Tara Smith News

Apples and Oranges Arts is currently accepting applications for the Winter 2018 Phase I class of THEatre ACCELERATOR through December 15, 2017. Applying the model that accelerates technology start-ups, THEatre ACCELERATOR treats storytellers as founders creating an opportunity to interact with experts in storytelling, production, distribution, and mentors in the business of show business, technology and finance.

???????Can the world of musicals learn something from tech startups? Tim Kashani, who comes from both worlds, thinks so. This is the idea behind Apples and Oranges Studios' THEatre ACCELERATOR. Apples and Oranges Studios has produced Tony award-winning musicals such as AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, MEMPHIS, and HAIR.  

Dr. Barry F. Parker, a devoted and passionate author, has completed his new book 'Phantom Revelation': a gripping and enthralling page turner that will entice the reader.

Triptyk Studios has announced that Elie Landau, a 21-year Broadway industry veteran, who previously served as an Associate General Manager for 101 Productions Ltd, and whose producing credits span stage and film, has joined the company as Executive Producer.

Writer/Director Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights, You're Welcome America) and Funny Or Die have joined forces with Archie Comics,one of the most popular comics ever produced, to bring Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and the Riverdale gang to Broadway in an all-new musical.  McKay is slated to bring his singular brand of comedy to the musical, writing the book for the show, with a creative team and timing for a New York run to be announced at a later date.

At its recent June Board meeting, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' (DCPA) appointed Broadway producer Tara Smith as an incoming Trustee.

The Palace Theatre (Broadway at 47th Street) box office opens today Friday, February 6 for tickets to An American In Paris. Following an acclaimed tryout at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, An American In Paris begins final rehearsals for Broadway on Monday, February 9. Previews begin Friday, March 13, 2015 for a Sunday, April 12, 2015 opening night.

'Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories From the Underground Railroad' is in development as a stage musical from Broadway producer Tara Smith's Triptyk Studios, Brian LaRoda and Universal Stage Productions, with Wonder attached to provide the score.

NBC is bringing both the heartbreaking and uplifting stories during one of America's most tumultuous periods to television in adapting author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Betty DeRamus' acclaimed book “Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories From the Underground Railroad” as an epic eight-hour miniseries titled “Freedom Run.”

Tickets for the new Broadway musical An American in Paris are on sale today, Monday, November 10, for MasterCard cardholders who get early access to tickets now through November 23, 2014 via www.Ticketmaster.com/AAIP or by phone at 877-250-2929. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning December 7, 2014. Group tickets for Broadway on sale now through Group Sales Box Office at http://www.broadway.com/group-sales-box-office/ or by phone at 800-223-7565 or 212-398-8383.

As a finale to their award-winning year of free theatre, Oracle Productions has announced the opening of ROMULUS by Friedrich Durrenmatt, adapted by Gore Vidal. Kasey Foster makes her directorial debut with Kevin Cox playing the title role in this absurd satire that uses loose history to comment on a complicated present. ROMULUS opens today, October 11, 2014, and runs through November 22, 2014, at Oracle Theatre (3809 N. Broadway in Chicago). Performances are Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at 8PM; Sundays at 7PM.

As a finale to their award-winning year of free theatre, Oracle Productions has announced the opening of ROMULUS by Friedrich Durrenmatt, adapted by Gore Vidal. Kasey Foster makes her directorial debut with Kevin Cox playing the title role in this absurd satire that uses loose history to comment on a complicated present. ROMULUS opens October 11, 2014, and runs through November 22, 2014, at Oracle Theatre (3809 N. Broadway in Chicago). Performances are Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at 8PM; Sundays at 7PM. Press are invited to attend on October 11 - or any night during the run.

Lark Play Development Center and Playwrights of New York (PoNY) welcomed 7th PoNY Kimber Lee, the newest Lark/PoNY fellow to begin her one-year residency in the PoNY apartment in the heart of Manhattan's theater district.

The Queens Players in association with Femme Fatale Theater presents Euripides' timeless tragedy The Bacchae,in a production dripping with a sense of foreboding dark comedy and sexual menance this March 28th through April 13th at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City, Queens. Femme Fatale Theater Co-Founder Robert Ribar directs a cast lead by Peter Oliver ('Law & Order: Special Victims Unit') as the seductive god Dionysus and Michael Axelrod (The Flea's Restoration Comedy) as the doomed king Pentheus in a production that features an all-male chorus and an original ambient music score employing viola, clarinet and Gregorian chant. Meet the cast in the photos below!

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) announced today the eight musicals selected to be part of the 24th Annual Festival of New Musicals at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street).

Ten months after designing lingerie to lift women out of poverty, Cherie Amie co-founders Ryan Schuette and Tara Smith celebrated their Indiegogo drive to raise $15,000 with a small crowd in late August

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) announced today the eight musicals selected to be part of the 24th Annual Festival of New Musicals at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street).

Following a successful 23rd Annual Festival of New Musicals held in NYC Oct. 27-28. The National Alliance for Musical Theatre held a party at Southern Hospitality. This year's Festival attaracted over 650 people representing 300 organizations from around the country including Europe attending the eight new musicals that were presented. Over 100 creators, actors and musicians were involved. Check out photos from the big event below!