Jean Louis News

Reprise Theatre Company presents Broadway Under The Stars for one night only, on Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 pm at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, starring six favorite Reprise performers -- Jason Graae, Lucas Grabeel, Dorian Harewood, Jean Louisa Kelly, Vicki Lewis, and Valarie Pettiford. The production is directed by Lee Martino, with music direction by Mary Ekler.

Our Town - Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning stage classic about small town life extends through July 11 at The Actors' Gang. Our Town explores the poignancy of everyday life in a quiet New England village in the early years of the 20th century. This timeless play is told through the eyes of the Stage Manager, who allows a girl named Emily to relive a day in her life, then stands back and watches. After exploring her town of Grover's Corners for its daily life, love and marriage, and finally life and death, Emily is left to ask, 'Doesn't anyone ever realize life while they live it?'

Eric McCormack, Emmy Award winner for 'Will & Grace,' will play El Gallo, Lucas Grabeel from 'High School Musical' will play Matt, and Broadway star and Tony nominee Harry Groener will play Bellomy in 'The Fantasticks,' which concludes the 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse May 5-May 17 (press opening May 6).

Eric McCormack, Emmy Award winner for 'Will & Grace,' will play El Gallo, Lucas Grabeel from 'High School Musical' will play Matt, and Broadway star and Tony nominee Harry Groener will play Bellomy in 'The Fantasticks,' which concludes the 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse May 5-May 17 (press opening May 6).

Eric McCormack, Emmy Award winner for 'Will & Grace,' will play El Gallo, Lucas Grabeel from 'High School Musical' will play Matt, and Broadway star and Tony nominee Harry Groener will play Bellomy in 'The Fantasticks,' which concludes the 2008-2009 Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse May 5-May 17 (press opening May 6).

Passion, piety, and the enticement of power sparks a once in a lifetime historic event. Based on the enduring account of a young scholar's rise to the papacy, and brought to life by the original producer of HAIR on Broadway, this musical extravaganza unleashes one of the most controversial stories in the history of mankind. A cast of 26 professionals, an award winning team, and live music create this stunning premiere, for a limited run at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood.

The children are the role models in this uneven adaptation of Harper Lee's beloved American classic about bigotry, injustice, and the power of human kindness

One of the most beloved and influential stories of our time is coming to life at Hartford Stage. Emmy-nominated actor Matthew Modine will make his Hartford Stage debut as Atticus Finch in the eagerly anticipated stage adaptation of Harper Lee?s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Passion, piety, and the enticement of power sparks a once in a lifetime historic event. Based on the enduring account of a young scholar's rise to the papacy, and brought to life by the original producer of HAIR on Broadway, this musical extravaganza unleashes one of the most controversial stories in the history of mankind. A cast of 26 professionals, an award winning team, and live music create this stunning premiere, for a limited run at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood.

Reprise Theatre Company announced today that 'The Fantasticks' will replace the previously announced production of 'Chess,' May 5-17 at the Freud Playhouse. With music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones, 'The Fantasticks' is the world's longest-running musical and will be performed in Los Angeles as its current New York revival continues running off-Broadway. Jason Alexander, artistic director of Reprise, said, 'I am saddened to report the reason why. Our world premiere production of 'Chess' was commissioned and brokered by Gerald Schoenfeld, President of the Shubert Organization. Just before the end of last year, Gerry passed away unexpectedly. Without his support our production of 'Chess' simply is not possible at this time. I am disappointed, both for the loss of this wonderful opportunity and for the loss of an old and good friend.'

With a string of awards and hit plays behind him Hugh Whitmore author of the Emmy winning TV films like CONCEALED ENEMIES (Emmy Award for Best Miniseries); THE FINAL DAYS (dramatisation of the Bob Woodward/Carl Bernstein book, movie credits like 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD (starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins); UTZ, (an adaptation of Bruce Chatwin's novel, which won 3 prizes at the 1992 Berlin Film Festival) and Franco Zeffirelli's JANE EYRE (starring William Hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg) and plays like STEVIE (starring Glenda Jackson); PACK OF LIES (starring Judi Dench); BREAKING THE CODE (starring Derek Jacobi) and THE BEST OF FRIENDS (starring John Gielgud, Rosemary Harrris) he wanted to do ‘a more intimate piece' with his latest hit ‘My Darling Clemmie'.

After another successful summer, the Downtown Urban Theater Festival (DUTF) returns for its seventh season to accept new works from playwrights.

Gay Marshall is celebrating her new CD release, Gay Marshall Sings Piaf, at the Metropolitan Room on October 18th at 9:45PM. There is a two-drink minimum per person for all shows. For reservations call 212/206-0440. For more information on this show, you can visit www.metropolitanroom.com.

Last night, Tuesday October,14th Primary Stages (Casey Childs, Executive Producer; Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Elliot Fox, Managing Director) the New York premiere of A Body of Water by Lee Blessing. BroadwayWorld's cameras were on hand during the curtain call and after party.

The Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood, CA was transformed into an Old Hollywood 1920s Classic Themed Party, replete with breathtaking 20-foot-high Art Deco silver statues and other stunning decorative ornaments from the period, as guests attending the Hollywood Arts Council's Historic Sold-Out 30th Anniversary Black-Tie Gala and 22nd Annual Charlie Awards strolled down a 30-foot-long Red Carpet to a cozy and intimate Outdoor Courtyard Reception and Silent Auction, later followed by an elegant three-course catered Dinner and Awards Show, held on the Jim Henson Studios' Sound Stage on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Legendary designers John Conklin and Robert Fletcher are among the recipients of the 2008 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards. For his achievements as both a costume and set designer, John Conklin will receive the TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards' special Robert L. B. Tobin Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatrical Design. Acclaimed costume designer Robert Fletcher, who also produced, performed and designed sets, will receive the 2008 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony on Friday, March 28, at the Hudson Theatre in New York City.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi has joined America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network - in the fight against hunger by creating a cause-related promotion called Give Hope that will benefit the organization and its more than 200 member food banks. The charity auction includes evenings with 'Legally Blonde' and NBC 'Heroes' star.

La MaMa E.T.C. Presents The Usual Freak Show, written and performed by Jeffrey Essmann with Michael John LaChiusa, November 2-18, 2007.

The return of Superman was given star-studded treatment befit for royalty, as the Man of Steel resurfaced on stage in a concert-staging of It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman, as part of Reprise! Broadway's Best Marvelous Musical Monday series on May 14. This musical rarity, last seen on Broadway in it's original 1966 run, is a throwback to the olden days of theatre like no other...

Chanteuse Gay Marshall discusses her recent run in the revival of 'Jacques Brel is Alive and Well...'