Jonathan Larson News

The show's messages: "No Day But Today" and "Measure Your Life in Love" resound in this production.

Rocket Science, the new musical based on the HBO film of the same name, will enjoy a fresh look at its musical selections in concert at the upcoming NYTB in the D-Lounge, New York Theatre Barn's popular platform for up-and-coming new writers and musical projects, on Monday, September 10 at 7:30pm in the D-Lounge of the Daryl Roth Theatre.

Done to death by companies up and down the country over the past few years, Jonathan Larson's RENT can't quite be accused of being underexposed. As a result, it's a bit of a struggle to summon much enthusiasm about a new London production (particularly when there's another one waiting to open shortly after this one closes) but unless you've attended the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock opera at its peak on Broadway, you're unlikely to have seen it done as well as it currently is being at the Greenwich Theatre.

Rent, with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson and directed by Paul Taylor-Mills, will run at Greenwich Theatre, beginning previews on Wednesday 5th September, and ending Sunday 16th September. Press night is Friday 7th September at 7.30pm.

Following its European premiere at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe, Without You, written and performed by Rent star Anthony Rapp, now transfers to the Menier Chocolate Factory, London from 29th August - 15th September 2012.

The Off Broadway Alliance, the organization of Off Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents and marketing firms, will hold another in its series of seminars focused on the culture, business and history of Off Broadway this Sunday, September 9th.

On Twitter Watch, Anthony Rapp wrote 'I honestly didn't expect such an amazing response to Without You here; I thought UK folks might not like emotional shows. Thx all 4 yr msgs. Ouch. A UK blogger: 'Rapp has the dazed look of a man who has just been punched in the side of the head and is still seeing stars.' I was expecting a less warm response to Without You over here. We've gotten a couple lukewarm reviews but most have been great. Case in point: for the same performance I was called a disaster by one critic and perfect by another. To each his (or her) own... I've always said that if you're allergic to RENT (& there are folks who are) then a part of you is a little dead inside. Following its European Premiere at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Without You, written and performed by Rent star Anthony Rapp, now transfers to the Menier Chocolate Factory, London from 29th August - 15th September 2012. Press Night Wednesday 5th September. Without You begins in 1994 with Anthony Rapp working at a Starbucks and about to audition for Rent, the new musical by a young Jonathan Larson. An inspiring story about friends and artists struggling in New York's Lower East Side, it was based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme. Anthony got the part, but Jonathan died suddenly the night before Rent's off-Broadway premiere.'

Steph Fearon, who reached the semi-finals of the BBC1's 'Over The Rainbow' competition for the West End role of Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Palladium production of 'The Wizard Of Oz', is to star as Mimi in a new London production of the multi award-winning musical 'Rent'.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director William Russo have announced that Red Dog Howls, written by Alexander Dinelaris and directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, begins performances tonight at 7pm at NYTW, 79 East 4 Street, between Bowery and Second Avenue. Opening night is scheduled for Monday, September 24 at 7pm. Award-winning actress Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America, Wit) returns to New York Theatre Workshop in a landmark role, joining Florencia Lozano and Alfredo Narciso in the cast of this New York premiere.

The American Theatre Wing has announced that its annual Gala, to be held Monday, September 24 at 6:30 PM at The Plaza Hotel (Fifth Avenue at Central Park South), will honor the Redgrave family's six generations of outstanding work and invaluable contributions to the theatrical community. Vanessa Redgrave, along with other family members, will be in attendance to share in the celebration.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), currently celebrating its Fifth Anniversary Season at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is proud to announce that tickets are now available for their Something "Naughty & Nice" for the Holidays productions of SantaLand Diaries and Winter Wonderettes, which will be presented at their new Warwick theatre, located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, in December.

On Friday, September 14, 2012, Broadway's celebrated revival of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse's Tony Award-winning musical CHICAGO will welcome back Amy Spanger in the starring role of merry murderess Roxie Hart.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director William Russo previously announced that Kathleen Chalfant will lead the cast of NYTW's production of Red Dog Howls, written by Alexander Dinelaris. Ken Rus Schmoll will direct the production, which opens the 2012-13 season, beginning performances tonight, September 4, 2012.

Meet the cast of the new London production of the multiple award-winning musical RENT in the photos below! Plus click here for part 1!

SaltSpeck Productions presents a showcase production of Madam Fury's Traveling Show. Performances will take place from tonight, September 2 through September 8 at the 45th Street Theatre (354 W. 45th Street). Official Opening is set for tonight, September 2 at 8pm.

Today we are focusing a super-special spotlight on one of the Fall's most intriguing musical entries trying out in New York, the York Theatre Company's lab mounting of the new Paul Jabara jukebox musical LAST DANCE, by talking to the show's lead, recognizable TV and film star Rob Morrow, and the show's lead producer, noted comedic shepherd and filmmaker Robert D. Wachs, whom filled me in on all aspects of the show in a comprehensive chat late last week just prior to this week's start of rehearsals. In this all-encompassing conversation, Morrow, Wachs and I discuss the genesis of the new disco-themed musical celebrating the life and career of Jabara, the accomplished Emmy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Broadway shows (RACHAEL LILY ROSENBLOOM… AND DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT), movie songs ("Last Dance" from THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY; the titular "The Main Event") and numerous pop/rock/disco hits, such as "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer's epic disco duet "Enough Is Enough (No More Tears)" and his many solo hits, as well as the finer points of the story, concept, casting and the ultimate goals of the new Philip William McKinley-directed production, which features a book by Shaun McKenna. Additionally, Morrow and Wachs each generously share showbiz tales from their storied careers involving such big names as Eddie Murphy, Michael Bennett, Jonathan Larson, Tony Scott and many more and both copiously convey their infectious enthusiasm for the forthcoming fully-produced lab presentation of the new musical that will play for five performances beginning September 20 as they prepare for its first viewing before a paying audience. All of that and much, much more awaits!

Vital Theatre Company has announced the world premiere of Fancy Nancy The Musical, opening September 29th, 2012 at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre at 2162 Broadway. With a book by Susan DiLallo, music by Danny Abosch, and direction and choreography by Sam Viverito, Fancy Nancy The Musical is based on the bestselling children's book series by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. This magnifique musical-that's fancy for great show-begins performances on September 29th, 2012 with a "pink carpet" press opening.

Westport Country Playhouse stages the world premiere of a new comedy, "Harbor," written by two-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin and directed by Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos, now through September 15. The cast includes Tony Award nominee Bobby Steggert (Broadway's "Ragtime"), Emmy Award nominee Paul Anthony Stewart ("Guiding Light"), Kate Nowlin and Alexis Molnar. Get a first look at the cast onstage in the photos below!

The American Theatre Wing has announced the recipients of its 2012 National Theatre Company Grants. This year's recipients are: Actors' Shakespeare Project (Somerville, Massachusetts), ArtsWest (Seattle, Washington), Know Theatre of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio), NC Stage Company (Asheville, North Carolina), The New Jersey Repertory Company (Long Branch, New Jersey), CityRep (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), The Rogue Theatre (Tucson, Arizona), The Play Company (New York City, New York), The Theatre @ Boston Court (Pasadena, California), and Upstream Theater (St. Louis, Missouri).

Following its European Premiere at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Without You, written and performed by Rent star Anthony Rapp, now transfers to the Menier Chocolate Factory, London from tonight, 29th August - 15th September 2012. Press Night Wednesday 5th September.