Nell Benjamin News

Windy City Playhouse, Chicago's newest professional theater, located at 3014 W. Irving Park Road, is proud to announce its second season in 2016. The three-show season comprises: the Chicago premiere of Nell Benjamin's slapstick farce The Explorers Club, directed by David H. Bell, starting January 27; Melissa James Gibson's 'unromantic comedy' This, directed by Carl Menninger, starting June 15; and the Chicago premiere of Jeff Daniels' gentle romance Apartment 3A directed by Ron OJ Parson, beginning October 5. Season subscriptions are now available by calling 773-891-8985 or visiting windycityplayhouse.com.

Clear Creek Community Theatre (CCCT) kicks off its 51st Season on Friday, September 11th, with hilarious and heart-warming show, "Legally Blonde: The Musical".  Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon, "Legally Blonde: The Musical" follows the transformation of California valley girl Elle Woods as she follows her boyfriend to Harvard Law School. There she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.  With music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach, "Legally Blonde: The Musical" enjoyed a successful Broadway run and continues to entertain audiences world-wide.

The 50th Anniversary season promises to please with Michigan Premieres, a hilarious comedy, and a nostalgic musical sure to take you on a trip back in time!

Dallas Theater Center announced today complete details for The Mountaintop, a recent Broadway play and the 2010 winner of Britain's Olivier Award for Best New Play.

Austin Playhouse's 16th season opens this September with two classics: Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing and the beloved romantic comedy The Philadelphia Story. They're joined by four regional premieres, including Austin Playwright C. Denby Swanson's The Norwegians, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Disgraced, a moving, jazz-infused play about baseball legend Satchel Paige, and a hilarious spoof on Victorian adventurers, The Explorers Club.

Theatre Aspen announced that tickets are on sale for the first annual Aspen Theatre Festival, held at the Hurst Theatre during the final week of the summer, on August 25th and 28th. The Agent and Finn the Fearless are the two new works being developed as part of the organization's new festival. Tickets range from $20-30 and can be purchased at www.theatreaspen.org.

In The Wings Productions, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tanya Glassman and Executive Director Adam Glassman, is tickled pink to present Legally Blonde The Musical. Having won over audiences across the nation, Elle, Bruiser and friends will make their Snug Harbor Music Hall debut for a two week limited engagement, opening tonight, August 7 and playing through Sunday, August 16.

The Board of Directors and Artistic Director, David Leidholdt, have announced the Teen Performing Arts Academy's inaugural production of Legally Blonde Jr. on the Ryan Mainstage.

Dallas Theater Center announced today details for its upcoming MOONSHINE Celebration, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Co-Chairs Brice Beaird, Elle Oberdick and Dan Waldmann, along with Honorary Chairs Lyn Muse and Kim Sheffield, will welcome guests to be among the first to experience DTC's newest Broadway-bound production MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater.

In The Wings Productions, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tanya Glassman and Executive Director Adam Glassman, is tickled pink to present Legally Blonde The Musical. Having won over audiences across the nation, Elle, Bruiser and friends will make their Snug Harbor Music Hall debut for a two week limited engagement, opening Friday, August 7 and playing through Sunday, August 16.

Dramatists Guild Fund President Andrew Lippa and Executive Director Rachel Routh announced today that Laurence O'Keefe will Co-Chair the nonprofit's Fellows Program.  

I have to admit I had never seen the 2001 MGM movie, Legally Blonde before seeing LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. And I am happy to say it is great fun for all ages in every aspect from the effervescent musical numbers presented by the remarkably energetic cast to the over-the-top bright pink costumes designed by Kristie Rutledge. Director/Musical Director Anne Gesling and choreographer Lauren Blair surely spent hours on end putting together the many incredibly intricate musical numbers, including the momentous "What You Want," Elle's video essay to get into Harvard, which includes at least 3 set changes, several costume changes by dozens of cast members, and many types of dance from tap to jazz. That 12-minute number alone is worth the price of admission on its own!

Music Theatre International Chairman and CEO Freddie Gershon and his wife Myrna hosted eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country for four days of classes and activities honoring them for working to make a difference for their students and communities through the process of staging musical theatre productions in their schools and educational theatre groups.  The event known as the 6th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP culminated in a gala dinner at Chez Josephine on July 11th.  Joining the festivities were Broadway greats Bernadette Peters and Brian d'Arcy James. Scroll down for photos!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Beaches,' 'Kinky Boots' and 'Gotta Dance' show how a pre-Broadway tryout is done, while 'Fancy Nancy,' 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Pinocchio' go for a younger demographic. Meanwhile, Ravinia, Grant Park and Three Oaks (MI) do summer concerts, and The Music Theatre Company announces its own surprise demise.

Eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country will work one-on-one with Broadway greats at the 6th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP July 8th - 11th.

B Street Theatre has announced that they are adding three shows to the run of 'The Explorers Club,' Sundays at 7pm: 7/12, 7/19 & 7/26.

The new musical GOTTA DANCE will take its first steps with an all-star cast.

Hungry-or thirsty- for adventure? Feral Tale Theatricals will bring to the stage for four special performances a hilarious new comedy by playwright Nell Benjamin: "The Explorers Club." The wildly farcical production will be offered to the Las Vegas community.

Theatre Aspen announced casting for the organization's upcoming slate of repertory shows, which includes CABARET, Peter and the Starcatcher, Junie B Jones the Musical and Other Desert Cities.