David Robbins News

 PrideArts virtual fall season called REIGNITE will open on September 30 with a benefit concert conceived by PrideArts Artistic Director Donterrio Johnson that will intertwine original jazz compositions with poetry by James Baldwin and Tennessee Williams.

PrideArts Artistic Director Donterrio Johnson today announced casting for the second entry in the company's four - show virtual fall season called REIGNITE! Johnson will direct the hilarious comedy BOX AND COX by John Maddison Morton, a loosely staged production to be recorded live in the Pride Arts Center's Buena Theatre.

PrideArts Artistic Director Donterrio Johnson today announced a four - show virtual fall season called REIGNITE! that will look to the 17th and 19th Centuries for inspiration. T

When The Broadway League announced that the annual Tony Award ceremony originally scheduled for June would be postponed due to COVID-19, Chicago-based actor David Robbins (SPAMILTON), like so many others, was disappointed

Theatre Raleigh presents its first reunion show, featuring the cast of our 2019 production of The Scottsboro Boys. The final collaboration by musical theatre legends, John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago) and nominated for twelve Tony Awards, The Scottsboro Boys confronts an infamous event in the history of the American criminal justice system.

What if you met the person you've been waiting for your whole life, just as a nuclear apocalypse was heading your way? Worlds collide in a tiki bar at the edge of Kauai when an aimless Silicon Valley dropout meets the bar's brassy owner, who has a plan for all worst-case scenarios, except one... finding love.

With the topic of illegal immigration so prevalent in today's news, now is the perfect time to take a very personal look at the trials and tribulations of those who immigrated, both legally and illegally, to our country in THE NEW COLOSSUS, a new play co-written by The Actors' Gang ensemble and its Artistic Director Tim Robbins, who also directs the production. In it, twelve of the acting troupe's members tell their ancestors' stories, reflecting their great diversity, struggles and journeys from oppression to freedom, a real personal testament celebrating the courage and great character of the refugees who came to this country throughout the last 200 years.

Based on the iconic novel by George Orwell, a?oe1984a?? is the story of Winston Smith, who has come to the attention of the state of Oceania, the authoritarian state. Initially written in 1949, meaning that it was projecting 35 years into the future at that time, it is uncanny, that, 35 years later, it is being presented yet once again, and, terrifyingly, it is probably more relevant than ever before. With the brutal soul-searching, diary-exposing help of four Party Members of a?oeThe Ministry of Truth,a?? and a maiming stun gun, Winston is forced to confess his Thoughtcrimes before an unseen questioner, and the audience (surrounding the square stage in the middle on all four sides; it's almost as if they are secretly witnesses and jury) is up close and personal witnessing the torture and depredation being dealt to Mr. Smith.

When you open a program to find a page recommending ways that people can take action after seeing a musical (like registering to vote and supporting groups like the ACLU), you know that you're going to see something special. Theatre Raleigh's last show of their 2019 Summer Season, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, is a daring musical about the Scottsboro Boys trials in the 1930s in Alabama. It has a company of all African-American performers, except one, and takes inspiration from minstrel shows. The show is directed and brilliantly choreographed by Gerry McIntyre who manages to make it very impactful, without feeling overdone.

Back in 1986, The Actors' Gang presented VIOLENCE: THE MISADVENTURES OF SPIKE SPANGLE, FARMER, originally written and directed by the group's Artistic Director Tim Robbins, which offered a no-holds barred satire of militarism and media manipulation. An updated version written by Robbins and Adam Simon, directed by Bob Turton, has re-invaded The Actors' Gang through June 22, 2019 in Culver City. The political and social satire tells the story of Spike Spangle, a down on his luck farmer who gets sucked into a whirlwind of celebrity and patriotism, fueled by his need for more money. During his journey, Spike joins Superman on billionaire Max Enormous' Celebrity Space Shuttle, and a nefarious plot twist leads to the deification of Spike Spangle as an American hero.

CAPE FEAR REGIONAL THEATRE is bringing the 4-time Tony Award winning musical 'Memphis' to Fayetteville May 9-26. Directed by Suzanne Agins, with Music and Lyrics by David Bryan and Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro, this show stopping musical stars Shonica Gooden from Broadway's company of 'Hamilton'. The show is choreographed by Ellenore Scott ('King Kong', 'CATS', 'Head Over Heels') with music direction by Sarah Wussow.

The Actors' Gang has announced an extension of "The New Colossus" due to strong ticket sales. The production will now continue through May 12 at The Actors' Gang Theater. Directed by Tim Robbins and written The Actors' Gang ensemble and The Actors' Gang's Artistic Director, Tim Robbins. The world premiere of The New Colossus began previews on February 8 and opened on February 17, 2018. Six new performances have been added on Saturday nights at 8:00pm - April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, and closing night, May 12.

One must applaud Tim Robbins and his Actors' Gang troupe for their passionate, timely presentation of the immigrant plight in their struggles to reach a better life in America. Currently world premiering at The Actors' Gang, Robbins and his cast of twelve performers have created twelve characters they each have familiarity with in THE NEW COLOSSUS. This production may best be described as a performance art piece with the vital message of inclusion

As the sole pantomime in Bristol, Aladdin (from pantomime giants Qdos Entertainment) has a lot resting on its shoulders for families this festive season. For some, Christmas at the theatre means panto and they're unlikely to feel short changed by this big budget offering.

Today, the producers of 'Spamilton,' the critically acclaimed parody of 'Hamilton,' announced an October 8 closing date for the Chicago run at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted).

'Spamilton,' the critically acclaimed parody of 'Hamilton,' welcomes Chicago actor Becca Brown to the production as the new female star.

"This music is magical. My writing is stilted." So proclaims Erik Jensen as famed rock critic Lester Bangs in HOW TO BE A ROCK CRITIC, now playing as part of Steppenwolf's Lookout Series. This thought has likely crossed the mind of all art critics out there (certainly it has crossed mine), and it embodies the spirit of this 80-minute solo play as it charts Bangs's career. Jensen and co-playwright Jessica Blank (the pair are also married) give us a portrait of Bangs-who died of a drug overdose at age 33-that demonstrates the passion, creativity, and self-destructive nature that defined him. This solo play provides an overview of Bangs's trajectory and allows audiences to learn about the rock music he loved, aided by David Robbins's sound design.

Today, the producers of "Spamilton," the critically acclaimed parody of "Hamilton," announced that select tickets to the Chicago production are available for Tuesday and Wednesday evening performances for $35.  The critically hailed production is now playing in an open-ended run at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted).

The Actors' Gang's U.S. Premiere Production of Harlequino: On to Freedom has extended its run to May 20th. 

Today, the producers of 'Spamilton,' the critically acclaimed parody of 'Hamilton,' will extend its Chicago production for an open-ended run at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted).