Jeff Dennhardt

Introducing your season nine 'American Idol:' Lee DeWyze. In a battle between two tremendously talented contestants, DeWyze was able win America's votes and be crowned champion. After a tough set of performances last night, DeWyze was able to pull out the victory and what many considered an upset over runner up Crystal Bowersox. DeWyze was consistent throughout the season, giving great performance week after week and really honing his skills. DeWyze grew an incredible amount throughout the season and was able to turn himself into an 'American Idol.'

It's down to two. Soon, American will know who will be the season nine 'American Idol.' Each contestant performed three times tonight: a song of their choice, a song chosen by 'Idol' producer Simon Fuller, and the song each would release as a single if they were to be crowned th winner tomorrow night. Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox are both fantastic singers. Either one could win. So, tonight's performance have the potential to make a huge impact on who the audience votes for to win tomorrow night.

Susan Stroman, director of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, currently touring around the country, says she didn't think twice when Mel Brooks asked her to collaborate on YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN as a follow up to their hit, THE PRODUCERS. Stroman says, 'I just wanted to work with Mel again.'

Sisters Nora and Delia Ephron, currently represented off-Broadway in their production of LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE, say that, as children, their mother was often not around, so they were forced to outfit each other, beginning their loving relationship with clothes and one another.

Mark Kudisch, set to star in the Washington area premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's SYCAMORE TREES at the Signature Theatre, has said he has made a career of playing the jilted man who doesn't need to find love. As he put it, 'I have made a career of being the foil.'

Gabrielle Fox is pleased to present FOX TALES, directed by Tony Howarth, as part of the 2nd Annual Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity will take place June 3rd through the 26th at Gene Frankel Theatre (24 Bond Street), The Robert Moss Theater at 440 Studios (440 Lafayette Street) and The Theatres at 45 Bleecker (45 Bleecker Street) in New York City.

Een notaris op leeftijd is geobsedeerd geraakt door het idee dat hij en zijn familie vervloekt zijn door een spookachtige vrouw in het zwart. In zijn poging het kwaad te bezweren, neemt hij een sceptische jonge acteur in dienst om samen met hem zijn ervaringen na te spelen.

Northrop at the University of Minnesota announces its 10-11 dance season curated by Director of Concerts and Lectures at Northrop, Ben Johnson. This year, Northrop will continue to uphold the tradition of presenting world-class dance by providing an extensive scope of the finest American and International ballet, modern, and contemporary dance featuring renowned choreographers, world-class dance companies, and magnificently talented dancers.

Obie winner Matthew MacGuire will bring his critically acclaimed show WILD MAN to Son of Semele for three performance on May 26th, 27th and 28th. The performance is a one man show written, directed, and performed by MacGuire.

The critically acclaimed, award-winning Elephant Theatre Company will begin its 14th season with the world premiere of Supernova by Timothy McNeil, with performances beginning on Thursday, May 20. Opening night is set for Saturday, May 22, and Supernova will play a limited engagement through June 27.

It was an impressive crowd that gathered for the opening night of Rip Taylor's 'It Ain't All Confetti' at the El Portal Theatre on Friday May 21st, including Kathy Griffin, Julie Newmar, Rich Little, Kate Linder, Romi Dames, Bruce Vilanch, Joanne Worley, Susan Olsen, Tania Gunadi, Gary Collins, Mary Ann Mobley, Margaret O'Brien, Earl Holliman, Ruta Lee, Dick Van Patten, Nancy Dussault, Judy Tenuta, Dee Wallace, Anne Jeffreys, Alex Trebeck and many more.

The Guthrie Theater today announced additional casting and the full creative team for the upcoming regional premiere of Annie Baker's Circle Mirror Transformation, directed by Benjamin McGovern. University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program graduate Ali Rose Dachis, in her Guthrie debut, will play Lauren, alongside the four previously announced Guthrie veterans -- Chris Carlson (James), Tracey Maloney (Theresa), Bill McCallum (Schultz) and Angela Timberman (Marty). Circle Mirror Transformation begins preview performances on May 20, opens May 22 and continues through June 13, 2010. Single tickets start at $18 and are now on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE, 612.225.6244 (Group Sales) and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

The Shakespeare Playground presents 'Villains and Heroes' - A Week-Long Theater Workshop for ages 8 to 13. The program runs June 28 to July 2.

Gering & López Gallery will be closed on Saturday, May 29th - Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. On Tuesday, June 1, the gallery will begin its summer schedule, Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm. We will return to our regular operating hours after Labor Day. As always, we are also open by appointment.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE is the timeless comedic, yet poignant story of the Banks family's preparations for their daughter Kay's wedding. Most everyone is familiar with the modern version starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. The original movie stars Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor and takes place in the 1950s, as does Pull-Tight's production.