Michael Smith News

The Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q celebrated same-sex marriage in the State of New York yesterday, July 24th when two of the show's stars - same-sex puppets Rod and Ricky -- exchanged vows in tandem with their flesh and blood Brothers and Sisters (and straight couples, too!), who were married on the historic day of same-sex marriage in New York. Go inside the ceremony by clicking below!

The Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q celebrated same-sex marriage in the State of New York yesterday, July 24th when two of the show's stars - same-sex puppets Rod and Ricky -- exchanged vows in tandem with their flesh and blood brothers and sisters (and straight couples, too!), who were married on the historic day of same-sex marriage in New York. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photo coverage below!

On Monday, June 25, 2011, New York Theatre Barn will present its monthly platform, now in its 4th year, for emerging musical theatre writers at The Duplex (the series usually plays the Daryl Roth D-Lounge, by will play The Duplex for the summer). Featured writers for the July 25th installment include Mark Sutton Smith (Stand By The River), and Daniel Green. Executive Producers for NYTB in the D-Lounge are Laura Brandel and Karen Marshall.

PURE Theatre is proud to present the regional premiere of Kicking a Dead Horse by Sam Shepard. Directed by PURE's Co-Founder and Artistic Director Sharon Graci, and will feature Randy Neale. The show opens Friday, August 5th and will run through August 20th.

The John W. Engeman Theater presents Hairspray, the first show of their 5th Season. Playing now through August 28, 2011. Hairspray is based on the film written and directed by John Waters, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.

On Monday, June 25, 2011, New York Theatre Barn will present its monthly platform, now in its 4th year, for emerging musical theatre writers at The Duplex (the series usually plays the Daryl Roth D-Lounge, by will play The Duplex for the summer). Featured writers for the July 25th installment include Mark Sutton Smith (Stand By The River), and Daniel Green. Executive Producers for NYTB in the D-Lounge are Laura Brandel and Karen Marshall.

The John W. Engeman Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Hairspray, the first show of their 5th Season. Previews begin on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 8:00 p.m., officially opening on July 9, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. and running through August 28, 2011. Hairspray is based on the film written and directed by John Waters, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.

The John W. Engeman Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Hairspray, the first show of their 5th Season. Previews begin on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 8:00 p.m., officially opening on July 9, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. and running through August 28, 2011. Hairspray is based on the film written and directed by John Waters, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.

The John W. Engeman Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Hairspray, the first show of their 5th Season.

THEY WERE ALL THERE...British Royalty, Hollywood A-Listers, legendary athletes, beauty queens, NYC socialites and top business executives. They all came together to support the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Young Americans' Challenge at the Pierre Hotel. Sponsored by RBC Capital, the night was filled with entertainment, heart-warming speeches, much laughter and great food. The ballroom was bursting with British tradition... from the sound of bagpipes to the smell of Yorkshire Roses, to the haunting music of BILLY ELLIOT. HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, graciously greeted guests with a smile, clearly enjoying the fun and laughter of the guests, and the special message of the Speakers. Check out photos from the event below!

Although there have been previous productions of The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World since the musical premiered in Los Angeles eight years ago, thanks to a 13-year-old girl's fondness for Friday, the show has never been more relevant.

The John W. Engeman Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Hairspray, the first show of their 5th Season.

Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director, Tim Sanford; Managing Director, Leslie Marcus) and New York Theatre Workshop (Artistic Director, James C. Nicola; Managing Director, William Russo) just opened 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 limited engagement will play through Sunday, July 3 at Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

The Ogonquit 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 through June 18.

The Ogunquit Playhouse production of Avenue Q features Broadway's Howie Michael Smith, who heads the cast as Princeton (and Rod) reprising his Broadway role; Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut are played by Ashely Eileen Buckman who comes to Ogunquit fresh from the Avenue Q National tour; and Rebecca Larkin plays Christmas Eve, reprising her role from the national tour as well. Get a sneak peek of the production by clicking below!

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 closes May 29 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

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 are now underway 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).

The People's Light & Theatre Live Auction Cabaret on Friday, April 8, 2011 was Co-Chaired by Moira and Ken Mumma, and Penny and Tom Watkins.

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.