TheatreLAB, Richmond's home for unexpected and evocative performance, is proud to present Anna Deavere Smith's stunning work of "documentary theatre," TWILIGHT: Los Angeles, 1992 as part of The Cellar Series: When The Other Becomes The Self. Directed by Addie Barnhart and starring TheatreLAB Associate Artistic Director, Katrinah Carol Lewis (2016 Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner, Best Actress in a Musical). The show will run March 24 thru April 1 at TheatreLAB's venue, The Basement (300 East Broad Street). TWILIGHT: Los Angeles, 1992 is being performed 25 years after the Rodney King Riots.
Christopher Gattelli, the Tony-winning choreographer, is practically jumping with joy over the success of ''Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical!'' and its giant leap to the big screen. Its three-day screenings (Feb. 16, 18 and 22) broke records to become the highest-grossing Broadway event from Fathom Events. And now ''Disney's Newsies'' will return for an encore showing on Saturday, March 4, at 12:55 p.m.
John Waters will be honored with the Writers Guild of America, East's Ian McLellan Hunter Award at the 2017 Writers Guild Awards to be held at New York's Edison Ballroom on Sunday, February 19, 2017.
Obie-Awarding director Robert Allan Ackerman has worked the boards all around the globe bringing out outstanding performances from both stellar legends and before-they-were-known newbies. Robert's latest production BLOOD, which he wrote as well, had its world premiere earlier this year, also at The Complex.
The 1969 installment of August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle makes its mark at Open Stage, with Aaron Bomar leading a great cast.
Women's Project Theater, under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty and Managing Director Maureen Moynihan, has announced the rotating casts for the New York premiere of DEAR ELIZABETH, the inaugural production at the WP's new theatrical home the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway (at 76th Street).
· In 2016 the Royal Court Theatre celebrates its 60th birthday by looking towards the future. The new season includes six world premieres, five UK and worldwide collaborations, one European premiere, a major collaboration with LIFT, a partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas, the return of Open Court and ongoing work in Tottenham and Pimlico.
Today we are talking to a Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist celebrated for his uniquely designed mainstages musicals showcasing a fiercely idiosyncratic style and flair all his own, the one and only William Finn. Outlining the new version of A NEW BRAIN set to be presented later this month at City Center as part of the Encores! Off-Center series, Finn discusses his original intentions behind many moments in the show as well as shares his inspiration for many musical moments in the melodic and moving score, as well. Additionally, Finn shares fresh news of his long in developtment musical adaptation of George S. Kaufman & Edna Ferber's THE ROYAL FAMILY OF BROADWAY and provides preliminary details on the forthcoming revival of his groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical FALSETTOS set to premiere later this season, as well. Plus, Finn imparts his enthusiasm for the upcoming 10th anniversary cast reunion of his popular musical THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, touches upon his favorite songs to date and expresses his desire to revisit Depression-era musical ROMANCE IN HARD TIMES in the future, as well as reveals his personal favorite songs to date and much, much more.
The 'psycho lesbian' murderer is a staple media stereotype without basis in fact. Seeing it on NBC'S THE BLACKLIST in 'Vanessa Cruz' harks back to a less enlightened era of television and film. Isn't THE BLACKLIST sexist and offensive enough without it?
Malawi Mouse Boys opened the third day of WOMADelaide on Stage 2 and to say that their sound is raw is rather an understatement.
'When Black Boys Die,' written and directed by William Electric Black, is a new drama about a teenage girl's journey as she tries to understand the madness of gun violence that has killed her brother and consumed her mother (and so many other mothers who have also lost their sons to inner city violence). It is the second in a series of five plays by William Electric Black, to be collectively called 'GUNPLAYS,' that address inner city violence and guns. Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave (East Village), will present the work tonight, March 5 to 22, directed by the author.
Five years in development, 'Small Axe' is a compelling, timely, provocative and inspiring new piece of Verbatim Theatre now playing at the Theatre Centre. It is presented by The Theatre Centre and Project: Humanity (PH). Founded in 2008, PH calls itself 'a non-profit organization raising awareness of social issues through the arts.' It reunites actor/writer Andrew Kushnir and director Alan Dilworth, who previously collaborated in 2010 on PH's 'The Middle Place,' a successful play about Toronto's homeless youth. Premiered at SummerWorks, it was restaged as a coproduction of Theatre Passe Muraille, Canadian Stage and PH.
