The new year has already brought notable success for Houston Grand Opera (HGO), where the hotly anticipated American premiere of the long-lost Holocaust opera The Passenger-hailed by the Associated Press as 'the latest coup for a company known for producing new works'-took the national and local press by storm, and where the company's Rigoletto revival was pronounced 'glorious' (Theater Jones). These accolades come at an exciting time for the company, which continues this season's extraordinary line-up with the launch of the first American presentation of a visionary and groundbreaking treatment of Das Rheingold by La Fura dels Baus; the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's A Coffin in Egypt, named one of the twelve 'must-see opera events of the season' (Opera News); a new HGO production of Carmen from Broadway sensation Rob Ashford; and Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, which boasts designs by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi.
The critical response to Houston's American premiere production of The Passenger was overwhelming. Classical Voice America proclaimed the opera “a masterpiece,” and the Chicago Tribune found it an “engrossing, thought-provoking experience” that “deserves [a place] in the regular repertory.” Houston's production impressed the Houston Chronicle as one “that unites commanding performances and vivid, fast-paced staging,” while the Wall Street Journalcommended the way “conductor Patrick Summers shaped the evening with enormous care.” As for the performers, “top to bottom, the cast is excellent,” asserted the Dallas Morning News. Melody Moore “gave Marta's anguish lyricism and strength” (Wall Street Journal), “Michelle Breedt's instrument seemed ideally suited to the role of Liese” (Classical Voice America), and “Kelly Kaduce was mesmerizing” as Katya (Wall Street Journal). The Toronto Star concluded:
The new year has already brought notable success for Houston Grand Opera (HGO), where the hotly anticipated American premiere of the long-lost Holocaust opera The Passenger-hailed by the Associated Press as 'the latest coup for a company known for producing new works'-took the national and local press by storm, and where the company's Rigoletto revival was pronounced 'glorious' (Theater Jones). These accolades come at an exciting time for the company, which continues this season's extraordinary line-up with the launch of the first American presentation of a visionary and groundbreaking treatment of Das Rheingold by La Fura dels Baus; the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's A Coffin in Egypt, named one of the twelve 'must-see opera events of the season' (Opera News); a new HGO production of Carmen from Broadway sensation Rob Ashford; and Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, which boasts designs by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi.
The Public Theater (Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis; Executive Director, Patrick Willingham) announced a second two-week extension for the critically acclaimed world premiere of Elevator Repair Service's ARGUENDO, directed by John Collins. ARGUENDO began performances on Tuesday, September 10, and was originally extended through October 13. The show officially opened on Tuesday, September 24, and will now run an additional two weeks through Sunday, October 27.
Houston Grand Opera's (HGO) 2013–14 season includes the launch of the company's first Ring cycle, in a visionary and captivating production by the Catalan company La Fura dels Baus; the hotly anticipated American premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg's Holocaust opera The Passenger; the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's A Coffin in Egypt, based on the play of the same name by renowned Texas writer Horton Foote and starring iconic mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade; a new HGO production of Carmen from Broadway sensation Rob Ashford; revivals of Aida, Rigoletto, and Die Fledermaus; and, in tribute to the nation's homegrown musical theater tradition, Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music designed by fashion star Isaac Mizrahi. Through its HGOco S o n g o f H o u s t o n project—winner of the National MultiCultural Institute's Leading Lights Diversity Award—the company continues to celebrate Houston's cultural diversity with the world premieres of two new commissions exploring the city's Vietnamese and Indian communities as part of the East + West series.
Houston Grand Opera's (HGO) 2013-14 season includes the launch of the company's first Ring cycle, in a visionary and captivating production by the Catalan company La Fura dels Baus; the hotly anticipated American premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg's Holocaust opera The Passenger; the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's A Coffin in Egypt, based on the play of the same name by renowned Texas writer Horton Foote and starring iconic mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade; a new HGO production of Carmenfrom Broadway sensation Rob Ashford; revivals of Aida, Rigoletto, and Die Fledermaus; and, in tribute to the nation's homegrown musical theater tradition, Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music designed by fashion star Isaac Mizrahi. Through its HGOco Song of Houston project-winner of the National MultiCultural Institute's Leading Lights Diversity Award-the company continues to celebrate Houston's cultural diversity with the world premieres of two new commissions exploring the city's Vietnamese and Indian communities as part of the East + West series.
