Beast 2008 - Articles Page 20

Russo have announced plans for NYTW's 2008-09 season. One of New York's leading non-profit theatre companies, NYTW will present a 26th season that includes work by Michael Weller, Peter Brook, and Naomi Wallace.

Gateway Playhouse, Long Island's premiere professional Equity musical theatre, continues its 59th season with the multiple award winning, Disney's Beauty and the Beast' at the Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main Street, Patchogue, on July 9-26. In its premiere professional production on Long Island, it is directed by Dom Ruggiero and choreographey by Michelle Webber with Jeff Hoffman as musical director.

Return to a simpler time with BYE BYE BIRDIE, the ultimate feel good musical, when it lands on the North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) main stage. Winner of four 1961 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, BYE BYE BIRDIE runs July 15 to August 3, 2008 and Press Night is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30 pm.

Papermill Announces Rising Star Award Winners.

Broadway performer Michael Shawn Lewis will once again be featured as Jean Valjean, the desperate yet determined protagonist at the center of this epic story of justice, love, and faith. Lewis was seen on the SMT stage last summer as Guido in Nine. He debuted at SMT as Curly in Oklahoma! and played the Beast in the 2004 production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Brian Colburn, Managing Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced casting today for VANITIES, A New Musical by Jack Heifner, with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey. Set to star are Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Side Show) as Mary, Sarah Stiles (Avenue Q, …Spelling Bee) as Joanne and Anneliese van der Pol (Beauty and the Beast, TV's 'That's So Raven') as Kathy. Preview performances begin on August 22 with the official press opening on August 29 at Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue).

Casting has been announced for VANITIES, A New Musical by Jack Heifner, with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey. Starring Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Side Show) as Mary, Sarah Stiles (Avenue Q, …Spelling Bee) as Joanne and Anneliese van der Pol (Beauty and the Beast, TV's 'That's So Raven') as Kathy, VANITIES will open on Broadway in the Fall of 2008 at a theatre to be announced.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed 'Best of New York' by New York Magazine and 'an invaluable New York institution' by The New York Post, will conclude the Spring 2008 season with the solo debut of Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee LIZ CALLAWAY from June 17 - 28.

42nd Street Moon begins its 16th season of uncommon musicals with a gala concert at the Alcazar Theatre on Monday, June 30, 2008. 'You've Got Possibilities!' celebrates the great musicals of the 1960s, and will offer a special 80th birthday salute to the prolific Award-winning composer Charles Strouse, who will be in attendance.

Village Theatre is pleased to announce its exciting director line-up for the 2008-2009 Mainstage Season. Andrea Dymond, Resident Director of Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, will direct the new musical and season opener, Saint Heaven. Dymond comments, 'I'd originally directed an earlier version of Saint Heaven in a developmental workshop production, about five years ago, at the Stages Festival at Theatre Building Chicago. That's when I got to know Marty [Martin Casella, book writer] and Keith [Keith Gordon, lyricist and composer] who are every bit as gorgeous to work with as is their musical. I think Saint Heaven is unique in the fullness of its telling, the richness of its characters, and the variety of forms of deeply American music it uses to engage us in the story.' At Victory Gardens Theater, Dymond has staged a wealth of productions such as Gloria Bond Clunie's Shoes (Best Director nomination, Black Theatre Alliance) and Charles Smith's Free Man of Color (winner of the Jeff award for Best New Work). Steve Tomkins, Artistic Director for Village Theatre is set to direct the charming Disney classic Beauty and the Beast. Tomkins gave his directorial debut at Village Theatre with the 1988 production of Gypsy. This upcoming season marks his sixteenth season as Artistic Director for Village Theatre. David Ira Goldstein will direct Oscar Wilde's classic play The Importance of Being Earnest. 'I have been eager to direct Wilde's greatest comedy ever since I directed his earlier play A Woman of No Importance for the University of Washington School of Drama in 1994. If any play can invoke a spirit of pure pleasure for two hours, it is certainly Wilde's Earnest,' Goldstein comments. As artistic director of Arizona Theatre Company (ATC), Goldstein has received the 2003 Governor's Arts Award as Individual Artist for his contributions to the arts in Arizona. He has directed over 30 mainstage productions for ATC and has been a guest director across the country. Before living in Arizona, he was the associate Artistic Director of A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle. Steve Tomkins will also take on the original work Stunt Girl this season. His last three new musical projects, which include Once Upon A Time in New Jersey (2006-2007), Girl of My Dreams (2005-2006), and The Ark (2002-2003), quickly became huge hits amongst Village Theatre audiences. Lastly, Village Theatre is thrilled to announce Jerry Dixon as the director of the musical masterpiece, Show Boat. Dixon began his career as an actor with original Broadway cast performances in Once On This Island and Five Guys Named Moe, with other original roles in Bright Lights, Big City, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, new yorkers, and tick, tick…BOOM!. Dixon's directing credits vary and include tick, tick…BOOM! (Korea and Singapore), Crowns (Kalamazoo Civic), and concerts and special events for Tony winner LaChanze, recording artist Raúl Midón, Carnegie Hall, and the Belgium National Symphony. Dixon's directorial work was last seen at Village Theatre in 2007, when he was brought from New York to direct the Village Originals production of Barnstormer.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) announces its mainstage production of Little Shop of Horrors, a musical written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. It's a musical comedy to die for - literally! The musical is based on Roger Corman's 1960 sci-fi comedy and includes several show-stopping numbers including 'Skid Row (Downtown),' 'Somewhere That's Green,' and 'Suddenly Seymour,' as well as the title song. Little Shop of Horrors will run at the Millburn theatre from June 4 through July 6, 2008.

