Bert Emmett News

As BroadwayWorld sadly reported yesterday, Broadway star Jan Maxwell passed away at 61 years of age after a battle with cancer. The star is survived by her husband, actor/playwright Robert Emmet Lunney, and their son William Maxwell-Lunney.

A Noise Within (ANW) presents A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, directed by Gregg T. Daniel, the sixth production of its 26th season performing February 25 to April 8 (Press Opening March 3).

It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially for the Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, which for 38 years has provided holiday cheer for children-in-need.

Published author and playwright Donna Carbone will once again host A Novel Approach to Literacy, a talkback with local authors.

The Group Rep presents the world premiere of Gus Krieger's THE ARMADILLO NECKTIE, directed by Drina Durazo, produced by Troy Whitaker. The jet black comedy takes place on the border of Iraq and Iran where U.S. Army Colonel Ulysses Simpson Armadillo with help from his trusty Executive Officer Buckley Dunham, has been searching tirelessly for the native insurgents who, years ago, murdered his beloved wife.  

From the moment you enter the Group rep theatre and see a warmup football practice onstage, the tone for the play is set. You are about to watch, breathe, eat and sleep football. At least that is what Vince Lombardi did as head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959-1968. Now onstage at the theatre in NoHo, LOMBARDI, an LA premiere, has no great dramatic plot or conflict but is true to form, an excellent slice.of.life character study of the man of the hour whom the play is named after. Boasting brilliant direction from Gregg T. Daniel and an outstanding cast of six, LOMBARDI, like a good football season, should pack 'em in.

Director Gregg T. Daniel returns to The Group Rep to direct Eric Simonson's critically acclaimed play LOMBARDI based on the book When Pride Still Mattered:  A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss.  In our conversation, Gregg talks about the play, his fascination with the nature of greatness, and what he's been up to as a director. By Steve Peterson

The Group Rep presents Eric Simonson's LOMBARDI based on the book When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss, directed by Gregg T. Daniel, produced by Drina Durazo.  We follow Green Bay Packers coach Lombardi through a week in the 1965 season, as he attempts to lead his team to the championship. This play is centered on an icon in American football, but at its core is a minefield of humanity; teaching, fathers & sons, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, what makes a good leader and ultimately how the words we say to one another can inspire and change us. July 24 - Sept. 6.

The Group Rep presents Eric Simonson's LOMBARDI based on the book When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss, directed by Gregg T. Daniel, produced by Drina Durazo.  We follow Green Bay Packers coach Lombardi through a week in the 1965 season, as he attempts to lead his team to the championship. This play is centered on an icon in American football, but at its core is a minefield of humanity; teaching, fathers & sons, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, what makes a good leader and ultimately how the words we say to one another can inspire and change us. July 24 - Sept. 6.

The Group Rep presents the hilarious farce Don't Dress for Dinner, written by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon, directed by Drina Durazo, produced by Bert Emmett and Dan Sykes for the Group Rep.

Folks who are unfamiliar with the Don't Hug Me series of shows need look no further than at the signs in the lobby of the group rep that say 'Have a Crappie Day!' It's obvious that the show inside is unlike any other with an unmistakable individuality and peculiarly regional point of view, that everyone can relate to. We've all known people like these crazy characters. In a long series of Don't Hug Me productions the Olson Brothers are at it again, this time around with Don't Hug Me, We're Married, now onstage in NoHo through November 15.

The Group Rep presents the world premiere musical comedy Don't Hug Me, We're Married with book and lyrics by Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, choreography by Stan Mazin, and produced by Laura Coker for the Group Rep. The fifth in the popular Don't Hug Me series of musicals is set for a limited run, October 3rd through November 15th, at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in the NoHo Theatre and Arts District - North Hollywood, CA.

Set in a garage in suburban Long Island, THE BLACK SUITS tells the tale of four boys (lead singer, guitar, bass and drums) who are preparing for stardom by way of the St. Anne's Battle of the Bands. The band and the music give focus and sustenance to the boys whose lives are filled with teenage angst and longing, struggles with friends and girlfriends, and the need to make choices.

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk DouglasTheatre in Culver City. Performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. Click below to watch Veronica Dunne performing 'Blue Hair.'

The world premiere of "The Black Suits" opened on Sunday, November 3, 2013, at the Center Theatre Group/ Kirk Douglas Theatre. With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, book by Iconis and Robert Emmett Maddock, direction by John Simpkins, choreography by Jennifer Werner and music direction and orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, "The Black Suits" continues performances through November 24, 2013. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk DouglasTheatre in Culver City. Opening night is November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' which began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Opening night is tonight, November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast and creative team in rehearsal below!

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Opening night is November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production shots below!

Performances began tonight for the world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Opening night is November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. Take a look behind the scenes of the musical below!