American Academy of Dramatic Arts News

The Academy Company, a company of post-graduate students at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, presents Shakespeare's Othello and Lorca's Blood Wedding in repertory, December 9-12.

The New York Times is reporting that Philip J. Smith was named today the chairman of both the Shubert Organization and Foundation , a position many consider to the most powerful of all in the theatrical world. Mr. Smith, 77, the organization's president for the past dozen years, is taking over the same job that his longtime friend and mentor. The paper also reports that Robert E. Wankel, was named co-chief executive officer along with Mr. Smith and president. Mr. Wankel, who will turn 62 on Friday, was also elected to the board of directors.

Mauckingbird Theatre Company will present Hedda Gabler as a compelling lesbian drama with the professional premiere of playwright Caroline Kava's explosive new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic. After the success of their critically acclaimed and sold-out inaugural season with all-male versions of The Misanthrope and Shakespeare's R & J, Mauckingbird's Hedda Gabler, explores lesbian relationships and the search for personal and sexual identity while exposing class divides, sexism, and the influence of money and status in aristocratic and bourgeois worlds.

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is proud to announce its production of OLIVER! which arrives just in time for the holidays. This precocious and charming classic has enchanted and entertained audiences for years. Lionel Bart's show is based on Charles Dickens' touching tale of an orphan boy who runs away from the orphanage and learns to live life on the hard streets of a not so merry ole' England. With such unforgettable songs as Food, Glorious Food, You've Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two, and I'd Do Anything, this show will have you wanting more, sir!

International singing sensation Cristina Fontanelli will sing a program of Italy's best-loved songs, arias, Neapolitan and Christmas classics during her fifth-annual 'Christmas in Italy,' concert at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center, Sunday, December 7th at 8:00 p.m. Called a 'vocal genius' by the New York Sun, Ms. Fontanelli's 5th-annual 'Christmas in Italy' concert is a 'love letter' and a tribute to her grandparents and her wonderful and colorful Italian heritage. 'I decided to begin this tradition of performing holiday favorites and well-known songs and arias because of my concern that Italian folk and classical music is quickly becoming lost,' says Ms. Fontanelli.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Orange County's beloved holiday tradition, returns to South Coast Repertory for its 29th season.

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is proud to announce its production of OLIVER! which arrives just in time for the holidays. This precocious and charming classic has enchanted and entertained audiences for years. Lionel Bart's show is based on Charles Dickens' touching tale of an orphan boy who runs away from the orphanage and learns to live life on the hard streets of a not so merry ole' England. With such unforgettable songs as Food, Glorious Food, You've Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two, and I'd Do Anything, this show will have you wanting more, sir!

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is proud to announce its production of OLIVER! which arrives just in time for the holidays. This precocious and charming classic has enchanted and entertained audiences for years. Lionel Bart's show is based on Charles Dickens' touching tale of an orphan boy who runs away from the orphanage and learns to live life on the hard streets of a not so merry ole' England. With such unforgettable songs as Food, Glorious Food, You've Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two, and I'd Do Anything, this show will have you wanting more, sir!

International singing sensation Cristina Fontanelli will sing a program of Italy's best-loved songs, arias, Neapolitan and Christmas classics during her fifth-annual 'Christmas in Italy,' concert at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center, Sunday, December 7th at 8:00 p.m.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Orange County's beloved holiday tradition, returns to South Coast Repertory for its 29th season.

Profiles Theatre continues its 20th Anniversary Season with the OBIE Award-winning dark comedy The Thugs by Adam Bock, directed by Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The production runs October 29-December 14, 2008, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. The play will run in repertory with Profiles' production of Men of Tortuga, playing through December 7, 2008. The press opening for The Thugs is Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.

Michael Martinez will present An Evening of Music and Comedy IV at Don't Tell Mama on Tuesday October 14 at 7:00 pm. This showcase and variety show will feature singer Adam Kee, singer/songwriter Katelyn Nudo, recording artsist Kristin Trotta, and singer / songwriter Andrea Dee. Comedian Matt Florio will be the Special Guest Host for the evening.

Profiles Theatre continues its 20th Anniversary Season with the OBIE Award-winning dark comedy The Thugs by Adam Bock, directed by Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The production runs October 29-December 14, 2008, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. The play will run in repertory with Profiles' production of Men of Tortuga, playing through December 7, 2008. The press opening for The Thugs is Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at 8:00 p.m.

South Coast Repertory today announced the cast and creative team for The Heiress, the psychological drama of love, innocence and betrayal by Ruth Goetz and Augustus Goetz.

Just in time for Halloween, The Shadowmen open their 2008 - 2009 season with Quills, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Doug Wright's incendiary ode to the Marquis de Sade.

Michael Martinez will present An Evening of Music and Comedy IV at Don't Tell Mama on Tuesday October 14 at 7:00 pm. This showcase and variety show will feature singer Adam Kee, singer/songwriter Katelyn Nudo, recording artsist Kristin Trotta, and singer / songwriter Andrea Dee. Comedian Matt Florio will be the Special Guest Host for the evening.

Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) is pleased to announce full casting for its upcoming production of Itamar Moses' BACK BACK BACK, the stirring new drama set in baseball's steroid era.

A 'Forbidden Broadway' alum and Drama Desk nominee for 'Ruthless!', Donna is back at Goodspeed in 'Half a Sixpence'.

LECTURE, WITH CELLO, by ROBERT MOULTHROP, is a one-person drama with absurdist echoes; a skewed version of music history becomes the platform for an exploration of the conjunction of madness, violence & art. KENT PAUL directs this AEA Approved Showcase Production, featuring TIMOTHY BABCOCK as 'The Professor.'

Casting announced for workshop of Broadway bound musical 'Pure Country.'