Byron Watson News

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces that Alicia Grace (the Kennedy Center's She A Gem) will step into the role of Joetta "Joey" Watson. She replaces the previously announced Hailey Kilgore, who is departing the production due to an unanticipated scheduling conflict.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces complete casting for The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. This world premiere Kennedy Center commission is adapted by Christina Ham from Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning book.

Giles Gartrell-Mills' (Director) interpretation of Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and Hugh Wheeler's (libretto) famous musical SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET allows the dark and twisted characters shine in this minimalist production.

September 15th marked the 50th Anniversary of the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Senators and members of Congress marked the recent anniversary with ceremonies and speeches, recalling the tragic event as a major turning point in the civil rights movement. The bombing, which killed 4 young girls, prompted calls to action from Martin Luther King, Jr, in his famous 'What murdered these four girls' speech. On November 21st, at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, this historical event will be commemorated with a one-day-only performance of THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, 1963. The play, based on a popular book by Christopher Paul Curtis, will be performed for the first time in California.

September 15th marked the 50th Anniversary of the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Senators and members of Congress marked the recent anniversary with ceremonies and speeches, recalling the tragic event as a major turning point in the civil rights movement. The bombing, which killed 4 young girls, prompted calls to action from Martin Luther King, Jr, in his famous 'What murdered these four girls' speech. On November 21st, at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, this historical event will be commemorated with a one-day-only performance of THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, 1963. The play, based on a popular book by Christopher Paul Curtis, will be performed for the first time in California.

The nominations for the 2013 Helpmann Awards have been announced simultaneously at events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth. This is the first time the Nominations events were held concurrently in 6 cities and a first for Adelaide, Hobart and Perth.

What do Geoffrey Rush, Lisa McCune, Bob Downe, Silvie Paladino, Colin Friels Tony Bartuccio, Chunky Move, John Bell, Richard Gill, Neil Armfield, Chambermade, Bangarra, MKA, Simon Stone, Pamela Rabe, Todd McKenney all have in common? They've all received nominations for the 30th Annual Green Room Awards.

Anna Francolini and Gary Waldhorn will be joining the Royal Opera House's new production of Into the Woods next month