The Spongebob Musical - 2016 - Chicago Articles Page 14

Last year, Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles made history as the composer for WAITRESS, the first musical ever to hit Broadway while boasting an all-female creative team. Now, as reported by BWW last month, Bareilles will once again take the spotlight, stepping into the lead role of Jenna Hunterson on Friday, March 31, succeeding Tony winner Jessie Mueller.

Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the world premiere of The Most Beautiful Room in New York, a new musical with book and lyrics by Adam Gopnik and music by David Shire, directed by Edelstein.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Executive Director David Schmitz announced today the 2017/18 Season. The nation's premier ensemble theater, Steppenwolf celebrates its 42nd season with seven captivating shows - three world premieres and four Chicago premieres - that embrace diversity, compassion and imagination.

WP Theater (formerly Women's Project Theater), under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty and Managing Director Michael Sag, has announced WP Theater's 32nd Annual Gala, honoring game-changing women with the Women of Achievement Awards. The gala will honor Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Debra Messing ('Will & Grace,' Outside Mullingar) and trailblazing media executive, President of BBC Worldwide North America, Ann M. Sarnoff.

Due to overwhelming demand, La Jolla Playhouse is adding a seventh week of performances for Disney's Freaky Friday.  The show will extend its run through March 19. 

Laguna Playhouse presents a very special bonus event just in time for Valentines Day, Wendie Malick ('Hot in Cleveland,' 'Just Shoot Me') and Dan Lauria ('The Wonder Years.' 'Pitch') starring in LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney.

Two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals has assembled six exciting teams - three led by prominent women directors - to helm the diverse productions planned this season: a tap-happy musical comedy, a beloved classic, a completely reinvented musical from some of the finest creative minds in musical theatre, two bold new musicals, and a holiday show for all ages.

La Jolla Playhouse presents Freaky Friday, book by Bridget Carpenter (TV's 'Friday Night Lights,' 'Parenthood'), music and lyrics by the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning team of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then), based on the novel 'Freaky Friday' by Mary Rodgers and the Walt Disney motion pictures, to be directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley, running tonight, January 31 , through March 12, 2017 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

JAG Productions is pleased to announce JAGFest, an annual festival that showcases and celebrates new plays by emerging playwrights of color. Presented February 24 - 27 at various venues in Woodstock & Pomfret, VT, the weekend-long festival of play readings and lectures celebrates and explores diverse, new voices in American theater. JAGFest will include four staged readings over the course of four days, each featuring a post-show conversation with the playwrights, actors, and directors.

Ars Nova and WP Theater are pleased to present the world premiere of Sundown, Yellow Moon (February 28-April 1), a nighttime play, with songs, by Rachel Bonds, directed by Anne Kauffman (OBIE and Drama Desk Award winner), with songs by the indie-folk duo The Bengsons (Hundred Days) and additional lyrics by Bonds.

Cabaret patroness Madame Mathieu has selected Broadway's Eric William Morris (Mamma Mia, 'Blue Bloods'), and Kelechi Ezie (Book of Mormon - Tour) as the guests of honor at the first 2017 edition of the Bistro Awards Critics' Pick Madame Mathieu's Soiree.

Cabaret patroness Madame Mathieu has selected Broadway's Eric William Morris (Mamma Mia, 'Blue Bloods'), and Kelechi Ezie (Book of Mormon - Tour) as the guests of honor at the first 2017 edition of the Bistro Awards Critics' Pick Madame Mathieu's Soiree.

Votes are cast; polls are closed; and results have been tabulated! This was our biggest year yet! After a record number of voters in more than 75 regions worldwide, BroadwayWorld is very excited to announce the 2016 Chicago winners! Thanks to all who voted, and huge congratulations to all the winners!

To kick off the new year, the Sheen Center for Thought & Culture is kicking off a new music series; Convergences - Indie Artists Series.

The Muny announced today the directors, choreographers and music directors for The Muny's 2017 Season, which opens on June 12 with Jesus Christ Superstar.

La Jolla Playhouse has announced the two lead roles for its upcoming production of Freaky Friday, book by Bridget Carpenter (TV's 'Friday Night Lights,' 'Parenthood'), music and lyrics by the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning team of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then), based on the novel 'Freaky Friday' by Mary Rodgers and the Walt Disney motion pictures, to be directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley, running January 31 - March 12, 2017 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.

Laguna Playhouse Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham has announced a very special bonus event just in time for Valentines Day, Wendie Malick ('Hot in Cleveland,' 'Just Shoot Me') and Dan Lauria ('The Wonder Years.' 'Pitch') starring in LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney.

Today's big news: TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, starring Nia Vardalos, opens this evening at the Public, and HAIRSPRAY LIVE! brings the beat to NBC tonight!

Morgan James, Richard Amelius and Torya Beard present Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in concert, featuring Broadway veterans and powerhouse vocalists, Morgan James (Motown: The Musical, Godspell, The Addams Family) and Shoshana Bean (Hairspray, Wicked) and Big Beat Records recording artist Alex Newell (Glee). The one- night-only female-centered concert of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera will be directed by Richard Amelius (Time Between Us, Empty City), with musical direction by Julie McBride (Amazing Grace, Finding Neverland). A cast of 13 singers will perform the complete score, accompanied by an all-female band. Full cast to be announced.

The Path Fund Inc. has announced additional stars for the 23rd Annual ROCKERS ON BROADWAY: AMERICAN ROCK & ROLL.

It's that time of year again! On Thursday, November 24th (9 a.m.-noon in all time zones), the 90th MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE will march down the streets of New York as millions celebrate with family and friends.

Camp Looking Glass, a year-round program dedicated to the inclusion of the special needs population, is bringing together some of Broadway's biggest stars for its 2nd annual "Broadway Camp Talent Show" fundraiser. The performance will take place on Nov 7, 2016 at 7:00 PM at The Cutting Room (44 East 32nd St.). 

On September 16th, 2016 Masterworks Broadway released the World Premiere Recording of the award winning new hit Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical. Written by Douglas Lyons, Melvin Tunstall, III and Greg Borowsky, Polkadots is a new musical inspired by the true events of the Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine. The album's release was celebrated in a concert presentation at The Lindeman (508 w42) on Monday Oct 24th, 2016.

Cabaret patroness Madame Mathieu has selected Broadway's Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Lysistrata Jones, Hairspray), and Marrick Smith (Fun Home, "The Lennon Report") as the guests of honor at the sixth edition of the Bistro Awards Critics' Pick Madame Mathieu's Soiree. This will be her final soiree of 2016.