The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a fast-paced and witty musical, literally litters the stage with letters during its run at Theatre Memphis in the Next Stage, November 2 - 17, 2018. Mid-pubescents (played by adults) vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime and learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything. Hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, life un-affirming 'ding' of the bell that signals a spelling mistake, they candidly disclose hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. A truly fresh and vibrant score makes this musical 'Bee' unforgettable.
An Act of God proclaims its Regional Premiere at Theatre Memphis in the Next Stage, April 6-22, 2018. It turns out that God is sinfully funny as he introduces a radical rewrite of the Ten Commandments. Sometimes using strong language and acerbic humor, he answers existential questions that have plagued mankind since creation ... all in 90 minutes.
The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.
Shrek The Musical kicks off Theatre Memphis' 98th season on the Lohrey Stage and runs August 18 - September 10, 2017. Adapted from a hit animated film, Shrek The Musical follows Shrek, an embittered ogre, and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful yet temperamental Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive power-hungry Lord Farquaad and a gang of fairytale misfits, and you've got a singing and dancing extravaganza, perfect for an evening of great family fun.
One Ham Manlet, an adaptation and solo performance piece of Hamlet by Ryan Kathman, opens November 4, 2016, and runs through November 19, 2016, on the Next Stage at Theatre Memphis. An original work, this piece takes William Shakespeare's Danish prince's 'antic disposition' and pushes it to the limits. Approximately 20 characters are portrayed by author/actor Kathman in this modern, often comedic but no less authentic interpretation of the legendary tragedy. Is there 'something rotten' in his 'method to this madness'? 'That is the question.' Scroll down for a first look at Kathman in action!
One Ham Manlet, an adaptation and solo performance piece of Hamlet by Ryan Kathman, opens November 4, 2016, and runs through November 19, 2016, on the Next Stage at Theatre Memphis. An original work, this piece takes William Shakespeare's Danish prince's 'antic disposition' and pushes it to the limits. Approximately 20 characters are portrayed by author/actor Kathman in this modern, often comedic but no less authentic interpretation of the legendary tragedy. Is there 'something rotten' in his 'method to this madness'? 'That is the question.' Scroll down for a first look at Kathman in action!
One Ham Manlet, an adaptation and solo performance piece of Hamlet by Ryan Kathman, opens November 4, 2016, and runs through November 19, 2016, on the Next Stage at Theatre Memphis. An original work, this piece takes William Shakespeare's Danish prince's “antic disposition” and pushes it to the limits. Approximately 20 characters are portrayed by author/actor Kathman in this modern, often comedic but no less authentic interpretation of the legendary tragedy. Is there “something rotten” in his “method to this madness”? “That is the question.”
The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company's runaway hit BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI, winner of three 2016 Jeff Awards including Best New Work, returns this summer featuring the full original cast now through August 21, 2016 as part of Steppenwolf's Visiting Company Initiative at their new 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. BroadwayWorld has new shots from the production below!
Evan Linder's new play BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI begins with a scene familiar to those in the audience: a mother and her adult daughter squabbling. The daughter, Laurel, is several months pregnant. And while her mother just wants to be present for the birth of her grandchild, Laurel has had enough. But as the play progresses, we soon learn that Laurel and her husband Jim may not be quite ready for the demands of parenthood. And in a surprising twist following the birth of the child, Laurel and Jim-who are self-declared "white trash"-must also come face-to-face with some harsh realities and confront long-standing, deeply embedded racist beliefs. In this way, Linder's play provides striking food for thought on contemporary social issues, while also becoming a specific portrait of the life of this one couple. And while Chicago audiences may largely be unfamiliar with the small-town Southern lifestyle of BYHALIA'S characters, he makes us feel for these flawed personalities.
The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company's runaway hit BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI, winner of three 2016 Jeff Awards including Best New Work, returns this summer featuring the full original cast now through August 21, 2016 as part of Steppenwolf's Visiting Company Initiative at their new 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. The press performance is tonight, July 25, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company's runaway hit BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI, winner of three 2016 Jeff Awards including Best New Work, returns this summer featuring the full original cast from July 22 - August 21, 2016 as part of Steppenwolf's Visiting Company Initiative at their new 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. The searing new American drama by The New Colony Co-Artistic Director Evan Linder, directed by Definition Theatre's Founding Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips, enjoyed two sold-out extensions during its world premiere last winter at The Den Theatre. Tickets for BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI are available at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling (312) 335-1650. The press performance is Monday, July 25 at 8 pm.
"The Hairy Ape"- Eugene O'Neill's expressionist play presented in a stark, brutal and imaginative setting; "Byhalia, Mississippi"- a new work of southern love and forgiveness, and "Rent"- the musical update of "La Boheme" performed in a small storefront theatre, took home the most honors on Monday, June 6, at Park West during the 43rd Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony recognizing excellence in non-union Chicago theatre.
The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 121 nominations in 24 categories for the 43rd Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 148 productions offered by 67 Non-Equity producing organizations. The Jeff Committee recommended 65 of those shows (or 44%), making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Of the 65 Jeff Recommended productions, a record 53 (or 82%) received nominations, representing 32 theatre companies.
