Seana McKenna News

Continuing its 2013-14 season, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) travels to 1940s Italy with A.C.T. favorite Marco Barricelli (former Artistic Director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz; Vigil at A.C.T.) and Canada's Stratford Festival star Seana McKenna (Phedre at A.C.T.), who return to lead the cast of Napoli!, Beatrice Basso and Linda Alper's vivid new translation of Eduardo De Filippo's poignant Italian comedy. During the chaotic days of World War II in Naples, an enterprising woman sets up a small-time black market business in the middle of her home to keep her family afloat. She prospers, but maybe a bit too much-compelling her husband to ask hard questions about morality, civility, and the state of their society. In a war-torn culture in which coffee is like liquid gold, De Filippo's masterful blend of humor and pathos tells the story of an unforgettable and wildly entertaining family determined to make a living even if it means profiteering. Directed by A.C.T. Associate Artistic Director Mark Rucker, this production culminates the Year of Italian Culture in the United States. Napoli! runs February 12-March 9, 2014 at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Press night is Wednesday, February 19, 2014. Tickets ($20 -$120) are on sale now and may be purchased online at act-sf.org or by calling 415.749.2228.

Voting is now underway for Toronto! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Toronto! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Toronto! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Toronto! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

MARY STUART, directed by Stratford Festival Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino; explores the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and her cousin Mary Stuart, the former queen of Scotland-and, and in the eyes of some, a more rightful heir to the English throne. The play was originally written by Friedrich Schiller. This production is based on the adaptation written by Peter Oswald. This production is gripping from start to finish. LUCY PEACOCK and SEANA MCKENNA shine as the feuding cousins. Audiences will not want to miss this fabulous production.

A hilarious battle of wits plays out in one of Noel Coward's most celebrated comedies, Blithe Spirit. Directed by long-time Stratford Festival favourite Brian Bedford, the gorgeously designed production officially opens tonight, June 1, and runs until October 20 at the Avon Theatre. Watch two scenes from the production below!

Examining the power struggle between two legendary monarchs, Mary Stuart offers a timely exploration of the often dangerous relationship between religion and politics. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, Friedrich Schiller's gripping historical drama, in a new version by Peter Oswald, begins previews on Friday, May 3, at the Tom Patterson Theatre. Check out highlights below!

A hilarious battle of wits plays out in one of Noel Coward's most celebrated comedies, Blithe Spirit. Directed by long-time Stratford Festival favourite Brian Bedford, the gorgeously designed production started previews on Thursday, May 16, at the Avon Theatre.

The Boston Theater Critics Association previously announced its nominations for the 31st Annual Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, will be presented tonight, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Examining the power struggle between two legendary monarchs, Mary Stuart offers a timely exploration of the often dangerous relationship between religion and politics. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, Friedrich Schiller's gripping historical drama, in a new version by Peter Oswald, begins previews on Friday, May 3, at the Tom Patterson Theatre.

The Boston Theater Critics Association has announced its nominations for the 31st Annual Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, will be presented on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston. Tickets are $30 (including post-party) and available by phone at 617-824-8000 or online www.nortonawardsboston.com. (Use "NortonSave" code to receive $5 off for the month of April only.) Sponsors for the 2013 awards ceremony include, ArtsEmerson, Actors' Equity Association, ArtsBoston, EdgeBoston, Emerson College, TheaterMania, The Boston Globe, WBUR, WERS and WGBH.

The Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) has announced its nominations for the 31st Annual Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, will be presented on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston. Click below to watch the announcement, and scroll down for a full list of the nominees!

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Artistic Director Carey Perloff announced today two additional productions for the company's 47th subscription season: Glen Berger's acclaimed solo drama, Underneath the Lintel, starring Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee David Strathairn, and Beatrice Basso and Linda Alper's new translation of Eduardo De Filippo's poignant Italian comedy, Napoli!, featuring A.C.T. favorites Marco Barricelli and Stratford Festival star Seana McKenna. These two productions join the previously announced 1776, A Christmas Carol, Major Barbara, Venus in Fur, and The Orphan of Zhao. The final production for the 2013-14 season will be announced at a later date.

The Stratford Festival has just announced that matinee performances of Mary Stuart have been added to the 2013 schedule on August 27 and September 20. Tickets are available online and through the box office.

Friedrich Schiller's MARY STUART will soon come to life on the Stratford Festival stage in a new version by Peter Oswald, directed by Antoni Cimolino. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast which includes Seana McKenna, Lucy Peacock and Brian Dennehy.

Vern Thiessen's play at Merrimack Repertory Theatre is a one-woman show about Shakespeare's wife and the strange bequest he left her in his will. Seana McKenna, lead actress of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, gives a riveting performance under the direction of Miles Potter.

The Stratford Festival's box office opens to the public this Saturday, January 5, at 9 a.m., with an online advance sale beginning at noon on Friday. Facebook fans, who want to use the Festival's new social ticketing app will be able to purchase tickets as of 9 a.m. today. Tickets are being offered at up to 25% off until January 31, with an opportunity to exchange dates with no added expense.