Mark Wilson News

BUG is a play that gets under your skin, burrowing into your psyche and feasting on your anxieties. It may make you restless to watch it, and you may find yourself absentmindedly scratching at imaginary itches. It's a small tale filled with big ideas, and a must-see for conspiracy theory enthusiasts and fans of grindhouse films from the 1970's. Muddy Waters Theatre presents a strong and brave cast for their current production that combines with solid direction to make for an unusually compelling experience.

Playwright Conor McPherson's THE SEAFARER plays like a Irish, whiskey-soaked poke at The Seventh Seal, with cards replacing the chess pieces. It's a wry (or should it be rye?), funny little piece, that's as dingy looking and feeling as it is raw in McPherson's approach to its dialog. The West End Players have crafted an entertaining production where redemption hinges on the vision of a myopic friend. I saw the last performance, but the next play up is an original work by Stephen Peirick, Wake Up, Cameron Dobbs, which will play February 24 - March 4, 2012.

Magic and movies are popular art forms based on make-believe. Magicians were once the world's most popular entertainers-but once cinema supplanted them, magicians quickly embraced the moving image, using it to create astonishing new illusions.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) opens its 2011-2012 Studio Theatre series with the remarkable and clever Circle Mirror Transformation by emerging Chicago playwright Annie Baker. This inventive production will be performed in the Emerson Studio Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road (on the campus of Webster University), Webster Groves, October 26-November 13, 2011.

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 911, Blue Rose Stage Collective and River City Theatre are presenting playwright Anne Nelson's THE GUYS, which looks back at that fateful day in a most unique and diverting manner. If there's one thing this tragic day has taught us, it's to be aware and ever-vigilant, but also to remember, not just the event itself, but the brave people who gave their lives trying to rescue those poor souls trapped in the twin towers as the planes guided by terrorists struck them. It's a powerful and surprisingly, at times, light-hearted look at a particular time in our history that must never be forgotten, and this production is outstanding.

always consider it a rewarding experience when you go to see a play and you actually learn something along the way. In the case of playwright Andrew Moodie's work, THE REAL MCCOY, we're treated to a biographical account of forgotten black inventor Elijah McCoy (1844-1929). It's an intriguing and engrossing story, and when you begin to realize the obstacles this highly intelligent individual faced, it's even more compelling. The Black Rep has constructed an artful production based on the playwright's original staging, and it's a brilliant presentation deserving of your attendance.

Playwright Sarah Ruhl has crafted a brilliantly funny and touching work with IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY, a piece that's as moving, in the end, as it is hilarious and erotic. While it concerns itself with the invention of the device mentioned in the title, it's also an amusing look at all things Victorian, and acts as a send-up of the kind of societal comedies that authors like Oscar Wilde made so famous. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has mounted an exceptional production of this arousing play that features a marvelous cast and savvy direction.

A celebration of the Nativity Story told through the songs of the Beatles Original script and concept by Mark Wilson, Adaptation by Jason Paige and Martha Demson Songs by The Beatles, Musical Arrangements by Jason Paige and Company

A celebration of the Nativity Story told through the songs of the Beatles Original script and concept by Mark Wilson, Adaptation by Jason Paige and Martha Demson Songs by The Beatles, Musical Arrangements by Jason Paige and Company

Sophie Tucker, born Sophie Kalish, was an extraordinary performer, possessing a big voice and an even bigger personality, she charmed audiences with her spicy humor and risque material. Tony Parise (who also directs this staging) and Karin Baker have assembled an entertaining and informative show, LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS...A SOPHIE TUCKER REVUSICAL, that tells Tucker's life in story and song, offering up over 30 selections that are culled from a lengthy and successful career that found her doggedly moving forward through vaudeville, burlesque, the follies, radio, Hollywood, and television. The New Jewish Theatre is offering up a delightful and nostalgic production filled with catchy and moving tunes and tales, and it positively sizzles.

The Muddy Waters Theater company concludes their season devoted to playwright Eugene O'Neill with an American classic; LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT. After you see this intense and powerful play, you'll understand why O'Neill didn't allow it to be staged during his lifetime, since it's autobiographical in nature, and would have obviously rekindled painful memories from his past. This production is especially well acted, and brings this season of O'Neill to a dramatic finish.

Today, August 25 Jane Henson, co-creator of the Muppets, participated in a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. Jane Henson donated 10 of her late husband Jim Henson's characters from 'Sam and Friends' to the museum including the original Kermit the Frog.

Whether your political views favor one side or the other in the continuing conflict between Israel and Palestine, you're sure to find Blue Rose Stage Collective's debut presentation of MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE to be a provocative and compelling piece of theatre. A superb performance by Magan Wiles drives this tragic tale of a young peace activist who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003 while protesting the destruction of homes in occupied Palestine.

In 2003, 23-year-old American Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli Defense Forces bulldozer in the Gaza strip. A volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement, Corrie was protesting the destruction of Palestinian homes. With the permission of the Corrie family, actor Alan Rickman and Guardian journalist Katharine Viner accessed Rachel Corrie's diaries and emails and edited a huge volume of her written material into a 70-minute one-woman show titled MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE.

In 2003, 23-year-old American Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli Defense Forces bulldozer in the Gaza strip. A volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement, Corrie was protesting the destruction of Palestinian homes. With the permission of the Corrie family, actor Alan Rickman and Guardian journalist Katharine Viner accessed Rachel Corrie's diaries and emails and edited a huge volume of her written material into a 70-minute one-woman show titled MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE.

Today, June 2, Sir Paul McCartney will be honored by President Barack Obama with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. McCarntey will perform as part of the celebration. Yesterday, June 1, the former Beatle gave a press conference in anticipation of today's events. BroadwayWorld brings you coverage of the conference below.

A sold out crowd filled the Avalon Hollywood Theatre on Sunday night, April 11th for the 42nd annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards. The evening was not only hosted, but also co-produced by the popular Neil Patrick Harris. The evenings color commentary was offered by the always-funny Jason Alexander.

The Fifth Annual Kevin Kline Awards will take place on Monday, March 22, at 7pm, at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. 125 productions presented by 40 constituent theatres were judged in 2009, and awards will be given out in 22 categories.

The Fifth Annual Kevin Kline Awards will take place on Monday, March 22, at 7pm, at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. 125 productions presented by 40 constituent theatres were judged in 2009, and awards will be given out in 22 categories.

The nominees for the 5th Annual Kevin Kline Awards have been announced. The annual ceremony will be held on Monday, March 22 at 7pm at the Loretto-Hilton Theater.