Anna D. Shapiro News

Center Theatre Group's 2009-2010 season at the Ahmanson Theatre is a yearlong celebration of big, lush Broadway hits, including four Tony Award-winning musicals, the 2008 winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, and a rare, limited engagement of two stage virtuosos.

Steppenwolf celebrates its 33rd season with GALA 2009: A Celebration of the Season of the Imagination on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. The GALA 2009 Co-Chairs are Nora Daley Conroy, Charles H. James III, Randall K. Rowe, Manuel 'Manny' Sanchez, Pat Pulido Sanchez and Anna D. Shapiro.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is very proud to announce its critically-acclaimed American play August: Osage County by Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts, directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro, is nominated for four 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards including: Best new play - Tracy Letts Best company performance Best actress - Deanna Dunagan Best set design - Todd Rosenthal

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is excited to announce its 2009-2010 Subscription Season, exploring the theme of belief. Season subscriptions go on-sale to the public on Tuesday, February 3 at 11 a.m. Steppenwolf ensemble members currently confirmed for the 2009-2010 Season include: Alana Arenas, Kate Arrington, Ian Barford, Frank Galati, Jon Michael Hill, Francis Guinan, Tina Landau, Tracy Letts, Amy Morton, William Petersen, Rondi Reed, Anna D. Shapiro, Eric Simonson and Alan Wilder. Additional casting to be announced.

Nominations have been announced for this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, London's equivalent of the Tonys. The awards, which were created in 1976 will be given out on Sunday March 8, 2009 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Chicago engagement of August: Osage County, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that tells the bitingly funny and sensationally entertaining tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Academy Award-winning actress Estelle Parsons will star as the family matriarch, Violet Weston. August: Osage County comes to Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre for a limited two-week engagement February 2 - 14, 2010. Written by 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Letts (Superior Donuts, Man From Nebraska, Killer Joe, Bug), this grand and gripping new play tells the story of the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead after the alcoholic patriarch disappears. Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with matriarch Violet, a pill-popping, deeply unsettled woman at the center of the storm. Directed by 2008 Tony Award-winner Anna D. Shapiro, August: Osage County is a rare theatrical event: a large-scale work filled with 13 unforgettable characters, a powerful tragicomedy told with unflinching honesty and the unforgettable breakthrough of a major American playwright. August: Osage County premiered and was produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2007. 'Steppenwolf is delighted that August: Osage County has a new life in Chicago,' comments Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey. 'Steppenwolf audiences were the first to see this exciting play written by our ensemble member Tracy Letts, under the direction of fellow ensemble member Anna Shapiro, and we're thrilled that it will be playing in Chicago again after its successful runs on Broadway and at the National Theatre of London,' Lavey said.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that tells the bitingly funny and sensationally entertaining tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is coming to Seattle on Tuesday, October 27 for eight performances only starring Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons in the role of the family matriarch, Violet. Tickets for the Seattle engagement are available now as part of the four-show season package, by calling (toll-free) 888-451-4042. Tickets are also available through the National Group Sales department, with a minimum of 20 tickets purchased (toll-free) 888-214-6856. Single tickets for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY will be available in the summer. Ms. Parsons is currently appearing in the show on Broadway where The New York Times recently raved, 'Estelle Parsons gives a superb performance...sends chills down your spine. It may prove to be a crowning moment in an illustrious career.' Ms. Parsons joined the company in June, 2008. Estelle Parsons' first foray into the business began when she was hired by 'The Today Show,' first as a production assistant, then staff writer, which eventually led her to become the first female television network political news reporter. Estelle began acting and appeared in her first stage performance on Broadway in Happy Hunting. Since then, Estelle has gone on to either star in or direct more than 25 productions. Most notably, she has been nominated for the Tony Award for her performances in THE SEVEN DESCENTS OF MYRTLE, AND MISS REARDON DRINKS A LITTLE, MISS MARGARIDA'S WAY and MORNINGS AT SEVEN.

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Chicago engagement of August: Osage County, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that tells the bitingly funny and sensationally entertaining tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Academy Award-winning actress Estelle Parsons will star as the family matriarch, Violet Weston. August: Osage County comes to Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre for a limited two-week engagement February 2 - 14, 2010. Written by 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Letts (Superior Donuts, Man From Nebraska, Killer Joe, Bug), this grand and gripping new play tells the story of the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead after the alcoholic patriarch disappears. Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with matriarch Violet, a pill-popping, deeply unsettled woman at the center of the storm. Directed by 2008 Tony Award-winner Anna D. Shapiro, August: Osage County is a rare theatrical event: a large-scale work filled with 13 unforgettable characters, a powerful tragicomedy told with unflinching honesty and the unforgettable breakthrough of a major American playwright. August: Osage County premiered and was produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2007. 'Steppenwolf is delighted that August: Osage County has a new life in Chicago,' comments Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey. 'Steppenwolf audiences were the first to see this exciting play written by our ensemble member Tracy Letts, under the direction of fellow ensemble member Anna Shapiro, and we're thrilled that it will be playing in Chicago again after its successful runs on Broadway and at the National Theatre of London,' Lavey said.

