Fiorello!

TimeLine Theatre Company announces the 2008-09 season of its TimePieces Play Reading Series, a series of one-night-only readings designed to offer Chicago audiences a chance to hear new and rarely produced plays and to extend TimeLine's mission of presenting stories inspired by history that connect to today's social and political issues.

Jeffrey Finn Productions announces final casting for the 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.

Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans announce the Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical Grey Gardens, book by Doug Wright, lyrics by Michael Korie and music by Scott Frankel. The production, directed by BJ Jones with musical direction by Doug Peck, choreography by Marla Lampert and featuring Hollis Resnik, Tempe Thomas and Ann Whitney, has already been extended and will now run November 12-December 28, 2008, at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.

TimeLine Theatre Company announces the 2008-09 season of its TimePieces Play Reading Series, a series of one-night-only readings designed to offer Chicago audiences a chance to hear new and rarely produced plays and to extend TimeLine's mission of presenting stories inspired by history that connect to today's social and political issues.

A fine cast, brisk direction and some spectacular production values overcome the deficiencies in the original 1959 script to make this a moving and enjoyable production. * * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

The Met's acclaimed production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly, directed by the late Academy Award-winning film director Anthony Minghella, returns to the stage for twelve performances beginning Friday, October 24, 2008. Reprising their portrayals in the production this season are sopranos Patricia Racette and Cristina Gallardo-Domâs in the title role, tenors Roberto Aronica and Marcello Giordani as Pinkerton, and baritone Dwayne Croft as Sharpless. Patrick Summers conducts the opera for the first time at Met.

Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans announce the Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical Grey Gardens, book by Doug Wright, lyrics by Michael Korie and music by Scott Frankel. The production, directed by BJ Jones with musical direction by Doug Peck, choreography by Marla Lampert and featuring Hollis Resnik, Tempe Thomas and Ann Whitney, has already been extended and will now run November 12-December 28, 2008, at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.

Just in time for the holiday season, Alan Ayckbourn's SEASON'S GREETINGS makes its return to the New York stage for the first time in over 20 years as Hudson River Repertory Company brings this hilarious and cynical comedy to the McGinn/Cazale Theatre beginning November 20th.

Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American identity and legacy. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about race in America, both where we've been and where we go next.

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.

Tony Lo Bianco is currently starring in LaGuardia at the Dicapo Opera Theatre- 184 East 76th Street. Bianco's humorous, poignant and eye-opening entertainment of who many consider to be one of New York City's greatest Mayors - Fiorello La Guardia. He stopped by the WLIW studios on Sunday October 12th to be live and in person as the channel aired the very popular documentary PRIDE & PASSION.

The Met's acclaimed production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly, directed by the late Academy Award-winning film director Anthony Minghella, returns to the stage for twelve performances beginning Friday, October 24, 2008. Reprising their portrayals in the production this season are sopranos Patricia Racette and Cristina Gallardo-Domâs in the title role, tenors Roberto Aronica and Marcello Giordani as Pinkerton, and baritone Dwayne Croft as Sharpless. Patrick Summers conducts the opera for the first time at Met.

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.

As BoHo enters their fifth season, the essence of playwright Federico Garcia Lorca is explored once again. The BoHo production of Yerma received critical acclaim for its adaptation which captured the heart and spirit of the main character. The same is true for the BoHo production of LaChiusa's Bernarda Alba - a musical. The drama of Lorca's original play (The House of Bernarda Alba) and the hauntingly beautiful score by Michael John LaChiusa combine to bring the story and characters to life in BoHo's wonderfully intimate space. Bernarda Alba - a musical embraces the goals and vision of BoHo through its blend of music, movement, and drama in what is sure to be another mesmerizing, exhilarating production.

Lyric Stage, Dallas County's only locally produced professional musical theater company, continues its sixteenth season with FIORELLO!, October 10-25, 2008. Performances are Thursday-Saturday evenings @ 8:00 PM with matinees on Sundays @ 2:30 PM. There is also a matinee on Saturday, October 25 @ 2:30 PM.

Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American identity and legacy. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about race in America, both where we've been and where we go next.

The Broadway company of CHICAGO has launched 'Talkback Tuesdays,' a new monthly series offering a post-show discussion and audience Q&A session with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical. Designed to provide theatergoers with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of CHICAGO, the 'Talkback Tuesdays' series began Tuesday, September 23, 2008, with a post-show conversation with Tony Award-winning director Walter Bobbie.

The Broadway company of CHICAGO is pleased to announce 'Talkback Tuesdays,' a new monthly series offering a post-show discussion and audience Q&A session with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical. Designed to provide theatergoers with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of CHICAGO, the 'Talkback Tuesdays' series will launch on Tuesday, September 23, 2008,with a post-show conversation with Tony Award-winning director Walter Bobbie.

The Broadway company of CHICAGO is pleased to announce 'Talkback Tuesdays,' a new monthly series offering a post-show discussion and audience Q&A session with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical. Designed to provide theatergoers with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of CHICAGO, the 'Talkback Tuesdays' series will launch on Tuesday, September 23, 2008,with a post-show conversation with Tony Award-winning director Walter Bobbie.

The Broadway company of CHICAGO is pleased to announce 'Talkback Tuesdays,' a new monthly series offering a post-show discussion and audience Q&A session with members of the Broadway company of the record-breaking hit musical.

TimeLine Theatre Company begins its 2008-2009 season with the Chicago premiere of 'Weekend' by Gore Vidal. The play, directed by Damon Kiely, runs August 23 through October 12.

Following acclaimed engagements in San Francisco, Boston, Detroit, Toronto, Los Angeles and St. Paul, IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, a new stage adaptation of the beloved classic film, will arrive at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway this holiday season - guaranteeing that New York will have a white Christmas! The production is directed by Walter Bobbie with a book by David Ives and choreography by Randy Skinner.

Actress/singer/songwriter Alicia Witt sang and performed a set of her original songs with piano and full band at the Public Theater's JOE's PUB on Monday, July 28th at 9:30 PM. Alicia is an award-winning classical pianist. Special guests included Josiah Early, Jeff Fiorello and Lady Rizo of Lady Rizo and the Assettes.

Actress/singer/songwriter ALICIA WITT will be singing and performing a set of her original songs with piano and full band at the Public Theater's JOE's PUB on Monday, July 28th at 9:30 PM.

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.

Actress/singer/songwriter ALICIA WITT will be singing and performing a set of her original songs with piano and full band at the Public Theater's JOE's PUB on Monday, July 28th at 9:30 PM.

The Brooklyn-based theatre company, Woodshed Collective, will present the premiere of Caridad Svich's Twelve Ophelias, directed by Teddy Bergman, as a free event at McCarren Park Pool, one of the city's best-loved concert and performance venues, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, beginning performances Friday, July 11, at 8pm and opening Thursday, July 24 at 8pm. The McCarren Park Pool is located on Lorimer Street at Bayard Street.

Sean Hayes, Jane Krakowski, Cheyenne Jackson, and Randy Graff star in Damn Yankees, running July 5 - 27, 2008 at New York City Center (55th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues).

Megan Lawrence will join Sean Hayes, Jane Krakowski, Cheyenne Jackson, and Randy Graff in Damn Yankees, running July 5 - 27, 2008 at New York City Center (55th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues). Lawrence replaces Ana Gasteyer; Ms. Gasteyer has suffered a minor injury.

The world premiere musical revue 'Tonight at Eight: Saluting Sheldon Harnick' will launch Northwestern University's Summer Music Theatre Festival 2008.

This summer, Northwestern University's American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) and the Theatre and Interpretation Center will present the Summer 2008 musical theatre programs on the Evanston campus.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed 'Best of New York' by New York Magazine and 'an invaluable New York institution' by The New York Post, will conclude the Spring 2008 season with the solo debut of Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee LIZ CALLAWAY from June 17 - 28.

Northwestern University's Summer Music Theatre Festival 2008 announces line-up.

The former home of the Von Trapp family, who became famous with the film The Sound Of Music, will be turned into a hotel to be officially opened sometime in July in Saltzburg, Austria.

Shattered Globe Theatre announce their 18th anniversary, 2008-2009 season of presenting ensemble-driven theatre including 'The Glass Menagerie,' 'The Little Foxes,' and 'Buried Child.'

Cheyenne Jackson, Randy Graff and Ana Gasteyer will join previously announced cast members Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski in DAMN YANKEES running July 5 - 27, 2008 at New York City Center (55th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues). Damn Yankees will be directed by John Rando with Music Direction by Rob Berman and the original Bob Fosse choreography recreated by Mary MacLeod. A July 10 opening is planned.

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.

Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) announces the cast for Christopher Durang's award winning comedy The Marriage of Bette and Boo directed by Walter Bobbie, featuring Terry Beaver (Father Donnally), Heather Burns (Emily Brennan), Victoria Clark (Margaret Brennan), John Glover (Karl Hudlocke), Julie Hagerty (Soot Hudlocke), Kate Jennings Grant (Bette Brennan), Adam Lefevre (Paul Brennan), Charles Socarides (Matt), Christopher Evan Welch (Boo Hudlocke).

DAMN YANKEES, starring Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski, will be the second of New York City Center's Encores! Summer Stars series.

Experience the magic when American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast, perfect entertainment for the entire family. The enchantment begins on May 13 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts where the show runs through May 25. The production is sponsored by Comerica Bank. Single tickets are now on sale.

TimeLine Theatre Company to remount its award-winning production of the Musical 'FIORELLO!'