The Spongebob Musical - 2016 - Chicago Articles Page 14

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) presents the Tony Award-winning musical '1776,' from the book by Peter Stone, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Directed by Artistic Director and three-time Tony Award nominee Terrence Mann, '1776' is the first show of the 2017 Nutmeg Summer Series and stars Broadway's verterans Jamie LaVerdiere and Gaelen Gilliland as John and AbiGail Adams, Richard Henry as Benjamin Franklin and Adam Harrington as John Dickinson. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Hello, Dolly! is one of the most famous Broadway star vehicles, and no production has yet made that clearer than the one with Bette Midler's name floating high atop the marquee (and the 'sold out' sign). But what about the supporting ladies that fill the stage alongside the whirlwind Dolly Levi?

City Theatre is excited to announce the plays and events included in Momentum '17: New Plays at Different Stages, the South Side theater company's annual festival of new play development. The annual festival will run from May 31 - June 4, 2017 and will include three public presentations of plays - plus one musical - at different stages in the development process, a closed reading of new work by a Young Playwrights Festival Alumnus, a Happy Hour/Artists Meet & Greet with Urbanist Pittsburgh, and an interactive opportunity to participate in conversation with local playwright Tami Dixon for an upcoming project. The readings and events are free and open to the public. Reservations are strongly encouraged to guarantee seating and can be made at CityTheatreCompany.org or by calling the box office at 412-431-CITY (2489).

The Alley Theatre announces the cast and creative team of its 2016-2017 season finale production - Disney's new musical Freaky Friday.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces the casting for their production of the Tony Award-winning musical '1776,' from the book by Peter Stone, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards.

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Executive Director Diane Quinn, will present Arrabal, with a book written by John Weidman, music by Gustavo Santaolalla / Bajofondo, choreographed by Julio Zurita, and directed and co-choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.

Cleveland Play House will close out their 2016-17 season with the joyful new musical romp, Freaky Friday. Based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers which spawned two hit Disney films, Freaky Friday tells the story of a mother and daughter who magically swap bodies for 24 chaotic hours. The contemporary update of this American classic includes a hilarious new book by Bridget Carpenter ("Parenthood," "Friday Night Lights"), and a pop?rock score by Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize winners Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then). Directed by Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, it has been hailed as "a polished, peppy, modern fairy tale" by The Washington Post. With high-energy choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Memphis, Jersey Boys), this vivacious production is "delightfully spunky" with "timeless appeal" (Variety).

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.