Vern Thiessen News

Casting for Shakespeare & Company's upcoming Summer Performance Season was finalized last week which includes a roster of audience favorites, critics' top picks and a bevy of newcomers joining the Company's ranks in this celebratory season in honor of the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth. See play titles, casting, Press Openings and full schedules for each production listed below.

Canadian Rep Theatre is currently rehearsing for the Toronto presentation of its world premiere production of Watching Glory Die written and performed in a solo tour de force role by Judith Thompson, one of Canada's most celebrated playwrights. Recently showcased at The CULTCH in Vancouver and directed by Artistic Director Ken Gass, this riveting portrait of three women inextricably linked by tragedy starts performances May 15 and runs to June 1 at Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs. Tickets are available by calling 416.368.3110 or by visiting www.canadianrep.ca .

Artistic Director Tony Simotes kicks off a celebratory season in honor of the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth with Shakespeare's Will, directed by Daniela Varon and featuring Kristin Wold. This provocative one-woman play by Canadian Playwright Vern Thiessen imagines the bold and unapologetic journey of Shakespeare's enigmatic wife, Anne Hathaway, and the couple's unconventional courtship and marriage. Performances run in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre May 23 - August 24.

Today, April 17-20, Pontine Theatre presents Shakespeare's Will performed by guest artist, Tannis Kowalchuk. The production is underwritten by Piscataqua Savings Bank. Anne Hathaway married William Shakespeare in 1582, raised their children, and buried her husband in 1616. The rest of their 32 years of marriage is one of literary history's great mysteries. This mystery provides a dark and comedic playground for this beautiful and lyrical solo performance piece written by Vern Thiessen.

Profiles Theatre announces the Midwest premiere of Annapurna by Sharr White, opening at The Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway on June 12, 2014. Annapurna, directed by Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher and featuring ensemble member Darrell W. Cox, runs June 6, 2014 - July 20, 2014 with the press opening on Thursday, June 12 at 8:00pm. The previously announced production ofHunter Gatherers by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb has been postponed until further notice.

April 17-20, Pontine Theatre presents Shakespeare's Will performed by guest artist, Tannis Kowalchuk. The production is underwritten by Piscataqua Savings Bank. Anne Hathaway married William Shakespeare in 1582, raised their children, and buried her husband in 1616. The rest of their 32 years of marriage is one of literary history's great mysteries. This mystery provides a dark and comedic playground for this beautiful and lyrical solo performance piece written by Vern Thiessen. Performances are Thursday & Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $24 and may be purchased online at www.pontine.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door and half-hour prior to performances (cash & check only) based on availability. Pontine's West End Studio Theatre is located at 959 Islington Street, Portsmouth NH. The building is not visible from the street, look for the big 959 on the signpost at the head of the drive. Information: www.pontine.org / info@pontine.org / 603-436-6660.m

Canadian Rep Theatre presents the world premiere production of Watching Glory Die written and performed by one of Canada's most celebrated playwrights, Judith Thompson, in a solo tour de force role directed by Artistic Director Ken Gass. Ripped from the headlines, this riveting portrait of three inextricably linked women opens May 17 and runs to June 1 (previewing from May 15) at Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs. Tickets are available by calling 416.368.3110 or by visiting www.canadianrep.ca .

To open its 2014 Season, the Jungle Theater presents the regional premiere of SHAKESPEARE'S WILL, written by award-winning Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen. After the death of William Shakespeare, his widow, Anne Hathaway (played by Cathy Fuller in her Jungle debut), recalls her life with - and without - the enigmatic poet. Artistic Director Bain Boehlke designs and directs an imaginative story of a wife and mother who made tremendous sacrifices for love and life, opening tonight, February 7 and running through March 23 at the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis.

To open its 2014 Season, the Jungle Theater presents the regional premiere of SHAKESPEARE'S WILL, written by award-winning Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen. After the death of William Shakespeare, his widow, Anne Hathaway (played by Cathy Fuller in her Jungle debut), recalls her life with - and without - the enigmatic poet. Artistic Director Bain Boehlke designs and directs an imaginative story of a wife and mother who made tremendous sacrifices for love and life, opening February 7 and running through March 23 at the Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis.

