Ruth Draper News

The Public Theater has announced complete casting for KING LEAR, the second show of The Public's free Shakespeare in the Park season at the Delacorte. Featuring the previously announced John Lithgow as Lear, this enduring tragedy will begin performances on Tuesday, July 22 and run through Sunday, August 17, with an official press opening on Tuesday, August 5.

Four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening returns to the Geffen Playhouse for the world premiere of Ruth Draper's Monologues. A pioneer in 20th century drama, Ruth Draper was described as, "the greatest individual performer that America has ever given us." BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

Ruth Draper's Monologues/written by Ruth Draper/directed & performed by Annette Bening/Geffen Playhouse/through May 18

Berkeley Repertory Theatre welcomes comedian and radio talk-show host Brian Copeland for the 10th anniversary presentation of his critically acclaimed show, Not a Genuine Black Man. After over 700 performances in its initial seven-year run in more than 30 cities, the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history comes to Berkeley Rep this April for a limited engagement. In Not a Genuine Black Man, Copeland recounts his story of growing up black in the 1970s in San Leandro, California, a city once nationally known as one of the most racist in America. With wit and heartfelt passion, he explores the themes of racial identity and, ultimately, belonging. 'Very funny,' raves the San Francisco Chronicle. 'Copeland is a winning, magnetic performer. More than that, he's got an important tale to tell!' Directed and developed in part by David Ford, Not a Genuine Black Man previews on April 23, 2014, opens April 25, 2014, and plays through May 31, 2014.

Today Berkeley Repertory Theatre announces the 10th anniversary presentation of Brian Copeland's Not a Genuine Black Man, the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history. After over 700 performances in its initial seven-year run in more than 30 cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as off Broadway, Copeland's acclaimed show comes to Berkeley Rep's Osher Studio for 18 performances this April. Copeland, a writer, actor, comedian, and radio talk-show host, recounts his story of growing up black in the 1970s in San Leandro, California, a city once nationally known as one of the most racist in America. With wit and heartfelt passion, he explores the themes of racial identity and ultimately, belonging. "Very funny," raved the San Francisco Chronicle. "Copeland is a winning, magnetic performer. More than that, he's got an important tale to tell!" Directed and developed in part by David Ford, Not a Genuine Black Man previews on April 23, 2014, opens April 25, 2014, and plays through May 31, 2014. Tickets are on sale now.

In the footsteps of classic comic character monologists such as Ruth Draper, Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin, the Texas-born acclaimed vocalist and performance artist, Amber Martin, once again brings her award winning chops to Joe's Pub... This time, for the premiere of Reba C*untry!

Amber Martin, Tori Scott, Never Sleep Alone, Nikki M. James, Erin Markey, Bridget Everett, Andrea Marcovicci, Lady Rizo, Julie Klausner, Our Lady J, Tammy Faye Starlite, Jackie Hoffman, Sandra Bernhard and Pam Ann are set for the 'Women of Comedy and Cabaret' series at Joe's Pub at the Public, running October to December 2013. Details below!

Amber Martin, Tori Scott, Never Sleep Alone, Nikki M. James, Erin Markey, Bridget Everett, Andrea Marcovicci, Lady Rizo, Julie Klausner, Our Lady J, Tammy Faye Starlite, Jackie Hoffman, Sandra Bernhard and Pam Ann are set for the 'Women of Comedy and Cabaret' series at Joe's Pub at the Public, running October to December 2013. Details below!

This week at Joe's Pub at the Public, Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, features performances by LUKE WINSLOW KING & HIS BAND, BRIDGET EVERETT & THE TENDER MOMENTS, THE HOT SARDINES, CARTE BLANCHE, JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND, FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME, JILLETTE JOHNSON, ALLEN TOUSSAINT: CD RELEASE, SPENCER DAY, and REBA C*NTRY! STARRING AMBER MARTINAS REBA MCENTIRE.

In the footsteps of classic comic character monologists such as Ruth Draper, Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin, the Texas-born acclaimed vocalist and performance artist, Amber Martin, once again brings her award winning chops to Joe's Pub... This time, for the premiere of Reba C*untry!

Before stage and screen comedy legend Lily Tomlin takes the stage for 'An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin' at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Saturday, June 22, the two-time Tony Award winner spoke candidly with BroadwayWorld's Michael Lawrence Quintos about her influences, her work in the theater, and why she would probably never do a Broadway musical anytime soon.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular "Backstage" with Susie Mosheris the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - 'The Callback," and more:

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular 'Backstage' with Susie Mosheris the '54 Piano Bar,' a new vocal competition - 'The Callback,' and more:

The Geffen Playhouse announces the remaining production in its 2013/2014 season will feature acclaimed actress Annette Bening performing a selection of monologues created and first performed by Ruth Draper. A pioneer in 20th century drama, Ruth Draper was described as, "the greatest individual performer that America has ever given."

The Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company has announced that it has received a $1,500 grant from the prestigious Puffin Foundation to help fund two performances of '“Emma Goldman: My Life.' In 2008, ELTC received funding from this foundation to take its 'Paul Robeson Through His Words and Music' to Saint James Presbyterian Church in Harlem.