Alan Bennett News

TimeLine Theatre Company announces the 2008-09 season of its TimePieces Play Reading Series, a series of one-night-only readings designed to offer Chicago audiences a chance to hear new and rarely produced plays and to extend TimeLine's mission of presenting stories inspired by history that connect to today's social and political issues.

Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American identity and legacy. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about race in America, both where we've been and where we go next.

The Actors Fund will present an all-star reading of ALL ABOUT EVE, the classic backstage drama that is one of the most entertaining and witty films of all time. The reading will star Tony Awardâ winner Brian Bedford as 'Addison DeWitt,' Tony Awardâ nominee Peter Gallagher as 'Bill,' four time Tony Awardâ winner Angela Lansbury as 'Birdie,' Tony Awardâ winner Cynthia Nixon as 'Karen,' and Emmy Awardâ nominee John Slattery as 'Lloyd.' As previously announced, Golden Globeâ Award-winning actress Annette Bening will star as 'Margo Channing.'

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, is thrilled to present The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

Profiles Theatre opens its 20th Anniversary Season with the acclaimed comedy-drama Men of Tortuga by Jason Wells, directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder. The production runs October 9-December 7, 2008, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. Men of Tortuga will play for a limited engagement at Profiles through December 7, 2008 only and will not extend. The press opening is Thursday, October 9, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.

The Actors Fund will present an all-star reading of ALL ABOUT EVE, the classic backstage drama that is one of the most entertaining and witty films of all time. Leading the all-star cast will be award-winning actress Annette Bening (The Women, Running with Scissors, American Beauty) as Margo Channing. ALL ABOUT EVE will be presented Monday, November 10 at 7:30pm at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street).

Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American identity and legacy. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about race in America, both where we've been and where we go next.

Profiles Theatre opens its 20th Anniversary Season with the acclaimed comedy-drama Men of Tortuga by Jason Wells, directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder. The production runs October 9-December 7, 2008, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. Men of Tortuga will play for a limited engagement at Profiles through December 7, 2008 only and will not extend.

TimeLine Theatre Company begins its 2008-2009 season with the Chicago premiere of 'Weekend' by Gore Vidal. The play, directed by Damon Kiely, runs August 23 through October 12.

Theater audiences will recognize Dominic Cooper from his role as Dakin in the acclaimed 2006 Tony winning Best Play, The History Boys by Alan Bennett. His performance of the role on Broadway drew raves and the admiration of critics and fans alike. This Friday the ever evolving actor takes on the music of ABBA and the young romantic leading role of Sky in the big screen version of the mega musical, Mamma Mia!

The 2006 Tony Award winner for Best Play has its New England premiere at Speakeasy Stage Company in a production worthy of accolades. Director Scott Edmiston, topnotch technical crew, and entire cast of faculty and students deserve all 'A's' for this effort.

Desmond Barrit is to star as 'The Wizard' in the smash hit musical WICKED at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre from Monday 9 June 2008.

TimeLine Theatre Company, dedicated to presenting plays inspired by history that connect to today's social and political issues, announces its four-play 2008-09 season. All the plays are new to Chicago audiences, including one world premiere and at least two Chicago premieres.

Following his record-breaking tour of 'Rebecca', Nigel Havers is to star in a brand new production of Alan Bennett's award-winning comedy Single Spies. Starring alongside Nigel are Diana Quick, Jack Ryder, John Arthur, Thomas Eyre and Clive Flint. Single Spies opens at The Lowry in Salford on Tuesday March 11, prior to a major national tour.

The Seafarer's David Morse and Jim Norton will be guests on WNYC's 'The Leonard Lopate Show' this Thursday, January 3 (12:40 - 1:00 PM).

The National Theatre of Great Britain's critically acclaimed production of Conor McPherson's The Seafarer will begin rehearsals today, Friday, September 28.

The 87th edition of 'The Best Plays Theater Yearbook' has been released by Limelight Editions ($49.95, 562 pages).

Alan Bennett's Olivier Award- and Tony Award-winning play The History Boys will return to the West End

The National Theatre's production of 'The Seafarer' by Conor McPherson makes its Broadway transfer October 30 at the Booth Theatre, starring Ciarán Hinds, Conleth Hill, David Morse, Richie Coster, and Jim Norton.

According to Playwrights Horizons' website, Obie Award-winner Kathleen Chalfant will star in the New York premiere of Dead Man's Cell Phone, the new play by Pulitzer Prize-finalist Sarah Ruhl