'DISCORD' Extends Through November 23 at the Geffen
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2014
The Geffen Playhouse production of The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord, is now performing at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse. Written by Scott Carter, executive producer and writer for Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect and Real Time, this whip-smart philosophical comedy features Larry Cedar (Deadwood, PBS's Square One TV), David Melville (Travel Channel Lawrence of America, film Ironclad) and Armin Shimerman (Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Associate Artistic Director at The Antaeus Company) and will be again helmed by director, Matt August (Broadway How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Due to popular demand, the production has extended now through November 23.
Larry Cedar, David Melville and Armin Shimerman Star in 'THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO...' at the Geffen, Opening Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Oct 15, 2014
The Geffen Playhouse announces its production of The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord. Written by Scott Carter, executive producer and writer for Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect and Real Time, this whip-smart philosophical comedy features Larry Cedar (Deadwood, PBS's Square One TV), David Melville (Travel Channel Lawrence of America, film Ironclad) and Armin Shimerman (Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Associate Artistic Director at The Antaeus Company) and will be again helmed by director, Matt August (Broadway How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Discord began previews on October 7 with the press opening tonight, October 15. The closing date is currently scheduled for November 16.
Larry Cedar, David Melville and Armin Shimerman Star in 'THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO...', Beginning Tonight at the Geffen
by BWW News Desk - Oct 7, 2014
The Geffen Playhouse announces its production of The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord. Written by Scott Carter, executive producer and writer for Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect and Real Time, this whip-smart philosophical comedy features Larry Cedar (Deadwood, PBS's Square One TV), David Melville (Travel Channel Lawrence of America, film Ironclad) and Armin Shimerman (Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Associate Artistic Director at The Antaeus Company) and will be again helmed by director, Matt August (Broadway How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Discord begins previews tonight, October 7 with the press opening on October 15. The closing date is currently scheduled for November 16.
Larry Cedar, David Melville and Armin Shimerman to Star in 'THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO...' at the Geffen This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Sep 17, 2014
The Geffen Playhouse announces its production of The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord. Written by Scott Carter, executive producer and writer for Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect and Real Time, this whip-smart philosophical comedy features Larry Cedar (Deadwood, PBS's Square One TV), David Melville (Travel Channel Lawrence of America, film Ironclad) and Armin Shimerman (Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Associate Artistic Director at The Antaeus Company) and will be again helmed by director, Matt August (Broadway How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Discord begins previews on October 7 with the press opening on October 15. The closing date is currently scheduled for November 16.
Audra McDonald, Kathy Griffin, 'STARCATCHER', Itzak Perlman, Alvin Ailey and More Set for the Van Wezel's 2014-15 Season
by BWW News Desk - Sep 9, 2014
Once again crowned as the No. 1 Performing Arts Hall of its size in North America (Venues Today, 2000 seat category), the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is proud to announce a new season bustling with fresh talent and seasoned stars, with every performance delivering a dose of extraordinary. Single tickets go on sale this coming Saturday, September 13 at 10 AM at the Box Office, online, and by phone. Appointments are available for ticket buyers by calling the Box Office at 941-953-3368.
'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for August 20th, 2014
by Paul W. Thompson - Aug 20, 2014
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. A BIC 'Beautiful' announcement, dates confirmed for Estefan musical 'On Your Feet,' both versions of 'The Wild Party' get local productions, Porchlight sings Disney, 'Toulouse' takes a stage, Tony winners Levi Kreis and Chita Rivera set solo dates here, and much more!
Keen Company's 15th Season to Feature Kathleen Chalfant in A WALK IN THE WOODS and Revival of JOHN & JEN
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 11, 2014
The Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning Keen Company today announced that their 2014 - '15 season will begin with the first major New York revival of Lee Blessing's A Walk In The Woods starring Kathleen Chalfant and Paul Niebanck, directed by Keen Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein. It will be followed in the spring by a rare revival of John & Jen, the musical with music by Andrew Lippa, lyrics by Tom Greenwald, and a book by Lippa and Greenwald.
