Taking a Chance on Love - 2000 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 11

Today we are talking to a five-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer celebrated for her stupendous work on CRAZY FOR YOU, THE PRODUCERS, CONTACT, THE FROGS, THOU SHALT NOT, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and many more - the master musicals director Susan Stroman. In discussing a vast array of topics, Stroman and I touch upon many of her past projects as well as look ahead to her current and future endeavors - that is: the forthcoming Broadway bow of the new musical BIG FISH, starring Norbert Leo Butz, as well as the world premiere of Ahrens & Flaherty's LITTLE DANCER next year. Most importantly, Stroman shines a light on her enduring artistic partnership with Mel Brooks in bringing to life the screen-to-stage musical adaptations of both THE PRODUCERS and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, with BLAZING SADDLES on the way - their rich collaboration also being highlighted in this week's AMERICAN MASTERS tribute to Mel Brooks on PBS. Additionally, Stroman reflects on some of her lesser-known entities and casts a light on some of her foremost influences as well as candidly discusses her specialty work for a bevy of major stars - such as at SONDHEIM: A CELEBRATION AT CARNEGIE HALL in 1992 - and the finer points of working with Stephen Sondheim and Nathan Lane on Sondheim's most recent original Broadway musical, THE FROGS. Plus, Stroman shares first details of her upcoming collaboration with comedy master Woody Allen on the musical stage adaptation of Allen's Academy Award-winning BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and also offers the 411 on the upcoming Los Angeles and West End productions of Kander & Ebb's THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - including the real-life role the musical has played in the pardoning of the originally accused nine just last month. Stroman also comments on her work with Hal Prince on the career revue PRINCE OF BROADWAY, opening in Japan in 2015, and also touches upon her ongoing desire to pursue a film adaptation of her multi-Tony Award-winning and genre-redefining 2000 Best Musical, CONTACT. All of that and much, much awaits in this wide-ranging conversation!

When a group of actors gathers to give a presentation on a distant genocide, they realize that summaries are not enough. In their attempt to delve into history, they struggle with stereotype, fear and their own personal histories, uncovering the potential for brutality in all of us. Joseph Stern and The Matrix Theatre Company present the West Coast premiere of a brave, chilling and very funny new work by Jackie Sibblies Drury."We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South-West Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915" opens on June 8.

Donald Freed's new play Tomorrow at the Skylight Theatre was written expressly for Salome Jens, and Miss Jens is one of the chief reasons to see it. More about her later! Not that the play itself is not worth the price of admission, for, indeed, it is a peculiarly artful and quite theatrically exciting piece with a politically artistic air. The message 'Wake Up, America!' is hurled at us even before the curtain goes up. We listen to voice-over tapes of news broadcasts from the year 2000 proclaiming the re-election of George W. Busch as President of the United States in spite of the gross negligence/ miscount in the state of Florida. We are reminded of just how ineffective the administration - republican or democratic - has been over the past decade in keeping funding for the arts alive, deficit or no deficit. Our country's endeavors spell dismal failure, so when the curtain goes up and Jamie Booth (Geoffrey Forward) seems withdrawn and indifferent toward the world around him, the phrase American amnesia rings loud and clear. Freed desperately wants some individual action and over the next two hours this supremely stellar cast does its very best to point us more positively toward Tomorrow.

The theatre programme for the Manchester International Festival 2013 has been announced. MIF13 commissions include: The Machine, The Old Woman, Macbeth, The Masque of Anarchy and The Rite of Spring.

As the Broadway production of MARY POPPINS comes to a close, we tracked down all the past and current kids who played the iconic roles of Jane and Michael Banks, from the original cast in 2006 to the current group as they take their final bow on March 3, 2013.

As an actor, there is nothing like playing a leading role in a hit Broadway musical. Add to that having the chance to perform the role in front of a hometown audience, filled with family and friends, and you have the story of Stacey Todd Holt, who will play Leo Bloom, the budding theatrical producer in Mel Brooks' hit musical, The Producers when it plays the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 25 - 31, produced by Theater of the Stars. I had the chance to talk to Stacey about his Atlanta roots, his long-time professional relationship with Susan Stroman and what exactly made him "Want to be a Producer".

The Bedford Hills based, much buzzed about and highly acclaimed new intergenerational rock band, JAZMO, will make its New York Premiere at the world-renown Iridium (1650 Broadway at 51st Street, NYC) tonight, January 8th at 8:00pm and 10:00pm.

The Bedford Hills based, much buzzed about and highly acclaimed new intergenerational rock band, JAZMO, will make its New York Premiere at the world-renown Iridium (1650 Broadway at 51st Street, NYC) on Tuesday, January 8th at 8:00pm and 10:00pm.

Centenary Stage Company will present the amazing Bill Bowers in his one man show UNDER A MONTANA MOON November 15-18.

This fall, Broadway veteran Michael McGurk brings his boyish good looks, award-winning talents and professional experience to Petaluma's Cinnabar Theater for the world premiere of 'So Nice to Come Home To: A World War II Musical.' McGurk plays 2nd Lt. Kenneth Downey, a young American soldier who befriends a middle aged woman determined to become an essential part of America's war effort.

