Theodore Bikel News

The Kennedy Center presents the world premiere of Unleashed! The Secret Lives of White House Pets written by Allyson Currin and directed by Nick Olcott. Co-produced and co-commissioned with the White House Historical Association, the play appears in the Family Theater January 30 - February 22, 2009 and is recommended for audiences aged seven and up.

I Love a Piano, an enchanting revue of the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin, spans over seven decades of American history and includes 64 of Berlin's most enduring and popular favorites. Under the direction and choreography of Ray Roderick (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang national tour), who co-created the show with Michael Berkeley, these show-stopping song and dance numbers performed by a cast of talented young actors bring fresh energy to Berlin's material. I Love a Piano runs January 29-February 15, 2009 at Arena at the Lincoln Theatre.

Theodore Bikel will be returning to Theater J to unveil a new show about the pioneering 19th-century author Sholom Aleichem, titled LAUGHTER THROUGH TEARS

Michele Ragusa, who is currently starring in Young Frankenstein as Elizabeth, will debut her collection of handmade hats at The Farmhouse Store in Westfield NJ on Monday, December 8th. There will be a wine & cheese reception. The event is open to the public, the time for the event is 6pm to 8pm.

Theodore Bikel will be returning to Theater J to unveil a new show about the pioneering 19th-century author Sholom Aleichem, titled LAUGHTER THROUGH TEARS

The musical legacy of Frank Loesser, often called the most versatile of all Broadway composers, will be celebrated at Center Theatre Group's Salon XVI at the Taper, 'Happy to Make Your Acquaintance,' hosted by Michael Feinstein, Monday, November 17 at 8 p.m., at the Mark Taper Forum of the Los Angeles Music Center.

Using 64 of Berlin's enduring and popular favorites, I Love A Piano captures the spirit of America from the ragtime era of the early 20th century through the swinging elegance of the 1920's and 30's. From the songs that inspired a nation through the Great Depression to the innocent optimism of the 1950's, I Love A Piano embarks on an enduring journey through musical heaven. Timeless classics, such as 'Puttin' On The Ritz,' 'There's No Business Like Show Business,' 'Change Partners,' 'How Deep Is The Ocean,'God Bless America,' and 'White Christmas,' do more than identify the music of a generation, they define the music of our country. The show will be presented by Eva Price of Maximum Entertainment, Off-Broadway Booking, and Lawrence Toppall.

Award-winning producers, Michael & Barbara Ross, will present the 2008 Back Stage Bistro Award Winning GREG PURNHAGEN in BABALU-CY - the art of Desi Arnaz, Off-Broadway, at the Actors Temple Theater, beginning August 23rd.

Beth Leavel, Michele Ragusa and Kelly Sullivan become the new leading ladies of Mel Brooks' award-winning Young Frankenstein this summer at the Hilton Theatre (213 W 42nd St), joining original cast members Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley, Fred Applegate and Christopher Fitzgerald. Kelly Sullivan will assume the role of Inga on Tuesday, July 8th; Tony winner Beth Leavel (Drowsy Chaperone) will become Frau Blucher on Tuesday, July 22nd and Michele Ragusa (Adrift in Macao) takes over the role of Elizabeth on Tuesday, August 5th.

Award-winning producers, Michael & Barbara Ross, will present the 2008 Back Stage Bistro Award Winning GREG PURNHAGEN in BABALU-CY - the art of Desi Arnaz, Off-Broadway, at the Actors Temple Theater, beginning August 23rd.

Beth Leavel, Michele Ragusa and Kelly Sullivan become the new leading ladies of Mel Brooks' award-winning Young Frankenstein this summer at the Hilton Theatre (213 W 42nd St), joining original cast members Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley, Fred Applegate and Christopher Fitzgerald. Kelly Sullivan will assume the role of Inga on Tuesday, July 8th; Tony winner Beth Leavel (Drowsy Chaperone) will become Frau Blucher on Tuesday, July 22nd and Michele Ragusa (Adrift in Macao) takes over the role of Elizabeth on Tuesday, August 5th.

Les Miserables at the The Hollywood Bowl has completed casting, and BroadwayWorld.com has the scoop!

Experience the magic when American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast, perfect entertainment for the entire family. The enchantment begins on May 13 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts where the show runs through May 25. The production is sponsored by Comerica Bank. Single tickets are now on sale.

Denny Martin Flinn died on Augusdannt 24 in Woodland Hills, California of complications from cancer. Flinn was 59 years old.

On Sunday, June 10th at L.A.'s Skirball Center, the Actors Fund paid tribute to Jerry Herman at its 11th Annual Tony Awards Party, featuring a live feed of the 61st Annual Tony Awards as they happened in New York.

Veteran Broadway performer Tamra Hayden and her band will be performing at the Duplex on June 25 at 9:30pm and June 28th at 7pm.

The Actors' Fund will pay tribute to Jerry Herman at its 11th Annual Tony Awards Party featuring a live feed of the Tony Awards as they happen in New York

Charles Shubow gives you the scoop on the week in Washington D.C. and Baltimore theatre

Tony Award-winner Jim Dale has joined The Theatre Museum Advisory Committee, a group of professionals who provide advice in areas of expertise, assist with projects and lend their names to organizational endeavors