Nicole Smith News

The BLUEBARN Theatre is proud to present the regional premiere of THE CHRISTIANS by Lucas Hnath.

Victory Gardens Theater announces casting for the next show of its 41st season, the world premiere of Hillary and Clinton by Lucas Hnath, directed by Artistic Director Chay Yew. Hillary and Clinton runs April 1 - May 1, 2016, with the press performance on Friday, April 8, 2016, at 7:30 pm at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.

Kid approved favorite Pinkalicious is coming to The Circuit Playhouse! Based on the popular children's book Pinkalicious, this family friendly musical centers on Pinkalicious who can't stop eating pink cupcakes! Despite warnings from her parents, Pinkalicious ends up diagnosed with Pinkititis which turns her pink from head to toe. At first, it seems like a dream come true, but when it goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure a way out of this pink predicament.

Whether it's fruitcake or eggnog, people love their traditions during the Holiday Season -- and you'd better not disappoint. Memphians are accustomed to cranky 'Ebeneezer Scrooge' hoarding his coins at Theatre Memphis, and in midtown, we're resigned to A TUNA CHRISTMAS at Circuit and PETER PAN at Playhouse on the Square. Just last year, I had seen two -- yes, TWO -- productions of the latter: The version done live on NBC (with an off-center, almost 'sleep walking' Christopher Walken as 'Captain Hook') and the marvelous version directed and choreographed by Jordan Nichols and Travis Bradley at Playhouse. The Playhouse featured players were the unique Morgan Howard (as 'Peter') and the versatile David Foster (as a 'Jack Sparrow'-like 'Hook'); they were alternating the roles with Carly Crawford and Bill Andrews. I am happy to report that I finally was able to see Ms. Crawford and Mr. Andrews assay those roles, and they were equally inspired casting choices (but more about that later).

Memphis' favorite Lost Boy is returning to the Playhouse on the Square stage! Join the Darling children as they adventure to Neverland and meet the terrible pirate Captain Hook, the beautiful Tiger Lily, and the clever fairy Tinkerbell. A trip to Neverland with Peter and his friends will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season. PETER PAN runs November 20th, 2015 - January 10th, 2016.

Memphis' favorite Lost Boy is returning to the Playhouse on the Square stage! Join the Darling children as they adventure to Neverland and meet the terrible pirate Captain Hook, the beautiful Tiger Lily, and the clever fairy Tinkerbell. A trip to Neverland with Peter and his friends will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season. PETER PAN runs November 20th, 2015 - January 10th, 2016.

Memphis' favorite Lost Boy is returning to the Playhouse on the Square stage! Join the Darling children as they adventure to Neverland and meet the terrible pirate Captain Hook, the beautiful Tiger Lily, and the clever fairy Tinkerbell. A trip to Neverland with Peter and his friends will make you feel like a kid again this holiday season.

From what I've gathered, the original production of CARRIE THE MUSICAL would have been a dream project for Bialystock and Bloom, THE PRODUCERS: There's something eyebrow-raising about taking Stephen King's novel CARRIE and drenching it - not just in blood, but in music and lyrics. Evidently, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford felt up to the task, and with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, the musical version became a theatrical reality. However, it's a 'slippery slope' they tread: Do you play something like this 'straight' - or do you decide to go in the direction of 'camp'?

Carrie White doesn't fit in. At school, the popular students torture her; at home, her religiously fanatical mother terrorizes her. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Based on the best selling novel, Carrie the Musical spins an epic tale of torment and revenge.

A delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park's best-selling books brought to life in a genuinely comical musical. We follow the sassy little diva, Junie B. Jones, and her adventures in first grade. As Junie B. starts first grade, a lot of things have changed for her: her friend Lucille doesn't want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie B. has trouble reading the blackboard, and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament, and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.

Carrie White doesn't fit in. At school, the popular students torture her; at home, her religiously fanatical mother terrorizes her. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Based on the best selling novel, Carrie the Musical spins an epic tale of torment and revenge.

With Elinor Cook's Image of an Unknown Young Woman about to open at the Gate, Artistic Director Christopher Haydon today announces the full company for his production of the UK premiere of Lucas Hnath's The Christians - William Gaminara (Pastor), Jaye Griffiths (Pastor's Wife), Stefan Adegbola (Associate Pastor), Lucy Ellinson (Congregant) and David Calvitto (Elder). Also announced today, ahead of performances at the Gate Theatre, the production plays at the Traverse as part of this year's Edinburgh Festival from 3 to 30 August.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of Richard Engling's drama ANNA IN THE AFTERLIFE, a play that explores the issue of suicide and its repercussions beyond the grave, directed by Susan Padveen. ANNA IN THE AFTERLIFE plays tonight, April 22 - May 24, 2015 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, where the eleven year old Polarity is a resident company. Tickets are currently available at www.petheatre.com or by calling the box office at (773) 404-7336. The press opening is Saturday, April 25 at 8 pm.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of Richard Engling's drama ANNA IN THE AFTERLIFE, a play that explores the issue of suicide and its repercussions beyond the grave, directed by Susan Padveen. ANNA IN THE AFTERLIFE plays April 22 - May 24, 2015 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, where the eleven year old Polarity is a resident company. Tickets are currently available at www.petheatre.com or by calling the box office at (773) 404-7336. The press opening is Saturday, April 25 at 8 pm.

Most musical theater ends with a simple curtain call with the audience expressing their appreciation for the performance they had attended. Mamma Mia, though, ends with and explosion of music, bringing the audience to it's feet for an encore where the cast invites the audience to sing and dance along. And, Friday Night at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, we certainly did.

Anne Frank's cousin, Monica Smith, attended the December 14th performance of Wiesenthal. (Now 91 years old and residing in Manhattan, Smith escaped Amsterdam shortly before the Germans arrived.) Attending Sunday's matinee with her daughter Nicole Smith-Brody and granddaughter Sophie Smith-Brody, Smith participated in a special post-show discussion about 'The Anne Frank Connection.'

Theatre Exile begins its season examining the dark side of the American Dream with the Philadelphia Premiere of Lucas Hnath's Red Speedo. This taut, darkly comic new play runs now through November 23 at Theatre Exile's Studio X, 1340 S. 13th Street (13th and Reed Streets.) Opening Night is tonight, November 5 at 8 p.m.

Theatre Exile begins its season examining the dark side of the American Dream with the Philadelphia Premiere of Lucas Hnath's Red Speedo. This taut, darkly comic new play runs October 30-November 23 at Theatre Exile's Studio X, 1340 S. 13th Street (13th and Reed Streets.) Opening Night is Wednesday, November 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25-$40 and are available online at www.theatreexile.org or by phone (215) 218-4022.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre kicks off its 2014 -15 season with the world premiere of MIRACLES IN THE FALL, a searing drama in which a family must surmount the lies and betrayals that have twisted their lives. MIRACLES IN THE FALL is written by Dionysos Cup Award Winner Chuck O'Connor and directed by Jeff Award Winner Richard Shavzin. It plays today, September 3 - October 5, 2014 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, where Polarity begins the second year of its new residency. Tickets are available at www.petheatre.com or by calling the box office at 773-404-7336.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre kicks off its 2014 -15 season with the world premiere of MIRACLES IN THE FALL, a searing drama in which a family must surmount the lies and betrayals that have twisted their lives. MIRACLES IN THE FALL is written by Dionysos Cup Award Winner Chuck O'Connor and directed by Jeff Award Winner Richard Shavzin. It plays tonight, September 3 - October 5, 2014 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, where Polarity begins the second year of its new residency.