Mike Pettry News

Muse Match, an evening that seeks to answer the question, 'What happens when 15 composers go on a blind date with 15 singers?,' will be presented Thursday, June 12th, 2014, at 11:30 PM at 54 Below. Produced by Bill Coyne, the evening will benefit ZARA AINA, a charity that brings theater and education to at-risk youth In Madagascar; founded by actors Bryce Pinkham and Lucas Caleb Rooney.

As New York's premier Off-Broadway theater dedicated to kids and families, The New Victory Theater has announced six NY premieres and seven U.S. premieres from eight different countries around the world in a new season that runs from September 26, 2014 through June 7, 2015.

Lauren Stanford, winner of the 2013 MetroStar Talent Challenge, headlines the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, in a special prime time engagement beginning June 3. The world premiere of "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," Stanford's solo cabaret debut, plays a four-show engagement through August 1. Opening for Stanford will be her MetroStar co-finalists Jason Morris (first runner-up) and Stephen Mitchell Brown, who will perform short sets on alternating nights.

An all-star concert version of Paul Scott Goodman's rock musical Bright Lights, Big City will play two performances at NYC's 54 Below on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 7pm & 9:30pm. Based on the novel by Jay McInerney, Bright Lights, Big City follows a week in the life of Jamie, a successful young writer who loses himself in the chaos of 1980s New York City.

On May 5th, Katie Thompson (Giant, 'So You Think You Can Dance'), Hannah Elless (Godspell, Somewhere in Time, The Other Josh Cohen), Cedric Neal (After Midnight, Porgy and Bess), Blake Whyte (Mamma Mia!, Wicked), Patrick Newton (Blue Man Group), and Isaac Woofter (War Horse) will star in the premiere New York presentation of The Moon and the Sea, a new musical by Creighton Irons.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University, under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Managing Director William Russo, has announced its 2014/15 Season.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, will present David Ives' THE HEIR APPARENT, adapted from the play by Jean-Francois Regnard, beginning performances Friday, March 28 at CSC (136 East 13th Street). Directed by John Rando, THE HEIR APPARENT will feature Suzanne Bertish (Madame Argante), Carson Elrod (Crispin), Claire Karpen (Lisette), Amelia Pedlow (Isabelle), David Pittu (Scruple), Dave Quay (Eraste) and Paxton Whitehead (Geronte). The official press opening for THE HEIR APPARENT is Wednesday, April 9. The production will play at limited engagement through Sunday, May 4.

The Huntington Theatre Company announces that the 2014 Breaking Ground festival of new plays will be held today, January 30 - February 2 at the Huntington's home for new work, the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA.

In Episode 206, award-winning musical theatre writer Joel B. New sat down with Marita Stryker, an accomplished actress, vocalist, dancer, yoga instructor, and cellist (maritastryker.com). On land, her performing credits include the national tour of John Doyle's production of SWEENEY TODD and numerous productions with Austin Musical Theatre and Music Theatre Wichita. Marita has performed in 32 states, 40 countries, and on 5 continents. She is the founder of Live @ Sea, a sea of information about working as an entertainer on cruise ships. (liveatsea.info)

In Episode 205, award-winning musical theatre writer Joel B. New sat down with actress, singer, and voice/text/dialect coach Amy Jo Jackson (www.amyjojackson.com). Her bio is filled with an array of impressive projects, most recently as the dialect coach on the Tony Award-winning musical KINKY BOOTS, and as an actor in Exit, Pursued by a Bear's DANI GIRL. Ms. Jackson is a 2013 IRNE and Elliot Norton nominee for her role as 'Female Soloist' in Speakeasy Stage Company's production of BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, has collaborated with such respected theatre companies as The Flea, The Pearl, Prospect Theater, The Cell, and is the dialect coach on the new Maltby & Shire musical BEHIND THE PAINTING. Amy Jo can currently be seen in Empirical Rogue's SUICIDE?!, and is the Voice & Text Director on the upcoming MYSTERIES at The Flea.

The Huntington Theatre Company announces that the 2014 Breaking Ground festival of new plays will be held January 30 - February 2 at the Huntington's home for new work, the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA.

Following previous seasons sold-out holiday hits, The Snow Queen and Hansel and Gretel, the A.R.T. Institute, in association with the Loeb Drama Center, brings another children's story to life - The Light Princess, by Lila Rose Kaplan with music by Mike Pettry, directed by Allegra Libonati, with choreography by Jeff and Rick Kuperman. Performances are held at Loeb Drama Center through January 5, 2014. Check out a new trailer for the production below!

American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) has scheduled a sensory-friendly performance of The Light Princess on Friday, January 3 at 2:00pm at the Loeb Drama Center, designed to create a welcoming environment for children with Autism spectrum disorders or other sensitivity issues. Slight alterations will be made to the performance, specially trained volunteers will be on hand, and quiet areas in the lobby will be available for children whoneed to take a break from the show. A social story and a character guide will be provided to all families prior to the performance, to help acclimate family members with Autism spectrum disorders or sensitivity issues to the experience of live theater.

Following previous seasons sold-out holiday hits, The Snow Queen and Hansel and Gretel, the A.R.T. Institute, in association with the Loeb Drama Center, brings another children's story to life - The Light Princess, by Lila Rose Kaplan with music by Mike Pettry, directed by Allegra Libonati, with choreography by Jeff and Rick Kuperman. Performances will be held at the Loeb Drama Center at from December 21 through January 5, 2014.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three new works of music theater (at Victory Gardens, Writers' Theatre and the Goodman), Ben Vereen and Audra McDonald visit, plus 'Master Class,' a new cabaret revue, improvised Sondheim, a one-night 'Whistle' and more!

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States. This Week's Featured Regional Theater: American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, MA

SIGNS OF LIFE, A Tale of Terezin, will host post-show discussions with Holocaust survivors, many of whom spent time in the Theresienstadtghetto. To continue the conversation sparked by SIGNS OF LIFE, survivors and their family members will share their own stories and experiences and offer unique perspectives to the show. SIGNS OF LIFE will play Chicago for a limited six week engagement playing September 18 through October 27, 2013.

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, has announced plans to augment its diverse programming with a varied new series of in-house productions including a new interview series, a new musicals-in-concert series (following-up on the success of the club's wildly successful High Fidelity in Concertevent), and a program for new composers. The venue will continue to present its popular Sondheim Unplugged series featuring some of Broadway's brightest stars sharing performances and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from their favorite Sondheim musicals.

SIGNS OF LIFE, A Tale of Terezin, is thrilled to announce the full cast for its Chicago premiere this fall at the Zacek McVay Theater at Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N Lincoln Ave). SIGNS OF LIFE will play Chicago for a limited six week engagement September 18 - October 27, 2013.