Artistic Director Bain Boehlke today announced the Jungle's 2014 season, continuing the theater's trademark presentation of timeless classics drawn from a rich theatrical heritage, as well as recent acclaimed works. The diverse line-up features the regional premieres of an imaginative one-woman play as well as the 2013 Obie Award-winning Best New Play, a rare Tony Award-winning American masterpiece from 1947, a reprise of a high-camp, over-the-top farce (back by popular demand!) and a touching multigenerational tale.

Albert Schultz, Founding Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company, today announced Soulpepper's 2014 season (Jan. - Sept., 2014), including eight new plays, three Soulpepper favourites and three partner presentations.

Pontine Theatre announced its 36th performance season at the West End Studio Theatre in Portsmouth NH. This season, Pontine presents a four-event Performance Series, a three-event Cafe-Lyceum Series, a five-event 'Humanities-To-Go' Series, and its annual WEST-FEST New Vaudeville Holiday Shows. Pontine is a resident company at the West End Studio Theatre located at 959 Islington Street in Portsmouth, NH. Contact the company at -- info@pontine.org or 603-436-6660.

The Award-Winning Epic Theatre Ensemble, now in their 12th year presents William Shakespeare's RICHARD III: Born With Teeth, part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The production, directed by Ron Russell, begins previews Off-Broadway tonight, Tuesday, April 16th and opens Saturday, April 20th at 8:00 PM at the Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street). The play will run through May 4th.

The Award winning Epic Theatre Ensemble announces post performance forums lead by scholars, authors, and entertainers, immediately following several performances of RICHARD III: BORN WITH TEETH at the Pershing Square Signature Center. The production, directed by Ron Russell, begins performances Tuesday, April 16, opens on Saturday, April 20th and continues through Saturday, May 4th. RICHARD III: BORN WITH TEETH begins previews Tuesday, April 16th. The Forum's are presented as part of Epic's goal to inspire vital dialogue about social, ethical, and political issues and to build thoughtful citizenship in local communities.

The Award-Winning Epic Theatre Ensemble, now in their 12th year presents William Shakespeare's RICHARD III: Born With Teeth, part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The production, directed by Ron Russell, begins previews Off-Broadway on Tuesday, April 16th and opens Saturday, April 20th at 8:00 PM at the Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street). The play will run through May 4th.

From April 17 to 28, The Drilling Company will present the New York premiere of 'Apple' by Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen, a haunting tale of sex, secrets and second chances. The intense, soul-satisfying drama will be directed for the first time by its author. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Award-Winning Epic Theatre Ensemble, now in their 12th year presents William Shakespeare's RICHARD III: Born With Teeth, part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest. The production, directed by Ron Russell, begins previews Off-Broadway on Tuesday, April 16th and opens Saturday, April 20th at 8:00 PM at the Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street). The play will run through May 4th. Epic Theatre Ensemble's tickets are $25 for this production. Student Rush is also available. For tickets, please visit www.Ticketcentral.com or call (212) 270-4200. For more information, visit www.epictheatreensemble.org/R3.

On March 3, 2013, Epic Theatre Ensemble held their Annual Gala, Remix: Mix It Up With Epic. The event was held at the McKittrick Hotel, home of Sleep No More. This year's honoree was Tony Award-Winning actor Richard Easton. Highlights of the evening included performances from high school students in Epic's Shakespeare Remix program (winner of the the 2009 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award); the live fundraising auction with celebrity auctioneer Gordon Elliottand the funny and heartfelt tribute to Easton by Ethan Hawke and Aaron Krohn (currently appearing together Off-Broadway in Clive).

Profiles Theatre continues its 2012-2013 Season with the Midwest Premiere of The Dream of Burning Boy by West Read, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The production, which was postponed due to a cast health matter, will continue performances tonight, March 7, 2013.

Profiles Theatre continues its 2012-2013 Season with the Midwest Premiere of The Dream of Burning Boy by West Read, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The production, which was postponed due to a cast health matter, will continue performances on March 7, 2013. Press is welcome to attend the new opening night performance on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 7:00pm. The production runs through April 14, 2013 at Profiles Theatre's Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway.