This Is How It Goes - 2005 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 12

Salon is a weekly open mic night where artists can try out new material in a judgment-free zone. I recently did some undercover reporting. It wasn't dangerous or glamorous, like Hunter S. Thompson or Nellie Bly, though it was both alluring and scary at times. I infiltrated the cabaret community to see what it's like being a nightclub singer - and I had a really good time, but I don't want to do it again. I don't know how cabaret performers do it. It's exhausting and it's expensive. You spend all your time promoting yourself, you pay musicians, press reps, photographers and dry cleaners, and every day you run the risk of waking up with a cold and no voice, and an obligation to sing. It's nerve-wracking. Still, these artists continue to produce art for a willing audience: they do it for love of the art and of the audience. It begs the question, though, when a cabaret performer doesn't have a show to do, how do they keep their skills up? How do they continue to grow without spending precious earned cash on an expensive master class?

BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios announced today the new original dramatic comedy, 'SISTAS,' the second series under Perry's exclusive, multi-year content partnership deal with Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA). Starring KJ Smith, Ebony Obsidian, Mignon Von, and Novi Brown, 'SISTAS,' follows a group of single black females from different walks of life who bond over their one common thread: why am I single? In this bold new series, viewers watch these women navigate their 'complicated love life' status, careers and friendship through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. Premiering this fall on BET, the one-hour drama takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments that are the epitome of #squadgoals. Principal photography for 'SISTAS' is underway at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

The Greenhouse Theater Center and On The Spot Theatre present the U.S. premiere of the full-length drama SONS AND LOVERS, based on the novel by D.H. Lawrence and adapted and directed by On The Spot Artistic Director Mike Brayndick.

Everyone loves a little nostalgia, especially when it comes to their favorite television shows and movies growing up. For millennials and Gen Z-ers, these probably include a few DCOMs (Disney Channel Original Movie) and series. Several of the stars of these films and TV shows have gone on to further their acting and singing careers on Broadway, and some even got their start on the stage. Below is a list of stars that you may or may not know have a few theatre credits under their belt!

Wepa! The film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical In the Heights is on its way, and we can barely contain our excitement seeing Usnavi and the whole gang on the big screen! To tide you over until then, we've gathered all the info you need to know about the movie, from the casting to sneak peeks from the show's creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda! Check it all out!

REELZ today announced new original programming for July 2019 including six returning series, five new specials and the U.S. premiere of Air Crash Confidential about harrowing real life disasters that were made into movies. Air Crash Confidential leads the July premieres followed by returning series Fortune Fights with inside looks at the massive estate battles waged by Hulk Hogan and Donald Sterling after they courted controversy. Then it's the return of The Price of Fame showing the remarkable and often devastating paths to stardom lived by Heather Locklear, the cast of Diff'rent Strokes and pop superstar George Michael. The dubious side of fame goes under the spotlight with returning series Notorious and the real stories about the Bling Ring thieves, the Balloon Boy hoax, disgraced politician Anthony Weiner and brand spokesperson Jared Fogle.

ReFrame, a collaborative initiative of WIF LA and Sundance Institute, announced the inaugural class of ReFrame Rise directors at the 2019 Women In Film Annual Gala on Wednesday, June 12 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The inaugural class of ReFrame Rise directors include Desiree Akhavan, Haifaa al-Mansour, Patricia Cardoso, Hanelle Culpepper, Sydney Freeland, Zetna Fuentes, Tina Mabry and Meera Menon.

Despite its general pleasant nature, many cute moments, and a plethora of genuine talent on stage, this stage musical adaptation of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY---Roald Dahl's beloved 1964 children's novel about a sweet, affable kid who wins a meet-and-greet (and more!) with an eccentric Candy Man named Willy Wonka--- comes off less magical and whimsical than one would hope it would be considering its source material. Is this national tour production---now continuing performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts through June 9---joyful enough for kids and kids-at-heart to enjoy? Sure. But, overall, something about it feels just slightly under-baked, as if all the additional necessary ingredients that would have made this musical extraordinary didn't quite make it into the mix.

The blackest of humour comes together for a captivating 110 minutes of theatre that challenges how far someone would go to protect the people they love in Kim Hardwick's (director) presentation of MERCURY FUR. 

The Greenhouse Theater Center and On The Spot Theatre are pleased to announce casting for the U.S. premiere of the full-length drama SONS AND LOVERS, based on the novel by D.H. Lawrence and adapted and directed by On The Spot Artistic Director Mike Brayndick.

JERSEY BOYS follows the true story of 1960s group The Four Seasons; Tommy DeVito (Corey Greenan), Bob Gaudio (Eric Chambliss), Nick Massie (Johnathan Cable), and Frankie Valli (Jonny Wexler). This jukebox musical, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, utilizes some of the bands biggest hits to tell the rise and fall of the iconic group of boys from New Jersey; including "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Sherry," "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

Tom Brennan explains that what you want, what you really, really want, is a comedy set in a school in May 1997.

