Dina Janis News

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis and Producing Director Will Rucker, will open its acclaimed Pipeline Series of three one-night-only presentations of new work with Panelists by Sofia Alvarez on Tuesday, July 2. Alvarez was the screenwriter for the recent hit film To All The Boys I've Loved Before (Netflix), which received an MTV Movie and TV Award Nomination for Best Movie.

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, announces the recipients of the first round of the 2019 Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards. The awards, totaling $509,000, allow 13 productions extra time for the development and rehearsal of new plays with the entire creative team, hoping to extend the life of the world premiere play after its first run.

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis and Producing Director Will Rucker, will open the 42nd Season on June 20 with a revival of Noel Coward's classic comedy, PRIVATE LIVES directed by Evan Yionoulis.

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, is celebrating the Festival?s 42nd Season with the third annual Summer Stars Gala honoring Emmy Nominated Actor and star of CBS? ?Madam Secretary?, Tim Daly, and featuring renowned entertainer, Jamie Bernstein. The Gala will take place at 6:00 P.M. on June 23rd at the Old Gray Barn (1582 VT Route 30, Rupert, VT 05768, - just 2 miles from Dorset Green) Theatre lovers and community supporters are invited to join Dorset Theatre Festival stars past and present at this celebration of the boldest theatre in Southern Vermont, when this year, we honor actor Tim Daly for his outstanding commitment to the Festival. Tim Daly has starred in three Main Stage productions since 2013, including his role alongside sister Tyne Daly in the World Premiere of DOWNSTAIRS by Theresa Rebeck, which transferred Off-Broadway in fall 2018. ?Dina Janis and the Dorset Theatre Festival have provided me and many artists with a spectacular artistic home. It is dedicated visionaries like Dina who do the work of a genuine artistic director. She inspires, entertains, challenges, and enlightens audiences. Dorset is beyond fortunate to have this theatre in the community.? -Tim Daly Actor, director, producer and philanthropist, Tim Daly currently stars as ?Henry McCord? in the hit CBS series ?Madam Secretary?. Before beginning ?Madam Secretary?. Daly appeared on the small screen on critically acclaimed series such as CBS? remake of ?The Fugitive?, ABC?s ?Private Practice?, NBC?s ?Wings?, and HBO?s ?The Sopranos?, for which Daly received an Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. Daly served as executive producer on the Showtime feature ?Execution of Justice?, which garnered him a GLAAD Award for ?Outstanding Made for Television Movie.? He also produced the filmed ?Edge of America?, which opened the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, and won the Humanitas Prize and the George Foster Peabody Award. Always eager to return to the stage, Daly most recently starred opposite his sister, Tyne Daly, in Theresa Rebeck?s new play, DOWNSTAIRS, at the Cherry Lane Theater. The play was first produced at the Dorset Theater Festival, where Daly has done several other productions Daly?s first Broadway appearance in COASTAL DISTURBANCES earned him the Theatre World Award. He also won the Drama League award for Best Actor in the Los Angeles Coast Playhouse production of COLORADO CATECHISM. Other theater credits include SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION at the Williamstown Theater Festival, THE CAIN MUTINY COURT MARTIAL at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, THE EXONERATED at the Bleeker Street Theater, HENRY FLAMETHROWA at Studio Dante, and OLIVER, OLIVER at the Manhattan Theatre Club. For the past eight years, Daly has served as president of The Creative Coalition and serves on the board of InsideOUT Writers. Daly, a father or two, studied theatre and literature at Bennington College and divides his time between New York, Vermont, and Connecticut. Admission to the 2019 Summer Stars Gala includes a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and a live auction. Headlining entertainment by Jamie Bernstein, the eldest daughter of revered composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, features a performance that she has tailor-made for our Dorset Theatre Festival guests, titled ?Bernstein's Piano Snapshots: Musical Portraits of Family and Friends? ?Growing up together in iconic musical theatre families and as close friends, I know Jamie Bernstein is the real deal when it comes to captivating storytelling and formidable talent. We are so lucky to have her as our headlining entertainment at this year?s gala.? - Kim Beaty Narrator, writer, and broadcaster Jamie Bernstein became a lifelong cultural enthusiast growing up in the ebullient household of her parents, composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein and pianist and actress Felicia Montealegre. Inheriting her father?s passion to share and teach, she has devised several ways of communicating her own excitement about classical music, including The Bernstein Beat, a family concert about her father modeled after his own groundbreaking Young People?s Concerts. She also has narrated concerts about Mozart and Copland. From Beijing to Caracas to Vancouver, she appeared as a concert narrator in Sir William Walton?s Facade, Copland?s A Lincoln Portrait, her father?s Symphony No. 3 (Kaddish), and others. As a broadcaster, she has produced or hosted numerous radio programs in the U.S. and for the BBC, including live New York Philharmonic and Tanglewood broadcasts, and various WQXR series. Her critically acclaimed biography Famous Father Girl was released in 2018. Jamie?s performance will also include acclaimed musician and conductor, Michael Boriskin. Pianist Michael Boriskin has performed in over 30 countries with leading international orchestras and chamber ensembles, and in major concert halls, including Lincoln Center (Great Performers Series), the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, BBC, London?s Wigmore Hall, Berlin Radio, Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, and Vienna?s Arnold Schoenberg Center. He is a frequent presence on NPR as performer, commentator, and host, and has an extensive discography on the SONY Classics, Naxos, New World, Albany, and Bridge labels. He is the longtime Artistic and Executive Director of Copland House, the award-winning creative center for American based at Aaron Copland?s National Historic Landmark home near New York City. He has also served as Music Director of Mikhail Baryshnikov?s fabled White Oak Dance Project, and artistic or program advisor for the New York Philharmonic, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, U.S. State Department, and other major institutions. In conjunction with the Summer Stars Celebration Gala, Dorset Theatre Festival is also hosting an online auction. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the virtual auction block include: tickets to a Red Sox game; dinner reservations at famous New York eatery, Rao?s; an inclusive luxury stay and golf weekend in the deserts of Cave Creek, Arizona; a week at a private home on Nantucket Island, and many more! The online bidding begins June 1st at: https://www.biddingforgood.com/summerstars2019 For more details about the Summer Stars Gala visit dorsettheatrefestival.org or contact us at (802) 867-2223 ext 2019 / dtf@dorsettheatrefestival.org ----------------------------------------------------- Subscriptions for the 2019 Summer Season and single tickets are on sale now. The box office may be reached by calling (802) 867-2223 ext. 101, Tuesday through Friday, 12 ? 4 pm (spring hours through 6/1), Tuesday through Saturday 12 - 6 pm (summer hours through 8/31) For more information, or to purchase subscriptions and tickets online, visit www.dorsettheatrefestival.org. ABOUT DORSET THEATRE FESTIVAL Dorset Theatre Festival's mission is to create bold, innovative, and authentic theatre that engages a diverse, multi-generational community, and economically diverse region: enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring our audience through the celebration of great plays. We aim to redefine the landscape of theatre by presenting thought-provoking productions drawn from the new and classic canon, as well as through the development of new plays, new audiences, and new artists for the future of American theater. We produce theatre that matters. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.DORSETTHEATREFESTIVAL.ORG # # #

