New Group News

SPRING AWAKENING has announced that they will play a special election week schedule.

On October 11, stageFARM (Alex Kilgore, Artistic Director and Carrie Shaltz, Founder / Executive Director) mounted the world premiere of SPIN, a series of new short plays (commissioned on the timely topic) by Adam Rapp, Gina Gionfriddo, Judith Thompson, Elizabeth Meriwether, and Mark Schultz at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York

Two and a half years after the premiere at off-Broadway's Atlantic Theatre and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical (along with 7 other Tony Awards), SPRING AWAKENING proudly celebrates its 750th performance on Thursday, October 16, 2008.

MCC THEATER (Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, Artistic Directors; William Cantler, Associate Artistic Director; Blake West, Executive Director) today announced that their heretofore private PlayLab new play readings by members of the company's Playwrights' Coalition are going public.

Two and a half years after the premiere at off-Broadway's Atlantic Theatre and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical (along with 7 other Tony Awards), SPRING AWAKENING proudly celebrates its 750th performance on Thursday, October 16, 2008.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater's 14th Anniversary Gala, It's All About the Art, took place on October 6, 2008 at Caroline's on Broadway in New York City. Rattlestick celebrated the many artistic talents involved in their productions with this year's Gala, It's All About the Art, which featured a cocktail reception, dinner and a luxury auction of unique items and experiences in the company of Rattlestick alumni and friends. There was also be special entertainment, and proceeds went directly to support Rattlestick's pioneering theatrical work.

The New Group presents the U.S. premiere of Kevin Elyot's Mouth to Mouth directed by Mark Brokaw as the first production in its 2008-2009 season. Slated for a limited Off-Broadway engagement from October 21 - December 27, this production features New Group artist David Cale, Lisa Emery and Elizabeth Jasicki. Mouth to Mouth will have its Official Opening on Thursday, November 6 @ 7:00 PM at The New Group @ Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street).

Polish playwright Michal Walczak receives US premiere with his two comedies SANDBOX/THE FIRST TIME at 59E59 Theaters in New York, produced by Immigrants' Theatre Project, part of MADE IN POLAND: A Festival of New Polish Plays.

the stageFARM (Alex Kilgore, Artistic Director and Carrie Shaltz, Founder / Executive Director) has announced complete casting presents world premiere of SPIN, a series of new short plays (commissioned on the timely topic) by Adam Rapp, Gina Gionfriddo, Judith Thompson, Elizabeth Meriwether, and Mark Schultz. With direction by Alex Kilgore and Evan Cabnet, the cast of SPIN will feature Patch Darragh (Crimes of the Heart, SAFE), Rebecca Henderson (U.S. Drag, VENGEANCE), Jesse Hooker (Some Men, Iphiginia 2.0), David Ross (VENGEANCE) and Dreama Walker ('Gossip Girl'). SPIN begins performances Friday evening, October 3, 2008, for a limited engagement through Saturday evening, November 8, at The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street between Barrow & Bedford Streets). Opening night is Saturday evening, October 11, 2008 at 8:00PM.

The world premiere of Fela!, a new musical based on the life of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, will play the final performance of its extended run Sunday, October 5th at 37 Arts (450 West 37th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues.

For the first time ever, VS. Theatre Company & Range View Productions have joined together to bring Los Angeles a very funny new play by one of Chicago's most compelling writers, the West Coast Premiere of EAGLE HILLS, EAGLE RIDGE, EAGLE LANDING, written by Brett Neveu (American Dead, Eric LaRue) and directed by Ron Klier (On An Average Day) . EAGLE HILLS, EAGLE RIDGE, EAGLE LANDING will preview on Friday, October 17 at 8pm and will open on Saturday, October 18 and run through Saturday, November 15 at the Hayworth Studio Theatre, 2511 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Lucy fans get ready. The new play I Loved Lucy by Lee Tannen has been adapted by the author from his best-selling memoir of the same name for a special (invitation only) staged reading on Friday, October 10th. Directed by Sheryl Kaller, the new play features Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk (Hollywood Arms) as the zany iconic comedienne, Lucille Ball, and Jeff Bowen ([title of show]) as Lee Tannen

Christy Carlson Romano, the popular actress and recording artist who starred on Broadway in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and received an Emmy-nomination for her performance as the title character on the Disney Channel's popular animated series 'Kim Possible' -- joined the Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q on Monday September 29th. BWW TV was there to celebrate her return to Broadway!

The New Group presents the U.S. premiere of Kevin Elyot's Mouth to Mouth directed by Mark Brokaw as the first production in its 2008-2009 season. Slated for a limited Off-Broadway engagement from October 21 - December 27, this production features New Group artist David Cale, Lisa Emery and Elizabeth Jasicki. Mouth to Mouth will have its Official Opening on Thursday, November 6 @ 7:00 PM at The New Group @ Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street).

Christy Carlson Romano -- the popular actress and recording artist who starred on Broadway in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and received an Emmy-nomination for her performance on the Disney Channel's 'Kim Possible' -- joined the Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q last night, Monday September 29th. BroadwayWorld.com was there to celebrate her return to Broadway!

Christy Carlson Romano -- the popular actress and recording artist who starred on Broadway in BEAUTY AND THE BEST and received an Emmy-nomination for her performance as the title character on the Disney Channel's popular animated series 'Kim Possible' -- joins the Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q for eight weeks starting tonight September 29 and continuing until November 23 at the Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).

Christy Carlson Romano -- the popular actress and recording artist who starred on Broadway in BEAUTY AND THE BEST and received an Emmy-nomination for her performance as the title character on the Disney Channel's popular animated series 'Kim Possible' -- will join the Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q for eight weeks from September 29 to November 23 at the Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street).

Perfect for age's four to fourteen, the Paper Mill Playhouse Children's Theatre Series has partnered with the best and brightest theatre companies to bring charming, whimsical, and educational performances filled with audience participation and adventure. All shows take place on select Saturdays and Sundays in the fall and spring and begin at 10:00am. Tickets are $15 for orchestra and box seats and $12 for mezzanine seats. A facility preservation fee applies. Single tickets range in price from $12 to $15. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.

he John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today named 25 new MacArthur Fellows for 2008. This past week, the recipients learned in a single phone call from the Foundation that they will each receive $500,000 in 'no strings attached' support over the next five years. The new Fellows work across a broad spectrum of endeavors and include a neurobiologist, a saxophonist, a critical care physician, an urban farmer, an optical physicist, a sculptor, a geriatrician, a historian of medicine, and an inventor of musical instruments. All were selected for their creativity, originality, and potential to make important contributions in the future.

Presented by Diodati Productions, Villa Diodati has music by Mira J. Spektor, lyrics by Colette Inez, book by Colette Inez & Mira J. Spektor with additional lyrics by Byron, Shelley, Spektor & Wordsworth and will be directed by Rob Urbinati with musical direction by Thomas Carlo Bo. Villa Diodati is an official selection of the 2008 New York Music Theatre Festival and will be performed at the 45th Street Theatre (354 W 45 Street).