Coming Up This Week in Theatre - 8/5/2008

Cold Storage - 8/6/2008

ROTHMAN FAIRCHILD is pleased to announce the production of Ronald Ribman's powerful, three-character, New York Dramatists Award-winning, comedic drama, COLD STORAGE, directed by Richmond Shepard. Shepard will also be reprising his award-winning Los Angeles performance. COLD STORAGE will play a 4-week limited engagement at the Richmond Shepard Theater (309 East 26th St. @ 2nd Ave). Performances begin Wednesday, August 6th and continue through Saturday, August 30th. Press are invited starting August 7th.

COLD STORAGE is set on the roof terrace of a New York cancer hospital. Shepard, who won a DramaLogue Award for his Los Angeles performance as the acerbic old Armenian dying of cancer will be joined by Dan Burkarth playing a younger repressed art dealer "in for tests." The insights into life and death, the irony of existence, as the actors play out a game of challenges and revelations is both funny and emotionally heartrending.

COLD STORAGE plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, August 30th: Wednesday thru Saturdays at 8: PM.

Tickets are $20.00 (students and seniors $10).
For reservations please call 212-684-2690. Tickets may also be purchased in person half an hour prior to the show at The Richmond Shepard Theatre.

DAN BURKARTH (Richard Landau) has had a recent string of successes with Theatre for New City's The Ghosts of 14th Street; Fox Media's Roommates; and Midlantic Theatre Company's production of Shakespeare's Henry VI: An Experiment. He currently serves on the board of directors with Turtle Shell Productions as their teen/intern coordinator and teaches commercial acting for the Screen Actor's Guild.

ROTHMAN FAIRCHILD (Producer) was co-founder and principal producer of London's Rock Row Theatre Group, where he produced Gunnar's Night by Elroy Fletcher, Lord Buckley's Finest Hour by Richmond Shepard and John Sinclair, and many other shows. In Los Angeles, he produced Ronald Ribman's Cold Storage, Tom Stoppard's Travesties and Elmer Rice's Counselor at Law, all starring Shepard, among other plays. He was executive producer of the TV series "Blanchard's Quest" and of "Danger Zone" starring Katie Heatherton. In New York in 2005 he produced Designer Genes, a play written by and starring Shepard, and recently Sartre's No Exit, directed by Shepard, at this theatre.

RONALD RIBMAN (Playwright) plays have been produced on and off Broadway, including the Obie award-winning Journey of the Fifth Horse and Cold Storage, recipient of the Dramatists Guild's prestigious Hull-Warriner Award. Plays include Harry, Noon and Night, The Ceremony of Innocence, Fingernails Blue As Flowers, Buck, Passing Through From Exotic Places, A Break in the Skin, The Poison Tree, produced on Broadway at the Ambassador Theater, The Rug Merchants of Chaos, Sweet Table at the Richelieu, The Cannibal Masque, A Serpent's Egg and The Dream of the Red Spider.

In addition to his stage plays that have been directly televised, Ribman's work in television includes the CBS Playhouse special, "The Final War of Olly Winter", which received five Emmy nominations including Best Drama; the adaptation of Saul Bellow's novel, "Seize the Day", starring Robin Williams and Jerry Stiller; and the three hour PBS mini-series of Warren Adler's short stories, "The Sunset Gang". His one major screenplay was a collaboration with Bill Gunn, in 1970, of Bernard Malamud's "The Angel Levine", starring Zero Mostel and Harry Belafonte.

Richmond Shepard (Director/Mr. Parmegian) has appeared on over 100 TV shows and in many films as a Mime and as an actor: "The Jeffersons", "The FBI", "That Girl", "Dick Van Dyke" (1990), "Ally McBeal", etc., and played a transvestite kidnapper on "Kojak", but most of his work has been on the stage including the leads in Counselor at Law by Elmer Rice and Travesties by Tom Stoppard in Los Angeles. Most recently he played the priest in Our Lady of 121st St. by Stephen Adly Guirgis and the title role in BJ Lang Presents by Yabo Yablonsky. He started America's first ensemble Mime troupe in 1952, and performed with his company throughout the U.S. until 1987. He directed and performed with two improvisational comedy troupes-- The L.A.Cabaret- 1967-77 and Noo Yawk Tawk- 1988-91 and 2003-2005. He regularly performs at The Playhouse in Derry, Ireland.

Swell Party - 8/6/2008

Daniel Evans who recently starred in the Broadway production of Sunday In The Park With George, will be re-uniting with Oliver Award Winner Maria Friedman in Swell Party. Swell Party is a concert celebrating the life of musician Cole Porter at London's Cadogan Hall. The concert will run for four nights only, August 6th-9th 2008.

Evans and Friedman have previously performed together at Cadogen in last years concert, Simply Sondheim. Following Swell Party, the venue will Glorious Gershwin which will feature performances by Willard White and Kim Criswell.

"Written by John Kane and first staged at West End's Vaudeville Theatre in 1991, A Swell Party recreates the spirit of the US songwriter through words and music and includes classic songs like "I Get A Kick Out of You", "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Night and Day" from shows such as High Society, Kiss Me Kate, Anything Goes and Gay Divorce," describes UK news source What's On Stage.

Universal CitiWalk Hosts 'Wannabe Wicked' - 8/6/2008

As part of its free "Summer Block Party" entertainment series, Universal CityWalk is partnering with the blockbuster musical WICKED to present "Wannabe Wicked," a competitive performance series that will award an aspiring performer with a walk-on appearance in the Los Angeles production.

Each "Wannabe Wicked" Wednesday performance will showcase ten selected performers who have been invited to sing before a live Universal CityWalk audience, with competition dates on Wednesdays July 30 and August 6 at 7 pm.

On Wednesday, August 20, the finalists will perform again, and a winner will be selected and will win a walk-on appearance in WICKED. The public is invited and admission is free to all of these events.

Performers who wish to take part in the "Wannabe Wicked" competition can still participate and are encouraged to visit www.CityWalkHollywood.com/Wicked. They'll be directed to upload and submit their online video performance entry, selecting one song to perform from a list of five suggested songs: "Popular," "Defying Gravity," "Dancing Through Life," "For Good" or "The Wizard and I."

The online performances of WICKED's most memorable songs will be judged weekly by theater industry professionals on the basis of vocal quality, performance delivery, vocal accuracy and overall performance.

There is a $10 processing fee to submit the online audition. Deadline for submission is 5pm PST has been extended to July 31. Additional information, including dates, rules and regulations and audition video requirements, is located at www.CityWalkHollywood.com/Wicked.

"Wannabe Wicked" Wednesdays are part of CityWalk's "Summer Block Party" featuring free entertainment seven nights a week including live bands, the popular free movie night and talent competitions from June 20 through August 31.

WICKED, the smash hit musical that the New York Times called, "one of the most successful shows in Broadway history" continues its long engagement at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood through January 11, 2009. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED's music and lyrics is composed by Stephen Schwartz and includes a book written by Winnie Holzman. The production is directed by Joe Mantello, with musical staging by Wayne Cilento. WICKED is a production of Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Winner of 20 major awards including the Grammy® Award and three Tony Awards®, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. "Wicked" tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

WICKED tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com/wicked, by phone at 213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878, in person at the Pantages Theatre Box Office, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Groups of fifteen (15) or more can call 866-755-3075 or online at www.nedgroups.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex; the Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features such groundbreaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy™ - The Ride," "Shrek 4-D™," "Jurassic Park® - The Ride," the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds," and the new mega-attraction, "The Simpsons Ride."

Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

Broadway Kids Care Hosts Bake Sale on 8/6 - 8/6/2008

Broadway Kids Care (BKC), the organization of theater kids for kids (and others), will host its 2nd annual Bake Sale. Kids from such Broadway shows as Mary Poppins, South Pacific, Gypsy, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and more, will sell baked goods and handmade potholders in Fireman's Park (48th Street between Broadway and 8th Ave.) between their matinee and evening performances on Wednesday, August 6 (3:30 – 7:00 p.m.). Proceeds from the Bake Sale will benefit the UNICEF/Pampers One Pack = One Vaccine Program, an international initiative to protect women and babies from preventable disease.

Kelly Gonda, founder of Broadway Kids Care and President of East of Doheny, feels "the best thing about BKC is that it allows the children to get together, become friends, have fun and do great things for others (and the parents get to know one another too)."

During its brief history, BKC's members have participated in a variety of charitable works. They have hosted Halloween and Easter events where they assembled gifts for the children of Freedom House, knitted scarves for the residents at the Lillian Booth Actor's Home, made peace/friendship bracelets for the troops in Iraq and created hats for children undergoing chemotherapy at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, among other projects. Future projects include a cook book, a calendar, Knitting Project 2008, a video pen-pal exchange with an orphanage in Nairobi and biggest of all, the Ghost Light Awards (information to follow at a later date!).

BKC's dream is to become a nationwide organization, and ultimately, a global one. For more information about Broadway Kids Care, visit their website at www.bwaykidscare.com.

