THE FIREBRAND OF FLORENCE Begins 3/12
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 26, 2009
On March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., The Collegiate Chorale appears with The New York City Opera Orchestra at the newly renovated Alice Tully Hall in a performance of Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin's 1945 Broadway operetta The Firebrand of Florence. The performance, led by guest conductor Ted Sperling, stars baritone Nathan Gunn, soprano Anna Christy, baritone Terrence Mann, and soprano Victoria Clark. Krysty Swann, David Pittu and Patrick Goss complete the cast, and narration will be provided by Stage Director Roger Rees.
Boasting a score by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and a book by playwright and screenwriter Edwin Justus Mayer, The Firebrand of Florence had a short run on Broadway in 1945. The work was subsequently not heard for over a half-century until three presentations - Ohio Light Opera (1999), the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London (2000) and the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Vienna (2000) - shed new light on the relatively obscure work. The performances were not only accepted, but widely acclaimed, thus giving hope for a new life in a new century. Variety's theater critic Steven Suskin says 'I have long believed that Firebrand in concert should be a dazzling delight.'
Benvenuto Cellini, the great Florentine artist, is sentenced to hang, but he is pardoned when the duke realizes that he has not completed a previously commissioned sculpture. Freed, he is able to turn his attention to his favorite model (and object of his affections), Angela. The Duke also is interested in Angela. In a typical operetta plot, Cellini swashbuckles around the stage, keeping the Duke away from Angela, keeping himself away from the Duchess, and escaping yet another death sentence by fleeing to Paris, as the end of the show recapitulates the beginning.
'MY VAUDEVILLE MAN' Nears Its Final Performance On 1/4
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 30, 2008
The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!), announce the final performances of the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue. My Vaudeville Man! had its world premiere at last year's NY Musical Theatre Festival under the title Mud Donahue and Son.
MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Swings Into Recording Studio 1/2
by Eddie Varley - Dec 23, 2008
The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!), are proud to announce that the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on The Life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue, will be recorded on January 2nd for release this Spring.
Casting Complete for BAM's THE BRIDGE PROJECT, Performances Begin 1/2
by Eddie Varley - Dec 22, 2008
Sam Mendes directs a transatlantic company of actors in a double-bill of classic works for The Bridge Project's inaugural 2009 season, which pairs a new version of The Cherry Orchard by Tom Stoppard with The Winter's Tale. A formidable transatlantic company and creative team will mount these two new productions for seven internationally renowned theaters. Simon Russell Beale leads the British/American cast, playing Lopakhin in The Cherry Orchard and Leontes in The Winter's Tale. He is joined by Sin?ad Cusack as Madame Ranevskaya and Paulina, Richard Easton as Firs and Old Shepherd, Rebecca Hall as Varya and Hermione, Josh Hamilton as Yasha and Polixenes, Ethan Hawke as Trofimov and Autolycus, and Paul Jesson as Gaev and Camilo.
Testa, Burgess, Fleshler, LeFevre, Ortlieb, Rosen & More Join GUYS & DOLLS Cast
by Robert Diamond - Dec 15, 2008
Producer Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and co-producers Tulchin/Bartner/Jenkins, Bill Kenwright, Northwater Entertainment, Darren Bagert, and Tom Gregory announced the complete cast and design team for the new Broadway production of the greatest musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS. The first joint Broadway project by two-time Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo since their collaboration on the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys, GUYS AND DOLLS will begin previews on February 3, 2009 at Broadway's newly refurbished Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street). Opening Night is March 1, 2009.
York's MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Opens Tonight 11/7
by Eddie Varley - Nov 17, 2008
The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!) announces the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue. It opens tonight, Monday November 17th.
York Theatre Company's MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Opens 11/7
by BWW News Desk - Nov 7, 2008
The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!) announces the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue.
MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Begins Performances Friday at York
by Robert Diamond - Nov 6, 2008
The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!), are proud to announce the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue.
Asolo Rep Announces Full Casting for BARNUM
by Faetra Petillo - Oct 28, 2008
Asolo Repertory Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards announces the full cast for the theatre's upcoming production of Barnum the musical.
