It's a Wonderful Life - 2004 - London Articles Page 19

FACT (Friends Always Creating Theatre) in their 5th New York season are presenting a new twist to an old fairy tale by updating the famous brother & sister, Hansel & Gretel and putting the action of this world-famous story in the heart of Manhattan.

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin previously announced the directors for the Company's 2013-2014 Main Stage season at the Addison Theatre Centre. Directing the season opener, Hank Williams: Lost Highway (tonight, October 11-November 3, 2013) will be Michael Serrecchia.

Today we celebrate a master of the modern musical in honor of this week's start of previews for his newest theatrical venture, THE LANDING, as well as first news on a major NYC bow for his long-gestating project THE VISIT, to say nothing of the longest-running American musical in history going strong on Broadway (CHICAGO) and a hotly anticipated revival of CABARET on the way in 2014 - the one and only John Kander.

Some of Broadway's best will take the stage at New York's Symphony Space on 7 October 2013 to celebrate the American music of Kurt Weill. Hosted by Ted Chapin, the evening will highlight songs from Venus as well as favorites from other Weill shows, including Street Scene, Lady in the Dark, Love Life, Lost in the Stars, Knickerbocker Holiday, The Threepenny Opera, and Happy End. The starry cast features Melissa Errico, Brent Barrett, Judy Blazer, and Ron Raines alongside Lotte Lenya Competition winners Richard Todd Adams, Douglas Carpenter, Cooper Grodin, Justin Hopkins, Zachary James, Analisa Leaming, Jacob Keith Watson, and Maren Weinberger. Weill specialist James Holmes, who conducted a fully staged production of Venus at England's Opera North in 2004, music directs, and Richard Jay-Alexander directs.

Miss Saigon is playing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit from September 24 through October 06, 2013

The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard in downtown Aurora, Illinois, is your home for holiday entertainment this December, with a surprising variety of seasonal pleasures for young and old.

Once again, NTC courageously examines a disturbing subject that most would prefer not to think about. This time it's suicide. 'night, Mother,' by Marsha Norman, opens September 26 in Newnan Theatre Company's Black Box, the space reserved for intimate drama.

Stephen Pier has achieved a uniquely rich and varied career as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. His credits as a performer include many years with the Jose Limon Dance Company where the New York press hailed him as '...one of the most gifted dancers on the modern dance scene today.' He went on to become a leading soloist with the Hamburg Ballet in Germany, performing the title roles in John Neumeier's Othello and Saint Matthew's Passion, and creating numerous other major roles during his nine years with the company. As a member of the Royal Danish Ballet for six years, Mr. Pier had the privilege of dancing leading roles in works of Bournonville, Balanchine, MacMillan, Bejart, and collaborating with many of Europe's finest contemporary choreographers.

WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin today announced the directors for the Company's 2013-2014 Main Stage season at the Addison Theatre Centre. Directing the season opener, Hank Williams: Lost Highway (October 11-November 3, 2013) will be Michael Serrecchia. The Game's Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) (December 13- January 5, 2014) will be directed by Robin Armstrong. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (January 24-February 16, 2014) will be directed by Emily Scott Banks. Spunk (April 11-May 4, 2014) will be directed by Akin Babatunde.Good People (June 6-29, 2014) will be directed by Rene Moreno and Dogfight (July 25-August 17, 2014) will be directed by Terry Martin.

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino has announced the 2014 season, in which, through the prism of a dozen plays, the Stratford Festival will explore the theme of Madness: Minds Pushed to the Edge.

What is the 'Aha!' moment that inspires a great summer novel? For Marcy Luikart, author of the gripping dramatic novel 'River Braids,' it involved uncovering history, hidden in a small, American river town. Riding the Mississippi River on a homemade raft with her husband led Luikart to discover a bar that was once a rowing boat club during the 1904 Olympics, a time when American Indians were banned from participating.

There's something very special about a story that can instantly make people of any age feel like a child again. Sometimes in the hustle bustle of today's world with so many 'adult' problems, adults forget what it's like to have been a child. MARY POPPINS has been just that kind of story for children of all ages for years, and Maine State Music Theatre's current production of MARY POPPINS will warm your heart and lift your spirits.

What is the 'Aha!' moment that inspires a great summer novel? For Marcy Luikart, author of the gripping dramatic novel 'River Braids,' it involved uncovering history, hidden in a small, American river town. Riding the Mississippi River on a homemade raft with her husband led Luikart to discover a bar that was once a rowing boat club during the 1904 Olympics, a time when American Indians were banned from participating.

