William Conn News

To put it succinctly, be ready to laugh your ass off. A brilliant, witty melange of slapstick, sight gags, silly absurdity, hyperbolic acting, and even bits of good ol' reliable audience participation, ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, Richard Bean's exceedingly hilarious comedy of errors, misdirections, and misunderstandings is now receiving a superb West Coast premiere production at Orange County's Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory theater through October 11.

Due to an enthusiastic reception from critics and audiences alike, Berkeley Rep is proud to announce that the madcap comedy One Man, Two Guvnors, a sassy update of Carlo Goldoni's The Servant of Two Masters, will extend for one week, closing on June 28, 2015.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre will conclude its 48th season with Richard Bean's internationally acclaimed One Man, Two Guvnors, a sassy update of Carlo Goldoni's classic knee-slapper, The Servant of Two Masters. Set in 1963 Brighton, England, One Man, Two Guvnors is a brilliantly delicious mash-up of splendid comedy, British pantomime, and music-hall revues. The uproarious plot features a disarming and doltish Francis Henshall who finds himself trapped by farce into working for two bosses - who are connected in wildly improbable ways. He just has to keep them from discovering each other. Inspired insanity, high-low antics, and nimble wordplay ensue - all backed by live musicians paying homage to rockabilly and a certain Fab Four. Directed by David Ivers - artistic director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival - and with songs by Grant Olding, One Man, Two Guvnors is a riotous blast complete with a colorful cast of characters in a topsy-turvy world of love triangles and mistaken identities. It previews today May 8, 2015, opens today, May 15, 2015, and plays through Sunday June 21, 2015. Press night for One Man, Two Guvnors will be held today, May 15, 2015. Individual tickets start at $29 and can be purchased by phone at (510) 647-2949 or online at berkeleyrep.org.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre will conclude its 48th season with Richard Bean's internationally acclaimed One Man, Two Guvnors, a sassy update of Carlo Goldoni's classic knee-slapper, The Servant of Two Masters. Set in 1963 Brighton, England, One Man, Two Guvnors is a brilliantly delicious mash-up of splendid comedy, British pantomime, and music-hall revues. The uproarious plot features a disarming and doltish Francis Henshall who finds himself trapped by farce into working for two bosses - who are connected in wildly improbable ways. He just has to keep them from discovering each other. Inspired insanity, high-low antics, and nimble wordplay ensue - all backed by live musicians paying homage to rockabilly and a certain Fab Four. Directed by David Ivers - artistic director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival - and with songs by Grant Olding, One Man, Two Guvnors is a riotous blast complete with a colorful cast of characters in a topsy-turvy world of love triangles and mistaken identities. It previews on Friday May 8, 2015, opens on Friday, May 15, 2015, and plays through Sunday June 21, 2015. Press night for One Man, Two Guvnors will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015. Individual tickets start at $29 and can be purchased by phone at (510) 647-2949 or online at berkeleyrep.org.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' artistic director, Steven Woolf, always has a knack for finding a classic, sometimes a neglected one, to present each season. This year it's Terence Rattigan's revered play THE WINSLOW BOY, which some will remember from various revivals and film versions (1948 & 1999), and which stands out as a dramatic piece fraught with injustice. It's a story, based on fact, that is still as relevant today as it was when it was written. A splendid cast and keenly sharpened direction combine to provide a very compelling piece of theatre.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan and directed by Steven Woolf. Based on a true events, The Winslow Boy will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, February 11-March 8, 2015.

After its sell-out debut season, Circa Theatre will present the Wellington premiere of William Connor's enchanting marionette show The Kitchen at the End of the World in January. Directed by award-winning local film maker and animator Steffen Kreft, the play is about the discovery and performance of the mythical Last Song - the world's last truly original combination of musical notes and words.

Pioneer Theatre Company's production of the new comedy ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, is a well-designed, wacky romp. Although there are some missteps, it features well-crafted moments of sidesplitting humor.

The vulnerability of Witt's recreated Illyria makes the joy in the show shine all the brighter. There will never be a definitive production of any Shakespeare play, but this is one of the truly special ones.

Center Stage announces this week casting for the upcoming production of William Shakespeare's beloved romantic adventure, Twelfth Night. Under the direction of Center Stage Associate Artistic Director Gavin Witt, the production begins rehearsals this week, preview performances start March 5, and the show runs through April 6.

I can't say that I've ever read much of Agatha Christie's work, I'm more inclined toward the convoluted and pulpy prose of Raymond Chandler myself. But, there's no denying the staying power of her play, THE MOUSETRAP, which is still running in Britain since its opening in 1952. It's become an institution, and has influenced countless writers with its mix of quirky characters and deliberately misleading red herrings. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting this classic mystery in a splendidly performed production, and it's a perfect holiday treat that engages and entertains.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents the famous and fun whodunit play The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie and directed by Paul Mason Barnes. This classic mystery will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, today, December 4-29, 2013.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) presents the famous and fun whodunit play The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie and directed by Paul Mason Barnes. This classic mystery will be performed on the Browning Mainstage of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, December 4-29, 2013.

Just four actors portray 150 characters and tell one unforgettable story in The 39 Steps running June 19 through July 14 at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. A mystery-thriller described as "where Hitchcock meets hilarious," The 39 Steps previews June 19th and 20th, and opens June 21st.

Gulfshore Playhouse has produced good shows, great shows and shows I wasn't quite a fan of. Now, with 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Kristen Coury finds herself in a different place entirely. 'Earnest' is amazing. I absolutely don't care if you hate Oscar Wilde. This will be the best two and a half hours of your life. Cucumber sandwiches not included. I don't like cucumber sandwiches anyway.

2013 IRNE Nominations have been announced, as updated on the organization's Facebook page today, February 18, 2013. As of yet, no April date has been set for the awards ceremony. Scroll below for the full list of nominations!

Gulfshore Playhouse continues their spectacular seventh season with the hilarious, classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, playing February 15 through March 3, with a preview performance February 14.

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport will present RUDOLPH, part of the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Youth Theater Series.