A high flying, high kicking romp of a good time comes full steam ahead back to the Straz Center in Tampa for three days only from May 17-19, 2019. A true story set in North Hampton England just a stones throw from London centers its story around the plight of a burgeoning entrepreneur whom was just bequeathed the family business. Price&Sons is known for their comfortable and dependable classic shoes for men. When sales plummet and stock is filtering back in by the truck load it is up to Charlie the heir to the shoe factory to pull the company back on its struggling feet and restore the name of Price &Sons to its glory. How does one do that you may ask?

General Director Robert K. Meya today announced two new world premiere operas commissioned by the Santa Fe Opera. Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly will open on August 1, 2020. 

When it comes to developing a loyal fan base, Troubadour Theater Company has found the secret: do outstanding work, stay true to your aesthetic, and give the people what they want - a great time at the theater. Artistic Director Matt Walker started the troupe and, with the help of longtime friend and foil, Beth Kennedy, continues to lead his merry band into the great theatrical unknown. Next up for the company is JULIUS WEEZER, which combines Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR and the music of Weezer to tell its tale of political intrigue Troubie style. Today, they talk about what it's like putting together a new show and why they keep on coming back for more.

American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), under the leadership of Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus and Executive Producer Diane Borger announced its 201920 Season programming today, including subscription offerings, A.R.T. Breakout, Afterglow @ OBERON, Live @ OBERON, the Run AMOC! Festival, The Donkey Show, and A.R.T. in the World.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre's outgoing Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert, today announces the theatre's Autumn and Winter 2019 season, launching a programme of familiar favourites side-by-side with new and inspiring theatre.

The McCallum Theatre announced today its new lineup for the 2019-2020 season, continuing to present the finest world-class artists and entertainers for Coachella Valley audiences.  The new season includes McCallum debuts, returning favorites, iconic superstars, family-friendly entertainment and holiday cheer, among so much more. A CHRISTMAS STORY, WAITRESS and THE PLAY THAT GOES WORING are among the many Broadway offerings in what looks to be the most stellar season in McCallum history.

What is described to some as crude humor to others is the best kind of humor. I was delighted to see that the touring production of Monty Python's Spamalot was touring and would be making a stop in St. Paul at the Ordway. Adapted from the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this production moved to Broadway in 2005 and stars a lot of well-known names. The Broadway production was even nominated for 14 Tony awards and won three including Best Musical. The Broadway run even starred some now very big names including Tim Curry, David Hyde Pierce, Christian Borle and Sara Ramirez (Greys Anatomy).

'Would you please raise your hand if you are a white man who also owns property?', playwright/performer Heidi Schreck asks her audience. The number of respondents is typically a very low percentage of the house.

JERSEY BOYS has been a Broadway favorite since the jukebox musical premiered in 2005. It can still be seen Off-Broadway at New World Stages, but in case you're not traveling to Manhattan any time soon, you can catch the show as it travels across America to a city near you. The story of the Four Seasons wouldn't be complete without the character of the incomparable Frankie Valli, whose perfect falsettos gave the group its iconic sound. I caught up with Jonny Wexler in Atlanta, who's been playing Frankie on tour for his second season. He's been with the production for 5 years total, having played Joe Pesci for 3 seasons. Here's what he had to say:

Steppenwolf's LookOut Series is thrilled to share their dynamic Spring 2019 Lineup. From comedy to poetry, one-person plays to music groups, familiar faces and new there's something for everyone this spring in the 1700 Theatre. Spring 2019 highlights include The Gift Theatre's now playing production of Doubt, the Q Brothers's Dress the Part, Eighth Blackbird's Dissolve, Melissa DuPrey's SEXomedy 2.0: The Second Coming, PREACH!'s We Have Nothing Left to Lose but Our Chains and more. Full lineup below.

Winter blues starting to hit? Tired of the endless cold, snow, and grey skies? Need a laugh? Then get yourself over to The Washington Pavilion for the last two performances of Monty Python's SPAMALOT. This show will have you laughing from beginning to end and have you looking on the brighter side of life! Eric Idle (book, music, and lyrics) and John Du Prez (music) take the jokes everyone knows and loves from the original screenplay of Monty Python and The Holy Grail movie and add a uniquely Broadway flair to the classic story.

Today's subject disproves the theory that you can't be good at everything. Kevin Laughon is the Production Associate at Theater J, but his long career of working in the theatre has taken him on both sides of the footlights.

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group opens its 20th-Anniversary Season with Tony Kushner's modern classic ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES, part one of the two-part play cycle.