The Boys from Syracuse - 8/7/2008

Set in the frolicking forties, this brand new adaptation by award winning Broadway Director David Bell is a Chicagoland premiere! Relentlessly hilarious, this comedy of errors revolves around the escapades and romantic mix-ups of not one—but two sets of identical twins! This sensational bit of slapstick delights with dazzling swing dancing and a show-stopping score. It's a good time the whole family will enjoy!

Runs August 7 – September 28, 2008 at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Call the Box Office at (630) 530-0111 for ticket information.

The King is dead - 8/7/2008

Highwire Theatre will present the world premiere of "The King Is Dead" by Caroline V. McGraw, directed by Jerry Ruiz, from August 7 to 17 in the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre of the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex. The play is a gripping and suspenseful coming of age story, grounded in a realistic style with a gothic twist. Five teenagers go on a class trip to Graceland that takes an unexpectedly eerie turn and changes their relationships forever.

Harlem Summer Shakespeare - 8/7/2008

PULSE ENSEMBLE THEATRE, headed by Artistic Director Alexa Kelly, returns to NYC's Riverbank State Park, 145th Street & Riverside Drive, on August 7th with it's 4th annual HARLEM SUMMER SHAKESPEARE production. The multi-ethnic, open air production of William Shakespeare's comedy "TWELFTH NIGHT", which begins August 7th and continues through August 24th, is FREE to the public on a first come, first served basis and is a feature of Harlem Week. The performances, Thursdays through Sundays at 8 PM, will be in the park's newly-renovated Amphitheatre overlooking the Hudson River in Riverbank State Park. Audience members are invited to bring their own seat cushions.

This is the 4th season Pulse Ensemble Theatre and the Harlem Summer Shakespeare has presented Free Shakespeare in Riverbank State Park. The company's productions are known for updating the visual aspect of the plays while keeping Shakespeare's language intact. "The goal is to excite and entertain a non-theatre going audience, and inspire them with the limitless possibilities of live theatre" said Alexa Kelly. The company's first three seasons included critically acclaimed productions of THE TEMPEST, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and ROMEO AND JULIET where Lord and Lady Capulet danced to Marvin Gaye and Romeo first spied Juliet as she danced to The Black Eyed Peas! The New York Times said of "A Midsummer Night's Dream": "The audience – which did not resemble any audience I have seen at the Delacorte or any other mainstream Shakespeare venue—obviously loved it!" Last summer's production of THE TEMPEST, where Izod shirts replaced Elizabethan ruffs, continued the company's tradition of making Shakespeare immediate and accessible to audiences new to Shakespeare as well as to those familiar with the Bard.

Set in today's New York City, TWELFTH NIGHT also uses Shakespeare's language unchanged. We find Duke Orsino, played by Sean Fredericks, is partial to the music of Led Zepelin while Sir Toby (Richard Vernon) and Sir Andrew ((Mark Hilgers) like reliving their heyday back at Studio 54. Lady Olivia (Annie Paul) practices yoga while Feste the clown (David McLellan) is a modern day Busker. Ms. Kelly said: "Our production of ROMEO AND JULIET was loosely based on the TV show LAW & ORDER and THE TEMPEST was inspired by LOST. This production of TWELFTH NIGHT is loosely inspired by image-conscious New Yorkers obsessed with their fitness rituals".

Director Alexa Kelly, who also directed A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, ROMEO & JULIET, and THE TEMPEST, has been Artistic Director of Pulse Ensemble Theatre since 1989. The sets for TWELFTH NIGHT will be designed by John MCDermott, with lighting by Steve O'Shea, costumes by Kristine Koury and sound design by Br Ian Richardson. The production Stage Manager is Shelly VanVliet.

Raushanah Simmons, who plays 'Viola', has appeared in George C. Wolfe's production of MOTHER COURAGE at the Delacorte Theatre and played 'Ariel' in last summer's Harlem Summer Shakespeare production of THE TEMPEST. On TV she has been seen on "Sex and the City" and "Law & Order" among others.

The cast of TWELFTH NIGHT also includes Loren Fenton (Valentine), Nick Flemming (Antonio), R. J. Foster (Sebastian), Camille Mazurek (Maria), Justin M. Carter (Fabian), Clarence Sailor (Curio), and Br Ian Richardson (Malvolio).

The Harlem Summer Shakespeare Project invites young people from the Harlem community to work with the professional acting company, and also offers free acting workshops. The project is sponsored in part by New York State Council on the Arts, Con Edison, Councilman Robert Jackson and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and Riverbank State Park.

Pulse Ensemble Theatre, founded in 1989 by Alexa Kelly, is dedicated to making the Classics accessible and exciting to the youth of today; to multi-ethnic casting; to creating a nurturing environment for actors, to developing new audiences and providing outreach programs to the community. While based on Theatre Row for 13 years, Pulse presented outdoor Shakespeare in their courtyard. After losing their theatre in 2002, Pulse began presenting free Summer Shakespeare in Harlem's Riverbank State Park. The company also runs a weekly Playwrights' Lab from which it develops a new play each year – they are currently working with the Indian American Arts Council on Reuters' writer Anuvab Pal's play "Chaos Theory."

The Boys from Syracuse - 8/7/2008

David Bell's brand new adaptation of the classic Richard Rodgers (The King & I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music) and Laurence Hart hit "The Boys from Syracuse", will make its Chicago Premiere August 7, open August 14 and run through September 28 at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Premiering in 1938 and based on Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, "The Boys From Syracuse" was the first musical written based on a Shakespeare play. The Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace production will star Rod Thomas as Antipholus of Ephesus and Timothy Gregory will star as Antipholus of Syracuse.

"The Boys from Syracuse" revolves around the escapades and romantic mix-ups of long-separated identical twins Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse, whose servants, the two Dromios, are also long-separated identical twins. Complications arise when the wives of the Ephesians, Adriana and her servant Luce, mistake the two strangers for their husbands. The ironic tale of these separated brothers is a hilarious take on the classic Shakespearean story. This runaway Broadway hit combines Richard Rodgers' rich melodies and Laurence Hart's witty lyrics in the classic score, including "Falling in Love with Love," "Sing for Your Supper," and "This Can't be Love." The Boys from Syracuse is as entertaining, vibrant, and riotous as when it first took Broadway by storm.

After brief runs at the Schubert Theatres in New Haven and Boston, The Boys from Syracuse opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre on Nov. 23, 1938. "The Boys from Syracuse" ran on Broadway for nearly 11 months (235 performances) before closing on Oct. 6, 1939. The production has returned to New York twice since, in 1963 Off Broadway at Theatre Four it ran for over 500 performances, and again to Broadway in 2002 at the American Airlines Theater.

"The Boys from Syracuse" stars Anne Acker, Melody Betts, Gary Carlson, Devin DeSantis, Jarret Ditch, Jackson Evans, Michael Glazer, Mallory Green, Tim Gregory, Kent Haina, Sean Michael Hunt, George Keating, Andrew Keltz, Dorrey Lyles, Susan Moniz, Kelli Morgan, Max Quinlan, Ryan Reilly, Cara Salerno, Laura Scheinbaum, Katie Spellman, Joey Stone, Peter Terry, Rod Thomas, Emily Thompson, Tiffany Topol, Sean Walton and Bernie Yvon.

The artistic team for "The Boys from Syracuse" is led by director and choreographer David Bell with musical direction by Keith Dworkin. Set Design is by Sally Weiss, Costume Design is by Tatjana Radisic, Lighting Design is by Jesse Klug and Properties Design is by Gregory Isaacs.

The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ($28), Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. ($28) and 8 p.m. ($31), Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ($33), Saturdays at 5 p.m. ($33) and 8:30 p.m. ($33) and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. ($33) and 6 p.m. ($31). Season subscriptions start as low as $95 for 5 shows. Dinner packages range from $42.75 to $54 (depending on the day of the week). A special family four pack offer is available for $95 to select performances. Inquire at box office or website for details and prices. For reservations, phone (630) 530-0111 or call TicketMaster at 312-559-1212. You may also visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Barrington Presents 'See Rock City' Beginning 8/7 - 8/7/2008

Barrington Stage Company, Julianne Boyd, Artistic Director, presents "See Rock City & Other Destinations." Book and lyrics by Adam Mathias, music by Brad Alexander, and directed by Kevin Del Aguila. August 7, 2008 - August 23, 2008

Fueled by a brilliant pop-rock score, See Rock City & Other Destinations ventures to tourist destinations across America, mapping out stories of sightseers who need to get a little lost in order to find themselves. Winner of the 2007 Jerry Bock Award and the 2008 Richard Rodgers Award.

Part of Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Lab - William Finn, Artistic Producer.

With Jill Abramovitz, Gwen Hollander, John Jellison, David Rossmer, Benjamin Schrader, Wesley Taylor, and Cassie Wooley.

New Harmony Concludes Season With 'My Fair Lady' - 8/7/2008

New Harmony Theatre, University of Southern Indiana's professional Equity stage, brings its 2008 season to a close with "My Fair Lady," the Tony Award-winning musical that tells a tale of love and transformation as Eliza, a lowly flower seller, learns to speak like a lady with tutelage from phonetics professor and confirmed bachelor Henry Higgins. The musical, which runs August 1 - 17 in New Harmony's Murphy Auditorium, features a cast of Broadway luminaries in principal roles and USI students and alumni filling out the ensemble and serving in a variety of roles offstage.

According to Lenny Leibowitz, New Harmony Theatre's artistic director, "'My Fair Lady' is the brightest star in the musical theatre galaxy. It is a perfect union of story and song that sparkles with buoyant wit, irrepressible joy, and unabashed ardor." In the musical, based on George Bernard Shaw's play, "Pygmalion," Professor Higgins makes a bet that he can pass off Eliza as a duchess by teaching her to speak properly. Tempers flare and romantic sparks fly throughout the experiment, and eventually Higgins realizes that he has been transformed as well; he is no longer impervious to love. The score features classics like, "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "On the Street Where You Live," and "I Could Have Danced All Night."

Leibowitz said that "My Fair Lady" is ideally suited to a cast that includes Broadway stars as well as the fresh talent USI students and alumni represent: "A musical like 'My Fair Lady' requires talent, experience and the technical skill represented by our veteran performers. It also requires the stamina, enthusiasm, and exuberance of our young professionals. Not only do they get to work on the greatest material ever written, but in rehearsals, they have gotten a daily workshop in singing, acting, dancing in a variety of styles, and even dialect work from some of the nation's most experienced performers. They are becoming more versatile and discovering just how much they will need to know to make it in the business."

Broadway actress Susan Derry plays Eliza, a role the classically-trained Derry has been dreaming of playing since her girlhood. She is shadowed by two aspiring actresses from the USI theatre program who understudy Derry, Kensington Blaylock and Amelia Dalto. Dalto also serves as the production's choreographer, and Blaylock performs in the ensemble. According to Dalto, Derry is "a brilliant performer and I have learned so much from working with her. Going through her movements and singing her songs, I have learned a lot about myself as a performer and about working in a professional environment. The Broadway actors have been so sweet! They are older than me, and so it has been interesting, because as their choreographer, I am kind of their boss. I look up to them because they are all so impressive, but they have treated me as a professional. The whole process has been awe-inspiring."

In addition to Derry, the cast of "My Fair Lady" includes Broadway actors Chris Kipiniak as Henry Higgins, Bob Ader as Pickering, Joy Franz as Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Higgins, Steve Luker as Doolittle, and J. Max Miller as Freddy. Other USI students or alumni involved in the production include Brandon Eck and Rachel Schenk, both in the ensemble; Paige Scott, assistant musical director; Robert Dagit, sound designer; Joshua Buente, understudy; Sean Nicholl and Christa Crow, electricians; Joshua Lenn, carpenter; Bradley Lock and Anna Kysar, stitchers; and Natalie Singer, Michael Myers, and Rachel Ziegler, administrative staff.

The artistic team for "My Fair Lady" includes Lenny Leibowitz, director; Cynthia Shaw, musical director; Amelia Dalto, choreographer; Tijana Bjelajac, scenic designer; Shan Jensen, costume designer; Craig A. Young, lighting designer; Robert Dagit, sound designer; and Michele Fugate, production stage manager.

Tickets for "My Fair Lady" are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $10 for anyone 25 or younger. On Thursday, August 7, Posey County residents can attend the production for only $8 thanks to a grant from the Posey County Community Foundation. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information about the New Harmony Theatre's production of "My Fair Lady," contact the box office at 812/682-3115 or toll free at 1-877-NHT-SHOW (648-7469), or visit the theatre's new web site at www.newharmonytheatre.com

B'way At Bryant Continues 8/7 With Ellis, Benanti, Tveit a - 8/7/2008

Continuing its free lunchtime series this week, "106.7 Lite fm Presents Broadway in Bryant Park 2008" welcomes the casts of Spring Awakening, Xanadu, Wicked, Gypsy, & Mary Poppins on Thursday, August 7th, 12:30 pm at Bryant Park Lawn, 6th Avenue between 40th & 42nd St, NYC. Presented by Bank of America, this FREE lunchtime series takes place over six consecutive THURSDAYS: July 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14. The FREE annual event will be hosted by WLTW's on-air personalities and feature live performances from the hottest on and off-Broadway shows! Log onto www.1067litefm.com for the performance listings, schedule updates, and the chance to win FREE Broadway tickets!

-SPRING AWAKENING- Gerard Canonico, Amanda Castanos, Blake Daniel, Matt Doyle, Andrew Durand, Emma Hunton, Morgan Karr, Emily Kinney, Caitlin Kinnunen, Alice Lee, Eryn Murman, Zach Reiner-Harris, Alexandra Socha, Jesse Swenson, Jenna Ushkowitz, Gabriel Violet

- XANADU- TBD

- WICKED- Kerry Ellis, Katie Adams and Aaron Tveit

- GYPSY- Laura Benanti, Leigh Ann Larkin, Tony Yazbeck, Geo Seery, John Scacchetti, Pearce Wegener, Matty Price, Steve Konopelski

- Mary Poppins- Megan Osterhaus, Matt Loehr, Kathy Calahan, Alexandra Berro, Daniel Marconi, Aaron Albano, Kate Chapman, Brian Collier, Barrett Davis, Suzanna Hylenski, Stephan Stubbins

B'way At Bryant Continues 8/7 With Ellis, Benanti, Tveit and More! - 8/7/2008

THeater Oobleck's 'The Strangerer' Adds Three Performances - 8/7/2008

Theater Oobleck's acclaimed production of Mickle Maher's The Strangerer will play its final performance this Thursday, August 7 at the Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street). The show will play 3 additional performances tonight, tomorrow and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. before the company must head back to Chicago to begin work on their upcoming fall election play The Trojan Candidate, which is slated to run at The Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland Ave. 2nd Fl., Chicago) October 3 through November 3, 2008. The Barrow Street Theatre will host a variety of performances as a venue for the 2008 New York International Fringe Festival beginning August 8.

The Strangerer completed its sold-out smash hit run at Chicago's Chopin Theatre on June 29, 2008 and began performances in NYC on July 9. The play's entire original cast reprised their praised performances for the Barrow Street Theatre engagement: Guy Massey, Mickle Maher, Colm O'Reilly and Brian Shaw.

As enthusiasts may recall, one of the titles on President George W. Bush's 2006 summer vacation reading list was Albert Camus' absurdist tale of senseless murder, The Stranger. In hopes that the French philosopher might shed some light on the current political climate – or vice versa – Maher's new play, The Strangerer, collides several of Camus' works with the first Bush/Kerry Presidential debate in 2004. The formalities of the debate are overturned as Bush and Kerry struggle with the question not of, if or why an innocent man should be killed (the man in question being moderator Jim Lehrer), but rather what is the proper manner in which to go about killing him. The Strangerer is part political satire, part classical drama, part contemporary debate and a murder mystery with the murderers in plain view.

Set Design is by Mickle Maher, Lighting Design is by Martha Bayne and Sound Design is by Chris Schoen.

The Strangerer is a Theater Oobleck production in association with Barrow Street Theatre (and is a project of Creative Capital). The running time is 95 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are priced at $30.00 and are available at Telecharge.com (212) 239-6200 or by visiting the Barrow Street Theatre Box Office.

The air conditioned Barrow Street Theatre is located at 27 Barrow Street at 7th Avenue South in the heart of Greenwich Village. Nearby subway stops are the 1 at Christopher Street (walk 1 block South on 7th Avenue to Barrow) and the A, C, E, B, D, F and V at West 4th (walk West on 4th Street, left on Barrow).

bare: the musical - 8/8/2008

At The Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Through 08/31: Fri - Sat at 8PM, Sun at 2PM

Go to www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com for complete information.

Tickets: $20 General. Ask about student prices.

bare is a contemporary new musical that tells the story of a group of students at a Catholic boarding school searching for their own voice in a world of expectation and contradiction. In their search to be "seen" and "heard" these teenagers confront such issues as sexual orientation, prejudice, drug use, teen pregnancy, and religious spirituality. And at its heart is "an operatic love story".

bare: the musical - 8/8/2008

Opening Night Performance includes reception with cast & crew following the performance! The Baltimore/DC Premiere of bare: the musical! 08.08.08 - 08.31.08, Fri - Sat at 8PM, Sun at 2PM Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Tickets: $20 adults; $17 Seniors/Students Online: www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com or Phone: 443-847-3135

bare: the musical - 8/8/2008

Colonomos' Play to Premiere @ Fringe - 8/8/2008

In her new play, THE THIRD FROM THE LEFT, former Martha Graham dancer, Jean Colonomos, dramatizes the struggles five women face to find the emotional strength and physical endurance to master one of Graham's highly challenging works. Directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera and produced by Diane Levine, THE THIRD FROM THE LEFT will have its American premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival with five performances between August 8-17 at the CSV Cultural and Educational Center – Flamboyan, 107 Suffolk Street (between Rivington and Delancey Streets). Performance dates and times to be announced. A production of The Present Company in association with Playwrights' Arena. Tickets are $15. For Information/Tickets visit www.FringeNYC.org or call 866-468-7619.

