Lorna Ventura News

In a magical World Premiere, Virginia Stage Company will present the new pre-Broadway musical Frog Kiss, January 15-February 3, 2013 at the Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. "Once Upon a Town," a series of whimsical events designed to delight and engage the community, will complement the musical.

Virginia Stage Company announced today the cast and creative team has been set for the upcoming World Premiere of Frog Kiss, with book and lyrics by Charles Leipart and music by Eric Schorr, to run January 15-February 3, 2013 at the Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

The newlywed is playing a high schooler in his 4th Bway show, which arrived in NYC for a limited engagement after a national tour.

The 29th Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards, hosted by Bebe Neuwirth and Lee Roy Reams at the magnificent Skirball Center for The Performing Arts at NYU once again honored excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway and in film. Susan Stroman took top honors for Best Choreographer on Broadway in a field of nine nominees for her stunning work in 'The Scottsboro Boys'. It was a record breaking 5th Astaire Award for the 5 time Tony Award and 5 time Drama Desk winner. Two time Tony Award Winner Bebe Neuwirth presented the award to Ms. Stroman. Sutton Foster star of 'Anything Goes' took home her second Astaire for Best Female Dancer on Broadway for her rousing performance as 'Reno Sweeney'. Her first Astaire was for 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'. Desmond Richardson, Tony nominee for 'Fosse' and co-founder and co-artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet presented the award to Ms. Sutton. First timer Norbert Leo Butz star of 'Catch Me if You Can' took the prize for Best Male Dancer on Broadway presented by Tony and Drama Desk winner Karen Ziemba . Australia's Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon won the Astaire for Excellence in Choreography in Film for their breathtaking dances in 'Mao's Last Dancer' presented by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin. Legendary dancer, choreographer, teacher and founder of the National Dance Institute Jacques d'Amboise received the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award named for the late drama critic and co-founder of the Award with Fred Astaire. Following a major tribute in dance including a brilliant performance by NYCB's Russell Janzen of a piece from the ballet 'Who Cares' created by George Balanchine and first danced by d'Amboise; an exuberant performance of 'Shall We Dance' by d'Amboise's students at the National Dance Institute and praiseful introductions by Len Cariou, Charlotte & Christopher d'Amboise, Brian Stokes Mitchell presented the award to Mr. d'Amboise.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) will honor producers Barry and Fran Weissler (Chicago, Wonderful Town, La Cage Aux Folles, Scottsboro Boys) and the winners of the NYMF 2010 Awards for Excellence at the Seventh Season Awards Gala taking place on Sunday, November 14th at The Hudson Theatre (145 W. 44th Street) beginning at 6:00pm.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) will honor producers Barry and Fran Weissler (Chicago, Wonderful Town, La Cage Aux Folles, Scottsboro Boys) and the winners of the NYMF 2010 Awards for Excellence at the Seventh Season Awards Gala taking place on Sunday, November 14th at The Hudson Theatre (145 W. 44th Street) beginning at 6:00pm.

Brierpatch Productions' new musical production FROG KISS is an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's 2010 Next Link Project.

Brierpatch Productions' new musical production FROG KISS is an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's 2010 Next Link Project. This new saucy n' swingin' musical tale of transformation features book and lyrics by Charles Leipart with music composed by Eric Schorr. Frog Kiss will premiere on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the Theater at St. Clements.

Frog Kiss Charles Leipart, bookwriter & lyricist of the FROG KISS musical

Brierpatch Productions' new musical production FROG KISS is an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's 2010 Next Link Project. This new saucy n' swingin' musical tale of transformation features book and lyrics by Charles Leipart with music composed by Eric Schorr. Frog Kiss will premiere on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the Theater at St. Clements.