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TN Shakespeare Company to Present TENDERLY, THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL
by BWW News Desk - May 05, 2015
Tennessee Shakespeare Company, in partnership with the University of Memphis' Department of Theatre & Dance, presents its first developing musical reading on the U of M mainstage with Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Freidman on May 23 at 7:00 pm.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC, GREASE & More Set for The Orpheum's 2015 Summer Movie Series
by BWW News Desk - May 01, 2015
The Orpheum Theatre announces the official 2015 schedule for its annual Summer Movie Series.  Presented for a fourth year by Orion Federal Credit Union, this year's films consist of comedies, classics, fan favorites, and family-friendly features, some of which have never before appeared on the Orpheum screen.  The series will run from June 4 to August 28 at the Orpheum Theatre. 
Orpheum Welcomes Ron Jewell as VP of Centre Operations
by BWW News Desk - April 30, 2015
The Memphis Development Foundation (MDF), which operates the historic Orpheum Theatre, announces that Ron Jewell, current Director of the Bartlett Performing Arts Center, will join the MDF staff as Vice-President of Operations at the forthcoming Centre for Performing Arts Education. The $14.5 million Centre is expected to formally open in August of this year.
Theatre Memphis Adds MOTHERS AND SONS to Season
by BWW News Desk - April 29, 2015
Having just secured the rights to the new Terrence McNally play Mothers and Sons, Theatre Memphis will produce that drama in place of Edward Albee's All Over,  previously announced as the February 2016 offering in the upcoming season.
Orpheum Broadway Season Tickets on Sale 5/18
by BWW News Desk - April 29, 2015
Season tickets for the 2015-2016 Broadway Series will go on sale to the public Monday, May 18th at 10:00am.
The Circus Playhouse Presents SEMINAR, 5/29-6/21
by BWW News Desk - April 28, 2015
Four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing lessons with Leonard, a once celebrated literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon, and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious, as innocence collides with experience in this sharp comedy.
Roxy Regional Theatre to Reveal 33rd Season 'Happenin' at the Hollemans' Event, 5/11
by BWW News Desk - April 27, 2015
A green ogre, an enchanted garden, a rhyming feline, a punk rock opera, and the boy who asked for more ... just a sampling of what awaits the corner of Franklin and First in 2015-2016.  For the third consecutive year, Mark, Ricki, John Mark and Will Holleman will host 'Happenin' at the Hollemans,' a lovely evening featuring the unveiling of the Roxy Regional Theatre's highly-anticipated 'Better Than Broadway' season, on Monday, May 11, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
TN Shakespeare Company Sets Titles for Inaugural SHOWPLACE MEMPHIS
by BWW News Desk - April 27, 2015
As part of Tennessee Shakespeare Company's first year-round season, the development of three exciting new musicals launches on the University of Memphis Mainstage this summer with Showplace Memphis: Musical Works in Progress.
BWW Reviews: Theatre Memphis Brings THE PHILADELPHIA STORY South
by Joseph Baker - April 27, 2015
George Cukor's 1940 film version of Philip Barry's THE PHILADELPHIA STORY was Katharine Hepburn's return to glory after the actress had been labeled 'box office poison' after the failure of several films. 021The savvy Hepburn was able to bend MGM to her will when it wanted to film Barry's play, and the end result rewarded everyone involved: Hepburn, her old RKO co-star Cary Grant, and the up and coming James Stewart. Not only were Oscar nominations and wins in store, but at the center of it all was Hepburn in all her patrician, high cheek-boned elegance. She may have given greater performances as the tragic, dope-addicted 'Mary Tyrone' in the film version of Eugene O'Neill's LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT or as the caustic, sparring 'Eleanor of Aquitaine' in James Goldman's THE LION IN WINTER, but for those who want to see Hepburn at the height of her unusual beauty and comedic gifts, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is a must. Having seen the film numerous times, I was wary of Theatre Memphis' staging of Barry's work. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, once seen, leaves such an impression that it's rather like tackling a remake of THE WIZARD OF OZ or GONE WITH THE WIND or THE GODFATHER. Director Jason Spitzer has taken the dare, and he and his cast have mostly succeeded in the satiny, stylized production currently playing at Theatre Memphis.
BWW Reviews: And BEST OF BROADWAY 2 Begat BEST OF BROADWAY 3
by Joseph Baker - April 24, 2015
Once again, it's Spring; and once again, Stage Door Productions has brought professionals and nonprofessionals together to share their love of musical theatre and their talents in what is, by now, an annual event: THE BEST OF BROADWAY 3, closing this weekend at the KROC Center, is Director Brandon Kelly's latest 'greatest hits' collection to entertain Memphis' audiences. This is the second year I have attended this event, and even though a review at this point probably won't make much difference in bolstering attendance, BEST doesn't really need it. The audience here is 'a given' (and a vocal 'given' at that) - a multigenerational aggregation of relatives and friends, lovers of musicals, and people who simply want to be entertained; and in that latter respect, THE BEST OF BROADWAY 3 does not disappoint.
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY Opens Tonight at Theatre Memphis
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2015
The Philadelphia Story opens tonight, April 24 and runs through May 10, 2015, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis.
MARY POPPINS Begins Tonight at Roxy Regional Theatre
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2015
Casting is now complete for Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's musical MARY POPPINS, set to open tonight, April 24. Directed and designed by Tom Thayer, with choreography by Philadelphia choreographer Jenn Rose, lighting design by Noel Rennerfeldt, flying effects by ZFX, costumes by Premiere Clothing and Debby Dowlen, hats by Blanche's Place, and sound sequencing by The MT Pit, the cast will feature local youth in the roles of Michael and Jane. Nate Miller and Kylan Ritchie will play one set of children, while Riley Jenkins and Virginia Richardson will double during the run of the show.
BWW Reviews: Dia-TRIBES at Circuit
by Joseph Baker - April 21, 2015
David Morgan's detailed set design for Circuit Playhouse's production of Nina Raine's TRIBES 'speaks volumes' (no pun intended) for the noisy, ego-driven family the audience is about to meet: Piano, stage left; 'intellectual' clutter scattered about; books everywhere; and - oh, yes - a liquor bottle on the table. The members almost immediately begin to descend on stage, chattering away with the kind of overlapping, hyper-intense dialogue that would make the late Robert Altman smile and put fingers in both of his ears. Nothing seems in harmony hear -- everything is a cacophonous, confused kind of roar. At the center, as a kind of eye to this verbal hurricane, is 'Billy,' sweetly casting his gaze from one pair of lips to another, as that is the only way he can absorb the conversations that are colliding about him.
Nominations for 6th Annual High School Music Awards, Presented at The Orpheum, Announced!
by BWW News Desk - April 20, 2015
On Monday, May 11th at 7:00 p.m., students and supporters from 30 participating schools across the Mid-South will gather at The Orpheum for the 6th Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards. Modeled after the Tony Awards, the High School Musical Theatre Awards recognize achievements in all areas of high school musical theatre. This year, the Orpheum is proud to welcome Broadway and television star Kyle Dean Massey as this year's awards show host.
Playhouse on the Square to Present KISS ME, KATE, 5/8-31
by BWW News Desk - April 20, 2015
Kiss Me, Kate is Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew set to Cole Porter's greatest score. Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, two divorced and flamboyantly egocentric performers, find themselves starring opposite each other in this fun, melodious, and sophisticated musical that is a tribute to theatre in all its greasepaint and glory. The score features famous songs such as "Another Op'nin', Another Show," "Too Darn Hot," and "Always True to You in My Fashion." This classic musical adventure is sure to be something that everyone can enjoy.
Theatre Memphis to Host AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Gala, 5/15
by BWW News Desk - April 16, 2015
An American in Paris, an elegant evening of entertainment and classic cuisine will be held on May 15, 2015 at Theatre Memphis beginning at 6:30pm. Internationally known designer Brian J. McCarthy will speak regarding his designs and new book release, Luminous Interiors, and the seated dinner will be prepared by celebrity chef, Jose Gutierrez of River Oaks Restaurant.
Photo Flash: First Look at Theatre Memphis' RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2015
A 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist fresh from off-Broadway, the regional premiere of Rapture, Blister, Burn, by Gina Gionfriddoushers into the Next Stage at Theatre Memphis and runs April 3 - 19, 2105.