From 1964-1968 Ms. Colonomos performed with The Martha Graham Dance Company. THE THIRD FROM THE LEFT is a fictionalized dramatization of Ms. Colonomos' experiences in the 1964 revival of Martha Graham's masterpiece, "Primitive Mysteries." It is about how these dancers cope with the back-breaking choreography, their friendships and the genius, Martha Graham. "In 1964 we were performing in 'The King and I' at the New York State Theatre while reconstructing 'Primitive Mysteries,' " says Ms. Colonomos. "It was a difficult period and this play is a tribute to Martha Graham and to the passionate commitment dancers make to their art and what they endure to fulfill their dreams."

Jean Colonomos' plays have been presented in New York, Los Angeles and regionally in such venues as St. Peter's Church at Citicorp, The Actors and Directors Theatre, The Nat Horne, Playwrights' Arena, The Santa Fe Playhouse, The University of Southern Oregon, Georgia State University, among others. THE THIRD FROM THE LEFT received excellent reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006. For her play, "Treasure Hunt," she received a Drama-Logue award; "Palm Fever" received the Los Angeles Playwriting Award and "Penumbra" received a workshop production at the South Carolina Playwrights' Festival. Ms. Colonomos and director, Jon Lawrence Rivera received Citations from the City of Los Angeles for their production of "Black Dawn," about war trauma blindness among female victim survivors of the Cambodian Holocaust. As a poet, Ms. Colonomos is published online at poetry.com, under The National Library of Poets.

Regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance, Martha Graham is widely considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Graham invented a new movement vocabulary and used it to reveal the breadth of human experience, both the light and the dark.

Jon Lawrence Rivera most recently directed "Hero" by Luis Alfaro (Studio/Stage), "Hillary Agonistes" by Nick Salamone (2007 NY International Fringe Festival Award for Outstanding Direction), "Havana Bourgeois" by Carlos Lacamara (starring Tony Plana at the Hayworth Theater), "Dogeaters" by Jessica Hagedorn (Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre; Maddy Award, Best Director), "The Skin of our Teeth" by Thornton Wilder (Actors Co-op), the Sondheim/Lapine musical "Into The Woods" (Actors Co-op), and many others. He is the recipient of two 2005 Ovation Award nominations for directing the musical "Songs for a New World" by Jason Robert Brown at Ventura's Rubicon Theatre (Santa Barbara Independent Award, best director). He is the founding artistic director of Playwrights' Arena and his productions have garnered over 80 local and international awards.

The performance schedule for THE THIRD FROM THE LEFT is as follows:

Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7:45 PM
Monday, Aug. 11 at 5:45 PM
Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9:45 PM
Friday, Aug. 15 at 3:00 PM
Saturday, Aug. 16 at 4:45 PM

Anais Nin Goes to Hell - 8/8/2008

MAIEUTIC THEATRE WORKS (MTWorks) is pleased to announce the world premiere production of ANAÏS NIN GOES TO HELL, directed by Cristina Alicea. ANAÏS NIN GOES TO HELL will play a limited engagement as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival-FringeNYC at The Connelly Theater (Venue # 17; 220 East 4th Street-between Avenue A & Avenue B). Performances begin August 8th and continue through August 24th.

Imagine an island in hell where Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, and Queen Victoria...wait for their men. What happens when women's lib icon Anaïs Nin arrives to turn their afterlife upside down? David Stallings' new comedy, Anaïs Nin Goes to Hell explores the question of whether Sartre was right and hell really is other people, or whether we carry around our potential for damnation or salvation within ourselves.

The production stars SHELLY FELDMAN (Off-Broadway's DAI and recipient of the Best Leading Actress Award at the Israeli Short Film Festival) as Anaïs, MADALYN MCKAY (Best Ensemble FringeNYC '04 Save the Goondocks and "Taffy Was Born"--Winner of the Audience Favorite Feature and Best Director Awards at The New York Independent Film Festival, and was featured in The Cannes Film Festival) as Queen Victoria, COLLEEN PIQUETTE (New Jersey Shakespeare's As You Like It) as Joan of Arc, and MARNIE SCHULENBURG (The Yellow Wood at NYMF '07 and Alison Stewart in the Emmy Award Winning "As The World Turns") as Andromeda.

The production features scenic design by Stephanie Tucci, costume design by David Withrow, lighting design by Dan Gallagher. Martha Goode is the sound designer.

Anaïs Nin Goes to Hell plays the following schedule through Sunday, August 24th:

Friday, August 8th at 9:45 pm
Sunday, August 10th at 9:30 pm
Sunday, August 17th at 7:15 pm
Thursday, August 21st at 5:15 pm
Sunday, August 24th at 2:45 pm

Tickets are $15 and are now available online at www.fringenyc.org or by calling 866-468-7619. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at The Connelly Theater Box, 1/2 hour prior to showtime.

'Banjo Boys' Gets Production at Sondheim Center 8/8 - 8/8/2008

Banjo Boy (formerly "Banjo Boys") goes to full production this summer in Fairfield, Iowa, at the Stephen Sondheim Performing Arts Center. August 8th through 17th! It's a brand-new 552-seat theater. If you're within 100 miles of Fairfield, please come catch it. Or if you know anyone nearby, please tell them. Call the box office from noon to 6 PM weekdays (Central Time) at 641-472-2787 or buy tickets at www.iowatix.com.

Banjo Boy is a bio-musical with a twist--from heaven an elderly Meredith Willson goes back to 1928 to try to steer his younger self away from mistakes he originally made, and works to rescue his non-existent relationship with his father. His adventures upon running away from home include meeting a young Louis Armstrong, tracking down an elderly John Philip Sousa in San Francisco, falling in love with Z i Ling, a Chinese mui tsai (indentured servant), forming a group--The Banjo Boys--and returning home to Mason City, Iowa to help win the Iowa High School Band contest with his own song and win the love of his father. Banjo Boys is a glorious celebration of American Music, of American diversity, and of the life of Meredith Willson. Many of the songs are here on the website to listen to. The songs have wit, rhythm, poignancy, and actual melodies!

'Cycle' is Part of Fringe Fest. Starting 8/9 - 8/8/2008

WILTSIE BRIDGE PRODUCTIONS and OFF THE LEASH PRODUCTIONS are pleased to announce the return production of CYCLE directed by Craig Carlisle. CYCLE plays a special engagement as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, at the Deluxe at Spiegelworld (Pier 17, South Street Seaport, 89 South Street at Beekman.)

A desperate New Yorker has one day to discover the Secret Of Success in this "genial, bizarre blend of Frank Capra, Pirandello, and Neil Simon...hilarious!" (BackStage) "CYCLE is a winning combination of heart and wit." (ShowBusiness Weekly)

On a journey by bicycle into the heart of NYC, Charlotte Shrubsole has one day to discover the Secret Of Success. Guided by a troupe of heaven-sent Vaudevillians, she's drawn into a whirlwind of song, dance, music and comedy that takes her on a ride beyond her wildest dreams. This modern twist on old-time entertainment delivers inventive riffs on historic drama, infectious humor, and beautiful classic songs.

The production stars Rose Courtney (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival) as Charlotte, J.T. Arbogast (National Comedy Theatre) as Lenny, Krista Braun as Fran, Danielle Cautela ("The Sopranos") as Betty, Michael E. Lopez as Morris, Halley Zien (FringeNYC Debut!) as Violet, and Eric Zuckerman (Baby Mama & HBO's "John Adams") as William.

The production features music direction by Rachel Kaufman, who will also accompany the performances on piano, accordion, guitar, flute, bell, slide whistle and recorder.

The costume design is by Karen Flood (Original Urinetown), lighting design by Lisa Weinshrott and Michael Kimmel ("Young Designer to Watch" in the February issue of Live Design Magazine) and choreography by Laura Sheehy (Cabaret). Amy Cavenaugh is the production stage manager.

CYCLE plays the following schedule through Saturday, August 23rd:

Saturday, August 9th at 9:45 pm
Thursday, August 14th at 5:15 pm
Sunday, August 17th at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, August 20th at 7:15 pm
Saturday, August 23rd at 9:15 pm

Tickets are $15.00; $10 senior citizens (65 years or older), and to those who purchase groups of 20 or more tickets to a single performance.

Tickets can be purchased at www.FringeNYC.org or 1-866.468.7619 (Charge only and additional convenience charges applies.) Additionally tickets can be purchased in person at FringeCENTRAL, the main box office for the Festival, up until 24 hours before the actual performance. On the day of the performance, tickets must be purchased at the venue where the show is playing. Venue box office opens 15 minutes before the performance. (Cash only)

bare: the musical - 8/9/2008

08.09.08 Performance is a benefit for the GLCCB, and its youth programs. TICKETS FOR THIS PERFORMANCE ARE $25. The Baltimore/DC Premiere of bare: the musical! 08.08.08 - 08.31.08, Fri - Sat at 8PM, Sun at 2PM Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Tickets: $20 adults; $17 Seniors/Students Online: www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com or Phone: 443-847-3135

bare: the musical - 8/9/2008

08.09.08 Performance to benefit the GLCCB and its youth programs. TICKETS FOR THIS PERFORMANCE ONLY ARE $25. The Baltimore/DC Premiere of bare: the musical! 08.08.08 - 08.31.08, Fri - Sat at 8PM, Sun at 2PM Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Tickets: $20 adults; $17 Seniors/Students Online: www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com or Phone: 443-847-3135

Peter Pan - 8/9/2008

Fans of PETER PAN will meet all the boys, girls and rogues again—this time in a musical adventure—when South Coast Repertory's Summer Players present PETER PAN in the Nicholas Studio August 9-10 and 16-17.

