John Francis News

The main trouble with Dreamland is that it doesn't know what it wants to be. Billed as the tale of a Midwestern girl who aspires to become an actress and ends up mixing with sordid Hollywood types who show her that dreams shouldn't always come true - what happens on stage only supports this in theory.

Dreamland, a new musical conceived, written, composed by 14-time Emmy Award winner John Francis Smith with daughter Asia Ray Smith, will have its first ever "off-book" staged performances at the NoHo Arts Center Friday, June 17 at 8:00 pm; and Saturday, June 18 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm.  The production is also produced by Smith.  Robert Arnold directs, with musical direction by Christian Regul and Jake Anthony (who also serves as vocal director).

According to Comingsoon.net, Zendaya has been casted as a lead character named Michelle in Marvel Studios upcoming Spider-Man reboot!

Jack F. Lee (born John Francis Lee), beloved musical director of both stage and screen, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2016 in his home at the age of 86. Mr. Lee was one of Broadway's leading conductors and musical directors who worked with composers/lyricists John Kander & Fred Ebb, Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields, Jule Styne, Richard Rogers, Stephen Sondheim, Charles Strouse, Alan Jay Lerner, Maury Yeston, Robert Wright & George Forrest, Sandy Wilson, Bob Merrill, Betty Comden & Adolph Green and Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones.

About Face Theatre is excited to present a one-night-only benefit reading of its 2011 runaway hit THE HOMOSEXUALS by AFT Artistic Associate Philip Dawkins, directed by original director Bonnie Metzgar and featuring the full original cast.

About Face Theatre will present a one-night-only benefit reading of its 2011 runaway hit THE HOMOSEXUALS by AFT Artistic Associate Philip Dawkins, directed by original director Bonnie Metzgar and featuring the full original cast. Throughout its 20th anniversary season, About Face is serving up readings of some of their most succesful and pivotal plays from the last two decades. THE HOMOSEXUALS benefit reading will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 6:30 pm at The Chicago History Museum's Rubloff Auditorium, 1601 N. Clark St. in Chicago. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

About Face Theatre is excited to present a one-night-only benefit reading of its 2011 runaway hit THE HOMOSEXUALS by AFT Artistic Associate Philip Dawkins, directed by original director Bonnie Metzgar and featuring the full original cast.

Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, presents the original Broadway kids of A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL in THE KIDS FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY on Monday November 2, 2015 at 7:00pm.

In Lookingglass Theatre Company's TREASURE ISLAND, young protagonist Jim Hawkins sails across the stage on Todd Rosenthal's cleverly crafted and all-encompassing Hispaniola. But instead of being propelled by a body of water below him, Jim stands centerstage as the show's ensemble of actors use manual force to, quite literally, rock the boat. These inventive, playful moments characterize Zimmerman's world-premiere production (a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre). Much like the adventurous and curious mentality of young Jim, this TREASURE ISLAND draws on the power of imagination to take audiences on a narrative journey. 

As part of NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION series, the fifth theatrical and seventh total installment, titled VACATION, enters theaters today. 

Check out a first look at Chevy Chase's return as the loveable Clark Griswold in a new TV spot for the film, set to hit theaters on July 29th!

The Film Society of Lincoln Center presents I Found This Funny: The Comedy World of Judd Apatow, July 10-14.

The new trailer is out for New Line Cinema's VACATION, starring Chris Hemsworth, Leslie Mann, Ed Helms, Christina Applegate and Chevy Chase.

The inaugural Jeremiah Healy Mystery Writing Award - 'The Jerry' - will be presented at the 2nd Annual Mystery Writers Key West Fest, August 14-16 in Key West, Florida. The winner will claim a book-publishing contract with Absolutely Amazing eBooks, free Mystery Writers Key West Fest registration, hotel accommodations for two nights, and a bobble-headed Jerry trophy.

FOX has greenlit an 11th season of its procedural drama BONES. In addition, the show's stars, David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel, have signed on.

The new generation of Griswolds is on road to Walley World and hitting more than a few bumps along the way in VACATION

Key West, Florida Keys

WEST SIDE STORY is now officially the fastest-selling production in Drury Lane Theatre's 30 year history. The highly-anticipated musical runs now through March 29. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, is kicking off the New Year with WEST SIDE STORY, the revolutionary Tony Award-winning production that forever changed American musical theater. Experience the passion, drama and heart-pounding excitement of WEST SIDE STORY like never before. The production opens tonight, January 22, running through March 22. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!