Molly Smith News

In June, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announced a national call for three-minute monologues held in conjunction with the world premiere of Our War, a dynamic new theatrical event and collection of short stories by 25 esteemed playwrights that explores--through diverse perspectives--the historical memory and present-day reverberations of the U.S. Civil War. The open monologue contest inspired by Our War brought in more than 150 entries from around the world, and the theater is pleased to announce the three winning monologues: Tree by Dave Lankford of New York, NY; Mary/Marcus by Sarah Pitard of London, UK; and The Peacock's War by Lisa Sillaway of Wichita, KS.

Afro-Norwegian duo Nico & Vinz' will release their first U.S. album Black Star Elephant today September 16th on Warner Bros. Records.

The Pasadena Playhouse announces the cast of STOP KISS, the second production of its 2014-2015 Season. Written by Diana Son and directed by Pasadena Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Seema Sueko, STOP KISS stars Sharon Leal (Bill Condon's Dreamgirls, Fox's "Boston Public," and Lionsgate's Addicted), Angela Lin (Broadway's Chinglish), John Sloan (Fox's "Happy Hour"), Brandon Scott (ABC's "Grey's Anatomy"), Amanda Carlin (Liar Liar), and Jeff De Serrano (A&E's "Longmire"). The production is performed November 4 - 30, 2014 with the official press night on Wednesday, November 9, 2014.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater kicks off the 2014/15 season with the world premiere of Morris Panych's The Shoplifters, a biting comedy about society's haves and have-nots and how much they might actually have in common. Noted Canadian playwright and director Panych, a two-time recipient of the Governor General's Literary Award, makes his Arena Stage debut with an expertly drawn cast of oddball characters and a high-stakes battle of wills involving a career shoplifter whose life of petty crime is halted by an overzealous rookie security guard and his ambivalent mentor. The Shoplifters runs tonight, September 5, through October 19, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater.

Arena Stage, D.C.'s venerable theatrical institution along the Potomac River, has established a reputation over its last 64 seasons for presenting works that challenge, engage and entertain audiences. The world-premiere production of Morris Panych's comedy The Shoplifters, which opens its season, seems poised to continue that tradition, all thanks to a shoplifter named Alma and a security guard named Otto.

The Theatre School at DePaul University has announced the 2014-15 season -- featuring two world premieres, reimagined classics, contemporary pieces, and engaging entertainment for the whole family.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Broadway production this fall, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater mounts a new staging of Fiddler on the Roof, the iconic musical that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Helmed by Artistic Director Molly Smith, the production features choreography by Arena favorite Parker Esse, who adapts the original Jerome Robbins choreography for an in-the-round staging, and a 10-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Paul Sportelli (Arena's My Fair Lady, Light in the Piazza).

In a bold undertaking as part of the company's involvement with the multi-year, multi-city National Civil War Project, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has commissioned Our War, a dynamic new theatrical event and collection of short stories that explores-through diverse perspectives-the historical memory and present-day reverberations of the U.S. Civil War.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater kicks off the 2014/15 season with the world premiere of Morris Panych's The Shoplifters, a biting comedy about society's haves and have-nots and how much they might actually have in common. Noted Canadian playwright and director Panych, a two-time recipient of the Governor General's Literary Award, makes his Arena Stage debut with an expertly drawn cast of oddball characters and a high-stakes battle of wills involving a career shoplifter whose life of petty crime is halted by an overzealous rookie security guard and his ambivalent mentor. The Shoplifters runs September 5-October 19, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater.

Grab your fins and snorkels, and head 'Under the Sea' as Columbia Children's Theatre's (CCT) YouTheatre presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. today, August 1st - 10th with shows Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater kicks off the 2014/15 season with the world premiere of Morris Panych's The Shoplifters, a biting comedy about society's haves and have-nots and how much they might actually have in common. Noted Canadian playwright and director Panych, a two-time recipient of the Governor General's Literary Award, makes his Arena Stage debut with an expertly drawn cast of oddball characters and a high-stakes battle of wills involving a career shoplifter whose life of petty crime is halted by an overzealous rookie security guard and his ambivalent mentor. The Shoplifters runs September 5-October 19, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater.

Grab your fins and snorkels, and head "Under the Sea" as Columbia Children's Theatre's (CCT) YouTheatre presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. August 1st - 10th with shows Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Grab your fins and snorkels, and head 'Under the Sea' as Columbia Children's Theatre's (CCT) YouTheatre presents Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. August 1st - 10th with shows Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. General admission tickets are $10 regular admission and $8 for active military families and seniors. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended and may be purchased securely on-line at www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com. All shows take place at Columbia Children's Theatre on the second floor of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive in beautiful Forest Acres.

Women's Project Theater today announced the appointment of Lisa McNulty to become the Off-Broadway theatre's new Producing Artistic Director. Ms. McNulty, who has been Artistic Line Producer at Manhattan Theatre Club since 2006, will assume her new position as of August 11, 2014.

Artistic Director Molly Smith announces D.C.-area based playwright John Strand will join Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater for a yearlong playwright residency as part of the American Voices New Play Institute, effective this month through June 2015. Through the residency Strand will receive a salary; health benefits; a budget to be used at his discretion to cover collaborator fees, workshop costs and research expenses to support his new play development process; and a commitment from Arena Stage to produce a new work in a future season and to continue cultivating an ongoing, long-term relationship.

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match! Inspired by Arena Stage's upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will give away a free wedding, currently valued at $80,000, in the company's unique and memorable Southwest, D.C. venue. In Fiddler on the Roof-the iconic musical with universal themes of love, acceptance and tradition-Tevye's daughters work to convince him that they should be able to choose their own perfect match to marry; now one lucky D.C.-area couple has a chance to gain Tevye's approval and win the wedding of their dreams.

Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC), under the leadership of Vivienne Benesch Artistic Director and Sarah Clare Corporandy Managing Director, is proud to present The May Queen a world premiere comedy by Molly Smith Metzler from July 18-27, directed by Vivienne Benesch, on the Bratton Theater Mainstage.

Tony-nominated actress Jayne Houdyshell (Broadway's Romeo and Juliet, Follies, Wicked, Well) will kick off Arena Stage's 2014/15 season in her D.C. stage debut starring as Alma in Morris Panych's world-premiere comedy The Shoplifters, September 5 - October 19, 2014.

Ars Nova is now accepting applications for Play Group, a vibrant and eclectic group of emerging writers who gather twice a month at Ars Nova to share new work and get peer feedback. The group offers members the chance to develop their plays with peer support; to be inspired by each other's work; to form collaborative relationships; and to build a strong sense of community within Ars Nova. All emerging playwrights are eligible for membership. If selected, new members will be invited to join for a period of two years beginning in January of 2015.

Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC), under the leadership of Vivienne Benesch Artistic Director and Sarah Clare CorporandyManaging Director, presents Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning classic A Raisin in the Sun, directed by CTC Resident Director Ethan McSweeny(CTC's The Glass Menagerie, Broadway's A Time to Kill), June 28 through July 6 on the Bratton Stage.