Poet Langston Hughes questions in 1951 through his poem "Harlem;" What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" The legendary poem inspired Lorraine Hansbury to write the award winning drama A Raisin in the Sun eight years later. In 1959, Hansberry became the first African American women to have her play produced at New York's Barrymore Broadway theater in an era when women in general, regardless of ethnicity, were published. Opening in '59 with a primarily African American cast, the play heralded a dramatic change for theater audience in years to come. At Anoka's Main Stage Theater, Lyric Arts presents an outstanding revised thirteenth anniversary production of the play directed by Austene Van, which features a stellar cast, two tiered set designed by Peter Lerohl and lighting designed by Matt McNabb.
The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is proud to present the world premiere productions of JOHN HENRY by Elise Forier Edie from February 8th through 10th and A BETTER PLACE TO BE by Stephen L. Fredericks from February 15th through 17th. Both productions will have performances on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM. Both productions are under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, TGS's Founder/Executive Director.
Potatoes and bluebells and watermelon, oh my! Just before Frank Theatre's production of Alice Birch's new play REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN, I posted on Instagram: 'I'm not sure what I'm in for but I'm pretty sure it's gonna to be awesome. And 70 minutes no intermission.' I was right on all counts. I'm still not entirely sure what happened, but it definitely was awesome, and short. Short, intense, and powerful. A six-person cast, a half dozen or so scenes, and a descent into organized chaos. All around the concept of feminism, and deconstructing our assumptions and language around it. Brave and outrageous and impactful and yeah, pretty awesome.
We're halfway through the 11-day, 15-venue, 167-show Minnesota Fringe Festival. I've seen 25 shows, with another 20-some on the schedule for the next five days. Here are a few of my favorites so far. I haven't seen everything on my must-see list yet, so be sure to check that out for more recommendations and tips for Fringe newbies. And you can read all of my Fringe mini-reviews here. There are five days left of Fringe - so get out there and see some shows! Full schedule, venue, and ticketing information can be found on the Fringe's handy dandy website.
Herman Melville's Moby Dick has been called the 'greatest American novel.' Its story illustrates how true greatness is achieved - through diversity, inclusion, and hard work. Theatre Coup d'Etat's adaptation re-imagines the classic tale by showing a world that is gender, culturally, and racially inclusive.
Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, The Crucible tells the story of a community consumed by fear, hatred, and a lust for power. John Proctor, a well-respected farmer, ends an ill-fated affair with his servant, Abigail. Spurned by the rejection of her first love, Abigail rebels by meeting with other young women to dance and explore the occult in the woods. They are caught, and through their effort to avoid juvenile punishment, the young women are used as a pawns by the fear-mongering patriarchs of the village to steal property from other surrounding landowners like Proctor. Weaponizing biblical teachings, utilizing fear-based rhetoric, and abusing their own political power, the religious leaders drive the community into a panicked frenzy that ultimately condemns 19 innocent men and women to their death.
The Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of Arts & Wellness announces the 2014- 2015 recipients of their annual Applause Awards with 21 schools from six counties of Central Florida (Orange, Polk, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, and Osceola).
THE MISANTHROPE, a classic play with a new and unique interpretation is playing the Bryant Lake Bowl now, and BWW Minneapolis got to know a little more about the director who brought it there.
On the heels of successful presentations of Gem of the Ocean, A Raisin in the Sun and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, the Guthrie Theater welcomes back the acclaimed Penumbra Theatre Company for The Amen Corner-an uplifting and masterful drama written by celebrated playwright and novelist James Baldwin and directed by Penumbra Founder and Artistic Director Lou Bellamy.
