F Brown News

In conjunction with its Mainstage show Brownie Points, Taproot Theatre Company hosts a special free event called 'Neighbors and Strangers: Discussing Diversity and the Experience of Race in Seattle' on Monday, June 13, at 7 p.m. Expanding on the themes in Brownie Points, Taproot has invited a panel of guests-including Pastor Patrinell Wright and her Total Experience Gospel Choice-to engage in a conversation about diversity and the experience of race in Seattle.

The Pasadena Playhouse has announced that full casting is complete for the west coast premiere of the new musical TWIST - An American Musical by William F. Brown and Tina Tippit (book), Tena Clark (lyrics and music) and Gary Prim (music). Golden Globe and multi-Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen directs a cast of 31 performers led by Tamyra Gray ('American Idol,' Rent and Bombay Dreams) and Cleavant Derricks (Tony Award-winner, Dreamgirls). The five-week limited engagement performs June 14 - July 17, 2011 with the official press opening on June 26, 2011 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue).

Switzerland's acclaimed Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve returns to Jacob's Pillow for the first time since its 2007 U.S. debut, June 22-26 in the Ted Shawn Theatre.

For reservations & advanced tickets visit www.hotfestival.org or call 212.219.0736. Tickets are also available at the door.

Cause Celebre is proud to announce that Academy Award® Nominee Danny Aiello will star in what he calls "a role of a lifetime," in the World Premiere of Susan Charlotte's The Shoemaker, directed by Antony Marsellis.

In conjunction with its Mainstage show Brownie Points, Taproot Theatre Company hosts a special free event called 'Neighbors and Strangers: Discussing Diversity and the Experience of Race in Seattle' on Monday, June 13, at 7 p.m. Expanding on the themes in Brownie Points, Taproot has invited a panel of guests-including Pastor Patrinell Wright and her Total Experience Gospel Choice-to engage in a conversation about diversity and the experience of race in Seattle.

Queen Latifah, winner of Grammy, Golden Globe and SAG awards, has partnered with leading multichannel retailer HSN for the exclusive launch of the Queen Collection, her first-ever lifestyle brand.

The Pasadena Playhouse has announced that full casting is complete for the west coast premiere of the new musical TWIST - An American Musical by William F. Brown and Tina Tippit (book), Tena Clark (lyrics and music) and Gary Prim (music). Golden Globe and multi-Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen directs a cast of 31 performers led by Tamyra Gray ('American Idol,' Rent and Bombay Dreams) and Cleavant Derricks (Tony Award-winner, Dreamgirls). The five-week limited engagement performs June 14 - July 17, 2011 with the official press opening on June 26, 2011 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue).

'Brownie Points began with the question, ‘what is more powerful: the shared experience of motherhood or the divisiveness of race?' says playwright Janece Shaffer of her new dramedy, making its West Coast premiere at Taproot Theatre this spring. Directed by Karen Lund, Brownie Points opens on May 20 and runs through June 18, with previews on May 18 and 19.

Celebrated American funk bassist, singer and songwriter Bootsy Collins will release his new studio album 'Tha Funk Capital of the World' in the UK on Monday 25th April 2011.

The Icicle Creek Theatre Festival and ACT- A Contemporary Theatre announce the two plays selected for workshops at this year's Festival (August 20-24): You For Me for You by Mia Chung, and The Whale by Sam Hunter. These new plays will be presented at Icicle Creek Music Center in Leavenworth, WA, on Saturday, August 20, and at ACT Theatre in Seattle on Tuesday, August 23 and Wednesday, August 24.

Jacob's Pillow Dance, recent recipient of a prestigious National Medal of Arts, announces its full 2011 Festival calendar, including more than 120 ticketed performances and 200 free events, performances, talks, exhibits, and tours.

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the world's first year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts, debuts at the esteemed DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place in Chicago, May 15 at 5 p.m. for Windy City Rhythms, its annual performance celebrating National Tap Dance Day.

Asolo Repertory Theatre is thrilled to introduce Florida audiences to Las Meninas, by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage.

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the world's first year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts, debuts at the esteemed DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place in Chicago, May 15 at 5 p.m. for Windy City Rhythms, its annual performance celebrating National Tap Dance Day.

Lynn Nottage attended one of the final Asolo Rep performances of her play, Las Meninas, in Sarasota on the evening of May 12, 2011. Her visit included a gathering on stage with the director and cast after their standing ovation performance.

Con-artists Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson are up to no good on the French Riviera. Maurer Productions Onstage presents the hit musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre Fridays, May 13 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, May 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.

The Broadway smash hit musical THE WIZ, with book by William F. Brown and music by Charlie Smalls, will blow audiences away July 7 through August 7, 2011 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.