Chris Richards News

"Really Really" is "murder" mystery without a dead body, but still asks, "Who did it?" It's a must see for anyone interested in thoughtful and well-conceived theater.

Beck Center for the Arts presents the regional premiere of Really Really June 2 through July 2, 2017 in the Studio Theater.

During the late 1920s and into the 1940s, the United States went through the great depression. Unemployment in the U. S. rose to 25%. These were drab times and, as is the case, since the arts represent the era from which they come, the theatre of that time period represented two extremes: heavy drama reflecting the negative mood of the nation and escapism to make people feel better by hiding from their angst-filled reality.

Greater Cleveland is blessed with a vital theater scene. It has been the purpose of the TIMES THEATER TRIBUTES, now known as BROADWAY WORLD-CLEVELAND REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL THEATER TRIBUTES (BWW-Cle Theater Tributes), to recognize theatrical experiences that, in the subjective view of this reviewer, were excellent and deserve recognition.

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Delaware, Cleveland, San Diego and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include THE WAR OF THE ROSES in Delaware, ALL THE WAY at Cleveland Play House, and OCTOBER SKY at The Old Globe,  just to name a few.

Our nation is in the midst of a national election, and local theatres have responded with a series of plays that examine various foibles and stories of political intrigue. Ensemble is staging former County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones' THE BLOODLESS JUNGLE (September 15-October 2) about a rising idealistic political star running for a pivotal Congressional seat. The Musical Theater Project is featuring THE CRADLE WILL ROCK (September 21 & September 25), a play about Unionism with political undertones. Cleveland Public Theatre is presenting 44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS (October 6-29), which showcases the life and times of the 44 Presidents of the United States, featuring an all-female cast. And, Cleveland Play House just opened ALL THE WAY (September 17-October 9), a Tony-Award winning drama that examines the power of one person to transform a country.

Nominations for The British Academy Television Awards have been announced. The awards honor the very best in Television broadcast on British screens during the preceding year.

This week, we go around our Broadway World to feature stories in Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Denver, and more. Check out our top 10 stories around our Broadway World below, which include OF MICE AND MEN at Milwaukee Rep, the pre-Broadway engagement of EMPIRE in Los Angeles, and VIOLET in Denver,  just to name a few.

What do Tracy Letts (SUPERIOR DONUTS), Yasmina Reza (GOD OF CARNAGE), Amy Herzog (4000 MILES), and David Adjmi (MARIE ANTOINETTE) have in common. Their names all appear on the best new contemporary playwrights' lists. Many also are names which, if you have been to Dobama during the past couple of years, you have seen their plays produced.

Broadway kids remind us to show appreciation for family, friends and those who make our lives richer.

At the beginning of the premiere production of Playhouse on Park's seventh season, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, we learn that we are present for the last class taught by Morrie Schwartz, and that Mitch Albom, the author of the book on which the play is based, will be the sole student. But seated in the audience, I felt that wasn't exactly true. I too, was a student of Morrie's, learning along with Mitch, the life lessons that he conveyed in such a straightforward and loving way.

Playhouse on Park is pleased to present Mitch Albom's Tuesdays With Morrie, the first of many dynamic shows included in its Season Seven Main Stage Series. Fans of the touching and unforgettable book will be thrilled to see this story come to life on stage. Opening night is Friday, October 2.

Broadway For All just announced its 2015 Summer Showcase, held at the Sheen Center (18 Bleecker Street) on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 8:00pm. All tickets are $30 and can be purchased at broadwayforall.org.

54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, presents A Night with Kent State University tonight, March 27, 2015 at 11:30pm. A Night with Kent State University is a one ­night only concert celebrating the alumni and current students of The Kent State Musical Theatre Program.

54 BELOW?, Broadway's Supper Club, presents A Night with Kent State University on Friday March 27, 2015 at 11:30pm. A Night with Kent State University is a one­night only concert celebrating the alumni of The Kent State Musical Theatre Program?. The concert will feature performances from artists Antoinette Comer (current cast of Mama Mia!) Elizabeth Casper (Rock of Ages, Hair, Grease), Justin Gentry (Saturday Night Fever), Danny Caraballo (Buddy:The Buddy Holly Story), Colleen Longshaw (Kiss Me, Kate), Sarah Roussos (Hairspray) and others, and will include song selections from Broadway, pop, and Disney favorites. The performance will be directed by John Moauro (Hair) and assistant directed by Chris Richards?, with music direction by Vincent Ester?. Andrew Morton ?stage manages.

54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, presents A Night with Kent State University on Friday March 27, 2015 at 11:30pm. A Night with Kent State University is a one ­night only concert celebrating the alumni and current students of The Kent State Musical Theatre Program.

Fresh off the final episode of the FOX musical dramedy GLEE, Matthew Morrison spoke with EOnline at The Weinstein Company's pre-Oscar party Sunday, about taking on the role of 'Peter Pan' author J.M. Barrie.

Finding Neverland, starring Matthew Morrison, Kelsey Grammer, Laura Michelle Kelly, and Carolee Carmello, will begin previews on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street), and will open on Wednesday, April 15. Below, check out a just-released television spot for the new musical!

Based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Elf has a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Elf will be directed by Eric Ankrim and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Elf will run eight times a week at the Millburn, New Jersey, theater from November 26, 2014, through January 4, 2015.

Gingold Theatrical Group's PROJECT SHAW, under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director David Staller, presented its 97th production, Henrik Ibsen's farce League of Youth, last night, October 27 at 7pm, at Symphony Space's Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre (2895 Broadway at 95th St.).