One constant in Washington-area theater for which we should all be grateful, is that the wonderful creative minds and souls at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, can be counted on to bring us fresh, innovative and carefully crafted productions of shows that may be new to many of us. This season, Signature is giving us three world premier productions of new musicals (Sheryl Crow's Diner; John Kander's Kid Victory and DC-native Nick Blaemire's Soon), but also a revival of a musical version of the story of Elmer Gantry, a traveling salesman turned preacher, who brings a religious revival a possibly dangerous spark in his pursuit of love. Almost 90 years ago, Sinclair Lewis brought Elmer Gantry to the page and Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, is bringing him to the Signature stage for 2014 audiences.
Signature Theatre presents Elmer Gantry, a musical version of Sinclair Lewis' best-selling novel, directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Schaeffer collaborated on the last production of Elmer Gantry at Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre in Chicago with authors John Bishop (book), Mel Marvin (music) and Bob Satuloff (lyrics) in 1998; the show has not been produced since then. This will be the 5th production in the show's history. Running in the MAX Theatre today, October 7 - November 9, Signature's production will include several brand new songs by Mel Marvin and Bob Satuloff and a reimagined script that John Bishop worked on until his death in 2006.
Signature Theatre presents Elmer Gantry, a musical version of Sinclair Lewis' best-selling novel, directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Schaeffer collaborated on the last production of Elmer Gantry at Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre in Chicago with authors John Bishop (book), Mel Marvin (music) and Bob Satuloff (lyrics) in 1998; the show has not been produced since then. This will be the 5th production in the show's history. Running in the MAX Theatre October 7 - November 9, Signature's production will include several brand new songs by Mel Marvin and Bob Satuloff and a reimagined script that John Bishop worked on until his death in 2006. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal below!
Virginia's Signature Theatre has appointed Joe Calarco to the new position of Resident Director/Director of New Works. In this position, Calarco will continue to strengthen Signature's commitment to new work by shepherding the development of new musicals and plays and actively seeking the work of original and diverse voices. Calarco will also direct 1-2 shows per season and will continue his work with Signature in The Schools, Signature's flagship education program.
Signature Theatre has announced the cast of Elmer Gantry, a musical version of Sinclair Lewis' best-selling novel, directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Schaeffer collaborated on the last production of Elmer Gantry at Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre in Chicago with authors John Bishop (book), Mel Marvin (music) and Bob Satuloff (lyrics) in 1998; the show has not been produced since then. This will be the 5th production in the show's history. Running in the MAX Theatre October 7 - November 9, Signature's production will include several brand new songs by Mel Marvin and Bob Satuloff and a reimagined script that John Bishop worked on until his death in 2006.
The soul of an artist is on full display in Signature Theatre's 14-15 season-opening production of Sunday in the Park with George, and you'll find the artist's soul behind the scenes in Matthew Gardiner, Associate Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, and the show's director.
This fall, Signature Theatre continues its commitment to presenting bold new contemporary plays with the DC area premiere of Sex with Strangers by Laura Eason. After its New York premiere at Second Stage Theatre this summer, Signature is proud to introduce this play to DC audiences. Running October 14 - December 7, Sex with Strangers will be presented in Signature's intimate 110-seat ARK Theatre.
'We're opening doors, singing 'Here we are'!' So sing the three fast friends of Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, and that was the message of Washington-area (and Sondheim specialist) Signature Theatre to the overflowing crowd of thousands last weekend at their Open House celebrating the 25th Anniversary Season.
Signature Theatre presents Sunday in the Park with George, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Signature Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner(Signature's Dreamgirls, The Threepenny Opera). Running in the MAX Theatre beginning tonight, August 5, and playing through September 21, the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine classic is the first production of Signature Theatre's 25th Anniversary.
Signature Theatre is proud to announce the cast of Sunday in the Park with George, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning musical, directed by Signature Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner(Signature's Dreamgirls, The Threepenny Opera). Running in the MAX Theatre August 15 - September 21, the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine classic is the first production of Signature Theatre's 25th Anniversary. Check out a first look at rehearsals below!
Virginia's Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre closes out its 2013/2014 season with the world premiere musical Cloak and Dagger, directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). From Helen Hayes Award Winner Ed Dixon (Signature's Sunset Boulevard) comes this screwball musical comedy send-up of the 1950s film noir.
Virginia's Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre closes out its 2013/2014 season with the world premiere musical Cloak and Dagger, directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). From Helen Hayes Award Winner Ed Dixon (Signature's Sunset Boulevard) comes this screwball musical comedy send-up of the 1950s film noir.
Virginia's Tony-Award winning Signature Theatre announces the cast for The Threepenny Opera, Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's cutting and enduring critique of capitalism and corruption. Directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Tender Napalm, Dreamgirls, Really Really), the production stars Mitchell Jarvis (Broadway's Rock of Ages) as the charismatic Macheath, known to popular culture as Mack the Knife. Scroll down for a first look at the cast!
On April 7, 2014, Broadway stars Heidi Blickenstaff, Pamela Myers, and Ron Raines will perform alongside an 18-piece orchestra as Virginia's Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre honors renowned orchestrator and longtime Stephen Sondheim collaborator, Jonathan Tunick.
Audiences were forewarned when Carolyn Cole stepped onto the stage and announced that her Farewell Tour was, "Not yo momma's cabaret" and that it was going to be a unique evening. Aside from the brief tease of Gypsy's "Let Me Entertain You," Cole's performance was an unexpected departure from the musical standards one might except from a Signature Theatre production and was a passionate tribute to the rock standards which greatly influenced her life.
This season, Signature Theatre presents the world premiere of the new musical CROSSING with a book by Grace Barnes, music and lyrics by Matt Conner, with Barnes also contributing additional lyrics. CROSSING, currently in previews, runs through Nov. 24. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast on stage!
BroadwayWorld has confirmed that Gannon O'Brien has officially taken over for Jason Michael Evans as 'Chris' in Signature Theatre's MISS SAIGON. O'Brien, an understudy for the part, has been performing the role since tech week because of Evans' 'vocal issues.'
