Rags 1986 - Articles Page 1.8

Rags the Musical was a flop when it first opened on Broadway in 1986. Which is why, one suspects, it kept on receiving a series of revisions over the subsequent decades. The most recent of these is now on display in Bronagh Lagan's assured production at the Park Theatre, first performed at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre in March 2019. David Thompson's revised book, Stephen Schwartz' poignant lyrics, and Charles Strouse's eclectic music (with echoes of ragtime and jazz) join forces to present a fluent rags-to-riches story, but even this reimagined version remains far too formulaic in its portrayal of a group of Jewish immigrants in the 1910's New York.

Fred Barton and his Broadway Band returns to Feinstein's/54 Below and New York nightlife, with top-drawer guest singers, in a new evening of Broadway gems and Swing rarities, Friday, September 6 at 9:45 PM. As always, Fred presents performers who know how to stop shows, and the songs that let them do it, arranged for the band in his trademark explosive style which has made him the orchestrator of choice for the New York Pops and orchestras around the country.

George Mason University's School of Theater and School of Music will collaborate this fall to present the newest adaptation of the American musical Rags, a heart-warming story of loss and hope surrounding a group of Jewish immigrants as they arrive to start a new life in America at the turn of the 20th century. The D.C.-area premiere of the new version of Rags will run October 31 to November 3, 2019 in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA).

Fred Barton's Broadway Band makes its long-awaited return to Feinstein's/54 Below and New York nightlife, with top-drawer guest singers, in a new evening of Broadway gems and Swing rarities, Today, January 4 at 9:30PM. As always, Fred presents performers who know how to stop shows, and the songs that let them do it, arranged for the band in his trademark explosive style which has made him the orchestrator of choice for the New York Pops and orchestras around the country.

Back by popular demand, On The Rocks Theatre Company remounts their festive holiday bar pageant, Edelweiss, in the Dixon Place Lounge. The production is written by On The Rocks co-founders Christopher Ford & Dakota Rose with original music by their frequent collaborator Andrew R. Butler. Ms. Rose helms the production as director. Edelweiss will play four performances only - December 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd at 7:30p, in the Dixon Place Lounge. Admission is FREE. Tickets can be reserved by visiting www.dixonplace.org.

Back by popular demand, On The Rocks Theatre Company remounts their festive holiday bar pageant, Edelweiss, in the Dixon Place Lounge. The production is written by On The Rocks co-founders Christopher Ford & Dakota Rose with original music by their frequent collaborator Andrew R. Butler. Ms. Rose helms the production as director. Edelweiss will play four performances only - December 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd at 7:30p, in the Dixon Place Lounge. Admission is FREE. Tickets can be reserved by visiting www.dixonplace.org.

The nonprofit Sundance Institute announced today the showcase of new independent feature films selected across all categories for the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. The Festival hosts screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City and at Sundance Mountain Resort, from January 24 - February 3, 2019.

Fred Barton's Broadway Band makes its long-awaited return to Feinstein's/54 Below and New York nightlife, with top-drawer guest singers, in a new evening of Broadway gems and Swing rarities, Friday, January 4 at 9:30PM. As always, Fred presents performers who know how to stop shows, and the songs that let them do it, arranged for the band in his trademark explosive style which has made him the orchestrator of choice for the New York Pops and orchestras around the country.

Back by popular demand, On The Rocks Theatre Company remounts their festive holiday bar pageant, Edelweiss, in the Dixon Place Lounge. The production is written by On The Rocks co-founders Christopher Ford & Dakota Rose with original music by their frequent collaborator Andrew R. Butler. Ms. Rose helms the production as director. Edelweiss will play four performances only - December 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd at 7:30p, in the Dixon Place Lounge. Admission is FREE. Tickets can be reserved by visiting www.dixonplace.org.

The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces principal company for its major revival of one of the world's most-beloved musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof, in a new staging by Trevor Nunn. Joining the previously announced Andy Nyman (Tevye) is Judy Kuhn as Golde, with Harriet Bunton (Hodel), Dermot Canavan (Lazar Wolf), Stewart Clarke (Perchik), Matt Corner (Fyedka), Joshua Gannon (Motel), Louise Gold (Yente), Kirsty MacLaren (Chava) and Molly Osborne (Tzeitel).

It's finally spooky season, and Theatre Baton Rouge is ready to deliver you a night of suspense, romance, and one giant, man-eating plant. Welcome to LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announces a one-on-one networking event with commercial and indie producers, Writer-Producer Speed Date onJuly 15, 2018 with coaching sessions at 4:30pm and 5:30pm at Studios 353,353 W 48th St, NYC.

