Keith Thompson News

AFI Fest 2012 have announced the entire lineup for the annual festival, set to open Nov. 1 and conclude Nov. 8. The 136 films chosen are listed below:

Stray Dog Theatre presents SPRING AWAKENING: A NEW MUSICAL, now playing through October 20, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

The original cast album of Spring Awakening (music by Duncan Sheik with book and lyrics by Steven Sater) is still in heavy rotation in my iPod, not only because it's a terrifically catchy score, but because of its dramatic power as well. And though some may try to draw comparisons to the touring company that came to the Fox in 2009, there's really nothing to be gained by doing that. Stray Dog Theatre's current presentation is a much more intimate and "in your face" production that may well carry more impact. It certainly affected me deeply, in fact, I could hardly sleep after seeing the show, with the songs and performances spinning around my brain in continual motion. This is a beautiful and haunting rendering that provides must-see entertainment for any theatre-goer.

When I reviewed New Line Theatre's production of HIGH FIDELITY in 2008, I decided to start off in the spirit of Nick Hornby by giving my readers the top five reasons they should see this wonderful musical. Well, here are the Top Five reasons you should see High Fidelity, either for the very first time, or again, in 2012 (in reverse order, naturally). Number Five: because the cast members that remain the same are still superb in their roles, and the new additions make it even more entertaining. Number Four: because the music of Tom Kitt and the lyrics of Amanda Green are pure ear candy that cribs cool bits from classic rock and soul. Number Three: because this time it's in a different venue that allows for a grander scenic design, as well as a larger area for the fun choreography. Number Two: because seeing the musical still beats sitting through the movie, which didn't really capture Hornby's novel completely. And the Number One reason to see this revival production of HIGH FIDELITY: IT ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!

New Line Theatre closes its 21st season with HIGH FIDELITY, playing now through June 23, 2012. With a script by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Good People), music by Tom Kitt (Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of Next to Normal), and lyrics by Amanda Green (Bring It On, Hands on a Hardbody), HIGH FIDELITY explores America's new Lost Generation and the music they live their lives to. Check out photos of the cast performing on stage in St. Louis below!

New Line Theatre will close its 21st season May 31-June 23, 2012, with HIGH FIDELITY. Tickets are on sale now through Metrotix, 314-534-1111. View photos below!

New Line Theatre, 'the Bad Boy of Musical Theatre,' will close its 21st season May31-June 23, 2012, with HIGH FIDELITY, the funny, rowdy, emotional rock musical that garnered positive reviews in New Line's 2008 production, the first production of the show after its Broadway run.

URINETOWN is a satirical musical based on the idea that an ecological disaster could create a situation whereby individuals have to pay for the opportunity to eliminate their wastes in public amenities. If that sounds like an odd concept, you're right, it is. And, with it's grungy atmosphere and grimy costuming, it might seem unappealing. But, Urinetown works because it makes fun of itself, and the conventions of musical theatre, while actually managing to communicate a potent message about conserving our resources and being socially responsible. There's also the clever, dense lyrics and engaging melodies of Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann. Stray Dog Theatre's current production is excellent and because of it drawing sell-out crowds the run has been extended.

The Metropolitan Room announced January performances.

The Metropolitan Room announced January performances.

'Jim Caruso's Cast Party' celebrated the extraordinary talent in Las Vegas. Headliner Donny Osmond showed up to support his pals Caruso and musical director Billy Stritch, and crooned a sensitive 'Moon River' for his mentor, Andy Williams.

The final performance of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, the second production in Trevor Nunn's year as Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, is on Saturday 20 August 2011, as previously announced.

Some of the most exciting musical and theatrical talent from the Las Vegas entertainment community, including performers and musicians from 'Jersey Boys', 'The Lion King', 'Phantom: the Las Vegas Spectacular', 'Love', 'Nunsense', and 'Menopause the Musical', will join their hearts, and voices together on Saturday September 10th and Sunday, September 11th at 1:30 p.m. to present a special concert performance of the new musical, 'God Lives in Glass.'

The final performance of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, the second production in Trevor Nunn's year as Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, is on Saturday 20 August 2011, as previously announced.

The final performance of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, the second production in Trevor Nunn's year as Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, is on Saturday 20 August 2011, as previously announced.

The cast for CITILITES' summer mainstage production of THE CRUMPLE ZONE by Buddy Thomas has been announced.

Buddy Thomas takes the typical trappings of a romantic triangle and places them in a rundown New York apartment somewhere in Staten Island, with the twist here being that all the participants (in the triangle) are gay. THE CRUMPLE ZONE certainly has some entertaining moments and a few memorable lines, but unfortunately, it fails to spark. Part of this is the play itself, which recycles the situation with little verve or panache, and part of it is due to a lackluster presentation that's just a little too loose in execution, despite a fairly sharp cast, to succeed. Citilities Theatre is currently producing this fairly recent work as part of a double night of theatre, with SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED taking the stage about a half hour after the initial show ends. I didn't see it in that manner, but those who do will find the latter far more engaging.

Following a three week run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Trevor Nunn directs a company led by Samuel Barnett and Jamie Parker in Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead which runs at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 16 June - 20 August, with press night on 21 June 2011.

Following a three week run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Trevor Nunn directs a company led by Samuel Barnett and Jamie Parker in Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead which runs at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 16 June - 20 August, with press night on 21 June 2011. Set design is by Simon Higlett, with costumes by Fotini Dimou, lighting by Tim Mitchell, sound by Paul Groothuis and music by Steven Edis. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is produced by the Chichester Festival Theatre, the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Triumph Entertainment Limited.

The cast for CITILITES' summer mainstage production of THE CRUMPLE ZONE by Buddy Thomas has been announced.