Richard Hoover News

Arthur Miller's 1953 play THE CRUCIBLE is a classic of the American theater, and dramatizes one of the greatest failings of the American, or rather pre-American, judicial system. During the infamous Salem witch trials of the late 17th Century, twenty people were put to death for the crime of witchcraft, following a long history of the execution of 'witches' in Europe. Arthur Miller explores the larger themes of this horrible incident through a very personal story of one affected family, making the play at once intimate and epic. Despite being over 60 years old, the themes of religious fanaticism, mob mentality, and persecution of people who are different are sadly as current as they were during the McCarthy era when the play was written. The Guthrie's grand production of this classic with a cast chock-full of talent is truly something to behold.

On February 23 and 24, 2015, the pilot episode of composer Lisa Bielawa's serial opera Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch's Accuser will be videotaped at The Yost Theater in Santa Ana (307 North Spurgeon St.). Two taping sessions, each of a different scene from the opera, will be open to the public, free of charge, at 7pm on February 23 and 5pm on February 24 (limited availability, online RSVPs are required at http://bit.ly/RSVPVireo).Vireo's 25-minute pilot episode will air on March 31, 2015, and will feature the Kronos Quartet, mezzo-sopranoLaurie Rubin, the San Francisco Girls Chorus, the Orange County School of the Arts Middle School Choir, mezzo-soprano Maria Lazarova, baritone Gregory Purnhagen, drummer Matthias Bossi, and in the title role ofVireo, 16-year-old soprano Rowen Sabala.

Drama Desk and Tony Award winner Laura Benanti ('The Sound of Music Live!', Gypsy, Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) will host the 59th Annual Drama Desk Awards tonight, June 1, 2014 at 8:00 PM at The Town Hall (123 W. 43rd Street). BroadwayWorld will be updating you with winners throughout the night. Check back later for the full list!

Eligibility and award category designations for the productions under consideration this season were determined by the Drama Desk board of directors with recommendations from the nominating committee. Because of the abundance of great work throughout the season, the Board also authorized the increase in the number of nominees allowed in select categories.

William Finn and James Lapine's sluggish new musical only occasionally hints at the brilliance of its creators.

John Pollono's terrific new play starts as a genial comedy, but switches gears with a fast and hard entrance into the danger zone.

Tony Award nominee WILL SWENSON (Priscilla: Queen of the Desert; Hair) will play the role of Richard Hoover in the upcoming off-Broadway musical comedy, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, with book and direction by Tony Award-Winner JAMES LAPINE and music and lyrics by Tony Award Winner WILLIAM FINN. Mr. Swenson replaces the previously announced Will Chase.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director) has found its LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Nine-year old HANNAH ROSE NORDBERG will play Olive Hoover, who aspires to the coveted title of 'Little Miss Sunshine,' in this new musical comedy from Tony Award winners JAMES LAPINE (book/direction) and WILLIAM FINN (music and lyrics).

The New York Times Arts Blog reports that Stephanie J. Block and Will Chase will star in the Second Stage Theater's upcoming production of the new musical LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. The actors recently received Tony nominations for their co-starring roles in Broadway's 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'

Time Warner Inc. and Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day by hosting a special screening of Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' new film "42."

The Open Fist Theatre Company has announced that its smash-hit, critically-acclaimed production of FOOTE NOTES, written by Horton Foote and directed by Scott Paulin is extending again through Saturday, February 23 at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

The Art Directors Guild (ADG) today announced nominations in nine categories of Production Design for theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials and music videos competing in the ADG's 17th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards Presented by BMW for 2012.

The Open Fist Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that its smash-hit, critically-acclaimed production of FOOTE NOTES, written by Horton Foote and directed by Scott Paulin is extending through Saturday, February 9 at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

The Open Fist Theatre Company is thrilled to present FOOTE NOTES, written by Horton Foote and directed by Scott Paulin whose previous directorial Foote offerings have been critically-acclaimed (Harrison, Texas, The Roads to Home, Getteng Frankie Married…and Afterwards). Mr. Paulin's previous collection of one-acts Harrison, TX just closed a sold-out run in New York. FOOTE NOTES, will preview today, November 2, at 8pm; Saturday, November 3 at 8pm and Thursday, November 8 at 8pm and will open today, November 9 at 8pm and runs through Saturday, December 15 at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

The Open Fist Theatre Company is thrilled to present FOOTE NOTES, written by Horton Foote and directed by Scott Paulin whose previous directorial Foote offerings have been critically-acclaimed (Harrison, Texas, The Roads to Home, Getteng Frankie Married…and Afterwards). Mr. Paulin's previous collection of one-acts Harrison, TX just closed a sold-out run in New York. FOOTE NOTES, will preview on Friday, November 2, at 8pm; Saturday, November 3 at 8pm and Thursday, November 8 at 8pm and will open on Friday, November 9 at 8pm and runs through Saturday, December 15 at the Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

With the recent passing of Rodney King and in the 20th anniversary year of the Los Angeles riots, Great Performances brings Smith's remarkable dramatic work back to public television viewers across America when it presents an encore presentation of Marc Levin's film adaptation of Twilight: Los Angeles, tonight, August 24 at 9 p.m. ET.

With the recent passing of Rodney King and in the 20th anniversary year of the Los Angeles riots, Great Performances brings Smith's remarkable dramatic work back to public television viewers across America when it presents an encore presentation of Marc Levin's film adaptation of Twilight: Los Angeles, Friday, August 24 at 9 p.m. ET.