Bob McGrath News

?The McLean Community Players' production of the musical 1776, based on the events surrounding the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, opens Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, and runs weekends through Feb. 21 at McLean's Alden Theatre.  With music by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, 1776 became an improbable hit and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1969.  Director Annie O'Neill Galvin leads an award-winning cast and crew for this production.

There are very few creators who have been lucky enough to have their characters live a life of their own even after his passing. One of these creators is Jim Henson, best known for his Muppet characters. As part of the 'In Their Own Words' series, PBS takes viewers on a journey through the life of this 'visionary creator.'

On October 23 & 24, Persona, a new opera from composer Keeril Makan and adaptor / librettist / director Jay Scheib, will make its world premiere at National Sawdust. Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and National Sawdust, and adapted by Scheib from Ingmar Bergman's film of the same name, Persona is a provocative, highly cerebral, and artistically complex depiction of human frailty, cruelty and identity. These world premiere performances—which represent the first opera staged at National Sawdust—feature music direction by Evan Ziporyn and music by the ensemble Either/Or.

On October 23 & 24, Persona, a new opera from composer Keeril Makan and adaptor / librettist / director Jay Scheib, will make its world premiere at National Sawdust. Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and National Sawdust, and adapted by Scheib from Ingmar Bergman's film of the same name, Persona is a provocative, highly cerebral, and artistically complex depiction of human frailty, cruelty and identity. These world premiere performances—which represent the first opera staged at National Sawdust—feature music direction by Evan Ziporyn and music by the ensemble Either/Or.

LA MaMa Experimental Theatre Club and Sheryl Lee Ralph and The D.I.V.A. Foundation present MAMA ROSE (A Solo Musical). This show gives a glimpse of Mr. Waits' life growing up in Buffalo, New York with his own MAMA ROSE, Rose Waits. In this dark comedy you'll find out that this 'southern belle' could have ruled the world...if they had only let her.

All Seasons Theatre Company, Inc., the successful non-profit theatre company that launched with a bang in 2004, is now back in business after a very long hiatus.

LA MaMa Experimental Theatre Club and Sheryl Lee Ralph and The D.I.V.A. Foundation present MAMA ROSE (A Solo Musical). This show gives a glimpse of Mr. Waits' life growing up in Buffalo, New York with his own MAMA ROSE, Rose Waits. In this dark comedy you'll find out that this 'southern belle' could have ruled the world...if they had only let her.

SiriusXM today announced that original cast members fromSesame Street,the groundbreaking children's television series, will participate in an exclusive installment of SiriusXM's 'Town Hall' commemorating the 45 th anniversary of the show's debut on public television.

After a long hiatus, the highly successful and acclaimed PIE (Projects In Education) Story Theatre will make a comeback this fall after a successful IndieGoGo campaign.

Sesame Street veteran and Advisory Board Member Bob McGrath said this about All Seasons Theatre Company and PIE Story Theatre when he was the recipient of the ASTC Children and Art Award several years ago: "'Considering what this organization has done, and what you intend to do, especially with the lives of children, I am very, very pleased and honored to receive this award. Certainly the arts are important in all of our lives but for children they're really vital.'

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf-the second program of the 2012-13 Family concert series-on Saturday, February 9, at 2 pm at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. Bob McGrath of "Sesame Street" fame narrates Prokofiev's classic tale.

The French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF), New York's premiere French cultural center, and the Abrons Arts Center, present the American premiere of Love's End, from writer and director Pascal Rambert, as part of the 2012 Crossing the Line festival. This unraveling of a broken relationship features Kate Moran, currently a featured performer in Einstein on the Beach, and Obie Award-winner Jim Fletcher, best known for his work in Elevator Repair Service's Gatz and Richard Maxwell's New York City Players.

The French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF), New York's premiere French cultural center, and the Abrons Arts Center, present the American premiere of Love's End, from writer and director Pascal Rambert, as part of the 2012 Crossing the Line festival. This unraveling of a broken relationship features Kate Moran, currently a featured performer in Einstein on the Beach, and Obie Award-winner Jim Fletcher, best known for his work in Elevator Repair Service's Gatz and Richard Maxwell's New York City Players.

Carl Goodman, Executive Director of Museum of the Moving Image, today announced a seven-week extension for Jim Henson's Fantastic World, the Smithsonian traveling exhibition that explores the creative process of the world-renowned puppeteer, filmmaker, and television pioneer.

Jim Henson's Fantastic World will be on view at Museum of the Moving Image for only one more week-closing on Sunday, March 4. The final weekend of the show, Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4, 2012, features several special programs to mark the close of the successful national tour of this Smithsonian traveling exhibition, organized in partnership with The Jim Henson Legacy. On these two days, the Museum will give away a free limited-edition commemorative bookmark to ALL visitors (while supplies last).

Jim Henson's Fantastic World will be on view at Museum of the Moving Image for only one more week-closing on Sunday, March 4. The final weekend of the show, Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4, 2012, features several special programs to mark the close of the successful national tour of this Smithsonian traveling exhibition, organized in partnership with The Jim Henson Legacy. On these two days, the Museum will give away a free limited-edition commemorative bookmark to ALL visitors (while supplies last).

Carl Goodman, Executive Director of Museum of the Moving Image, today announced a seven-week extension for Jim Henson's Fantastic World, the Smithsonian traveling exhibition that explores the creative process of the world-renowned puppeteer, filmmaker, and television pioneer.

A very rare personal appearance by Frank Oz, conversations with Brian Henson and illustrator Brian Froud, 25th anniversary screenings of Labyrinth, a preview of the new movie The Muppets, and rare showings of Jim Henson's experimental television works, are among the highlights of the next three months of programs to be presented by Museum of the Moving Image in conjunction with the exhibition Jim Henson's Fantastic World.

A roster of exciting guest artists joined all five divisions of the Young People's Chorus of New York CityTM and its Artistic Director and Founder Francisco J. Núñez in their Monday, March 7, fundraising gala, 'Dreamer.' The concert began at 7 p.m. at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, where the chorus is in residence. Joining the chorus on the Rose Theater stage will be Bob McGrath, marking his 42nd season as 'Bob' on Sesame Street; Janet Dacal, soon to open on Broadway in Wonderland; Hugh Panaro, the star of Phantom of the Opera; 24-year-old jazz piano phenomenon Eldar, the brilliant, 22-year-old violinist Ryu Goto, and The New York Pops conducted by Mr. Núñez.