Play Yourself - 2002 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 11

The Lark Play Development Center in collaboration with Mexico's National Fund for Culture and Arts (FONCA) is pleased to announce the 2013 Mexico/ U.S. Playwright Exchange Program. For the eighth year the Lark will host playwrights from Mexico and pair them with bilingual U.S. playwrights, actors, and directors for a ten day cultural exploration that establishes ongoing channels of communication between artists in both countries.

NBC will celebrate the lighting of the world's most famous Christmas tree with a live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 4

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond:

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its eclectic line-up of vivacious talent for November 4-10, including the Django Reinhardt NY Festival, Frank Wildhorn and Friends, Birdland Jazz Party with Cyrille Aimee, Barbara Carroll, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more.

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its eclectic line-up of vivacious talent for November 4-10, including the Django Reinhardt NY Festival, Frank Wildhorn and Friends, Birdland Jazz Party with Cyrille Aimee, Barbara Carroll, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more.

Though art about art has been all over Austin as of late, there's always room for one more production provided it's as good as this. Museum is a bold, laugh-out-loud farce that lovingly mocks the pretentiousness often found in both modern art and those who claim to love and understand it.

Tarragon Theatre presents TheatreRUN's The Double, an hilarious and innovative adaptation of the Fyodor Dostoevsky novella of the same name, created and performed by TheatreRUN Artistic Director Adam Paolozza (who also directs), Arif Mirabdolbaghi (bass-player and lyricist of the award-winning Canadian progressive metal band, Protest The Hero) and international actorViktor Lukawski. A dark comedy about our deepest fears of losing our identity, The Double opens October 23 and runs to November 24 (previews from October 15) in Tarragon's Extraspace.

BroadwayWorld Chicago sits down with star of "The Book of Mormon" in Chicago and former "American Idol" finalist, Syesha Mercado, to talk about playing Nabulungi, her time in Chicago, and more!

Today we are talking a phenomenally talented performer known for his decades treading the boards in a number of featured and lead roles, most recently wowing crowds with his turn as one of the title characters in THE GERSHWINS' PORGY & BESS - the engaging and golden-voiced Norm Lewis. Discussing many of his most celebrated roles as well as some more obscure, Lewis paints a vivid picture of his career trajectory thus far and shares compelling and candid stories of working on productions as varied and diverse as the original Broadway versions of THE WHO'S TOMMY, SIDE SHOW, THE WILD PARTY, AMOUR, THE LITTLE MERMAID and SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM as well as his sensational work regionally in projects such as his recent essaying of Javert in LES MISERABLES at The Muny (to say nothing of the 25th Anniversary live at the 02) as well as turns in SWEENEY TODD and THE WIZARD & I: THE MUSIC OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ among many others. Additionally, Lewis sheds some light on his recent onscreen work, clueing us in on how he became involved with hit nighttime soap SCANDAL and how he enjoyeds working with co-stars Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn on it - and if we will possibly see him in Season Three, perhaps. Plus, Lewis opens up about his upcoming solo gigs and performing plans - including first news on his starring part in the upcoming Public Theater musical version of THE TEMPEST - as well as touches upon a host of topics ranging from his appearances at spectacular special events - DREAMGIRLS: IN CONCERT, HAIR: IN CONCERT, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA in the Park - to his appearance in SEX & THE CITY 2 (opposite Liza Minnelli) to recording studio work, dream projects, future goals, favorite workshop/reading experiences and much, much more!

Today we are talking to an electrifying live performer who has made a major mark in the theatrical realm with his work as the title character in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL - PHANTOM 25 for short - as well as the originator of the role in its musical sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES - to say nothing of his long-standing and upcoming association with LES MIERABLES, at the O2, in Toronto this Fall and beyond - the one and only Ramin Karimloo. Espousing on the many major musical theatre roles he has essayed thus far as well as what he would like to take on in the future, Karimloo grants unprecedented access into his background and illustrates his experiences participating in some already classic once-in-a-lifetime events, such as PHANTOM 25 and LES MIZ at the 02. Most importantly, Karimloo clues us in on what we can expect from his series of shows this week at SubCulture as well as explains the history and future plans for his Broadway and Bluegrass - aka Broadgrass - tour. Additionally, Karimloo discusses the finer points of his forthcoming headlining role as Jean Valjean in the Toronto kick-off of the brand new LES MISERABLES revival and shares his memories of appearing on the Academy Awards this year with the film's cast. Also, Karimloo offers first news on his upcoming series of EPs, reflects on his past solo albums and how they developed, as well as comments on his recent UK TV recurring role on THE SPA ROOM and desire to pursue more TV/film work in the future, as well as shares his enthusiasm for GLEE - and much, much more!

There's an old saying in theatre: "There are no small roles, just small actors". Despite her featured role as Tessie Tura in GYPSY at Maine State Music Theatre, her talent and impressive resume prove that she is no "small" actress. From understudying Patti LuPone in the original Broadway production of Evita, success in films and sitcoms, to becoming an MSMT favorite, it is clear to see why as soon as you see her on stage. Though, the audiences at MSMT might have a hard time convincing her that Brunswick's crowds are bigger fans than she is of the midcoast town.

