Jodi Picoult Promotes Mentor's New Book, THE JAZZ PALACE
by Christina Mancuso - Mar 24, 2015
Best-selling author Jodi Picoult is quoted on the book jacket of a new novel by Mary Morris “The Jazz Palace' as saying '“my writing mentor: She taught me everything I know, and here is the living proof.”
Heartbeat Opera Presents the ONE ACT FESTIVAL, Now thru 3/22
by BWW News Desk - Mar 18, 2015
Heartbeat Opera is a new company intent upon re-imagining opera in intimate spaces for a new generation. Employing a minimalism that allows the emotional integrity of the music to shine through, the company's work focuses on the body of the singer and the visceral power of the music. Co-Artistic Directors Louisa Proske and Ethan Heard, who trained together in the Directing program at the Yale School of Drama, are committed to nurturing the actor in every singer they work with. The company creates productions of classics and new pieces that are daring and visceral—productions that manifest the emotional grandeur and theatrical power of opera with minimal means. Heartbeat's one-act festival presentation of György Kurtág's Kafka-Fragments, directed by Heard, and the New York premiere of Jacques Offenbach's Daphnis & Chloé, in a new English translation directed by Proske, marks this young company's debut. Heartbeat Opera's resident music ensemble Cantata Profana, described by The New York Times as “a stylish early music ensemble,” will provide musical accompaniment.
Broadway Babies - Meet the Broadway Class of 2015, Spring Edition!
by BWW Special Coverage - Mar 22, 2015
In the coming months, Broadway will welcome a fresh crop of productions- many of which will mark the Broadway debuts for a slew of talented actors. Whether they are fresh faces or established stars, these Broadway babies will soon take their very first bows on some of the grandest stages in the world.
Heartbeat Opera Presents the ONE ACT FESTIVAL, 3/18-22
by BWW News Desk - Mar 11, 2015
Heartbeat Opera is a new company intent upon re-imagining opera in intimate spaces for a new generation. Employing a minimalism that allows the emotional integrity of the music to shine through, the company's work focuses on the body of the singer and the visceral power of the music. Co-Artistic Directors Louisa Proske and Ethan Heard, who trained together in the Directing program at the Yale School of Drama, are committed to nurturing the actor in every singer they work with. The company creates productions of classics and new pieces that are daring and visceral—productions that manifest the emotional grandeur and theatrical power of opera with minimal means. Heartbeat's one-act festival presentation of György Kurtág's Kafka-Fragments, directed by Heard, and the New York premiere of Jacques Offenbach's Daphnis & Chloé, in a new English translation directed by Proske, marks this young company's debut. Heartbeat Opera's resident music ensemble Cantata Profana, described by The New York Times as “a stylish early music ensemble,” will provide musical accompaniment.
Emmy Winner Leslie Jordan to Bring 'SAY CHEESE!' to Feinstein's at the Nikko, 3/26-28
by BWW News Desk - Feb 5, 2015
After leaving audiences in stitches in 2014 with two sold-out engagements, Feinstein's at the Nikko is thrilled to welcome back Emmy Award winner, Leslie Jordan, for three performances of his new one-man show, Say Cheese! My Life in Front of the Camera -- Thursday, March 26 (8 p.m.), Friday, March 27 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, March 28 (7 p.m.).
BWW Reviews: Variations on a Theme - Three Musicals, THE COLOR PURPLE, CALVIN BERGER, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, All Speak to Beauty and Self-Worth
by Jill Schafer - Jan 27, 2015
At first glance, the musicals THE COLOR PURPLE, CALVIN BERGER, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES may not seem to have much in common. The settings couldn't be more different - the rural South in the early 20th century, a modern day high school, and a drag club in 1970s France. But since I happened to see them all on the same weekend, I couldn't help but draw parallels between them. All three musicals all speak to themes of beauty, identity, self-worth, and having the courage to be who you really are, despite what the world is telling you. In THE COLOR PURPLE, a young, poor, black woman is told that she's ugly and worthless, but after a lifelong journey she arrives at a place of strength and self-love. CALVIN BERGER sets the classic play Cyrano de Bergerac in a modern high school, where a young man feels that his large nose prevents him from getting what he wants in life and chooses to hide behind the handsome popular guy, both of whom eventually learn it's better to be loved for who you are. Finally, in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, a middle aged man who feels more comfortable dressed as a woman is asked by his own son to hide who he is, but confidently declares 'I am who I am!' Another thing these three musicals have in common is that they can all currently be seen on Twin Cities stages featuring talented local casts. Read on for more details on each, pick one that suits your fancy, and go see a local musical that just may inspire you to love you you really are!