Adapted by Timothy Mason from the popular J.M. Barrie story, with music by Hiram Titus, PETER PAN premiered in Minneapolis, where it was a hit at the Children's Theater Center, and drew raves from critics, including the Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Timothy Mason's concise, fast-paced adaptation does an exuberant job of story-telling. Mason's text is bright, witty and doesn't talk down to its child audience."

The 25 Summer Players in PETER PAN are dedicated actors who audition for roles in the annual summer production after at least a year in SCR's Theatre Conservatory. Classes meet 1- 5 pm Monday through Friday, July 14 – August 17. During the four weeks, students have the opportunity to put their classroom experience to the test in a fully produced play.

According to director Hisa Takakuwa, "By working on PETER PAN , these wonderful young actors will come to understand the process of interacting with professional designers and technicians. They'll discover the actor's responsibility within the process and have a chance to 'grow' a show by performing for multiple audiences. Because this is a musical version of the story, they'll learn how music helps tell the story and create the characters."

Takakuwa is Director of SCR's Theatre Conservatory and a member of the classic theatre company A Noise Within. She performed for 13 years with SCR's Educational Touring Production and as Sally in A Christmas Carol.

As all children know, the adventures of "the boy who wouldn't grow up" begins after the Darling children (Wendy, Michael and John) are tucked away in bed and, supposedly, sound asleep. That's when Peter Pan and Tinkerbell fly through the nursery window and whisk them away into the night. Of course, they end up in that amazing place called Neverland, where their adventures include encounters with the Lost Boys, an exotic princess named Tiger Lily—and the terrible Captain Hook with his band of pirates. It's up to Peter to save his friends from the evil pirate and get them safely back to bed.

The Teen Players are: Chase Anderson-Shaw, Alex Aranyi, Brandon Barnes, Brianna Beach, Ellis Beardsley, Jordan Bellow, Vita Chesters-Field, Mikey DeBenedetto, Valentina Gehley, Katie Gerdts, William Hopper, Courtney Kato, Becky King, Amber Nelson, Madison Neugebauer, Jamie Ostmann, Julia Ostmann, Demie Santone, Akshay Sharma, Nick Slimmer, Hannah Sullivan, Luke Tagle, Rachel Teague, Benjamin Teincuff, Jacob Waller.

2boys.tv San Francisco Premiere - 8/9/2008

NCTC is proud to present the San Francisco Premiere of 2boys.tv, where the darlings of the Montréal cult cabaret scene deliver a riotous evening of absurd, eclectic, and multimedia drag performance. The show previews August 6 – 8, opens August 9 and runs through August 31, 2008: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. All performances will take place at The New Conservatory Theatre Center (Decker Theatre), located at 25 Van Ness Ave. near Market St. in San Francisco, 94102. Tickets range from $22 - $34, and are $40 for opening night on Saturday, August 9th. Tickets are available at the NCTC Box Office (415) 861 8972, or online at www.nctcsf.org.

This internationally acclaimed duo (Stephen Lawson & Aaron Pollard) brings to San Francisco their unique repertoire of epic multimedia performance, which aims to dazzle and provoke with political and poetic vigor. 2boys.tv incorporates an inimitable blend of burlesque, video projections, opera, show tunes, and old films in a two-part evening specifically designed for The New Conservatory Theatre Center, featuring: Purée and Zona.

In Purée, 2boys present an unpredictable romp into the queer politics of marriage, religion, displacement, and liberation: With musical sources as varied as Maria Callas, Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, and Mae West, Purée presents pointed commentary with a spoonful of sugar, drag cabaret that is both visually extraordinary and humorously delivered.

Zona combines disparate elements of Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn in an act that follows an "actress" as she struggles to find her genuine voice, whilst descending into madness. A journey through accusation, guilt, amnesia, and regret is constructed out of sampled audio clips from classic films about the theatre, and about the anxiety over the roles we play on stage and in life. More info at: www.2boys.tv

Gem! A Truly Outrageous Parody! - 8/9/2008

The Present Company proudly presents "GEM! A Truly Outrageous Parody!" as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival. The musical, directed by David Lee (Vrrrooom, Nirvanov), will be performed at The Barrow Street Theater, 27 Barrow St, New York City.

Based on one of the greatest animated, dual-personality songstresses of the Me Decade, our Gem and her band, The Holographs, must enter a battle of the bands against their arch enemies, evil Spizazz and the Misfires. Will rock-n-roll, hope, and a talking hologram machine be all she needs to win? Comedy Central Insider calls GEM "A truly, truly, truly outrageously fun time." GEM! first appeared to sold out audiences at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in 2007.

Book by Amanda Allan (Magnet Theater, Upright Citizens Brigade), music by Tyler Walker, costumes by Angela Harner, and choreography by Robyn Sklaren. Produced by Amanda Allan and Jen MacNeil. Starring Glennis McMurray and Eliza Skinner (both of I Eat Pandas) as Gem and Spizazz, respectively. With Jeff Hiller (Silence! The Musical) as Cinergy the talking hologram machine.

Show times are as follows:
SAT 8/9 @ 2:15 pm
TUE 8/12 @ 10:00 pm
TUE 8/19 @ 3:30 pm
THUR 8/21 @ 6:45pm
And SAT 8/23 @ 9:30pm

Tickets for all show times are $15.00. For tickets visit www.FringeNYC.org.

Lillias White Solo Concert @ Highline Ballroom - 8/9/2008

Tony Award winner Lillias White will present her concert "Hot and Sassy August Night" at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan Aug. 9 at 8pm.

Lillias White starred in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and won a Tony Award for Cy Coleman's The Life. Her other Broadway credits include Barnum, Once on This Island, and Effie in the revival of Dreamgirls. White has also appeared in the Actors' Fund of America's benefit concerts of Dreamgirls, Funny Girl and Hair and in City Center Encores! production of Purlie.

The Highline Ballroom is located in Manhattan at 431 West 16th Street (between 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue). Tickets, priced $45, are available by calling (866) 468-7619 or by visiting www.ticketweb.com.

For more information go to www.highlineballroom.com.

Oneword @ Fringe - 8/9/2008

CAMPO STELLA is pleased to announce the US premiere of ONEWORD - an extended poetree, written and performed by GAIL LANGSTROTH. ONEWORD will play a unique role in the New York International Fringe Festival, as Gail Langstroth is the first eurythmist to ever perform in the festival. She performed in New York in 1978 with the Eurythmeum Stuttgart at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music. 30 years later, Gail Langstroth returns with her gripping solo performance. ONEWORD will be performed at Theatres at 45-The Lafayette Street Theatre (45 Bleecker Street at Lafayette).

Courageous, witty, eloquent, and vivid, Gail Langstroth dances the story of her life in ONEWORD - an extended poetree. This choreographed work, based on speech and performance, addresses the question how do I become...who I am?

American poet, internationally acclaimed eurythmist, and performing artist, Gail Langstroth, uses key events in her life as inspiration for her creations--stories of the Armenian Nut, the Russian Corn, the Connecticut Mannequin, Montana Dump Trucks, and Raving Nuns. Combining these with her own expressive dance theatre, she narrates crucial moments experienced through her life journey.

It is her journey, it is our journey, as the artist associates themes of childhood, loneliness, love, desire, and freedom. Sometimes light heartedly, sometimes in greater depth, memories are re-examined and lived. Experiences both real and imagined create the manuscript for this gripping solo performance. Added to that, Langstroth's clear recitation and poetic speech open a new dimension in listening.

ONEWORD - an eventful life in Movement and Spoken Word.

The production is managed by Marta Stemberger. Michael Lounsbery is the stage technician.

ONEWORD plays the following schedule through Tuesday, August 19th:

Saturday, August 9th at 12:15 pm
Sunday, August 10th at 7:45 pm
Wednesday, August 13th at 3:00 pm
Friday, August 15th at 8:00 pm
Tuesday, August 19th at 5:15 pm

Tickets are $15.00. $10 senior citizens (65 years or older), and for those who purchase groups of 20 or more tickets to a single performance.

Tickets can be purchased at www.FringeNYC.org or 1-866.468.7619. (Charge only and additional convenience charges applies.) Additional tickets can be purchased in person at FringeCENTRAL, the main box office for the Festival, up until 24 hours before the actual performance. On the day of the performance, tickets must be purchased at the venue where the show is playing. Venue box office opens 15 minutes before the performance. (Cash only.)

Pawnshop Accordian @ Fringe - 8/9/2008

PAWNSHOP ACCORDIONS, the latest play from Jonathan Wallace, will be presented as part of The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC). Aaron Gonzalez will direct. Performances will be at the Theatre at 45 Bleecker Street, and will begin on August 9th and will continue through August 16th.

