A Line Around the Block - 1996 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 3

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces upcoming shows and series confirmed to date for the 2015-2016 season.  The Dr. Phillips Center's anchor season of Broadway Across America and the resident companies of the Orlando Ballet and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by new series and festivals including the Morgan Stanley Jazz at Dr. Phillips Center subscription series, a Flamenco festival and a Chefs at the Dr. Phillips Center series.  

(WASHINGTON)-Washington National Opera (WNO) celebrates its seventh season of free opera simulcasts at Nationals Park with title sponsor Mars Chocolate North America for the M&M'S® Opera in the Outfield performance of Rossini's charming romantic comedy Cinderella today, May 16, 2015. This dazzling production has been acclaimed worldwide for its witty characterizations, rainbow-bright sets and costumes, and easy-to-follow English translation, making it a perfect opera for the entire family. Gates open at 5 p.m. for "pre-ball" activities, and the opera will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the high-definition NatsHD scoreboard at the ballpark at 7 p.m. Free seating will be available in the stands, while access to the outfield grass will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open at 5 p.m. More information, including a chance to RSVP to win prizes, is available at OperaintheOutfield.org.

(WASHINGTON)—Washington National Opera (WNO) celebrates its seventh season of free opera simulcasts at Nationals Park with title sponsor Mars Chocolate North America for the M&M'S® Opera in the Outfield performance of Rossini's charming romantic comedy Cinderella on Saturday, May 16, 2015. This dazzling production has been acclaimed worldwide for its witty characterizations, rainbow-bright sets and costumes, and easy-to-follow English translation, making it a perfect opera for the entire family. Gates open at 5 p.m. for “pre-ball” activities, and the opera will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the high-definition NatsHD scoreboard at the ballpark at 7 p.m. Free seating will be available in the stands, while access to the outfield grass will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open at 5 p.m. More information, including a chance to RSVP to win prizes, is available at OperaintheOutfield.org.

'Dance is a metaphor for expression, for freedom. In Footloose we use dance to express ourselves when we have no words. [As characters] we are all closed off, and finally at the end of the story, we are loosened; we become individuals again.' Speaking is Kristen Martin, who plays Ariel in Maine State Music Theatre's final season production of Footloose, which runs from August 6-23. Her co-star, Eric Sciotto, agrees that his character, Ren, is 'on a journey to find himself after being abandoned by his father. Ren sees in Ariel a troubled soul who reminds him of himself. They recognize immediately that they are kindred spirits.'

As BWW reported yesterday, The Ohio State University has fired Band Director Jon Waters citing 'serious cultural issues and an environment conducive to sexual harassment within the Marching Band.' The findings showed that conduct of the band and staff 'is inconsistent with the University's values and Title IX requirements.'

'Some see her as an instigator and a handful, and others think she was ahead of her time. She was smart, well-read, appreciated literature and poetry, and was a strong woman - not a good thing for the time!' Actress Kathy Voytko is speaking about the latest role which has brought her from Broadway to Brunswick, Maine, where she will portray Fannie Chamberlain in Maine State Music Theatre's second season production of Sarah Knapp and Steven M. Alper's musical, Chamberlain: A Civil War Romance. Voytko is clearly intrigued by the challenge of portraying this fascinating Civil War character whose life and that of her husband, legendary soldier, governor, and Bowdoin president, Joshua L. Chamberlain, was inextricably bound to this coastal Maine town.

Pacific Symphony's critically-acclaimed American Composers Festival (ACF) continues for the 14th year with 'From Screen to Score: New Concert Music by Famous Film Composers'-who happen to be four of today's biggest Hollywood heavy-hitters: John Williams ('Star Wars,' 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' 'E.T., the Extra Terrestrial'), Howard Shore ('Lord of the Rings,' 'The Hobbit,' 'Hugo'), James Horner ('Titanic,' 'Star Trek,' 'Apollo 13') and Elliot Goldenthal ('Alien 3,' 'Batman Forever' and 'Batman and Robin'). Together, these iconic composers boast 11 Oscars and countless billions of box office dollars. They also hold the ironic position of simultaneously being the most-heard orchestral composers ever (the soundtrack for 'Titanic' sold 30 million copies), yet their music is the least performed.

Unorganized Crime, LLC presents a world premiere play, UNORGANIZED CRIME, written by Kenny D'Aquila, directed by David Fofi and starring Chazz Palminteri ('A Bronx Tale,' 'Bullets Over Broadway'). UNORGANIZED CRIME will preview tonight, April 26 at 8pm; Monday, April 28, Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30 at 8pm and will open on Thursday, May 1 at 7pm and run through Sunday, May 25 at the Elephant Theatre, 1076 N. Lillian Way. (at Santa Monica Blvd., one block west of Vine) in Hollywood.

The League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) will celebrate its 25th annual Corporate Night on Monday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Melissa Etheridge performing with members of the CSO, led by conductor Sean O'Loughlin. Over the course of more than two decades as a performer and songwriter, Melissa Etheridge has earned her post as one of rock 'n' roll's most respected artists with numerous hits, such as 'I'm the Only One,' 'Come to My Window' and 'I Want to Come Over.'

Pacific Symphony's critically-acclaimed American Composers Festival (ACF) continues for the 14th year with "From Screen to Score: New Concert Music by Famous Film Composers"-who happen to be four of today's biggest Hollywood heavy-hitters: John Williams ("Star Wars," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "E.T., the Extra Terrestrial"), Howard Shore ("Lord of the Rings," "The Hobbit," "Hugo"), James Horner ("Titanic," "Star Trek," "Apollo 13") and Elliot Goldenthal ("Alien 3," "Batman Forever" and "Batman and Robin"). Together, these iconic composers boast 11 Oscars and countless billions of box office dollars. They also hold the ironic position of simultaneously being the most-heard orchestral composers ever (the soundtrack for "Titanic" sold 30 million copies), yet their music is the least performed.

The 2014 Adelaide Festival presents a program of outstanding music, theatre and dance events, a stellar literary festival and momentous visual arts exhibitions. The 29th Adelaide Festival line-up features 50 events with 29 premieres and 29 festival exclusives over 17 days, from tonight, 28 February to Sunday, 16 March.

Unorganized Crime, LLC presents a world premiere play, UNORGANIZED CRIME, written by Kenny D'Aquila, directed by David Fofi and starring Chazz Palminteri ("A Bronx Tale," "Bullets Over Broadway"). UNORGANIZED CRIME will preview on Saturday, April 26 at 8pm; Monday, April 28, Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30 at 8pm and will open on Thursday, May 1 at 7pm and run through Sunday, May 25 at the Elephant Theatre, 1076 N. Lillian Way. (at Santa Monica Blvd., one block west of Vine) in Hollywood.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has won a fourth Grammy Award, the latest in Best World Music category for their album Singing for Peace Live Around the World, a collection of live recordings dedicated to the late Nelson Mandela and his mission of peace. The group's award was announced at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards held on Sunday, January 26, 2014 in Los Angeles.

The 2014 Adelaide Festival presents a program of outstanding music, theatre and dance events, a stellar literary festival and momentous visual arts exhibitions. The 29th Adelaide Festival line-up features 50 events with 29 premieres and 29 festival exclusives over 17 days, from Friday, 28 February to Sunday, 16 March.

When I arrived in Portland two and a half years ago, the name I heard repeatedly throughout the Portland theatre community was Matthew B. Zrebski. In the time I have lived here, I have had the opportunity to not only work with Matt in several capacities, but to also call this gracious and humble man my friend. His original and haunting a capella musical thriller Ablaze is about to have its World Premiere, opening at the Brunish Theatre at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts on April 12th. Matt is one of the busiest and hardest working theatre arts in Portland, but I had the chance to sit down with him to discuss this exciting new work.

You've probably seen the movie, but what does FLASHDANCE the Musical have that the movie doesn't? One word. Sas. That's right ladies and gents. Broadway veteran Rachelle Rak has taken on the role of Tess in this brand new musical that is currently sweeping across the US.

Following its acclaimed 16-week run at the Lookingglass Theatre Company this fall, Metamorphoses brings the mythical tales of Ovid to life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 10 years after the Broadway premiere. Written and directed by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, Metamorphoses is based on David Slavitt's translation and marks the first time Zimmerman will direct the production since its Broadway run. This is also the first time Zimmerman will stage Metamorphoses in the round, and a custom set will be designed with the largest pool of water ever created for this production. Metamorphoses dives onto the Fichandler Stage tonight, February 8-March 17, 2013.

