Zach Wachter

Theater for the New City presents Speakeasy: John and Jane's Adventures in the Wonderland, a fantastical musical of Prohibition-era NYC queer life written and composed by Danny Ashkenasi.

The creative team of Speakeasy: John and Jane Allison in the Wonderland, a fantastical musical of Prohibition-era NYC queer life written and composed by Danny Ashkenasi, has announced a free public reading to be held on Monday, December 7th at 7pm as part of Theater for the New City's 'New City, New Blood' Reading Series. Lissa Moira directs a cast of 14, including Camille Atkinson, Torian Brackett, Anne Bragg, Tim Connell*, Chris D'Amico, Darcy Dunn, Rosalie Graziano*, Bevin Bell Hall, Brian Michael Henry*, Brian C. Jones, Rebecca Marquardt, Bri Molloy, Allie Radice*, and Zach Wachter. Music direction by Jonathan Fox Powers. The reading will be held at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Streets) in New York City's East Village. For reservations and more information on the free reading, visit TNC. *Member, AEA.

Producer Paul Adams and Emerging Artists Theatre present second developmental workshop of the new musical, TRUE LOVE. The musical, formerly called MEAN: THE MUSICAL, received its first workshop in May as part of Emerging Artists' 'New Work Series.' Singer-Songwriter Alecia Beth Moore (P!nk) is currently not involved directly with the musical's development, but is aware of the project. The second one-day only staged reading will take place today, October 10th at 2:00 PM at TADA! Theater, 15 West 28th Street in NYC.

Producer Paul Adams and Emerging Artists Theatre will present a second developmental workshop of the new musical, True Love. The musical, formerly called Mean: The Musical, received its first workshop in May as part of Emerging Artists' 'New Work Series.' Singer-Songwriter Alecia Beth Moore (P!nk) is currently not involved directly with the musical's development, but is aware of the project.

Producer Paul Adams and Emerging Artists Theatre will present a developmental workshop of the new musical Mean. The musical, with book by Kerri Kochanski (1,001 People That Suck, The Food Monologues), features music and lyrics by Grammy Award winning pop icon Alecia Moore (aka P!nk). The workshop features direction by Jonathan Warman (Now the Cats with Jewelled Claws at LaMama), choreography by Liz Piccoli (Spandex, the Musical), and musical direction by Luke Williams.

Producer Paul Adams and Emerging Artists Theatre will present a developmental workshop of the new musical Mean. The musical, with book by Kerri Kochanski (1,001 People That Suck, The Food Monologues), features music and lyrics by Grammy Award winning pop icon Alecia Moore (aka P!nk). The workshop features direction by Jonathan Warman (Now the Cats with Jewelled Claws at LaMama), choreography by Liz Piccoli (Spandex, the Musical), and musical direction by Luke Williams.

A lot happens over the course of the three acts that comprise playwright Terence McNally's work LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!. What's particularly interesting is that way that he balances the funny moments that occur with the more poignant ones. There's no doubt that it's an important gay play, and yet, what I got out of the experience had nothing to do with homosexuality, but with the sheer humanity on display here. Stray Dog Theatre has assembled a talented and brave cast (there's a considerable amount of nudity) that really brings each of these characters to life in meaningful ways. This is powerful and compelling theatre that demands to be seen.

Stray Dog Theatre tackles another classic musical, bringing Kander and Ebb's CABARET to the stage at the Tower Grove Abbey on this occasion. and It's a splendid rendition that combines a strong cast with incisive direction. Some bench seats have even also been removed to allow for a group of smaller club tables to surround an extended stage that puts the show right in your lap. I like that. I'm always a fan of any presentation where the audience can actually feel the intensity that the actors are putting forth. This production is definitely worth seeing, and judging by the large crowds, tickets will go fast.

Stray Dog Theatre returns to their roots during their 10th anniversary season by presenting the first play they ever produced; John Guare's SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION. Since this is a play set in 1990, it's particularly interesting to view it through the lens of the information age that we live in today. Guare's work emphasizes the importance of making personal connections with others, and we've definitely overachieved in the sheer volume of connections we have the ability to make these days, we've just managed to make them less personal, which really defeats the purpose. And, that's is why this work is still so vital and engaging.

GYPSY is the penultimate stage mother musical, but it's also a look at the decline of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque during the depression, and it's ultimately a look at how the famous stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, made her debut in show business. Jules Styne (composer), Stephen Sondheim (lyricist), and Arthur Laurents (book) have constructed a sturdy classic that's interesting to watch at a time when reality television has essentially revived the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, and all the baggage that comes with that. Stray Dog Theatre continues their stellar season with a rousing production of this popular standard.

Playwright Charles Busch has created a number of entertaining and offbeat works, and PSYCHO BEACH PARTY is no exception. Focusing on the exploits of the Gidget-like 'Chicklet Forrest', the play combines elements that evoke the psychological horrors of Alfred Hitchcock, while also poking fun at teenage surfer films and the slasher genre. It's a zany and outlandish potpourri that's a compelling laugh riot.

Stray Dog Theatre presents SPRING AWAKENING: A NEW MUSICAL, now playing through October 20, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

The original cast album of Spring Awakening (music by Duncan Sheik with book and lyrics by Steven Sater) is still in heavy rotation in my iPod, not only because it's a terrifically catchy score, but because of its dramatic power as well. And though some may try to draw comparisons to the touring company that came to the Fox in 2009, there's really nothing to be gained by doing that. Stray Dog Theatre's current presentation is a much more intimate and "in your face" production that may well carry more impact. It certainly affected me deeply, in fact, I could hardly sleep after seeing the show, with the songs and performances spinning around my brain in continual motion. This is a beautiful and haunting rendering that provides must-see entertainment for any theatre-goer.