$10 off Porchlight Music Theatre's 'Candide' on Halloween
by Steve Leary - Oct 22, 2008
Theatergoers will receive $10 off tickets to the Halloween performance of Porchlight Music Theatre's hit musical comedy Candide at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, October 31. The witty operetta, based on the 1759 French masterpiece by Voltaire, is running through November 2 at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont. For reservations call 773.325.9884.
York Theatre Company's MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Opens 11/7
by Reynard Loki - Oct 15, 2008
The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!) announces the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue.
Signature Theatre to Honor Sondheim in April 2009 Creating Annual Award in His Name
by Faetra Petillo - Oct 6, 2008
Eric Schaeffer, the Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, tonight announced that Signature will honor Stephen Sondheim at a Gala Benefit in April and establish an annual award as a tribute to America's most influential contemporary musical theater composer. Signature will salute Mr. Sondheim at a black-tie Gala Celebration on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington, DC highlighted by a musical tribute, festive dinner, and dancing and inaugurate an annual honor to be known in future years as The Sondheim Award.
'Candide' Photos!
by Steve Leary - Sep 19, 2008
Featuring a legendary score by Leonard Bernstein, Candide has become a beloved musical with a huge cult-like following of admirers. Part sophisticated operetta, part wacky screwball comedy with shades of Monty Python, this funny, irreverent satire is the perfect musical expression of Voltaire's tongue-in-cheek send-up of optimistic philosophies.
The Cult Musical Favorite "Candide' at Porchlight Theatre
by Steve Leary - Sep 12, 2008
Porchlight Music Theatre will present the beloved musical satire Candide at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont. The witty operetta based on the 1759 French masterpiece by Voltaire previews September 13, opens Sunday, September 14 at 2:30 p.m. and runs through November 2, 2008.
Son's Broken Wrist Sidelines O'Donnell from Hollywood Bowl Les Miz; Ruth Williamson to Replace
by Robert Diamond - Jul 28, 2008
Les Misérables in Concert makes its Hollywood Bowl debut in a production featuring Melora Hardin as Fantine, Maddie Levy as Young Cosette, Tom Lowe as Enjolras, Michele Maika as Cosette, Michael McCormick as Thénardier, J. Mark McVey as Valjean, Lea Michele as Éponine, Brian Stokes Mitchell as Javert, Sage Ryan as Gavroche and John Lloyd Young as Marius. Rosie O'Donnell, who was to play the role of Madame Thenardier, has withdrawn from the performances in order to care for her eldest son, who broke his wrist. She will be replaced by veteran actress Ruth Williamson.
von Essen Stars In Pittsburgh CLO's 'West Side Story'
by BWW News Desk - Jul 22, 2008
Experience the passion, romance and excitement of the most electrifying music ever written for Broadway, when Pittsburgh CLO proudly presents West Side Story August 5 through August 17 at the Benedum Center. This classic musical is filled with jet-propelled dancing, melodious songs and the poignancy of youthful heartbreak.
Rough and Tumble Presents 'Candide'
by BWW News Desk - Jul 15, 2008
The Bay Area's award-winning Rough and Tumble presents Len Jenkin's adaptation of Voltaire's sardonically satiric masterpiece Candide.
Westport Summer Season to Feature Naughton and Dratch
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2008
Westport Country Playhouse announces its summer roster of shows, featuring Tony Award winner James Naughton directing a Cole Porter musical revue; 'Saturday Night Live's' Rachel Dratch appearing in David Wiltse's 'tour de farce' office comedy; and Playhouse favorite Mark Shanahan ('Sedition,' 'David Copperfield,' 'Journey's End') performing in a thriller.
'No, No Nannette' Final 2008 Encores Production
by BWW News Desk - Apr 17, 2008
Charles Kimbrough and Michael Berresse will join previously announced cast members Sandy Duncan, Rosie O'Donnell, Beth Leavel, Mara Davi and Shonn Wiley in No, No, Nanette, the final 2008 Encores! presentation of the New York City Center season.
LuPone & Patinkin Reunite in 8 Philadelphia Concerts
by BWW News Desk - Oct 4, 2007
Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin perform 'An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin,' a theatrical staged concert at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia for 8 performances only from October 23-29. This is LuPone and Patinkin's first time on stage together since their Tony Award winning performances in Evita!