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Officially Opens Tonight in the West End
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2015
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, opening tonight, January 12 at London's Playhouse Theatre after beginning previews last month, stars Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Jerome Pradon, Anna Skellern,Ricardo Afonso, Haydn Oakley, Willemijn Verkaik and Seline Hizli.
Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell - Remembering The Stars We Lost in 2014
by Walter McBride - Jan 1, 2015
Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent.
Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.
Tamsin Greig Leads WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, Opening Tonight in the West End
by BWW News Desk - Dec 20, 2014
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, opening tonight, December 20, in the West End, stars Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Jerome Pradon, Anna Skellern,Ricardo Afonso, Haydn Oakley, Willemijn Verkaik and Seline Hizli.
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Begins Previews Tonight in the West End
by BWW News Desk - Dec 17, 2014
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, beginning tonight, December 17, in the West End, stars Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Jerome Pradon, Anna Skellern, Ricardo Afonso, Haydn Oakley, Willemijn Verkaik and Seline Hizli.
Seline Hizli Completes WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Cast
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 6, 2014
Seline Hizli completes the cast for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown joining the previously announced Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Jerome Pradon, Anna Skellern, Ricardo Afonso, Haydn Oakley and Willemijn Verkaik. Additional cast includes Marianne Benedict, Holly James, Michael Matus, Rebecca McKinnis, Sarah Moyle, Alastair Natkiel, Nuno Queimado and Dale Rapley.
3rd Annual Jewish Film Festival Set for This November
by Caryn Robbins - Oct 28, 2014
The Sedona International Film Festival and Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley will present the third annual Sedona Jewish Film Festival Nov. 8-12 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
BWW Reviews: Unexpected Stage's DANNY BOY Measures Up
by Itai Yasur - Oct 20, 2014
Marc Goldsmith's play about the romantic misadventures of a little person, both in stature and emotional maturity, is making its DC-area premiere after its original award-winning New York International Fringe Festival production in 2006.
Real or Not Real? Meet the Full Cast of THE REAL THING, Opening Tonight on Broadway!
by Meet the Cast - Oct 30, 2014
Roundabout Theatre Company presents Tom Stoppard's Tony Award-winning play, The Real Thing, starring Ewan McGregor as 'Henry' and Maggie Gyllenhaal as 'Annie' in their Broadway debuts; Cynthia Nixon as 'Charlotte' and Josh Hamilton as 'Max.' The Real Thing officially opens tonight, October 30, 2014 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway. Scroll down to learn more about the full cast and watch interviews with the company below!
And the Verdict Is... Meet the Full Cast of Broadway's IT'S ONLY A PLAY!
by Meet the Cast - Nov 2, 2014
The star-studded Broadway production of the backstage comedy It's Only A Play, by 4-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, opened on October 9, 2014, at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street). Scroll down to learn more about the full cast and watch interviews with the company below!
Photo Flash: Hugh Jackman and Company Begin Rehearsals Today for THE RIVER; Yesterday? Fishing!
by BWW News Desk - Oct 2, 2014
Rehearsals begin today, Thursday, October 2 in New York City for The River, a new play by Jez Butterworth, starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo and directed by Ian Rickson. The River begins preview performances in four weeks on Friday, October 31 and will open on Sunday, November 16 at the Circle in the Square Theatre (50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). The production will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement through Sunday, January 25, 2015.
SPRING AWAKENING to Play the Studio at LBP
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 2, 2014
Duncan's Sheik's indie rock musical, Spring Awakening, is a coming of age story based on the controversial German play Spring Awakening (1891) by Frank Wedekind. The play was banned in Germany for some time due to its frank portrayal of abortion, homosexuality, rape, child abuse and suicide. The musical, first produced in 2006, tells the story of teenagers discovering the intricacies - good and bad - of their own sexuality.