Irene Ryan News

Christopher Marlowe's 1587 epic Tamburlaine, Parts I and II, edited and directed by Olivier Award-winner Michael Boyd and starring John Douglas Thompson, opens Sunday, November 16, at 1:00pm at Theatre for a New Audience, Polonsky Shakespeare Center, 262 Ashland Place.

In 1972 Pippin opened on Broadway and became one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history, closing in 1977. Stephen Schwartz's bubbling optimistic tunes made the surreal and sensual mood of the piece an ultra-pleasant experience for theatre goers. One actually left the theatre humming the score. Throughout the dreamlike texture of Pippin's quest for his 'Corner of the Sky', however, there blooms a simplistic, timeless message that reverberates to this day. So, even though this brand new revival set in a circus big top is visually more opulent with high swinging artists and feats of magic, the pieces of the puzzle do fit into place - original director Bob Fosse would approve - and the play's substance is untarnished. Director Diane Paulus may take a bow for her simply stunning ambition of embellishment. I prefer the simplicity of the original, which allows your imagination to take flight, but must own up to enjoying most of the new version. How can you not, as the Fosse-esque style with acrobatics added on make for a visually splendid evening of dance and action.

Today in 1972, Pippin opened at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 1944 performances. Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. The original cast included: Eric Berry, Jill Clayburgh, Leland Palmer, Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, and John Rubinstein.

Broadway stars Nat Chandler (Scarlet Pimpernel, The Phantom of The Opera) and Teri Dale Hansen (Boys from Syracuse, Show Boat) will be appearing with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra (under conductor Dr. Jacob Chi) in MANCINI AND MOONLIGHT tonight, October 4th at 7:30pm in Hoag Recital Hall on the campus of Colorado State University -- Pueblo.

Broadway stars Nat Chandler (Scarlet Pimpernel, The Phantom of The Opera) and Teri Dale Hansen (Boys from Syracuse, Show Boat) will be appearing with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra (under conductor Dr. Jacob Chi) in MANCINI AND MOONLIGHT Saturday, October 4th at 7:30pm in Hoag Recital Hall on the campus of Colorado State University -- Pueblo.

For the first time in the Iveys' 10-year history, two people will share the Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris, co-producing directors of Illusion Theater, were honored at the celebration of Twin Cities theater on September 22 at the Historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Versatile actor-singer-dancer-improviser Tyler Michaels received the Emerging Artist Award.

A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With several weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters . BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's NEWSIES below!

The Classical Theatre Lab and the City of West Hollywood present A Family Affair by Alexander Ostrovsky, adapted from a translation by Geroge R. Noyes, directed by Mel Green. Causing an uproar when published in 1850, this broad and irreverent Russian comedy of manners centers around a greedy merchant, Bolshov, who makes a fraudulent bankruptcy application in order to finance the lavish lifestyle of his bourgeois husband-hunting daughter. When Bolshov's accomplices run off with his assets and his daughter, he descends into professional and psychological ruin and is jailed. Upon his release, Bolshov, a new man ready to walk the straight and narrow, finds that his selfish and cantankerous family has not changed one bit.

As an "Off The Clock" late night entertainment option, Paternus connects audiences to Rogue Machine's edgy "not for primetime" new work. This is the same series that brought critical acclaim to shows like Small Engine Repair by John Pollono and Adam Rapp's Bingo With The Indians. Last season, Rogue Machine garnered twelve Ovation Award nominations after winning upwards of 50 awards (including Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, LA Weekly, Ovation, Garland, and BEST PRODUCTION two years in a row) since its inception in 2008. The company was lauded as "Best Theatre Company of 2012" by the LA Weekly.

Continuing its 40th Mainstage Season, the Hangar Theatre's artistic director Jen Waldman will direct, Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, today, July 10 until July 26, 2014. This hilarious musical, based off of the 1960 movie, is cosmic fun for the whole family. With toe tapping tunes and a carnivorous alien planet, this show is sure to entertain. Join the cast, crew, and Hangar staff on opening night, Friday, July 11 at 8pm at the Hangar Theatre, as they continue to celebrate their 40th Anniversary of the Mainstage Season. The Hangar Theatre is located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 near Cass Park.

Continuing its 40th Mainstage Season, the Hangar Theatre's artistic director Jen Waldman will direct, Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, July 10 until July 26, 2014. This hilarious musical, based off of the 1960 movie, is cosmic fun for the whole family. With toe tapping tunes and a carnivorous alien planet, this show is sure to entertain. Join the cast, crew, and Hangar staff on opening night, Friday, July 11 at 8pm at the Hangar Theatre, as they continue to celebrate their 40th Anniversary of the Mainstage Season. The Hangar Theatre is located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 near Cass Park.

Today in 1977, Pippin closed at the Minskoff Theatre, after having played 1944 performances. Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. The original cast included: Eric Berry, Jill Clayburgh, Leland Palmer, Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, and John Rubinstein.

Last night, we kissed FOX's musical dramedy series GLEE goodbye until next year with the final episode of the tumultuous fifth season and today we celebrate 5 major reasons why it was worthy of our love.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced the national awardees of the 46th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), April 14-19, 2014. Dozens of students received scholarships, fellowships, and cash awards in recognition of their outstanding work. From January 7 through March 1, 2014, these student artists from eight regions presented their work and were selected to travel to Washington, D.C. for an expenses-paid trip to participate in National Festival events taking place at the Kennedy Center.

Below, get a first look at the new CBS comedy BAD TEACHER, premiering Thursday, April 24 (9:31-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The longest running solo play in Broadway history, Defending the Caveman, comes back to Jacksonville's Wilson Center for the Arts for six shows only from February 12-16!

Today in 1972, Pippin opened at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 1944 performances. Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. The original cast included: Eric Berry, Jill Clayburgh, Leland Palmer, Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, and John Rubinstein.

Colorado native, Cody Lyman, stars in Broadway's wildly popular relationship comedy, DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN.DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN plays The Garner Galleria Theatre September 18 through October 27. Tickets are on sale now at denvercenter.org.

First Folio Theatre, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83, begins its 2013-2014 season with the poignant, romantic drama THE RAINMAKER, which opened Saturday, August 3 at 8:15 p.m. and runs through September 1, 2013 on the outdoor stage. The production is directed by Jeff Award nominee and First Folio Theatre Co-Founder, Alison C. Vesely (First Folio's A Moon for the Misbegotten). Scroll down for photos from opening night!

First Folio Theatre, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83, will begin its 2013-2014 season with the poignant, romantic dramaTHE RAINMAKER, previewing today, July 31, opening Saturday, August 3 at 8:15 p.m. and running through September 1, 2013 on the outdoor stage. The production is directed by Jeff Award nominee and First Folio Theatre Co-Founder, Alison C. Vesely (First Folio's A Moon for the Misbegotten).