McCarter Theatre News

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is thrilled to present the epic theatrical event The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I and II. Written by David Edgar and adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens, the production is produced in Collaboration with Theatre UCF. Co-directed by Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Theatre UCF Chair/Artistic Director Christopher Niess, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II is presented in rotating repertory from today, January 22 to March 9, 2014 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park.

Winner of the 2012 Smith Prize, which recognizes an outstanding play that focuses on American politics Page 73 Productions, now in its 16th year premiering the next generation of American playwrights - who have included Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegria Hudes, Drama Desk Award winner Sam Hunter, New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award recipient Dan LeFranc, and more - presents the New York premiere of George Brant's gripping new play GROUNDED, directed by two-time Obie Award-winning director Ken Rus Schmoll (TELEPHONE, A MAP OF VIRTUE) and starring Hannah Cabell (3C, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS opposite Frank Langella) with preview performances beginning Off-Broadway on January 8 prior to an official press opening of January 16 at Walkerspace (46 Walker Street) in Manhattan. GROUNDED has a runtime of 70 minutes, with no intermission.

Red Bull Theater presents the Off Broadway revival of Loot by Joe Orton. Red Bull Artistic Director Jesse Berger directs a company that includes Rebecca Brooksher (Fay), Eric Martin Brown (Meadows), Jarlath Conroy (McLeavy), Ryan Garbayo (Dennis), Rocco Sisto (Truscott), and Nick Westrate (Hal). Loot has scenic design by Narelle Sissons, costume design by Sara Jean Tosetti, lighting design by Scott Zielinski, and sound design by Brad Berridge. Opening Thursday January 16th, this limited engagement continues through February 9th only at Lucille Lortel Theater (121 Christopher Street).

Rubicon Theatre continues the company's 16th Not Your Typical Season with sardines and lingerie in NOISES OFF, a comic romp by Michael Frayn about the outrageous exploits of a company of actors which opens Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District.

Theater for the New City will present the world premiere of 'Sotto Voce' by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz from February 15 to March 9, directed by the author.

Shining East Productions presents The Sun Shines East, based on a true story written by Corinne Chateau* about an adoptive mother's struggle to break through deep personal barriers and international politics to bring home her daughter. Pat Golden directs a cast of 5 including Karen Christie-Ward*, Tara Gadomski*, Mary Francina Golden*, Bristol Pomeroy, and Amy Staats*. Fourteen performances will be held at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre, 10 West 64th Street, in New York City from January 31-February 16, 2014. *Member, Actors' Equity Association. AEA Approved Showcase.

Philadelphia Theatre Company rings in the New Year with the 2012 Drama Desk Award winner Tribes by Nina Raine January 24 - February 23 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Broad and Lombard Streets). Directed by Stuart Carden, the ensemble features Robin Abramson, Tad Cooley, Alex Hoeffler, John Judd, Amanda Kearns, and Laurie Klatscher.

This spring 2014 season, American Repertory Ballet will present the premiere of Douglas Martin's Firebird, set to Stravinsky's dramatic score. At 'Behind the Music: Stravinsky's Firebird', an On Pointe Enrichment Series event, ARB Artistic Director Douglas Martin and guest lecturer Maestro Michael Pratt will discuss this ballet's music and history. 'Behind the Music' will be held today, January 10, 2014 at 5:15pm at Princeton Ballet School (301 North Harrison Street, above McCaffrey's Supermarket).

The eclectic nature of Fort Point Theatre Channel's 2014 programming is a direct result of the creative forces that drive FPTC's 15 artistic directors. These artists are rooted in Boston's only arts-centered neighborhood and resident in a building that is now experiencing a tenant-to-owner momentum. FPTC celebrates its 7th year amidst this surge of artistic development specifically within their Midway neighborhood, an especially exciting place to be at the moment.

YALE REPERTORY THEATRE presents THE FAIRYTALE LIVES OF RUSSIAN GIRLS by Meg Miroshnik, directed by Rachel Chavkin, January 31-February 22 at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street). Opening Night is Thursday, February 6. The cast of THE FAIRYTALE LIVES OF RUSSIAN GIRLS is Sofiya Akilova, Celeste Arias, Stephanie Hayes, Jessica Jelliffe, Felicity Jones, and Emily Walton.

Vineyard Theatre (108 E. 15 St.) has announced that tickets to the new musical ARLINGTON by Victor Lodato and Polly Pen -- with previews set to begin Wednesday, February 12 prior to its official opening night on Sunday, March 2 - will go on sale Monday, January 6 at 1 p.m..

This spring 2014 season, American Repertory Ballet will present the premiere of Douglas Martin's Firebird, set to Stravinsky's dramatic score. At "Behind the Music: Stravinsky's Firebird", an On Pointe Enrichment Series event, ARB Artistic Director Douglas Martin and guest lecturer Maestro Michael Pratt will discuss this ballet's music and history. "Behind the Music" will be held on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 5:15pm at Princeton Ballet School (301 North Harrison Street, above McCaffrey's Supermarket).

American Repertory Ballet's 50th Annual Nutcracker production will come to State Theatre today, December 21 at 1:00pm and 4:30pm.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, under the Artistic Direction of Diane Paulus, present the second production of the 2013/14 Season: David Farr's The Heart of Robin Hood, directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson, now playing at the Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. The production runs through Sunday, January 19, 2014. Check out what the audiences had to say about opening night!

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, under the Artistic Direction of Diane Paulus, present the second production of the 2013/14 Season: David Farr's The Heart of Robin Hood, directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson, now playing at the Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. The production runs through Sunday, January 19, 2014. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production shots below!

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, under the Artistic Direction of Diane Paulus, present the second production of the 2013/14 Season:David Farr's The Heart of Robin Hood, directed by Gisli Örn Gardarsson, now playing at the Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge. The production runs through Sunday, January 19, 2014. Check out a first look at opening night below!

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced last week that the Huntington Theatre Company is one of 895 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. The Huntington is slated to be awarded $25,000 to support the development and production of Huntington Playwriting Fellow Lydia R. Diamond's Smart People, now extended to play May 23 - June 29, 2014.

Playwrights Theatre is currently accepting submissions for the 31st Annual New Jersey Young Playwrights Contest and Festival. Plays are accepted in the following divisions: Elementary (grades 4-6), Junior High (grades 7-9), High School (grades 10-12). Interested young playwrights must submit their plays online at www.njypf.org. High School plays must be received no later than 11:59pm on January 13, 2013. Elementary and Junior High School entries must be received no later than 11:59pm on January 14, 2013.

The Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud present the premiere of Donna McKechnie's new Talk/Variety show just last week. Tony-winning choreographer/director Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) was Donna's Very Special Guest for the evening, with singers Nick Adams and Nikki MacCallum singing songs from Mitchell's hit shows. Donna and Jerry discussed life, love, careers and even ended the evening with a good, old-fashioned soft-shoe, after Mitchell demonstrated his most successful audition tune, 'I Love A Piano!' BroadwayWorld brings you highlights below!