James Kirkwood News

Before A CHORUS LINE and DREAMGIRLS, Michael Bennett got his big break dancing on the TV show Hullabaloo.

Tony Award-winner and Broadway veteran Michele Pawk will direct A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical at Wagner College Theatre, April 13-24.

Cherry Lane Theatre presents the second production of the company's award-winning MENTOR PROJECT 2016, Sarah Einspanier's play THE CONVENT OF PLEASURE, being presented at Cherry Lane (38 Commerce St.) from tonight, March 23, through April 2.

Cherry Lane Theatre has announced casting for the second production of the company's award-winning MENTOR PROJECT 2016, Sarah Einspanier's play THE CONVENT OF PLEASURE, being presented at Cherry Lane (38 Commerce St.) from March 23-April 2, it has been announced by Seri Lawrence and Janio Marrero, MENTOR PROJECT's Producing Artistic Directors.

The 1975 smash hit Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE truly is a singular sensation. After winning nine Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize (one of only eight musicals to do so), it ran for 15 years, making it the longest running musical on Broadway at the time (it still ranks as number six). I've been waiting almost seven years for a local production of A CHORUS LINE, since seeing the Broadway revival tour in 2009. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has finally fulfilled my wish, and it's well worth the wait. Featuring a fabulously talented cast of over two dozen legit triple threats, about half of whom are local, co-directed and co-choreographed by A CHORUS LINE expert Kerry Casserly and Artistic Director James Rocco, this show hews very close to the original. There's no re-imagining here, this is a beautifully faithful production of the singular sensation that is A CHORUS LINE. If you call yourself a musical theater fan, it's a must-see.

It's usually around this time of year that the Hollywood Bowl announces their summer musical, and this year we haven't heard yet, officially... so we sent out our spies in Los Angeles to see what we could find out. It didn't take long to zero in on what we suspect will be announced very shortly. So, what musical would they choose after LES MISERABLES, GUYS & DOLLS, THE PRODUCERS, RENT, HAIR and last summer's SPAMALOT? Drumroll please... we believe that the Hollywood Bowl Musical will be A CHORUS LINE.

The University of the Arts' Ira Brind School of Theater Arts announces the 2016 lineup for Polyphone, a "festival of the emerging musical" on the UArts campus in Philadelphia.  Running March 20-27, the 2016 the Polyphone festival produces staged concerts of new musicals and re-imagined canonical works offering professional composers, librettists and directors an opportunity to develop their work among the rich creative community of the Brind School at UArts.  The festival will program five musicals, including both classical and new works, with three performances each.  

Meadow Brook Theatre's 50th anniversary celebration continues with a comedic trip to the 1980s. Small-time theatre producer Martin Klemmer knows he's found the next big Broadway hit: "Star Wars: The Play." He just needs someone-anyone-powerful to return his calls! His best bet to get the attention he needs is to get a famous cast. He goes after big-name stars Sylvia Glenn and Leatrice Monsee for the leads. Unfortunately for Martin, Sylvia and Leatrice can't stand each other, but Martin is convinced that if he can just get them onboard, another big star will join, and he'll have a hit on his hands.

MENTOR PROJECT - the Cherry Lane Theatre's Obie-winning program for new playwrights - will mark another milestone this year when three emerging writers are mentored by three previous Mentored Playwrights from the program's early years, with fully-staged productions presented by Cherry Lane (38 Commerce St. in NYC) from February 24 to April 23, 2016 it has been announced by the theater's Producing Artistic Director, Angelina Fiordellisi.

Cortland Repertory Theatre, one of New York State's longest running professional summer theatres, is announcing their 45th annual season for the summer of 2016. "We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing six CRT premieres in this coming season, including three regional debuts." Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson says. 

The School of Theatre is bringing the beloved classic A Chorus Line to the stage of the Fallon Theatre October 16-25. This nine-time Tony Award®-winning show delves into the dreams and fears of the characters, revealing what they have done and would do for love. A Chorus Line features a stunning book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Under the direction of MFA Directing Candidate Jenna Tamisiea, A Chorus Line is sure to delight audiences young and old.

Today in 2006, the first Broadway revival of A Chorus Line opened at the Schoenfeld Theatre, where it ran for 759 performances. A Chorus Line is a musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch. With nineteen main characters, it is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. The show provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. The original Broadway production received 12 Tony Award nominations and winning nine of them, in addition to the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

In an excerpt from his new book 'Razzle Dazzle The Battle for Broadway', writer Michael Riedel discusses the origins of the iconic Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE.

Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. announces the seven plays and musicals that will comprise the 2015-16 Main Stage Season at Playhouse on Park. The award winning theatre continues its mission to ensure every performance in the Main Stage Season educates, entertains, and most importantly, challenges our audiences. Paramount to this mission is our diverse programming, which challenges our patrons to consider theatre in all forms.

The 50th Anniversary season promises to please with Michigan Premieres, a hilarious comedy, and a nostalgic musical sure to take you on a trip back in time!

Today in 2008, the first Broadway revival of A Chrous Line closed at the Schoenfeld Theatre, where it ran for 759 performances. A Chorus Line is a musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch. With nineteen main characters, it is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. The show provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. The original Broadway production received 12 Tony Award nominations and winning nine of them, in addition to the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Today, Broadway celebrates the 40th anniversary of the opening of one of the most iconic musicals of all time. Below, take a look back at the performance, and watch as the original cast of A CHORUS LINE joins the HAMILTON cast on stage!

Today in 1975, A Chrous Line opened at the Shubert THeatre, where it ran for 6137 performances. A Chorus Line is a musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch. With nineteen main characters, it is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. The show provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. The original Broadway production received 12 Tony Award nominations and winning nine of them, in addition to the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Kevin Malony and Joseph A. Berger, producers of the return summer engagement of LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET, announce that the run will be canceled due to an injury sustained by star John Epperson.

A glamorous dose of the legendary Lypsinka, John Epperson's iconic creation, will once again be doled out this summer when the acclaimed LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET returns for a limited Off-Broadway engagement.  LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET will be performed Wednesday, July 22nd through Saturday, September 12th at the ravishing jewel-box Connelly Theater, located at 220 East 4th Street (between Avenues A and B) in Manhattan's East Village. The Opening is Saturday, July 25th at 8 PM.  Tickets ($35 - $65) will go on sale on Monday, April 27th at 10 am online at www.lypsinka.com and www.tweedtheater.org/lypsinka, or by calling 866-811-4111.