Tom Stoppard News

Lorenzo Pisoni's celebrated one-man show, Humor Abuse, returns to American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) for an exclusive limited engagement.

The Adirondack Shakespeare Company (ADK Shakes) will return to their favorite venue this summer to perform Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Hamlet as well as Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and an original children's play, The Twelve Labors of Hercules.

With a two-week tour of their original children's show, The Twelve Labors of Hercules already under their belt, the Adirondack Shakespeare Company is currently preparing for their ambitious third annual Summer Festival Season. This year's mainstage productions include Shakespeare's Twelfth Night andHamlet as well as Tom Stoppard's modern comedy, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

From tonight, 26 July - 12 August 2012, the Criterion Theatre will present Playing The Games, a programme of work which will celebrate both artistic and sporting talent featuring emerging and established actors, comedians, musicians, playwrights and Olympians.

Trevor Nunn is to direct Rob Brydon, Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Alan Ayckbourn's A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL, opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre in the Autumn. Jessica Ellerby, Barrie Rutter, Paul Thornley and Susan Tracy will join previously announced company members Teresa Banham, Daisy Beaumont, Georgia Brown, Rob Compton, Matthew Cottle and Steven Edis.

The Lower Depth Theatre Ensemble presents the West Coast premiere of ELMINA'S KITCHEN, written by award-winning playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, directed by Gregg T. Daniel. This gut-wrenching drama is set in the notorious "Murder Mile" section of London's East End. ELMINA'S KITCHEN examines the bitter clash of values between three generations of black men and its effect on their family and community. The play runs August 11 through September 9. Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 4pm. The Lost Studio, 130 S. La Brea, Los Angeles, Calif.

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Artistic Director Carey Perloff announced today the casting for the West Coast premiere of The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer's landmark play focusing on the early years of the AIDS crisis in New York City in the 1980s. Directed by five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as a tight-knit group of friends refuse to let doctors, politicians, and the press bury the truth about an epidemic ravaging the gay community behind a wall of silence. The Normal Heart performs a limited run September 13-October 7, 2012, at the American Conservatory Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Press night is Wednesday, September 19, at 8 p.m. The Normal Heart is presented in association with Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C., by special arrangement with Daryl Roth.

SOUNDING BECKETT - a singular evening of theater and music that pairs three plays by Samuel Beckett from his 'ghost period' with new works by contemporary composers written expressly in response to those plays - will be presented September 14-23 at the Classic Stage Company (136 E. 13 St.) in Manhattan.

Tennessee Williams' favorite among his own plays, the Pulitzer prize-winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, opens tonight, July 21st on the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival main stage, in rep with Much Ado About Nothing.

It's just been announced that this fall, two-time Tony Award winner AL PACINO will be joined on stage by Tony nominee DAVID HARBOUR, Emmy Award winner RICHARD SCHIFF and Tony nominee JEREMY SHAMOS in the Broadway revival of DAVID MAMET'S acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning drama GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. As previously announced, Tony Award nominee BOBBY CANNAVALE has been cast in the role of Richard "Ricky" Roma.

GRACE NOTES & ANVILS is a gentle, funny and deeply touching guided-tour of a "place" most Americans go to, but few feel free to talk about. Based on their book "About Grief: Insights, Setbacks, Grace Notes, Taboos," writers Ron Marasco and Brian Shuff use the intimacy of theatre to explore the heartbreak, everyday heroism and surprising hilarity connected with loss. Directed by Marasco, the production features Marasco along with a series of alternating notable guest actors. Featured are Mariette Hartley & Karl Glusman, tonight, July 19 - July 22, and Brenda Strong & Brandon Barash, July 27 - July 29.

Tennessee Williams' favorite among his own plays, the Pulitzer prize-winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, opens Saturday, July 21st on the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival main stage, in rep with Much Ado About Nothing.

Louisville's The What If? Theatre Company is presenting Arcadia by Tom Stoppard at the MeX Theatre in the Kentucky Center, August 3, 4, 7, 10 and 11, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. and August 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Robert Boyett was today made an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his invaluable service to British drama as both a philanthropist and a producer. British Ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacott, presented Mr. Boyett with the badge of the Order at an investiture ceremony at The British Embassy, Washington. Check out photos from the event below!

Robert Boyett was today made an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his invaluable service to British drama as both a philanthropist and a producer. British Ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacott, presented Mr. Boyett with the badge of the Order at an investiture ceremony at The British Embassy, Washington.

GRACE NOTES & ANVILS is a gentle, funny and deeply touching guided-tour of a "place" most Americans go to, but few feel free to talk about. Based on their book "About Grief: Insights, Setbacks, Grace Notes, Taboos," writers Ron Marasco and Brian Shuff use the intimacy of theatre to explore the heartbreak, everyday heroism and surprising hilarity connected with loss. Directed by Marasco, the production features Marasco along with a series of alternating notable guest actors. Current guest stars are Jonelle Allen & Brandon Barash, July 11 - July 15 and to be featured are Mariette Hartley & Karl Glusman, July 19 - July 22, and Brenda Strong & Brandon Barash, July 27 - July 29.

According to a report from whatsonstage.com, Daniel Lapaine and Darrel D'Silva will join previously cast Sheridan Smith in Ibsen's Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic. Previews begin September 5, with an opening set on September 12, 2012.

Apollinaire Theatre Company presents Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard, at Theatre in the Park in English and Spanish, tonight, July 11 through July 28, Wed.-Sun. at 7:30 Mary O'Malley Park, Commandant's Way, on the Chelsea Waterfront (Admiral's Hill).

Tony Award® winner Judith Ivey joins Academy Award® nominee Jessica Chastain, Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner David Strathairn and the leading man of "Downton Abbey" Dan Stevens in a new production of the unforgettable drama and Tony Award® winning play The Heiress. Written by Ruth & Augustus Goetz, The Heiress will be directed by Tony Award® nominated playwright and director Moises Kaufman. The Heiress will be produced by Paula Wagner, Roy Furman and Stephanie P. McClelland.

The Adirondack Shakespeare Company is back for their third Summer Festival Season and they're bringing the Bard's best with them! This year's season features Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Hamlet, as well as Tom Stoppard's hilarious comedy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and a new ADK Shakes original children's show!