Thomas Keith News

The Guthrie Theater presents the perennial holiday favorite A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Crispin Whittell and directed by Lauren Keating. A Twin Cities holiday tradition for many, this season marks the Guthrie's 45th production, making it the longest run of A Christmas Carol in regional theater history. 

The Stratford Festival of Ontario may be known first and foremost for mounting productions of Shakespeare's plays, but there are certain plays by the bard that only seem to come around once in a while. For example, HENRY VIII, a play written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher, has only been performed three other times in the history of the Stratford Festival--the last one being in 2004. This season, director Martha Henry has created a production of this play that feels relevant and exciting. Stunning performances by Jonathan Goad and Irene Poole elevate it event further.

Henry VIII, Shakespeare's thrilling drama about a pivotal moment in history, is now in previews at the Studio Theatre. The production officially opens on Wednesday, May 29, and early demand for tickets has led to an extended run until October 20.

The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival is proud to share that Paul Willis, Executive Director to both the TW/NO Literary Festival and Saints + Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival, has received the Publishing Triangle's special Leadership Award. Created in 2002, this award recognizes contributions to LGBTQ literature by those who are not primarily writers, such as editors, agents, librarians, and institutions.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today the extension of A Midsummer Night's Dream, now playing in the Courtyard Theater through February 3, 2019. Staged by internationally acclaimed director Joe Dowling, Shakespeare's beloved comedy is infused with raucous humor, dazzling dance numbers, and eclectic musical score blending rock, jazz, blues, rock, and '50s doo-wop.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today the extension of A Midsummer Night's Dream, now playing in the Courtyard Theater through February 3, 2019. Staged by internationally acclaimed director Joe Dowling, Shakespeare's beloved comedy is infused with raucous humor, dazzling dance numbers, and eclectic musical score blending rock, jazz, blues, rock, and '50s doo-wop.

Ghastly. Haunting. Stunning. Three Edwardian-era ghosts rise from the clutches of their clawfoot bathtubs, drenched in water, to tell the haunting story of their murder by one man: George Joseph Smith … their husband. This is the premise of The Drowning Girls- based on the true-life story of 'The Brides of the Bathtub'- the latest play at the Great Canadian Theatre Company written by the trio of Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson, and Daniela Vlaskalic. Director, TACTICS Founder, and GCTC's former Metcalf Foundation Artistic Direction Intern Bronwyn Steinberg leads an all-Ottawa powerhouse cast: Katie Ryerson (Ordinary Days, Generous and Janet Wilson Meets the Queen), Sarah Finn (This is War), and Jacqui du Toit (Hottentot Venus).

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today the cast and creative team for a vibrantly reimagined A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by internationally acclaimed director Joe Dowling. Shakespeare's beloved comedy is infused with raucous humor, a striking visual landscape, and eclectic musical score blending rock, jazz, blues, rock, and '50s doo-wop.

Dick clark productions and ABC announced an all-star lineup of soul and gospel legends who will come together to pay homage to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, at the "2018 American Music Awards." Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, friends of the late, luminary singer/songwriter, will take the AMAs stage for a moving tribute honoring Franklin's gospel roots and iconic gospel album, "Amazing Grace." Consulting producer for the tribute is the Emmy Award®-winning music director, composer and producer Rickey Minor. Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the "2018 American Music Awards," the world's largest fan-voted awards show, will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 8:00 p.m. EDT, on ABC.

The Old Globe today announced its next cast and creative team-including numerous Globe favorites and new faces-as the 2018 Summer Shakespeare Festival once again presents the finest of the Bard's work outdoors under the stars in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Summer will officially arrive with The Tempest, directed by Joe Dowling (formerly the Artistic Director for Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and Abbey Theatre in Ireland), with star of stage and screen Kate Burton as Prospera, running June 17 - July 22, 2018.

The Old Globe today announced its next cast and creative team-including numerous Globe favorites and new faces-as the 2018 Summer Shakespeare Festival once again presents the finest of the Bard's work outdoors under the stars in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Summer will officially arrive with The Tempest, directed by Joe Dowling (formerly the Artistic Director for Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and Abbey Theatre in Ireland), with star of stage and screen Kate Burton as Prospera, running June 17 - July 22, 2018. Tickets start at $30.00, on sale to the general public now. Previews run June 17 - 22. Opening night is Saturday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m.

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) awarded high school students from across the Greater Houston area for excellence in theatre last night at the 16th Annual Tommy Tune Awards!

Today's Events; Sunday, March 25

Particularly in light of the 2016 documentary I Am Not Your Negro, author and civil rights activist James Baldwin is garnering new attention and appreciation for his astute analyses of race, class, and sexuality in U.S. culture. Our reading group will take up his groundbreaking semi-autobiographical first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953). Attendees are invited to read this seminal text that brought mid-20th Century African-American literature out of the shadow of Richard Wright while deftly exploring the post-Civil War Great Migration, its southern roots, its religious inflections, and its generational tensions. The suggested edition is the most recent paperback (ISBN 978-0345806543). Traditional New Orleans fare of coffee and beignets at Muriel's Jackson Square with lively discussion to follow led by Festival favorite and Southern literary scholar Gary Richards. Seating is limited to 50 persons; pre-registration is required.

One Arm is Moises Kaufman's adaptation of a screenplay by Tennessee Williams, based on his short story of the same title. A navy veteran and boxer who lost his arm in a car accident must resort to hustling on Canal Street to make his living. When a john pushes him too far, though, he finds himself on death row. He escapes into the correspondence of his past clients for spiritual salvation until his number is up. Produced by The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans in conjunction with the TW/NOLF. Directed by Augustin J Correro. 

The 86th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, the largest Christmas event in America, announces the 2017 talent lineup for its landmark anniversary celebration, which will take place on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, on Sunday, November 26, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. PT. With Dr. Oz as Grand Marshal, musical performances will be featured during the parade, and national telecast, and will include the following artists: a special 40th Anniversary performance by The Village People, CeeLo Green, Ruben Studdard, The Band of Merrymakers featuring Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees), Zach Barrett (American Authors), Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz & The Tantrums) and Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo), Nickelodeon star Breanna Yde of School of Rock, American Idol winner from Season 14, Nick Fradiani, Tom Dixon and The Tearaways. For the telecast only, additional appearances will include performances by The Tenors, Donny and Marie and Human Nature. The parade will also feature a special tribute for Marine Toys for Tots from Ludacris; and magic performances by the stars of The CW hit series, Masters of Illusion Tommy Wind and Farrell Dillon.

For its second offering of the season, Centaur Theatre brings another blockbuster to the stage. The 39 Steps, by British actor, comedian and playwright, Patrick Barlow, (Absolutely Fabulous, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shakespeare in Love) is an uproarious send-up of Alfred Hitchcock's film noire adaptation of the spy thriller, written by UK novelist, John Buchan. Eda Holmes directs the rollicking ride, her first turn at bat as Centaur's new Artistic and Executive Director.

For its second offering of the season, Centaur Theatre brings another blockbuster to the stage. The 39 Steps, by British actor, comedian and playwright, Patrick Barlow, (Absolutely Fabulous, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shakespeare in Love) is an uproarious send-up of Alfred Hitchcock's film noire adaptation of the spy thriller, written by UK novelist, John Buchan. Eda Holmes directs the rollicking ride, her first turn at bat as Centaur's new Artistic and Executive Director.

Legendary actor/director/teacher, Austin Pendleton will discuss his experiences acting in and directing Tennessee Williams' work. Pendleton is currently directing 'The Two-Character Play,' for Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company (previews begin June 29).