August: Osage County, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that tells the bitingly funny and sensationally entertaining tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, starring Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons in the role of the family matriarch, Violet, will launch its national tour, in Denver, CO on July 24th, 2009. Following two weeks at Denver's Ellie Caukins Opera House (7/24-8/8), the show will play San Francisco's Curran Theatre from August 11 - September 6, 2009. Subsequent engagements will be announced shortly. Ms. Parsons is currently appearing in the show on Broadway where The New York Times recently raved, 'Estelle Parsons gives a superb performance...sends chills down your spine. It may prove to be a crowning moment in an illustrious career.' Ms. Parsons joined the company in June, 2008. Estelle Parsons first foray into the business began when she was hired by 'The Today Show,' first as a production assistant, then staff writer, which eventually led her to become the first female television network political news reporter. Estelle began acting and appeared in her first stage performance on Broadway in Happy Hunting. Since then, Estelle has gone on to either star in or direct over 25 productions. Most notably, she has been nominated for the Tony Award for her performances in The Seven Descents of Myrtle, And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little, Miss Margarida's Way and Mornings at Seven.

The citizens of Grover's Corners share the ultimate tale of community in this American classic. The Lookingglass Ensemble will infuse the play with a singular chemistry you won't see anywhere else. In the hands of these renowned artists, Thornton Wilder's masterpiece will be disarmingly beautiful, utterly compelling and painfully funny.

Goodman Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Regina Taylor's newest work, Magnolia, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro (August: Osage County). Magnolia runs March 14 - April 19, 2009, in the Albert Ivar Theatre. Tickets are $25 - 75. Target is the lead Corporate Sponsor Partner.

Tracy Letts' August: Osage County, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize, Tony, Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics' Circle, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play is proud to welcome Guy Boyd in the role of Charlie Akien. Boyd will take over from Robert Foxworth on December 16th.

Lookingglass Theatre Company proudly announces casting for its 21st season, including participation from more than 25 company members. Ensemble Members Eva Barr, Mara Blumenfeld, David Catlin, Thomas Cox, Christine Mary Dunford, Laura Eason, Raymond Fox, Doug Hara, David Kersnar, John Musial, Dan Ostling, David Schwimmer, Joey Slotnick, Philip R. Smith, Heidi Stillman, Tracy Walsh, Andrew White, and Mary Zimmerman, with Artistic Associates Louise Lamson, Chris Binder, Sara Gmitter, Andre Pluess, Rick Sims, and Alison Siple and Production Affiliates Patia Bartlett, Ray Nardelli and Jonathan Templeton will participate in the season. Additional casting and company member involvement will be announced at a later date.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today its newest ensemble member: William Petersen. The Steppenwolf ensemble, the longest-existing theater ensemble in the United States, now totals 42 members.

Tracy Letts' August: Osage County, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and 2008 Tony Award, will begin a Senior Rush ticket offer starting on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. The will be first time a show will be offering rush tickets to seniors. Tickets at $46.50 will be made available at the box office two hours prior the performance time on the day of the performance only. The Senior Rush offer is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm (Senior Rush tickets available starting at 5:30 pm) and Wednesdays at 2 pm (Senior Rush tickets available starting at 12:00 pm). (Beginning, January 6, 2009, Tuesday performances are at 7:00 pm.).

Tracy Letts' August: Osage County, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and 2008 Tony Award, will begin a Senior Rush ticket offer starting on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. The will be first time a show will be offering rush tickets to seniors. Tickets at $46.50 will be made available at the box office two hours prior the performance time on the day of the performance only. The Senior Rush offer is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm (Senior Rush tickets available starting at 5:30 pm) and Wednesdays at 2 pm (Senior Rush tickets available starting at 12:00 pm). (Beginning, January 6, 2009, Tuesday performances are at 7:00 pm.).

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning American play August: Osage County by ensemble member Tracy Letts directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro, will begin an eight-week engagement this week at London's National Theatre (Lyttelton Theatre), playing November 21, 2008, January 21, 2009.

Tracy Letts' AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize, Tony, Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics' Circle, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play - is proud to welcome Two time Tony Award-winner John Cullum (Urinetown, Shenandoah, On the Twentieth Century) as family patriarch Beverly Weston, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Lortel Award nominee Amy Warren (Adding Machine) as youngest daughter Karen Weston, and Broadway newcomer Samantha Ross as housekeeper Johnna Monevata.

Daily Variety reports that The Weinstein Co. has acquired worldwide film rights to the Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning play 'August: Osage County' and will produce a feature adaptation. TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein will join Jean Doumanian and Steve Traxler as producers of the pic, with playwright Tracy Letts doing the adaptation.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY Hits its 400th performance. Tracy Letts' AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize, Tony, Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics' Circle, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play - will play its 400th performance on Saturday, November 8th 2008 at 2:00PM.