Christopher Durang News

In January, South Africa's master dramatist comes back to Berkeley Repertory Theatre with his latest show: Coming Home.

Casting is complete and rehearsals have begun for The Blank Theatre Company's second production of its 19th season, Why Torture Is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them by Christopher Durang. Directed by The Blank's Artistic Director Daniel Henning, Why Torture is Wrong will begin preview performances on Saturday, January 30, 2010 and is set to open on Saturday, February 6 at 8pm. The engagement will run through Sunday, March 14.

Playwrights Horizons announced today that the New York premiere of ME, MYSELF & I, a new play by three-time Pulitzer Prize and three-time Tony Award winner Edward Albee (A Delicate Balance; Seascape; Three Tall Women; Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolf?; The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia?) will open the theater company's 2010/2011 40th Anniversary Season. Mr. Albee will be making his Playwrights Horizons debut.

It is with great reluctance but enormous panache, given the expanding parameters of the production, that All About Me announces a new first - it moving theatres even before opening. The production will now begin performances at Henry Miller's Theatre (124 West 43rd St.) moving two blocks from one of the New York's prime theatres - and the originally announced - The John Golden Theatre. Michael Feinstein and Dame Edna's newly joint venture All About Me will begin previews Friday, February 19, 2010 and opening on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Following critical acclaim and popular demand, Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) has announced a three-week extension for the World Premiere of THIS, the new play by Obie Award winner Melissa James Gibson (Suitcase, [sic]). Directed by Obie Award winner Daniel Aukin ([sic], eight seasons as Artistic Director of Soho Rep), the production opened Wednesday, December 2. Originally set to run through Sunday, December 13, the limited engagement will now play through Sunday, January 3, 2010 at the theater company's Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street). This date represents the latest extension possible for the show.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009 7:00 PM at The Acorn Theatre- DRAMATIZING HISTORY: Rob Urbinati's Mama's Boy

The romance of Florence comes to life on stage as Philadelphia Theatre Company continues its 2009-2010 season with the hit Broadway musical The Light in the Piazza with book by Craig Lucas and music and lyrics by Adam Guettel on November 13 - December 6. Directed by Joe Calarco, the ensemble cast features Whitney Bashor, Sherri Edelen, Joe Guzman, Ken Krugman, Kyra Miller, Fran Prisco, Matthew Scott, and Maureen Torsney-Weir.

The Gallery Players proudly presents the New York premiere of Christopher Durang's Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge. Commissioned and originally produced by City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, The Gallery Players' Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge features Douglas Rees, originator of the role of Scrooge, and gets a limited engagement December 5-20th, 2009.

If you're looking for an alternative to the usual holiday fare, there are several productions opening up this week that may intrigue you. For instance, you might consider Stray Dog Theatre's production of SISTER MARY IGNATIUS EXPLAINS IT ALL FOR YOU as an interesting and entertaining option. Christopher Durang's dark and wildly funny play certainly fills the bill, offering a warped and unique perspective on Catholicism.

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) is hosting a NEW WORKS READING SERIES to support new plays and emerging playwrights. As part of its mission statement, The Irish Repertory Theatre 'encourages the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience, as well as a range of other cultures.'

Unicorn Theatre's 36th season of BOLD NEW PLAYS continues with Miss Witherspoon by Christopher Durang opening December 4.

KOOKABURRA PRODUCTIONS HOSTS AUDITION: Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang ,Directed by Shawn B. O'Neal

Following an acclaimed original sold-out run, Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) proudly announces a limited return engagement of the company's recent World Premiere production of CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, the new hit play by Annie Baker ('An original voice' - Daily News; 'A playwright to know' - Newsday). Directed by Sam Gold ('A magic-fingered director' - Variety; 'An uncommonly observant eye and ear' - The New York Times), the original engagement opened Tuesday, October 13 to across-the-board rave reviews and was ultimately extended twice by critical and audience demand through Saturday, November 21. The return limited engagement will begin performances Tuesday, December 15 at Playwrights Horizons' Peter Jay Sharp Theater with tickets on sale through Sunday, January 17, 2010.

Broadway veteran Stephen Collins will appear alongside JoBeth Williams on the December 3rd episode of ABC's 'Private Practice.' The actors will portray the father of actor Kate Walsh's character, Dr. Addison Montgomery. Collins will appear as the husband of actress JoBeth Williams.

Stray Dog Theatre continues their non-traditional Holiday offerings with Sister Mary Ignatius! Sister Mary will have you roaring with laughter at her cookies and commentary on everything from redemption, sin, heaven, hell, and the after-life. When Sister Mary is visited by four of her former pupils (now adults) the fireworks really begin!

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) is hosting a NEW WORKS READING SERIES to support new plays and emerging playwrights. As part of its mission statement, The Irish Repertory Theatre 'encourages the development of new works focusing on the Irish and Irish American experience, as well as a range of other cultures.'

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009 7:00 PM at The Acorn Theatre- DRAMATIZING HISTORY: Rob Urbinati's Mama's Boy

Unicorn Theatre's 36th season of BOLD NEW PLAYS continues with Miss Witherspoon by Christopher Durang opening December 4.

The American Theatre Wing has announced that today marks the official publication date of its new book, "The Play That Changed My Life," as well as the latest additions to its unparalleled online archive of free audio and video programming on americantheatrewing.org.

The American Theatre Wing Presents The Play That Changed My Life America's Foremost Playwrights on the Plays That Influenced Them