Michael Patrick News

The incomparable CHITA RIVERA returns to Birdland (315 West 44 Street) for seven shows only, Tuesday, October 7 through Saturday, October 11. Tickets are on sale now.

The Gift Theatre's contemporary production of Othello, starring Kareem Bandealy as Othello and artistic director and ensemble member Michael Patrick Thornton as villainous Iago, began previews on July 10. Directed by Jonathan Berry (Dirty), this marks The Gift Theatre's first Shakespeare production ever mounted in its intimate 40-seat theater and Berry's Shakespearean directorial debut. Othello runs tonight, July 17-August 24 at The Gif.

Lisa Kudrow (Emmy(R) winner for 'Friends') stars as the embattled Valerie Cherish, a fading TV 'It Girl' who was once so desperate to stay in the spotlight that she allowed cameras to follow her every move as she appeared on a new sitcom, with disastrous results.

The Gift Theatre's contemporary production of Othello, starring Kareem Bandealy as Othello and artistic director and ensemble member Michael Patrick Thornton as villainous Iago, begins previews this Thursday, July 10. Directed by Jonathan Berry (Dirty), this marks The Gift Theatre's first Shakespeare production ever mounted in its intimate 40-seat theater and Berry's Shakespearean directorial debut. Othello runs July 17-August 24 at The Gift, www.thegifttheatre.org

Altar Boyz introduces a struggling Christian boy band from Greenville, Ohio, who are on the last night of their 'Raise the Praise' U.S. tour and determined to make the big time. The Boyz - Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham (he's Jewish) - are intent on saving souls and raising spirits.

During last night's Season Release Bash at Fischman Liquors and Tavern, artistic director and co-founder Michael Patrick Thornton proudly announced The Gift Theatre's 2015 season of three world premieres. The all-new season will include the debuts of David Rabe's expanded Good For Otto, Gift Ensemble member William Nedved's Body and Blood and Naperville native Mat Smart's The Royal Society of Antarctica.

Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Renee Blinkwolt, Managing Director) announces a July lineup featuring three exciting new comedy, music and theater events. Coming up in July: (All shows are at 8pm unless otherwise noted)

Whitney Cummings returns to her one true love, stand-up, when her new special, "Whitney Cummings: I Love You," premieres on Comedy Central today, June 28 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Altar Boyz introduces a struggling Christian boy band from Greenville, Ohio, who are on the last night of their 'Raise the Praise' U.S. tour and determined to make the big time. The Boyz - Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham (he's Jewish) - are intent on saving souls and raising spirits.

This summer, The Gift Theatre debuts an annual artist-friendly fundraiser it's calling The Season Release Bash, targeting friends and colleagues in the theater community.

Musician/composer/lyricist Michael Patrick Walker is world premiering a new musical Dog and Pony at the Old Globe in San Diego. Walker is best known as one of the composers of the hit musical Altar Boyz. He was nominated for a 2005 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and for two 2005 Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and for Best Lyrics for Altar Boyz. The show also won the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical. In our chat, Walker talks in depth about Dog and Pony and working with the cast and creative team at the Old Globe.

By Popular Demand, The Old Globe will extend the run of the World Premiere of Dog and Pony through Sunday, July 6 at 7 p.m.

Whitney Cummings returns to her one true love, stand-up, when her new special, "Whitney Cummings: I Love You," premieres on Comedy Central on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

TVLine reports that FOX has cancelled its six-episode romantic comedy US & THEM. A network insider confirmed to the site that the series, starring Jason Ritter and Alexis Bledel will no long debut this summer as scheduled.

An Idaho film festival reunites a pair of estranged screenwriters in the new musical DOG AND PONY by Rick Elise (Peter and the Starcatcher, Jersey Boys) and Michael Patrick Walker (Altar Boyz). As Mags (Nicole Parker) and Andy (Jon Patrick Walker) rehash memories from their 13-year partnership, we quickly see that this dysfunctional relationship was doomed from the start. We also know from the beginning how this musical is going to end.

Deadline has confirmed that Malin Akerman and Kellan Lutz are set to return for the new season of Lisa Kudrow's THE COMEBACK on HBO. The pair will reprise their roles of Juna and Chris, respectively. Production for the series' return is expected to begin shortly.

The Old Globe presents the World Premiere of Dog and Pony, a new musical with book by Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Michael Patrick Walker. From the award-winning talents behind Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Altar Boyz, Dog and Pony is a romantic musical comedy that follows Mags and Andy, a successful screenwriting team, as their professional relationship evolves into something more. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Old Globe presents the World Premiere of Dog and Pony, a new musical with book by Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Michael Patrick Walker. From the award-winning talents behind Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Altar Boyz, Dog and Pony is a romantic musical comedy that follows Mags and Andy, a successful screenwriting team, as their professional relationship evolves into something more. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Picture Perfect: A New Musical, a contemporary song-cycle musical that explores love and relationships using the songs of award-winning American composer Scott Evan Davis, conceived and directed by Simon Greiff, had its London premiere at the St James Studio over four performances on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. Check out a look back at the production below!

Picture Perfect: A New Musical, a contemporary song-cycle musical that explores love and relationships using the songs of award-winning American composer Scott Evan Davis, conceived and directed by Simon Greiff, will get its London premiere at the St James Studio with four performances on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. Check out a first look at the rehearsal shots below!