'When Black Boys Die,' written and directed by William Electric Black, is a new drama about a teenage girl's journey as she tries to understand the madness of gun violence that has killed her brother and consumed her mother (and so many other mothers who have also lost their sons to inner city violence). It is the second in a series of five plays by William Electric Black, to be collectively called 'GUNPLAYS,' that address inner city violence and guns. Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave (East Village), will present the work March 5 to 22, directed by the author.
Admittedly, I am not in the target demographic for Disney's musical NEWSIES, running through February 1st at Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This musical, which concluded its two-and-a-half year Broadway run last fall, has inspired a legion of young, female fans who have dubbed themselves 'Fansies.' So while I might not be who the show is normally marketed towards, I left the Walt Disney Theatre on Opening Night completely infected by the optimism, athleticism, and heart of this movie-musical adaptation. Though far from being without fault, the score (which won a Tony for composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman), the script (by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein), and the immense talent of the young ensemble made this a exceptionally enjoyable evening of entertainment.
B Street Theatre, Sacramento's Resident New Works Theatre, is pleased to present its 19th Mainstage world premiere for the holidays: Spinning Into Light, a musical. The production runs November 30, 2014 - January 4, 2015.
To celebrate HUNCHBACK's run, we've gone in-depth on Disney's animated films that have brought their music, magic, comedy and romance to the stage. Scroll down to learn more, and be sure to tell us which Disney film you'd like to see adapted next!
Every once in a while an extraordinary story and performer comes along
where we can explore the human condition from a new perspective.
Such a performer is Bailey Mason and such a show is !HOOKED which blends wacky yet real comedy with episodes of somber events from Bailey's life. She is a strong person who has experienced more than she would have wanted, but came out better for it in the end.
Bailey Mason presents a return engagement of her critically-acclaimed solo show HOOKED, opening Sunday, April 27 and continuing on Sundays at 7:00pm through June 29, 2014 at Spiritworks Center in Burbank, directed by Mark W. Travis. HOOKED recounts Bailey's journey from hooker to healer, a true story of love and transformation.
Today we are talking to a five-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer celebrated for her stupendous work on CRAZY FOR YOU, THE PRODUCERS, CONTACT, THE FROGS, THOU SHALT NOT, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and many more - the master musicals director Susan Stroman. In discussing a vast array of topics, Stroman and I touch upon many of her past projects as well as look ahead to her current and future endeavors - that is: the forthcoming Broadway bow of the new musical BIG FISH, starring Norbert Leo Butz, as well as the world premiere of Ahrens & Flaherty's LITTLE DANCER next year. Most importantly, Stroman shines a light on her enduring artistic partnership with Mel Brooks in bringing to life the screen-to-stage musical adaptations of both THE PRODUCERS and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, with BLAZING SADDLES on the way - their rich collaboration also being highlighted in this week's AMERICAN MASTERS tribute to Mel Brooks on PBS. Additionally, Stroman reflects on some of her lesser-known entities and casts a light on some of her foremost influences as well as candidly discusses her specialty work for a bevy of major stars - such as at SONDHEIM: A CELEBRATION AT CARNEGIE HALL in 1992 - and the finer points of working with Stephen Sondheim and Nathan Lane on Sondheim's most recent original Broadway musical, THE FROGS. Plus, Stroman shares first details of her upcoming collaboration with comedy master Woody Allen on the musical stage adaptation of Allen's Academy Award-winning BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and also offers the 411 on the upcoming Los Angeles and West End productions of Kander & Ebb's THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - including the real-life role the musical has played in the pardoning of the originally accused nine just last month. Stroman also comments on her work with Hal Prince on the career revue PRINCE OF BROADWAY, opening in Japan in 2015, and also touches upon her ongoing desire to pursue a film adaptation of her multi-Tony Award-winning and genre-redefining 2000 Best Musical, CONTACT. All of that and much, much awaits in this wide-ranging conversation!
The Film Society of Lincoln Center previously announced Old Ghosts, New Dreams: The Emerging Cambodian Cinema (today, April 19-25). To be presented in conjunction with the citywide Season of Cambodia arts festival, FSLC will team with the great documentarian Rithy Panh to screen a fascinating survey of films from Cambodia.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today Old Ghosts, New Dreams: The Emerging Cambodian Cinema (April 19-25). To be presented in conjunction with the citywide Season of Cambodia arts festival, FSLC will team with the great documentarian Rithy Panh to screen a fascinating survey of films from Cambodia.
