Four 2002 - Articles Page 28

After last week's nerve-racking double elimination, the four remaining couples faced off in the semifinals of ABC's DANCING WITH THE STARS last night. The couples performed one new Ballroom and one new Latin dance to determine which three couples will land in the finals. View highlights of the show below!

The Summer Season at the Finborough Theatre continues with rediscoveries of EVENTS WHILE GUARDING THE BOFORS GUN and MERRIE ENGLAND. Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the death of playwright John McGrath, and unseen in a professional production in London since 1966, John McGrath's Events While Guarding The Bofors Gun opens at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre for a limited four-week season from Tuesday, 22 May 2012 directed by Robert Hastie. Merrie England plays at the Finborough Theatre for a limited run of nine Sunday and Monday evening performances and Tuesday matinees, opening on Sunday, 27 May 2012.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center announced today four musicals to be developed at its 2012 National Music Theater Conference (NMTC).

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts continues its 31st season with a night of dance hits on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 8pm. One of dance music's biggest stars for over three decades, GRAMMY Award winner GLORIA GAYNOR will perform with a full band. Her 1979 #1 hit, the greatest disco anthem of all time, "I Will Survive," is her signature song of inspiration that has touched the hearts of people all over the world. The song was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame at this year's ceremony in February. Urban and dance music phenomenon COLONEL ABRAMS will perform his biggest hits, including "Trapped," "I'm Not Gonna Let You" and "How Soon We Forget." Also performing will be THE HIT MEN, a group of six guys who made, played, sang and recorded the hits of the '60s, '70s and '80s. This group features original recording and performing members of such iconic bands as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and Tommy James and The Shondells and the original recording artists of such historic megahits as "Oh What a Night (Dec. '63)," "Sherry," "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" and 'Who Loves You."

A European premiere from one of Canada's pre-eminent playwrights, Daniel MacIvor, His Greatness opens at the Finborough Theatre on Tuesday, 24 April 2012 (Press Night: Friday, 27 April 2012 at 7.30pm) for a four week limited season. Directed by Che Walker, the cast includes Russell Bentley, Matthew Marsh and Toby Wharton.

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts continues its 31st season with a night of dance hits on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 8pm. One of dance music's biggest stars for over three decades, GRAMMY Award winner GLORIA GAYNOR will perform with a full band. Her 1979 #1 hit, the greatest disco anthem of all time, "I Will Survive," is her signature song of inspiration that has touched the hearts of people all over the world. The song was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame at this year's ceremony in February. Urban and dance music phenomenon COLONEL ABRAMS will perform his biggest hits, including "Trapped," "I'm Not Gonna Let You" and "How Soon We Forget." Also performing will be THE HIT MEN, a group of six guys who made, played, sang and recorded the hits of the '60s, '70s and '80s. This group features original recording and performing members of such iconic bands as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and Tommy James and The Shondells and the original recording artists of such historic megahits as "Oh What a Night (Dec. '63)," "Sherry," "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" and 'Who Loves You."

Whistler in the Dark Theatre presents Craig Wright's 2002 play about the aftermath of 9/11 as a young woman on a blind date in Minneapolis awaits word from her identical twin sister in New York City. Director Bridget Kathleen O'Leary and her cohesive ensemble cast overcome the challenges inherent in the play by virtue of their sincerity and the seriousness of their approach to the work.