To ensure a separation of powers, the U.S. Federal Government is made up of three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. When authority runs amok, the ultimate check is the American citizen. 

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, will mount two world premiere productions during the 42nd Season. DIG, written and directed by Theresa Rebeck (July 11-27, 2019), and MRS. CHRISTIE by Heidi Armbruster (August 1-17, 2019) fall between the Festival's previously announced runs of Noel Coward's PRIVATE LIVES (June 20-July 6, 2019) and SLOW FOOD by Wendy MacLeod (August 22-31, 2019) at the Dorset Playhouse (104 Cheney Road, Dorset, VT 05251).

Dorset Theatre Festival will open the 42nd Season on June 20 with a revival of Noel Coward's PRIVATE LIVES directed by Evan Yionoulis. Casting has also been announced for Wendy MacLeod's SLOW FOOD, the Festival's season closer. Peri Gilpin and Dan Butler, who played Roz Doyle and Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe on the NBC sitcom "Frasier," will star alongside Broadway veteran Greg Stuhr in this new comedy directed by Jackson Gay.

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, is excited to announce the addition of AN EVENING WITH NATALIE MERCHANT to the Festival's 42nd season.

Dorset Theatre Festival announces its 42nd Season, featuring the classic revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives directed by Evan Yionoulis (June 20 - July 6), the World Premiere of Dig, written and directed by Theresa Rebeck (July 11 - 27), the World Premiere of Mrs. Christie by Heidi Armbruster, directed by Giovanna Sardelli  (August 1 - 17), Slow Food by Wendy MacLeod, directed by Jackson Gay (August 22 - 31), and Pipeline Series: Three New Works in Process (July 2, July 23, and August 13). All performances will take place at the Dorset Playhouse (104 Cheney Rd, Dorset, VT 05251)

Every year, WAM Theatre donates a portion of the box office proceeds from their fall Main Stage production to agencies that benefit women and girls locally, nationally, or internationally. The success of ANN enabled the company to present their largest donation ever - $15,000 split evenly between its 14th and 15th beneficiaries, The Denise Kaley Fund and the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts' 2018 Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI). Each organization will receive $7,500.

