John Wilson News

When Rooftop Films began 20 summers ago on the roof of a tenement building in the Lower East Side it was a single evening of short films. 19 years later the organization has grown tremendously- hosting over 50 extraordinary events every summer, with live music and after-parties all across NYC- but they still strive to champion emerging in the short film community, and still believe that the medium is ripe for experimentation and opportunity. This season, Rooftop Films will present over 130 short films in over 13 programs, each curated with complementary and riveting themes.

This month, Opera Colorado presents the world premiere of THE SCARLET LETTER -- a new adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's iconic American novel by composer Lori Laitman and librettist David Mason. The premiere marks yet another major milestone for Opera Colorado, which recently announced a return to a three-production season in 2016-17. Ahead of tomorrow's first performance, BroadwayWorld has a first look at the company in action below!

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 121 nominations in 24 categories for the 43rd Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 148 productions offered by 67 Non-Equity producing organizations. The Jeff Committee recommended 65 of those shows (or 44%), making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Of the 65 Jeff Recommended productions, a record 53 (or 82%) received nominations, representing 32 theatre companies.

 The New Colony will continue its 2016 Season with the world premiere of the fantastical family drama KIN FOLK, by William Glick, directed by Co-Artistic Director Evan Linder, playing July 8 - August 14, 2016 at its resident home, The Den Theatre's Upstairs Main Stage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets for KIN FOLK go on sale Monday, May 9, 2016 at www.thenewcolony.org. The press opening is Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30 pm.

We talk to one of the West End's favourite leading ladies about her work with the John Wilson Orchestra, their new album of Gershwin repertoire, the UK tour of Guys and Dolls - and all the concerts she has lined up!

Es ist wieder Zeit fur ein Roundup die letzten Neuigkeiten aus dem Londoner West End. Im Mittelpunkt stehen dabei dieses Premieren von einigen Shows, die kurzlich angelaufen sind, darunter MOTOWN und MISS ATOMIC BOMB. Außerdem berichten wir von neuen Shows, die demnachst auf den Londoner Buhnen zu sehen sein werden, darunter die neue Saison des Charing Cross Theatre, die Ruckkehr von BODYGUARD und mehr. Lest selbst:

Set in Atomic City, USA (otherwise known as Las Vegas), Miss Atomic Bomb at the St James Theatre transports its audience back to 1952. A time when atomic bombs were regularly tested in the desert outside of the city, it focuses on Utah sheep-farmer Candy, played by Florence Andrews in her first leading role.

Award winning star of TV and theatre, Catherine Tate (Assassins, The Catherine Tate Show, The Vote, Doctor Who) and Dean John-Wilson (Aladdin, Here Lies Love), who takes lead role in Disney's Aladdin this summer, will lead the cast in the new musical comedy Miss Atomic Bomb, alongside musical theatre starsFlorence Andrews (A Little Night Music, Annie Get Your Gun), Simon Lipkin (The Lorax, Assassins, Rock of Ages, Avenue Q) and Daniel Boys (Any Dream Will Do, Avenue Q, Spamalot) as it explodes into the UK for its World Premiere at the St James Theatre, Victoria, in Spring 2016. The production will be running from 7 March for a strictly limited five week season, with press night on 14 March 2016.

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Florian Zeller's latest to Branagh farce and a new atomic musical, here are some of this week's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, and if you need more ticket-booking inspiration, here is last week's round-up.

Continuing with the new season of programming at The Hippodrome Theatre, Club 11 London and The Hippodrome Casino are excited to bring you a night with West End star Anna-Jane Casey at 8pm on Friday April 15th, 2016.

Julian Ovenden is not who you think he is. Sure, you'll have seen him a lot on television including Foyle's War and as the scheming Charles Blake in Downton Abbey, but his new album, Be My Love (released April 22nd on East West Records), is the culmination of 33 years of musical training.

This May, Opera Colorado will present the world premiere of The Scarlet Letter—a new adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's iconic American novel by composer Lori Laitman and librettist David Mason. The premiere marks yet another major milestone for Opera Colorado, which recently announced a return to a three-production season in 2016-17.

Check out photos from the show below!

Award winning star of TV and theatre, Catherine Tate (Assassins, The Catherine Tate Show, The Vote, Doctor Who) and Dean John-Wilson (Aladdin, Here Lies Love), who takes lead role in Disney's Aladdin this summer, will lead the cast in the new musical comedy Miss Atomic Bomb, alongside musical theatre stars Florence Andrews (A Little Night Music, Annie Get Your Gun), Simon Lipkin (The Lorax, Assassins, Rock of Ages, Avenue Q) and Daniel Boys (Any Dream Will Do, Avenue Q, Spamalot) as it explodes into the UK for its World Premiere at the St James Theatre, Victoria, in Spring 2016. The production will be running from 7 March for a strictly limited five week season, with press night on 14 March 2016.

The Golden Raspberry Award Foundation continued its tradition of announcing the nominations for the RAZZIE AWARDS, one day before the OSCAR nominations are revealed. 

The New Colony launches its 2016 Season with the world premiere of the racially charged family drama BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI by Co-Artistic Director Evan Linder, directed by Tyrone Phillips and co-produced with Definition Theatre Company. BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI plays now through February 14, 2016, at The New Colony's resident home, The Den Theatre's Upstairs Main Stage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. The press opening is tonight, January 11 at 7:30 pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The New Colony will launch its 2016 Season with the world premiere of the racially charged family drama BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI, by Co-Artistic Director Evan Linder, directed by Tyrone Phillips and co-produced with Definition Theatre Company.

The memoir of KISS ME, KATE's director and Noel Coward's producer and lover published over 50 years after his passing.

Join us for free staged readings of two of the plays submitted by local playwrights for consideration for next summer's Baltimore Playwrights Festival. Our next Play Development Workshop Reading is today, December 12 at Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 South Ann Street.

Defying Subtlety: The Songs of Ed Bell is headed to The Battersea Barge, London on Sunday 20th December, 8pm. Tickets £12-18.