It is a rare enough occurrence for a genuine born and bred Broadway star to emerge post-millennium, but one as astonishingly versatile as Raul Esparza, having scored accolades since his blazing debut in a string of hit plays and musicals, ranging from Mamet and Sondheim and Pinter to CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and his aforementioned Broadway bow in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, is a downright cause for celebration. Esparza makes his grand return to the Broadway stage in a musical with his upcoming starring role in Alan Menken & Glenn Slater's adaptation of the Steve Martin film LEAP OF FAITH, featuring a country and gospel influenced score and a spirited, energetic production by Christopher Ashley (who, incidentally, helmed Esparza's first Broadway show, ROCKY HORROR). While Esparza has been seen in many - most, if not quite all - Broadway seasons in the decade since 2001, he has also scored in leading roles in regional productions such as 2002's spectacular SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG revivals, part of the unprecedented Sondheim Celebration, as well as the Cincinnati Playhouse COMPANY, directed by John Doyle, which transferred to Broadway and was subsequently preserved on DVD and Blu-ray, in addition to being presented on PBS as part of Great Performances. Besides Esparza's many notable musical revival performances (lest we forget his essaying of the Emcee in CABARET), he also created the Broadway iterations of his roles in the controversial and brilliantly scored TABOO, produced by Rosie O'Donnell and composed by Boy George, as well as the stage adaptation of the hit family classic CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, as well as originating the lead role in TICK, TICK...BOOM! Having played three of Sondheim's most memorable male roles was not enough, though, apparently, for Esparza recently took on the part of the hapless Hapgood in Sondheim's ANYONE CAN WHISTLE when it was revived at City Center's Encores! - with Tony-winners Donna Murphy and Sutton Foster his co-stars, no less - with much success. Yet, in one of a myriad of examples of the broad spectrum of Esparza's abilities, it is instructive to remember he first made a name for himself with the role of Che in an Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice show, directed by no less than the ultimate man of the theatre himself, Harold Prince - EVITA, which, of course, is being revived this season with Ricky Martin in the role of Che. Besides Esparza's many musical roles throughout the past decade and prior, he has also carved out a seriously impressive straight drama resume, having appeared in plays by the great playwrights of our age, such as Pinter (THE HOMECOMING), Mamet (SPEED-THE-PLOW), Stoppard (ARCADIA) and, the greatest of all, Shakespeare (AS YOU LIKE IT, part of Shakespeare In The Park). ROCKY HORROR to ARCADIA to, now, with LEAP OF FAITH, Esparza constantly and consistently surprises fans and audiences alike with his audacious choice in roles and electrifying performances that are indelibly enjoyable in their uniqueness, variety and sheer breadth of emotion - time and time again. Yes, indeed, Raul Esparza is the best of the best Broadway has to offer, so let us hope LEAP OF FAITH is the ideal star vehicle for one of the most charismatic and multi-talented leading men of the 21st century and that it brings him his well-deserved Best Actor Tony at last.

The Public Theater announced the dates today for the 50th Anniversary season of free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte. AS YOU LIKE IT, directed by Daniel Sullivan, will begin previews on Tuesday, June 5 and continue for four weeks through Saturday, June 30. Joining the previously announced Lily Rabe (Rosalind) will be Macintyre Dixon (Adam); Renee Elise Goldsberry (Celia); and Omar Metwally (Oliver).

Flamenco Festival 2012, presented by New York City Center and the Flamenco Festival, will celebrate the tradition of great female flamenco choreographers and will showcase four of today's most acclaimed bailaoras (flamenco dancers): Rafaela Carrasco, Manuela Carrasco, Carmen Cortes and Olga Pericet. The Festival, presenting four unique nights of dance, each a New York premiere, will run through March 4 at New York City Center, 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

Flamenco Festival 2012, presented by New York City Center and the Flamenco Festival, will celebrate the tradition of great female flamenco choreographers and will showcase four of today's most acclaimed bailaoras (flamenco dancers): Rafaela Carrasco, Manuela Carrasco, Carmen Cortes and Olga Pericet. The Festival, presenting four unique nights of dance, each a New York premiere, will run March 1 - 4 at New York City Center, 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

Four free flamenco dance lessons, plus tapas and Spanish wine, will be offered as part of Flamenco Festival 2012 at New York City Center, March 1 - 4. The lessons are open to all ticket holders and all skill levels, and will begin 90 minutes before curtain time. Tapas and Spanish wine will be available for purchase.

According to the New York Times, Playwrights Horizons will present FAR FROM HEAVEN, a new musical with book by Tony Award winner and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Richard Greenberg (Take Me Out, Three Days of Rain), music by Tony Award nominee Scott Frankel (Grey Gardens) and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Michael Korie (Grey Gardens, The Grapes of Wrath), in Spring 2013. The show will also play Williamstown Theatre Festival this summer. The musical was adapted from the acclaimed, award-winning 2002 Focus Features/Vulcan Productions motion picture Far From Heaven, written and directed by Todd Haynes.

Flamenco Festival 2012, presented by New York City Center and the Flamenco Festival, will celebrate the tradition of great female flamenco choreographers and will showcase four of today's most acclaimed bailaoras (flamenco dancers): Rafaela Carrasco, Manuela Carrasco, Carmen Cortes and Olga Pericet. The Festival, presenting four unique nights of dance, each a New York premiere, will run March 1 - 4 at New York City Center, 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

ENCORE is set to debut Original award-winning series 'The Crimson Petal and The White,' a four part miniseries adapted from Michel Faber's Bestselling novel (2002).Part one and two of the sweeping and gritty epic will air exclusively on ENCORE Friday, March 6th beginning at 9 PM et/pt, with its concluding parts three and four airing Saturday, March 7th at 9 PM et/pt.

