Hank Williams News

'It's an amazing world we live in today,' says Bob Everhart, President of the National Traditional Country Music Assn. 'It's thrilling to see some prehistoric creatures return to planet earth,' Everhart said in a recent radio interview, 'but more importantly to me is the struggle to keep our old-time rural music alive. Nebraska is one of the last states in America that makes an attempt at keeping their cultural heritage a part of the present. Early 'country' music was directly from the soil, from the real 'country' if you will. Country music we hear today is not really 'country' music, it's just a pale imitation of the real thing. Originally from 'rural' America, so-called country music today has fallen into the hands of whoever has the most money. Still, the roots from whence it came is very important, especially to Nebraskans. The 'rural' music of the Great Plains tells the tales of early life on the prairie, it tells stories of homesteading and pioneering. So, where are the stories about the groundbreaking activities of our ancestors? What happened to the songs of our early rural music makers?'

The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) has announced an exciting Fall season of theatre, comedy and music. All performances are at the White Plains theatre, located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains.

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside of American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, announces the Ensemble's 28th season. The season begins with the Chicago professional premiere of Hank Williams: Lost Highway by award-winning playwrights Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, today, September 5 - October 6; the 12th smash year of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! , now at the 199-seat Greenhouse Theater Center, directed by Ensemble member Marty Higginbotham, November 22 - December 29; world premiere of 2012 Blue Ink Playwriting Award-winning script American Myth by Christina Gorman, directed by Steve Scott, February - March 2014; Chicago premiere of 2012 Smith Prize winner Grounded by George Brant, June 2014. American Blues also announces year-long development and public reading of Ensemble member's Nambi E. Kelley's adaptation of Richard Wright's Native Son which will receive a production in fall of 2014.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The release of the Equity wing Jeff Award nominations, 'Double Trouble' and 'Hank Williams' open, '50 Shades' and 'Frog And Toad' return, plus 'Heartbeat Of Home,' 'Sweet Smell Of Success,' a new musical theater magazine and more!

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, are proud to announce the first production in American Blues Theater's 'Legends and Legacies' season, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, music director Malcolm Ruhl and starring Matt Brumlow as 'Hank Williams,' August 30 - October 6, at the Greenhouse Theater Center's Downstage Mainstage Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, are proud to announce the first production in American Blues Theater's "Legends and Legacies" season, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, music director Malcolm Ruhl and starring Matt Brumlow as "Hank Williams," August 30 - October 6, at the Greenhouse Theater Center's Downstage Mainstage Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin today announced the directors for the Company's 2013-2014 Main Stage season at the Addison Theatre Centre. Directing the season opener, Hank Williams: Lost Highway (October 11-November 3, 2013) will be Michael Serrecchia. The Game's Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) (December 13- January 5, 2014) will be directed by Robin Armstrong. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (January 24-February 16, 2014) will be directed by Emily Scott Banks. Spunk (April 11-May 4, 2014) will be directed by Akin Babatunde.Good People (June 6-29, 2014) will be directed by Rene Moreno and Dogfight (July 25-August 17, 2014) will be directed by Terry Martin.

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, are proud to announce the first production in American Blues Theater's 'Legends and Legacies' season, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, music director Malcolm Ruhl and starring Matt Brumlow as 'Hank Williams,' tonight, August 30 - October 6, at the Greenhouse Theater Center's Downstage Mainstage Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.

Country music star Josh Thompson will join NRA Country for an exclusive, free online concert on August 26 to benefit the National Environmental Education Foundation--http://neefusa.org.

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, are proud to announce the first production in American Blues Theater's 'Legends and Legacies' season, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, music director Malcolm Ruhl and starring Matt Brumlow as 'Hank Williams,' August 30 - October 6, at the Greenhouse Theater Center's Downstage Mainstage Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $19 for previews, $29 Thursdays and Fridays and $39 Saturdays and Sundays and $49 for opening night. Previews are Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Press/opening night is Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. There are post-show Town Hall discussions following Sunday performances beginning September 8. Tickets are on sale now at 773.404.7336 or americanbluestheater.com.

Country music star Josh Thompson will join NRA Country for an exclusive, free online concert on August 26 to benefit the National Environmental Education Foundation--http://neefusa.org.

CMA and Grammy winner Neal McCoy has a brand of pop country, catchy honky tonk and feel-good love ballads that brought him fame beginning in the mid-1990's and which continues to shine to this very day. His rich, bouncy baritone, million-dollar smile and charming Irish-Filipino looks, keeps him a favorite on the live concert stage. He's known to be forever fresh and freewheeling in performance, virtually thriving on audience interaction.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Jungle Book' and 'Flashdance' depart, 'Pageant' and 'Ruthless!' appear, two musicals celebrating black music begin September 14 at BET and the Goodman, two Gary Griffin shows get their leading ladies, plus 'Hank Williams' and much more!

Taylor Dayne, nationally recognized singer, songwriter and actor, will appear as Grizabella in the Broadway favorite 'CATS,' opening at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse as part of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival tonight, Aug. 21 in Auburn, N.Y.

CMA and Grammy winner Neal McCoy has a brand of pop country, catchy honky tonk and feel-good love ballads that brought him fame beginning in the mid-1990's and which continues to shine to this very day. His rich, bouncy baritone, million-dollar smile and charming Irish-Filipino looks, keeps him a favorite on the live concert stage. He's known to be forever fresh and freewheeling in performance, virtually thriving on audience interaction.

The Coachella Valley's premiere theatrical venue, The McCallum Theatre, has added an exciting new array of offerings to its' already jam-packed upcoming seaon. Comedy, jazz, world music, country royalty, pop icons and first ladies of American song have been added to the roster of McCallum Theatre's 2013-2014 season. 'We are always looking to add performances with the broadest appeal to Valley audiences,' said Mitch Gershenfeld, President & CEO of the McCallum. 'We are pleased that several terrific shows became available after our subscription brochure went to press and delighted to add them to what is already an exciting and diverse season of world-class entertainment.'

Singing legend Tony Bennett returns to the Hollywood Bowl stage for the first time since 2005, in a special one-night-only performance, tonight, August 2, at 8 pm.

After a passionate reception from critics and audiences, the world premiere of Neurosis: A New Musical has announced a one-week extension at the Merry-Go-Round Downtown, part of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. The show stars Broadway veterans Joseph Medeiros (Wicked, Grease, White Christmas) and Joanne Baum (Bells Are Ringing. Click below to watch the trailer and commercial for the show!

After a passionate reception from critics and audiences, the world premiere of Neurosis: A New Musical has announced a one-week extension at the Merry-Go-Round Downtown, part of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. The show stars Broadway veterans Joseph Medeiros (Wicked, Grease, White Christmas) and Joanne Baum (Bells Are Ringing. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

After a passionate reception from critics and audiences, the world premiere of Neurosis: A New Musical has announced a one-week extension at the Merry-Go-Round Downtown, part of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. The show stars Broadway veterans Joseph Medeiros (Wicked, Grease, White Christmas) and Joanne Baum (Bells Are Ringing.