Second Stage Theatre News

Due to overwhelming ticket demand, Second Stage Theatre's critically acclaimed production of Gina Gionfriddo's comedy, BECKY SHAW, has extended six weeks, through March 15. Directed by Peter DuBois, BECKY SHAW features David Wilson Barnes, Emily Bergl, Kelly Bishop, Annie Parisse, and Thomas Sadoski. The production opened on Thursday, January 8 and was originally scheduled to run through February 1. Tickets are available through www.2ST.com or by calling 212-246-4422. Second Stage Theatre is located at 307 West 43rd street.

South Coast Repertory's Artistic Directors, David Emmes and Martin Benson, today announced the cast and creative team for the World Premiere of Richard Greenberg's Our Mother's Brief Affair, about two adult siblings who reunite to tend to their elderly mother and their astonishment to learn about her long-ago love affair. Commissioned by SCR and directed by Pam MacKinnon, Our Mother's Brief Affair will run from April 3 through May 3 on the Segerstrom Stage. Low-priced previews are available from April 3 through April 9. Opening night is April 10. Press night is Saturday, April 11 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to Our Mother's Brief Affair may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.

Broadway heats up this summer when three-time Emmy Award nominee and 'Grey's Anatomy' star Chandra Wilson steps into the celebrated role of Matron 'Mama' Morton, the reigning cellblock diva of the smash hit musical CHICAGO, for a four-week limited engagement, Monday, June 8 through Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.).

Ghostlight Records recently recorded the Cast Album of the critically acclaimed new musical Next to Normal. Recording dates were February 11th and 12th in New York City, with a release date this spring to be announced soon. Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records President Kurt Deutsch and Grammy Award-winner Joel Moss produce the album. The cover art for the upcoming CD was released and we bring it to you right here on BroadwayWorld.com!

Due to a scheduling conflict with Director Scott Ellis, Douglas Carter Beane's new comedy, Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, has been postponed from Second Stage Theatre's season, announced Artistic Director Carole Rothman. A new mainstage summer production will be announced shortly. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch had been scheduled to begin previews on June 16.

CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY begins Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:00pm, by Lynn Nottage Directed by Seret Scott, with Laura Heisler ( Doris to Darlene, The Mistakes Madeline Made), Sadrina Johnson (The Book of Lambert, Southern Promises), Billy Eugene Jones (A Raisin in the Sun), Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer, Seven Guitars at Signature, and American Plan at Manhattan Theatre Club), Amina S. Robinson (Mamma Mia!) Commissioned by Second Stage Theatre in 1992

CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY begins Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:00pm, by Lynn Nottage Directed by Seret Scott, with Laura Heisler ( Doris to Darlene, The Mistakes Madeline Made), Sadrina Johnson (The Book of Lambert, Southern Promises), Billy Eugene Jones (A Raisin in the Sun), Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer, Seven Guitars at Signature, and American Plan at Manhattan Theatre Club), Amina S. Robinson (Mamma Mia!) Commissioned by Second Stage Theatre in 1992

April is the cruelest - and most hilarious - month at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, when Les Waters lets loose with another shocking script from Martin McDonagh. In 2007, the Obie Award-winning director scored a direct hit with his extended run of The Pillowman; since then, the Academy Award-winning author released his first feature film, In Bruges. Now Berkeley Rep reenlists these seasoned artists for another vicious comedy: The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Staged in the state-of-the-art Roda Theatre, this edgy farce begins previews on April 17, opens April 22, and closes May 17. BART and Wells Fargo serve as season sponsors for Berkeley Rep's 41st year of fearless theatre, and the executive producers for this show are Marjorie Randolph, Betty and Jack Schafer, and Philip and Shirley Schild.

Broadway darlings Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich are slated to headline Los Angeles? Catalina Jazz Club on March 19, 2009, 8pm it was announced today by their concert promoters, Spot-On Entertainment. Joining Heisler and Goldrich will be a bevy of musical talents including Broadway stars Susan Egan and Adam Hunter along with Dave Barrus, David Goldsmith, Mike Croiter and Sarah O?Brien. Reservations are currently available and can be made by calling (323) 466-2210.