Fresh off seven overwhelmingly successful Holiday POPS! performances, the musical magic continues for another season of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops! Four fabulous concert series are planned for the 2011-2012 season.

Hugh Jackman will return to Broadway during the 2013/2014 season starring as America's greatest showman in HOUDINI, an original musical. Making his Broadway debut as librettist, Academy Award and six-time Emmy Award winner Aaron Sorkin will collaborate with three-time Academy Award and four-time Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, HOUDINI is presented by film and theatre producer Scott Sanders and David Rockwell. Mr. Rockwell will also design the sets for HOUDINI. Additional HOUDINI casting, creative team and design team to be announced at a later date.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the musical THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Andrew Lloyd Webber will introduce a unique performance of the title number from the musical at this year's Royal Variety Performance. Starring four acclaimed 'Phantoms' - Simon Bowman, Earl Carpenter, Ramin Karimloo and John Owen-Jones, the performance will also feature international pop-star Nicole Scherzinger as 'Christine'.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival (Jenny Gersten, Artistic Director) will honor the Festival's renowned Training Programs at its Annual Benefit, 'We The Future,' to be held on Monday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edison Ballroom in New York City (240 West 47th Street), it was announced today. The evening, hosted by Award-winning comedian (and Williamstown veteran) Lewis Black, will feature former WTF alumni Tony Goldwyn (Promises, Promises; 1981 Non-Equity Company), Kathryn Hahn (Revolutionary Road, 1997 Non-Equity Company) and Constantine Maroulis ('American Idol,' 2002 WTF Apprentice), performing with members of the 2011 Apprentice and Non-Equity companies.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival (Jenny Gersten, Artistic Director) will honor the Festival's renowned Training Programs at its Annual Benefit, 'We The Future,' to be held on Monday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edison Ballroom in New York City (240 West 47th Street), it was announced today. The evening, hosted by Award-winning comedian (and Williamstown veteran) Lewis Black, will feature former WTF alumni Tony Goldwyn (Promises, Promises; 1981 Non-Equity Company), Kathryn Hahn (Revolutionary Road, 1997 Non-Equity Company) and Constantine Maroulis ('American Idol,' 2002 WTF Apprentice), performing with members of the 2011 Apprentice and Non-Equity companies.

With four Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards, the Juilliard-trained Audra McDonald returns to performing live full-time this month following four seasons playing Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC's hit television series Private Practice. Currently starring alongside Norm Lewis in A.R.T.'s PORGY AND BESS, the Broadway-bound singer will make a stop at Carnegie Hall as a part of her 20-city concert tour across North America. McDonald will present her trademark mix of show tunes, classic songs from movies, and pieces written expressly for her by leading contemporary composers.

With the success of four previous Festivals (1999, 2002, 2005, 2008), the 2011 World Festival of Sacred Music (WFSM) has established itself as one of the premiere arts festivals of Los Angeles. For 16 days and nights from today through 16, 2011, WFSM fills L.A.'s historic theaters, churches, temples and public spaces with 32 performances featuring local and international artists with disciplines ranging from sacred traditional music to contemporary dance.

The project is built around the nucleus of songwriter, performer & vocalist Lucinda Shaw and composer & percussionist James Lees. From 1994-2002, they were key members of celebrated Brisbane band ISIS who released four CD's, toured Australia and regularly packed venues in Brisbane with their highly visual shows and special events. As a writer & performer, Lucinda has produced a series of stage works for La Boite Theatre's ‘Shock Of The New', Metro Arts' ‘Cab Sav' and the Magdelena Festival. As a musician, James has worked with many Brisbane bands (including Chalk, Saturn South, Tylea & The Imaginary Music Score and Speed Of Purple) as well as producing experimental cabaret & performance events. Together, they have produced performance & music for Brisbane Pride Festival & Brisbane Cabaret Festival.

With four Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards, the Juilliard-trained Audra McDonald returns to performing live full-time this month following four seasons playing Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC's hit television series Private Practice. Currently starring alongside Norm Lewis in A.R.T.'s PORGY AND BESS, the Broadway-bound singer will make a stop at Carnegie Hall as a part of her 20-city concert tour across North America. McDonald will present her trademark mix of show tunes, classic songs from movies, and pieces written expressly for her by leading contemporary composers.

The Australian Ballet, celebrating its 50th-anniversary, has announced the full program of its June, 2012 New York season, which will include four North American premieres.