Jerry Herman News

Following last season's reinterpretation of Federico Garcia Lorca's classic The House of Bernarda Alba, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and the University of Miami's Department of Theatre Arts are partnering once again to present a fresh rock musical, GIRLS VS. BOYS, written by the creators of The Sparrow and Death and Harry Houdini - Chris Mathews, Jake Minton, Kevin O'Donnell and Nathan Allen of the renowned House Theatre of Chicago. Playing November 1 - 18, 2012 in the intimate Carnival Studio Theater (Ziff Ballet Opera House), GIRLS VS. BOYS is a captivating, dramatic story about the struggles of teen life set to a rocking, soul-bearing score. The musical is part of the Arsht Center's Theater Up Close series in the Carnival Studio Theater which features artistic collaborations from stellar local theater ensembles and nationally acclaimed theater companies.

Celebrating the American Spirit, performed by Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) and conducted by Judith Clurman along with guest artists, Broadway stars Kelli O'Hara and Ron Raines and composer-arranger Larry Hochman, represents an American songbook for the 21st century.

The Gardenia will present Broadway, television and film actress and singer, Neile Adams in "Wasn't It Good! Wasn't It Fine!," a musical celebration of her memories and the stages of her life. The 60-minute show will be presented at The Gardenia, 7066 Santa Monica Boulevard (East of La Brea Avenue), West Hollywood, Calif., on Fridays and Saturdays, November 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2012 at 9:00 p.m.

Weddington Street Productions in association with Summerwind Productions proudly presents Christmas My Way - A Sinatra Holiday Bash! starring Luca Ellis, Jason Graae, Heather Lee and Beth Malone; directed by David Grapes with musical direction by Vince di Mura. The holiday celebration will be December 15 - December 31, 2012, at the historic El Portal Theatre Mainstage in the NOHO Arts District, North Hollywood, CA.

Today, Nancy Rhodes, Artistic Director announced that the Honorary Chairs, Sheldon Harnick and Maury Yeston join Encompass New Opera Theatre in celebrating Alan Menken's life in the American theatre, film and recording world tonight, October 21, 2012 at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York City.

Surfside Players' biggest musical of the season opens in two weeks. Presenting LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, the 1984 Tony winner for Best Musical, with book by Harvey Fierstein and music by Jerry Herman, based on the farce by Jean Poiret (which also inspired the Robin Williams / Nathan Lane movie The Birdcage).

The award-winning J*Company Youth Theatre, a program of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS, has announced the musical theatre line up for its 20th Anniversary Season.

Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault and Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer today announced that Tony-nominated actress Nancy Opel (Broadway's "Memphis," "Urinetown," "Teddy & Alice," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Anything Goes," others) and Edward Gero ("King Lear" with Stacey Keach for Goodman and Shakespeare Theatre Company; Ford's "A Christmas Carol"; Goodman and Arena Stage's "Red") will star in the spring production of "Hello, Dolly!" at Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW). The production will be directed by Schaeffer and co-produced by Ford's Theatre and Virginia's Tony-winning Signature Theatre. The production will play from March 15 through May 18, 2013. Additional casting will be announced in early 2013.

Dynamic producing duo Executive Producer, Mr. Voza Rivers' New Heritage Theater and Ms. Debra Ann Byrd's Take Wing and Soar will team up to bring Pauletta Pearson Washington and Roscoe Orman to the New York stage for a revival production of Lorey Hayes' POWER PLAY, a story about politics, passion and the power of God.

Two time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals, under the leadership of Executive Director Michael P. Price, is delighted to announce its Golden Anniversary season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn. The 50th season includes three very special musicals that are sure to please theatregoers: the charming collegiate comedy Good News will run from April 12 - June 22; Jerry Herman's beloved Hello, Dolly! will run from June 28 - September 8; and Frank Loesser's enchanting Broadway hit The Most Happy Fella will run from September 20 - December 1, 2013. "To the cheers of many, on June 18, 1963 the footlights were once again lit on the Goodspeed Opera House stage. And now, fifty years later, we are in awe that so much has happened in and because of this gem of a building. It truly was an impossible dream that, from this tiny stage, the world of American musical theatre would be changed forever. Our Golden Anniversary celebration will feature three extraordinary musicals which we believe uniquely highlight what Goodspeed does best," said Mr. Price.

For ten years, Santa has always made it a point to stop by The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre and Children's Theatre to have breakfast with children and their families at what has become the most popular event at the Frederick theater.

Dynamic producing duo Executive Producer, Mr. Voza Rivers' New Heritage Theater and Ms. Debra Ann Byrd's Take Wing and Soar will team up to bring Pauletta Pearson Washington and Roscoe Orman to the New York stage for a revival production of Lorey Hayes' POWER PLAY, a story about politics, passion and the power of God.

The holidays are always the busiest time at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre and Children's Theatre. Over the years, some of the most popular shows at the theatre have been its Christmas productions. From Frosty the Snow Man to Santa's elves to the furry characters from the children's book Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree, they have all helped to celebrate the joy of the season in the Children's Theatre at one time or another.

Today, with musicals such as The Book of Mormon enjoying phenomenal box office success, revivals like The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess delighting new generations, and musical stage versions of popular films such as Once and Newsies dominating the Tony Awards, Broadway is proving yet again that its vitality and magic endure. Nominated for five 2005 Primetime Emmy Awards and winner of two, including Outstanding Nonfiction Series, THIRTEEN's landmark Broadway: The American Musical returns tonight, October 7 at 10 p.m., and continues on six consecutive Sundays through November 11 (check local listings).

Good Theater kicks off its 11th season with a special two performance event, An Evening With Broadway Star Florence Lacey tonight, October 6 at 7:30 and tomorrow, October 7 at 2:00. All tickets are $30 for these shows. For reservations, call Good Theater at 885-5883 or go to the Good Theater website at www.goodtheater.com.

Prince Charming George Hamilton and callipygian Christopher Sieber are now on stage at the beautiful Fisher Theatre, in the outrageous and wacky musical "La Cage aux Folles". Broadway In Detroit is always working hard to bring entertainment that appeals to diverse audiences, and this is one of those niche productions that had audiences rolling in the floors with laughter.

Today, Nancy Rhodes, Artistic Director announced that the Honorary Chairs, Sheldon Harnick and Maury Yeston join Encompass New Opera Theatre in celebrating Alan Menken's life in the American theatre, film and recording world on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC.

Celebrating the American Spirit, performed by Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) and conducted by Judith Clurman along with guest artists, Broadway stars Kelli O'Hara and Ron Raines and composer-arranger Larry Hochman, represents an American songbook for the 21st century.

Sara has been in the first musical of Broadway's fall season two years in a row, 'Follies' last year and now 'Chaplin'.

The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company, presents a chilling rendition of Rope by Patrick Hamilton at the Pittsburgh Playhouse tonight, Sept. 28 - Oct. 14; guest artist Elmore James directs.