Eric Schaeffer News

Due to popular demand, the critically hailed MILLION DOLLAR will move to the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago), immediately following the conclusion of its limited engagement at the Goodman's Owen Theatre. Performances in the Owen continue through Oct. 26. Preview performances at the Apollo Theater begin Friday, Oct. 31, with the official opening scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the Apollo run are currently on sale through January 4, 2009.

Eric Schaeffer, the Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, tonight announced that Signature will honor Stephen Sondheim at a Gala Benefit in April and establish an annual award as a tribute to America's most influential contemporary musical theater composer. Signature will salute Mr. Sondheim at a black-tie Gala Celebration on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington, DC highlighted by a musical tribute, festive dinner, and dancing and inaugurate an annual honor to be known in future years as The Sondheim Award.

Signature Theatre, nationally renowned for its interpretation of Sondheim musicals, takes on the Sondheim cult favorite Anyone Can Whistle in a special one night only concert, Monday, October 6, 2008 at 8:00 pm at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria. Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer will direct the performance, a rare opportunity to experience Sondheim's wacky, intelligent, and highly unconventional 1964 work.

The Signature Theatre concluded their production of ACE on Sunday, September 28th. The show opened on August 27th, 2008 With music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, ACE was directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer with choreography by Karma Camp. Set just after WWII, ACE is an epic story of a young boy's search to come to terms with his past and unlock his future. A tale of triumph, humor, and heart as seen through a child's eyes, ACE magically explores the heroic lives and unforeseen legacies of the men and women of America's Greatest Generation.

On Sunday, October 19, Signature Theatre will audition boys and girls, ages 7 - 12, for two singing roles and one non-singing role in its innovative new production of Les Miserables, which will run December 2 through February 22. Signature is looking for six children (two boys and four girls) all under 50 inches (4' 2''), who will alternate performances in their respective roles.

Take a wild ride through the eyes of a child who wants to know where he comes from

Signature Theatre, nationally renowned for its interpretation of Sondheim musicals, takes on the Sondheim cult favorite Anyone Can Whistle in a special one night only concert, Monday, October 6, 2008 at 8:00 pm at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria. Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer will direct the performance, a rare opportunity to experience Sondheim's wacky, intelligent, and highly unconventional 1964 work.

Signature Theatre today announced that the company will present an innovative new production of the beloved 1985 musical Les Misérables, to be staged by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer this December.

ACE, a new musical, plays at Virginia's Signature Theatre through September 28.

gnature Theatre presents the Washington premiere of the viciously bloody comic satire The Lieutenant of Inishmore running September 23 - November 16 in The ARK Theatre.

Signature Theatre today announced that Will Gartshore will replace George Dvorsky in The Lost Songs of Broadway 1940s - 1950s, a run of cabaret performances playing in The ARK Theatre September 3 - 6.

Signature Theatre is pleased to announce complete casting for the opening show of its 2008-2009 season, ACE. With music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, ACE will be directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer with choreography by Karma Camp. Set just after WWII, ACE is an epic story of a young boy's search to come to terms with his past and unlock his future. A tale of triumph, humor, and heart as seen through a child's eyes, ACE magically explores the heroic lives and unforeseen legacies of the men and women of America's Greatest Generation.

There are those cherished moments in the theater when a performer grips the audience in such a manner that the evening not only becomes the talk of the town, but remains locked forever in the minds of the audiences who were fortunate enough to witness it. Such was the case recently when The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, NY presented their version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Without exaggeration, the production became the buzz of the community. Not only were people enormously impressed with the stunning sets and costumes, but they were also bowled over by the brilliant performance of Josh Davis as the Beast.

Signature Theatre today announced that Will Gartshore will replace George Dvorsky in The Lost Songs of Broadway 1940s - 1950s, a run of cabaret performances playing in The ARK Theatre September 3 - 6.

The Call Board returns!

Signature Theatre is pleased to announce complete casting for the opening show of its 2008-2009 season, ACE. With music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, ACE will be directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer with choreography by Karma Camp. Set just after WWII, ACE is an epic story of a young boy's search to come to terms with his past and unlock his future. A tale of triumph, humor, and heart as seen through a child's eyes, ACE magically explores the heroic lives and unforeseen legacies of the men and women of America's Greatest Generation.

Signature Theatre, under the artistic direction of Eric Schaeffer, yesterday completed the Kander & Ebb Celebration, a ground-breaking four-month festival devoted to the works of John Kander and Fred Ebb, the longest lasting song-writing partnership in the history of the American musical theater.

Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer announced a $300,000, multi-year grant from The Shen Family Foundation for The Next Generation, a program to help emerging composers create new works for musical theater.

On Saturday June 7th, the Signature Theatre presented the East Coast Premiere of the THE VISIT. The after party directly followed

Over the weekend there was opening night of the East Coast premiere of THE VISIT.