Eddie Mekka News

This Wednesday, June 5th, seven-time Emmy Award winning star, Ed Asner (Lou Grant on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Lou Grant') will be interviewed on 'Theatre Chat and This and That' from Brooksville, Fla.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. Directed by Porchlight Music Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck (reuniting with Weber for the first time since their collaboration on Porchlight's triumphant production of Assassins) and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier, Pal Joey stars Adrian Aguliar, 'Joey Evans,' Susie McMonagle, 'Vera Simpson,' Laura Savage, 'Linda English,' Matt Orlando, 'Ludlow Lowell' and Sharriese Hamilton, 'Gladys Bumps.'

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, tonight, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. Directed by Porchlight Music Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck (reuniting with Weber for the first time since their collaboration on Porchlight's triumphant production of Assassins) and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier, Pal Joey stars Adrian Aguliar, 'Joey Evans,' Susie McMonagle, 'Vera Simpson,' Laura Savage, 'Linda English,' Matt Orlando, 'Ludlow Lowell' and Sharriese Hamilton, 'Gladys Bumps.'

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. Directed by Porchlight Music Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck (reuniting with Weber for the first time since their collaboration on Porchlight's triumphant production of Assassins) and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier, Pal Joey stars Adrian Aguliar, 'Joey Evans,' Susie McMonagle, 'Vera Simpson,' Laura Savage, 'Linda English,' Matt Orlando, 'Ludlow Lowell' and Sharriese Hamilton, 'Gladys Bumps.'

Award-winning actor, singer, dancer and comedian Eddie Mekka, who is famously recognized for his role as "Carmine 'the big Ragu' Ragusa" from the ABC-TV sitcom Laverne and Shirley, returns to Naples, Sunday, March 24 to headline TheatreZone's fundraiser Eddie Mekka…with a little Ragoo on the Side.

Got the acting bug? Then, don't miss your chance to bid for a walk-on acting role with daytime drama stars Jim and Kassie DePaiva in TheatreZone's upcoming production of 110 in the Shade, one of the five live auction items at the Equity theatre group's upcoming March 24 gala fundraiser.

When Broadway and television star Eddie Mekka (Carmine "the big Ragu" Ragusa from Laverne & Shirley TV series) entertains at TheatreZone's gala fundraiser later this month, he'll be backed by a live six-piece band, led by legendary musical director and saxophone player Tim Fowlar. They will be joined by TheatreZone artistic director Mark Danni playing drums, Joe Choomack on bass, Tom Weaver on guitar, Mike Santiago on trumpet and Peter Van Wyk on trombone.

Show Palace Entertainment presents 9 to 5: The Musical, now through February 24, 2013.

Eddie Mekka returns to Naples to headline TheatreZone's first-ever gala fundraiser Sunday, March 24, 2013, performing his nightclub act, singing with a live band songs by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Louis Prima and many more, and storytelling in a charity show to benefit the Equity, non-profit theatre group at Cloyde's Steak & Lobster House on Venetian Bay in Naples.

TheatreZone Artistic director Mark Danni previously announced his cast selection for the Tony award winning production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

TheatreZone Artistic director Mark Danni today announced his cast selection for the Tony award winning production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States. This Week's Featured Regional Theater: TheatreZone in Naples, FL!

Actor and daughter of the late ITC Board Member Barbara Manuell, Lynn Manuell wrote the following as a plea to help the Illinois Theatre Center finish its season before its impending closure.

The John W. Engeman Theater presents four time Tony Award Winning Musical, 42nd STREET, beginning with previews on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 8:00 p.m., an official opening on Saturday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. and running through June 17, 2012. Tickets are on sale for $60 and may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com, or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

Grab that poodle skirt, slick back your hair and get ready to rock ‘n' roll -- 50's style -- when the 2010-2011 national tour of the new Broadway production of the hit musical GREASETM makes its way to Boston's Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre and will close on Sunday, May 1. Leading the 50's fun-fest will be Eddie Mekka (Laverne & Shirley's Carmine) as DJ Vince Fontaine.

Grab that poodle skirt, slick back your hair and get ready to rock 'n' roll -- 50's style -- when the 2010-2011 national tour of the new Broadway production of the hit musical GREASE™ makes its way to Boston's Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre for one week only, playing Wednesday, April 27 through Sunday, May 1.

Porchlight Music Theatre announces today that Michael Weber has been named the organization's new Artistic Director.

One of the stars of the recent Broadway production of GREASETM, singer/actor Dominic Fortuna, has joined the cast as 'Vince Fontaine' and 'Teen Angel.' Dominic starred on Broadway and in the first national tour (with Taylor Hicks) of GREASETM as 'Vince Fontaine.'

The 2010-2011 national tour of the new Broadway production of GREASETM closes in Indianapolis at Clowes Memorial Hall, March 227th.

The 2010-2011 national tour of the new Broadway production of GREASE™ opens in Indianapolis at Clowes Memorial Hall, March 22nd and runs through the 27th as part of the Broadway Across America 10/11 Season.