Portia News

Following the sold out performances and overflow crowds at its first five Cino Nights presentations (of Gary Sunshine's BEST SEX EVER, Mando Alvarado's (O)N THE 5:31, Courtney Baron's HERE I LIE, Florencia Lozano's BUSTED, and Kristen Palmer's THE STRAY DOG), Rising Phoenix Rep continues the series on February 13th at 7 p.m. with Emily DeVoti's THE UPSTART.

Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director) proudly kicks off its 2011 season with The Wii Plays, by Ars Nova's Play Group.

The Public Theater's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia, will conclude its successful Broadway run on Sunday, February 20 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The critically lauded production began at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park last summer and officially opened on Broadway on November 13. It recouped its capitalization after only 10 weeks and will be making its first profit distribution to investors next week. Tickets are on sale now at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

Academy Award-winner (Amadeus) F. Murray Abraham stars as Shylock in Theatre for a New Audience's widely acclaimed 2007 production of The Merchant of Venice, directed by Darko Tresnjak.

Following the sold out performances and overflow crowds at its first five Cino Nights presentations (of Gary Sunshine's BEST SEX EVER, Mando Alvarado's (O)N THE 5:31, Courtney Baron's HERE I LIE, Florencia Lozano's BUSTED, and Kristen Palmer's THE STRAY DOG), Rising Phoenix Rep continues the series on February 13th at 7 p.m. with Emily DeVoti's THE UPSTART.

A haunting American classic, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL marks the first Cleveland Play House production of a work by Pulitzer Prize- and Academy Award-winner Horton Foote, and the world-premiere performance of this play by an African-American cast. Receiving the blessing of Hallie Foote, daughter of the playwright, this co-production with Round House Theatre is helmed by Timothy Douglas and stars preeminent African-American actress Lizan Mitchell as Carrie Watts. THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL begins in the Drury Theatre at Cleveland Play House on Friday, February 4 and runs through Sunday, February 27, 2011. Tickets are available at Cleveland Play House box office by calling 216.795.7000 ext 4 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL is presented with support from US Bank, Turner Construction, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, and the Ohio Arts Council.

The Public Theater's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia, will resume performances on Tuesday, February 1 at the Broadhurst Theatre for a final three week extension through Sunday, February 20.

Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director) proudly kicks off its 2011 season with The Wii Plays, by Ars Nova's Play Group.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Yale Repertory Theatre announced complete casting today for the world premiere production of Rinne Groff's COMPULSION, directed by Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today that the 19th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will take place on Sunday, February 27, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

The Public Theater's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia, will resume performances on Tuesday, February 1 at the Broadhurst Theatre for a final three week extension through Sunday, February 20.

This month, Acorn Productions presents the 3rd play in the company's inaugural Studio Series when Crying at Movies, a new John Manderino play based on his well-received memoir by the same name, premieres in the Acorn Studio Theater.

A Noise Within (ANW) will end its hilarious and critically acclaimed production of the joyfully out-of control British farce NOISES OFF by Michael Frayn on Sunday, January 30, 2011.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed 'Best of New York' by New York Magazine, and 'an invaluable New York institution' by The New York Post, will presented the debut of television and stage star Linda Purl on January 26, and performances will continue through Thursday January 27. Noted critic Rex Reed called her show 'an hour of seamless enchantment. She has an impressive range, perfect intonation and awesome phrasing.' In her diverse stage show, Ms. Purl performs timeless standards 'Out Of This World,' 'Come Rain or Come Shine', popular theater songs 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly,' 'Whistle a Happy Tune', as well as Country Western classics with her own jazz feel. She is joined by Music Director Tedd Firth and special guest vocalist Tom Wopat. Both performances will be at 8:30 PM at the Regency Hotel 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, will present the debut of television and stage star LINDA PURL on January 26 and 27, 2011.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, will present the debut of television and stage star LINDA PURL on January 26 and 27, 2011.

The American Airlines Theater will host a memorial celebration for the late Jerry Bock for family, friends and fans at 2:30pm on January 24, 2011. Bock's main lyricist, Sheldon Harnick will host the event, which will include appearances by Chita Rivera, Lonny Price, Hal Prince, Todd Haimes and more. The memorial will also include performances of Bock's most celebrated songs and accompanying commentary by original cast members of his shows. Larry Yurman will musical direct. Seating is open to the public and available on a first come, first served basis and doors open at 2pm.

Rising Phoenix Repertory announces the FIFTH PLAY IN THE CINO NIGHTS SERIES- THE STRAY DOG, a new play by Kristen Palmer / directed by Julie Kline featuring Stephen Brown, Brian Miskell, Laura Ramadei, Jelena Stupljanin, Haynes Thigpen, and David Townsend

A haunting American classic, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL marks the first Cleveland Play House production of a work by Pulitzer Prize- and Academy Award-winner Horton Foote, and the world-premiere performance of this play by an African-American cast. Receiving the blessing of Hallie Foote, daughter of the playwright, this co-production with Round House Theatre is helmed by Timothy Douglas and stars preeminent African-American actress Lizan Mitchell as Carrie Watts. THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL begins in the Drury Theatre at Cleveland Play House on Friday, February 4 and runs through Sunday, February 27, 2011. Tickets are available at Cleveland Play House box office by calling 216.795.7000 ext 4 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL is presented with support from US Bank, Turner Construction, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, and the Ohio Arts Council.

A Noise Within (ANW) reprises its hilarious and critically acclaimed production of the joyfully out-of control British farce NOISES OFF by MICHAEL FRAYN for ten performances from Friday, January 21 to Sunday, January 30, 2011.