A few weeks before BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Reviewer and Columnist Stephen Hanks was about to stage the opening night of his debut solo cabaret show on May 31, a number of cabaret performers asked him if he was going to write about the experience in some way, with some even encouraging him to keep a diary. 'It might be really interesting to read how your perspective about cabaret performers and performing might have changed and how it might impact your reviews now that you're doing it yourself,' commented one singer. 'It was a fascinating notion and one that I had already thought about,' Hanks admits, 'but between a full time job, attending shows, writing reviews, taking vocal lessons, rehearsing, etc., finding the time and the energy to keep even a weekly diary was not in the cards.' Hanks certainly didn't think he'd forget even the little things that have gone into making his journey what he calls 'an amazing, fantasy-fulfilling, almost surreal experience.' On the eve of his last performance of his three-show run (over three weeks) at the Metropolitan Room of Beyond American Pie: The Don McLean Songbook, BroadwayWorld.com sat down with our lead cabaret reviewer to get his insights and perspective on what's it been like to be on the performer end of things.

David Scheel is a true Australian success story. Born at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia he studied at the University of Adelaide, gaining an Honours degree in languages and a concert diploma on the piano. However, coming from a theatrical family theatre was David's first love, and after a short stint on stage, in films and on television he decided - like so many before him - to try his luck in England. The gamble was so successful that it was to keep David away from Australian shores for the best part of 18 years.

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.

Giuliana Rancic, co-anchor of 'E! News,' and Nick Jonas, Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter, will host the 62nd Annual Miss USA Competition airing live on NBC Sunday, The co-hosts chat about what to expect at this year's exciting competition.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment Commissioner Katherine Oliver today presented the eighth annual 'Made in NY' Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the City's entertainment and digital media industries. The 2013 'Made in NY' honorees include: Tony and Olivier Award-winning actor Alan Cumming; 'Project Runway' host and executive producer Heidi Klum; two time Oscar-nominated director Spike Lee; five time Tony Award-winning singer and actress Audra McDonald; President of HBO Documentary Films Sheila Nevins; NYC-based blogging platform and social networking website Tumblr; and Harvey and Bob Weinstein, founders of The Weinstein Company and Miramax Films. This year's 'Made in NY' Mayor's Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented to Emmy Award-winning television host and broadcast journalist Barbara Walters. The awards took place at Gracie Mansion and featured a special performance by the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots introduced by Harvey Fierstein.

This June, Brat Productions gives you dinner theatre like you've never experienced it before. The Last Plot in Revenge is a spaghetti western, dinner theatre, musical - with the signature Brat twist of mixed genres, surprising collaborations and rock star talent. Up-and-coming local playwright Brian Grace-Duff takes you to Revenge, Montana, a land where the wild rule, the whiskey runs, the whores are tired, the guns are smokin' - and there is only one cemetery plot left in the whole town. Let the Scrapfields and the MacGruels duke it out, because when the Nameless Gunman enters, who knows who will be left standing? After all, revenge is a dish best served with a plate of spaghetti.

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 June 15 in Auburn, WA at White River Amphitheater and wrap up August 4 inHouston, TX at Reliant Park.

Donmar Warehouse announces 2013 Autumn Season

The Brick Theater, Inc. will present the World Premiere of Robert Honeywell's (Ich Liebe Jesus!; Greed: a Musical Love $tory) all-female rock musical, Mass, tonight, April 13-30 at The Brick (579 Metropolitan Ave at Lorimer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn). The production will be directed by Leah Bonvissuto (Ye Elizabeths at Planet Connections 2012) with Music Direction by Maria Dessena (2012 MAC nominated Jessye Normous Show) and will feature Esther Crow, Rebecca GRay Davis, Melissa DeLancey, Kaitlan Emery, Amanda LaPergola, Tracy Shar, Pheobe Silva*, and Moira Stone*.

The Brick Theater, Inc. will present the World Premiere of Robert Honeywell's (Ich Liebe Jesus!; Greed: a Musical Love $tory) all-female rock musical, Mass, tonight, April 11-28 at The Brick (579 Metropolitan Ave at Lorimer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn).

Kinky Boots, from four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (book), Grammy Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Director & Choreographer), began preview performances on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street) on March 3, 2013 and opens tonight, April 4, 2013.

Let's see what the critics had to say...

Soulpepper Theatre vet Mike Ross sat down with BWW to talk about his character in 'True West', rehearsing for both 'True West' and 'La Ronde' at the same time, and taking on multiple roles at the Soulpepper Theatre Company.

The Brick Theater, Inc. will present the World Premiere of Robert Honeywell's (Ich Liebe Jesus!; Greed: a Musical Love $tory) all-female rock musical, Mass, April 13-30 at The Brick (579 Metropolitan Ave at Lorimer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn). The production will be directed by Leah Bonvissuto (Ye Elizabeths at Planet Connections 2012) with Music Direction by Maria Dessena (2012 MAC nominated Jessye Normous Show) and will feature Esther Crow, Rebecca Gray Davis, Melissa DeLancey, Kaitlan Emery, Amanda LaPergola, Tracy Shar, Pheobe Silva*, and Moira Stone*.