Shear Madness

SHEAR MADNESS, which opened on November 11th, 2015 and played 602 performances and 23 previews, just concluded its run at the Davenport Theatre. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the closing night party below!

La estética del crimen. Atrévete a ser cómplice.

SHEAR MADNESS will begin its last two weeks as New York's favorite comedy whodunit, as performances continue at the Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street) though April 23rd only.

Meadow Brook Theatre is proud to announce its 2017-2018 season. The 52nd season promises to please with a Broadway preview, three joyous musicals and four Michigan premieres!

Broadway In Boston has unveiled the upcoming 2017-2018 Lexus Broadway Season at its annual spring Announcement event this evening.  Eight theatrical productions take center stage at the Boston Opera House beginning next fall including the previously announced production of HAMILTON.  Over 1000 people from around the city gathered to celebrate today's announcement including Broadway In Boston's Season ticket holders, group leaders, arts and business leaders, city officials, partners from around the city, sponsors and the Boston media.  Highlights from the day included video messages from WAITRESS composer and six time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, seven time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan composers of ON YOUR FEET!, the cast of the National Tour of HAMILTON and live performances from cast members of FUN HOME, DISNEY'S ALADDIN, WAITRESS and LOVE NEVER DIES.

Second Thought Theatre continues its 2017 season of change with the area premiere of Straight White Men by Young Jean Lee. Local director/actor Christie Vela returns to direct for the company after making her acting debut for Second Thought last summer in A Kid Like Jake. Straight White Men begins with previews on Wednesday, April 12 and runs through Saturday, May 6. All performances of Straight White Men will take place at Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys Campus, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tickets to Straight White Men can be purchased online at 2TT.co.

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, continues its 2016/17 season with The Mystery of Love & Sex written by Bathsheba Doran and directed by Marti Lyons. The production runs April 5 - July 2, 2017 in The Gillian Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. The Press Opening is Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

???????Political intrigue takes center stage at Actors' Playhouse in the Tony Award-winning drama All The Way by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan.

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of the multiple Tony-winning musical comedy 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Playing March 24-April 12 with four near-sold-out previews March 21-23, tickets are already going fast for the hilarious musical that took Broadway by storm.

The Off Broadway Alliance has announced that it will be bringing back 20at20, the bi-annual celebration of Off Broadway that steeply discounts tickets to Off Broadway shows.  The program begins March 28th and continues through April 16th, making $20 tickets available for more than 40 Off Broadway plays and musicals, twenty minutes prior to curtain.  Now, in its 11th year, 20at20 has become one of New York's most eagerly anticipated promotions, making live, up-close-and-personal, up-to-the-minute, and classical theater accessible to everyone.

Manny Kladitis, Jeffrey Chrzczon, Terry Schnuck, Kathleen K. Johnson, Jack Lane, Radio Mouse Entertainment, Schaffert/Hummel, Driemeyer-Sills Productions, Michael Guccione, David Gersten, Erach Screwvala, and The Shubert Organization, by special arrangement with Cranberry Productions, today announced that SHEAR MADNESS will begin its LAST WEEKS as New York's favorite comedy whodunit. 

Now playing in Florida Rep's ArtStage Studio Theatre, 'Shear Madness' will extend its nearly sold out run to April 2nd, setting an 11-week record for the theatre. And for its final week, Florida Rep welcomes Lisa McMillan to the cast, who is currently appearing in the New York production.

Good Theater, the professional theater in residence at the St. Lawrence Arts Center, is pleased to present Horton Foote's multi-award-winning The Trip to Bountiful starring Broadway veteran Louisa Flaningam.  Bountiful opens March 29 and plays through April 30.  

Stages Repertory Theatre presents Gregg Coffin's Five Course Love, a delicious twist on the tried-and-true dinner date showcasing three actors playing a host of over-the-top characters whose hearts are hungry for love. Spotlighting five dates in five different restaurants, the musical parody pokes gentle fun at an array of cultural traditions and musical styles, serving up a fast-paced feast of clever lyrics, catchy tunes and lots of laughs. Five Course Love is directed by Mitchell Greco, Artistic Associate for Stages, whose directing credits include The Honky Tonk Angels series, Xanadu, Big Fish, and co-directing Shear Madness.

NYC & Company, New York City's official destination marketing organization, encourages visitors and New Yorkers to take advantage of discounted tickets during NYC Off-Broadway WeekSM, beginning today. The biannual program offers two-for-one tickets to more than 40 shows with performances from February 27- March 12.

Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl, winner of the 2016 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award and a MacArthur 'genius' grant, will be directed by Courtney O'Connor at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, opening February 26 and running through March 26, 2017. Previews begin February 24. 

