Second Stage Theatre News

As part of its continuing commitment to developing new works, Signature Theatre presents a one-weekend-only concert of Crossing, a musical by Matt Conner (Nevermore; The Hollow) and Grace Barnes (Nevermore, Zander's Boat). The concert will have four performances, all held on the weekend of October 20th through 21st in the MAX.

Yale Repertory Theatre, in a co-production with American Repertory Theater, presents the world premiere of Marie Antoinette by David Adjmi, directed by Rebecca Taichman. Marie Antoinette will be performed at Yale Repertory Theatre (1120 Chapel Street) October 26 through November 17. Opening Night is Thursday, November 1. The cast includes Fred Arsenault, Hannah Cabell, David Greenspan, Marin Ireland, Vin Knight, Jo Lampert, Polly Lee, Steven Rattazzi, Jake Silbermann, Teale Sperling, Brian Wiles, and Ashton Woerz.

Thomas Sadoski, a Tony nominee for his work in reasons to be pretty and who currently stars in HBO's The Newsroom, is set to appear in the world premiere production of Michael Golamco's Build in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse.

The Glass Menagerie opens tonight at the Performance Network Theatre and Ann Arbor's only resident professional theatre company is ready to take on the classic play by Tennessee Williams. Carla Milarch returns to the stage after five-year hiatus to portray one of more iconic roles in theatre, Williams' Amanda Wingfield.

Second Stage Theatre has canceled five preview performances of Jon Kern's world premiere comedy, Modern Terrorism, Or They Who Want To Kills Us and How We Learn To Love Them, due to actor illness. The canceled previews on Sunday, September 30, Tuesday, October 2, and both previews on Wednesday, October 3 have delayed the opening to Thursday, October 18. The production was originally scheduled to open on Monday, October 15. Ticket holders for all canceled shows are being accommodated on later dates. Previews are scheduled to resume on Thursday, October 4.

Janet Brenner and Michael Coco will present Fiction in Photographs, a new musical featuring the music and lyrics of Dan Mills, conceived and directed by Randy Redd, and featuring the photography of Sasha Israel. Three free presentations, open to the public, will be offered at the New World Stages/Stage 1 (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues) on Wednesday October 10th (4pm), Thursday October 11th (7pm) and Friday October 12th (7pm).

The Old Globe presents the San Diego Premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire's Good People, the award-winning play about class divisions in modern-day Boston. Directed by Paul Mullins, Good People runs now through Oct. 28, 2012 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Opening night is Thursday, Oct. 4 at 8:00 p.m. Click on the video below and meet the cast!

The Old Globe presents the San Diego Premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire's Good People, the award-winning play about class divisions in modern-day Boston. Directed by Paul Mullins, Good People runs now through Oct. 28, 2012 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Opening night is Thursday, Oct. 4 at 8:00 p.m. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

This holiday season, Berkeley Repertory Theatre welcomes back a beloved artist for an alluring and hypnotic world-premiere production. Mary Zimmerman is mesmerizing. From Metamorphoses to The Arabian Nights, audiences have embraced her enchanting adaptations of epic tales. Now the Tony Award-winning director casts a spell with The White Snake, a classic romance from Chinese legend. As she falls for a charming young man, a snake spirit discovers what it means to be human. But a monk objects, and the bride must unveil her magical powers to save their love.

Second Stage Theatre presents the world premiere comedy, MODERN TERRORISM, OR THEY WHO WANT TO KILL US AND HOW WE LEARN TO LOVE THEM. The company will feature Utkarsh Ambudkar (Second Stage's Animals Out of Paper and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Diety), Steven Boyer (Obie Award-winner for Hand to God), William Jackson Harper (Ruined), and Nitya Vidyasagar (The Glorious Ones, Leela on "Sesame Street"). Check out just-released production shots below!

Mondays in October, Broadway actress Lindsay Mendez (Dogfight, Godspell) and award-winning composer-lyricist Ryan Scott Oliver (35mm, Darling) will team-up for "ACTOR THERAPY," a series of master classes for performers looking to improve their auditions, build a better book, and expand their understanding of what it means to be an actor and song interpreter in New York today.

Stage and screen star Sanaa Lathan (A Raisin in the Sun, Contagion) returns to the title role in Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage's By the Way, Meet Vera Stark for its West Coast premiere at the Geffen Playhouse. Lathan, who originated the character of Vera Stark in the critically acclaimed New York run, once again takes the stage as the 1930's era maid turned movie star, reunited with original cast member Kimberly Hebert Gregory (Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer) reprising her role as fellow aspiring African American actress Lottie. By the Way, Meet Vera Stark opened at the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse on September 26, 2012. Check out photos of the stars at opening night below!

Beginning performances on Tuesday, October 16th, ALLI MAUZEY will return to the role of Glinda in the Broadway company of WICKED. Ms. Mauzey played the role of Glinda on Broadway in 2009 and returns to the Gershwin Theatre directly from WICKED'S National Tour.

Dallas Theater Center continues its exciting and conversation-provoking 2012-2013 season with the regional premiere of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. This unique experience will transport audience members into the thrilling and aggressive world of professional wrestling, complete with a wrestling ring, while weaving a story of power and class in America. The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity runs at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre Friday, October 19 - Sunday, November 11.

Stage and screen star Sanaa Lathan (A Raisin in the Sun, Contagion) returns to the title role in Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage's By the Way, Meet Vera Stark for its West Coast premiere at the Geffen Playhouse. Lathan, who originated the character of Vera Stark in the critically acclaimed New York run, will once again take the stage as the 1930's era maid turned movie star, reunited with original cast member Kimberly Hebert Gregory (Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer) reprising her role as fellow aspiring African American actress Lottie. Get a first look at the stars onstage below!

Mondays in October, Broadway actress Lindsay Mendez (Dogfight, Godspell) and award-winning composer-lyricist Ryan Scott Oliver (35mm, Darling) will team-up for "ACTOR THERAPY," a series of master classes for performers looking to improve their auditions, build a better book, and expand their understanding of what it means to be an actor and song interpreter in New York today.

Continuing its commitment to nurturing and producing the next generation of musical theatre artists, Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director) has awarded its first annual Donna Perret Rosen Award for excellence in musical theatre to composer/lyricist Adam Gwon. The $10,000 award was established at the off-Broadway company's 2011 gala to honor Second Stage Theatre trustee Donna Perret Rosen in recognition of her long-standing commitment to young artists and new works. The award was chosen by Tony Award winners James Lapine, Susan Stroman, and Jack Viertel.

Though the script has some deficiencies that even the talented cast and director can't overcome, Diaz's creation does have a lot of heart and he deserves kudos for originality. Woolly starts its season strong with this show.

Labyrinth Theater Company, the award-winning, downtown ensemble has announced their Fall lineup of free play readings for the 13th Annual Barn Series, to be held at the Bank Street Theater in Manhattan's West Village throughout the Company's 2012/13 Season.

To coincide with the ongoing presidential campaign, the Huntington Theatre Company will stage the American premiere of Now or Later, Christopher Shinn's timely political drama about our freedoms. Drama Desk and Outer Critic's Circle Award winner Michael Wilson, who recently helmed the acclaimed Broadway production of Gore Vidal's presidential drama The Best Man, directs the new production.