Venus in Fur 2010 - Articles Page 10

As 2013 comes to a close, we've collected the hottest theatrical productions from around the globe. From Los Angeles to Chicago, Tampa, Houston, Rhode Island and even South Africa, BroadwayWorld takes a look back at some of the most memorable shows from our Regional Editors worldwide!

Who best determines an infant's fate among differing values concerning drugs, religion and child rearing? Pulitzer Prize finalist Rebecca Gilman asks this question and more in her latest play, Luna Gale, directed by Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls in their fourth collaboration. Gilman's seven Goodman productions-six of which were world premieres, including five commissions-make her one of the most-produced contemporary playwrights in the theater's history. Appearing in her 16th Goodman production, Chicago stage favorite Mary Beth Fisher-who also originated roles in Gilman's Spinning Into Butter and Boy Gets Girl-stars as veteran social worker Caroline, who is charged with making tough decisions about the future of Luna Gale, a vulnerable child. The recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, Luna Gale is part of the Goodman's "Great Women at Play" subscription package, featuring works written and/or directed by Rachel Rockwell (Brigadoon), Joanie Schultz (Venus in Fur), Jessica Thebus, Tracey Scott Wilson (Buzzer) and Mary Zimmerman (The White Snake). Luna Gale runs January 18 - February 23 in the Albert Theatre (opening night is Monday, January 27). Tickets ($25 - $81; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Luna, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). The Goodman Women's Board is a Major Production Sponsor and Mayer Brown is a Corporate Sponsor Partner. Ogletree Deakins and U.S. Bank are the Opening Night Sponsors. Audience enrichment events and a full performance calendar follow.

Susan Stroman and Wendy Whelan are set to host the 2014 Clive Barnes Awards, which will be held on January 6 (3pm), at the Walter Reade Theatre. This years' nominees for theatre are Aaron Clifton Moten for his performance in The Flick, Jonny Orsini for his performance in The Nance, Phillipa Soo for her performance in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and Amber Iman for her performance in Soul Doctor. This year's nominees for dance are Talli Jackson (Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company), Lloyd Mayor (Martha Graham Dance Company), Xiaochuan Xie (Martha Graham Dance Company), and Calvin Royal III(American Ballet THeatre.)

A new crop of local talent joins Goodman Theatre's artistic team for the 2013/2014 Season. The four Chicago-based writers named to the fourth season of the Playwrights Unit-a year-long residency program designed to support and develop new works-include Andrew Hinderaker, Gift Theatre ensemble member; Mickle Maher, cofounder of Theater Oobleck; Anne Garcia-Romero, a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists; and Laura Schellhardt, who oversees undergraduate playwriting at Northwestern University. A partnership with Chicago Dramatists, the Playwrights Unit meets twice per month with members of the Goodman's artistic team to discuss their plays-in-progress and provide feedback for one another. The program includes readings of the playwrights' works-in-progress at Chicago Dramatists in early 2014, and culminates in summer 2014 with staged readings of their completed works at the Goodman. Playwrights Unit alumni include Greg Allen, Alice Austen, Ike Holter and Christopher Oscar Peña (2012/2013 Season); Philip Dawkins, Nambi E. Kelley, Elaine Romero and Martin Zimmerman (2011/2012 Season); and Seth Bockley, Lisa Dillman, Laura Jacqmin and Rohina Malik (2010/2011 Season).

The Vineyard Theatre world-premiere production of the musical THE LANDING - with book and lyrics by Greg Pierce, music by John Kander and directed by Walter Bobbie - will conclude its acclaimed run with a special VIP benefit reception for patrons following the final performance today, November 24 at 3 p.m. at The Vineyard. (108 E. 15 St.)

Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director, Manhattan Theatre Club), Barry Grove (Executive Producer, MTC), Mandy Greenfield (Artistic Producer, MTC), Jason Eagan (Artistic Director, Ars Nova), and Jeremy Blocker (Managing Director, Ars Nova) have announced the 2013-2014 participants for The Writer's Room a new program to commission, develop and support playwrights in the process of creating new work for the stage.

The most wonderful time of the year is underway as rehearsals begin this week for Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, 'a joyous present for the entire family' (Chicago Sun-Times), in its 36th annual production. Directing the holiday favorite for the first time, Henry Wishcamper's production features all-new on stage magic-set elements, special effects and more. The cast of 27 (below, includes 14 new and 13 returning cast members) stars Larry Yando, who most recently appeared in Mary Zimmerman's production of The Jungle Book as Shere Khan, in his sixth turn as Ebenezer Scrooge and 8-year-old Matthew Abraham as Tiny Tim for the second year. A Christmas Carol runs tonight, November 16 - December 28 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre.

The Vineyard Theatre world-premiere production of the musical THE LANDING - with book and lyrics by Greg Pierce, music by John Kander and directed by Walter Bobbie - will conclude its acclaimed run with a special VIP benefit reception for patrons following the final performance on Sunday, November 24 at 3 p.m. at The Vineyard. (108 E. 15 St.) A $200 VIP ticket includes premium seating for the show as well as a champagne toast with the musical's cast and creative team onstage after the performance. For reservations and information contact Julie Erhart at 212-353-3366 or jerhart@vineyardtheatre.org.

The Clive Barnes Foundation has announced the nominees for the 2012 Clive Barnes Awards, a distinguished annual honor recognizing the work of young actors and dancers in New York City.

The question of who determines a child's fate amidst drug addiction, religion and child custody laws takes center stage in Rebecca Gilman's newest work, Luna Gale, directed by Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls.

