Gail Rastorfer News

Lacy lingerie and lots and lots of sardines abound in the Clarence Brown Theatre season opener 'Noises Off' playing on the mainstage September 5-22, 2013. The two-time Tony nominated farce written by Michael Frayn looks at the follies of theatre people, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turns every performance into quite the adventure. If you enjoy a good laugh, this production is definitely for you. The New York Times critic Frank Rich called it 'the funniest play written in my lifetime.' Special behind-the-scenes tours will be given following the Sept. 11 and 12 shows. Corporate sponsors for the production are Schaad Companies and Pilot Flying J. The play contains adult language and content and is recommended for mature audiences.

American Blues Theater and Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside are proud to announce their annual fundraiser RIPPED: The Living Newspaper Festival takes place today, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.

American Blues Theater and Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside are proud to announce their annual fundraiser RIPPED: The Living Newspaper Festival takes place Monday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are a suggesting donation of $10 at the door. In addition to performances, there is a performance from The Lincoln Squares, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks. For more information go to americanbluestheater.com or call 312.725.4228.

Asolo Repertory Theatre's annual play festival will showcase four world premiere plays, including a Greenfield Prize-winning piece by noted playwright John Guare (House of Blue Leaves, Six Degrees of Separation), Eddie in the Andes. Showcasing the freshest talents writing for the theatre today, the fourth edition of Unplugged will also present readings of new theatrical works by Deborah Zoe Laufer, Informed Consent; Rogelio Martinez, When Tang Met Laika; and Steven Drukman, Marquis Aurelius. The staged readings will be the first time these new works-in-progress are read aloud publicly, and each reading will be followed by a conversation between the playwright and the audience. "A unique aspect of Unplugged is the opportunity for the audience to help shape the work of art from the ground up," said Greg Leaming, Director of The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Associate Artistic Director for Asolo Rep, and curator for the Unplugged New Play Festival. "Some playwrights choose to use the feedback they receive during these post-reading conversations to hone the work before they consider it finished."

Inspired by a reading of the screenplay in Hollywood with a women-only cast and encouraged by an arsenal of female talent, Asolo Rep continues its journey of exploring women's roles in theatre by turning Mamet's play on its ear with an all-female reading of Glengarry Glen Ross.

Inspired by a reading of the screenplay in Hollywood with a women-only cast and encouraged by an arsenal of female talent, Asolo Rep continues its journey of exploring women's roles in theatre by turning Mamet's play on its ear with an all-female reading of Glengarry Glen Ross.

Happy Birthday, Heidi Holland! Asolo Rep will present a special evening of interactive theatre to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Heidi Chronicles tonight, February 11, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Happy Birthday, Heidi Holland! Asolo Rep will present a special evening of interactive theatre to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Heidi Chronicles on February 11, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Asolo Repertory Theatre challenges its audiences to answer questions both women and men have been asking themselves since the second wave of feminism emerged in the 1960's: is it possible for women to balance a career and a family at the same time? If yes, then does 'having it all' equate fulfillment in life? The Heidi Chronicles, Wendy Wasserstein's 1989 Pulitzer and Tony Award winning play, maps the coming of age of Heidi Holland, a member of the baby boomer generation and a successful art historian, during the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's.

Directed by Laura Kepley, CPH Associate Artistic Director, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play takes place at the dawn of electricity, when a remarkable treatment for "hysterical" men and women is taking place. A funny and touching play about marriage and intimacy, A 2010 Tony Award® Nominee for Best Play and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play will begin in the Second Stage at PlayhouseSquare on Friday, April 13 and is intended for mature audiences. Due to popular demand, the run has been extended one week and will now play through Sunday, May 13, 2012. Tickets are available at PlayhouseSquare ticket office by calling 216-241-6000 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. In the Next Room, or the vibrator play is sponsored by Ambiance, and presented with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.

Ask any actor or stage technician and they'll probably tell you that the real drama of the theatre occurs backstage and not onstage where the audience can see it. This simple fact is the premise behind TEN CHIMNEYS, currently running now through February 5th at Cleveland Play House's new Second Stage.

Cleveland Play House (CPH) will to produce Jeffrey Hatcher's backstage comedy Ten Chimneys as the inaugural production in the new Second Stage, one of only three fully outfitted, flexible theatres in the nation.

Cleveland Play House (CPH) will to produce Jeffrey Hatcher's backstage comedy Ten Chimneys as the inaugural production in the new Second Stage, one of only three fully outfitted, flexible theatres in the nation.

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Avenue, known for producing innovative and award-winning work, is proud to announce a thrilling line-up of World Premieres in 2010-2011. Following a remarkable 2009 season, Chicago Dramatists has had the opportunity to grow its organization and shine the spotlight on its talented playwrights. The new season is no exception as Chicago Dramatists continues to introduce audiences to new work by local playwrights and engage theatre goers in new experiences.