Jeff Ward News

In conjunction with the Netflix release of ONE PIECE: Into the Grand Line on March 10, the first two episodes of Season 2 are coming to the big screen for special fan screenings.

The return of One Piece is fast approaching, and Netflix has released the official trailer for the second season of the hit series, featuring the eclectic ensemble of new and returning characters. Check it out now.

Netflix has revealed the official “Rise of the Baroques” teaser for One Piece: Into the Grand Line, highlighting an ensemble cast of villains appearing in the new season. Check out the trailer and new photos for Season 2, which arrives on March 10, 2026. 

Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) has been cast to star as Portgas D. Ace in season three of One Piece, which is set to go back into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cole Escola has been cast as Bon Clay in Season 3 of Netflix's One Piece, bringing their talent to the beloved live-action adaptation.

What did our critic think of ANTIGONE at The Lantern Theatre?

Just last fall, film and television star Christopher Lowell was gearing up for a major career milestone... his Broadway debut. He went on to take his first official Broadway bow at the Hayes Theatre in the acclaimed Second Stage production of Leslye Headland's Cult of Love, on December 12, 2024. Exactly one year later, Lowell will be back on Broadway, at the Hayes Theatre, starring in yet another Second Stage production- Marjorie Prime. ​

What did our critic think of SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Red Curtain Theatre? SOMETHING ROTTEN! is directed by Jeff Ward with music direction by Kayla White and choreography by Ansley Sherman.

Netflix has shared a first look at the highly anticipated season two of the epic pirate adventure series, returning in 2026. The series has also been given an early Season 3 renewal. Check out the first-look now!

ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller is in my top five of favorite classic plays, so I was thrilled to hear that The Lantern Theatre was performing it May 9–17 in the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway. Directed by Rachel McKee, the production honored Miller’s tightly-woven narrative and emotional complexity with a cast that brought a raw, honest intensity to every scene. 

Explore the 2025 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees, including standout performances by Bonnie Milligan and Beanie Feldstein. The awards will be presented on Monday, May 19 at an event at The Anthem. The nominations are for productions in the Washington, DC, region in the 2024 calendar year.

Beetlejuice star Sophie Anne Caruso is set to appear in Season 2 of Netflix's live-action One Piece series, based on the popular manga of the same name.

The Lantern Theatre in Conway has reimagined William Shakespeare’s HAMLET by casting a female in the titular role, and it has proved to be the most inspirational and creative choice allowing you to experience this classic in a whole new way. Directed by Vera Proctor, this innovative approach not only honors Shakespeare’s original text but also underscores the timelessness of his work, proving that great storytelling transcends boundaries of gender. This is their final weekend, so grab your tickets at https://www.conwaylanterntheatre.org. You don’t want to miss this one. 

At the Geeked Week live event in Atlanta, Netflix announced new cast members who will appear in roles in the upcoming second season of ONE PIECE. Joe Manganiello (True Blood, Magic Mike franchise) will appear as “Mr. 0,' with Lera Abova (Bumper in Berlin, Honey Don’t) taking on the role of “Miss All Sunday.'

Netflix has announced that Charithra Chandran, of Bridgerton fame, will join season two of One Piece in the series regular role of “Miss Wednesday.' Season two is currently in production in Cape Town, South Africa.

Netflix has begun production on Season Two of the beloved live-action adventure One Piece and released a cast video reuniting the original Straw Hat crew, Iñaki Godoy (Monkey D. Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero (Usopp) and Taz Skylar (Sanji) as they come back together in Cape Town.

What did our critic think of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF at The Lantern Theatre?

Cabaret singer Tammy Faye Starlite is bringing her show Nico: Underground, exploring the subversive singer Nico, who is perhaps best known for singing with the Velvet Underground. You can catch the show's final performance at Joe's Pub this Wednesday night on May 22 at at 9:30 pm. See highlights from the Wednesday May 15th show.

Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.

The hit off-Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, starring Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott, has recouped its initial investment.