Is it better to die with a secret than to live with one? The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, in Morristown, NJ, continues its 2008-2009 Mainstage Season with Fiction, Stephen Dietz's spellbinding drama about a dying author's wish to read her author husband's journals and the unexpected tale that unfolds when secrets the couple harbors are ultimately revealed. Fiction runs March 5 through March 29.
Winner of the 1967 Pulitzer Prize, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance comes to Arena Stage in a contemporary and provocative new staging under the direction of experienced Albee collaborator Pam MacKinnon. Featuring Broadway stars Kathleen Chalfant (Wit, Angels in America), Terry Beaver (Henry IV, The Last Night of Ballyhoo), Ellen McLaughlin (Angels in America) and Carla Harting (Eurydice),joined by Helen Hedman and James Slaughter, A Delicate Balance runs February 6-March 15, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The press opening performance is Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
'Albee is fearless about writing stories that get us in the solar plexus, and he does so with his brilliant wit, dynamic storytelling and rigorous use of language,' shares Artistic Director Molly Smith. 'His work draws the best artists, and with this production audiences are fortunate to have an enormously strong cast and creative team-approved by Albee himself.'
A frequent director of Albee plays, MacKinnon has directed The Play About the Baby, the world premieres of Peter and Jerry: Homelife and The Zoo Story (now titled At Home at the Zoo) and Occupant, as well as the U.S. regional and European premieres of The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?
Today Goodman Theatre becomes the first cultural institution to receive the Joyce Award for a second time, after receiving its first award in 2004. The Joyce Foundation announced this morning that the Goodman will receive a grant of $50,000 to support a new play by Latin American playwright Quiara Alegr?a Hudes. Tentatively titled The Jibaro Play, Hudes' new work draws on the cultural heritage of traditional Jibaro music and is due to premier at the Goodman during the 2011 season. The Joyce Foundation encourages cultural organizations to serve and represent the Great Lakes region's diverse population and fosters the development of new works in dance, music, theater and visual arts by artists of color. Goodman Theatre received the 2004 Joyce Award in theatre in support of Naomi Iizuka's play Ghostwritten which will have its world premiere April 4 - May 3, 2009, as part of the Goodman's 'Strong Women, Strong Voices' Owen Theatre Series. Ghostwritten tells the story of Susan, an acclaimed chef specializing in Asian cuisine and the mother of an adopted Vietnamese-born daughter, whose life changes forever when a mysterious stranger from her past returns to collect on an old debt.
'We are honored and thrilled to receive this award to support a new work by visionary Latin American playwright Quiara Alegr?a Hudes,' said Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls. 'Diversity has long been at the core of our mission, and we are proud to welcome Quiara to the Goodman.'
Other 2009 Joyce Award winners include Chicago's Ravinia Festival (Dance), the Detroit International Jazz Festival (Music) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (Visual Arts).
Winner of the 1967 Pulitzer Prize, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance comes to Arena Stage in a contemporary and provocative new staging under the direction of experienced Albee collaborator Pam MacKinnon. Featuring Broadway stars Kathleen Chalfant (Wit, Angels in America), Terry Beaver (Henry IV, The Last Night of Ballyhoo), Ellen McLaughlin (Angels in America) and Carla Harting (Eurydice),joined by Helen Hedman and James Slaughter, A Delicate Balance runs February 6-March 15, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The press opening performance is Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
'Albee is fearless about writing stories that get us in the solar plexus, and he does so with his brilliant wit, dynamic storytelling and rigorous use of language,' shares Artistic Director Molly Smith. 'His work draws the best artists, and with this production audiences are fortunate to have an enormously strong cast and creative team-approved by Albee himself.'
A frequent director of Albee plays, MacKinnon has directed The Play About the Baby, the world premieres of Peter and Jerry: Homelife and The Zoo Story (now titled At Home at the Zoo) and Occupant, as well as the U.S. regional and European premieres of The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?
Media industry website Broadcasting & Cable.com has revealed that musician John Mayer is currently at work shooting a variety show pilot for the CBS Network. CBS Network entertainment president Nina Tassler discussed the project at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Los Angeles. Tassler expressed the potential that the pilot could end up becoming a series of specials or a full series. Mayer hosted the short lived 'John Mayer Has a TV Show' which aired for a single episode on VH1 in 2004.
On Monday, January 12, 2009 at 8 p.m., the Chicago Company of WICKED will host DEFYING INEQUALITY, a special evening of benefit cabaret performances promoting equality and civil rights. Held at Park West (322 W. Armitage, Chicago) and featuring cast members from WICKED as well as special guest performers, this unique one-night only event will benefit Empire State Pride Agenda, Equality California, Garden State Equality and Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, four non-profit charitable organizations working to legislate equality and protect civil rights for the gay and lesbian community. All proceeds will be distributed evenly among the four organizations.
