Derek McLane News

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Following the world premiere co-production at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse, playwright and performer Daniel Beaty brings The Tallest Tree in the Forest to Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Beaty, whose work has been seen at Arena Stage as a playwright with his play Resurrection and as a performer in his award-winning solo play Emergency, channels close to 40 characters in The Tallest Tree in the Forest in a 'tour de force' (San Diego Reader) performance, giving audiences an intimate look at one of the most dynamic and controversial figures in history-artist and activist Paul Robeson. Tony Award nominee Moises Kaufman (playwright and director for Broadway's 33 Variations, which received its world premiere at Arena Stage in 2007) directs this music-infused new play that features 14 songs and an onstage band. Developed and produced by Tectonic Theater Project, The Tallest Tree in the Forest runs tonight, January 10-February 16, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater and will play the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles following the Arena Stage run.

The national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, inspired by the electrifying true story of four rock 'n' roll icons: Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, will make its premiere at Omaha's Orpheum Theater Tuesday, February 18, 2014. The show is part of the Omaha Performing Arts' Broadway Series and will run through Sunday, February 23, 2014.

The original cast recording of the George Street Playhouse's world-premiere production of the new Broadway-bound musical GETTIN' THE BAND BACK TOGETHER is now available for digital download on iTunes.

Casting has been announced for the National Tour of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the Broadway musical inspired by the electrifying true story of four rock 'n' roll icons, which is entering its third smash year on the road. The tour will play over 75 cities this season including the State Theatre in Easton on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Broadway PR firm Polk & Co.'s founder and president, Matt Polk, has just announced that Tom D'Ambrosio, Wayne Wolfe, Frances White and Colgan McNeil will be joining the public relations, media strategies and social media firm. Beginning January 6, 2014, the four press agents, formerly of The Hartman Group, will join the existing company of five including press agents Jessica Johnson and Michelle Bergmann.

The national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, inspired by the electrifying true story, will be performed January 17-18 at Mayo Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $39-69.

The national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, inspired by the electrifying true story, will perform at Jacksonville's Times-Union Center's Moran Theater from April 22-27, 2014 for 8 performances only! Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Friday, December 13th at 10AM through the Artist Series, the official presenter of Broadway in Jacksonville.

BULL DURHAM, a new musical based on the beloved 1988 film, which Sports Illustratedproclaimed the '#1 Greatest Sports Movie of All-time,' will premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta in September 2014.

Following the world premiere co-production at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse, playwright and performer Daniel Beaty brings The Tallest Tree in the Forest to Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Beaty, whose work has been seen at Arena Stage as a playwright with his play Resurrection and as a performer in his award-winning solo play Emergency, channels close to 40 characters in The Tallest Tree in the Forest in a "tour de force" (San Diego Reader) performance, giving audiences an intimate look at one of the most dynamic and controversial figures in history-artist and activist Paul Robeson. Tony Award nominee Moises Kaufman (playwright and director for Broadway's 33 Variations, which received its world premiere at Arena Stage in 2007) directs this music-infused new play that features 14 songs and an onstage band. Developed and produced by Tectonic Theater Project, The Tallest Tree in the Forest runs January 10-February 16, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater and will play the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles following the Arena Stage run.

David Anzuelo, Austin Cauldwell, Ella Dershowitz, Laura Esterman, Daniel Gerroll, Dea Julien and Keith Randolph Smith

Producers Paul Blake and Sony/ATV Music Publishing announced today a general rush ticket policy for the highly anticipated new musical Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, about the early life and career of the legendary and groundbreaking singer/songwriter. Beginning with the show's first preview this Thursday, November 21st, a number of $40 tickets will be made available for each performance, for purchase day-of at the box office of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street). Tickets are subject to availability, and patrons are limited to two rush tickets per person. Beautiful - The Carole King Musical comes to Broadway on the heels of a sold-out, critically acclaimed World Premiere in San Francisco, and officially opens on Sunday, January 12, 2014.

Set in a garage in suburban Long Island, THE BLACK SUITS tells the tale of four boys (lead singer, guitar, bass and drums) who are preparing for stardom by way of the St. Anne's Battle of the Bands. The band and the music give focus and sustenance to the boys whose lives are filled with teenage angst and longing, struggles with friends and girlfriends, and the need to make choices.

Roundabout Theatre Company's national tour of the 2011 Tony Award-winning Anything Goes will complete 13 months of "Education@Roundabout" on the road with a student Postcard Production Workshop on Thursday, November 14 in Greenville, SC. Anything Goes will play at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC through November 17, 2013.

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk DouglasTheatre in Culver City. Performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. Click below to watch Veronica Dunne performing 'Blue Hair.'

The national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, inspired by the electrifying true story, will make its THOUSAND OAKS premiere tonight, Nov. 5-10 at the THOUSAND OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA as part of the BROADWAY IN THOUSAND OAKS SERIES.

The world premiere of "The Black Suits" opened on Sunday, November 3, 2013, at the Center Theatre Group/ Kirk Douglas Theatre. With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, book by Iconis and Robert Emmett Maddock, direction by John Simpkins, choreography by Jennifer Werner and music direction and orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, "The Black Suits" continues performances through November 24, 2013. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' which began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Opening night is tonight, November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast and creative team in rehearsal below!

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk DouglasTheatre in Culver City. Opening night is November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

The world premiere of 'The Black Suits,' began previews October 27 at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Opening night is November 3 and performances run through November 24, 2013. The cast features Jimmy Brewer, Harrison Chad, Veronica Dunne, Coby Getzug, Annie Golden and Will Roland. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production shots below!