MacDowell Awards Spring-Summer Fellowships to 142 Artists
MacDowell will welcome 142 artists from 23 states, Washington, D.C., and 11 countries for spring and summer residencies. These Fellowships at the nation’s first artist residency program were granted from a pool of 1,822 applications from 54 different countries and every state except Hawaii.
BWW Review: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Superb and Intense AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Several years ago the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's touring production of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY touched down at the Fox Theatre and I was blown away by it. I think it spoiled me with its massive set and terrific ensemble. So, when regional theatre companies began staging playwright Tracy Letts' work, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. But recently I saw the St. Louis Actors' Studio's presentation. Again, I thought this was a work that couldn't be scaled down to fit into the confines of a black box theatre. But, I was wrong. They've done an exceptional job with this production. The acting is superb, and somehow they've managed to parlay the intimacy into something that makes the play seem even more powerful. I think this is must-see theatre, and I urge you to check out this amazing production.
BWW Review: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Intriguing LABUTE NEW THEATER FESTIVAL
We're so lucky to have the privilege of having the St. Louis Actors' Studio present the Labute New Theater Festival each year. Submissions come from around the country, are whittled down to a few, and then presented in two parts, with each section receiving a full two week run. In addition, there are staged readings of the High School finalists who also submit their new works. While I was unable to attend the first part, I did get a chance to see the second, and was pleased with the results of this years' choices. It was a good mixture of styles and approaches, and it continues to be something our region should be very proud of.
Jamil Khoury's MOSQUE ALERT to Premiere at Silk Road Rising This Spring
Silk Road Rising and Executive Director Malik Gillani are proud to announce the World Premiere of MOSQUE ALERT, a new play written by Jamil Khoury and directed by Edward Torres. MOSQUE ALERT runs March 24 - May 1, 2016, in Pierce Hall at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St, Lower Level, in Chicago. Press opening is Saturday, April 2 at 4:00 pm.
Jamil Khoury's MOSQUE ALERT to Premiere at Silk Road Rising This Spring
Silk Road Rising and Executive Director Malik Gillani are proud to announce the World Premiere of MOSQUE ALERT, a new play written by Jamil Khoury and directed by Edward Torres. MOSQUE ALERT runs March 24 - May 1, 2016, in Pierce Hall at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St, Lower Level, in Chicago. Press opening is Saturday, April 2 at 4:00 pm.
USM to Stage Maine Premiere of REEFER MADNESS, 3/11-20
The USM Department of Theatre and the USM School of Music present the Maine premiere of REEFER MADNESS The Musical, based on a book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, with music by Dan Studney and lyrics by Kevin Murphy. The show runs from Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 20, with 7:30 p.m. performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. performances on Wednesday and Sunday. All performances take place on the Main Stage at Russell Hall, on the USM Gorham campus.
BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Compelling SIGHT UNSEEN
Art is something that can be entirely subjective. Everyone can have their own opinion, with different people viewing a particular work and coming away with distinctly unique perspectives on its merit, or lack thereof. That's part of what makes SIGHT UNSEEN, by playwright Donald Margulies so intriguing. We're presented with a modern artist whose pieces are often categorized as obscene or shocking, although we're only allowed to glimpse an early canvas, so it's up to us to envision in our mind's eye the kind of product he has been creating that has presented him with such fame and success. And, like all people who work in the cultural arts fields, a muse is often instrumental in providing inspiration. When that muse is gone, does the work continue, and does it change? These elements are all examined quite thoughtfully in this play, and with an excellent cast and expert direction they come together in truly compelling fashion in The New Jewish Theatre's current production.
BWW Reviews: The St. Louis Actors' Studio Intriguing Presentation of the LABUTE NEW THEATER FESTIVAL (Part One)
St. Louis should feel honored that the St. Louis Actors' Studio has established a new summer tradition with their LABUTE NEW THEATER FESTIVAL which began last week. It is an opportunity for all theater-goers to see fresh one act plays that are both thought-provoking and engaging. As a special treat playwright/screenwriter/director Neil LaBute also contributes a piece each year. This event is truly special and one that should not be missed.
BWW Reviews: The New Jewish Theatre's Giddy Delight of SCHLEMIEL THE FIRST
SCHLEMIEL THE FIRST is a giddy delight, with songs and laughs barreling along at a frenetic pace. Based on the play by Isaac Bashevis Singer (conceived and adapted by Robert Brustein), this Klezmer musical (composed by Hankus Netsky and Zalmen Miotek, with lyrics by Arnold Weinstein) is guaranteed fun from start to finish, and The New Jewish Theatre has put together an exceptional production that is well worth your time and attention.
BWW Reviews: Dramatic License Production's Comical Farce BOEING,BOEING
Playwright Marc Camoletti's BOEING, BOEING (translated by Beverly Cross) has had its share of success over the years, running for nearly 20 years in Paris, and being turned into a Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis film in 1965, before being revived on Broadway in 2008. Now, Dramatic License Productions is presenting their take on this swingin' sixties farce, and they've put together an excellent presentation. The cast is terrific, the story is cute, and the direction is sharp as a tack. This amusing play is well worth your time and attention.