The Public Theatre News

Acclaimed film and stage actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard have joined the cast of Classic Stage Company's upcoming new production of Anton Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, starring Tony Award winner Denis O'Hare as Vanya, and directed by Austin Pendleton, it was announced today by CSC Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Jessica R. Jenen. UNCLE VANYA will begin previews on Saturday, January 17 at Classic Stage Company at 136 East 13th Street. An official press opening date will be announced in the coming weeks. UNCLE VANYA will play a limited engagement through March 1, 2009.

The Official Idina Menzel fan club is reporting that the Tony winning star will be performing at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ on March 21, 2009. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 17th at 12PM EST. However, members of Idina's official fan club will have access to pre-sale tickets.

Frances Hill, Founder/Artistic Director Lauren Schmiedel, Managing Director in association with Sara Katz presents Larson & Kleban Award Winning Composer JOE ICONIS' World Premiere of ReWrite; a musical comedy triple feature, directed by John Simpkins.

Parsons Dance presents the World Premiere of an all-new, as-yet-untitled collaboration with the lead vocalists of East Village Opera Company (EVOC), featuring the music of the acclaimed rock opera band. Program A premieres the new evening-length work with EVOC's two lead vocalists live onstage with Parsons Dance. Program B will feature Parsons Dance favorites, including Caught and Nascimento.

According to her official website, Idina Menzel will be performing at the Tilles Center in Greenvale, NY (Long Island) on March 28, 2009.

Parsons Dance presents the World Premiere of an all-new, as-yet-untitled collaboration with the lead vocalists of East Village Opera Company (EVOC), featuring the music of the acclaimed rock opera band. Program A premieres the new evening-length work with EVOC's two lead vocalists live onstage with Parsons Dance. Program B will feature Parsons Dance favorites, including Caught and Nascimento.

ROAD SHOW is a new musical featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by John Weidman, and direction and scenic design by John Doyle. The cast of 17 features Michael Cerveris and Alexander Gemignani as the two Mizner brothers. ROAD SHOW will run through Sunday, December 28th. ROAD SHOW had an official press opening on Tuesday, November 18. BroadwayWorld's cameras followed the cast as they arrived for the opening night party.

?Perdita? by Pierre-Marc Diennet, premieres Off Broadway at The Lion Theatre (Theatre Row), 410 West 42nd Street, NYC. Now in previews, the opening is Tuesday, November 18th. The director is Linsay Firman; with set design by Nick Francone, costume design by Blythe Quinlan, lighting design by Les Dickert and the sound designer is Shane Rettig. The new play is produced by Matthew Putman and Marine Putman. (2 hours with one 15 minute intermission) www.perditaoffbroadway.com

The American Theatre Wing's 'Working in the Theatre' Features 'Arias to Showstoppers: The Worlds of Opera and Theatre' on CUNY TV Premieres Sunday, November 16 at 5 p.m. Additional Air Dates: Friday, November 21 at 9 a.m, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22 at 11 a.m.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (David Van Asselt, Artistic Director and Sandra Coudert, Managing Director) presents the World Premiere production of Geometry of Fire, by Stephen Belber.

The American Theatre Wing's 'Working in the Theatre' Features 'Arias to Showstoppers: The Worlds of Opera and Theatre' on CUNY TV Premieres Sunday, November 16 at 5 p.m. Additional Air Dates: Friday, November 21 at 9 a.m, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22 at 11 a.m.

NOW IN PREVIEWS PERDITA by Pierre-Marc Diennet PREMIERES Off Broadway at The Lion Theatre (Theatre Row) Opening Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) has announced that Tony® award winner Mary-Louise Parker (Hedda Gabler), Tony® award winner Michael Cerveris (Jorgen Tesman), Paul Sparks (Ejlert Lovborg) and Peter Stormare (Judge Brack) in a new Broadway production of Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen. The production features a new adaptation by Christopher Shinn and will be directed by Ian Rickson.

Top Broadway Musical Opens Feb. 13 DLOC Announces Cast for Its East Bay Premiere of 'The Producers'

The Theatre Museum presents 'The New York Theatre Scene From the Box Office to Backstage,' a panel discussion , Reception and Meet the Author Book signing At the Times Square Information Center on 7th Ave between 46th & 47th Streets in Manhattan.

Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) will continue its 30th Anniversary Season with the New York premiere of Gina Gionfriddo's play, BECKY SHAW, directed by Peter DuBois.

According to her official website, Idina Menzel will be performing at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27th, 2008.

Members of the cast of HAIR will perform the signature song 'Hair' at the Apollo Theatre today - Monday, November 10 - during a ceremony in which Mayor Michael Bloomberg will present a Mayor's Award for Arts and Culture to HAIR composer Galt MacDermot and five others members of the arts community.

NYU's Tisch School of the Arts has announced a new alumni initiative for emerging playwrights. The inaugural year kicks off with reading of Neena Beber's A WORLD BENEATH at the Cherry Lane Theater on November 10 at 7pm.

CAP21 will present THE TROUBLE WITH DOUG as part of The Dorothy Strelsin New Works Series.