Following its acclaimed 16-week run at the Lookingglass Theatre Company this fall, Metamorphoses brings the mythical tales of Ovid to life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 10 years after the Broadway premiere. Written and directed by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, Metamorphoses is based on David Slavitt's translation and marks the first time Zimmerman will direct the production since its Broadway run. This is also the first time Zimmerman will stage Metamorphoses in the round, and a custom set will be designed with the largest pool of water ever created for this production. Metamorphoses dives onto the Fichandler Stage February 8-March 17, 2013.

Offering its first musical premiere since the 1996-97 season, Hartford Stage presents a tongue-in-cheek, Edwardian romp among the royals in A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder starring Tony-Award-Winner and Connecticut native Jefferson Mays (I Am My Own Wife) as eight different characters.

A genuine superstar of musical theatre, Elaine Paige is much loved on both sides of the Atlantic and here across the Pacific. As she prepares for a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand later this month, she took time out to share a little of her (legendary!) brain on musical theatre.

Today we are focusing a super-special spotlight on one of the Fall's most intriguing musical entries trying out in New York, the York Theatre Company's lab mounting of the new Paul Jabara jukebox musical LAST DANCE, by talking to the show's lead, recognizable TV and film star Rob Morrow, and the show's lead producer, noted comedic shepherd and filmmaker Robert D. Wachs, whom filled me in on all aspects of the show in a comprehensive chat late last week just prior to this week's start of rehearsals. In this all-encompassing conversation, Morrow, Wachs and I discuss the genesis of the new disco-themed musical celebrating the life and career of Jabara, the accomplished Emmy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Broadway shows (RACHAEL LILY ROSENBLOOM… AND DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT), movie songs ("Last Dance" from THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY; the titular "The Main Event") and numerous pop/rock/disco hits, such as "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer's epic disco duet "Enough Is Enough (No More Tears)" and his many solo hits, as well as the finer points of the story, concept, casting and the ultimate goals of the new Philip William McKinley-directed production, which features a book by Shaun McKenna. Additionally, Morrow and Wachs each generously share showbiz tales from their storied careers involving such big names as Eddie Murphy, Michael Bennett, Jonathan Larson, Tony Scott and many more and both copiously convey their infectious enthusiasm for the forthcoming fully-produced lab presentation of the new musical that will play for five performances beginning September 20 as they prepare for its first viewing before a paying audience. All of that and much, much more awaits!

Lucas Papaelias, of Broadway's ONCE is set to join the line up of the previously announced 17th annual LOWER EAST SIDE (LES) FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS. Papaelias is also known as LPfunK and is an actor/guitarist/composer who was nominated for a Drama Desk Award (Best Original Music in a Play) for his work in Adam Rapp's "Essential Self-Defense" at Playwrights Horizons. Most recently, he co-wrote the rock musical PYRAMIDICA: Songs of Freedom, which takes place live in a pyramid scheme company's "free" orientation, and was presented at the Vineyard Arts Project's New Writers / New Plays Festival. He also conceived of, and composed, the rock opera ITHACA: a Perpetual Shredfest, the story of a Lower East Side rock band performing their final concert, which had presentations at Joe's Pub and ARS Nova.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street sigue causando conmoción allí por donde pasa. Mundialmente reconocida como una de las obras maestras de Stephen Sondheim, este thriller musical protagonizado por el temible barbero y su fiel (y peligrosamente adorable) Mrs. Lovett está de doble enhorabuena. Al estreno, el pasado 20 de marzo, del nuevo montaje londinense de la pieza se suma el lanzamiento realizado por First Nights Records de la grabación del elenco original, que cada noche da vida (y muerte) a estos personajes que se mueven por las oscuras callejuelas de la ciudad del Támesis.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater's Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle will be transformed into a mystical place of wonder and amusement, with a dash of ridiculousness, with Elephant Room, featuring semi-pro conjurors Dennis Diamond, Daryl Hannah and Louie Magic.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater's Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle will be transformed into a mystical place of wonder and amusement, with a dash of ridiculousness, with Elephant Room, featuring semi-pro conjurors Dennis Diamond, Daryl Hannah and Louie Magic.