Michael Todd News

This fall, Seattle Opera presents Carmen, Bizet's fiery tale of passion and jealousy, for seven performances, opening October 15 and running through October 29.

This fall, Seattle Opera presents Carmen, Bizet's fiery tale of passion and jealousy, for seven performances, opening October 15 and running through October 29.

Carmen, Bizet's fiery tale of passion and jealousy, runs from October 15 through 29, 2011. Bernard Uzan directs Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili in her Seattle Opera debut as the seductive Carmen, with Joseph Calleja as Don José, the soldier tormented by his love for her.

Michael Todd Simpson will sing the role of Escamillo in The Glimmerglass Festival's production of Carmen beginning July 15, replacing Keith Miller who has withdrawn from the role. The new Anne Bogart-directed production runs through August 23 in the Alice Busch Opera Theater in Cooperstown, New York.

EMPAC (Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer), TROY, NY: The Ascent, an interactive installation/ride created by xxxy (artist Yehuda Duenyas, Theater Director, NTUSA) debuts Thursday, May 12th at EMPAC (corner of 8th St. and College Ave. in Troy, NY). Ride open to the public from 10am-5pm with demonstration at 7:30pm.

EMPAC (Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer), TROY, NY: The Ascent, an interactive installation/ride created by xxxy (artist Yehuda Duenyas, Theater Director, NTUSA) debuts Thursday, May 12th at EMPAC (corner of 8th St. and College Ave. in Troy, NY). Ride open to the public from 10am-5pm with demonstration at 7:30pm.

Up in Central Park is a Broadway musical with a book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and music by Sigmund Romberg.

Up in Central Park is a Broadway musical with a book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and music by Sigmund Romberg.

Seattle Opera today announced its captivating 2011/12 season, featuring an American treasure, the greatest French opera, the company premiere of a work by Verdi, one of opera's fundamental love stories, and a beloved Puccini tragedy. The season opens with Porgy and Bess in July, followed by Carmen in the fall and Attila, Orphée et Eurydice, and Madama Butterfly in 2012.

A perfect holiday getaway for anyone who loves Christmas in New York. Miss Lurie's alluring vocals mingle with the rich sounds of the Pinehurst Trio in a festive follow-up to her sold-out show last season.

A perfect holiday getaway for anyone who loves Christmas in New York. Miss Lurie's alluring vocals mingle with the rich sounds of the Pinehurst Trio in a festive follow-up to her sold-out show last season.

Madness has descended on Fort Worth by means of its resident opera company. Fort Worth Opera's annual practice of rehearsing 3-4 operas simultaneously and all the craziness that goes with it has inspired a TV producer and agent to create a reality show, which may one day be seen on a station near you.

Madness has descended on Fort Worth by means of its resident opera company. Fort Worth Opera's annual practice of rehearsing 3-4 operas simultaneously and all the craziness that goes with it has inspired a TV producer and agent to create a reality show, which may one day be seen on a station near you.

Madness has descended on Fort Worth by means of its resident opera company. Fort Worth Opera's annual practice of rehearsing 3-4 operas simultaneously and all the craziness that goes with it has inspired a TV producer and agent to create a reality show, which may one day be seen on a station near you.

David Niven (1910-1983) was an actor of such diverse talents and charm that he is often categorized using clichéd phrases like 'urbane light comedian' or 'leading man.' These descriptions are indeed accurate, but one does not survive before the camera for a half-century on charm alone. The problem-if you can call it that-is that Niven made it all look too easy. Like Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days, he took everything in stride, unflappably and (seemingly) effortlessly playing his part, always prepared for whatever came his way. He was, after all, originally a military man by profession. He then chose to 'bum' around America, eventually winding up in Hollywood. Just as his film career began to blossom, he was one of the first to answer Britain's call when World War II broke out, serving on active duty for the duration and rising to the rank of colonel. He even made two propaganda films during brief leaves, including The Way Ahead, which is included in this series. After making his return in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's masterpiece A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven), he resumed a glorious career in film, theater, television, and writing with his typical debonair insouciance. This series aims to recapture some of the special glory that was David Niven.

David Niven (1910-1983) was an actor of such diverse talents and charm that he is often categorized using clichéd phrases like 'urbane light comedian' or 'leading man.' These descriptions are indeed accurate, but one does not survive before the camera for a half-century on charm alone. The problem-if you can call it that-is that Niven made it all look too easy. Like Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days, he took everything in stride, unflappably and (seemingly) effortlessly playing his part, always prepared for whatever came his way. He was, after all, originally a military man by profession. He then chose to 'bum' around America, eventually winding up in Hollywood. Just as his film career began to blossom, he was one of the first to answer Britain's call when World War II broke out, serving on active duty for the duration and rising to the rank of colonel. He even made two propaganda films during brief leaves, including The Way Ahead, which is included in this series. After making his return in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's masterpiece A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven), he resumed a glorious career in film, theater, television, and writing with his typical debonair insouciance. This series aims to recapture some of the special glory that was David Niven.

Musicals Tonight recent announced its 2010-2011 season. The season will feature a number of ambitious works, including One Touch of Venus and the American premiere of Theodore & Co.

David Niven (1910-1983) was an actor of such diverse talents and charm that he is often categorized using clichéd phrases like 'urbane light comedian' or 'leading man.' These descriptions are indeed accurate, but one does not survive before the camera for a half-century on charm alone. The problem-if you can call it that-is that Niven made it all look too easy. Like Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days, he took everything in stride, unflappably and (seemingly) effortlessly playing his part, always prepared for whatever came his way. He was, after all, originally a military man by profession. He then chose to 'bum' around America, eventually winding up in Hollywood. Just as his film career began to blossom, he was one of the first to answer Britain's call when World War II broke out, serving on active duty for the duration and rising to the rank of colonel. He even made two propaganda films during brief leaves, including The Way Ahead, which is included in this series. After making his return in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's masterpiece A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven), he resumed a glorious career in film, theater, television, and writing with his typical debonair insouciance. This series aims to recapture some of the special glory that was David Niven.

Sing for Hope, a non-profit organization that mobilizes professional artists in volunteer service to benefit communities in need, announces The 2009 Songs for Our Future Honorees: 2009 Presidential Medal of Honor Recipient and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus, celebrated soprano and Metropolitan Opera star Renée Fleming, Academy Award winning actress and humanitarian activist Jane Fonda, and philanthropic leader and President of Lincoln Center Reynold Levy.

1944 only had one real hit musical, but there were lots of worthy songs from that year...