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) continues its 2008-09 season with John Guare's Rich & Famous, directed by John Rando (Urinetown, The Musical and Wedding Singer on Broadway) in its first major revival since its 1976 New York debut. From the ingenious mind of John Guare, who brought Six Degrees of Separation and The House of Blue Leaves to the American stage, this delicious dark comedy springs to life with twisted humor, rapid-fire dialogue, and outrageous plot twists. The revival script includes significant rewrites to the original text, as well as hilarious songs freshly scribed by Guare himself. In Rich and Famous, playwright Bing Ringling yearns to savor the sweet taste of celebrity, and he's hoping play number 844 will be his lucky break. But on opening night, he slips into a nightmarish phantasmagoria that shows him just how wrong things can go.
On Monday, January 12, 2009 at 8 p.m., the Chicago Company of WICKED will host DEFYING INEQUALITY, a special evening of benefit cabaret performances promoting equality and civil rights. Held at Park West (322 W. Armitage, Chicago) and featuring cast members from WICKED as well as special guest performers, this unique one-night only event will benefit Empire State Pride Agenda, Equality California, Garden State Equality and Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, four non-profit charitable organizations working to legislate equality and protect civil rights for the gay and lesbian community. All proceeds will be distributed evenly among the four organizations.
Jeffrey Finn Productions presents a special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater. The production runs through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The engagement marks the first return of the special concert since a sold out holiday run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December 2004.
Jeffrey Finn Productions announces a special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The engagement marks the first return of the special concert since a sold out holiday run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December 2004.
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) continues its 2008-09 season with John Guare's Rich & Famous, directed by John Rando (Urinetown, The Musical and Wedding Singer on Broadway) in its first major revival since its 1976 New York debut. From the ingenious mind of John Guare, who brought Six Degrees of Separation and The House of Blue Leaves to the American stage, this delicious dark comedy springs to life with twisted humor, rapid-fire dialogue, and outrageous plot twists. The revival script includes significant rewrites to the original text, as well as hilarious songs freshly scribed by Guare himself. In Rich and Famous, playwright Bing Ringling yearns to savor the sweet taste of celebrity, and he's hoping play number 844 will be his lucky break. But on opening night, he slips into a nightmarish phantasmagoria that shows him just how wrong things can go.
Goodman Theatre opens its "Strong Women, Strong Voices" Owen Theatre Series with the world premiere of Lynn Nottage's Ruined, directed by Kate Whoriskey and co-produced with Manhattan Theatre Club. Commissioned by the Goodman and first seen in the 2007 New Stages Series, Ruined was developed through Nottage and Whoriskey's pilgrimage to Uganda-where countless interviews and interactions resulted in a portrait of the lives of the women and girls caught in the devastating armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Leading the Goodman's cast in the role of Mama Nadi is Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Well on Broadway; Righteous Kill), who previously collaborated with Nottage and Whoriskey on the world premiere of Fabulation at Playwrights Horizons. Ruined begins performances on November 8 (opening night is November 17) and runs through December 7. Tickets are $10 - $39. Ruined begins performances at Manhattan Theatre Club on January 21, 2009.
Following visionary New York productions of The Misanthrope (2007) and Hedda Gabler (2004), Flemish director Ivo van Hove returns with Opening Night, a U.S. premiere engagement that also marks the New York debut of his company, Toneelgroep Amsterdam. A joint production by Toneelgroep Amsterdam and the Belgium-based company NTGent, Opening Night transforms director John Cassavetes' award-winning 1977 film to the stage. Five performances of Opening Night will take place in the BAM Harvey Theater on Dec 2-6 at 7:30pm.
The Lark Play Development Center has announced the selected playwrights for the 2008-09 Playwrights' Workshop Fellows 2008. This year's writers include Thomas Bradshaw (Southern Promises), Samuel D. Hunter (Lark's 2008 PONY Fellow), Lisa Kron (Well), Deirdre O'Connor (Hero), and Playwright-in-Residence Arthur Kopit (Lark Playwright Advisor).
Jeffrey Finn Productions announces a special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The engagement marks the first return of the special concert since a sold out holiday run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December 2004. The official Opening Night will be Saturday, December 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Euan Morton used the writings of John Lennon and his son Julian as well as John Denver and Nik Kershaw to create an evening of poetry and song entitled 'Stranger in a Strange Land.' 'Stranger in a Strange Land' will be performed at the Metropolitan Room Sundays, October 5, 12, and 19 at 9:30 PM. There will be a $30 cover and two beverage minimum. These performances over the month of October will be the first time in a long time that Euan has performed some of the signature material from the musical 'Taboo' and the first time he and his accompanist, Bryan Reeder, will have played their new material in public.
