John F Kennedy News

A taste of Italian life via Brooklyn.

Rooted in the moral conflict between society's thirst for justice and Christianity's tenet of forgiveness, the modern American opera DEAD MAN WALKING is an apt selection for the Washington National Opera this season. With a moving score by Jake Heggie and an honest, straightforward libretto by Terrence McNally, it is based on Sister Helen Prejean's 1993 memoir of her work as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates, including one in particular, Joseph De Rocher. The Kennedy Center production directed by Francesca Zambello marks the 50th international production of DEAD MAN WALKING, and it's a bold and haunting one.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced a weeklong celebration to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of its namesake, the late President John F. Kennedy-whose 100th birthday would have been May 29, 2017. The Center kicked off its Centennial celebration last May, and by the end of 2017, will have presented a suite of more than 50 distinct programs inspired by five ideals often ascribed to President Kennedy: Courage, Freedom, Justice, Service, and Gratitude. Special performances fromMay 23-29, 2017 span theater programs, dance, music, and the return of the Center's popular Open House, which all memorialize the life and legacy of America's 35th President. Highlights include performances by DJ Spooky, Yo-Yo Ma with the National Symphony Orchestra, the world premieres of Kennedy Center commissions by composer Mason Bates and Company E, and special Open House performances by Bandaloop, Flexn, and others. Additional programs through 2017 will be announced at a future date.

Artistic Director Julie Kent is pleased to announce participation in The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts JFK Centennial Week.

Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl, winner of the 2016 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award and a MacArthur 'genius' grant, will be directed by Courtney O'Connor at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, opening February 26 and running through March 26, 2017. Previews begin February 24. 

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Executive Director Diane Quinn, presents The Night of the Iguana, written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Michael Wilson.

Vision Latino Theatre Company (VLTC) kicks off their Second Season with Karen Zacarias, Just Like Us. Performance of Just Like Us will be held at Chicago Dramatists (1105 W Chicago Ave.).

Producers Barry and Fran Weissler and the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announce that Grammy Award-winner Brandy Norwood will play 'Roxie Hart' when the production returns to Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center. CHICAGO THE MUSICAL will play a limited two-week engagement from April 4-16, 2017.

Celebrating innovation and diversity in American ballet, the Kennedy Center presents the return of its weeklong Ballet Across America series, April 17 and April 19-23, for seven performances in the Opera House. Last seen in 2013, and illustrating the most exciting, creative dance happening across America today, this season's engagement explores new directions in the art form through programs curated by two of the biggest superstars in the ballet world: dancer-choreographer Justin Peck and principal dancer Misty Copeland.

Maverick artist, composer, vocalist and instrumentalist Laurie Anderson and bass virtuosoChristian McBride collaborate for the first time in the opening concert of Town Hall's new series, Improvisations. The show will also feature special guest Rubin Khodeli on cello.

16th Street Theater's 10th Anniversary Season continues with the National New Play Network rolling world premiere of INTO THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH by KAREN ZACARÍAS adapted from the novel by LUIS ALBERTO URREA and co-directed by ANN FILMER and MIGUEL NUÑEZ, April 13 - May 20, 2017 at North Berwyn Park District's 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th Street in Berwyn, with Press Opening on Thursday, April 20 @ 7:30 PM.  

Following an extensive nationwide search, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (LBC) announced that Ray Gargano will join the organization as its new director of education and community engagement, effective February 21, 2017. Gargano will bring dynamic new leadership to the arts center's acclaimed education, community engagement and family programs that serve more than 40,000 children, teachers, and adults each year in the five-county area.  His appointment to this new senior-level position is the latest step in the LBC's strategic effort to broaden, deepen and expand its offerings in this area.

From February 21st-February 24th, the Gold Coast Arts Center will continue to bring fun and creative activities to children through the VacationArts program!

As part of the 40th Anniversary of The Washington Ballet (TWB) performance Company, TWB is participating in an ebay auction and is pleased to announce a unique gift package for the balletomane and footwear aficionado: A pair of pointe shoes autographed by Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre principal dancer.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Executive Director Diane Quinn, will present The Night of the Iguana, written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Michael Wilson. Performances begin today, February 18 and run through Today, March 18 at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge.

The Music Center, L.A.'s performing arts destination, welcomes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on March 8 - 12, 2017 as part of the Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center 2016-2017 season at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The company will perform three different programs during the five-day engagement.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the Ella Fitzgerald centennial. The program pays tribute to the artist's legendary music through performances featuring Regina Carter, NSO Pops, and Jane Monheit.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents From the Mouths of Monsters, a contemporary, highly theatrical world premiere commission that plunges audiences headfirst into the complex world of adolescence, where speaking out can have astounding consequences.

The Garden Theatre (160 W Plant St.) is proud to announce the outrageously funny Destiny of Desire, An Unapologetic Telenovela in Two Acts, showing March 17 - April 9, 2017. The media sponsor for Destiny of Desire is Telemundo Orlando, and supporting sponsors include Outdoor Living Products and Toole's Ace Hardware. This project is made possible by a grant from Duke Energy through United Arts of Central Florida.

Cleveland Play House shifts gears from playful (Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery) to profound with the Pulitzer Prize-winning play How I Learned to Drive. Written by Paula Vogel - one of the preeminent figures in American theater today - How I Learned to Drive traverses taboo territory with humor, heart, and empathy.