Ryan Watkinson

Review: A CHORUS LINE at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, IL
by Tina St. Angelo Wetzel - Feb 3, 2023

What did our critic think of A CHORUS LINE at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, IL? A Chorus Line, Michael Bennett's iconic love letter to performers on the line anywhere, opened last night at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. How do I write about this show which holds a special place in my heart? During the late '70s and '80s, I saw ACL 13 times at the Auditorium, Shubert and Blackstone theaters. I was lucky to see Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Lupone and Tony Teague in lead roles. Director Jane Lanier has preserved Michael's vision from 1975 including original choreography by Michael Bennett and Bob Avian and book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante. Jane, I (and countless others) cannot thank you enough. There were a few updates which were subtle and worked perfectly. The costumes designed by Sarah Cubbage and Heather C. Jackson were done with nuance from Theoni V. Aldredge's original Broadway design. Andrew Boyce's recreation of the mirrors was breathtaking. Lighting has been a special part of ACL and Julie Mack's design was awe inspiring. Christopher Sargent conducting the orchestra brought to life once again Marvin Hamlisch's toe tapping, humming and singing along score and Edward Kleban's lyrics.

Avett Brothers Musical SWEPT AWAY Announces Third Extension at Berkeley Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2022

Following a positive response from audiences and critics alike, Berkeley Rep has announced that the world premiere of Swept Away will extend for a third and final week. The popular show will now run through Sunday, March 13.

Diane Hamilton to Retire from ATMTC After 27 Years
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 3, 2013

Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) Adventure Theatre MTC announces the retirement of Diane Hamilton, long-time lead artist, mentor and inspiration to Washington, D.C. area performing arts students after 27 years of service to her community and art.

Photo Coverage: Fire Island Dance Festival 2012 Earns $374,260 for BC/EFA!
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 25, 2012

FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL returned to Fire Island Pines for its 18th awe-inspiring edition, raising a record-breaking $374,260 through three weekend performances. FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL 18, the hottest charity event of the season in the Pines, was presented July 20-22 and was produced by and benefitted Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Photo Flash: Broadway Theatre Project Hits 21 Years
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 1, 2011

The Broadway Theatre Project (BTP) is proud to have just completed its 21st consecutive phenomenal three week intensive training program developing key aspects of the Performing Arts and teaching critical life skills for extraordinary theatrical young people on the campus of University of South Florida.

Photo Flash: Daniel Radcliffe at HARRY POTTER Premiere in London
by Robert Diamond - Jul 7, 2011

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING is on a two day hiatus Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8, to accommodate star of stage and screen Daniel Radcliffe's previously scheduled Harry Potter promotional obligations in the UK as the final film in the popular series officially opens. The highly anticipated new Potter film, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART TWO premiered in Trafalger Square in London today, for which Radcliffe flew overnight after his 2 show day on Wednesday to make. HOW TO SUCCEED will resume performances on Saturday, July 9 for the 8pm performance only as regularly scheduled after the trouper wings his way back to the States.

HOW TO SUCCEED Goes on Hiatus July 7 & 8 for UK 'Harry Potter' Opening
by Jessica Lewis - Jul 6, 2011

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING will go on a two day hiatus tomorrow, July 7 and Friday, July 8, to accommodate Daniel Radcliffe's previously scheduled Harry Potter promotional obligations in the UK. Potter premieres in Trafalger Square in London tomorrow, July 7. HOW TO SUCCEED will resume performances on Saturday, July 9 for the 8pm performance only as regularly scheduled. Warner Brothers bought out the Al Hirschfeld Theatre for these dates to get Radcliffe to London for the event.