Labyrinth Theater Company, the award-winning, downtown ensemble previously announced the complete cast and creative team for their World Premiere production of Radiance, written by Cusi Cram and directed by Suzanne Agins. The complete cast of the upcoming production of Radiance includes Kelly AuCoin (Julius Caesar, Julie & Julia) and Ana Reeder (Top Girls, Sight Unseen), as well as Labyrinth Company Members Kohl Sudduth (The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Take Me Out) and Aaron Roman Weiner (Thinner Than Water, The Glass Menagerie).
Labyrinth Theater Company, the award-winning, downtown ensemble announced today the complete cast and creative team for their World Premiere production of Radiance, written by Cusi Cram and directed by Suzanne Agins. The complete cast of the upcoming production of Radiance includes Kelly AuCoin (Julius Caesar, Julie & Julia) and Ana Reeder (Top Girls, Sight Unseen), as well as Labyrinth Company Members Kohl Sudduth (The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Take Me Out) and Aaron Roman Weiner (Thinner Than Water, The Glass Menagerie).
Today we are talking to a Tony Award-winning legend famous for his performances starring in the original Broadway productions of PIPPIN and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, as well as his celebrated turns in stage and screen projects as diverse as ALL THAT JAZZ, SWEET CHARITY, CHICAGO, FOSSE, WICKED, GRIND, ROOTS, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT, GOLDEN BOY, IDLEWILD, FUNNY LADY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER and many more - the simply incredible Ben Vereen. Discussing many of his most fondly remembered roles and recounting his experiences working with many legendary directors and collaborators - Bob Fosse, Hal Prince, Tom O'Horgan, Herbert Ross, Ann Reinking, Dan Sullivan, Sammy Davis, Jr., Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and many more among them - Vereen paints a vivid picture of a bygone Broadway and reminisces about many of the most significant theatrical creators of the past fifty years and his roles in their stage and film projects. Additionally, Vereen fills us in on what we can expect from his upcoming solo spotlight show - a career retrospective - that will be kicking off at 54 Below on July 10 for a two-week engagement before an even larger, Broadway-bound mounting later this year at Princeton. Also, Vereen elaborates on the causes closest to his heart, shares thoughts on GLEE and SMASH, future plans and much, much more!
In an absolutely uncannily coincidental occurrence last night, the Valentine's Day episode of GLEE included among its song-stack the all-time most memorable Whitney Houston ballad of all time, originally sung by Dolly Parton in 1974 but made famous by Houston on the soundtrack of the 1992 film THE BODYGUARD, in which she also starred, "I Will Always Love You". While this episode was filmed weeks ago - long before Houston's sudden passing, of course - the fact that this was the moment GLEE finally tackled one of the biggest songs ever - a single that originally stayed atop the chart for more than 3 months - comes as a definite shock and surprise; and, also, somehow, a fitting tribute. The tasteful "We Will Always Love You" card at the end of the program dedicated the episode to Houston's memory, in a last minute addition to the long-wrapped show by the powers-that-be. It hit just the right chord - as did the effervescently enjoyable if slight episode. Amber Riley wrought the high emotion out of the Houston barn-burner in a manner that surely would do the gospel singer of Whitney's own roots more than merely proud and the overall show was a sure success as far as knockout musical numbers go. As for the rest of the "Heart" Valentine's show, we were treated to a number of well-played guest appearances, such as Rachel's two dads, essayed all-too-deliciously by Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell, in addition to THE GLEE PROJECT winner Samuel Larsen's much ballyhooed debut on the show. Former TGP finalist and Season Three GLEE featured player Damian McGinty also got more focus than usual, as did Amber Riley, who emerged as the star of this particular episode. Courtesy of a lively and raucous "Love Shack", Darren Criss made his welcome return after a few episodes out. The rest of the songs added to the overall candy-coated allure of the sweet and sugary confection of a show. No, "Heart" was not an episode that will linger forever in the memory like some in GLEE's past, but the music made the night - and, in the case of "I Will Always Love You", made it really pack a punch when we needed it. It most closely resembled the wedding episode from last season, I thought - which is certainly a compliment. Plus, "Heart" featured the return of Karofsky - in gorilla suit, no less - and many dramatic twists for the gleeks we have all come to know and love. And, just how adorable is Sugar Motta?!
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