Bill Heck News

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Daniel Sullivan, will begin performances for Shakespeare in the Park on Saturday, June 12. The Public Theater begins Shakespeare in the Park performances tonight, June 9, with the first preview of THE WINTER'S TALE, directed by Michael Greif (yesterday's scheduled opening was cancelled due to the rain). Both shows will play in repertory through Sunday, August 1 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. BroadwayWorld brings you the latest batch of MERCHANT production shots below!

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season were presented by former Theatre World Award winners last night, June 8. BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the evening's winners.

The Theatre World Awards presentation were held at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, in an invitation-only ceremony, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Peter Filichia hosted, Barry Keating directed, and Mary K. Botosan, Kati Meister, and Erin Oestreich were the event's producers. John Willis, a founder of the Theatre World Awards, was in attendance.

The Theatre World Awards presentation were held at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, in an invitation-only ceremony, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Peter Filichia hosted, Barry Keating directed, and Mary K. Botosan, Kati Meister, and Erin Oestreich were the event's producers. John Willis, a founder of the Theatre World Awards, was in attendance.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) will begin Shakespeare in the Park performances on Wednesday, June 9 with the first preview of THE WINTER'S TALE, directed by Michael Greif. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Daniel Sullivan, will begin performances on Saturday, June 12. Both shows will play in repertory through Sunday, August 1 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners. Past award recipients expected to present (or perform) at this year's ceremony include: Kate Burton (Winners, 1983), Michael Cristofer (The Cherry Orchard, 1977), Viola Davis (Seven Guitars, 1996), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, 2007), Robert LuPone (A Chorus Line, 1976 Special Award), Alli Mauzey (Cry-Baby, 2008), Michael McKean (Accomplice, 1990), Brian Stokes Mitchell, (Mail, 1988), Alfred Molina (Molly Sweeney, 1996) Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004), and Vanessa Williams (Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1995). The award-winning composer, arranger, and pianist Alex Rybeck will serve as musical director for the event.

The Public Theater presents THE WINTERS TALE as part of this summer's Shakespeare in the Park series at the Delacorte Theatre. The show will run June 9- August 1.

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners. Past award recipients expected to present (or perform) at this year's ceremony include: Kate Burton (Winners, 1983), Michael Cristofer (The Cherry Orchard, 1977), Viola Davis (Seven Guitars, 1996), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, 2007), Robert LuPone (A Chorus Line, 1976 Special Award), Alli Mauzey (Cry-Baby, 2008), Michael McKean (Accomplice, 1990), Brian Stokes Mitchell, (Mail, 1988), Alfred Molina (Molly Sweeney, 1996) Loretta Ables Sayre (South Pacific, 2008), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, 2004), and Vanessa Williams (Kiss of the Spider Woman, 1995). The award-winning composer, arranger, and pianist Alex Rybeck will serve as musical director for the event.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) will begin Shakespeare in the Park performances on Wednesday, June 9 with the first preview of THE WINTER'S TALE, directed by Michael Greif. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Daniel Sullivan, will begin performances on Saturday, June 12. Both shows will play in repertory through Sunday, August 1 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Here are the winners of the 2010 Drama Desk Awards... Outstanding Play: Alan Ayckbourn, My Wonderful Day Annie Baker, Circle Mirror Transformation Lucinda Coxon, Happy Now? **John Logan, Red ** WINNER Geoffrey Nauffts, Next Fall Bruce Norris, Clybourne Park Outstanding Musical:

The 55th Annual Drama Desk Awards ceremony just ended at the F.H. LaGuardia Concert Hall at Lincoln Center. Former Drama Desk Award winner Patti LuPone hosted tonight's ceremony.

The 55th Annual Drama Desk Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the F.H. LaGuardia Concert Hall at Lincoln Center. Former Drama Desk Award winner Patti LuPone will host the awards ceremony. Keep your browser tuned to BroadwayWorld.com for LIVE coverage on the site of all the winners and more starting at 9pm.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced complete casting today for the 2010 Shakespeare in the Park summer season featuring THE WINTER'S TALE, directed by Michael Greif and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Daniel Sullivan, running in repertory June 9-August 1 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Tickets are free and distributed the day of the performance.

Outer Critics Circle, the organization of writers and commentators for all media covering New York theatre announced today its award winners for the 2009-10 season in 23 categories.

The Public Theater will present THE WINTERS TALE as part of this summer's Shakespeare in the Park series at the Delacorte Theatre. Rehearsals began today for THE WINTER'S TALE and BroadwayWorld has the production photos!

Today, the 66th annual Theatre World Award winners for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performances during the 2009-2010 theatrical season were announced.

The Public Theater will present THE MERCHANT OF VENICE starring Al Pacino in rep with THE WINTERS TALE as part of this summer's Shakespeare in the Park series at the Delacorte Theatre. Rehearsals began today for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE and BroadwayWorld has the first production photos!

Yesterday evening, May 10, the Algonquin Hotel hosted the 75th Annual New York Drama Critics' Circle Award ceremony honoring the best of the 2009-2010 theatre season. This year's honorees included casts and creative teams of The Orphans' Home Cycle, Fences, Circle Mirror Transformation, The Aliens; Viola Davis, Annie Baker, and Hallie Foote. Presenters included Denzel Washington, who presented the Award for Sustained Achievement to his Fence's co-star Viola Davis, Tony Kushner and Marian Seldes.

Drama Desk nominees received their official Nomination Certificates at a cocktail reception on Thursday, May 6 at Churrascaria Plataforma, New York's authentic Brazilian Steak House, 346 West 49th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues). BroadwayWorld.com was there to share the event with you!

THE ORPHANS' HOME CYCLE, the world premiere of a three part theatrical event by the late Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Horton Foote, is now in its final two weeks at Off-Broadway's Signature Theatre Company. Following two extensions, the production's critically acclaimed run ends Saturday, May 8.