This fall, Broadway veteran Michael McGurk brings his boyish good looks, award-winning talents and professional experience to Petaluma's Cinnabar Theater for the world premiere of 'So Nice to Come Home To: A World War II Musical.' McGurk plays 2nd Lt. Kenneth Downey, a young American soldier who befriends a middle aged woman determined to become an essential part of America's war effort.

Ted Sod, Education Dramaturg, interviewed Stephanie J Block tabout her work on The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Sunday's MEET THE PRESS WITH DAVID GREGORY on NBC featured a roundtable discussion with Obama campaign senior adviser Robert Gibbs, former Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen, Republican strategist Mike Murphy, and NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd; and a one-on-one interview with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Below are highlights and a transcript of Sunday's program.

The Full Monty/book by Terrence McNally/music & lyrics by David Yazbek/choreography by John Todd/directed by Richard Israel/Third Street Theatre/through October 14

With the show just a few days away, MTV announced new additions to the performance line-up for the '2012 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS including Rihanna kicking off the VMAs with A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj will perform as a surprise guest with a previously announced VMA artist, 2 Chainz taking the VMA stage for the first time ever, and Lil Wayne with the worldwide premiere performance of his brand new single.

The Muny presents the third show of its 94th season, Disney's Aladdin, opening tonight through July 13, directed by Gary Griffin, and choreographed by Alex Sanchez.

REBECCA, the new musical based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier novel, has found its male and female leads: Jill Paice will play the role of "I" and Ryan Silverman the role of "Maxim de Winter." REBECCA will open on Broadway Sunday, November 18 at The Broadhurst Theatre. Previews will begin Tuesday, October 30.

Today we are talking to the Tony Award-nominated Best Featured Actor In A Musical who has set Broadway ablaze with his much-talked-about portrayal of Judas in Des McAnuff's spectacular revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's seminal rock opera, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - the electric and charismatic Josh Young. Tracing his journey with the Biblically-themed musical from the hallowed grounds of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada - where he first made his mark on the theatre world with his acting of another iconic Lloyd Webber/Rice anti-hero, Che in EVITA; as well as THE GRAPES OF WRATH - all the way to La Jolla in California, and, now, to eight performances a week on the Great White Way, Young shares his overflowing enthusiasm for the theatrical form and details his life as a performer; a veritable dream come true for the self-proclaimed Broadway baby. In addition to all about his perspective on Judas and his thoughts on the daring and innovative SUPERSTAR, Young also describes working with Tony-winning director Des McAnuff and how his training at the Royal Shakespeare Festival has prepared him for the rigors of a Broadway hit. Plus, Young looks back on past performances and his favorite roles to date as well as shines a light on some of the parts he would consider taking on in the future, both near and far. Plus, Young reacts to his Tony Award nomination, fills us in on genesis of the many new lyrics for the heavenly SUPERSTAR revival, shares thoughts on GLEE, SMASH and much, much more!

The Muny announced today principal casting for the third show of its 94th season, Disney's Aladdin (July 5-13), directed by Gary Griffin, and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Tony® Nominees Robin de Jesus and John Tartaglia star as Aladdin and the Genie, respectively. Joining them will be Jason Graae as Omar, Curtis Holbrook as Iago, Francis Jue as Kassim, Eddie Korbich as Babkak, Samantha Massell as Jasmine, Ken Page as the Sultan, and Thom Sesma as Jafar.

Best known for his role on 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' Tom Wopat has also appeared on Broadway in Sondheim on Sondheim, I Love My Wife, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, 42nd Street, Glengarry Glen Ross, and Catch Me If You Can. He received Tony nominations for his roles in A Catered Affair and the revival of Annie Get Your Gun. Wopat's latest CD Consider it Swung is a swinging collection of standards.

Lorinda Lisitza may be one of the best-kept secrets in the New York musical theater community, but with her standout cabaret show, Triumphant Baby (running for six shows this month at the Metropolitan Room), this terrific actor, singer, comedian--and inveterate poker--player may finally be dealt a winning hand.

Best known for his role on 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' Tom Wopat has also appeared on Broadway in Sondheim on Sondheim, I Love My Wife, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, 42nd Street, Glengarry Glen Ross, and Catch Me If You Can. He received Tony nominations for his roles in A Catered Affair and the revival of Annie Get Your Gun. Wopat's latest CD Consider it Swung is a swinging collection of standards.

This Upfront season, Animal Planet advances its richest slate of original programming to date. The Planet's bringing back 13 returning 'Surprisingly Human' hit series and introducing a pack of new titles. Heading into the Upfront with strong momentum, Animal Planet has seen a nearly 25 percent ratings increase with both men and women driving gains.

As the final of three mainstage productions during the two-month Eugene O'Neill Festival spearheaded by Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, Long Day's Journey into Night rounds out this celebration of O'Neill's life and work. The English-born and Canadian-based director and former Stratford Festival Artistic Director Robin Phillips makes his Arena Stage debut to direct his fourth production of this Pulitzer Prize-winning play in a theatrical career spanning more than 50 years.