennial holiday favorite, now in its 39th year at the Guthrie, features a script by British playwright Crispin Whittell and is directed by Joe Chvala. Chvala is the founder and artistic director of the Flying Foot Forum and has previously served as both director and movement director for the production. Longtime Guthrie actor J.C. Cutler will reprise the role of grubby miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Cutler has been involved in 30 productions at the Guthrie since 1993, including five productions of A Christmas Carol - appearing as Ebenezer Scrooge (2011), Bob Cratchit (1995, 1997), Banker (1996) and Young Scrooge (1993, 1994) - and was last seen on a Guthrie stage in this past summer's original romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice. Check out a first look below!

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces the addition of John McGinty to the cast of the upcoming Chicago-premiere production of Tribes by Nina Raine. Ensemble member Austin Pendleton directs, also featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Francis Guinan and Molly Regan with Steve Haggard and Helen Sadler. The American premiere of Tribes was Off-Broadway at Barrow Street Theater in 2012, featuring ensemble member Jeff Perry. McGinty joins the cast as Billy, after playing the role at Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Russell Harvard, previously announced in the role, withdrew due to a schedule conflict. Tribes begins previews December 5, 2013 (opening night is December 15; press performances are December 14 at 3pm and December 17 at 7:30pm) and runs through February 9, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Tickets ($20 - $82) go on sale Friday, October 4 at 11am.

Five world premiere plays and three new adaptations seen first by Chicago audiences received Jeff nominations by the Jeff Awards Committee and are among the 166 nominations in 36 categories announced for Chicago Equity theatrical productions opened between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.

The New Group launches its 2013-2014 season with the New York premiere of the Geffen Playhouse production of The Jacksonian, by Pulitzer Prize winner Beth Henley. Directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, this production features Ed Harris, Glenne Headly, Amy Madigan, Bill Pullman and Juliet Brett. Previews begin October 25 in advance of an Official Opening Night on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00pm. A limited Off-Broadway engagement is slated through December 15 at The New Group @ Theatre Row (The Acorn Theatre / 410 West 42nd Street).