Striking 12 - 2005 - New York Articles Page 19

The American Theatre Wing today announced the recipients of the 2009 Jonathan Larson? Grants. The grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers, help to continue Tony Award-winning composer Jonathan Larson's dream of infusing musical theatre with a contemporary, joyful, urban vitality.

On March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., The Collegiate Chorale appears with The New York City Opera Orchestra at the newly renovated Alice Tully Hall in a performance of Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin's 1945 Broadway operetta The Firebrand of Florence. The performance, led by guest conductor Ted Sperling, stars baritone Nathan Gunn, soprano Anna Christy, baritone Terrence Mann, and soprano Victoria Clark. Krysty Swann, David Pittu and Patrick Goss complete the cast, and narration will be provided by Stage Director Roger Rees. Boasting a score by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and a book by playwright and screenwriter Edwin Justus Mayer, The Firebrand of Florence had a short run on Broadway in 1945. The work was subsequently not heard for over a half-century until three presentations - Ohio Light Opera (1999), the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London (2000) and the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Vienna (2000) - shed new light on the relatively obscure work. The performances were not only accepted, but widely acclaimed, thus giving hope for a new life in a new century. Variety's theater critic Steven Suskin says 'I have long believed that Firebrand in concert should be a dazzling delight.' Benvenuto Cellini, the great Florentine artist, is sentenced to hang, but he is pardoned when the duke realizes that he has not completed a previously commissioned sculpture. Freed, he is able to turn his attention to his favorite model (and object of his affections), Angela. The Duke also is interested in Angela. In a typical operetta plot, Cellini swashbuckles around the stage, keeping the Duke away from Angela, keeping himself away from the Duchess, and escaping yet another death sentence by fleeing to Paris, as the end of the show recapitulates the beginning.

Dallas Theater Center, in association with SMU Meadows School of the Arts, presents In the Beginning, an adaptation of the first 10 chapters of the Book of Genesis, featuring the newly announced DTC acting company, and directed by artistic director Kevin Moriarty. In the Beginning runs Jan. 21-Feb. 15 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Presenting familiar stories from Genesis - the creation of the world, Adam and Eve in Eden, jealousy and murder among brothers, the world's destruction by water - In the Beginning offers a fresh retelling of age-old tales interspersed with engaging dialogue taken directly from conversations with local community members and respected religious scholars about the text. 'In the Beginning does not present a single, definitive interpretation of the stories we find in Genesis,' Moriarty says. 'Rather, it is a reflection of the conversations we've had with people of faith throughout our community about the text and the personal truths and insights they've found through their own explorations into these stories.'

Dallas Theater Center, in association with SMU Meadows School of the Arts, presents In the Beginning, an adaptation of the first 10 chapters of the Book of Genesis, featuring the newly announced DTC acting company, and directed by artistic director Kevin Moriarty. In the Beginning runs Jan. 21-Feb. 15 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Presenting familiar stories from Genesis - the creation of the world, Adam and Eve in Eden, jealousy and murder among brothers, the world's destruction by water - In the Beginning offers a fresh retelling of age-old tales interspersed with engaging dialogue taken directly from conversations with local community members and respected religious scholars about the text. 'In the Beginning does not present a single, definitive interpretation of the stories we find in Genesis,' Moriarty says. 'Rather, it is a reflection of the conversations we've had with people of faith throughout our community about the text and the personal truths and insights they've found through their own explorations into these stories.'

Producer Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and co-producers Tulchin/Bartner/Jenkins, Bill Kenwright, Northwater Entertainment, Darren Bagert, and Tom Gregory announced the complete cast and design team for the new Broadway production of the greatest musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS. The first joint Broadway project by two-time Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo since their collaboration on the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys, GUYS AND DOLLS will begin previews on February 3, 2009 at Broadway's newly refurbished Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street). Opening Night is March 1, 2009.

This fall brought the 4th B'way show and 2nd child for Kevin, a journeyman performer who also writes music.

From 1 December 2008, twelve year old Brad Wilson from Doncaster will join the London cast of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre to play the title role, making him the thirtieth boy to play the iconic role worldwide, first performed by Jamie Bell in the original movie. He is joined by Joanna Riding who will play Mrs Wilkinson and Joe Caffrey who returns to the production to play Jackie Elliot, Billy?s Dad.

Sesame Street favorites Gordon and Elmo are coming to Montclair High School Auditorium in Montclair, NJ on Saturday November 15th at 11 A.M. for a performance to benefit Luna Stage. Stars Roscoe Orman and Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash are again lending their support to Luna Stage, a New Jersey cultural institution.

The Music Center of Los Angeles County announces the sixth season of the Dance at the Music Center series. The season opens with the return of Miami City Ballet led by Artistic Director Edward Villella, performing the much anticipated, West Coast premiere of NIGHTSPOT a Twyla Tharp and Elvis Costello collaboration, October 24-26. Known for her innovation and creativity, Twyla Tharp has created some of the most memorable dances in modern repertory.

NEW THIS WEEK: News of CENTERSTAGE, CCBC Catonsville! A New BEST BET! Plus audition notices and more!

Ted Sperling has joined The Public as Director of The Musical Theater Initiative.

Serenade, a new musical, opens Sunday, December 9 at Teatro La Tea (107 Suffolk Street, between Delancey & Rivington) with performances through December 15.

'Serenade' by Jaradoa Theater is making two special matinees available at no cost to students participating in their outreach programs on December 5 and 12.

Jaradoa Theater presents Serenade, a new musical, beginning Saturday, December 1 through December 15 at Teatro La Tea (107 Suffolk Street, between Delancey & Rivington). The book and lyrics for Serenade are by Rachel Sheinkin, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She also co-authored Off-Broadway's Striking 12, which recently launched a nationwide tour. The kinetic score for Serenade, composed by Nils Olaf Dolven, mixes electronica, pop and classical elements.

Jaradoa Theater is throwing its first annual 'Jaradoa BOUNCE!,' a dance party to celebrate their debut season, this Thursday, November 1 at 8PM - 1AM at Libation. The evening will feature drink specials as well as fun prizes including Broadway tickets and backstage tours to Rent and Xanadu. Admission is $15.

Jaradoa Theater will present Serenade, a world premiere of an original musical, beginning Saturday, December 1 through December 15 at Teatro LA TEA (107 Suffolk Street, between Delancey & Rivington). The book and lyrics for Serenade are by Tony Award-winner Rachel Sheinkin.

Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW) announced the company's acquisition of professional, stock and amateur rights for the 2005 Tony Award winning Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot.

After an Off-Broadway run in 2005, the musical about a family dealing with a daughter's eating disorder is being used as an educational tool for high school productions

The new holiday musical Striking 12 is set to begin an eight-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway's Daryl Roth Theatre, Monday, November 6

The producers of JERSEY BOYS, winner of this year's Tony® Award for Best Musical, have announced the cast that will launch the National Tour in San Francisco.

BroadwayWorld is proud to bring you a new six-part series of blog entries written by Valerie Vigoda of GrooveLily, the band that 'crosses the boundaries laid down by words like rock, folk, jazz and pop.'

Indie pop-rock band GrooveLily will spread some holiday warmth on cold winter nights with their acclaimed musical, Striking 12, set to begin an eight-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway's Daryl Roth Theatre.

Complete scheduling information has been announced for the New York Musical Theatre Festival

Nelson Kole, Russ Lorenson and Toni Morrell are the August headliners at LA's Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's in August

Michael Winther will perform some of the Songs from an Unmade Bed at Joe's Pub on March 17th to celebrate the CD release of the song cycle