Mary Kate Morrissey News

Signature Theatre has announced the cast of Elmer Gantry, a musical version of Sinclair Lewis' best-selling novel, directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). Schaeffer collaborated on the last production of Elmer Gantry at Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre in Chicago with authors John Bishop (book), Mel Marvin (music) and Bob Satuloff (lyrics) in 1998; the show has not been produced since then. This will be the 5th production in the show's history. Running in the MAX Theatre October 7 - November 9, Signature's production will include several brand new songs by Mel Marvin and Bob Satuloff and a reimagined script that John Bishop worked on until his death in 2006.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

The cast of TAMAR OF THE RIVER, the critically-acclaimed and Drama Desk Award-nominated show produced at Prospect Theater Company, will celebrate the release of their world premiere recording with a one night only reunion concert on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 8pm at Musical Theater Factory (250 West 40th Street, 4th Floor). Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Seeds of Peace. Reservations are $20, $35 for one reservation and a signed album, or $50 for one reservation and 3 signed albums, and can be purchased at MusicalTheaterFactory.org. The world premiere recording of TAMAR OF THE RIVER, with music by Marisa Michelson and lyrics by Joshua H. Cohen, will be released byYellow Sound Label Tuesday, September 23, 2014, and is currently on pre-sale at Amazon.com. TAMAR OF THE RIVER was directed by Daniel Goldstein (Godspell), with choreography by Chase Brock (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Picnic). The album has been produced by Michael Croiter(Matilda, Big Fish, Heathers).

The cast of TAMAR OF THE RIVER, the critically-acclaimed and Drama Desk Award-nominated show produced at Prospect Theater Company, will celebrate the release of their world premiere recording with a one night only reunion concert on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 8pm at Musical Theater Factory (250 West 40th Street, 4th Floor). Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Seeds of Peace.

'We're opening doors, singing 'Here we are'!' So sing the three fast friends of Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, and that was the message of Washington-area (and Sondheim specialist) Signature Theatre to the overflowing crowd of thousands last weekend at their Open House celebrating the 25th Anniversary Season.

Signature's Open House will celebrate the very best in theatre, music and fun today, August 2nd from noon to 10:00pm. Free and open to the public, this special event is an entire day full of exciting performances, demonstrations, master classes, exhibits, a concert on the plaza, and kids' activities offered both inside and outside the Signature Theatre complex.

Wesley Taylor will take on the iconic role of The Emcee in Signature Theatre's revival of Cabaret (April 14 - June 28, 2015). Taylor originated the roles of Franz in Rock of Ages and Lucas Beineke in The Addams Family on Broadway. He was featured on the NBC series Smash and is also the co-creator and star of the original Hulu comedy series 'It Could Be Worse.'

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) will present its Songwriter Spotlight concert at 54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, on August 25 at 7pm.

Signature's Open House will celebrate the very best in theatre, music and fun on Saturday, August 2nd from noon to 10:00pm. Free and open to the public, this special event is an entire day full of exciting performances, demonstrations, master classes, exhibits, a concert on the plaza, and kids' activities offered both inside and outside the Signature Theatre complex. The entire schedule and list of performers can be viewed by visiting our website at http://www.signature-theatre.org/open-house-2014

It is possible to do a rock show about an era that predates rock - think of Spring Awakening, Evita, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson - but these fellows don't seem to know what rock has to do with Lizzie Borden.

Broadway Gives Back and Seaview Productions presented the 'Second Annual Broadway Charity Songs' benefit concert on February 24, 2014. 'Broadway Charity Songs' has paired a group of award-winning musical theatre composers with a group outstanding charities and tasked them with composing an original song inspired by the work of that charity. The result is a group of songs gifted to the charities - with the hope that the songs 'go viral' -- increasing awareness for these outstanding organizations. Scroll down to watch all of the performances!

Following a sold-out premiere at Joe's Pub last December, Shakina made her 54 Below debut with ONE WOMAN SHOW: A Work In Progress on Feb. 20, recounting in song and story the exploits and misadventures that led to her gender transition. A story of surviving the 90s and creating a new life in a new millennium, the OC Weekly calls Shakina 'a bona fide standout,' and VICE magazine says, 'nothing will stop her in becoming who she is.' Check out a look back below!

Broadway Gives Back and Seaview Productions will present the "Second Annual Broadway Charity Songs" benefit concert. "Broadway Charity Songs" has paired a group of award-winning musical theatre composers with a group outstanding charities and tasked them with composing an original song inspired by the work of that charity. The result is a group of songs gifted to the charities - with the hope that the songs "go viral" -- increasing awareness for these outstanding organizations.

Following a sold-out premiere at Joe's Pub last December, Shakina makes her 54 Below debut with ONE WOMAN SHOW: A Work In Progress, recounting in song and story the exploits and misadventures that led to her gender transition.

Broadway Gives Back and Seaview Productions will present the Second Annual 'Broadway Charity Songs!' 'Broadway Charity Songs' has paired a group of award-winning musical theatre composers with a group outstanding charities and tasked them with composing an original song that the prospective charity could use for fundraising purposes. The result is a group of songs gifted to the charities - with the hope that the songs 'go viral' -- increasing awareness for these outstanding organizations.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond:

Broadway Producer Ken Davenport and Davenport Theatrical presented the first annual Davenport Songwriting Contest! 10 songs competed for the title of 'Best Song' and a $500 Grand Prize. All finalists received a cash prize of $50. The evening was hosted by Rock Audition Guru, Sheri Sanders (Rock The Audition). Scroll down for photos!

Broadway Producer Ken Davenport (author of the popular blog, The Producer's Perspective) & Davenport Theatrical present the first annual Davenport Songwriting Contest! 10 songs will compete for the title of 'Best Song' and a $500 Grand Prize. All finalists will receive a cash prize of $50. The evening will be hosted by Rock Audition Guru, Sheri Sanders (Rock The Audition). Singers include Hannah Elless (Somewhere In Time, Godspell, The Other Josh Cohen), Ben Fankhauser (Newsies), Craig Waletzko (Guys & Dolls, Young Frankenstein), and Mary Kate Morrissey (Hair).

Following a sold-out premiere at Joe's Pub last December, Shakina makes her 54 Below debut with ONE WOMAN SHOW: A Work In Progress, recounting in song and story the exploits and misadventures that led to her gender transition.

After a sold-out opening weekend, The Musical Theatre Factory (MTF) is extending their production of THE DISAPPEARING MAN at Cloud City, with additional performances at 3pm on Saturday, January 25, and 2pm and 7pm on Sunday, January 26. THE DISAPPEARING MAN, a new folk opera with book, music, and lyrics by Jahn Sood, and directed and choreographed by Shakina Nayfack, takes place backstage at a small-time travelling circus in 1936. When the headliner is offered another job, the motley troupe must decide whether to adapt to the change or fight to keep the family together.