Pittsburgh CLO and the University of Pittsburgh are proud to announce the nominees for the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. The awards show will take place on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

It was announced today that Nicolette Hart (Rent) and Kate Rockwell (NBC's 'Grease: You're The One That I Want) will join the cast of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in May. Ms. Hart will take over the role of Brooke Wyndham on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 and Ms. Rockwell will perform the role of Margot starting Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

Disney's lavish musical is the classic love story of Belle, a kind-hearted but misunderstood young woman, and the Beast, a pompous prince who has been turned into an animal by the spell of an enchantress. To break the spell, the Beast must learn to love and be loved. Belle could be his chance, if only the Beast can control his anger and find the heart that he never had as a man. But time is running out and if he does not learn his lesson soon, he will be doomed to live in isolation for all eternity.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) announces its mainstage production of Cole Porter's masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, returning to the Paper Mill Stage after a 40 year absence. Directed by Paper Mill favorite James Brennan, Kiss Me, Kate won the very first Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949 - and has been delighting audiences ever since. Kiss Me, Kate will run at the Millburn theatre from April 16 through May 18, 2008.

Slap&Tickle, written by David Parr and directed by David Drake, is preparing for an off-Broadway opening this summer 2008 (venue to be announced).

Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Season 2008 will feature an outstanding array of Broadway stars and musical theater's most respected directors and choreographers.

Experience the magic when American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast, perfect entertainment for the entire family. The enchantment begins on May 13 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts where the show runs through May 25. The production is sponsored by Comerica Bank. Single tickets are now on sale.

Gateway Playhouse (215 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY 11713), Long Island's premiere professional Equity musical theatre, announces its 59th season = a 'block-buster' season with something for everyone!

In a show that's one part Broadway, one part pop, and one part new material, Deborah Gibson brings the best of all worlds to the concert venue at Harrah's for a three week performance, May 4 - 24, 2008.

