Walter Matthau News

Sarasota Opera's Da Capo Society, the only young patrons group, ages 21 - 45, dedicated to a single arts organization in Sarasota, will host The Wizard of Oz themed costume contest Thursday, June 7th at 6pm to celebrate the launch of the new season of "Classic Movies at the Opera House." Launched in 2017, the "Classic Movies at the Opera House" series will occur twice monthly starting Thursday, June 7 and will include timeless films designed to be enjoyed on the big screen in the elegance of the Opera House. Each presentation will begin at 7:30pm.

The long awaited 50th Anniversary HELLO AGAIN, DOLLY! community-wide Festival in Westchester and Putnam County kicks off this month as Hudson River towns celebrate their shared cultural history through the lens of this beloved Hollywood film.

A classic tap-happy musical and a new production of a legendary Broadway comedy are highlights of Bucks County Playhouse's 2018 Season. Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler announced details of the season, which will kick off at the historic Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania on May 19.

 Returning to the Okoboji Summer Theatre Stage for his third year in a row, award-winning film and television actor Jay Huguley will star in Neil Simon's "I Oughta Be In Pictures," Simon's Broadway play, which premiered in 1980. Huguley most recently performed in the Okoboji's 60th Anniversary Production of "Boeing-Boeing," the 60s era farce comedy, last summer. 

It is the perfect time to take an exclusive backstage tour of the Ogunquit Playhouse. The legendary theatre is listed on the National Historic Register theatre and shines as one of Maine's cultural jewels and a cornerstone of America's theatrical heritage. It has produced the finest Broadway shows for 86 years, showcasing over 300 Broadway, television and film stars on its stage. Come walk in the footsteps of theatre legends guided by a group of enthusiastic docents who are eager to share the fascinating stories of the Ogunquit Playhouse.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to be partnering once again with Rotary International to continue in the fight to eradicate polio worldwide by 2020. The annual Rotary Night is scheduled for Wednesday, May 23 for the evening performance of Smokey Joe's Cafe. The public is invited to join the fight by purchasing a ticket to the all-new revival of the sizzling song and dance show that features more than 30 of rock 'n' roll's greatest hits! A portion of every ticket purchased for that evening's performance will be donated to Rotary International. The Ogunquit Playhouse has contributed over $10,000 towards this cause through Rotary Night ticket proceeds over the past seven years.

In an era where seemingly everything from "Roseanne" to "Will and Grace" has received a reboot, God also has decided to take a fresh look at one of his greatest cultural achievements, The Ten Commandments, in the hilarious Broadway comedy, "An Act of God." Directed by Tracy Brigden, the comedy runs at Bucks County Playhouse May 18 - June 16. The official opening night performance is Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 pm. The 2018 Bucks County Playhouse Season is sponsored by Bank of America.

The comic genius of Charlie Chaplin will be on full display as Philadelphia-based "Not So Silent Cinema" provides live accompaniment to three Chaplin shorts in a special one-performance only event at Bucks County Playhouse, Sunday, April 29 at 2 p.m. The presentation is part of the Playhouse's Visiting Artist Series.

Lou Volpe, the retired theatre education pioneer was recently inducted into the prestigious Bucks County Playhouse Hall of Fame, following such honorees as Angela Lansbury, Oscar Hammerstein and Shirley Jones. A formal ceremony was held on April 14 at the historic playhouse. Volpe, whose career is the inspiration behind "Rise," the new TV series on NBC, was heralded for his life's work as a high school drama teacher at Harry S. Truman High School in Levittown, PA. During his tenure there, he transformed this Bucks County community with the magic of theater.

In a season where Disney's "Frozen" is heating up the box office on Broadway and an American commoner is preparing to marry an English prince, one of Broadway's most charming princesses, two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes ("Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" on Broadway) is bringing her own Princess Party to Bucks County Playhouse. The concert is being presented in New Hope as part of the Bucks County Playhouse Visiting Artist Series.

Second Stage Theater (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Casey Reitz, Executive Director) has announced additional casting for the New York Premiere of TRACY LETTS' acclaimed play, MARY PAGE MARLOWE.

Lou Volpe, the retired theatre education pioneer, is being given the prestigious Bucks County Playhouse Hall of Fame Award, following such honorees as Angela Lansbury, Oscar Hammerstein and Shirley Jones.

Sarasota Opera is pleased to announce the line-up for the 2018 season of 'HD at the Opera House' and "Classic Movies at the Opera House".  This weekly series of filmed performances has allowed Sarasota Opera to expand its programming from the fall and winter season to year-around. The 2018 "HD at the Opera House" series will open on Sunday, May 20th and run through September 30th and will include presentations of Ballet and Theater from some of the world's most famous venues and companies including the Royal Opera House; Teatro alla Scala in Milan; Royal Shakespeare Company; Vienna State Opera; and the Royal Ballet. Each presentation will begin at 1:30pm.

A classic tap-happy musical and a new production of a legendary Broadway comedy are highlights of Bucks County Playhouse's 2018 Season. Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler announced details of the season, which will kick off at the historic Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania on May 19.

The multi-Tony Award-winning, international sensation that took Broadway and the world by storm, makes its Northeast regional premiere at the Ogunquit Playhouse September 5 to October 28. Jersey Boys takes audiences on an exhilarating journey behind the music of mega-stars Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Follow the incredible story of four guys bound by one dream, who worked their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Audiences around the world have gone wild over the electrifying performances of the golden greats that took these hometown boys all the way to the top of the charts: "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Dawn," "My Eyes Adored You," and many more. You're sure to leave exclaiming, "Oh, What a Night!"

Tony Award nominee, and winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award(Best Solo Performance 2015), Orson Bean, continues with the run of "Alright Then," co-starring Alley Mills at Pacific Resident Theatre. Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos (Ovation Award and Los Angeles Drama Critic's Circle Award for Best Director) the show was inspired by Bean's multi-award winning companion piece SAFE AT HOME: An Evening with Orson Bean and tuns Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, and on Sundays at 3pm through April 15, 2018

Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross, the parents from the five-time Emmy-winning NBC comedy "Family Ties," will make their Bucks County Playhouse debut, as part of the Visiting Artists Series, in A. R. Gurney's critically acclaimed "Love Letters." Running from April 4 - 8, 2018, 'Love Letters' is an especially meaningful show for Baxter and Gross who have continued as friends and colleagues since working together on "Family Ties" 30 years ago.

Audiences are invited to take a sentimental journey when the 1940s musical revue "In The Mood" returns to Bucks County Playhouse for a limited engagement, March 21-25. "In the Mood" is being presented as part of the Playhouse's Visiting Artist Series.

"America's Got Talent" 2016 Finalist Brian Justin Crum has been added to the cast of "Dance to the Movies" for its upcoming engagement at Bucks County Playhouse. Crum joins Tony Dovolani, a Mirror Ball Trophy Winner and celebrity pro from "Dancing with the Stars," and Anna Trebunskaya, also a "Dancing with the Stars" celebrity pro and fan favorite, in this high-powered cast. "Dance to the Movies" is being presented as part of the Playhouse's Visiting Artists Series. The show will take over the playhouse stage March 7 - 11. 

The comic genius of Charlie Chaplin will be on full display as Philadelphia-based "Not So Silent Cinema" provides live accompaniment to three Chaplin shorts in a special one-night event at Bucks County Playhouse, Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m. The presentation is part of the Playhouse's Visiting Artist Series.