American Blues Theater, one of Chicago's oldest Equity ensemble, and Producing Director Gwendolyn Whiteside have announced the return of the critically acclaimed It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, directed by Marty Higginbotham, now at its new venue: the mainstage of the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., November 22 - December 29.

Andris Liepa, former Bolshoi Ballet star turned ballet entrepreneur, is to return to the London Coliseum with his company Les Saisons Russes du XX1e Siecle from today, July 16th to July 20th 2013.

Spectrum presents NYX II: New York Progressive and Experimental Festival celebrating the historical interaction between the genres of classical Experimental Music and Progressive Rock since their beginning and into the 21st century.

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts' popular summer concert series Frist Fridays kicks off tonight, June 28 with a performance by the Chattanooga-based band The MaleMen. Now in its eleventh season, Frist Fridays take place on the final Friday of June, July and August from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m in the Center's Turner Courtyard. Patrons are invited to enjoy an evening of live music, light snacks and beverages as well as the diverse exhibitions on view in the Frist Center's galleries. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the events. Frist Fridays take place rain or shine.

Three world premieres, seven productions in all, are scheduled for the 10th season at the Douglas. The works range from a new rock musical to a sweeping new drama to a masterful interpretation of the works of Beckett, plus the bonus option of The Second City's one-of-a-kind Christmas show. In addition, three Los Angeles solo artists will be presented in the popular DouglasPlus program, and will represent CTG in the Radar L.A. festival.

Spectrum presents NYX II: New York Progressive and Experimental Festival celebrating the historical interaction between the genres of classical Experimental Music and Progressive Rock since their beginning and into the 21st century.

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts' popular summer concert series Frist Fridays kicks off Friday, June 28 with a performance by the Chattanooga-based band The MaleMen. Now in its eleventh season, Frist Fridays take place on the final Friday of June, July and August from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m in the Center's Turner Courtyard. Patrons are invited to enjoy an evening of live music, light snacks and beverages as well as the diverse exhibitions on view in the Frist Center's galleries. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the events. Frist Fridays take place rain or shine.

Judging by this concert, it's easy to see why Celtic Woman is a worldwide sensation.

The 40-date VANS WARPED TOUR--well established as America's premier music and lifestyle festival tour of the summer--is set to kick off today, June 15 in Auburn, WA at White River Amphitheater and wrap up August 4 in Houston, TX at Reliant Park. A music lover's playground, the VANS WARPED TOUR has been breaking up-and-coming indie talent as well as both creating and showcasing major established artists since 1995.The nationally-renowned touring festival will be bringing the 'Best Day Ever' to fans across the U.S. and Canada.

Closing Aurora Theatre Company's 21st season is the Bay Area Premiere of Neil LaBute's dark, edgy comic drama THIS IS HOW IT GOES, directed by Aurora Theatre Company Artistic Director Tom Ross (A Delicate Balance). Ross helmed LaBute's The Shape of Things, the first LaBute play produced in the Bay Area, in 2003. Featuring Aldo Billingslea (Collapse), Gabriel Marin (Collapse, Jack Goes Boating), and Carrie Paff (A Delicate Balance, Collapse, Betrayal), THIS IS HOW IT GOES presents a one-two punch after LaBute's Fat Pig (staged at Aurora in 2009).

Irish Repertory Theatre celebrates its award-winning 25th Anniversary Season with SOMETHING WONDERFUL! THE SONGS OF Rodgers & Hammerstein, an evening celebrating classic Rodgers and Hammerstein hits performed by a galaxy of Broadway stars, for one night only, tonight, June 10 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). Tom Hanks hosts the gala evening, direct by Charlotte Moore, with special guests to include Shirley Jones, best known for her roles in 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel,' and Patrick Cassidy (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, 42nd STREET).

Irish Repertory Theatre celebrates its award-winning 25th Anniversary Season with SOMETHING WONDERFUL! THE SONGS OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN, an evening celebrating classic Rodgers and Hammerstein hits performed by a galaxy of Broadway stars, for one night only, Monday, June 10 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). Tom Hanks hosts the gala evening, direct by Charlotte Moore, with special guests to include Shirley Jones, best known for her roles in 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel,' and Patrick Cassidy (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, 42nd STREET).