PAWNSHOP ACCORDIONS tells the story of a cynical EMT, a mute accordionist, a sinister Albanian, and a prophetic schizophrenic struggle to protect one another. This latest play from Jonathan Wallace is a hallucinatory drama of community and violence in New York's netherworld. Professional accordionist and clown Gina Samardge will play Zaida, the mute accordionist, and will perform live accordion music during the play, including traditional Eastern European and klezmer songs and original compositions.

The cast for PAWNSHOP ACCORDIONS includes Tim Cain, Henry Caplan, Brian D. Coats, David Tawal, Gina Samardge, and Shpend Xani. The design team will be Miguel Angel Valderrama (Lighting), Michael Hetzer (Sets), and Ren Ladassor (Costumes).
Aaron Gonzalez will direct. Aaron's previous credits include Save My Brother and Saving Carmella for Howling Moon Cab Company, and The New Quixote at the Lincoln Center Institute. He is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts, along with the designers Ren Ladassor and Michael Hetzer.

Jonathan Wallace has had several plays produced in New York City and the Hamptons. Full-length plays include Shapeshifter, The Shadow-Pier, Waves and Beaches and The Turtle Tattoo. His short plays have been performed at The Flea Theatre, The Lark Theatre, The Stephen Talkhouse (Amagansett, NY), the Civic Center in Valdez, Alaska, John Drew Theatre in Easthampton, 13th Street Repertory, and outdoors in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Avenue B Gardens. Wallace's short play, Rockettes, is included in a 2007 anthology edited by Roger Ellis, published by Meriwether. Wallace lives in Amagansett, NY with his playwright wife, Meri, and their elderly box turtle, Berryman.

PAWNSHOP ACCORDIONS will play the following schedule:
SAT 8/9 @ 2:15 pm
SUN 8/10 @ 5:15 pm
WED 8/13 @ 7:15 pm
THUR 8/14 @ 3:15 pm
SAT 8/16 @ 9:30 pm

Tickets will be $15.00 for all performances. Tickets may be purchased by calling 866-468-7619, or online at FringeNYC.org. For more information about the play, please visit www.howlingmooncabcompany.com.

Cycle @ Fringe - 8/9/2008

WILTSIE BRIDGE PRODUCTIONS and OFF THE LEASH PRODUCTIONS are pleased to announce the return production of CYCLE directed by Craig Carlisle. CYCLE plays a special engagement as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, at the Deluxe at Spiegelworld (Pier 17, South Street Seaport, 89 South Street at Beekman.)

A desperate New Yorker has one day to discover the Secret Of Success in this "genial, bizarre blend of Frank Capra, Pirandello, and Neil Simon...hilarious!" (BackStage) "CYCLE is a winning combination of heart and wit." (ShowBusiness Weekly)

On a journey by bicycle into the heart of NYC, Charlotte Shrubsole has one day to discover the Secret Of Success. Guided by a troupe of heaven-sent Vaudevillians, she's drawn into a whirlwind of song, dance, music and comedy that takes her on a ride beyond her wildest dreams. This modern twist on old-time entertainment delivers inventive riffs on historic drama, infectious humor, and beautiful classic songs.

The production stars Rose Courtney (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival) as Charlotte, J.T. Arbogast ("30 Rock") as Lenny, Krista Braun (Brotherhood) as Fran, Danielle Cautela ("The Sopranos") as Betty, Michael E. Lopez as Morris, Halley Zien (FringeNYC Debut!) as Violet, and Eric Zuckerman (Baby Mama & HBO's "John Adams") as William.

The production features music direction by Rachel Kaufman, who will also accompany the performances on piano, accordion, guitar, flute, bell, slide whistle and recorder.

The costume design is by Karen Flood (Original Urinetown), lighting design by Lisa Weinshrott and Michael Kimmel ("Young Designer to Watch" in the February issue of Live Design Magazine) and choreography by Laura Sheehy (Cabaret). Amy Cavenaugh is the production stage manager.

CYCLE plays the following schedule through Saturday, August 23rd:

Saturday, August 9th at 9:45 pm
Thursday, August 14th at 5:15 pm
Sunday, August 17th at 12:00 pm
Wednesday, August 20th at 7:15 pm
Saturday, August 23rd at 9:15 pm

Tickets are $15.00; $10 senior citizens (65 years or older), and to those who purchase groups of 20 or more tickets to a single performance.

Tickets can be purchased at www.FringeNYC.org or 1-866.468.7619 (Charge only and additional convenience charges applies.) Additionally tickets can be purchased in person at FringeCENTRAL, the main box office for the Festival, up until 24 hours before the actual performance. On the day of the performance, tickets must be purchased at the venue where the show is playing. Venue box office opens 15 minutes before the performance. (Cash only)

Bound in a Nutshell @ Fringe - 8/9/2008

Moonwork, Inc. -- a company known for its imaginative, original interpretations of Shakespeare, including critically acclaimed productions of RICHARD III, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and JULIUS CAESAR -- presents the world premiere of BOUND IN A NUTSHELL, a one-act based on William Shakespeare's HAMLET, as part of the 12th Annual New York International Fringe Festival with five performances only: August 9 (noon), 12 (2:30pm), 15 (9:15pm), 19 (9:15pm), and 23 (4:30pm) at The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) in Manhattan. Gregory Wolfe directs.

BOUND IN A NUTSHELL is a 90-minute adaptation of HAMLET -- every word of which is Shakespeare's own -- set in a modern-day prison, complete with security cameras, prison guards and torture chambers. From this vantage point, the play depicts Hamlet's incarceration and trial for murder of Polonius and Ophelia's testimony against him. While a prosecutor builds a case of circumstantial evidence, security cameras watch Hamlet's every move as he plots revenge against his father's assassins.

Christopher Haas, who portrayed Marc Antony in Moonwork's well-received production of JULIUS CAESAR, is set to play Hamlet; with Monique Vukovic, who recently co-starred Off-Broadway in Jenny Schwartz's GOD'S EAR as Ophelia. The ensemble cast also includes Kathy Keane, Gregory Sherman, Andrew Uhlenhopp, Christopher Yates, and Zachary Zito. The production features original music by Andrew Sherman, composer of Off-Broadway's DEBBIE DOES DALLAS, and lighting design by Brant Murray.

BOUND IN A NUTSHELL reunites -- after many years -- several key founding-members of the company who were responsible for Moonwork's early successes and reputation for being the place downtown to find smart, probing, and innovative takes on Shakespeare: Gregory Wolfe, James Wolfe, Gregory Sherman, Andrew Sherman and Kathy Keane.

Moonwork carries out its vision with Shakespeare productions that wed 400-year-old texts to modern contexts and an "Evenings of Original Works" Series that showcases new material from local performance artists, comedians and musicians. Since 1996, Moonwork has staged two interpretations of ROMEO AND JULIET in addition to equally well-received productions of HAMLET, RICHARD III, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, WHAT YOU WILL (a.k.a. TWELFTH NIGHT) and JULIUS CAESAR, all directed by Gregory Wolfe. The New York Times called the company's production of WHAT YOU WILL (a.k.a. TWELFTH NIGHT) "an intelligent and sophisticated parody… under Mr. Wolfe's smart and crisp direction." And in its review of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Time Out New York suggested that "the makers of Broadway musicals could learn a thing or three from Moonwork." The company also produced VOICES FROM THE HILL, a musical adaptation of Edgar Lee Master's SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY. In 2006, Moonwork returned from a three-year hiatus of producing fully staged works with FOOLS AND LOVERS, a new musical based on various Shakespearean texts. Moonwork's Evenings of Original Work have featured talent ranging from Janeane Garofalo and Lewis Black to Grammy-nominee Tracy Bonham and Obie-winning playwright Dale Orlandersmith.

Gregory Wolfe is the artistic director of Moonwork, Inc.; James Wolfe is Managing Director. For more about Moonwork, visit www.moonwork.org. BOUND IN A NUTSHELL is produced by Moonwork, Inc., in association with The Present Company.

BOUND IN A NUTSHELL runs 5 performances only, as part of the 12th Annual New York International Fringe Festival: Saturday, August 9 at noon; Tuesday, August 12 at 2:30pm; Friday, August 15 at 9:15pm; Tuesday, August 19 at 9:15pm; and Saturday, August 23 at 4:30pm at The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street, just off 7th Avenue). General admission tickets are $15; advance tickets are available online, beginning July 18, at www.fringenyc.org, or by calling 866-468-7619.

Johnny Law - 8/9/2008

JOHNNY BOY PRODUCTIONS is pleased to announce the world premiere production of JOHNNY LAW, Courtroom Crusader, the newest solo show from Tim Ryan Meinelschmidt whose last solo show ALL THE HELP YOU NEED, The Adventures of a Hollywood Handyman was honored with the Overall Excellence Award in the 2004 NY Fringe Festival. JOHNNY LAW, directed by Christopher Fessenden, will play a limited engagement as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival-FringeNYC at The Schaeberle Studio Theatre (Venue #2, 41 Park Row at William Street). Performances begin August 9th and continue through August 22nd.