NYC & Company, New York City's official destination marketing organization, encourages theatergoers to purchase NYC Off-Broadway WeekSM tickets, on sale today at 10:30 a.m.

A friendly reminder that Ring Twice for Miranda, a new play written by Alan Hruska (Laugh It Up, Stare It Down; The Man on Her Mind; New House under Construction) and directed by Rick Lombardo (San Jose Rep Artistic Director from 2008-2014, The Snow Queen, Bill W. and Dr. Bob) will officially open this Sunday, February 12th at 6:30pm at New York City Center Stage II.

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will present Das Barbecu, a fast-paced and raucous retelling of Wagner's epic Ring cycle, on April 23at Jackson Street BBQ, and April 30 at Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon. Five actors play over 30 roles in this comic take on opera's most spectacular saga, complete with mismatched lovers, a double shotgun wedding, and family feuds, all wrapped up in a Texas-sized heap of Wild West fun. Songs run the gamut from Broadway to Texas swing, from jazz to twangy country and western. Ticket prices include a BBQ feast and drink. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner, with performances beginning at 7 p.m. 

Good Theater the professional theater in residence at the St. Lawrence Arts Centers has announced its 16th season opening in the fall of 2017.  This will be the biggest season the company has produced yet.

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce a partnership with the National New Play Network in Washington, DC, Vermont Stage, and Michigan's Williamston Theatre to produce 'Doublewide' by Stephen Spotswood as a Rolling World Premiere. The final offering in Florida Rep's 2016-2017 season, 'Doublewide' runs in Florida Rep's ArtStage Studio Theatre April 11 to May 14.

TV icon Alison Arngrim has joined the cast of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None at Judson Theatre Company (Morgan Sills, Executive Producer and Daniel Haley, Artistic Director).

Due to overwhelming audience response, Cloud 9 Theatricals, in association with Lang Entertainment Group and Ray of Light Theatre, announced today the extension of the San Francisco premiere of SILENCE! The Musical - the "subversively funny and deliciously tasty" award-winning musical parody of "The Silence of the Lambs." Originally scheduled to close on Saturday, February 25, tickets are now on-sale through Saturday, March 18. 

Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl, winner of the 2016 Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award and a MacArthur 'genius' grant, will be directed by Courtney O'Connor at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston, opening February 26 and running through March 26, 2017. Previews begin February 24. 

The smash-hit John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts production of Shear Madness, the uproarious whodunit that holds the Guinness world record as the longest-running play in America, resumes performances tonight, January 31, in the Kennedy Center Theater Lab, following a brief hiatus.

The first in Stages Repertory Theatre's 2017 Get Talking Series that highlights important voices in contemporary theatre - Who Am I This Time (& Other Conundrums of Love) by Aaron Posner and adapted from stories by Kurt Vonnegut, made its regional premiere in Houston on January 25 and runs through February 12. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that the timeless American classic, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' will play in the Historic Arcade Theatre February 14 - March 8.

Manny Kladitis, Jeffrey Chrzczon, Terry Schnuck, Kathleen K. Johnson, Jack Lane, Radio Mouse Entertainment, Schaffert/Hummel, Driemeyer-Sills Productions, Michael Guccione, David Gersten, Erach Screwvala, and The Shubert Organization, by special arrangement with Cranberry Productions, are excited to announce that SHEAR MADNESS will celebrate its 500th performance as New York's favorite comedy whodunit on Thursday January 26th. 

The Washington Stage Guild continues its 30th anniversary season with a pearl of a romantic comedy, Arlene Hutton's charming LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC. On the train carrying F. Scott Fitzgerald's and Nathaniel West's coffins across the country, a young couple, each returning home from unexpected disappointment, begins a journey to life together that takes several detours, in this WWII-era story of thwarted dreams that lead to unexpected opportunities. 

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that 'Shear Madness', the longest running non-musical in American theatre history, will play in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Jan. 17 to Mar. 12. Still playing in Boston and Washington, D.C. after more than thirty years, 'Shear Madness' is America's favorite comic whodunit that's been seen by over 11 million people worldwide.

The first in Stages Repertory Theatre's 2017 Get Talking Series that highlights important voices in contemporary theatre - Who Am I This Time (& Other Conundrums of Love) by Aaron Posner and adapted from stories by Kurt Vonnegut, makes its regional premiere in Houston on January 25 and runs through February 12. Directed by long-time Stages and Houston actor and director Sally Edmundson (Driving Miss Daisy, Auntie Mame, Amy's View), Who Am I This Time takes a good-natured look at love and the conundrums that accompany it through the interconnected stories of three couples, all set against the backdrop of North Crawford Mask & Wig Club - 'the finest community theatre in central Connecticut.' The play's New England everyman narrator and the poignant, often comic look at daily life and relationships are gently reminiscent of Thornton Wilder's classic Our Town.

Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that 'Shear Madness', the longest running non-musical in American theatre history, will play in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Jan. 17 to Mar. 12. Still playing in Boston and Washington, D.C. after more than thirty years, 'Shear Madness' is America's favorite comic whodunit that's been seen by over 11 million people worldwide.

Theatre Three welcomes the annual return engagement of its New Year's staple I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change from December 29, 2016 to February 12, 2017 in the downstairs Theatre Too space. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre opens its 44th Season with the Indiana debut of Shear Madness, the first of four new shows on its stage in 2017. This play, known as 'America's favorite comedy whodunit,' will have audiences rolling in the aisles as they help detangle the clues of a murder mystery in a not-so-typical hair salon. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre opens its 44th Season on Dec. 29 with the Indiana debut of Shear Madness, the first of four new shows on its stage in 2017.

Theatre Three announces the annual return engagement of its New Year's staple I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change from December 29, 2016 to February 12, 2017 in the downstairs Theatre Too space. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

The cast of SHEAR MADNESS joined the Off-Broadway League in recognizing the needs of the less fortunate this holiday season - particularly imperiled children - and collected toys and games for the OFF BROADWAY TOY DRIVE.

Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre is proud to present the classic Cole Porter musical Anything Goes with Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter, Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, and New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman.

'Stronger Together: A Musical Celebration Of Unity', held on the coldest night of the year at The West End in New York City, brought together dozens of artists and raised hundreds of dollars for the American Civil Liberties Union. 

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced its lineup for the spring and summer season of Comedy at the Kennedy Center, a signature program at the Center focused on elevating comedy as an art form and uniting the local community together through laughter.

Pittsburgh CLO presents its 25th Anniversary production of A Musical Christmas Carol this month at the Byham Theater. This production will feature exciting new set elements and special effects.

Playwrights Horizons presents Rancho Viejo, the world premiere of a new play by Dan LeFranc (The Big Meal at Playwrights, Sixty Miles to Silver Lake, In the Labyrinth) and directed by three-time Obie Award winner Daniel Aukin (Placebo, This at Playwrights; Fool For Love; Bad Jews; 4000 Miles; [sic]). The production opened on December 6 at the company's Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street) and will play through Friday, December 23. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

There's more to be seen in 2017 as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents four new shows to its stage for its 44th Season. Plus, a musical theatre classic returns after 20 years, two beloved stories are revisited, and the year is capped off with the silver anniversary of Beef & Boards' own holiday production.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre opens its 44th Season on Dec. 29 with the Indiana debut of Shear Madness, the first of four new shows on its stage in 2017.

Theatre Three announces the annual return engagement of its New Year's staple I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change from December 29, 2016 to February 12, 2017 in the downstairs Theatre Too space. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

The Off-Broadway League is recognizing the needs of the less fortunate this holiday season - particularly under privileged children - by launching the annual OFF-BROADWAY TOY DRIVE taking place now through Wednesday, December 21st benefiting Safe Horizon, the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States, touching the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year.

Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the Boston Opera House for one week only as a part of its final farewell tour. Performances May 30 - June 4, 2017 as part of the 2016-2017 Lexus Broadway In Boston Season.

Having had the privilege to serve as Broadway World's Maine Editor for more than three years now, I can say with pride that the state, though remote as it may seem from the epicenter of the theatre world, Broadway, is blessed to be home to so many thriving theatre companies who produce exciting, vibrant seasons. As I compiled my list for 2016 with many familiar names, I was also struck by the extraordinary consistency of excellence these companies maintain. Here are my personal choices of the best in Maine, grouped by theatre and show.

Broadway In Boston, Ambassador Theatre Group and NETworks Presentations LLC announced today that the national tour of The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE KING AND I, will play a limited two week engagement at the Boston Opera House April 11-23, 2017 as part of the 2016-2017 Lexus Broadway In Boston Season. THE KING AND I, directed by Tony Award® Winner Bartlett Sher won four 2015 Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical.

Florida Repertory Theatre, an Associate Member of the National New Play Network, is seeking submissions for its 2017 PlayLab Festival slated for April 27 - 30. The fourth annual festival is an intensive weekend of rehearsals, readings, talkbacks, and development that brings playwrights, directors, and actors together to hone five new plays in a laboratory setting.