Every once in a while, I hear comments about theater that just make me cringe. One that I've heard on more than one occasion (usually from a pre-teen who doesn't know any better) is, 'OMG! The score from Wicked has got to be the toughest thing that Schwartz guy ever wrote. How did Idina do 'Defying Gravity' 8 shows a week?' Of course, the correct response is, 'Idina's a professional, and Wicked is a synch when compared to Godspell, the first musical written by 'that Schwartz guy.'
Tomorrow, August 15th, the curtain will rise on Austin Theatre Project's tenth mainstage production. Godspell, the Broadway hit from the composer of Wicked and Pippin, is a delightfully engaging musical based on the story and teachings of Jesus.
With a healthy dose of hilarity, heart and humility Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike joins the Bernstein repertory with director Matthew Penn at the helm. Christopher Durang's Tony-award winning homage to Chekhov leaves no stone unturned when it comes to family dynamics, sibling rivalries, love, lust, hopes and dreams in this razor sharp comedy. The stalwart cast includes audience favorites Tod Randolph and Elizabeth Aspenlieder, and S&Co. newcomers Jim Frangione, Angel Moore, Mat Leonard and Olivia Saccomanno. Performances run in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre August 6 - September 14. Press Opening is Friday, August 15 at 8:00pm. To RSVP or for interview opportunities contact Communications & Press Director Elizabeth Aspenlieder: aspenlieder@shakespeare.org.
There's no doubt that George Gershwin has made a lasting impact on musical theatre. Without him, the world wouldn't have songs like 'I Got Rhythm,' or shows like Porgy and Bess. And of course, the vast and illustrious songbook of Gershwin tunes has inspired many a jukebox musical or revue.
From 'Rhapsody in Blue' to 'Porgy and Bess' to 'An American in Paris' to a treasure trove of great American songs, George Gershwin is widely thought of as one of our nation's greatest composers. Conceived and written by ATP's David Blackburn, 'S Gershwin will take you on a journey through the life and music of this great American icon as seen through the eyes of the people he shared his life with.
From 'Rhapsody in Blue' to 'Porgy and Bess' to 'An American in Paris' to a treasure trove of great American songs, George Gershwin is widely thought of as one of our nation's greatest composers. Conceived and written by ATP's David Blackburn, 'S Gershwin will take you on a journey through the life and music of this great American icon as seen through the eyes of the people he shared his life with.
The winners of the first-ever Central Texas Excellence In Theatre Awards have been announced! Scroll down for the full list, and learn more at Austin Entertainment Weekly.
To borrow from my favorite boozing broad, I'd like to propose a toast: To Austin Theatre Project. With their production of Company, ATP shows once again why they are a new theater company to watch. By tackling Stephen Sondheim's beloved show about the ups and downs of both marriage and bachelorhood, ATP once again showcases their ability to tell a story and entertain.
After months of thought, debate and conversation, the staff and writers of Austin Entertainment Weekly with much assistance from Broadway World Austin's Editor Jeff Davis, have announced a new award system for the Central Texas Theatre Community.
Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT - Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown) announced today that Phillip Hayes Dean's (Drama Desk-winner for The Sty of the Blind Pig) powerful and moving play PAUL ROBESON has been extended by popular demand for three more performances and will now play through Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. The production, directed by Mr. Dean, stars two-time Emmy Award-winner Keith David (Fox's new series Enlisted) with accompaniment by pianist/musical director Byron J. Smith (working with numerous artists including Wynton Marsalis, Barbra Streisand, BeBe Winans). PAUL ROBESON plays at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles.
Ebony Repertory Theatre announced today that performances for Phillip Hayes Dean's (Drama Desk-winner for The Sty of the Blind Pig) powerful and moving play PAUL ROBESON will resume performances on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Two-time Emmy Award-winner Keith David (Fox's new series Enlisted), who stars in this one-man play, returns to the stage after recovering from a knee injury. PAUL ROBESON, directed by Mr. Dean, also includes accompaniment by pianist/musical director Byron J. Smith (working with numerous artists including Wynton Marsalis, Barbra Streisand, BeBe Winans). The production will continue to play through Sunday, March 30, which was part of the previously announced schedule. Three additional performances are set for Friday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 19 at 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. to make up for the canceled opening weekend performances (Friday, March 14 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 15 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m.). PAUL ROBESON plays at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles. Members of the press are invited to review the production beginning on Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Due to an injury to lead actor Keith David, the opening performance of PAUL ROBESON by Phillip Hayes Dean has been postponed. A new performance schedule will be announced shortly.
Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT - Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown) will present Phillip Hayes Dean's (Drama Desk-winner for The Sty of the Blind Pig) powerful and moving play PAUL ROBESON. Dean will also stage the ERT production, which will mark his Los Angeles directorial debut. Two-time Emmy Award-winner Keith David (Fox's new series Enlisted) will star in this one-man play accompanied by pianist/musical director Byron J. Smith (working with numerous artists including Wynton Marsalis, Barbra Streisand, Bebe Winnans). Performances will run March 12 - 30, 2014 with an official press opening on March 14 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles.
Voting is now underway for Austin! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.
Voting is now underway for Austin! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.
With The Austin Holiday Project, Austin Theatre Project closes out their first full season with their first original show. While it might not be as flashy or extravagant as other holiday offerings, its phenomenal cast and intimate, personal vibe make it a show to add to your Christmas list.
SLINGSHOT THEATRE presents the world premiere and national tour of a brand new comic play for the festive season, the story of the greatest birth on earth! The tour runs now through December 24, 2013.
Long Wharf Theatre, in co-production with the McCarter Theatre, presents August Wilson's Fences, directed by Phylicia Rashad. Check out a first look below!
There are times when audiences would much rather see a carefree, lighthearted show rather than something thought provoking and profound, and that's exactly what National Pastime, a new Broadway-bound musical offers. While the show may need a few rewrites before it gets to the Great White Way, it's already a solid and enjoyable valentine to musicals from days gone by.
