Jack Herrick News

Inspired by the photographic works of Slim Aarons, Jerry Ruiz's conception of "Twelfth Night" will transport audiences to a mid-20th century Illyria where jet-setting socialites encounter mistaken identities and gender masquerades, ensuring that no one really knows who they are, or what they want. A shipwrecked Viola disguises herself as Cesario, a page in the service of Duke Orsino. Viola loves Orsino, but Orsino loves Lady Olivia, who in turn falls for "Cesario" when "he" is sent by the Duke to court her. Turning this comic love triangle even further on its side is the reappearance of Viola's twin brother Sebastian, presumed dead after the shipwreck. Add in a fool named Feste and a drunkard named Belch for a fast-paced feast for the senses.

Paul Barnes, co-founder and former producing and artistic director of Minnesota's Great River Shakespeare Festival, directs a workshop production of Michael Raver's play, Fire on Babylon at The Wild Project as part of the 2016 Fresh Fruit Festival. The play features Jeffrey Hayenga (Roundabout's The Importance of Being Earnest) and playwright Raver (How We Built the Bomb) Set and Prop Design by Marc Wheeler, Costumes by Edward Ray Kiely and Lighting Design by Mike Billings.

Paul Barnes, co-founder and former producing and artistic director of Minnesota's Great River Shakespeare Festival, directs an encore free reading of Michael Raver's new play, RIPTIDE, at Pearl Studios (519, eighth avenue, 12th Floor) on April 18th at 3:30 & 6 pm.

The heavens appear to open above the Minneapolis audience when a cloud filled sky hovers over the stage in the' Guthrie Theater's Wurtele Thrust Stage this winter. Artistic debuts abound in the company's glorious new production of William Shakespeare's Pericles, named one of the Washington Post's 2015 top ten productions in American theater. The production arrives in association with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and The Folger Theatre where incoming Artistic Director Joseph Haj transports the city to this ancient tale placed on and around the Mediterranean Sea where redemption washes like water over Shakespeare's heroes and heroines at the story's end.

Thanks to the developmental work that occurred during The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' Ignite! Play Festival in 2014 we now have the opportunity to witness the fruit of their labors; the world premier of a very entertaining new musical called GEORAMA. This play tells a fascinating story that is truly a forgotten piece of history that deserves to be celebrated. This production is staged in the Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton, and that adds additional atmosphere and intimacy that makes the story connect in a uniquely vibrant manner. As an avid film fan, I'd read a bit about the history of 'motion pictures', and found countless early examples of flip books, and the like, but nothing prepared me for the sadly neglected tale of John Banvard, who created a virtual recreation of the wonders of the Mississippi River on a scrolling canvas that stretched for miles. That's quite a feat, and so is this staging. I cannot recommend it highly enough! It's truly a show that deserves an audience both young and old to appreciate, or become aware of, something that was truly as magical as the spectacle this artist created.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Georama, book by West Hyler and Matt Schatz, music and lyrics by Schatz and additional music and lyrics by Jack Herrick. Directed by Hyler, this sweeping and celebratory musical runs January 20 - February 7 in the Emerson Studio Theatre of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts. Curtain times are Tuesdays at 7 pm; Wednesdays-Fridays at 8 pm; Saturday matinees at 4 pm; selected Saturday nights at 8 pm; with Sunday performances at 2 and 7 pm.

PERICLES, on stage at the Folger Theatre, is a gorgeous and focused production - this from a work that travels through decades and around the Mediterranean in a plot that layers incest, mistaken death, pirates, murder plots and selling a woman into prostitution. But in director Joseph Haj's capable hands the lighter moments bring balance and relief so in the end PERICLES reminds us of both the deep challenges and moments of beauty and light in the human experience.

Folger Theatre Artistic Producer Janet Alexander Griffin today announced the 2015/16 season. As the Folger embarks on a historic 2016 season commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death with insightful exhibitions, lectures, and concerts, Folger Theatre will stage a full season of works by and newly adapted from the world's most esteemed playwright. 

Shakespeare's Pericles, as directed by Joseph Haj from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, will be restaged at the Folger Theatre from November 13 through December 20, 2015. This fantastical tale of a father's heroic odyssey stars Washington, D.C. native Wayne T. Carr in the title role. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.folger.edu/theatre or by calling the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) has announced its 2015-2016 season of performances in the Studio Theatre: I and You, October 28-November 15, 2015; Georama, January 20-February 7, 2016; and Molly's Hammer, March 9-27, 2016.

Folger Theatre Artistic Producer Janet Alexander Griffin today announced the 2015/16 season. As the Folger embarks on a historic 2016 season commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death with insightful exhibitions, lectures, and concerts, Folger Theatre will stage a full season of works by and newly adapted from the world's most esteemed playwright. 

Acclaimed Off-Broadway theater company Playwrights Horizons will hold its annual Spring Gala this evening, May 4 at the event space 583 Park Avenue.

Acclaimed Off-Broadway theater company Playwrights Horizons will hold its annual Spring Gala on Monday evening, May 4 at the event space 583 Park Avenue.

Joseph Haj, producing artistic director of PlayMakers Repertory Company, is leading a team of artists from PlayMakers to mount a production of William Shakespeare's "Pericles" at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company has produced a wonderful musical spoof of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, titled BAH! HUMBUG!. There have been so many different takes on the original story that one would think it's already been played out, but this standard will probably never go out of style. Jack Herrick (book, music and lyrics) does a marvelous job of making it all seem fresh again with a number of catchy little tunes, and a plethora of gags that make use of cultural references that will amuse both children and adults. If you've got a wee one you'd like to introduce to this vintage tale, I definitely recommend that you take the time to see this show.

?The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present a hysterical and modern version of Bah! Humbug! this holiday season. Adapted from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens with book, music and lyrics by Jack Herrick, this 45-minute performance, suitable for all ages, is a musical adventure that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving.

?The Imaginary Theatre Company, the young audiences touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, will present a hysterical and modern version of Bah! Humbug! this holiday season. Adapted from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens with book, music and lyrics by Jack Herrick, this 45-minute performance, suitable for all ages, is a musical adventure that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving.

Joseph Haj, producing artistic director of PlayMakers Repertory Company, is leading a team of artists from PlayMakers to mount a production of William Shakespeare's 'Pericles' at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) continues the Ignite! Festival of New Plays. Taking place in March, the festival will include commissions of nationally recognized playwrights, culminating with three public readings including Ten Questions to Ask Your Biology Teacher About Evolution by Stephen Massicotte and directed by Tracy Brigden; Every Reason to Hope and Believe by Laura Eason and directed by Seth Gordon; and Georama-A Mostly True Story of the Forgotten John Banvard by West Hyler and Matt Schatz and directed by West Hyler.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) continues the Ignite! Festival of New Plays. Taking place in March, the festival will include commissions of nationally recognized playwrights, culminating with three public readings including Ten Questions to Ask Your Biology Teacher About Evolution by Stephen Massicotte and directed by Tracy Brigden; Every Reason to Hope and Believe by Laura Eason and directed by Seth Gordon; and Georama-A Mostly True Story of the Forgotten John Banvard by West Hyler and Matt Schatz and directed by West Hyler.