JOHNNY LAW is a streetwise, savvy and somewhat cynical criminal defense attorney. Having seen it all, from corporate clients dripping in smug privilege to the urban gang-bangers thrown under the wheels of the legal system Johnny nonetheless remains, a tireless advocate for social justice and the rights of the individual. In this "election year FringeNYC," with so many issues of personal freedom and social justice hanging in the balance and before the public eye, JOHNNY LAW is the right-show for right-now.

JOHNNY LAW is loosely based on the Johnny Law Stories by attorney Thomas L. Fox, whose colorful career has lead him from the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington DC, to the L.A. County Public Defenders office and everywhere in between. A longtime supporter of the arts as producer and legal advisor, Fox, is the rare criminal defense attorney who effortlessly segues in and out of the entertainment world.

Karina Martins is the stage manager.

JOHNNY LAW plays the following schedule through Friday, August 22nd:

Saturday, August 9th at 1:45 pm
Thursday, August 14th at 9:30 pm
Friday, August 15th at 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 17th at 6:30 pm
Friday, August 22nd at 5:00 pm

Tickets are $15 and are now available online at www.fringenyc.org or by calling 866-468-7619. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at The Schaeberle Studio Theatre, 1/2 hour prior to showtime.

BIOGRAPHIES

TIM RYAN MEINELSCHMIDT (writer/performer) was most recently on the NY boards playing the role of Charlie (nominated Outstanding supporting actor) in Jessica Goldbergs's STUCK, part of this year's MITF. In 2004 he performed his one-man show ALL THE HELP YOU NEED, The Adventures of a Hollywood Handyman, in the New York Fringe Festival where it garnered the Award for Overall Excellence. ATHYN, has since enjoyed sold out runs in over half a dozen theaters on both coasts and returned to NY last fall for an extended run at the 78th Street Theater Lab. Other theater credits include the Tony nominated Coastal Disturbances (Broadway), Rounding Third at The Vineyard Playhouse in Martha's Vineyard, A Life in the Theater also at The Vineyard Playhouse, The Sleeper at The Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, and the Los Angeles premieres of Reckless, Ad Wars, Bouncers, and Help! Numerous television credits include guest star roles in "Six Feet Under", "Navy NCIS", "The Practice", "Judging Amy", "Strong Medicine", recurring roles in "Crossing Jordan", "Gabriel's Fire", and a series regular on "China Beach". Film credits include The Runestone, Primary Suspect, You Can't Hurry Love and the recently released independent feature Beautiful Dreamer. In addition to performing his writing credits include My Dinner With Andre...the giant, 100% Fat Free Cake!, Nickelodeons: The Secret World of Alex Mack, and IT (Scenario Magazine's Best Short Fiction Finalist 2001). And the one act play A Little Hankie Pankie, which recently premiered in Los Angeles as part of Theater East's One Act Festival.

Christopher Fessenden, (Director) has been working with Tim on All The Help You Need since it started as a tiny 15-minute version of its current self, He directed Tim in the wildly successful production of Craig Lucas' Reckless at The Lex in Hollywood, and most recently directed Tim's latest play, A Little Hankie Pankie, for the Theatre East One Act Festival in Los Angeles (while Tim was off doing another play in some other city). Other solo performances Christopher has directed include Ovation Award nominee Jackie Maruschak as "Tinkerbell" in Last Stop: Neverland and Tricia Dong in the tour-de-force solo piece Gunpowder Man. In New York, he's worked with new playwrights, directing their original productions, including the award-winning Another Blockbuster for Bob. By day Christopher's a Promo writer/producer/editor (so his job is to make sure you know when your favorite TV shows are on - a noble job to be sure). Christopher received his MFA in theatre directing from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts

Tom Fox ESQ (writer) is a lawyer who is in private practice in Los Angeles, California. He commenced his legal career in Washington, D.C. at the United States Attorney's Office. He worked as a Deputy Public Defender in the Los Angeles Public Defender's Office. Through the years his practice has expanded from practicing criminal law exclusively to focusing on entertainment law. He represents a select few clients in the record, film and television industry, both artists in the public eye as well as the producers, directors and executives who are behind the scenes. Because of his now unique background, discretion in his client list is mandatory.

He is a principle in Perry / Fox Productions, LLC, which created the cable television variety show, The Ojai Valley Boys on which he is the executive producer. They are currently in pre-production on the ell as the feature film, The Whole Banana. He is the executive producer on the feature film, Red is the Color Of.....

Under his Laughing Fox Entertainment, LLC banner he has produced various plays including Vince Mckewin's Ad Wars to Jenny Sullivan's J for J, which has the dubious distinction of being the last stage performance of the late John Ritter. He co-produced The Whole Banana with John Bennett Perry, Debbie Perry and Matthew Perry. He was a co-producer on the critically acclaimed musical North on South Central Boulevard as well as the award winning All the Help You Need, the Adventures of a Hollywood Handyman.

FELL at The International Fringe Festival - 8/9/2008

7.15 Productions and Columbia University's Black Theater Ensemble is proud to present FELL as part of the 11th annual New York International Fringe Festival. Performances will take place from August 9 – August 15, 2008 at The New School for Drama Theater (151 Bank Street). Official opening is set for Saturday, August 9th at 2pm.

What are you willing to risk to break through the glass ceiling? Since the civil rights movement gave African Americans equality under the law, an elusive, but very real struggle has emerged: equality in the workplace. Meet Jesse Metcalfe, a successful black businessman one step away from reaching the next rung on the corporate ladder. Facing pressure from his status obsessed wife, not to mention his own desire to rise above societal expectations, it seems that Jesse is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. FELL is a cautionary tale exploring how one individual's decisions about (or denial of) his race can adversely affect the confidence and self-image of the people he's doing it all for: his children.

For Tickets: Please Visit WWW.FRINGENYC.ORG

FELL @ Fringe - 8/9/2008

Harrison David Rivers (Playwright) Plays include When Last We Flew (FIRE! New Play Festival 2008), Fell (Black Theater Ensemble, Columbia University), Step (New York Musical Theater Festival), Baptism and Pony (At Play Productions), Man Ascends (The 24 Hour Plays), Mouth Says Move (Atlantic Stage 2), Burning (Manhattan Theatre Source), and Sistahs (Collective:Unconscious). Harrison is a founding member of At Play Productions, a member of the Old Vic New Voices Network, and a Resident Playwright with Brooklyn based Freedom Train Productions. He holds degrees in American Studies and Dance & Drama from Kenyon College and is currently pursuing his M.F.A. in Playwriting at Columbia University.

Jess McLeod (Director) is the Director of Programming at The New York Musical Theatre Festival, where she heads the Next Link Dramaturg program and developed the musical theatre/pop-rock fusion concerts The Unauthorized Musicology of Ben Folds I and II and Undercover Showtunes. Other credits include The Times by Joe Keenan & Brad Ross, The Last Five Years, Kitchen Sink by Rachel Axler. B.A. from Williams College, MFA from Northwestern, 2011; member, NYU's First Look Company.

The cast features Melissa Joyner, Rory Lipede, Jack Perry, Laurence Stepney, Kendale Winbush, and Jehan O. Young.

The production team features Brandon Giles (Set Designer), K.J. Hardy (Lighting Designer), Jesca Prudencio (Costume Designer), and Carly DiGiovanni (Production Stage Manager).

7.15 Productions (Producer) is a new production company focusing on nurturing and exposing the next generation of theater professionals. Their internet initiative Playit4ward.net is an innovative approach to theater production that uses reality-based videos and blogs to chronicle what it takes to produce when all you've got is yourself, your friends and the unlimited marketing and fundraising potential of the internet. Playit4ward.net's premier production will be Electra In a One-Piece, by Isaac Oliver and Directed by David Ruttura.

Columbia University's Black Theater Ensemble's (Producer) mission is to produce quality theater with, about, and for the black community at Columbia University and beyond. Past productions have included Joe Turner's Come and Gone, For Colored Girls Who've Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, American Ma(u)l, and a workshop production of Fell.

FELL plays at The New School for Drama Theater (151 Bank Street between West and Washington Streets). The nearest subway lines are the A, C ,E ,L at 14th Street/8th Avenue.

Showtimes are as Follows:

Saturday, August 9th @ 2pm Monday, August 11th @ 5:15pm Wednesday, August 13th @ 5pm Thursday, August 14th @ 10pm Friday, August 15th @ 7pm

For Tickets, please visit WWW.FRINGENYC.ORG

TIMES LIKE THIS: a new musical fable - 8/9/2008

TIMES LIKE THIS: a new musical fable, is a song cycle compiled of pieces from all different eras of musical theatre; it will be performed by a nine-person cast jumping and transforming from role to role as the songs change. The cycle's music is written by many different composers and lyricists and the song types range from the classical Broadway styles all the way up to the more modern rock musicals. Come and support new and independent theatre from a new and innovative company.

