Gary Griffin News

Chicago is officially one theater company richer after The Ruckus Theater recently karate-chopped and high-fived its way into the Central Time Zone. Made up of an industrious group of Michigan ex-pats, The Ruckus is composed of actors, directors, playwrights, musicians, casting directors, publicity managers, grant writers, baristas, grad students, poets, computer fixers, appointment-makers and census-takers who aim to create a new kind of company-a casteless theater that blends the lines between playwright and actor, audience and company member.

The Kennedy Center recently announced a one week and final extension for the touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The musical will now run in the Opera House June 30 through August 9, 2009. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, Fantasia Barrino reprises her critically acclaimed role as Celie in the Kennedy Center performances of THE COLOR PURPLE.

After 17 years, Tony n' Tina are heading on their honeymoon. The Route 66 Theatre Company will present the Chicago premiere of HIGH FIDELITY...THE MUSICAL, in its first major production since its Broadway run in 2006.

David Elzer, Peter Schneider and Crooning Crabcakes, LLC are thrilled to present a brand new show from the writer/director of the smash-hit musical sensation, The Marvelous Wonderettes, LIFE COULD BE A DREAM, written and directed by Roger Bean with choreography by Lee Martino (Reprise On Your Toes, On The Town) and musical direction by Michael Paternostro (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Thrill Me).

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, have announced casting for the first North American Touring production's two-week Boston engagement.

Soul-stirring national tour of the musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel makes a powerful impression at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT

Georges Feydeau's comic romp A Flea in Her Ear began previews May 15th, and opened May 22nd at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Tony-nominated (The Color Purple) director Gary Griffin directs a new adaptation by David Ives. The show runs through June 7.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, are proud to announce that the Providence Performing Arts Center will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical About Love, for eight performances from May 26 - 31.

After a week of wildly successful previews, Georges Feydeau's comic romp A Flea in Her Ear opens tonight at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Tony-nominated (The Color Purple) director Gary Griffin directs a new adaptation by David Ives. The show runs through June 7.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson were presented last night with the League of Chicago Theatres' Artistic Leadership Award for their continued leadership in the Chicago theater community.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Charlotte will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for eight performances, May 19-24. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at BlumenthalCenter.org, by phone at 704-372-1000 and at the Belk Theater box office.

George Feydeau's comic romp A Flea in Her Ear opens in previews tonight at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. It is the final play of the Rep's 2008-09 season, Eric Rosen's first year as artistic director. Opening night for A Flea in Her Ear is Friday, May 22; the show runs through June 7. Tony-nominated director Gary Griffin directs a new adaptation by David Ives that brings a fresh edge to the classic comedy.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, have announced casting for the first North American Touring production's two-week Boston engagement.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce that there will be 'talkbacks' following the Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 performances of THE COLOR PURPLE. Attendees are welcome to join cast members for a complimentary post-performance talkback to get special insights on the show.

Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City, CA, has once again been named one of the top five Best Dinner Theatres in Los Angeles by MyFoxLA TV's Hot List. 'We are deeply grateful to each and every one of the almost 200,000 voters who took time to cast their ballots which kept us in the top five for two consecutive years,' said producer Michael Sterling.

Broadway/L.A. today announces the lineup for its 2010 Season, with all productions scheduled to play at its flagship venue, Hollywood's historic Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood).

The producers of THE COLOR PURPLE are proud to announce that American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino will reprise her starring role of Celie for the Atlanta engagement. Theater of the Stars will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for two weeks, September 15-27. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and 800-982-2787.

The Kennedy Center today announced a one week and final extension for the touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The musical will now run in the Opera House June 30 through August 9, 2009. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, Fantasia Barrino reprises her critically acclaimed role as Celie in the Kennedy Center performances of THE COLOR PURPLE.

The Color Purple will return to Houston and play a limited one week engagement at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts, August 18 - 23, 2009. The return engagement was booked in response to the challenges brought on by Hurricane Ike, which caused the cancellation of a full week of sold out performances.

The producers of THE COLOR PURPLE are proud to announce that American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino will reprise her starring role of Celie for the Chicago Engagement. Returning to its debut home of Chicago, THE COLOR PURPLE will make its home at The Arie Crown Theater for two weeks, September 2 -13, 2009. Tickets