Russ Kaplan News

Primary Stages (Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Shane D. Hudson, Executive Director; Casey Childs, Founder) announced today that it will postpone its production of On That Day in Amsterdam, written by Clarence Coo (Beautiful Province (Belle Province -a?"Yale Drama Prize), which was planned to begin previews Friday, November 1 at the Cherry Lane Theatre. Ticketholders can contact their point of purchase for a refund. A new timeline for On That Day in Amsterdam will be determined and announced at a later date.

Music Theatre International (MTI) has secured worldwide licensing rights to the Broadway musical In Transit.

For the first time, The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves will take center stage in a new live musical debuting this holiday season. Inspired by the beloved box set The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, this touring stage production will give families an exclusive glimpse into the magical world of Santa's North Pole through indelible song and dance numbers and a heartwarming tale about Christmas spirit. THE ELF ON THE SHELF: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL comes to the Majestic Theatre (224 E. Houston St.) in San Antonio, TX on December 28, 2019 at 7PM. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, July 25 at 10AM.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical - the beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere comes to the life stage for the first time ever in this all-new musical and premiere stage production. The musical opens with a friendly Elf on the Shelf named Tater Tot speaking directly to the audience. When Tater Tot, top Scout Elf of his graduating class is sent to a disconnected, multi-generational family struggle to rediscover Christmas spirit, he's got to find a way off the shelf and into their hearts. This toe-tapping, heartwarming story of one small elf's big impact on his adoptive family includes an exclusive invitation to Santa's North Pole and engages audiences with a glimpse into the magical live of Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and wondrous moments that make even the most cynical believe, this momentous celebration of the season leaves spirits high and captivates all with the splendor of Christmas.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center announces casting and creative teams for the summer season of new musicals and plays selected for development at the National Music Theater Conference and National Playwrights Conference.

For the first time, The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves will take center stage in a new live musical debuting this holiday season. Inspired by the beloved box set The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, this touring stage production will give families an exclusive glimpse into the magical world of Santa's North Pole through unforgettable song and dance numbers and a heartwarming tale about Christmas spirit.

This past Tuesday, April 23rd New York City Children's Theater hosted their Annual Gala at The Edison Ballroom, 240 W. 47th Street, New York City.

Daniel Breaker (Hamilton), Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) and Joanna A. Jones (Hamilton) will be the featured vocalists in the March 10th installment of 'Russ Kaplan's Broadway Jazz Session,' the popular series which presents In Transit composer Kaplan's innovative jazz interpretations of current Broadway favorites.

The Acting Company (Ian Belknap, Artistic Director; Elisa Spencer-Kaplan, Executive Director) honored director and artistic leader Bill Rauch and the married civic leaders Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel and Ambassador Carl Spielvogel- individuals whose exemplary work aligns with the artistic and educational ideals of the storied repertory company that produces nationally recognized theater productions and arts education programs-at the Company's 2018 Fall Gala, on November 12. Held at the historic Metropolitan Club (One East 60th Street), the event raised nearly $400,000 and brought together awards, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, dinner, and cocktails in celebration of theater and its contribution to American society. Tony Award-winner and The Acting Company alumna Harriet Harris hosted, with performances by Joanna A. Jones (Hamilton) and Tatiana Wechsler, featuring Russ Kaplan's Broadway Jazz. 

The Acting Company (Ian Belknap, Artistic Director; Elisa Spencer-Kaplan, Executive Director) will honor director and artistic leader Bill Rauch and the married civic leaders Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel and Ambassador Carl Spielvogel- individuals whose exemplary work aligns with the artistic and educational ideals of the storied repertory company that produces nationally recognized theater productions and arts education programs-at the Company's 2018 Fall Gala, on November 12.

Broadway's newest intimate concert venue - welcomes back Stephanie's Child, New York's premier pop-vocal drag trio, for their one-year anniversary concert on Friday, August 10 at 9:30 PM. Hailed as one of the "Best LGBT Events in New York" from Time Out New York, the Stephanie's Child residency features tight harmonies, pop hits, hilarious original parodies and surprise special guests.

Primary Stages (Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Shane D. Hudson, Executive Director; Casey Childs, Founder) is proud to announce complete casting today for the first two productions of their 2018/19 season: Final Follies, by A.R. Gurney (Love Letters, Sylvia, Black Tie at Primary Stages) and directed by David Saint (Clever Little Lies), and Downstairs by Theresa Rebeck ("Smash," Dead Accounts, Poor Behavior at Primary Stages), directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt (What We're Up Against). All performances will take place at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St, New York, NY, 10014).

THE GREEN ROOM 42 - Broadway's newest intimate concert venue - will present the return of RUSS KAPLAN's "Broadway Jazz Session" on Sunday, August 12 at 7:00 PM. Kaplan, composer of Broadway's musical In Transit, brings back his ferocious eight-piece band for their bi-monthly series.

Kaufman Music Center's annual showcase of some of the best new musicals headed to New York theaters will include shows by Academy Award Winner and 'Let It Go' songwriter KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ ('Frozen') and RICK ELICE ('Jersey Boys,' 'Peter and the Starcatcher'), plus music director ANDY EINHORN ('Bullets Over Broadway, 'Sondheim on Sondheim' & the upcoming 'Hello, Dolly' starring Bette Midler). Featuring performances by BETSY WOLFE ('Falsettos'), SEBASTIAN ARCELUS ('Jersey Boys,' TV series 'House of Cards' and 'Madam Secretary'), DREW GEHLING ('Waitress') and many more.

Kaufman Music Center's annual showcase of some of the best new musicals headed to New York theaters will include shows by Academy Award Winner and 'Let It Go' songwriter KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ ('Frozen') and RICK ELICE ('Jersey Boys,' 'Peter and the Starcatcher'), plus music director ANDY EINHORN ('Bullets Over Broadway, 'Sondheim on Sondheim' & the upcoming 'Hello, Dolly' starring Bette Midler). Featuring performances by BETSY WOLFE ('Falsettos'), SEBASTIAN ARCELUS ('Jersey Boys,' TV series 'House of Cards' and 'Madam Secretary'), DREW GEHLING ('Waitress') and many more.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center announces casting and creative teams for the summer season of new musicals and plays selected for development at the National Music Theater Conference and National Playwrights Conference.

Joanna A. Jones (Hamilton) and jazz vocalist Ryan Kelly will be the featured vocalists in the June 3rd installment of 'Russ Kaplan's Broadway Jazz Session,' the popular series which presents In Transit composer Kaplan's innovative jazz interpretations of current Broadway favorites.

Primary Stages' (Casey Childs, Founder & Executive Producer; Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Shane D. Hudson, Executive Director) 2018 Spring Fling benefitting their Free Student Matinee Program will take place tonight, Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 6:00 pm. The event will be held at Ramscale Studio (463 West Street) and will honor Kimberly Senior (Disgraced, Discord) with the Einhorn Mentorship Award.

Primary Stages (Casey Childs, Founder & Executive Producer; Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Shane D. Hudson, Executive Director) announced today that the Primary Stages 2018 Spring Fling will benefit their Free Student Matinee Program on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 6:00 pm.