Eric Rosen News

Dramatic, powerful, and intense describes When I Come To Die now playing at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Copaken Stage. Nathan Louis Jackson, playwright in residence for KC Repertory, wrote the thought-provoking look at a prisoner on death roll that cheats death at his execution, only to have to relive waiting to die.

Rehearsals begin today for Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning Broadway hit comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, directed by the Rep's Artistic Director Eric Rosen, and running March 14 - April 6 at Spencer Theatre on the UMKC campus. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a co-production with Center Stage in Baltimore.

The tragic love story of the ages, Romeo and Juliet, playing at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre runs through February 9. William Shakespeare's disastrous tale of family feuds, loyalty, and teenage love has stood the test of times. Directed by Eric Rosen, Artistic Director for the KC Rep, the production with minimal scenery and beautiful elaborate costumes, designed by Lindsay W. Davis and Lauren Gaston, which transports the audience back to Verona, Italy.

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, announces new leadership of its board of directors and three new members. Diane Rodriguez, associate producer/director of new play production at Center Theatre Group, succeeds Phillip Himberg, producing artistic director of the Sundance Institute Theatre Program, as board president. Robert Hupp, producing artistic director of Arkansas Repertory Theatre, joins playwright Lydia. R. Diamond as joint vice presidents. Tim Jennings, managing director of Children's Theatre Company, succeeds Roche Schulfer, executive director of Goodman Theatre, as treasurer. Ralph Bryan, managing director-investments of Wells Fargo Advisors, remains as secretary.

Center Stage announced today that Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, will join Center Stage's 2013-14 Season. The production, which will run in place of Naomi Wallace's The Liquid Plain, begins previews on April 16, opens on April 23, and runs through May 25.

About Face Theatre Company will kick off its new OUT FRONT SERIES, a year-round collection of free public readings and developmental workshops. This month, AFT presents BILLIE AND BILLY by AFT Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, with original music by Brad Simmons and directed by Krissy Vanderwarker, playing today, November 16 and tomorrow the 17th, 2013 at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. in Chicago.

About Face Theatre Company will kick off its new OUT FRONT SERIES, a year-round collection of free public readings and developmental workshops. This month, AFT presents BILLIE AND BILLY by AFT Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, with original music by Brad Simmons and directed by Krissy Vanderwarker, playing November 16 and 17, 2013 at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. in Chicago.

In a joint effort to produce and foster new work, The Living Room, in association with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, will present a concert reading of Nathan Tysen and the popular Midwest band Joe's Pet Project's new rock theatre piece Stillwater. This exciting new fusion of rock concert and musical theatre will be performed with actors from Kansas City, New York and Chicago, at 7 pm and 10 pm, tonight, October 20, 2013 at The Living Room 1818 McGee Street in Kansas City, MO.

For one exclusive night, step back into the golden age of underground society as About Face Presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB tonight, October 11 from 7 pm - 10 pm. This magical throwback to Chicago's 'black and tan' nightclubs of the 1920s will take place at secret venue revealed just one week prior to the event, creating a singular experience of mystery.

In a joint effort to produce and foster new work, The Living Room, in association with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, will present a concert reading of Nathan Tysen and the popular Midwest band Joe's Pet Project's new rock theatre piece Stillwater. This exciting new fusion of rock concert and musical theatre will be performed with actors from Kansas City, New York and Chicago, at 7 pm and 10 pm, Sunday, October 20, 2013 at The Living Room 1818 McGee Street in Kansas City, MO.

As it enters its 18th season, About Face Theatre Company is pleased to announce the appointment of three new staff members in key leadership roles. Corinne Neal will serve as the company's Managing Director and Cara Thaxton as AFT's Development Director, both newly created positions. Ali Hoefnagel will succeed Sara Kerastas as AFT's Education and Outreach Director. Kerastas will continue her affiliation and artistic engagement with About Face as an Artistic Associate.

Known for high-quality productions and successful collaboration with Kansas City theatre companies, UMKC Theatre announces its 2013-2014 season.

The world premiere of The Tallest Tree in the Forest, a new work about the life of African-American performer and activist Paul Robeson, written and performed by Daniel Beaty and directed by Moises Kaufman, opens tonight, September 6 at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

The world premiere of The Tallest Tree in the Forest, a new work about the life of African-American performer and activist Paul Robeson, written and performed by Daniel Beaty and directed by Moises Kaufman, opens Friday, September 6 at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. The show runs through September 28 at the Rep's downtown theatre Copaken Stage, 13th and Walnut Streets.

For one exclusive night, step back into the golden age of underground society as About Face Presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB on Friday, October 11 from 7 pm - 10 pm. This magical throwback to Chicago's 'black and tan' nightclubs of the 1920s will take place at secret venue revealed just one week prior to the event, creating a singular experience of mystery.

Scott Boswell, chairman of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre's Board of Directors, and Leo E. Morton, chancellor of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), are pleased to announce that Angela Lee Gieras has been appointed executive director of Kansas City Rep. The newly created position will provide additional leadership as the Rep prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2014 and will support the Rep as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional theatre. Gieras will begin her new position today, August 1.

Due to popular demand, About Face Theatre's critically acclaimed Chicago premiere of THE PRIDE by Alexi Kaye Campbell (Olivier Award) and directed by Bonnie Metzgar has added two additional weeks of performances - extending through Saturday, July 27, 2013. THE PRIDE is presented at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for all performance are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling the Victory Gardens Box Office at (773) 871-3000.

Escape the New York summer heat with 'Christmas in July' at Joe's Pub at The Public where Chicago's About Face Theatre in association with John Sanders presents a concert version of WE THREE LIZAS, the new hit holiday musical that wowed Chicago audiences this past winter. WE THREE LIZAS plays Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette St., New York) one night only on Monday, July 15 at 7 pm.

Due to popular demand, About Face Theatre's critically acclaimed Chicago premiere of THE PRIDE by Alexi Kaye Campbell (Olivier Award) and directed by Bonnie Metzgar has added two additional weeks of performances - extending through Saturday, July 27, 2013. THE PRIDE is presented at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for all performance are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling the Victory Gardens Box Office at (773) 871-3000.

Eric Rosen, artistic director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre, has announced a major change in its 2013-14 season line up, beginning with the removal of One Night with Janis Joplin from the schedule. The musical tribute, based on the life and music of the late Janis Joplin, written and directed by Randy Johnson, was to have its pre-Broadway production at Spencer Theatre, September 20-October 13. The show's producers have decided instead that it will go directly to the Lyceum Theatre in New York, where performances will begin September 20.