Tickets to Broadway-Bound AMAZING GRACE at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre On Sale Today
by BWW News Desk - Aug 1, 2014
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for the pre-Broadway world premiere engagement of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), go on-sale to the public starting today, August 1, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Tickets to Broadway-Bound AMAZING GRACE at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre On Sale 8/1
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 28, 2014
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for the pre-Broadway world premiere engagement of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), go on-sale to the public starting this Friday, August 1, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
John Tiffany-Helmed THE TWITS & More Set for Royal Court's 2014-15 Season
by BWW News Desk - Jun 27, 2014
The Royal Court Theatre announces a new season of work today, Friday 27 June, including new plays from Molly Davies, Zinnie Harris, Rory Mullarkey, Tim Price and Jack Thorne; a debut play from first-time playwright Diana Nneka Atuona; a collaboration between scientist Chris Rapley, playwright and director Duncan Macmillan and director Katie Mitchell and a new production for young people and their families - Enda Walsh's new adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Twits.
MR. IRRESISTIBLE Makes West Coast Premiere at the Alcazar Theatre, Now thru 6/8
by BWW News Desk - Jun 4, 2014
MR. IRRESISTIBLE - A New Sci-Fi Musical Comedy Thriller - described as 'The Terminator meets Ugly Betty' - directed by Jonathan J. Carpenter, with book & lyrics by D'Arcy Drollinger (Shit & Champagne / Project: Lohan)and music by Christopher Winslow (OMFG!), make its West Coast premiere today, June 4 - 8, 2014.
Menier Chocolate Factory's 'THE LIFE OF THE PARTY' Andrew Lippa Tribute Begins Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 27, 2014
Performances begin tonight for The Life of the Party - A Celebration of the Songs of Andrew Lippa, a spectacular evening with one of Broadway's most exciting composers and lyricists with David Babani, Artistic Director of the Chocolate Factory, directing alongside an Olivier Award winning creative team. Lynne Page - Choreography, Gareth Owen - Sound Design, Tim Lutkin - Lighting Design and Morgan Large - Set and Costume Design.
Shopping Books to Release THE REVEREND BILLY PROJECT This Week
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2014
This week, Shopping Books publishes The Reverend Billy Project, the most extensive account of the eco-televangelists and his collaborators' years of activism. The book, released here as an e-book, is written by the director of the troupe's performances, Savitri D, and Bill Talen, the writer/actor who inhabits the title character Reverend Billy, and features an introduction by Alisa Solomon. A chapter on the fight to stop the clear-cutting of Boreal forests by paper suppliers of Victoria's Secret catalogues anticipates the Stop Shopping Choir's current earth activism-their HoneyBeeLujah! campaign and The HoneyBeeLujah Show, which they are performing each Sunday through June 22 at Joe's Pub at The Public (425 Lafayette St, NYC).
Creative Team Set for Menier Chocolate Factory's 'THE LIFE OF THE PARTY' Andrew Lippa Tribute, May 27-June 14
by BWW News Desk - May 12, 2014
Rehearsals begin today for The Life of the Party - A Celebration of the Songs of Andrew Lippa, a spectacular evening with one of Broadway's most exciting composers and lyricists with David Babani, Artistic Director of the Chocolate Factory, directing alongside an Olivier Award winning creative team. Lynne Page - Choreography, Gareth Owen - Sound Design, Tim Lutkin - Lighting Design and Morgan Large - Set and Costume Design.
BWW Reviews: Laurel Mill Playhouse's THE WILD PARTY Takes on a Challenge
by Heather Nadolny - Apr 28, 2014
Currently at Laurel Mill Playhouse, a group of enthusiastic, great performers have taken on Andrew Lippa's THE WILD PARTY in a production that, while enthusiastic and lively, unfortunately suffers from some creative decisions and is hindered by the limitations of its small venue.
MR. IRRESISTIBLE to Make West Coast Premiere at the Alcazar Theatre, 6/4-8
by BWW News Desk - Apr 18, 2014
MR. IRRESISTIBLE - A New Sci-Fi Musical Comedy Thriller - described as 'The Terminator meets Ugly Betty' - directed by Jonathan J. Carpenter, with book & lyrics by D'Arcy Drollinger (Shit & Champagne / Project: Lohan)and music by Christopher Winslow (OMFG!), make its West Coast premiere June 4 - 8, 2014 for a very limited engagement of 5 performances only, running Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 8:00 pm / Sun. 7:00 pm. (Preview Wed. 6/4 / Opening Thurs. 6/5) at the Alcazar Theatre - 650 Geary St. (btw'n. Jones & Leavenworth Sts.) in SF.
