Thomas Hardy News

According to The Telegraph, Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael took the stage to some harsh words from the audience in her debut in Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya at the West End's Vaudeville Theatre on November 2nd. What's even more surprising is that the critical exclamation came from former director of the National Theatre Sir Peter Hall.

Named one of NPR's Favorite Artists of 2011, American tenor Nicholas Phan returns to the music of Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) on a new album available today, October 9 from Avie.

Named one of NPR's Favorite Artists of 2011, American tenor Nicholas Phan returns to the music of Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) on a new album available October 9 from Avie. On the eve of the Britten centenary, Still Falls the Rain showcases both the great British composer's remarkable gift as a collaborator and Phan's increasingly lauded interpretative powers. The album features The Heart of the Matter, a song cycle for tenor, narrator, horn, and piano, performed here by renowned actor Alan Cumming, as well as the principal hornist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Jennifer Montone, and pianist Myra Huang, Phan's long-time recital partner.

Laura Carmichael joins Ken Stott, Anna Friel and Samuel West in Anton Chekhov's masterpiece, Uncle Vanya. Adapted by Christopher Hampton, Uncle Vanya uniquely blends sparkling wit and earthy humour to brilliant comic effect. Directed by Lindsay Posner with designs by Christopher Oram, this new production opens at the Vaudeville Theatre on 2 November 2012 with previews from 25 October.

The Birmingham Hippodrome today announced full season information for its forthcoming 2012/13 season, which includes Cape Town Opera's PORGY AND BESS and Cameron Mackintosh's new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THE KING AND I, WONDERFUL TOWN, DIRTY DANCING, SISTER ACT and BLOOD BROTHERS.

Theater for the New City's '155 First Avenue (The Epic Adventures of the Theater for the New Synzgy)' by Toby Armour, directed by George Ferencz, opens tonight, May 3 and runs through May 20, 2012, at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. (at E. 10th Street).

Burning Coal's Jude the Obscure, Parts 1 & 2 by Ian Finley, Jon Fitts and Bruce Benedict has entered its final week. Remaining performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Saturday afternoon at 2 pm. Part 1 runs Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon. Part 2 runs Friday and Saturday evening.

The Birmingham Hippodrome today announced full season information for its forthcoming 2012/13 season, which includes Cape Town Opera's PORGY AND BESS and Cameron Mackintosh's new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THE KING AND I, WONDERFUL TOWN, DIRTY DANCING, SISTER ACT and BLOOD BROTHERS.

New work is exciting - it is the lifeblood of the arts community. I am honored by every opportunity I get to see new work opening itself up to the world for the very first time. I was particularly honored to see Burning Coal Theatre Company's world premiere of Jude the Obscure because it is based on my very favorite book.

The Tribeca Film Festival has unveiled films screening in its Spotlight and genre-centered Cinemania section as well as Special Screenings and its Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival lineup.

Burning Coal Theatre Company will close its 15th season with the world premiere of Jude the Obscure, Parts 1 & 2 by Ian Finley, with music and lyrics by Thomas Hardy, Bruce Benedict, Jerome Davis and Jonathan Fitts. The production will run April 12 - May 5, 2012 at the Murphey School, 224 Polk Street, Raleigh, NC. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm (April 12 - 14, 19 - 21, 26 - 28 and May 3 - 5, 2012), Saturdays at 2 pm (April 21, 28 and May 5, 2012) and Sundays at 2 pm (April 15, 22, 29, 2012). Sunday, April 15 (Part 1) and Sunday, April 22nd (Part 2) at 2 pm are our 'Pay What You Can' days. Those performances will also be Audio Described. Tickets are $20 or $15 for students, seniors and active military. All tickets are $10 on Thursday evenings. For reservations and information, please call 919-834-4001 or visit www.burningcoal.org.