James Penca News

TriArts Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, presents a developmental production of the new musical Nine Wives from July 24-27 at their Stage 2 space in the Bok Gallery.

This original one-act pop musical aims high and often hits its mark although it may not be the musical you think it's going to be. While it contains a fair amount of wry humor, don't expect the kind of silliness you found in The Pokemusical, the team's entry into last year's Fringe Festival. This twist on the Frankenstein story has a more sophisticated harmonic structure and a richer musical texture that gives it an added edge.

TriArts Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, has announced initial casting for its 25th Anniversary Season with the musicals LES MISERABLES, Falsettos, and Disney's The Little Mermaidon the Mainstage. Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie and the new musical Nine Wives (by Douglas J. Cohen and Dan Elish) will play Stage 2 in the Bok Gallery. The Youth Theatre will present the Tony-winning Spring Awakening.

From the award-winning team who brought you last year's hit The Pokemusical, comes a new musical GIRAFFENSTEIN based on the tale of Shelley's Frankenstein, as you've never seen it before. Song, dance, and danger. And they're all giraffes.

CEW Productions, the producers of the hit off-broadway musical Mama and her boys will present a staged reading of Stopgap, a new play by Danielle Mohlman.

CEW Productions, the producers of the hit Off-Broadway musical Mama and her boys will present a staged reading of Stopgap, a new play by Danielle Mohlman.

Save The Date: A Wedding Road-Trip Musical was awarded best overall musical in the 2013 New York International Fringe Festival. Photos from the world premiere's closing night performance are below!

Roadie Soadie Productions LLC is thrilled to announce Victoria Britt has joined our the cast in SAVE THE DATE A Wedding Road Trip Musical premiering in the NY International Fringe Festival. Victoria is currently a contestant on America's Got Talent. Victoria is replacing the perviously announced Ashley Moniz.

The cast will feature Graydon Long, Ashley Moniz (Nat. Tour: Sister Act, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde), James Penca, Kristine Reese (Bway: Les Miserables, Nat. Tour: Wicked). Barrett Wilbert Weed (Bway: Lysistrata Jones, New York: Bare), and Noah Zachary (New York: Dear Edwina). The cast will also include Daniel Bonthius, Nathan Scott Hancock, Patty Lohr, and Chloe Williamson.

Fanatics of chick flicks virtually swoon when they hear the words, 'Love means you never have to say you're sorry,' or someone hums a bar or two of 'Where Do I Begin?' Ah, yes, Andy Williams crooning the theme song from the 1970 film, LOVE STORY, which starred Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw and holds the #9 place on the American Film Institute's list of 'most romantic films of all time.'

Voting is now underway for the Cleveland Awards and continues until December 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in early January.

Voting is now underway for the Cleveland Awards and continues until December 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in early January. Check out the live standings below.

Voting is now underway for the Cleveland Awards and continues until December 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in early January. Check out the live standings below.

Voting is now underway for the Cleveland Awards and continues until December 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in early January. Check out the live standings below.

Voting is now underway for the Cleveland Awards and continues until December 31, 2012. Winners will be announced in early January. Check out the live standings below!

When all is said and done, Great Lakes Theater should be extremely proud of its first collaboration of PlayhouseSquare as part of the annual Key Bank Broadway Series. The production is on par with the touring shows that stop in Cleveland. Just because SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM is considered a regional production shouldn't stop people from going to see it. You'll leave the theatre with a deeper appreciate of the theatre process, more knowledge of the amazing Stephen Sondheim and a song or two stuck in your head.

Commemorating the life and works of Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, PlayhouseSquare and Great Lakes Theater present the musical SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, May 16 - July 8 at the Hanna Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. Check out these photos of the cast in action, including Marie-France Arcilla, Justin Keyes, Pamela Myers, Destan Owens, James Penca, Ciara Renee, Brian Sutherland and Emily Walton.

Spend an unforgettable evening commemorating the life and works of Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, as PlayhouseSquare and Great Lakes Theater present the musical SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, May 16 - July 8 at the Hanna Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. The production is a part of both the KeyBank Broadway Series at PlayhouseSquare and the 50th Anniversary Season of Great Lakes Theater.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: SPRING AWAKENING is an emotionally stirring, relevant, and well staged production. This is not a should see, it's a must see presentation. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!