Second Stage Theatre News

Josh Young presents Cutting-Edge Composers, A New Generation of Musical Theater Songwriters

New York's OBIE Award-winning Epic TheatreEnsemble (Zak Berkman, Melissa Friedman, Ron Russell, Founding Executive Directors) has announced its 9 th Anniversary Season of new works: the world premiere of Mahida's Extra Key To Heaven by Russell Davis, and the New York Premiere of Passion Play by Sarah Ruhl. Also scheduled is Shakespeare Remix MacBeth a collaboration with Epic's unrivaled After School Shakespeare Program at Chelsea High School.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director, Ellen Richard, Executive Director) continues this summer's Second Stage Theatre Uptown Series with the world premiere of Lila Rose Kaplan's Wildflower. Directed by Giovanna Sardelli, Wildflower features Nadia Bowers, Ron Cephas Jones, Quincy Dunn-Baker, Jake O'Connor and Renée Felice Smith. Previews begin Monday, July 13 and opening night is Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm.

From the genius who created the smash hit, 'Rent,' comes 'tick, tick...BOOM!,' a vital American musical about a young artist on the verge in New York City. Westport Country Playhouse, Westport, Connecticut, stages this lesser-known work by Jonathan Larson through July 18.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) will conclude its 30th Anniversary mainstage season with the New York premiere of VANITIES, a new musical written by Jack Heifner, featuring music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by Judith Ivey. With musical staging by Dan Knechtges, VANITIES will feature Lauren Kennedy, Sarah Stiles, and Anneliese van der Pol and will begin preview performances on Thursday, July 2. Opening night is Thursday, July 16 at 6:30pm

Pasadena Playhouse Board of Directors (Board Chairman Michele Dedeaux Engemann and Vice-Chairman Sheila Grether-Marion) announced today that Stephen Eich has been named Executive Director of Pasadena Playhouse. Eich will assume his new position on July 1, 2009.

Ellen Richard will leave her position as Executive Director of Second Stage Theatre on June 30. During Ms. Richard's three year tenure, the acclaimed off-Broadway company acquired the right to purchase Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre and saw significant growth in subscription income, single ticket sales, and individual giving.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) will conclude its 30th Anniversary mainstage season with the New York premiere of VANITIES, a new musical written by Jack Heifner, featuring music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by Judith Ivey.

From the genius who created the smash hit, 'Rent,' comes 'tick, tick...BOOM!,' a vital American musical about a young artist on the verge in New York City. Westport Country Playhouse, Westport, Connecticut, will stage this lesser-known work by Jonathan Larson, June 23 through July 18. The director is Scott Schwartz, who helmed the original off-Broadway production of 'tick, tick... BOOM!,' winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for outstanding musical.

With 'THE BROADWAY LOCAL', World MasterCard celebrates the creative theatre professionals who bring their talents to the city's Broadway stages and call the Big Apple home.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director, Ellen Richard, Executive Director) continues this summer's Second Stage Theatre Uptown Series with the world premiere of Lila Rose Kaplan's Wildflower. Directed by Giovanna Sardelli, Wildflower features Nadia Bowers, Ron Cephas Jones, Quincy Dunn-Baker, Jake O'Connor and Renée Felice Smith. Previews begin Monday, July 13 and opening night is Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm.

'Grey's Anatomy' star Chandra Wilson has stepped into the celebrated role of Matron 'Mama' Morton, the reigning cellblock diva of the smash hit musical CHICAGO. Chandra Wilson has joined the production for a four-week limited engagement which began, Monday, June 8th. She will perform in the production through Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.). BroadwayWorld.com's cameras were there as she welcomed 'Grey's Anatomy' creator Shonda Rhimes backstage after the Monday June 22nd performance!

From the genius who created the smash hit, 'Rent,' comes 'tick, tick...BOOM!,' a vital American musical about a young artist on the verge in New York City. Westport Country Playhouse, Westport, Connecticut, will stage this lesser-known work by Jonathan Larson, June 23 through July 18.

Ellen Richard will leave her position as Executive Director of Second Stage Theatre on June 30. During Ms. Richard's three year tenure, the acclaimed off-Broadway company acquired the right to purchase Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre and saw significant growth in subscription income, single ticket sales, and individual giving.

The Hartman Group has announced that it will begin business on Monday, June 15, 2009. As previously announced, Barlow-Hartman Public Relations will cease operations after 10 successful years in business, on June 14, 2009.

Ars Nova presents, as part of the Out Loud series, a FREE reading of: MARGIE & JOSEPHINE by Carly Mensch, directed by Jason Eagan.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) has extended its run of Dick Scanlan and Sherie Rene Scott's EVERYDAY RAPTURE two weeks, through June 14. Directed by Michael Mayer, EVERYDAY RAPTURE stars Ms. Scott and also features Eamon Foley, Lindsey Mendez, and Betsy Wolfe.

The Hartman Group has announced that it will begin business on Monday, June 15, 2009. As previously announced, Barlow-Hartman Public Relations will cease operations after 10 successful years in business, on June 14, 2009.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) will conclude its 30th Anniversary mainstage season with the New York premiere of VANITIES, a new musical written by Jack Heifner, featuring music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by Judith Ivey. With musical staging by Dan Knechtges, VANITIES will feature Lauren Kennedy, Sarah Stiles, and Anneliese van der Pol and will begin preview performances on Thursday, July 2. Opening night is Thursday, July 16 at 6:30pm

Ars Nova presents, as part of the Out Loud series, a FREE reading of: MARGIE & JOSEPHINE by Carly Mensch, directed by Jason Eagan.