Pacific Northwest Ballet Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Now thru 4/19
by BWW News Desk - Apr 11, 2014
Pacific Northwest Ballet continues its 2013-2014 season with George Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream. A complete delight for all ages, this full-length ballet is based on William Shakespeare's comedy about the romantic adventures, quarrels and reunions of two pairs of mortal lovers and the king and queen of the fairies. Balanchine's Midsummer, which New York City Ballet premiered in 1962, was the first original evening-length ballet he choreographed in America. Staged by PNB Founding Artistic Director Francia Russell, PNB's production is an enchanted landscape where misunderstandings and mayhem weave tangled paths through the opulent layers of Martin Pakledinaz's designs and Balanchine's marvelously crafted partnerings. All ends well in Act II's wedding festivities with the recognition of ideal love, tenderly portrayed in an exquisite pas de deux. A Midsummer Night's Dream plays for eight performances only, tonight, April 11-19 at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center Tickets start at $28 and may be purchased by calling the PNB Box Office at 206. 441.2424, online at PNB.org, or in person at the PNB Box Office at 301 Mercer Street.
STAGE TUBE: On This Day 4/13- THE WILD PARTY
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 13, 2014
Today in 2000, The Wild Party opened at the Virginia Theatre (now the August Wilson Theatre), where it ran for 68 performances. The Wild Party is a musical with a book by Michael John LaChiusa and George C. Wolfe and music and lyrics by LaChiusa. It is based on the 1928 Joseph Moncure March narrative poem of the same name. The Broadway production coincidentally opened during the same theatrical season (1999-2000) as an off-Broadway musical with the same title and source material. Its plot centers on a party - fueled by bathtub gin, cocaine, and uninhibited sexual behavior - hosted by Queenie and Burrs, whose relationship is disintegrating. The cast included Toni Collette (making her Broadway debut) as Queenie, Mandy Patinkin as Burrs, and Yancey Arias as Black.
The Pacific Northwest Ballet Presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, 4/11-19
by BWW News Desk - Mar 24, 2014
Pacific Northwest Ballet continues its 2013-2014 season with George Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream. A complete delight for all ages, this full-length ballet is based on William Shakespeare's comedy about the romantic adventures, quarrels and reunions of two pairs of mortal lovers and the king and queen of the fairies. Balanchine's Midsummer, which New York City Ballet premiered in 1962, was the first original evening-length ballet he choreographed in America. Staged by PNB Founding Artistic Director Francia Russell, PNB's production is an enchanted landscape where misunderstandings and mayhem weave tangled paths through the opulent layers of Martin Pakledinaz's designs and Balanchine's marvelously crafted partnerings. All ends well in Act II's wedding festivities with the recognition of ideal love, tenderly portrayed in an exquisite pas de deux. A Midsummer Night's Dream plays for eight performances only, April 11-19 at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center Tickets start at $28 and may be purchased by calling the PNB Box Office at 206. 441.2424, online at PNB.org, or in person at the PNB Box Office at 301 Mercer Street.
BWW Reviews: NRACT Visits the Roaring 20s with Lippa's THE WILD PARTY
by Larisa Mount - Mar 14, 2014
North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre is taking audiences back to the roaring 1920s with Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party. Originally performed Off-Broadway in 2000, The Wild Party is based on a long-form poem of the same name by Joseph Moncure March, published in 1928. The plot revolves around unsatisfied lovers Queenie and Burrs, and their subsequent love interests, Black and Kate. It begins as vaudeville couple Queenie and Burrs throw the titular party, as Queenie decides she needs to do something about Burrs' increasingly violent demeanor. The show progresses largely over the course of one roaring party featuring plenty of bathtub gin, a little bit of drugs, some violence for good measure, and plenty of partygoers who aren't sure what they really want.
At the Helm! BWW Rounds Up This Season's Broadway Directors
by BWW Special Coverage - Mar 9, 2014
Broadway stars might boast the biggest fan-bases, but without their directors, the vehicle driving their talents could easily swerve off the tracks. Keeping the runaway train at bay are season's bold Broadway 'conductors'. Scroll down to learn more about this season's intrepid and imaginative leaders!