Chicago Opera Theater's Chicago Stage Premiere production of Astor Piazzolla's MARÍA DE BUENOS AIRES evokes Argentina's 'Dirty War', the period between 1976 and 1983 when the country was governed by military juntas which controlled the populace through state-sponsored terrorism. This 'tango operita' is of stunning originality, pulsing to the passion and beat of Astor Piazzolla's revolutionary 'nuevo tango' and Horacio Ferrer's mesmerizing, imaginative poetry. Chicago Opera Theater's production is a collaboration with Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, and runs for four performances only: tonight, April 20; Wednesday, April 24; Friday, April 26; and Sunday, April 28.
Chicago Opera Theater's Chicago Stage Premiere production of Astor Piazzolla's MARÍA DE BUENOS AIRES evokes Argentina's 'Dirty War', the period between 1976 and 1983 when the country was governed by military juntas which controlled the populace through state-sponsored terrorism. This 'tango operita' is of stunning originality, pulsing to the passion and beat of Astor Piazzolla's revolutionary 'nuevo tango' and Horacio Ferrer's mesmerizing, imaginative poetry. Chicago Opera Theater's production is a collaboration with Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, and runs for four performances only: Saturday, April 20; Wednesday, April 24; Friday, April 26; and Sunday, April 28.
In an exclusive interview for Sony Movie Channel (SMC), Sir Howard Stringer, Sony Corporation's Chairman of the Board, pays tribute to the life of Nora Ephron (SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, HANGING UP), one of the most successful screenwriters, filmmakers and playwrights of this era. Sir Howard's interview, reflecting on Ephron's acclaimed career will air tonight, Tuesday, December 18 as part of SMC's special double-feature tribute to Ephron, presenting her first and last directing efforts, 1992's THIS IS MY LIFE (starring Julie Kavner ) at 8:00 PM E/5:00 PM P and 2009's JULIE & JULIA (starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams ) at 10:00 PM E/7:00 PM P.
ELA WEISSBERGER, one of the few living Holocaust survivors of the Terezin (Teresienstadt) Concentration Camp and star of the children's opera, "Brundibar," will be a special guest of Rabbi David Baron at Yom Kippur High Holy Day Services on the Eve of Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) today, September 25, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre; 8440 Wilshire Boulevard; Beverly Hills, Calif.
ELA WEISSBERGER, one of the few living Holocaust survivors of the Terezin (Teresienstadt) Concentration Camp and star of the children's opera, "Brundibar," will be a special guest of Rabbi David Baron at Yom Kippur High Holy Day Services on the Eve of Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre; 8440 Wilshire Boulevard; Beverly Hills, Calif. Other special guests include Josh Fattal, Laurie Rubin, Ilysia Pierce, Jordan Bennett and more.
In light of this week's news of the passing of noted author, playwright, producer and director Nora Ephron, today we are highlighting some of the most memorable moments from her accomplished and versatile career onscreen and onstage. Ephron's artistic output consisted of collections of essays, memoirs, novels, screenplays, feature films, plays and producing duties on projects close to her heart, as well as a considerable amount of awareness raising for women's causes and general charitable work for the arts. While perhaps best known for her much-loved trio of romantic comedies WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and YOU'VE GOT MAIL, Ephron also penned the screenplay for the Mike Nichols biopic SILKWOOD about whistleblower Karen Silkwood, as well as wrote and directed the recent hit comedy JULIE & JULIA, re-teaming with her friend and consistent collaborator, three-time Oscar-winner Meryl Streep. Incidentally, Streep actually played Ephron - or at least a thinly-veiled version of her - in the 1986 Mike Nichols film HEARTBURN, based on her novel of the same name. While BEWITCHED, LUCKY NUMBERS and HANGING UP may have failed to ignite, Ephron created fine films with the angelically-themed John Travolta starrer MICHAEL and the Julie Kavner vehicle THIS IS YOUR LIFE, as well as crafted indelible characters in screenplays such as COOKIE, MIXED NUTS and MY BLUE HEAVEN. Closing out her career, Ephron showcased Streep once again and rising star Amy Adams shone brightly in the fun and frothy JULIE & JULIA, ending Ephron's film output with a hit to go along with her successful early beginnings as an essayist, humorist and cultural commentator - having penned essay collections in the 1970s such as WALLFLOWER AT THE ORGY, CRAZY SALAD: SOME THINGS ABOUT WOMEN, SCRIBBLE, SCRIBBLE: NOTES ON THE MEDIA, and, more recently, I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK: AND OTHER THOUGHTS ON BEING A WOMAN and I REMEMBER NOTHING: AND OTHER REFLECTIONS - who famously parlayed those skills into TV writing, and, then, her Oscar-nominated work on SILKWOOD - arguably her finest dramatic work of all in film. As far as Ephron's stage ventures are concerned, besides the forthcoming musical adaptation of SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE currently being developed under director Lonny Price and her writing of next season's purportedly Tom Hanks-headlining Broadway bow in LUCKY GUY, Ephron penned the 2002 Jack O'Brien play with music (by no less than Marvin Hamlisch and Craig Carnelia) IMAGINARY FRIENDS, starring Cherry Jones and Swoozie Kurtz, as well as the recently-closed Off Broadway smash, LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE, co-written with her sister, Delia Ephron. JFK White House intern to New York Post columnist to celebrated essayist to Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director and producer, Ephron left a significant mark on society and also crafted some heartwarming - or, should that be: heartburning - stories along the way.
Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998 and has quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists.
Since COIL began in 2006, 50+ companies from NYC, the US, UK, Australia, continental Europe, Latin America and Asia have been presented as part of this mid-winter festival.
Since COIL began in 2006, 50+ companies from NYC, the US, UK, Australia, continental Europe, Latin America and Asia have been presented as part of this mid-winter festival.
Thirteen students from 10 U.S. colleges and universities have been named winners in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 37th Annual Student Academy Awards competition. Academy members will view these films at special screenings and vote to determine the winner's placements.
San Diego Theatres' presentations for this season at the historic and nationally acclaimed Balboa Theatre close with the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour on April 21 at 7:30PM. Celebrating the upcoming 53rd anniversary of the famous Monterey Jazz Festival, this amazing concert will feature the endlessly creative master pianist Kenny Barron, the daring and swinging violinist Regina Carter, the dangerously hip vocalist Kurt Elling and the soulful guitarist Russell Malone. These four musical greats will come together for a very special concert of exceptional jazz in the intimate and acoustically brilliant Balboa Theatre. One performance only...don't miss it!
Sneak Preview of the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour! All-Star band are now available on Youtube.com.
San Diego Theatres' presentations for this season at the historic and nationally acclaimed Balboa Theatre close with the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour on April 21 at 7:30PM. Celebrating the upcoming 53rd anniversary of the famous Monterey Jazz Festival, this amazing concert will feature the endlessly creative master pianist Kenny Barron, the daring and swinging violinist Regina Carter, the dangerously hip vocalist Kurt Elling and the soulful guitarist Russell Malone. These four musical greats will come together for a very special concert of exceptional jazz in the intimate and acoustically brilliant Balboa Theatre. One performance only...don't miss it!
As previously reported, My Girl's Anna Chlumsky and Kristen Johnston are set to headline the Mint Theater Company's SO HELP ME GOD! The Off-Broadway run, which will begin previews November 18th, opens officially at the Lucile Lortel Theatre Dec. 7 and runs through Dec. 20. Today, the full cast and creative team have been announced.
Last night, December 7, The Mint Theater Company opened its hotly anticipated production of So Help Me God!, toplined by Kristen Johnston and Anna Chlumsky, to critical raves. The Off-Broadway run, which began begin previews on November 18th runs through December 20. BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the curtain call and after party!
As previously reported, My Girl's Anna Chlumsky and Kristen Johnston are set to headline the Mint Theater Company's SO HELP ME GOD! The Off-Broadway run, which will begin previews November 18th, opens officially at the Lucile Lortel Theatre Dec. 7 and runs through Dec. 20. Today, the full cast and creative team have been announced.
As previously reported, My Girl's Anna Chlumsky and Kristen Johnston are set to headline the Mint Theater Company's SO HELP ME GOD! The Off-Broadway run, which will begin previews November 18th, opens officially at the Lucile Lortel Theatre Dec. 7 and runs through Dec. 20. Today, the full cast and creative team have been announced.
Actress Anna Chlumsky will join the cast of Mint Theater Company's SO HELP ME GOD! Chlumsky joins Kristen Johnston for the Off-Broadway run, which will begin performances November 18th.
As previously reported, My Girl's Anna Chlumsky and Kristen Johnston are set to headline the Mint Theater Company's SO HELP ME GOD! The Off-Broadway run, which will begin previews November 18th, opens officially at the Lucile Lortel Theatre Dec. 7 and runs through Dec. 20. Today, the full cast and creative team have been announced.
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