The Public Theatre News

Raven Theatre Company, who has long championed new works through its [Working Title] new play development series of staged readings and its full productions of world premiere plays, will introduce a full weekend of three new play readings this summer. From Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 10, the company will present a formal reading of a different play each night. The festival will open the evening of Friday, July 8 with a reading of Girl Found, a psychological mystery by Barbara Lhota, an award-winning playwright and network playwright at Chicago Dramatists. The Saturday evening entry will be Sycamore, a drama of contemporary family life by the Brooklyn, New York based Sarah Sander, that will be fully produced at Raven in March and April 2017 as part of its 2016-17 subscription season. Closing out the weekend will be the political drama Armature by Andrew Kramer, an Indianapolis-based writer who has been a resident playwright with StageLeft's LeapFest.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Sarah Benson and Executive Director Cynthia Flowers, Soho Rep. has continually produced work by bold artists who harness the intimate power of the organization's own 73-seat black box theater, as well as other spaces, to create transformative experiences. Soho Rep.'s 2016-17 season, announced today, comprises two ambitious new works-both characterized by inventive theatrical forms, holistic collaborations, and striking original music-along with an opportunity to get the first 'work-in-process' look at a new commission by a celebrated playwright.

The newest edition of THEATER TALK presents an interview with actor Gabriel Byrne, TONY nominee for Best Actor in A Play for his powerful performance as the alcoholic James Tyrone in the Roundabout Theatre revival of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night at the American Airlines Theatre. Also we talk to famed scenic designers Robin Wagner (A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, 42nd Street, The Producers) and David Rockwell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) - the former the winner of three TONY Awards, the latter nominated for his design of this season's Roundabout revival of She Loves Me.

La Jolla Playhouse announces the cast and creative team for its world-premiere production of The Last Tiger in Haiti, by UC San Diego MFA playwriting alumnus Jeff Augustin, directed by UC San Diego MFA directing alumnus Joshua Kahan Brody. A co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Last Tiger in Haiti runs June 28 - July 24 (press opening: Friday, July 8 at 8:00pm). Tickets are available at LaJollaPlayhouse.org or by calling (858) 550-1010.

Acclaimed performer, writer and activist JUSTIN SAYRE - hailed as one the "Funniest People in Brooklyn" by Brooklyn Magazine and among "LA's 16 Most Talented LGBT Comics" by Frontiers Magazine - has released his debut comedy album The Gay Agenda today, Friday, May 27 in digital formats.

The Alliance Theatre announces today the appointment of Mike Schleifer to Managing Director. Schleifer has been serving the organization in the capacity of General Manager since March 2014, having arrived from a thirteen-year run at Baltimore's Center Stage. The promotion comes ahead of three transformative years for the Alliance as the organization embarks on an exciting renovation. 

Deemed one of the greatest musicals of all time and winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, MAN OF LA MANCHA rides into The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, previewing June 22, running through August 14 with a press opening on Wednesday, June 29 at 8 p.m. With book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion, and an exuberant score by Mitch Leigh, the breathtaking musical tells the rich story of chivalry, romance, idealism and dreaming "The Impossible Dream." Complemented by Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson, six-time Jeff Award Winner Nick Bowling (The King and I at The Marriott Theatre, The History Boys and Fiorello! at TimeLine Theatre) presents a unique production of the classic tale, bringing to life the parallels between the struggles of 16th Century Spain with the challenges of modern day society. 

Feinstein's/54 Below will present Introducing Victoria Cook, June 8th, 2016 at 9:30. This concert is being Produced and Directed by Mitchell Walker of AKA Studio Productions. Tickets are available at www.54Below.com

The Drama League (Executive Artistic Director, Gabriel Shelian-Shanks) gathers today for the 82nd Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony, hosted by 2016 Tony® Award-nominees, Zachary Levi (She Loves Me) and Megan Hilty (Noises Off), in the Broadway Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Times Square (1535 Broadway). 

The divisive world of Washington D.C. politics moves to center stage of the Bram Goldsmith Theater at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts when Anthony Giardina's searing political comic drama THE CITY OF CONVERSATION opens for a limited run in May.

Virginia's Signature Theatre opens its' air-conditioned doors once again for the annual Sizzlin' Summer Nights Series. Two and a half weeks of live music and performances by Signature favorites, DC area stars, and some of New York's most exciting Broadway performers. The cabaret series runs July 5 through July 22, with a different performance every night.

The divisive world of Washington D.C. politics moves to center stage of the Bram Goldsmith Theater at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts when Anthony Giardina's searing political comic drama THE CITY OF CONVERSATION opens for a limited run this month.

Acclaimed producer John Breglio will be discussing his new book, I Wanna Be A Producer: How To Make a Killing on Broadway... or Get Killed at Drama Book Shop, 250 W. 40th St. on Monday, May 23rd at 5:00pm. Joining John in conversation will be fellow producer Barry Weissler.

New Freedom Theatre presents the world premiere of THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN. THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN is written by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and Thomas J. Soto.

Previews are underway for Theatre for a New Audience's production of August Strindberg's THE FATHER in a new version by Scottish author David Greig commissioned by Theatre for a New Audience and performances start tonight, May 10, at 7:30pm for A DOLL'S HOUSE in an adaptation by Thornton Wilder not seen in New York since its Broadway premiere in 1937.

Lewiston's Public Theatre's closing play of the 2015-2016 season, Susan Sandler's Crossing Delancey is the perfect Mother's Day offering, projecting cozy warmth and fond memories of an unforgettable Jewish grandmother. The 1985 play, which takes a bemused look at the clash between traditional Jewish- American immigrant culture and the more modern aspirations of the next generations, serves up a quintet of characters one cannot fail to embrace

The award-winning composer of the Off-Broadway hit “The Lightning Thief” is bringing his brand of smart musical theatre rock back to London for a one-night only concert. The New York Times praised Rokicki's work as “sassy” and “energetic” and Mark Shenton calls Rob 'an engaging new New York singer songwriter who has been developing a number of fresh sounding musicals Off-Broadway.' Join Rob and his friends for a night of rock and roll musical theatre.

Inspired by the memoirs of a Muslim woman who fought for her independence at a turning point in Egypt's modern history, THIS TIME is a lush new play about regret, romance, and familial responsibility.

The Actors' Equity Foundation's 2016 Clarence Derwent Awards for most promising female and male performers on the New York metropolitan scene have gone to Alana Arenas (Head of Passes) and Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen). The announcement was made by Arne Gundersen, president of the Foundation, which administers the awards.

Golden Thread Productions, the first American theatre company to focus on the Middle East, continues its 20th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of the poetic and heartwarming The Most Dangerous Highway in the World by Kevin Artigue, directed by Evren Odcikin, Director of Marketing and New Plays.