Here’s my interview with director Casey Stangl on her vision for Alabaster, a darkly comic Southern drama by Audrey Cefaly about two women dealing with physical and emotional scars that was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, opening at the Fountain Theater on February 16.
Pulitzer Prize finalist Will Arbery confronts humanity’s darkest fears with humor, warmth, and the fortitude of municipal public servants in this play about climate and change.
The Fountain Theatre will present the Los Angeles premiere of Alabaster, a funny and poignant new play about healing and the power of women by Audrey Cefaly. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
The Fountain Theatre will present the Los Angeles premiere of Alabaster, a funny and poignant new play about healing and the power of women by Audrey Cefaly. Learn how to purchase tickets.
As the year winds down, this week’s stories reflect a season of change, opportunity, and challenges in the theatre world. From the opening of voting for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards to the rise of effective altruism reshaping holiday giving, we explore how innovation and community engagement continue to shape the arts. Highlights include expanded performance schedules on Broadway, significant regional funding initiatives like King County’s Doors Open program, and transitions like Heather Lanza’s appointment at NextStop Theatre. Meanwhile, stories of financial strain, such as Germany’s cultural budget cuts and UK theatre downsizing, remind us of the ongoing need for sustainable support in the arts sector.
Leadership transformations and financial strategies are reshaping the theater world, with new leaders like Alisha Tonsic at TCG and Jan Svendsen Weiss launching ACTivate4Good to drive innovation and social impact. Broadway faces mounting pressures as producers navigate rising costs and favor jukebox musicals over original works to mitigate risks. Regionally, initiatives like BroadwayWorld’s donation database and the reinvention of Cal Shakes’ scene shop demonstrate resilience amid challenges.
This week's newsletter highlights pivotal moments and developments shaping the theatre world, from New York to Berlin. In academia, Professor Christian Parker redefines dramaturgy’s role at Columbia, while Broadway remembers the late Gavin Creel with a livestreamed memorial. Globally, J.P. Morgan’s NextList and Berlin’s proposed arts budget cuts spark reflections on the value of culture, as regional and international initiatives, including MTI’s support for disaster-stricken theatres and new leadership at The Old Vic, underscore the resilience and adaptability of the arts. Lastly, a troubling lawsuit involving Shen Yun Performing Arts raises questions about labor conditions in the performing arts.
Broadway embraces new platforms like Bluesky and Stage Mag, while regional developments include Massachusetts’ live theater tax credit and Portland’s push for funding transparency. Leadership changes at the Fountain Theatre and Birmingham Rep signal fresh directions for these institutions. Finally, celebrations and reflections, from Broadway’s marketing triumphs to the UK’s National Lottery milestone, emphasize the ongoing balance of creativity, recognition, and sustainability in the performing arts.
The Fountain Theatre has selected Raymond O. Caldwell as Stephen Sachs's successor as artistic director. Learn more about Caldwell and about the promotion.
IAMA Theatre Company will host its 7th Annual New Works Festival this December, featuring eight new plays presented as staged readings. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Tune in to Bob Barth’s One Night Stand on October 24th for a discussion with Director Gregg T. Daniel about A Noise Within's production of THE PIANO LESSON and its exploration of family legacy.
The U.S. premiere of “I, Daniel Blake”, a beautiful and deeply moving story adapted for the stage by Dave Johns from the Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film, is set to open this Sunday at the Fountain Theatre. Simon Levy directs. Check out the photos here!
The Fountain Theatre production of Fatherland, conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, is now playing Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th St, NYC). Go inside opening night in the photos!
The Fountain Theatre production of Fatherland, conceived and directed by Stephen Sachs, is now playing Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th St, NYC). See photos from the production.
THE BROTHERS SIZE, a heart-rending, music-suffused three-hander exploring the strength and limits of fraternal bonds, is being staged in the Geffen’s smaller Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre, where it fits beautifully.
The Fountain Theatre will present the U.S. premiere of I, Daniel Blake, a beautiful and deeply moving story adapted for the stage by Dave Johns from the Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film written by Paul Laverty and directed by Ken Loach.
FATHERLAND begins Off-Broadway performances on Sept. 18. The play tells the true story of a man involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and his son who turns him in to the FBI.
I SELL WINDOWS explores a young Black woman's journey through grief, ambition, and sex after the sudden loss of her grandfather. The production will be presented at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Experience the passionate art of flamenco as FOREVER FLAMENCO returns to the Fountain Theatre with four captivating performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.
East West Players world premieres Philip W. Chung’s Unbroken Blossoms June 30, 2024 (with previews beginning June 27th). Jeff Liu directs the cast of: Gavin Kawin Lee, Ron Song, Arye Gross, Alexandra Hellquist, Conlan Ledwith, Paul Dateh, Ty Aldridge and Valerie Rose Lohman. Gavin took some time from rehearsal to answer a few of my queries.
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