Jonathan Larson News

Is it possible that "Rent", Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking hit from 1996 has now become so dated that it no longer has the edge it once had? Or is it that the current production from the 5th Avenue Theatre is so desperately trying to be edgy that it shows its weakness? That is the question before us. But whatever you feel about the show itself, the current production at the 5th takes so many missteps that it's hard to see the show as anything but an adorable relic.

The cast of DANCING WITH THE STARS: ALL STARS has just been announced. The show will premiere Monday, September 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT on the ABC Network. The All-Stars cast will feature Gilles Marini, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Monaco, Shawn Johnson, Melissa Rycroft, Joey Fatone, Helio Castroneves, Drew Lachey, Bristol Palin, Apolo Anton Ono, Kirstie Alley and Emmit Smith.

Zoe Birkett, who shot to fame in 2002 as a finalist on the first series of Pop Idol, won by Will Young, and has gone on to appear in the West End in Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical, Thriller Live, What A Feeling, Respect La Diva and Hair, is to play Maureen Johnson in a new London production of the multi award-winning musical Rent.

Austin Theatre Project Announces its 2013 Season As they are preparing and auditioning for their final production of their inaugural season, Austin's newest professional theatre company, Austin Theatre Project, is proud to announce its 2013 season.

Libra Theater Company is pleased to present a celebratory birthday concert, looking back on its second full year of producing entertaining and innovative theater. To commemorate the company's birthday, Libra will welcome many friends and former artists to the stage to perform great songs and share personal stories.

Broadway Star, Karen Mason (Wonderland, Mamma Mia! and the upcoming Broadway show, Rebecca), brings her talents to the intimate stage (78 seats) at CAP21 where she is performing in their benefit series, Concerts for CAP21. As CAP21 approaches their 20th Anniversary, the concert series celebrates all of the accomplishments the organization has had and its goals of the future. Karen Mason: Unfinished Business will be performed through July 19 and certain performances include a reception that is available for ticket buyers. Ticket Prices range from $25-$100. CAP21 is located at 18 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011. Tickets and additional information are available at www.cap21.org or by calling 646.213.5488. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there for the first concert, and we bring you highlights from the event and interviews with the star of the evening below!

Theatreworks USA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Ken Arthur, Producing Director), the nation's leading not-for-profit professional theatre for young audiences, has announced the Off-Broadway premiere of the new children's musical SKIPPYJON JONES.

Broadway Star, Karen Mason (Wonderland, Mamma Mia! and the upcoming Broadway show, Rebecca), brings her talents to the intimate stage (78 seats) at CAP21 where she is performing in their benefit series, Concerts for CAP21.

For millions of devoted Rentheads, the musical Rent epitomizes a way to live your life. How does the Des Moines Playhouse production stack up against such a legacy?

Joe Iconis is a Tony Award-winning composer in the making, but until he wins that ultimate prize he's making a few stops along the way, like tonight when he and his 'Family' perform a concert of his 'Greatest Hits' at 54 Below.

Acclaimed director David Glenn Armstrong will be helming two back-to-back readings featuring award-winning Broadway actors in the New York Musical Theatre Festival Developmental Reading Series presented upstairs at the 45thStreet Theatre this month, July 2012.

Broad Brook Opera House Players present THE POOR MAN'S CABARET, tonight, July 13th and July 14th at 8pm July 15th at 2pm.

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'.

What's it like to write your first play after all those musicals?

Last night, Anthony Fedorov and Natalie Wachen joined the cast of Rent in the roles of Roger and Mimi. Scroll down for photo coverage!

SILHOUETTE STAGES has announced auditions and a call to artists and production team for its Oct/Nov production of RENT, with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Susan G. Kramer and with musical direction to be announced. Auditions will take place tonight, July 12, and Monday, July 16 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Rent, presented by CenterStage, runs tongiht, July 12 - July 29 at the Jewish Community Center. Information about performance times and ticket prices: (502) 459-0660 or go online at www.jewishlouisville.org.

Anthony Fedorov and Natalie Wachen join the cast of Rent in the roles of Roger and Mimi beginning tonight, July 11. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a photo of the pair together on the set! Check back later for full photo coverage.

Anthony Fedorov and Natalie Wachen join the cast of Rent in the roles of Roger and Mimi beginning tonight, Wednesday, July 11. Shaleah Adkisson took over the role of Joanne on June 11.

The Human Race Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals, has announced the three-play line-up for its 2012 Festival of New Musicals.