On June 7, 2018, Charles Strouse, the Tony Award-winning composer of Annie, Bye Bye and Applause, and some of the most popular music from the last 60 years of Broadway, film and television, turns 90. To mark the occasion, a year-long celebration of events, including tributes, concerts, revivals and international productions, will take place across the United States and around the world.

What do Jay-Z, Kobe Bryant, Archie Bunker, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ed Koch, Bart Simpson, Bruce Campbell, Bonnie and Clyde, and J-Lo have in common?  The answer: Charles Strouse (and his hit songs)!

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents their popular Writer-Producer Speed Date on Sunday, March 4, 2018. In deference to Oscar night, the event will start one hour earlier than usual: from 4:30pm - 8:00pm at NOLA Rehearsal Studio, 244 W 54th St., 11th floor. Application is free, and you must apply prior to purchasing your spot, on sale February 24, 2018. If accepted, there is a participation fee of $70 for TRU Members ($85 for non-members, $25 for each collaborator), and your pitch slot can be purchased at https://truonline.org/events/speed-date-03-04-18/.  

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents their popular Writer-Producer Speed Date on Sunday, March 4, 2018. In deference to Oscar night, the event will start one hour earlier than usual: from 4:30pm - 8:00pm at NOLA Rehearsal Studio, 244 W 54th St., 11th floor.

Over the last few centuries, people from all over the world have dreamed of a better life and sought out opportunities to live that life to the fullest. For many, a dream of a better life in America caused them to give up everything familiar, leave friends, family and their way of life to try and make it in this land of freedom. Whether refugees from violence and war or immigrants looking for greater opportunities, for so long, people have looked to America as a beacon of hope and a place to make a new beginning. And just like those immigrants who came here with a second chance to live their lives to the fullest, RAGS, the musical that played only four performances on Broadway when it premiered in 1986, has been given a second chance to share the story of the immigrant experience in a new and exciting way on the Goodspeed Opera House stage. And boy what a second chance! Goodspeed's RAGS is a brilliant, heartwarming and powerful tale that everyone should have the chance to experience.

Matthew McKenna is unmasked today as the star and handsome hero of Bananaman the Musical.

The Day recently published an article discussing a new production of Rags that will be performed at the Goodspeed Opera House this fall. The production was rewritten to be 'equally about the past as it is about the present, as the writers drew inspiration from the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and related what they saw there to immigration today.'

Bananaman, the Man-of-Peel, is a unique member of the superhero ranks. Our handsome hero may have a jaw line you can see from space and sport the snazziest of tight lycra outfits, but this superhero has 'the muscles of 20 men and the brain of 20 mussels.' Which isn't much.

Broadway came to Natick last night as the Jewish Arts Collaborative presented SETH RUDETSKY & JUDY KUHN: A BROADWAY CABARET AND CONVERSATION at The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN). As promised by JCA Artistic Director Joey Baron in his introduction, the evening was fun (with a capital "F") as these two veterans of the Great White Way regaled the sold-out house with backstage stories, Rudetsky's masterful musicianship, and Kuhn's gorgeous vocalizing from her considerable musical theatre canon.

Following the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago called 'The Dreams' who become music superstars, Dreamgirls is a show about a time in American musical history when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley continues its 2016/2017 season with a musical saga of immigrant America, Rags. From the creators of Fiddler on the Roof and Wicked, this exhilarating musical follows the journey of Jewish immigrants Rebecca and her son David, who find themselves navigating the teeming, turn-of-the-century tenements of New York. A soaring, tuneful score (music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) illuminates this sweeping saga (book by Joseph Stein) of dreams and disillusions, love lost and inspiration found, and the heart and soul of the American character. It was declared "A winner, warm and witty. You are tempted to rise cheering," by The Mercury News. Rags will be directed by TheatreWorks Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley, who notes "this production could not be timelier. As America debates immigration policies, what better time to present this deeper look at the newcomer's experience." Performances are April 5-30 (press opening: April 8) at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View. For tickets ($35-$86) and more information the public may visit TheatreWorks.orgor call (650) 463-1960.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley continues its 2016/2017 season with a musical saga of immigrant America, Rags. From the creators of Fiddler on the Roof and Wicked, this exhilarating musical follows the journey of Jewish immigrants Rebecca and her son David, who find themselves navigating the teeming, turn-of-the-century tenements of New York.

Novato Theater Company Hosts a Comedy Weekend February 24-26. at the NTC Playhouse, 5420 Nave Drive in Novato. A stellar lineup of the Bay Area's top comedians and improvisers will take the stage for five shows - Friday, February 24 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm; Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm: and Sunday, February 26 at 6:00 pm. The event is sponsored by Humor Resources www.thehumorresources.com