Lynn Ahrens News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' pays a visit, Circle's 'Death Takes A Holiday,' Porchlight's 'Pal Joey,' TMTC's 'Pajama Game,' plus a piano show, two children's shows, Seth Rudetsky and more, including an unbelievable roundup of current shows!

The Des Moines Community Playhouse Kate Goldman Children's Theatre presents the musical 'Seussical TYA,' Apr. 26-May 19. Tickets may be purchased at online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, and at the Playhouse ticket office. 'Seussical TYA' is sponsored by ITAGroup.

Broadway musicals come in all different shapes and sizes. The small and cute, 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' and 'Little Shop of Horrors;' the grand and extravagant, 'Hello Dolly!' and 'The King and I;' and the massive and epic, 'The Phantom of the Opera,' 'Les Miserables,' and 'Ragtime.' The latter, the most notable American addition to the list, opens at Marietta's Earl Strand Theatre in a production by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre on Friday. With a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty, 'Ragtime' opened on Broadway in 1998 and won, amongst others, the Tony Awards for Best Book and Score, and Audra McDonald won her third Tony for playing young-mother, Sarah. The show, set in 1902, combines the joy of a simpler time with the inevitable conflict associated with societal change.

SEUSSICAL, the exuberant children's musical, will be presented from April 24 through June 1 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. The whimsical production, based on over 14 beloved stories by children's author Dr. Seuss, is Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell, with Musical Direction by Michael Mahler. Drury Lane Theatre also offers families the special opportunity to meet the cast at breakfast with the SEUSSICAL characters on select performance dates, with a kid-friendly buffet-style menu.

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. The second weekend of Kaplan Penthouse performances, the sixth week of American Songbook 2013, runs April 5-6, 2013. April 5th belongs to Cristin Milioti, who was nominated for a Tony Award in 2012 for her lead role in the musical Once.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime April 12 - 28, 2013 at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre (117 N. Park Square, Marietta). For reservations, visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com or call 404-377-9948.

Left Field Productions, Neil Berg, Adam Friedson and MSC OPAS at Texas A&M University welcome veteran Broadway actor Marc Kudisch to direct the world premiere project that will close the 40th Anniversary OPAS Season at Texas A&M University - Neil Berg's The Phantoms of the Opera.

Acclaimed Off-Broadway theater company Playwrights Horizons has announced initial details for its 2013 special online Auction in connection with its annual Spring Gala. Bidding for the auction, which will feature an eclectic array of items and unique opportunities, begins Friday March 29 at 10AM at www.biddingforgood/playwrightshorizons. Online bidding will continue through Monday, April 15 at 8PM.

Now in its 15th season, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting with a new chapter in the Songbook story: 'American Songbook in the Penthouse,' a series of weekend-only performances by performers and composers presented in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, an intimate yet elegant venue that brings artists closer to the audience in a cabaret-style setting. 'American Songbook in the Penthouse' embraces adventuresome performers and celebrates composers and lyricists, both newer and veteran. With a seating capacity of just 225, the Kaplan Penthouse allows acoustic performers to be heard the way they intend - near to the audience and without elaborate amplification. The size of the space also allows performers to interact with their audience to make them an integral part of their performance, something difficult to do in a larger, more formal venue.

Kentwood Players presents RAGTIME - the quintessential American musical - through Saturday, April 20 on Fri/Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045.The production is directed by Susan Goldman Weisbarth, with Musical Director Bill Wolfe, Choreographer Victoria Miller, and produced by Margie Bates and Gail Bernardi.

Playwrights Horizons, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tim Sanford and Managing Director Leslie Marcus, has announced the sixth and final production of its 2013/2014 Season.

Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to rediscovering and re-imagining classic musicals and plays, announces Children's Theater programming for Spring 2013. The Children's Theater Series provides charming, engaging and educational performances perfect for children.

Since its creation in 1997, Ragtime has remained one of my favorite musicals for two reasons. Its simply gorgeous almost opera-like musical score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens moves me to the bone, and it has more meaningful historical content about America at the turn of the 20th century than just about any other show. Now via an excellent production by the Kentwood Players, Ragtime continues its deeply moving effect on audiences.

Acclaimed Off-Broadway theater company Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) will hold its annual Spring Gala on Monday evening, May 6 at the event space 583 Park Avenue.

Spring has sprung and whether it means April showers or May flowers, one thing is certain - opportunities abound for some great theatre in Atlanta. In this, our first spring preview story we aim to highlight some of the most anticipated shows this season. From regional premiere musicals to emotional drama, there is certainly plenty to choose from for Atlanta theatre fans of all ages! Check out just a few of the great productions playing the Atlanta area this spring!

Kentwood Players presents the 1998 Tony Award-winning musical 'RAGTIME' with book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty now playing through April 20 at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, Calif. The production is directed by Susan Goldman Weisbarth, with Musical Director Bill Wolfe, Choreographer Victoria Miller, and produced by Margie Bates and Gail Bernardi by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. BroadwayWorld brings you video highlights from the show below!

Kentwood Players presents the 1998 Tony Award-winning musical 'RAGTIME' with book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty now playing through April 20 at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045. The production is directed by Susan Goldman Weisbarth, with Musical Director Bill Wolfe, Choreographer Victoria Miller, and produced by Margie Bates and Gail Bernardi by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at photos from the production below!

Today we are talking to a tremendously talented triple-threat who has been seen by millions on screens large and small for most of her life and can now be seen weekly on Lifetime's hit dramedy series THE CLIENT LIST, the gorgeous and convivial Jennifer Love Hewitt. Discussing all aspects of her role as star and executive producer of the hit Lifetime series, now in its second season, Hewitt offers forth her candid insights into her character on the show as well as the larger issues being dealt with in the universe of THE CLIENT LIST. Also, Hewitt comments upon her impressive array of co-stars and guest stars, among them Broadway regulars Loretta Devine and Cybil Shepard, as well as clues us in on what we can expect from this Sunday's show. Most importantly, Hewitt gives us the 411 on her super-sexy and seriously impressive new music video promoting THE CLIENT LIST featuring her belting the SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE barn-burner “I'm A Woman” in showstopping - and heart-stopping - style, produced by AMERICAN IDOL's Randy Jackson and directed by famed photographer Matthew Roliston. Plus, in addition to an all access pass to THE CLIENT LIST, Hewitt opens up about her affection for performing and her plans to pursue more singing, dancing and theatre in the future, packed schedule permitting. Additionally, Hewitt offers up memories of lighting up the small screen in presence and song as part of A CHRISMAS CAROL, featuring a score by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, as well as working with Marc Shaiman as a pre-teen chorus member on SISTER ACT 2. All of that, reflections on what I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER and PARTY OF FIVE co-stars she would like to have appear on THE CLIENT LIST, favorite movie musicals, KIDS, INCORPORATED memories, thoughts on singing more SWEET CHARITY sometime soon (especially following last year's smashing “Big Spender” music video) - and much, much more!

Due to popular demand, Playwrights Horizons has announced an extension of its critically-acclaimed, sold out World Premiere production of The Flick, a new play by the heralded Obie Award-winning playwright Annie Baker (Circle Mirror Transformation at PH, The Aliens, her recent adaptation of Uncle Vanya). Originally set to play a limited engagement through Sunday, March 31, the production has extended to Sunday, April 7 at Playwrights Horizons' Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

The Dramatists Guild Fund (DGF) announces that it will begin expanding its Dramatists Guild Fellows Program through collaboration with developmental theater organizations. Each resident theater program will select one playwright or writing team to join their workshop season.