Pandora Productions proudly presents the Louisville debut of Douglas Carter Beane's hit Broadway comedy The Little Dog Laughed, at the Henry Clay Theatre, with an exclusive three week engagement beginning Thursday evening, February 26.

David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, and Second Stage Theatre have announced that the upcoming Broadway musical, NEXT TO NORMAL, will play Broadway's Booth Theatre instead of the previously announced Longacre Theatre. Previews will still begin on Friday, March 27 and opening night remains Wednesday, April 15. The Booth Theatre is located at 222 West 45th street.

McCarter Theatre Center announces the complete cast of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, directed by Rebecca Taichman. A co-production with Washington, D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre Company, Twelfth Night begins performances in the Matthews Theatre on Tuesday, March 10 and runs until March 29. (Press opening Friday, March 13). Shipwrecked in a foreign land without family, friends or possessions-what's a girl to do? Identity is under siege in the labyrinth of misconceptions that is Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's bewitching comedy of unquenchable desire, self-deception and misdirected love. This fantastical, timeless production-helmed by rising-star director Rebecca Taichman-is a real sensualist's delight: full of longing 'all as hungry as the sea' and awash in ethereal charm.

Producers David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, and Second Stage Theatre have announced that the original musical, Next to Normal, will come to Broadway this spring, direct from its critically-acclaimed engagement at Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage, beginning preview performances at the Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) on Friday, March 27th and officially opening on Wednesday, April 15.

Pandora Productions proudly presents the Louisville debut of Douglas Carter Beane's hit Broadway comedy The Little Dog Laughed, at the Henry Clay Theatre, with an exclusive three week engagement beginning Thursday evening, February 26.

YALE SCHOOL OF DRAMA (James Bundy, Dean; Victoria Nolan, Deputy Dean) presents the musical JELLY'S LAST JAM, book by George C. Wolfe, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, music by Jelly Roll Morton and Luther Henderson, directed by Patricia McGregor, February 13-18 at the University Theatre (222 York Street, New Haven).

Phoenix Entertainment is pleased to announce that the Tony Award-winning musical comedy THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, is coming to Grand Rapids' DeVos Performance Hall from April 7-11, 2009 for 7 performances. Tickets are now on sale. SPELLING BEE is directed by James Lapine, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner (Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods) who also directed the Broadway production. The musical, conceived by Rebecca Feldman, with additional material written by Jay Reiss, features music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner William Finn (Falsettos, Elegies, A New Brain) and a Tony Award-winning book by Rachel Sheinkin. SPELLING BEE features scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Jennifer Caprio, lighting design by Charlie Morrison, sound design by Craig Cassidy and choreography by Dan Knechtges.

Beginning performances Tuesday, February 10, Dashiell Eaves will join the cast of the hit comedy, BECKY SHAW. Mr. Eaves will play the role of Andrew. The remainder of the acclaimed cast - David Wilson Barnes, Emily Bergl, Kelly Bishop, and Annie Parisse - continue with the production.

Second Stage Theatre celebrated its annual All-Star Bowling Classic on Monday, February 2nd Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge. For over 21 years, stars of stage and screen have come out to bowl in support of Second Stage's award-winning seasons and to assist the theatre in its fund-raising efforts. BWW joined in on all the starry fun!

Berkeley Repertory Theatre greets the new year by proudly presenting its 50th world premiere, a new comedy about marriage, intimacy, and electricity from the creators of Eurydice. Celebrated playwright Sarah Ruhl and Obie Award-winning director Les Waters come together again for the debut of In the Next Room (or the vibrator play). Commissioned by Berkeley Rep and staged in the state-of-the-art Roda Theatre, this hotly anticipated play begins previews on January 30, opens February 4, and closes March 15. BART and Wells Fargo serve as season sponsors for Berkeley Rep's 41st year of fearless theatre, and the executive producer for this show is the Strauch Kulhanjian Family.