Thornton Wilder News

Using a cast entirely comprised of alumni and members of the community, Long Wharf Theatre begins its 50th anniversary season with Our Town by Thornton Wilder, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein, from October 8 through November 2, 2014 on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre.

Regarded as one of the most celebrated American playwrights, Neil LaBute has enthralled audiences all over the world with his layered characters, sharp dialogue and subtle social commentaries. Now, in a London premiere, acclaimed American theatre company Savio(u)r will present his play Autobahn, directed by Off-West End Award nominee Tim Sullivan.

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 a 73-seat black box theater to create transformative experiences. Soho Rep.'s 2014-15 season, announced today, comprises three new works that each speak to the civic power of theater through their own distinctive form.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is pleased to announce that Estelle Parsons, Tim Altmeyer, Jim Ballard, Cliff Burgess, Elizabeth Dimon, Rob Donohoe, Patti Gardner, Kate Hampton, Kenneth Kay, Margery Lowe, Colin McPhillamy, Angelica Page, and Angie Radosh are among the outstanding actors scheduled to appear during its upcoming fifteenth anniversary season.

Children's Playhouse of Maryland, in residence at CCBC Essex, hosts its 8TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 6 in the College Community Center Theatre at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. a silent auction and raffles. At 7:30 p.m., the CPM cast presents a special preview performance of HELLO, DOLLY! - CPM's first musical production for its fall 2014 season. A buffet reception will follow the performance. Tickets are $25 and available through the CCBC Box Office at 443-840-ARTS (2787).

STAGES St. Louis has announced that the box office sensation, Always... Patsy Cline at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza will continue September 18th to October 12th. The theatre company's momentous production of Always... Patsy Cline will play five performances per week Thursday through Sunday, following a brief two week hiatus. Always... Patsy Cline was originally produced by STAGES during its record-breaking 27th Season, which resulted in two added performances and historic attendance. Nightly, the audiences stopped the show with thunderous applause for numbers like 'Crazy,' 'Lovesick Blues,' and 'Your Cheating Heart.'

Casting is announced for Our Town at the Almeida Theatre. Award-winning US actor-director David Cromer will direct and perform in this intimate version of Thornton Wilder's iconic American play. The cast will also include Michael Ajao, Paul Bigley, Arthur Byrne, Sidney Cole, Kate Dickie, Laura Elsworthy, Anna Francolini, Matthew Jacobs-Morgan, Daniel Kendrick, Simon Lennon, Jessica Lester, Richard Lumsden, Annette McLaughlin, Christopher Staines, Rhashan Stoneand David Walmsley.

For the first time in 25 years, The Barn Theatre presents the Tony Award winning musical, HELLO, DOLLY! Kim Zimmer stars as the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi in this classic Broadway hit!

The Poets' Theatre has announced that it is reorganizing and planning to present a full season of programming in 2014-2015. This historic Cambridge based organization will be led by Robert Scanlan, as President and Artistic Director, Benjamin Evett as the new Producing Artistic Director, and David Gullette as Literary Director. Scanlan, Evett, and Gullette have been charged by the Board of Directors to bring The Poets' Theatre back to prominence after more than a decade of inactivity. They will professionalize the company, create valuable partnerships with other organizations, and develop the resources to allow the theatre to present top quality productions in a regular and sustainable manner.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre will open its 50th anniversary celebration with the Kansas City premiere of David Cromer's Our Town, an enduring American story which examines the everyday lives of an average town's citizens in the early twentieth century. Our Town, one of the greatest American plays written by Thornton Wilder, the three-time Pulitzer prize-winning playwright and novelist will be directed by David Cromer, MacArthur Foundation 'genius' grant recipient and director of KC Rep's 2009 production of The Glass Menagerie which received national and local critical acclaim. This co-production with UMKC Theatre will feature redesigned seating at Spencer Theatre in the James C. Olson performing Arts Center on the UMKC campus. The show will run September 5 through 28th. High resolution photos can be found here .

Betsy Wolfe, Andrew Samonsky, John Ellison Conlee, Ann Harada and more join Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana and more in Transport Group's concert presentation of THE MUSIC MAN. Hosted by Joe Iconis,the evening will include 58 actors, and the original orchestration featuring 20 instruments, conducted by Joey Chancey, original choreography by Jeffry Denman, to The Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center tonight, August 11th, 2014. The evening will be directed by five-time Drama Desk nominee, Jack Cummings III.

For the first time in 25 years, The Barn Theatre proudly presents the Tony Award winning musical, HELLO, DOLLY! Kim Zimmer stars as the beloved matchmaker Dolly Levi in this classic Broadway hit!

Betsy Wolfe, Andrew Samonsky, John Ellison Conlee, Ann Harada and more complete casting for Transport Group's concert presentation of The Music Man. Hosted by Joe Iconis,the evening will include 58 actors, and the original orchestration featuring 20 instruments, conducted by Joey Chancey,original choreography by Jeffry Denman,.to The Irene Diamond Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center on Monday August 11th, 2014. The evening will be directed by five-time Drama Desk nominee, Jack Cummings III.

Eric Rosen, artistic director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre has announced the 2014-15 season, continuing its tradition of presenting stirring classics and evocative new works created by the finest local and national talent available.

The three companies in residence at Park Square Theatre for the 2015 season, Sandbox Theatre, Theatre Pro Rata and Girl Friday Productions, today announce their programming for Park Square Theatre's new Andy Boss Thrust Stage for the next year. These partners will bring diverse aesthetic approaches and artistic forms, fresh talent as well as favorite faces to Park Square's seasons over the next three years. Tickets sales begin July 31st for the theatres in residence.

BWW Interviews: Mimi Holloway, Artistic Director of FESTIVAL OF ORIGINALS

Every summer, Centenary Stage Company's Young Performers work tirelessly to perfect their dance moves, learn all of their lines, and get their vocal harmonies just right for the annual Summer Festival of Shows. These talented young thespians between the ages of 8 and 18 will fill the Little Theater with a variety of shows and musicals to entertain audiences of all ages August 8th-17th.

Theatre producer Steven M. Levy received an honorary award from the London College of Music, part of the University of West London (UWL) on Wednesday 23 July. The University's annual graduation ceremony took place at Wembley Stadium with 1,700 graduates in attendance.

Sundance Institute and the LUMA Foundation today announced that the two organizations will again collaborate to host the second Sundance Institute | LUMA Foundation Theatre Directors Retreat in Arles, France, July 29 through August 11. The Retreat is one of 10 residential programs hosted by Sundance Institute this summer, collectively representing 15 weeks of support and mentorship for promising independent artists in theatre and film from the United States and around the world.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre Executive Director Angela Gieras today announced the launch of the Our Town Heroes campaign in honor of the KC Rep's 50th Anniversary to identify and celebrate local heroes from the community. Our Town heroes can be from the greater Kansas City metropolitan area whose actions impact, inspire and influence our community. Nominations can be submitted online here and winners will be announced throughout the 2014-2015 season opening production, Our Town, running September 5 through the 28th. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2014.