A one-woman tour-de-force, ANN is a hilarious and spirited portrait of Ann Richards, legendary Governor of Texas. Written by award-winning actress and writer Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men) and starring Jayne Atkinson (House of Cards, Madam Secretary), ANN is an inspiring play that brings us face to face with the complex, colorful, and captivating character, with a personality bigger than the state she governed.

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, closed its 41st Festival Season at the beginning of September with a sold-out special engagement of Holland Taylor's play ANN at the Dorset Playhouse. As part of the closing weekend, Dorset presented a special post-show panel discussion featuring local female politicians and hosted the third annual Women Artists Writing Group retreat.

Dorset Theatre Festival presents Holland Taylor's ANN, directed by Kristen van Ginhoven. Two-time Tony nominee JAYNE ATKINSON ("House of Cards," "Madam Secretary") will play Ann Richards, the former Governor of Texas known for a personality as large as the state from which she hailed. The play also features Tony Award-Winner JULIE WHITE (The Little Dog Laughed) as the voice of Ann Richards' assistant, Nancy Kohler.

Dorset Theatre Festival, now in its 41st season, announced today the return of its popular PlayTalks, a series of guest speakers who are experts in their field intended to engage and inform regional audiences in rich and varied ways. The first PlayTalk of the season will take place at the Northshire Bookstore (4869 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT) on August 18 at 6:00 P.M. The event is free and open to the public. Bennington College professor of literature Brooke Allen will give the talk, entitled "The Ever-Modern Jane Austen."

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, Producing Director Will Rucker, and Executive Director Marissa Hutton, presents Kate Hamill's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, adapted from the original novel by Jane Austen, directed by Christopher V. Edwards, with a cast that includes KRYSTEL LUCAS ("The Blacklist", "Jessica Jones") as "Jane, Miss De Bourgh," JESSICA FREY Sense and Sensibility - BEDLAM) as "Lizzy," AISHLING PEMBROKE as "Lydia, Lady Catherine," DAVE QUAY (The Low Road - The Public Theater) as "Mr. Darcy," RYAN QUINN (Whorl Inside a Loop - Second Stage) as "Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham, Miss Bingley," CARMAN LACIVITA (Marvin's Room - Broadway) as "Mr. Bingley, Mary," OMAR ROBINSON (Hamlet - Actors' Shakespeare Project) as "Charlotte Lucas, Mr. Bennet," and JOAN COOMBS (Tartuffe - Shakespeare and Company) as "Mrs. Bennet".

This season, Dorset Theatre Festival aims to expand participation and awareness for its Giving Back Program and thank its regional business partners by hosting three pre-show receptions honoring community heroes. The Second of these Community Partner Nights took place on July 26 in honor Vermont's EMR, EMT, Nurses, and Paramedics. The event was sponsored by Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, Producing Director Will Rucker, and Executive Director Marissa Hutton, presents Dominique Morisseau's SKELETON CREW, directed by Jade King Carroll, with a case that includes Brenda Pressley (The Lyons) as "Faye," Leland Fowler (Henry V) as "Dez," Mirirai Sithole (School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play) as "Shanita," and Gabriel Lawrence ("Madam Secretary") as "Reggie."

This season, Dorset Theatre Festival aims to expand participation and awareness for its Giving Back Program and thank its regional business partners by hosting three pre-show receptions honoring community heroes. The first of these Community Partner Nights took place on June 28 in honor of Vermont's volunteer firefighters. The event was sponsored by The Barn Restaurant and Tavern in Pawlet.

CRY IT OUT: A laugh-till-you-cry comedy for anyone who's ever known a baby. Jessie can't find any Mom Friends in her new Long Island neighborhood until she and larger-than-life Lina start sneaking out for coffee between their duplexes during nap times. When a wealthy neighbor comes down from the hill overlooking their hangout, the sleep-deprived comedy of new parenthood shows a different side of itself. CRY IT OUT is an honestly absurd look at the dilemma of returning to work after childbirth and how class impacts parenthood and friendship.

Dorset Theatre Festival, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dina Janis, Producing Director Will Rucker, and Executive Director Marissa Hutton, is proud to announce the full lineup and casting for their inaugural Pipeline Series-four one-night-only presentations. All presentations will take place at the Dorset Playhouse (104 Cheney Rd, Dorset, VT 05251).