Willy Russell News

Renaissance Theaterworks (RTW) presents the 2nd show of its 20th season EDUCATING RITA a comedy by Willy Russell. Jenny Wanasek will direct this comedy featuring Jonathan Smoots and Cristina Panfilio. Running January 18 - February 10, 2013 at the Studio Theatre, 158 N. Broadway, tickets can be purchased for $36 (fee & taxes not included) in person at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, by telephone at (414) 291-7800, or online at www.r-t-w.com.

Artistic Director Daniel Evans today unveils Sheffield Theatres' spring season for 2013, which includes two world premieres - Bull, a new play by Mike Bartlett, and This Is My Family, a new musical comedy by Tim Firth; major revivals of D.H. Lawrence's masterpiece The Daughter-in-Law and Alan Bennett's The History Boys, and Sheffield People's Theatre present their second production, 20 Tiny Plays about Sheffield. Full casting for My Fair Lady, the Crucible Christmas musical is also announced today.

Blood Brothers rose from the ashes to secure its place in the West End history books, courtesy of the Phoenix theatre. But having enjoyed 24 years as one of the West End's best loved and longest running musicals, the 'story of the Johnstone Twins' is set to say farewell.

It was confirmed today that the new musical version of classic novel From Here to Eternity will open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in autumn 2013 after the run of Burn The Floor. It will preview from September 30th and press night will be 23rd October 2013.

Today we are continuing BroadwayWorld's extensive coverage of the forthcoming Fathom cinema presentation of the epic brand new arena production Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR by highlighting the show's sole female voice, Mary Magdalene, as portrayed in this fresh, ultra hi-tech, extravagantly sensorial production by Spice Girl and West End notable Melanie C..

Bill Kenwright's production of Blood Brothers seems to be constantly touring the UK. Some may say a little too often but with Birmingham Hippodrome packed to the rafters last night and the reaction that the show received, there is still obviously a high demand for the production.

BLOOD BROTHERS makes a welcome return to Birmingham Hippodrome this autumn from tonight 22 October - Saturday 3 November 2012.

Join The Broadway Rabbi, Yisrael Lutnick for an unforgettable evening of song and story. This is not an impersonation of Sinatra, it is a journey to meet the real Ol' Blue Eyes through his best songs and amazing, but true, stories. And with Rabbinical commentary!

Helen Hobson will return to the role of Donna Sheridan in the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! from tonight, Monday 24 September, less than three weeks after the musical, now in its 14th year in London, has transferred from the Prince of Wales Theatre to its new home in the Novello Theatre.

'Blood Brothers,' one of the longest-running musical productions in the history of theater, is onstage at West Springfield's Majestic Theater now through October 28, according to Producing Director Danny Eaton, who also directs the play. The play launches the 16th season of theater since the Majestic's revival in 1997. Check out photos from opening night below, featuring Billy Stritch, Doug Major and more!

'Blood Brothers,' one of the longest-running musical productions in the history of theater, will be staged at West Springfield's Majestic Theater September 13 - October 28, according to Producing Director Danny Eaton, who will also direct the play. The play launches the 16th season of theater since the Majestic's revival in 1997.

Michael Xavier, Janie Dee, Claire Moore, Hayley Gallivan, Maria Friedman, Danielle Hope, Alison Jiear, Haydn Gwynne, Sally Anne Triplett, David Bedella, Tam Mutu, Paul Kaye, Stuart Matthew Price, Lucy May Barker, James Bourne, Madalena Alberto and Jenna Russell are now confirmed as the full line up of artists for Mercury Musical Developments 20th Anniversary Gala on Sunday 14 October 2012 at the Novello Theatre.

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC), recipient of the 2012 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award from the Innovative Theatre Foundation, has announced their additional IT Award Nominations and their 12th Season featuring the New York Premiere of Gregory S. Moss's (punkplay, House of Gold) Billy Witch and Willy Russell's (Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine) Blood Brothers. APAC is also fortunate to be working on a developmental piece with Grammy and Tony-award winning composer Galt MacDermot (Hair), Gone Tomoro. APAC's performance venue is located at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St (@30th Rd) in Astoria, Queens.

BLOOD BROTHERS makes a welcome return to Birmingham Hippodrome this autumn from Monday 22 October - Saturday 3 November 2012.

'Shirley Valentine,' an entertaining comedy by Willy Russell directed by NSTC's Artistic Director Ceil Herman and starring Janet Mazdra, is the first play of No Strings Theatre Company's 2012-2013 Season. 'Shirley Valentine' now runs through Sunday, September 2, after an extension at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N Downtown Mall in Las Cruces.

The Colony Theatre presents the second production of its "Season of Premieres" with the West Coast Premiere Premiere of BLAME IT ON BECKETT, written by John Morogiello and directed by Andrew Barnicle. BLAME IT ON BECKETT opens tonight, Saturday, August 11 at 8:00pm and continues through Sunday, September 2 at The Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street (at Cypress) adjacent to the Burbank Town Center.

Actress, singer, activist turned hypnotherapist Helen Reddy was named the Queen of 70s Pop. In 1973 she had three No. 1 hit tunes, including of course 'I Am Woman', which she co-wrote herself, not finding at that time a single song to record that satisfied her feminine wiles. Now living in Australia, Reddy seems relaxed, content, but still eager, like Norma Desmond, to 'return' to the biz, singing. In our chat she explains why and talks candidly about the high ... and low points of her life.

On 14th October 2012 Mercury Musical Developments will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a Gala Concert celebrating British musical theatre past, present and future, for one night only, at the Novello Theatre.

The Colony Theatre presents the second production of its "Season of Premieres" with the West Coast Premiere Premiere of BLAME IT ON BECKETT, written by John Morogiello and directed by Andrew Barnicle. BLAME IT ON BECKETT will preview on Wednesday, August 8; Thursday, August 9; and Friday, August 10 at 8:00pm and will open on Saturday, August 11 at 8:00pm and continue through Sunday, September 2 at The Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street (at Cypress) adjacent to the Burbank Town Center.

Helen Hobson will return to the role of Donna Sheridan in the global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! from Monday 24 September, less than three weeks after the musical, now in its 14th year in London, has transferred from the Prince of Wales Theatre to its new home, the Novello Theatre.