The most wonderful time of the year is underway as rehearsals begin this week for Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, 'a joyous present for the entire family' (Chicago Sun-Times), in its 36th annual production. Directing the holiday favorite for the first time, Henry Wishcamper's production features all-new on stage magic-set elements, special effects and more. The cast of 27 (below, includes 14 new and 13 returning cast members) stars Larry Yando, who most recently appeared in Mary Zimmerman's production of The Jungle Book as Shere Khan, in his sixth turn as Ebenezer Scrooge and 8-year-old Matthew Abraham as Tiny Tim for the second year. A Christmas Carol runs November 16 - December 28 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre.

The Vineyard Theatre has announced its world-premiere production of the musical THE LANDING -- with book and lyrics by Greg Pierce, music by John Kander and directed by Walter Bobbie -- will extend its previously-announced engagement by two weeks, now scheduled to play through November 24 at The Vineyard (108 E. 15 St.). THE LANDING began preview performances October 3 with opening night set for October 23.

THE LANDING -- which marks John Kander's first full new theatre collaboration with another writer since the passing of his long-time collaborator Fred Ebb in 2004 -- begins previews tonight, October 3, with an official opening night on October 23rd at Vineyard Theatre (108 E. 15 St.)

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, Canadian Stage announced a surplus of $114,532, marking the second year in a row the company has ended the theatre season in the black, following a surplus of $30,880 for the 2012 fiscal year. Under the leadership of Artistic & General Director Matthew Jocelyn, Managing Director Su Hutchinson and board chair Ron Lalonde, the not-for-profit company continues to support its artistic mandate as a home for innovative live performance from Canada and around the world by reducing the organization's accumulated deficit by seven per cent in fiscal year 2013 from fiscal year 2012.

Cleveland Play House (CPH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Kepley as Artistic Director. Kepley has served as CPH Interim Artistic Director since May, following three seasons as Associate Artistic Director. The CPH Board of Directors will introduce Kepley as Artistic Director at a CPH Community Gathering at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2013. The event is free, open to the general public, and will take place in the Second Stage at PlayhouseSquare.

Venus in Fur, the play that The New York Times calls, 'seriously smart and very funny,' kicks off The Rep's 60th Anniversary Season in the Stiemke Studio. In this sexy new play, audiences have the opportunity to first meet Thomas - a demanding playwright and director desperate for the perfect actress for his new stage adaptation of a classic erotic novel. Then along comes Vanda - an unusually talented young actress lusting after the leading role in the show. Through the comic genius of playwright David Ives, their late-night encounter in a deserted audition studio evolves from banal routine into a sizzling battle of the sexes blending love, libido and literature that will keep you wondering to the very end just who, exactly, is on top. Written by award-winning, contemporary playwright David Ives, Venus in Furwill be Directed by Rep Associate Artist Laura Gordon, whose other recent Rep directing credits include Gutenberg! The Musical!, In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) and Laurel and Hardy. The cast features Reese Madigan and Greta Wohlrabe. Venus in Fur runs in the Stiemke Studio from September 25 - November 3, and opens on Friday, September 27.

Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre, announces its thrilling new season of plays created by playwrights that include a Pulitzer-Prize winning comedy, a new play that was the Outer Critics Circle's Outstanding, New Play winner, the first play by a Tony Award winner, a 2011 Tony Award nominee for Best Play, plus an ingenious comedy from acclaimed, award-winning playwright Alan Ayckbourn and an intriguing epic by Bertolt Brecht.

TACT/The Actors Company Theatre presents Natural Affection by William Inge, the first production of the company's 21st Season. Directed by TACT Co-Artistic Director Jenn Thompson, performances begin at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Avenues) tonight, September 17, 2013. Opening night is set for Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm. Performances will continue through October 26, 2013.

TACT/The Actors Company Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for Natural Affection by William Inge, the first production of the company's 21st Season. Directed by TACT Co-Artistic Director Jenn Thompson, performances begin at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Avenues) on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Opening night is set for Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm. Performances will continue through October 26, 2013.

Tickets to the Vineyard Theatre's world premiere production of the musical THE LANDING -- with book and lyrics by Greg Pierce, music by John Kander and directed by Walter Bobbie -- will go on sale to the general public today, Wednesday, September 4 at 1 p.m. THE LANDING begins previews at The Vineyard (108 E. 15 St.) on October 3 prior to an official opening night on October 23.

Aux Dog Theatre Nob Hill presents The Regional Premiere of Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen, a new version by Brian Friel. Directed by Jessica Osbourne. Opens today, August 9th - September 1st, 2013. Today & Saturday's at 8pm, Sunday's at 6pm. Advanced Purchase Tickets $18/ $16 online ($22 at door). Call (505) 254-7716. Buy your tickets today at www.auxdog.com

Aux Dog Theatre Nob Hill presents The Regional Premiere of Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen, a new version by Brian Friel. Directed by Jessica Osbourne. Opens August 9th - September 1st, 2013. Friday & Saturday's at 8pm, Sunday's at 6pm. Advanced Purchase Tickets $18/ $16 online ($22 at door). Call (505) 254-7716. Buy your tickets today at www.auxdog.com.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wes Bentley is currently in negotiations for the final supporting role in the film. Should things work out, he would join previously announced Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, John Lithgow, Bill Irwin, Topher Grace and Mackenzie Foy.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater announced casting today for I Left My Heart: A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett, the first production to open The Rep's 60th Anniversary 2013/14 Season, Venus in Fur, coming to the Stiemke Studio in late September, Forever Plaid, opening at the end of October in the Stackner Cabaret and Noises Off, the second production in the Quadracci Powerhouse this season.

Westport Country Playhouse will stage the British farce, 'Loot,' a wickedly funny send-up of larcenous, lascivious behavior among the English middle classes, written by Joe Orton and directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, playing now through August 3. The play won the coveted Evening Standard Award for Best Play in 1967. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!