Randy Johnson News

The New York Times has revealed part of the story behind A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN's abrupt cancellation prior to its scheduled off-Broadway run at the Gramercy Theater this month. Producers broke the news to the cast at their final rehearsal on April 8, just two days before the show's reopening downtown.

Rick Fox will be taking over the role of musical director in Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater's production of Smokey Joe's Cafe--The Songs of Leiber and Stoller from Victor Simonson, who will be departing the show for personal reasons.

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. The show runs tonight, April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below!

A 'crazy talented cast' brings the Leiber and Stoller songbook to life once again when Arena Stage presents SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE April 25 through June 8 in the Fichlander Stage. Director Randy Johnson and choreographer Parker Esse talked with BroadwayWorld's Jeffrey Walker about their vision for the show.

Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller comes to Arena Stage April 25 to June 8, 2014. Part 1 of our interview with director Randy Johnson and choreographer Parker Esse looks at the legacy of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's collaboration and impact on the rock and roll era.

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. The show runs April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below!

'A Night With Janis Joplin at Gramercy Theater will postpone its opening indefinitely due to production issues. Refunds will be available for all ticket holders at point of purchase. Further information will be released when available.'

PNC Bank is the new title sponsor of Blumenthal Performing Arts' flagship series next season. The 2014-2015 blockbuster Broadway season is titled PNC Broadway Lights and is made possible with support from PNC Bank.

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Director Randy Johnson returns to Arena Stage following the success of A Night with Janis Joplin (which enjoyed two runs at Arena Stage followed by a subsequent run on Broadway) to helm this Grammy Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, which originally opened on Broadway in 1995 and became the longest running musical revue, topping 2,000 performances. Bursting with hit tunes including 'Hound Dog,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Love Potion #9' and 'On Broadway,' Smokey Joe's Cafe showcases choreography by Parker Esse (Arena Stage's The Music Man, Oklahoma!) and music direction by Victor Simonson (Center Stage's A Civil War Christmas, Arena Stage's 3 Mo' Divas) and runs April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal below!

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN will open at New York City's Gramercy Theatre (127 E 23rd St. / 23rd & Lexington Ave) on Thursday, April 10th, giving fans a chance to see Broadway's acclaimed theatrical rock experience in one of New York's most intimate concert venues. An exclusive presale for Citi Cardholders will begin today, March 17th at 10AM followed by Live Nation and Ticketmaster presales beginning at 10AM on Tuesday, March 18th. Tickets will be available to the general public at 10AM on Wednesday, March 19 via Ticketmaster.com and at the Gramercy Theatre box office.

Smokey Joe's Cafe-The Songs of Leiber and Stoller transports audiences to the golden age of rock, rhythm and blues this spring at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Director Randy Johnson returns to Arena Stage following the success of A Night with Janis Joplin (which enjoyed two runs at Arena Stage followed by a subsequent run on Broadway) to helm this Grammy Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, which originally opened on Broadway in 1995 and became the longest running musical revue, topping 2,000 performances. Bursting with hit tunes including 'Hound Dog,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Love Potion #9' and 'On Broadway,' Smokey Joe's Cafe showcases choreography by Parker Esse (Arena Stage's The Music Man, Oklahoma!) and music direction by Victor Simonson (Center Stage's A Civil War Christmas, Arena Stage's 3 Mo' Divas) and runs April 25-June 8, 2014 in the Fichandler Stage.

Jazz at the Warner's Nancy Marine Studio Theatre will continue on Friday, March 14 when the Matt DeChamplain Trio hits the stage. Matt's love of classic jazz piano is rooted in a profound love of the early jazz masters. What makes him unique is his application of early jazz piano devices created by Ragtime, Blues and Stride musicians. He has had the privilege of playing or sitting in with jazz legends Dave Brubeck, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Barry Harris, John Benitez, Dena DeRose, Randy Johnson, Rene McLean and Victor Lewis.

It seems that jukebox musicals made to appeal to my parents' generation are a dime a dozen these days. However, there is something truly special about Randy Johnson's A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN. His intimate theatrical portrait of the Queen of Rock from Port Arthur, Texas spent three sold-out years on the road before opening to rave reviews and enthusiastic crowds at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre on October 10, 2013. Even though the show just closed on February 9, its magic and energy has been preserved by Broadway Records on A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN (Original Broadway Cast Recording).

The Broadway production of A Night With Janis Joplin plays its final performance tonight, Sunday, February 9 at 7PM at the Lyceum Theatre. The show has played 22 preview performances and 141 regular performances since beginning previews on Friday, September 20 and opening on Thursday, October 10. A Night With Janis Joplin will move to a new home in New York City this March.

Tony Award winner Ron Rifkin (Alias, Broadway's Cabaret) and Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas (The Waltons) will star in the world premiere historical drama Camp David at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater as Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Jimmy Carter, respectively. Penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright and under the direction of Artistic Director Molly Smith, Camp David runs March 21-May 4, 2014 in the Kreeger Theater.

The Broadway production of A Night With Janis Joplin will play its final performance on Sunday, February 9 at 7PM at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street). On that date, the show will have played 22 preview performances and 141 regular performances. A Night With Janis Joplin will move to a new home in New York City this March.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN will play its final performance at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) this February (exact date will be announced shortly), prior to moving to a new home in New York City this March.