Jonathan Larson News

The Tony Award-winning actress Karen Olivo is coming to Minnetonka Theatre to teach a Master Class for high school students. This exciting two-day event is open to all Minnetonka High School theatre students interested in improving their audition techniques, and will include workshops, mock auditions, and even private coaching for the cast of Minnetonka's student summer stock production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (August 8-16).

On Monday, July 28 at 8PM Musical Theatre Factory (MTF) will present an acoustic concert of songs from Peter Lerman's new musical play, THE SACRED HARP, about the nephew of a preacher who tries to break free from his Appalachian confines by building an enchanted guitar. The concert, directed by Austin Regan features Van Hughes (American Idiot, 9 to 5, Hairspray) and Christy Altomare (Mamma Mia!, Carrie: the Musical), as well as a full chorus performing traditional Sacred Harp hymns.

Tony-nominee and Obie and Theatre World Award winner Adam Pascal, has created some of the most memorable roles in recent Broadway history. He shot to stardom for originating the role of Roger in the Broadway blockbuster 'Rent,' as well as the London production, and starred in the film version. On July 26 and 27 he returns to the acclaimed, original Broadway @ The Art House series, where he joins pianist and host Seth Rudetsky for an unforgettable evening of conversation and song. This marks his first return to Provincetown stages since debuting with the Art House series in its inaugural season of 2011. Adam also originated the role of Radames in Elton John and Tim Rice's 'Aida,' and was featured as the Emcee in the critically acclaimed revival of 'Cabaret' directed by Sam Mendes. Most recently he's starred on Broadway in 'Memphis' and in 'Chicago.' For tickets please visit The Art House website, or call 508-487-9222.

Broadway veterans Sean McDermott and Sarah Litzsinger join a cast of seasoned performers in The New York Musical Theatre Festival's (NYMF) The Music Box, An Evening of Lady Composers tonight, July 23. Performances will take place at 6 and 9 PM at the Ford Foundation Studio Ford Foundation Studio Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center.

Samuel French has announced a talented roster of judges for the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival (OOB Festival), the nation's premiere short play competition, running from August 5th-10th at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre.

Broadway veterans Sean McDermott and Sarah Litzsinger will join a cast of seasoned performers in The New York Musical Theatre Festival's (NYMF) The Music Box, An Evening of Lady Composers on July 23. Performances will take place at 6 and 9 PM at the Ford Foundation Studio Ford Foundation Studio Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center.

The New Victory Theater, New York City's premier theater for kids and families, announces the 2014-15 New Victory LabWorks new work development residencies. Now in its second year, the New Victory LabWorks Artist Residency Program provides rehearsal space, support and feedback for select New York artists of all disciplines who desire to create original high-quality productions for young audiences.

Legendary director/writer/producer Garry Marshall will direct the Vineyard Theatre's New York debut of Mike Bencivenga's comedy BILLY & RAY this fall, with performances set to begin October 2 and an opening night scheduled for October 20 at The Vineyard, it has been announced by Douglas Aibel, Artistic Director, and Sarah Stern, Co-Artistic Director.

Tony-nominated songwriters Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and book writer Peter Duchan are to attend the European premiere of their acclaimed musical Dogfight at Southwark Playhouse on Wednesday 13 August.

Joel B. New's musical theatre podcast, 'Something New', releases the premiere studio recording of his song cycle, STANDALONE.

Roadie Soadie Productions will present the world premiere of Things I Left On Long Island, a new play by 2014 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Sara Cooper in the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival.

The July installment of New York Theatre Barn's New Works Series features selections from new musicals written by Andy Monroe (The Kid) and Amanda Yesnowitz (the Broadway bound Somehwere in Time), on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Daryl Roth Theatre's D-Lounge. The monthly New Works Series, now in its 7th year at the Daryl Roth Theatre, is the core of New York Theatre Barn's new work development process for emerging writers and new musicals.

I'm always cautious in seeing a regional production of Jonathan Larsen's Rent as I have become a Renthead over the years. The thing to remember is art has different interpretations. SoLuna Studio Artistic Director and Owner Karen Braun fantastically directs and choreographs this slightly reimagined take on Mr. Larson's Tony and Pulitzer winning musical. Running through July 27th, some adjustments were made for SoLuna's vision including an unexpected twist the last moment of the show.

RENT gets me every time. Seeing it for the 14th time is just as thrilling, emotional, and epic as the first time I saw it 17 years ago. I can't even put into words why it has such a strong grip on my soul. It's just such a beautiful message of love, hope, community, and life, made all the more poignant by creator Jonathan Larson's untimely passing. Lyric Arts' new production is truly beautiful; the cast is energetic and talented, the sets and costumes have that cool rock show vibe, and the staging is different enough to make it feel fresh and original, but similar enough to the Broadway version to feel familiar to RENTheads like me. RENT is a brilliantly written piece of music-theater, and Lyric Arts has done Jonathan Larson proud. I can think of no higher praise.

A portion of proceeds from SoLuna Studio's upcoming production of RENT will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This brand-new fresh take on the classic Broadway musical will run from today, July 11th - 27th. Performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults. Group rates are also available.

Cast members Emma Odell ( Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer OfTheYear [SSSSPOTY] finalist 2009), Kris Olsen ( SSSSPOTY Winner 2012), Corrine Priest (SSSSPOTY Winner 2014) and Jay Worley ( SSSSPOTY finalist 2014) showcase a range of songs from Jonathan Larson (Sunday) and Andrew Lippa ( Marshall Levin) to Alan Chapman (Everybody Wants to be Sondheim) and many more besides in Stephen Sondheim Society's GOD. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

MURDER BALLAD, the new immersive rock musical that enjoyed an acclaimed, sold-out run in New York City will play OBERON (2 Arrow Street, Cambridge MA) this August for a strictly limited engagement.

The Community Theatre of Little Rock is pleased to conclude its 58th Season with our Summer Musical 'RENT' by Jonathan Larson.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) will present The Music Box, An Evening of Lady Composers July 23. Performances will take place at 6 and 9 PM at the Ford Foundation Studio Ford Foundation Studio Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Stephen Sondheim Society, we will be paying tribute to Mr Sondheim and his genius, with a collection of material which affectionately celebrates and reflects our love for the great man himself in a brand new show GOD, premiering at London Theatre Workshop for only 6 performances this July.