Michelle Obama News

On Wednesday, July 3, 2013, SummerStage presents 'Forewords', a tribute to Sekou Sundiata: A Conversation and Poetry Reading with members of THE NUYORICAN POETS CAFE. $15 at Central Park, Manhattan. Showtime: 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

With its youngest guests in mind and summer travel officially underway, Hyatt announced today the launch of its 'For Kids, By Kids Family Cook-Off' recipe contest. The contest, along with the release of new and kid-approved menu items, kicks off the second year of Hyatt's For Kids, By Kids initiative and furthers this industry-leading commitment to delivering healthier options for kids while they are traveling. The 'For Kids, By Kids Family Cook-Off' invites families to create and share a healthy breakfast recipe, along with a photo via Facebook, for a chance to win a vacation and a place on Hyatt's For Kids, By Kids menu.

Today we are talking to a spectacularly talented composer/lyricist noted for his incredibly impressive and accomplished oeuvre thus far, having collectively composed more than twenty full-length musicals, operas and specialty performance pieces - Michael John LaChiusa. Discussing his vast array of projects from BUZZSAW BERKELEY to FIRST LADY SUITE, HELLO AGAIN and THE PETRIFIED PRINCE Off-Broadway through to his double-header in the 1999-2000 millennial season with MARIE CHRISTINE and THE WILD PARTY both on Broadway to his Off-Broadway, regional and international successes since, ranging from LITTLE FISH to another two-show-season in 2006 with BERNARDA ALBA and SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE as well as THE HIGHEST YELLOW and the recent Americana-themed epic musical pseudo-trilogy of LOS otros, QUEEN OF THE MIST and GIANT. Additionally, LaChiusa touches upon some of his lesser-known work, such as his musical revue HOTEL C'EST L'AMOUR, various operatic pieces, additional material he provided for pieces such as THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS and his previous and upcoming solo musicals for continuing collaborator Audra McDonald, such as SEND (who are you? i love you) and MARLENE DIETRICH'S ABCs OF LOVE. Most importantly, LaChiusa takes us behind the scenes of the sparkling new deluxe cast album for GIANT, starring Brian D'Arcy James, and discusses the themes, ideas and adaptation of the Edna Ferber novel itself in a fascinating and revealing analysis of the vast, enveloping and vivid score he has composed for GIANT. Also, LaChiusa offers the 411 on this year's Tony Awards specialty song composed for host Neil Patrick Harris and some starry cohorts (Megan Hilty, Laura Benanti and Andrew Rannells), as well as previous Tony show one-offs penned for Hugh Jackman and others. Plus, LaChiusa clues us in on his upcoming projects - including FIRST DAUGHTER SUITE - and much, much more in this career-spanning conversations with one of modern musical theatre's most daring and prolific artists.

New York City Ballet's annual Fall Gala will celebrate dance and fashion with three world premiere ballets, and costumes designed by some of the fashion world's most exciting talents. The one-time-only gala evening will take place on Thursday, September 19, 2013, and this year's participants include choreographers Benjamin Millepied, in collaboration with the Dutch designer Iris van Herpen; Justin Peck, who will create a new ballet featuring costumes by the acclaimed New York-based fashion designer Prabal Gurung; and Angelin Preljocaj, who will work with Olivier Theyskens, the Belgian-born designer who is the Artistic Director of the American fashion house Theory.

Chris Mann will play tonight, June 21, 2013 at 8:00pm at The Neptune. Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 16 at 10 a.m.

The Glimmerglass Festival, Central New York's opera and musical theater company, has announced its 2014 season.

The following are remarks made by the First Lady MIchelle Obama at an Irish Youth performance of RIVERDANCE at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, Ireland:

Tonight, June 17, at 7pm, at Source Theater (1835 14th St. NW), Young Playwrights' Theater (YPT) will premiere Young Playwrights' Workshop Presents, an original play written and performed by the nine DC-area middle and high school students of YPT's award-winning after-school Young Playwrights' Workshop.

