Jean Claude News

New York Classical Theatre will kick off its summer season with a roving outdoor production of Anton Chekhov's comedy 'The Seagull,' which it will present for free in Central Park before heading to Prospect Park for the company's Brooklyn debut.

Theater for the New City, Crystal Field, Executive Director, has announced that the world premiere of Tom Attea's new play, BENEDICTUS, written two years ago, about a pope who resigns, will open on May 30th and run until June 16, 2013, at Theater for the New City (155 First Avenue). Mark Mercante will direct the production, and Arthur Abrams will provide incidental music. www.TheaterfortheNewCity.net

Banana Republic announced Wildblue Noir an extension of the Wildblue fragrance collection that offers a deeply masculine and sensual night time experience for the modern dressed up man. Inspired by the darker side of an ocean wave, Wildblue Noir offers a crisp note on top with a slightly edgier feel blended underneath. The fragrance launches in Banana Republic stores worldwide this fall.

Pittsburgh CLO's 2013 Summer Season will be highlighted by brilliant Broadway stars, veterans of the stage and screen and accomplished recording artists.

Spike TV's GUYS CHOICE (#GuysChoice), Hollywood's biggest boys night out, announced today that Academy Award(R)-winner Ben Affleck will receive the evening's highest honor, 'Guy of the Year.'

Theater for the New City presents 'The Upper Lip,' an adaptation by playwright/director David Willinger of William Saroyan's forgotten 1951 novel, 'Rock Wagram.' The piece has its premiere run tonight, May 2 to 19, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. The running time is 1:30. Critics are invited on or after May 4.

Productions Coracole presents another family show appealing to theatergoers of all ages; the world premiere of Daisy and the Wonder Weeds by Jean Elliott Manning, directed by Coralie Heiler and Sylvain Millette, playing today, April 19 and the 20th. Along with a cast of entertaining characters, the show promotes awareness of environmental issues and holds messages of hope, integration, patience, acceptance and personal growth. This is neither secret nor science: everyone learns better while having fun- just in time for Earth Day!

Theater for the New City presents 'The Upper Lip,' an adaptation by playwright/director David Willinger of William Saroyan's forgotten 1951 novel, 'Rock Wagram.' The piece has its premiere run May 2 to 19, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. The running time is 1:30. Critics are invited on or after May 4.

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts 2013 is hosting a series of Google HangOut virtual press conferences with selected artistic partners to preview their works. On April 16th, the HangOut will feature two groups that have chosen to explore natural sciences. Participants can use #PIFAhangout via Twitter to submit questions for the panel moderator to pass on to the partners.

Tribe of Fools is ready to take on the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with the World Premiere of Shut Your Wormhole. This free, episodic family-friendly piece will run Tuesday-Sunday in The Commonwealth Plaza of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street at 5:30 p.m. The show runs from tonight, April 4-23, and there will be special showings April 23-26 at 5 p.m.

There's one man (and a bunch of junk) on the stage. There's 40 characters on the stage. There's a laptop. A desk. A chair. A phone. An intercom. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. That. Incessant. ########## ####### ####### ######## ######## #######-ing RING! 'Good evening, 'Fully Committed;' could you hold please?'

Productions Coracole presents another family show appealing to theatergoers of all ages; the world premiere of Daisy and the Wonder Weeds by Jean Elliott Manning, directed by Coralie Heiler and Sylvain Millette, playing on April 19 and 20. Along with a cast of entertaining characters, the show promotes awareness of environmental issues and holds messages of hope, integration, patience, acceptance and personal growth. This is neither secret nor science: everyone learns better while having fun- just in time for Earth Day!

The rise of celebrated singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson is told in the world premiere of Roger Peace's THE MAHALIA JACKSON MUSICAL, now playing at The Segal Centre.

The Hudson Music Club (HMC), celebrating 61 years of musical merriment, presents the Rogers and Hammerstein 1943 hit Oklahoma!, a co-production with the Hudson Village Theatre (HVT), from tonight, March 6 to 23.

Tribe of Fools is ready to take on the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with the World Premiere of Shut Your Wormhole. This free, episodic family-friendly piece will run Tuesday-Sunday in the Commonwealth Plaza of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street at 5:30 p.m.

The 18th edition of RENDEZ-VOUS WITH FRENCH CINEMA, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and Unifrance Films' celebrated annual showcase of the best in contemporary French film, hits screens at The Film Society, the IFC Center and BAMcinematek, today, February 28 - March 10.

The Hudson Music Club (HMC), celebrating 61 years of musical merriment, presents the Rogers and Hammerstein 1943 hit Oklahoma!, a co-production with the Hudson Village Theatre (HVT), from March 6 to 23.

Haitian singer Emeline Michel celebrates the release of her latest CD, Quintessence, which has been five years in the making, with a glorious display of Creole soul March 8 and 9 at Harlem Stage. Two Haitian writers of note featured on the new recording will perform alongside Michel: novelist Edwidge Danticat and legendary storyteller Jean-Claude Martineau will read their poetry and recite stories about the power of their nation's spirit, backed by a 12-piece band. Classically-trained Haitian tenor James Germain also shares the spotlight, displaying fresh and unexpected aspects of Haiti's diverse culture.

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts and Copa de Oro Productions will present the world premiere of The Mahalia Jackson Musical, starring the legendary Ranee Lee as the Queen of Gospel. Written and directed by Roger Peace and featuring a live choir on stage, this 'roof-raising, foot-stomping' gospel celebration will be presented at the Segal Theatre from March 3rd to March 24th, 2013.

The Interart Development Series & Spare Change Productions will present an Equity Showcase Production of Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL, translated by Jean-Claude van Itallie, tongiht, February 6-17 at InterArt Theatre, 500 West 52nd Street, New York. Get a first look at the cast onstage in the photos below!