Nicholas Hytner News

Today, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts officially launches a yearlong celebration of its 50th Anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in the Starr Theater at Alice Tully Hall. Hosted by renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw, the program pays tribute to the many achievements and contributions of Lincoln Center, from the milestones of its past half century to the transformation of its campus.

Angle Theatre and The Hackney Empire present TRIANGLE 2009: 3 new plays by 3 new East End playwrights at the Hackney Empire Studio

Guthrie Director Joe Dowling today announced the 21 plays of the Theater's 2009-2010 season, a blend of classics, fresh takes on timeless themes and exciting presentations - including renewed and continuing partnerships and the return of the Guthrie's prestigious WorldStage program. Ranging from uproarious comedies to a modern retelling of Ibsen's feminist classic to stories centered on Chinese opera and American jazz, the 2009-2010 season showcases Shakespeare, celebrated Irish playwrights and new American voices.

Guthrie Director Joe Dowling today announced the 21 plays of the Theater's 2009-2010 season, a blend of classics, fresh takes on timeless themes and exciting presentations - including renewed and continuing partnerships and the return of the Guthrie's prestigious WorldStage program. Ranging from uproarious comedies to a modern retelling of Ibsen's feminist classic to stories centered on Chinese opera and American jazz, the 2009-2010 season showcases Shakespeare, celebrated Irish playwrights and new American voices.

King's Head Theatre Productions in association with Mary Sullivan, John Kotts, Richard Colton and Boysie Bollinger present: THE MURDER GAME By James Farwell Starring Michael Praed and Josefina Gabrielle Press Night: 17 March at 7.30pm

King's Head Theatre Productions in association with Mary Sullivan, John Kotts, Richard Colton and Boysie Bollinger present: THE MURDER GAME By James Farwell Starring Michael Praed and Josefina Gabrielle Press Night: 17 March at 7.30pm

It was announced that Sadie Frost is set to return to the stage to star in a new one woman, fringe play at the Trafalgar Studios in London previews from 4th February 2009 with press night on the 10th February 2009 (other date also available.)

Primary Stages (Casey Childs, Founder & Executive Producer; Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Elliot Fox, Managing Director) has announced its upcoming 25th anniversary season of new works offering a 3-play series celebrating female playwrights. The 2009-2010 Season will see the world premiere of A Lifetime Burning by Cusi Cram, and the New York premieres of Happy Now? by Lucinda Coxon, and Night Watcher by Charlayne Woodard at Primary Stages at59E59 Theaters (59 East 59 th Street). In a statement, Casey Childs, Founder & Executive producer, said, 'Primary Stages hasalways had a commitment to playwrights and we have been lucky to help nurture andenjoy the success of many extraordinary women writers. We are thrilled to premiere these new works by these three playwrights as a way to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.

London's National Theatre announced Wednesday, Jan. 14th, that it will transmit live performances to movie theaters around the world in a quest to widen its audience and test the public appeal for watching stage productions onscreen. The first of four planned simulcasts will be the June 25th performance of Jean Racine's tragedy 'Phedre' starring Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren and mega hit 'Mamma Mia' film star Dominic Cooper. The National's artistic director Nicholas Hytner said Mirren, who won a best actress Oscar for 'The Queen,' was 'tremendously excited' by the idea.

A helicopter very nearly lands on stage every night at the astounding, frequently breathtaking production of 'Miss Saigon' now on view at the Drury Lane theater in Chicago?s western suburb of Oakbrook Terrace. Said helicopter is the most viscerally exciting aspect of this high quality local mounting of Broadway?s 10th longest running musical, but is by no means its only emotionally affecting moment.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has been voted the most influential figure in theatre over the last decade by UK's The Stage newspaper.

59E59 Theaters (Elysabeth Kleinhans, Artistic Director; Peter Tear, Executive Producer) is thrilled to host the NYC premiere of Simon Green Sings COWARD AT CHRISTMAS: A Cabaret for Noel. Simon Green Sings COWARD AT CHRISTMAS: A Cabaret for Noel began performances on Sunday, December 14 for a limited engagement through Sunday, January 4. There was a special Noel Coward Birthday Celebration Performance on Tuesday, December 16 at 8:30 PM, which included a champagne toast, birthday cake and special guest theatre icon Elaine Stritch.

Actor Dominic Cooper has been cast in the role of Hippolytus in the National Theatre's upcoming revival of Ph?dre. Co-starring Helen Mirren in the title role and directed by Nicholas Hytner, Artistic Director of the National Theatre, Jean Racine's 1677 classic tragedy is based on a Greek myth about a queen who falls passionately in love with her stepson in her husband's absence.

Variety is reporting that Dominic Cooper has been confirmed to appear in 'Phedre' at the National Theater in London, playing opposite Helen Mirren in the title role.

59E59 Theaters' Holiday E:Café toasts the Festive season with SIMON GREEN Sings COWARD AT CHRISTMAS: A Cabaret for Noël

From 1 December 2008, twelve year old Brad Wilson from Doncaster will join the London cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play the title role, making him the thirtieth boy to play the iconic role worldwide, first performed by Jamie Bell in the original movie. He is joined by Joanna Riding who will play Mrs Wilkinson and Joe Caffrey who returns to the production to play Jackie Elliot, Billy?s Dad.

YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents ROUGH CROSSING by TOM STOPPARD, from an original play by FERENC MOLNÁR, directed by MARK RUCKER at the University Theatre (222 York Street, New Haven) beginning November 28 through December 20. Opening Night is Thursday, December 4.

YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents ROUGH CROSSING by TOM STOPPARD, from an original play by FERENC MOLNÁR, directed by MARK RUCKER at the University Theatre (222 York Street, New Haven) beginning November 28 through December 20. Opening Night is Thursday, December 4.

YALE REPERTORY THEATRE (James Bundy, Artistic Director; Victoria Nolan, Managing Director) presents ROUGH CROSSING by TOM STOPPARD, from an original play by FERENC MOLN?R, directed by MARK RUCKER at the University Theatre (222 York Street, New Haven) beginning November 28 through December 20. Opening Night is Thursday, December 4.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning American play August: Osage County by ensemble member Tracy Letts directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro, will begin an eight-week engagement this week at London's National Theatre (Lyttelton Theatre), playing November 21, 2008, January 21, 2009.