Danaya Esperanza News

This April Gallery Players brings their production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage on the 30th anniversary of the release of the film of the same name.

Continuing its commitment to bringing free Shakespeare to the community and strengthening audience engagement through the arts, The Public Theater, under the leadership of Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Patrick Willingham, will mount its MOBILE UNIT again this spring with a free three-week tour to the five boroughs of Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST, directed by Laurie Woolery. Now in its ninth year, the Mobile Unit's free tour (April 4-27) brings Shakespeare and other works to audiences who have limited or no access to the arts by visiting correctional facilities, homeless shelters, social service organizations, and other community venues.

Romeo & Juliet at STC is a rare opportunity to take part in a bona fide DC tradition, enjoy a free night out at the theater, and most importantly, connect with Shakespeare.

Free For All, one of the capital's cherished annual traditions, will return this summer to Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC), offering two weeks of free performances of the Company's 2016 production of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Directed by STC Associate Artistic Director Alan Paul, whose hit production of Camelot has extended through July 8 due to popular demand, the production will run at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St NW) from August 21-September 2, providing more than 12,000 people the chance to see the play free of charge.

Nick Blaemire (Godspell on Broadway, Spongebob Squarepants, Chicago production) will star in a one-day-only free reading of "The National Debt Is Paid" by Ben Bartolone on May 17th. Frankie J. Alvarez will direct. The reading will be presented by THE BLUESTONE PROJECT, as part of the first season presenting never-produced plays that address the shifting socio-political American landscape.

ESPERANCE THEATER COMPANY is pleased to present the world premiere production of BREITWISCH FARM, a new play inspired by Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, written by Jeremy J. Kamps, and directed by Ryan Quinn. BREITWISCH FARM will play a three-week limited engagement at Town Stages (221 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013). Performances begin Friday, March 2 and continue through Friday, March 16, 2018. Opening Night is Monday, March 5 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $30 available at www.esperancetheatercompany.org

ESPERANCE THEATER COMPANY presents the world premiere production of BREITWISCH FARM, a new play inspired by Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, written by Jeremy J. Kamps, and directed by Ryan Quinn. BREITWISCH FARM will play a three-week limited engagement at Town Stages (221 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013). Performances continue through Friday, March 16, 2018. Opening Night is Monday, March 5 (7:30 p.m.).

ESPERANCE THEATER COMPANY is pleased to present the world premiere production of BREITWISCH FARM, a new play inspired by Chekhov's Cherry Orchard, written by Jeremy J. Kamps, and directed by Ryan Quinn. BREITWISCH FARM will play a three-week limited engagement at Town Stages (221 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013). Performances begin Friday, March 2 and continue through Saturday, March 17, 2018. Opening Night is Sunday, March 4 (6:00 p.m.). Tickets are $30 available at www.esperancetheatercompany.org

Abingdon Theatre Company launches their 2017 Ghostlight Reading Series Monday November 6, 7PM at The Vineyard Theater (108 E. 15th Street) with BETWEEN HERE AND THE CITY OF MEXICO by Tony Meneses and directed by Tony Speciale.

New York Theatre Workshop's production of MARY JANE, written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, Belleville) and directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Sundown, Yellow Moon; A Life), will conclude its run later this week.

A poignant drama about a mother, on her own with a very sick child is at once heart-wrenching and hopeful.

To say that there are no dramatic highs and lows in Amy Herzog's touching new drama, Mary Jane, is by no means a criticism. It's more of a recognition of the beautifully understated naturalism in both the playwright's text and in director Anne Kauffman's production.

Following 2013's Belleville, named one of the best plays of the year by The New York Times, Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog and director Anne Kauffman return to New York Theatre Workshop with Mary Jane. Let's see what the critics had to say!

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) presents Mary Jane, written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, Belleville) and directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Sundown, Yellow Moon; A Life). Mary Jane has just been extended through October 29, 2017 after its official opening last night, September 25, 2017. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening festivities below!

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) announced today an extension for MARY JANE, written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, Belleville) and directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Sundown, Yellow Moon; A Life).

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) presents the first show of the 2017/18 NYTW season, Mary Jane, written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, Belleville) and directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Sundown, Yellow Moon; A Life).

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) has announced casting for the first show of the 2017/18 NYTW season, MARY JANE, written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, Belleville) and directed by two-time Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Sundown, Yellow Moon; A Life).

The Mighty Quinn Foundation hosted Shakespeare and Champagne, a fundraising benefit for the Shakespeare Academy at Stratford, on May 15 at Ars Nova in New York City. Jenn Harris (Gayby, New York is Dead) hosted the event. Bryan Terrell Clark, who currently plays George Washington in the Tony Award winning musical Hamilton was among the evening's special guests. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Sixty years ago, Joseph Papp packed a truck with a small troupe of actors, some modest props and the firm belief that the plays of William Shakespeare belonged to everyone, and traveled throughout New York City giving free performances.

Last night, April 27, The Public Theater officially opened the Mobile Unit's 60th Anniversary production of TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by Saheem Ali. In attendance for were Lupita Nyong'o, Jeff Hiller and more. BroadwayWorld has photos from the festivities below!