BWW Reviews: Theatre Memphis' RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN - 'Blistered Sisters'
by Joseph Baker - April 13, 2015
While watching the Next Stage production of Gina Gionfriddo's RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN at Theatre Memphis, I was reminded of John Van Druten's screenplay for the 1943 Warner Brothers film OLD ACQUAINTANCE. It was one of those 'women pictures' which provided thespic opportunities for the likes of actresses like Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins, who, in fact, were the lead players in this particular film. In their youth, the two women had been friends, but as their paths parted in life, the Davis character, brittle and alone, became a critically acclaimed (if financially challenged) author, while the Hopkins character, finally penning a bestseller (trash that it is, it rakes in the 'big bucks'), jealously desires what Davis has. I couldn't help thinking, if Gionfriddo's RAPTURE had fallen into the hands of a director like Vincent Sherman, I could see Davis as the 'Catherine Croll' character, who, despite national recognition and an evidently fulfilling career, begins to have doubts about her life choices. (If you've ever seen the famous car scene in Joseph L. Mankiewicz's ALL ABOUT EVE, also starring Davis, you'll hear the character of stage actress 'Margo Channing' lament what a woman gives up when she devotes herself entirely to a career: I wonder if this very scene influenced Ms. Gionfriddo in her characterizations.) The other character, 'Gwen,' would obviously have been given over to Hopkins, who would have shone as the once promising woman who jettisoned her own burgeoning promise to marry 'Don Harper,' who once had been Catherine's intended (George Brent, anyone?).
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY Opens 4/24 at Theatre Memphis
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2015
The Philadelphia Story opens April 24 and runs through May 10, 2015, on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis. A classic American comedy, this sophisticated fun and zany satire takes a witty look behind the scenes of a posh socialite wedding. Tracy Lord is all set to walk down the aisle for a second time when suddenly confronted by an ex-husband and a charming reporter covering the wedding for a national magazine. Tracy will walk down the aisle ... but with whom?
TRIBES Begins Tonight at The Circuit Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2015
Billy is a young man born deaf and raised in a loud, opinionated family where his parents and siblings never bothered to learn sign language, requiring him to adapt to the hearing world. When he meets Sylvia, a young woman from a deaf family who introduces him to deaf culture, Billy suddenly feels confidence and a sense of belonging to a 'tribe' he's never known before. Winner of the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, Tribes is a poignant new drama about love, family, and finding one's voice.
Orpheum Theatre's Family Series Presents SPOT Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2015
The Orpheum Theatre's Family Series will present a fun-filled, interactive stage experience with Spot, the most famous and adored dog in children's literature, tonight, April 10th at 6:30 PM.
Tennessee Shakespeare Company to Celebrate William Faulkner During April Literary Salon
by BWW News Desk - April 07, 2015
As part of its Southern Exposure Series, which features new and classic literature by Southern writers, Tennessee Shakespeare Company this April returns to its popular Tuesday Literary Salon spotlighting the early poetry and short stories of William Faulkner.
BWW Reviews: Voices of the South Offers a Riveting AWAKENING
by Joseph Baker - April 04, 2015
Poor 'Edna Pontellier' of Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING - as 'corseted' by society as she is by the habiliments of the day. I'd like to imagine a tea party where she'd feel welcome. Let's see . . . whom to invite? One of Henrik Ibsen's stifled heroines - HEDDA GABLER or 'Nora' from A DOLL'S HOUSE; and there's 'Janie Crawford,' the African-American heroine of Zora Neale Hurston's THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD. What about Gustave Flaubert's MADAME BOVARY? Oh, yes, and let's not neglect the movies: Vivien Leigh's convention-daring 'Scarlett O'Hara,' her foot dancing away while she sports widow's weeds, or a black-wigged Bette Davis gyrating to get out of a small town in King Vidor's hothouse melodrama BEYOND THE FOREST. Now, that would be some group, but they'd all end up smashing the teacups.
Playhouse on the Square to Present KISS ME, KATE
by BWW News Desk - April 03, 2015
Kiss Me, Kate is Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew set to Cole Porter's greatest score. Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, two divorced and flamboyantly egocentric performers, find themselves starring opposite each other in this fun, melodious, and sophisticated musical that is a tribute to theatre in all its greasepaint and glory. The score features famous songs such as "Another Op'nin', Another Show," "Too Darn Hot," and "Always True to You in My Fashion." This classic musical adventure is sure to be something that everyone can enjoy.

Videos


Winnie The Pooh (TOUR) in Memphis Winnie The Pooh (TOUR)
The Circuit Playhouse (4/18 - 4/19)
Jesus Christ Superstar in Memphis Jesus Christ Superstar
Playhouse on the Square (4/24 - 5/17)
Christopher Cross in Memphis Christopher Cross
Graceland Soundstage (3/14 - 3/14)
Primary Trust in Memphis Primary Trust
The Circuit Playhouse (5/8 - 5/31)
Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Johnson City, TN! On February 22, 2026 in Memphis Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Johnson City, TN! On February 22, 2026
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts (2/22 - 2/22)
Pretty Little Room in Memphis Pretty Little Room
Crosstown Theater (3/6 - 3/7)
sex/work in Memphis sex/work
TheatreWorks@The Square (1/9 - 1/25)
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