Hot on the heels of AIDS research foundation amfAR's recent Cinema against AIDS party, the Inspiration Gala New York 2013 was held on the evening of Thursday, June 13th at the landmark luxury Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue. Alan Cumming hosted the event which was produced by Josh Wood Productions. The evening was presented by M.A.C Viva Glam, which also acted as sponsor, along with Microsoft, Ketel One Vodka and Plaza Hotels.

Once the lowest performing school in the State of Connecticut, Roosevelt is one of eight schools around the country turning itself around through the arts. Roosevelt School was selected last April to be part of Turnaround Arts, an initiative of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities of which First Lady Michelle Obama is Honorary Chair. Thanks to the generosity of a very special donor, Roosevelt's accomplishments will be showcased this week in a musical theater production.

A Connecticut-based live show, celebrating the music of New Haven natives, Karen and Richard Carpenter, will play for two nights in Collinsville, Conn. - just one week before the band debuts at a Las Vegas casino. The tribute to the legendary Carpenters stars vocalist Michelle Berting Brett, and is accompanied by a seven-piece band of successful Nashville musicians, some of whom performed with Richard Carpenter himself.

Once the lowest performing school in the State of Connecticut, Roosevelt is one of eight schools around the country turning itself around through the arts. Roosevelt School was selected last April to be part of Turnaround Arts, an initiative of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities of which First Lady Michelle Obama is Honorary Chair. Thanks to the generosity of a very special donor, Roosevelt's accomplishments will be showcased this week in a musical theater production.

According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, tonight, June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

A Connecticut-based live show, celebrating the music of New Haven natives, Karen and Richard Carpenter, will play for two nights in Collinsville, Conn. - just one week before the band debuts at a Las Vegas casino. The tribute to the legendary Carpenters stars vocalist Michelle Berting Brett, and is accompanied by a seven-piece band of successful Nashville musicians, some of whom performed with Richard Carpenter himself.

Henry Cavill, who stars in the title role of the upcoming action adventure film 'Man of Steel' from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, will make a special appearance in Lancaster to welcome the men and women of Edwards Air Force Base to a special advance screening of the movie on Saturday, June 8. Cavill will introduce the film and greet the military in attendance, many of whom played extras in the movie, a portion of which was shot on the base.

Yoshi's San Francisco announces updated calendar for club and restaurant through July 7, 2013.

According to Audra McDonald's official website, the singer will be taking her first solo album in seven years, Go Back Home, on a national tour. Go Back Home was released May 21 on Nonesuch Records. McDonald's new tour dates across North America will kick off with a performance at the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, MI, on June 8. Scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

E! is taking viewers inside the world of one of the music industry's most talked about pop bands, The Wanted. The new series, "The Wanted Life," reveals the daily and very chaotic lives of the 5 UK musicians - Max, Siva, Jay, Tom and Nathan - that make up this edgy and talented powerhouse as they descend on Los Angeles for the first time to work hard and play even harder. These best friends will do their very best to navigate the social and music scenes of Southern California without losing sight of their one and only goal: Continue their massive success in America.

Ford's Theatre Society will host its annual gala tonight, June 2, 2013, at Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW) followed by a seated dinner at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum (750 Ninth Street NW). The evening will include the presentation of the Lincoln Medal to former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Basketball Hall of Fame honoree Bill Russell, two individuals whose extraordinary character, accomplishments and work reflect Lincoln's legacy of leadership, service, humanity, wisdom, eloquence and vision.

Tonight, May 31 at Carnegie Hall, actress and arts advocate Sarah Jessica Parker and fashion designer Zac Posen will share the spotlight with the talented teens who received national honors in the 90 th annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. More than 800 teens from 47 states, along with their families and teachers, are expected to attend the celebration. There, 15 graduating seniors will receive Portfolio Gold Medals, the Awards' highest honor, which includes a $10,000 scholarship. For the first time in the Awards' 90-year history, the ceremony will be webcast live so people across the nation can share in the celebration.