Euan Morton, a native of Scotland, received an Olivier Award nomination for originating the role of Boy George in the musical 'Taboo.' He moved to New York in 2003 to reprise the role on Broadway, earning Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award nominations, as well as the Theatre World Award (for Outstanding Broadway Debut). He earned a 2006 Obie Award for his appearance in 'Measure For Pleasure' at the Public Theatre. His other stage appearances include title roles in: Tony Kushner's adaptation of 'Brundibar' at the New Victory Theatre and Berkeley Rep; 'The Who's Tommy' at the Bay Street Theatre; and 'Caligula' for the inaugural season of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (2004 NYMF Award for Outstanding Individual Performance). Off-Broadway, Euan appeared opposite Alfred Molina in 'Howard Katz' at the Roundabout Theatre. Most recently Euan was seen on Broadway in the 2007 revival of 'Cyrano de Bergerac.' On film, Euan can be seen in the documentary 'Showbusiness: The Road to Broadway' which follows the history of a Broadway season and is now available on DVD.
Euan has recently released his debut solo CD, 'NewClear,' and has appeared in concert in New York City at the Oak Room at the Algonquin, Town Hall, the Metropolitan Room, the Zipper, Joe's Pub and Birdland, as well as at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA. In addition, he has conducted master classes in the craft of acting and singing around the country.
The Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, New York's most talked-about intimate concert venue, celebrated its second anniversary in May 2008. There is a two-drink minimum per person for all shows. For reservations call 212/206-0440. For information visit www.metropolitanroom.com.
Jeffrey Finn Productions announces a special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The engagement marks the first return of the special concert since a sold out holiday run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December 2004.
Beginning Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, 2008, Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will open the nsoro SuperPOPS! concert series with 'Andrew Lloyd Webber and Friends' - a musical revue featuring selections from Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Evita, as well as other Broadway blockbusters such as A Chorus Line, Jekyll and Hyde, Wicked and many others.
The Village Voice, the nation's first and largest alternative weekly newspaper, announced the judges for the 54th Annual Village Voice Obie Awards. The Voice's chief theater critic, Michael Feingold, will again chair the Obie Awards committee. Joining him will be Voice critic Alexis Soloski and six guest judges: Eric Grode, New York Sun; Andy Probst, AmericanTheaterWeb.com (also a frequent Voice contributor); Eisa Davis, actress-playwright, Obie Award winner for her performance last year in 'Passing Strange'; Ty Jones, actor-playwright, 2003 Obie Award winner for his performance in 'The Blacks' (Classical Theatre of Harlem); Moises Kaufman, playwright-director, 2004 Obie Award winner for his direction of 'I Am My Own Wife'; Chay Yew, playwright-director, 2007 Obie Award winner for his direction of 'Durango' (Public Theater). Mr. Propst will also serve as secretary to the committee.
JOHNNY BOY PRODUCTIONS is pleased to announce the world premiere production of JOHNNY LAW, Courtroom Crusader, the newest solo show from Tim Ryan Meinelschmidt whose last solo show ALL THE HELP YOU NEED, The Adventures of a Hollywood Handyman was honored with the Overall Excellence Award in the 2004 NY Fringe Festival. JOHNNY LAW, directed by Christopher Fessenden, will play a limited engagement as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival-FringeNYC at The Schaeberle Studio Theatre (Venue #2, 41 Park Row at William Street). Performances begin August 9th and continue through August 22nd.
JOHNNY BOY PRODUCTIONS is pleased to announce the world premiere production of JOHNNY LAW, Courtroom Crusader, the newest solo show from Tim Ryan Meinelschmidt whose last solo show ALL THE HELP YOU NEED, The Adventures of a Hollywood Handyman was honored with the Overall Excellence Award in the 2004 NY Fringe Festival. JOHNNY LAW, directed by Christopher Fessenden, will play a limited engagement as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival-FringeNYC at The Schaeberle Studio Theatre (Venue #2, 41 Park Row at William Street). Performances begin August 9th and continue through August 22nd.
Toby Lightman's new independently released album, 'Let Go' produced by Boots Ottestad (Robbie Williams, Tim McGraw, Macy Gray, Jesse McCartney) follows her two Atlantic Records releases, 2004's 'Little Things' and 2006's 'Bird On A Wire'. 'Let Go' will be available on July 15, 2008 on itunes.
The Jove's recent appearances include the 2007 Miami Improv Festival opening for The Groundlings from Los Angeles and Upright Citizens Brigade from New York City. It was their third straight year performing at the Miami Improv Festival, a collection of the nation's best Improv comedy troupes. The Jove has also been invited to perform on the main stage at Artigras 2006, as well as countless corporate training and entertainment events all across Palm Beach County, including the Kravis Center, The Maltz Jupiter Theater, Duncan Theater and The Cuillo Centre for the Arts. The group received a 2005 Impy award for best sketch comedy in Palm Beach County. They were also an integral part in raising thousands of dollars for the American Red Cross in 2004 and 2005, donating proceeds from their show to benefit hurricane victims.
San Francisco's cutting-edge Cutting Ball Theater continues its 2008 season of critically acclaimed stage-work with Avant GardARAMA! Like Cutting Ball's 2004 edition of Avant GardARAMA!
The show will be presented by The Jove, a 6 member troupe of professional actors and comedians: including former Blue Man Group member Frank Licari. Founded in November of 2004, this improv and sketch comedy troupe can best be described as a combination of 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?'
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