Michael Smith News

Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) have announced that in connection with their co-production of the musical THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, the original 1969 recording 'Philosophy of the World' by The Shaggs has been remastered and reissued on CD.

Previews begin this Thursday, May 12 at 8PM for the Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) co-production of THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, a new musical with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs. Directed by Mr. Langs, the co-production by the two non-profit theaters has an official Opening Night set for Tuesday, June 7 at 7PM. The limited engagement will play through Sunday, July 3 at Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

Previews begin this Thursday, May 12 at 8PM for the Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) co-production of THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, a new musical with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs. Directed by Mr. Langs, the co-production by the two non-profit theaters has an official Opening Night set for Tuesday, June 7 at 7PM.

The season opens when 'Sesame Street meets South Park' in the Tony Award Best Musical of the Year, smash-hit, Avenue Q. This delightful parody that dares to ask the question, 'What do you do with a B.A. in English?' is on stage May 25 to June 18.

Previews begin this Thursday, May 12 at 8PM for the Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) co-production of THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, a new musical with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs. Directed by Mr. Langs, the co-production by the two non-profit theaters has an official Opening Night set for Tuesday, June 7 at 7PM.

Previews begin this Thursday, May 12 at 8PM for the Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) co-production of THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, a new musical with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs. Directed by Mr. Langs, the co-production by the two non-profit theaters has an official Opening Night set for Tuesday, June 7 at 7PM. The limited engagement will play through Sunday, July 3 at Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

Chicago Children's Theatre (CCT) and Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell are delighted to announce three wildly imaginative productions for the company's 2011-2012 season.

Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) is now accepting entries today, Wednesday, May 4, for its popular LIVEforFIVE online lottery for $5 tickets to the New York premiere of THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD. A co-production between Playwrights Horizons and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo), the new musical features a book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs. The production is directed by Mr. Langs.

The Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE), a panel of critics from media outlets around the state of Massachusetts, have announced the winners for the 2011 IRNE Awards honoring the best of the 2010 Theatre Season. A list of the nominees and winners is below.

Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) present THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, a new musical with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs. Directed by Mr. Langs, the co-production by the two non-profit theaters will be presented in its New York premiere with previews beginning Thursday, May 12 and an Opening Night set for Tuesday, June 7. The limited engagement will play through Sunday, July 3 at Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

The Fred Ebb Foundation (Mitchell Bernard, Trustee) in association with the York Theatre (James Morgan, Artistic Director) is pleased to present an invitation-only showcase presentation entitled An Afternoon with Doug Cohen featuring the words and music of the 2010 Fred Ebb Award Winner. Featured in the presentation will be Heidi Blickenstaff, Bradley Dean, Tovah Feldshuh, Jackie Hoffman, Lauren Kennedy, Jeff McCarthy, Lindsay Roberts, Lance Rubin, Howie Michael Smith and Barbara Walsh.

The Fred Ebb Foundation (Mitchell Bernard, Trustee) in association with the York Theatre (James Morgan, Artistic Director) is pleased to present an invitation-only showcase presentation entitled An Afternoon with Doug Cohen featuring the words and music of the 2010 Fred Ebb Award Winner. Featured in the presentation will be Heidi Blickenstaff, Bradley Dean, Tovah Feldshuh, Jackie Hoffman, Lauren Kennedy, Jeff McCarthy, Lindsay Roberts, Lance Rubin, Howie Michael Smith and Barbara Walsh.

THE WORKSHOP THEATER celebrates Pride month with the world premiere of Fabulous Ganesh at the WorkShop Mainstage Theater June 2nd-June 24th, Thursday-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. The WorkShop Theater is located at 312 West 36th Street, 4th floor. Subway: A, C, or E to Penn Station. General admission tickets to Fabulous Darshan are $18, $15 for students and seniors.

David Henry Hwang's award-winning drama, M. Butterfly, comes to the stage at CCBC Essex, opening Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m., and running Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2 at 8 p.ml, Monday, April 4 at 10 a.m., and Tuesday April 5 at 1 p.m.

Drury Lane Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning international hit musical AIDA, Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award winner Jim Corti (Sweet Charity, Meet Me in St. Louis, Cabaret, and Sugar.) Featuring a dynamic cast led by Stephanie Umoh as 'Aida' ('Sarah' in the 2009 Broadway production of Ragtime) and Jared Zirilli as 'Radames' (first National Tour of Wicked), AIDA opens March 24 and runs through May 29 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen, and Jack Williams. Three of the biggest names in Folk music will grace the PFAA stage for a not-to-be-missed concert on Saturday, March 26. Steve and Cindy will open the show with their sublime harmonies and the incomparable Jack Williams will take the audience home showcasing his formidable talents honed over the past 50 years.

David Henry Hwang's award-winning drama, M. Butterfly, comes to the stage at CCBC Essex, opening Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m., and running Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2 at 8 p.ml, Monday, April 4 at 10 a.m., and Tuesday April 5 at 1 p.m.

'At This Performance,' the ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway standbys and understudies is set to continue March 20-21.

During April, May, and June the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture will present three cabaret events and four afternoons of high tea accompanied by unique entertainment at Maxim's: The Nancy Goldberg International Center.

Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) have announced complete casting and creative team for THE SHAGGS: PHILOSOPHY OF THE WORLD, a new musical with book by Joy Gregory; music by Gunnar Madsen; lyrics by Ms. Gregory and Mr. Madsen; and story by Ms. Gregory, Mr. Madsen and John Langs.