John Lee Beatty News

ACCENT ON YOUTH's David Hyde Pierce and director Daniel Sullivan, were featured in the Arts & Leisure section of yesterday's New York Times. To read the full story, written by Matthew Gurewitsch, click here. In addition, Pierce is featured on the New York Times website. To hear the 'Audio Slideshow' produced by Erik Piepenburg, click here.

The Kennedy Center today announced a one week and final extension for the touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE. The musical will now run in the Opera House June 30 through August 9, 2009. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg, Fantasia Barrino reprises her critically acclaimed role as Celie in the Kennedy Center performances of THE COLOR PURPLE.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced additional casting today for the Shakespeare in the Park production of TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by Daniel Sullivan. Herb Foster will play Valentine; Kevin Kelly will play Sea Captain; Tony nominee Stark Sands will play Sebastian; Baylen Thomas will play Curio; Jon Patrick Walker will play Fabian; and Tony Award winner Julie White will play Maria. TWELFTH NIGHT will feature original music by symphonic folk-rock band Hem.

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Samson Raphaelson's ACCENT ON YOUTH running at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) celebrates Opening Night this evening Wednesday, April 29th.

The producers of THE COLOR PURPLE are proud to announce that American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino will reprise her starring role of Celie for the Chicago Engagement. Returning to its debut home of Chicago, THE COLOR PURPLE will make its home at The Arie Crown Theater for two weeks, September 2 -13, 2009. Tickets

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Kansas City will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for 8 performances, April 28-May 3, 2009. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Music Hall Box Office and at participating Ticketmaster outlets (800-982-2787) or online at ticketmaster.com.

As reported earlier today by PeopleEnEspanol.com, this spring, Sof?a Vergara, one of the hottest Hispanic TV stars and one of the most beloved personalities of the Latino world, will make her Broadway stage debut as Matron 'Mama' Morton, the reigning cellblock diva of the hit musical CHICAGO for a five-week limited engagement.

The 16th Annual Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration program, honoring world class scenic designer Todd Rosenthal (August: Osage County), will take place on Monday, April 27, at the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a viewing of the third annual ?Theater Design Expo' showcasing the works of over 20 Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and a student portfolio review. Martha Lavey, Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, will moderate an inclusive discussion, 'Moving Chicago Productions to New York and Beyond' with the awardees, Director Anna Shapiro and Joshua Schmidt, composer and librettist, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Charlotte will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for eight performances, May 19-24. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at BlumenthalCenter.org, by phone at 704-372-1000 and at the Belk Theater box office.

Now celebrating eleven glorious years of girls, glitz and glamour across the country, the record-breaking smash hit musical CHICAGO is BACK IN TOWN and its PURE ENTERTAINMENT! Tickets for the St. Petersburg engagement of CHICAGO start at $40.00 andare on sale now. Tickets are available at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater box office (400 1st St S), Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-982-2787 or online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

DETAILS.com has a new interview with Broadway favorite David Hyde Pierce. The Tony award winning actor sounds off on acting, aging, and his appearance in Manhattan Theatre Club's ACCENT ON YOUTH.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Dayton will host the North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE, April 21 - 26 at the Schuster Center, as part of Victoria Theatre Association's Chase Broadway Series.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that Kansas City will host the first North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE for 8 performances, April 28-May 3, 2009. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Music Hall Box Office and at participating Ticketmaster outlets (800-982-2787) or online at ticketmaster.com.

The Canadian Stage Company wraps its 2008.2009 season with Doubt, a parable, the award-winning play that's taken North America by storm. The production stars Canadian theatre icons Seana McKenna (Canadian Stage's The Clean House, Wit) and David Storch (Canadian Stage's Frost/Nixon and director of Palace of the End), and is helmed by renowned director Marti Maraden (Canadian Stage's Trying).

The Broadway company of CHICAGO is pleased to announce details for the next three installments of 'Talkback Tuesdays,' the unique new series offering post-show discussions and audience Q&A sessions with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical.

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of Samson Raphaelson's ACCENT ON YOUTH is currently in previews at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) in preparation for a Wednesday, April 29 opening night.

Back by popular demand, the Broadway smash hit, Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple, is returning to the Motor City! Don't miss out as this limited engagement arrives in Detroit for only eight performances, from Tuesday, April 14 through Sunday, April 19.

Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and the producing team of the Broadway smash hit THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, are proud to announce that the North American Touring production of THE COLOR PURPLE will return by popular demand to the Fox Theatre for eight performances, April 14 through 19. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23! Nominated for eleven Tony Awards?, including Best Musical, THE COLOR PURPLE opened on December 1, 2005 at the Broadway Theatre where it ran for over two record-breaking years. It is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous GRAMMY?-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is about hope and the healing power of love. Michael Kuchwara, the Associated Press described THE COLOR PURPLE as 'a Roof-Raising story of triumph.' And Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine said, '[it is] a soaring, epic tale. It made a joyful noise in my heart.' Elysa Gardner from USA Today raved, 'Pure heart! It celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!'

The artistic staff for LINCOLN includes theatre professionals with Broadway credentials and Hollywood experience. 'We have assembled an impressive team of artistic professionals,' says Lincoln Amphitheatre's executive producer, Steve Wright. 'They bring Broadway and Hollywood experience to southern Indiana, where they are collaborating in the rebirth of our magnificent, 1,500-seat amphitheatre.'

The Iowa debut of OPRAH WINFREY'S THE COLOR PURPLE is coming to the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines April 7 to 12, 2009 as part of the Willis Broadway Series. The Civic Center's Education Department has organized a variety of community programs to complement the theater-goers' experience.