Richard Frankel News

The original cast of The Old Vic?s critically acclaimed revival of Alan Ayckbourn?s comedy trilogy, The Norman Conquests, began rehearsal today in London. Director Matthew Warchus flew to London following last night?s opening of his production of God of Carnage to direct his Norman Conquests company. The Norman Conquests begins previews on Tuesday, April 7 on Broadway, prior to opening on Thursday, April 23 at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue).

The website for THE NORMAN CONQUESTS is now live! For performance schedule, photos and other details about the Broadway production of Alan Ayckbourn's comedy trilogy that was a critically acclaimed, sold out hit this season at The Old Vic in London, visit: www.NormanConquestsOnBroadway.com

Sir Alan Ayckbourn was honored last night at the Society of London Theatre's Olivier Awards with a special award for his lifetime contribution to theatre. The award was presented to him by Kevin Spacey, artistic director of The Old Vic, where Ayckbourn's masterpiece, the comedy trilogy THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, was a sold out smash hit earlier this season.

Variety reveals that with four of her smash London productions in the running for a collective 13 Olivier Awards and two Broadway transfers likely to figure in the Tony race for play revival, Sonia Friedman might be forgiven for slowing down.

Tickets go on sale on Sunday, February 22 for The Old Vic's critically acclaimed production of THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, a comedy trilogy of plays by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Matthew Warchus. The production begins performances on Tuesday, April 7 and opens Thursday, April 23 at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street). Tickets will be available through Telecharge at 212-239-6200, online at www.telecharge.com and at the Circle in the Square box office.

The Drama Desk, the organization of professional writers, critics and columnists who cover all sectors of New York theater, held its first Panel Discussion/Dinner of the 2008/2009 theater season on Monday, February 2, at Tony's Di Napoli Restaurant, 147 West 43rd Street, in Times Square.

Alan Ayckbourn's comic trilogy of plays, THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, will come to Broadway directly following its sold out critically acclaimed run in London. The production, the latest success for The Old Vic Theatre Company under the artistic leadership of Kevin Spacey, will play for 16 weeks only. THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, directed by Matthew Warchus, opens Thursday, April 23 at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street). Previews begin Tuesday, April 7.

The Drama Desk, the organization of professional writers, critics and columnists who cover all sectors of New York theater, will hold its first Panel Discussion/Dinner of the 2008/2009 theater season on Monday, February 2, from 5 to 7:30 PM at Tony's Di Napoli Restaurant, 147 West 43rd Street, in Times Square, it was announced today, by William Wolf, President of the organization.

The Drama Desk, the organization of professional writers, critics and columnists who cover all sectors of New York theater, will hold its first Panel Discussion/Dinner of the 2008/2009 theater season on Monday, February 2, from 5 to 7:30 PM at Tony's Di Napoli Restaurant, 147 West 43rd Street, in Times Square, it was announced today, by William Wolf, President of the organization.

As a disheartening number of shows are closing, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) opens up possibilities for tomorrow?s productions with an all-day intensive workshop about crucial aspects of raising money for theater on Saturday, January 24 from 10am?6pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC. It?s a tough economy, no doubt about it. All the more reason why people need support and the skills to go about the business of producing. Attendees will acquire basic tools and information that will help them to function effectively in these times and the better days that are surely ahead. From networking techniques to legal requirements and effective business planning, plus a wealth of first-hand experience from more than a half dozen producers who are currently active in the Broadway and off-Broadway worlds, TRU promises an informative, empowering and inspiring day.

As a disheartening number of shows are closing, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) opens up possibilities for tomorrow?s productions with an all-day intensive workshop about crucial aspects of raising money for theater on Saturday, January 24 from 10am?6pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC. It?s a tough economy, no doubt about it. All the more reason why people need support and the skills to go about the business of producing. Attendees will acquire basic tools and information that will help them to function effectively in these times and the better days that are surely ahead. From networking techniques to legal requirements and effective business planning, plus a wealth of first-hand experience from more than a half dozen producers who are currently active in the Broadway and off-Broadway worlds, TRU promises an informative, empowering and inspiring day.

As a disheartening number of shows are closing, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) opens up possibilities for tomorrow's productions with an all-day intensive workshop about crucial aspects of raising money for theater on Saturday, January 24 from 10am-6pm at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (below W. 3rd Street), NYC.

Veteran Broadway General Managers Richard Frankel and Laura Green have announced the formation of FRANKEL GREEN THEATRICAL MANAGEMENT.

The American Theatre Wing and XM Satellite Radio proudly present an interview with Producer Tom Viertel, on their weekly theatrical interview show, 'Downstage Center,' on XM's On Broadway (XM Channel 28).

In an exclusive arrangement with iTunes©, Broadway Asia Entertainment (producers Steven Baruch / Richard Frankel / Simone Genatt / Marc Routh / Tom Viertel) proudly announces the upcoming international release of the 2008 Original International Tour Cast Recording of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA starring Tony Award winner Lea Salonga available exclusively online beginning Tuesday, October 28, 2008.

In an exclusive arrangement with iTunes©, Broadway Asia Entertainment (producers Steven Baruch / Richard Frankel / Simone Genatt / Marc Routh / Tom Viertel) proudly announces the upcoming international release of the 2008 Original International Tour Cast Recording of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA starring Tony Award winner Lea Salonga available exclusively online beginning Tuesday, October 28, 2008.

THREADS THEATER COMPANY is pleased to announce the world premiere production of THE PEARL MERCHANT, directed by Misti B. Wills. THE PEARL MERCHANT will play a limited engagement at The Space (Times Square Arts Center, 300 West 43rd Street, Ste. 402.). Performances begin Tuesday, September 23 and continue through Saturday, October 4. Opening Night is Friday, September 26 (8 p.m.)

THREADS THEATER COMPANY is pleased to announce the world premiere production of THE PEARL MERCHANT, directed by Misti B. Wills. THE PEARL MERCHANT will play a limited engagement at The Space (Times Square Arts Center, 300 West 43rd Street, Ste. 402.). Performances begin Tuesday, September 23 and continue through Saturday, October 4. Opening Night is Friday, September 26 (8 p.m.)

Fidelity FutureStage enabled over 600 NYC students from 10 different public schools to get a real view into the world of Broadway theater. Students learn firsthand from industry professionals about acting, playwriting, directing and all the behind-the-scenes production. Each of the participating schools also had a play that was selected to represent them at the gala finale performed by the students.The Fidelity FutureStage Finale took place at New World Stages June 2nd and 3rd.

A new musical about the South African struggle for freedom from apartheid and the leaders of that movement will be based in part on a forthcoming memoir by Zindzi Mandela, assisted by South African theater veteran Welcome Msomi.