Time on Fire Photos - Off-Broadway

With the topic of illegal immigration so prevalent in today's news, now is the perfect time to take a very personal look at the trials and tribulations of those who immigrated, both legally and illegally, to our country in THE NEW COLOSSUS, a new play co-written by The Actors' Gang ensemble and its Artistic Director Tim Robbins, who also directs the production. In it, twelve of the acting troupe's members tell their ancestors' stories, reflecting their great diversity, struggles and journeys from oppression to freedom, a real personal testament celebrating the courage and great character of the refugees who came to this country throughout the last 200 years.

RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL originally opened Off-Broadway in 1992, created as an over-the-top dark comedy spoof of the films The Bad Seed and All About Eve, and well-known Broadway musicals Gypsy and Annie. Similar to the dark comedy in musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors and Sweeney Todd where characters are murdered and then eaten, RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL centers on 8-year old Tina Denmark, who knows she was born to play the lead in her school's third grade show and will do anything to win the part. And I do mean anything. Now onstage at Theatre Palisades, directed by Alta Abbott who first fell in love with the show during its 1993 West Coast premiere at the Canon Theatre in Beverly Hills, I can only say that the over-the-top production sometimes seemed so dark that the comedy became invisible.

It was fitting that Manipuri dance was chosen to commemorate India Independence Day, because during British colonial rule the dances were ridiculed as savage, immoral and outdated. Fortunately, thanks to India's independence, the help of activists, scholars and performers revitalizing ancient yet timeless traditions, and organizations like Battery Dance Festival, Manipuri dance can continue to thrive not only in India but on the world's stage. Lord Krishna must be pleased!

For those who have never attended THE PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS live show or its sister event THE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS in Laguna Beach, you are missing a wonderful treasure of not only art but theatrical spectacle during which historical works of arts are brought to life with real people stepping in to portray the characters in each piece of art, be it a painting, sculpture, or promotional advertisement for artistic spectacles taking place all over the world. Each person is costumed to perfectly represent the characters being portrayed, making each presentation a wonder of creativity and awe.

The Denver Center Theatre Company presents the highly anticipated new adaptation of Meredith Willson's classic musical, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. Based on the book by Richard Morris, the revitalized production will feature a new book and additional lyrics by three-time Tony Award nominee Dick Scanlan (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and showcase never before heard songs from Willson's prolific body of work with musical adaptation by Michael Rafter(Violet). It is be directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes). Check out a first look at the opening night party.

THE YES MEN, Mike Bonnano and Andy Bichlbaum (not their real names) met about ten years ago when they were introduced by mutual friends. "They felt we were on a similar path and might be interested in working together," explained Mike when I met with him before the duo's appearance at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe. Little did those friends know what they had started.

The OBIE-winning HERE announces the line-up for CULTUREMART 2014, taking place January 28 - February 9. In CULTUREMART, process becomes the focus, as this annual festival offers a first look at live performance work in various stages of development from the boundary-breaking artists in the HERE Artist Residency Program (HARP) on their journey to mainstage productions. CULTUREMART 2014 serves up 13 adventurous workshop performances of new hybrid work that blurs the lines between theater, dance, music, multimedia, puppetry and visual art. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the performers!

Taking the world by storm with triumphant successes in London, on Broadway, across North America and Japan BLAST!, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for 'Best Special Theatrical Event,' and the 2001 Emmy Award for 'Best Choreography,' will play Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from October 6 through 9, 2011. This tour is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Broadway Across America.

The world premiere of Keith Bridges stunning new play LIE WITH ME will be launched by Mutineer Theatre Company, the newest performing arts venture in Los Angeles, on March 7, 2009. This inaugural production for the company will be directed by Joe Banno, and will run at the Art/Works Theatre through April 5, 2009.

South Coast Repertory starts off the New Year with the World Premiere of You, Nero, a comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Freed. Commissioned by SCR, You, Nero imagines a meeting during the declining years of the Roman Empire between Scribonius, a put-upon playwright, and Emperor Nero, the all-powerful, narcissistic arbiter of art. The Roman romp stars Danny Scheie as Nero and John Vickery as Scribonius. Produced in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre and directed by Sharon Ott,You, Nero will run from Jan. 4 through Jan. 25, 2009 on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Low-priced previews are available from Jan. 4 through Jan. 8. Opening night is Jan. 9. Press night is Saturday, Jan. 10 at 7:45 p.m. Tickets to You, Nero may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.

South Coast Repertory starts off the New Year with the World Premiere of You, Nero, a comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Freed. Commissioned by SCR, You, Nero imagines a meeting during the declining years of the Roman Empire between Scribonius, a put-upon playwright, and Emperor Nero, the all-powerful, narcissistic arbiter of art. The Roman romp stars Danny Scheie as Nero and John Vickery as Scribonius. Produced in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre and directed by Sharon Ott,You, Nero will run from Jan. 4 through Jan. 25, 2009 on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Low-priced previews are available from Jan. 4 through Jan. 8. Opening night is Jan. 9. Press night is Saturday, Jan. 10 at 7:45 p.m. Tickets to You, Nero may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.