New Repertory Theatre in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts announces the World Premiere of According to Tip, a play with music by Dick Flavin, starring Tony and Emmy award-winner Ken Howard. Just in time for election season, According to Tip will open for the press on Friday, June 27, 2008 and will play through Sunday, July 13, 2008. 'Just in time for election season, New Rep brings you the World Premiere of According to Tip. Featuring Broadway and TV star Ken Howard, this play traces the colorful and historically memorable career of Thomas P. 'Tip' O'Neill, former Speaker of the House. Tip will escort you back in time from Barry's Corner in Cambridge to the White House. Get the inside scoop on politics during the Red Scare, Watergate, and Vietnam in this touching played filled with humor, music, and beguiling Irish wit,' press notes state. New Repertory Theatre presents provocative and intelligent works of both established and emerging playwrights in an intimate setting that involves and engages the audience. New Rep has earned a reputation for dynamic productions that honor the writers and feature talented professional actors from the New England theatre community as well as guest artists from around the U.S. New Rep has received Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards for outstanding acting, scenic design, direction, and production. Programming at New Repertory Theatre is supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Lead Sponsor for According to Tip, Bank of America. The Artists Rick Lombardo (Director) is now in his twelfth season as New Rep's Producing Artistic Director. Earlier this year: A Streetcar Named Desire, A Pinter Duet: The Lover & Ashes to Ashes, The Clean House, and Dessa Rose. Last season: The Pillowman, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (which he also adapted), Silence, and The Wild Party, as well as Hamlet for Actors' Shakespeare Project. Other New Rep Credits: Ragtime (IRNE Awards-Best Director of a Musical and Best Musical); Bill W. and Dr. Bob (which he also directed Off-Broadway in the spring of 2007 at New World Stages in NY); Romeo and Juliet; Into the Woods (multiple IRNE Awards); Quills; Approaching Moomtaj; The Threepenny Opera; A Girl's War; his new musical adaptation of Moliere's Scapin; Waiting for Godot (IRNE Award, Best Drama); Sweeney Todd (2004 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Director, IRNE Award for Best Director, and Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Musical Production); The Weir (IRNE Award, Best Drama); Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Elliot Norton Award, Outstanding Director); The Scarlet Letter; American Buffalo; A Moon for the Misbegotten; Twelfth Night; Beast on the Moon; Das Barbecu; Tartuffe; and The Real Thing; among others. Additional credits include the world premiere of Moby Dick: An American Opera, for which he received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre by Northern Ohio Live. He is honored to be a two-time recipient of the Elliot Norton Award from the Boston Theatre Critics Association for Outstanding Director. Ken Howard (Tip) Ken Howard launched his acting career in 1968 when he won a role in the original Broadway production of Promises, Promises, for which he won both a Tony and an Emmy. He originated the role of Thomas Jefferson in 1776 for which he won a Theatre World Award. He returned to the role for the 1972 film version. He won a Tony for his work in Child's Play in 1970. From 1976 - 1981, he starred in as the title character in the TV series The White Shadow. He earned an Emmy in 1980 for his narration of The Body Human: Facts for Boys. Other film and television includes: The Thron Birds, The West Wing, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Crossing Jordan, Rambo, Cane, Smother and Michael Clayton. Upcoming work includes: Conrad in Still Waters, Sheriff Sedgewick in Two: Thirteen, Officer Ford in The Beacon, and Phelan Beale in the film adaptation of Grey Gardens. Dick Flavin (Playwright) is a nationally known writer and speaker. He has made thousands of speaking appearances all across America, chiefly addressing groups on the subject of how to use humor as a strategy in business and in life. His television commentaries have appeared on NBC-TV, CNN and WBZ-TV in Boston. He is the winner of seven New England regional Emmy Awards for writing and commentary. He was the narrator of The Teammates, an ESPN documentary that was nominated for three national Emmy Awards. Known as the 'Poet Laureate of the Boston Red Sox,' he has written countless poems and song parodies about the team and its history, some of which are being compiled into a compact disc and DVD. The most well-known of them, Teddy at the Bat, a salute to Red Sox legend Ted Williams that is based on Ernest Lawrence Thayer's immortal Casey at the Bat, has been performed by Mr. Flavin at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, at Fenway Park and in cities and towns across the country. He was the co-host of and contributing writer to Red Sox Stories, a weekly television series that ran during the 2007 baseball season. He has also written and performed special material for the Boston Pops and Symphony orchestras. In addition to According the Tip, his play on the life and times of the late Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill, Mr. Flavin has also written I Feel a Song Comin' On, a soon to be produced musical about the lyricist Dorothy Fields.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) announces its mainstage production of Cole Porter's masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, returning to the Paper Mill Stage after a 40 year absence. Directed by Paper Mill favorite James Brennan, Kiss Me, Kate won the very first Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949 - and has been delighting audiences ever since. Kiss Me, Kate will run at the Millburn theatre from April 16 through May 18, 2008.

Twenty-four high schools from Massachusetts and New Hampshire have been selected to participate in the 3rd annual North Shore Music Theatre Spotlight Awards.

Golden-voiced Kerry Butler - currently doing double-duty as the star of Broadway's smash hit XANADU and as Lindsay Price's backstabbing assistant Reese on the NBC series 'Lipstick Jungle' - has signed with record label PS Classics for her debut solo album entitled 'Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust.' Under the supervision of music director and album producer Michael Kosarin, with new orchestrations by Broadway's best, including Tony Award-winners Michael Starobin (Assassins, Spelling Bee) and Larry Hochman (Monty Python's Spamalot), recording commences Friday, February 29th, in a Manhattan studio. The label has set a release date of May 13th, 2008.