Aimee Savoth - Page 16

In celebration of over ten years of creating holiday musicals specifically written with multigenerational appeal, one of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati's (ETC) most popular family-friendly holiday productions, SLEEPING BEAUTY by Joseph McDonough and David Kisor, returns December 2 through January 3 and is directed by D. Lynn Meyers. In the tradition of ETC's 'fractured fairytale' holiday productions, SLEEPING BEAUTY is a modern spin on the classic fairytale, and features Briar Rose, her overprotective parents, a rock n' roll prince, and three wacky fairies (and an evil one!).

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company rings in the holiday season with a Hollywood treatment of William Shakespeare's classic comedy THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, featuring Hayley Clark and Christopher Guthrie and directed by Associate Artistic Director Matt Johnson.

Ring in the holidays Dec. 5 and 6 with the annual FEAST OF CAROLS at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). The festivities will feature yuletide favorites performed by the CCM Concert Orchestra, CCM choral ensembles, and outstanding high school and community choirs from the Tristate region.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Northern Kentucky University is performing the musical TITANIC with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Peter Stone.

MY MOTHER'S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING, the new musical comedy based on a true story, seems to be a certified hit, selling more than 16,000 tickets at the 700-seat state-of-the-art Panasonic Theatre. Accordingly, producer David Mirvish is extending the show's limited engagement once again from December 13 (the last extension) through January 3, 2010. The new block of tickets is on sale now.

Metropolitan favorite Liz Callaway returns to the Metropolitan Room on December 31 with two shows. Her first show, beginning at 8pm, is to celebrate the release of her newest CD Passage of Time. The album -her first in 8 years- includes music by Stephen Sondheim, James Taylor, Rogers and Hammerstein, Maltby and Shire, Ahrens and Flaherty, Stephen Schwartz, and Carly Simon.

Not all stars start off strong. As reported by WENN news, Zac Efron's first audition was not a stoic affair. The High School Musical star recalls his audition for a Peter Pan live action show when he was 15.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is sponsoring a brunch with Bye Bye Birdie's Nolan Funk for the highest bidder on eBay. 100% of the final sale price will support BC/EFA. The top bidder, on a Sunday of their choosing, gets to dine with Mr. Funk and a staff member of BC/EFA for brunch before his matinee. Brunch would begin at 12 noon and end at 1:30pm at a local Times Square area restaurant.

As previously reported by the Salem News, William Hanney, owner of Theatre By the Sea in Matunuck, Rhode Island, is in talks to purchase the building previously known as the North Shore Music Theatre. The theatre has been out of business since June, when they announced that they were unable to raise the necessary funds and pay off their debts.

James Earl Jones talked at length with Maddy Costa of the UK's Guardian about several topics including his role in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, how he got into acting, and how he formed a relationship with his absent father later in life.

Filming NINE THE MUSICAL brought out the musical side of Kate Hudson, and fellow star Nicole Kidman and NINE director Rob Marshall feel she would be an asset to a Broadway musical.

Flashpoint Theatre Company presents David Sedaris's The Santaland Diaries, adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello, December 3 - December 20.

Variety has reported that Nick Lachey will host NBC's 'The Sing-Off', in which a cappella groups compete for a Sony Recording Contract. Ben Folds and Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman will serve as judges for the series. 'The Sing-Off' will premiere Monday, December 14 at 8:00/7:00c. Additional episodes (all at 8:00/7:00c) will also air Tuesday, December 15 and Wednesday, December 16 with the season finale on Monday, December 21. Each installment will run two hours.

As previously reported, Michael Feinstein and Dame Edna have decided to collaborate on their upcoming show efforts and will jointly star in All About Me. The New York Times has reported today that All About Me shall run at the Golden Theater. Previews will begin on February 19 with an official opening night of March 18.

Bootless Artworks' presentation of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, A PUPPET MUSICAL is stage production to enjoy with the entire family. This premier adaptation by Australian composer Simon Chan is a wonderful version of the classic children's story. Filled with beautiful, lush orchestration, this telling of the timeless story is staged as a live, interactive puppet musical.

Sometimes, it can be fun to take holiday traditions and shake them up a bit. The Players Club of Swarthmore Theater is doing just that, with a classic that most people experience every December as one of a myriad of old-time gems that roll across television screens. This year, Frank Capra's classic story about a small-town banker is hitting the stage in a pretty unusual way. It's a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play will open just after Thanksgiving and play through the beginning of December.

Fela!, the new Broadway musical based on the life and music of African composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, officially opens tonight, November 23, minus a few high profile celebrity producers. It was planned for Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Jay-Z to all be in attendance for Fela!'s opening night, but due Smith's oldest son acquiring a sports related injury, the Smiths are no longer able to attend. Jay-Z will still be attending the opening night festivities including a red carpet appearance and the after party.

The second production of City Lit Theaters thirtieth anniversary 2009-2010 season, Kenneth Grahames classic novel for all ages The Wind in the Willows, in a musical adaptation by playwright and composer Douglas Post, will begin previews at City Lit Theater on Friday, November 27, 2009 and open for the press on Tuesday, December 1. The production, directed by Post, runs through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Kitchen Dog Theater presents the southwest premiere of Slasher, by Allison Moore. Slasher opened on November 13 and will run through December 12. This production is directed by Tina Parker.

ACT1 Theater presents Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus from November 27 through December 19.