The show will be presented by A Quarter to 9ine Productions,a group of young artists who want to do what they love. It isn't about doing what is most popular in terms of theatre today, or about doing what is most well-known and can bring in an audience. A Quarter to 9ine Productions was created to invite people to enter a space where they could stretch themselves and get inspire to create. While the company has started out small, it is our main goal to one day be able to bring in students from all over the Tri-State Area to become a part of our creative family. There are so many artists filled with ideas that never get to be shared. We wanted to start a forum where all of these ideas could be celebrated and worked upon for the summer months and finally performed in a professional venue at the end of August. The company was created by students, Michael Rios & Dani Stoller, and is comprised entirely of students, ranging from high school age to college level. The group makes up a collaborative team, a group of peers that are there to constantly inspire, support and push. We are only hoping that over the next few years this company can grow to allow more students to come to 9ine and mold their craft through doing work of their own artistic construction.

The performances will take place at the off-Broadway, Sage Theater, located at 711 Seventh Avenue, 2nd floor, between 47th & 48th St. The show will run for two nights, August 9th at 8 PM, and August 10th at 6 PM. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, so reserve your tickets now! To reserve tickets, send an email request to aquarter2@gmail.com including your name and the number of tickets you would like to purchase. You will receive confirmation that your order has processed, and you will be able to pay at the theater. If you to not wish to reserve tickets beforehand, just arrive at the theater before the show starts and you will be taken care of. There is no assigned seating, so arrive early!

To connect further with A Quarter to 9ine, visit our blog at haveyouturned9ineyet.blogspot.com, or join our Facebook group.

'The Boy in the Basement' To Play At FringeNYC - 8/9/2008

Basement Boy Productions is proud to present THE BOY IN THE BASEMENT as part of the 12th annual New York International Fringe Festival – FringeNYC. The Boy In The Basement is written by Katharine Heller and directed by Nell Balaban (Assistant
Director of Golda's Balcony and The Foreigner on Broadway). Performances will run from August 9th to 23rd, 2008 at the SoHo Playhouse (Venue #7), located at 15 Vandam Street between 6th Avenue & Varick in NYC. The show features original music on piano performed live by Jon Quinn.

Performances of The Boy In The Basement take place on Sat 8/9 at 12:00noon, Sun 8/10 at 5pm, Thu 8/14 at 3:45pm, Thu 8/21 at 11:45pm and Sat 8/23 at 10pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at http://www.FringeNYC.org or by calling 1-866-468-7619. Running time is 75 minutes. For more information on the show visit http://www.TheBoyInTheBasement.com.

THE BOY IN THE BASEMENT is a live action romance novel about four co-eds who find a striking stranger trying to rob their house. His punishment? One weekend in the basement - as their sex slave. But see what happens when Lance Speedworth breaks into their home…and steals their hearts. Sexy, funny and touching, THE BOY IN THE BASEMENT is a story about friendships with modern commentary on the contemporary romance novel.

Director Nell Balaban has served as associate director to Scott Schwartz on many plays and musicals including The Foreigner (starring Matthew Broderick) and Golda's Balcony (starring Tovah Feldshuh). She's worked at venues including The Roundabout, Papermill Playhouse, The Alley Theatre (Houston), Goodspeed Opera House and The Alliance Theatre (Atlanta). As a Broadway actress she appeared in the original Broadway cast of Jane Eyre.

The cast includes Lynne Rosenberg and Katharine Heller (both honored with a 2007 Fringe Festival Award for Outstanding Ensemble for Naked in a Fishbowl), Nick Fondulis (NBC pilot Kings), Michael Solis (Cubicle Improv), Tom Macy, Meghan Powe and Anna Stumpf.

Critical Praise for Lynne Rosenberg for Naked in a Fishbowl: Back Stage proclaims "Buoyed by Rosenberg's laser wit, Naked in a Fishbowl is a delight" and NYTheatre.com goes on to say "Lynne Rosenberg is hysterically funny. Her intelligence shines through her dry delivery and Dorothy Parkeresque wit."

Critical Praise for Katharine Heller for Naked in a Fishbowl: Back Stage raves saying "The talented Katharine Heller showed a proclivity for long, hilarious stories about sex -- no small feat" and NYTheatre.com went on to say "Katherine Heller is a treat to watch."

Author Katharine Heller is a New York native who has appeared in numerous improv and theater shows including Chick Flicks, Ka-Baam! and Forbidden Fruit. She recently starred in the short film, The Thorny Rose, for Cherry Films, a new company headed by Ethan Coen's wife, Tricia Cooke. Written originally as a book six years ago as a gift to her three college housemates (on whom the story is loosely based), Katharine then self published The Boy in the Basement as a novel.

The design/production team consists of Kathryn Moise (Producer), Sean Tribble (Set Design), Grant Yeager (Lighting Design) and Terra Vetter (Stage Manager).

Broadway Loves the 80's - 8/10/2008

Jamie McGonnigal and Joe's Pub present Broadway Loves the 80's Vol. 3, a concert featuring your favorite Broadway stars singing their favorite hits of the awesomest decade ever!

Directed by McGonnigal and Xanadu's Marty Thomas, with Music Direction by Ben Cohn, "Broadway Loves the 80's Vol. 3" will take place on Sunday, August 10 at 9:30PM at Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, NY. The totally rad host of the past two concerts, Mo Rocca (Spelling Bee, VH1's I Love the 80s) will return for this 3rd incarnation.

Currently scheduled to shake your love on August 10th are Jenn Colella (High Fidelity), Nikki Renee Daniels (Les Miserables), Eden Espinosa (Rent, Wicked), Anthony Rapp (Rent), Kate Shindle (Legally Blonde), Marty Thomas (Xanadu), and Ugly Betty's Michael Urie

The first two editions of the event quickly sold-out and the crowd was on their feet, rockin' out to the totally awesome sounds of the wicked best decade ever! In addition to the totally rad tunes, the event will also feature several raffles and give-aways, so don't miss out!

All seats for "Broadway Loves the 80's Vol. 3" are $25. For Tickets, call 212-967-7555 or visit www.joespub.com; or in person at The Public Theater Box Office from 1pm to 6pm and at Joe's Pub from 6pm to 10pm (both located at 425 Lafayette St.). For table reservations call 212-539-8778. Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

Photo Credit Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

KNB - 8/10/2008

KNB – the Musical, with book, lyrics & music by CHRISTOPHER CARTER SANDERSON, will open at the Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University, Sunday, August 10th at 6:45pm, as part of the 2008 New York International Fringe Festival - FringeNYC!
Produced by Sanderson, in Association with GORILLA REP, KNB – the Musical is a romantic musical comedy set in the current war among the members of a US Navy Reserve Boat Unit. The unit ponders deployment while a Boatswains Mate wonders what makes life truly miserable. Fun music, dance & wonderful New York actors make for a toe-tapping evening. KNB stands for "Kuwait Naval Base," where Sanderson was stationed this past year. Sanderson, founding Artistic Director of Gorilla Rep, directs the show, set in a unit much like his own, with the help of Music Director & Arranger Allison Tartalia, Choreographer Erin Porvaznika & Stage Manager Alexis Qualls.

Featured in KNB are Dana Aber, Glenn Seven Allen, Daryl Brown, Jonathan Celestin, Joe Cummings, Kelly Dynan, Danielle Faitelson, Alanna Ferrell, Jonathan Furedy, Le-Anne Garland, Martin Giannini, Robert Gonzalez Jr., Roger Grunwald, Brett Hunter Levenson, Rachael McOwen, Robert Parkison, Kane Prestenback, J Reese, Evan Scott Schweitzer, Evan Siegel, JessAnn Smith, Lynette Toomey, Sarabeth Wager and Matthew Wrather.

RESERVATIONS: (866)468-7619 www.FringeNYC.org

NYMF Hoedown with 'Spring Awakening' Cast Members 8/10 - 8/10/2008

Dust off that ten-gallon hat and get ready for an evening of hootin' and hollerin' as NYMF shuts down Spanky's BBQ for The NYMF Hoedown (or, "Musical Theater I Wish I Could Quit You") Benefit, featuring Broadway celebrities on Sunday, August 10, 2008 from 8-11pm. Mosey right on up to the bar and our kindly bartenders will pour you and your favorite Broadway celebrities what's on tap. Get ready to let everyone know who's the most rooten tootenist cowpoke as guests play one on one with the likes of Skylar Astin (Spring Awakening and the upcoming "Hamlet 2"), Nick Blaemire (Glory Days, Cry Baby), Barrett Foa (Avenue Q), Krysta Rodriguez (Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, and In the Heights), Lauren Pritchard (Spring Awakening), and Jason Tam (A Chorus Line, "One Life to Live," and NYMF's own Yellow Wood) in one of our exciting country fair games, including pie eating competitions, bean bag tosses, and the outlawed Lasso a Star challenge. Cowboys and cowgirls will have a chance to sidestep together in some country line dancing and get their photo taken with their favorite celebrity in our photo booth. Stay tuned in the coming days for many more surprise guest announcements. It's the most fun you'll have this side west of the… well, the East River.

The NYMF Hoedown is being hosted by On Board, NYMF's new young patron outreach initiative. On Board's mission is to cultivate and empower young audiences to take an active stand to support the arts, and in particular NYMF's mission of nurturing new musical theater talent.

There are three levels of admission for the event:

Farmer tickets ($20) include admission to the event and 2 game tickets.

Cowboy tickets ($50) include admission, open bar, and 5 game tickets.

VIP Outlaw tickets ($100), include admission, open bar, food, and reserved VIP seating, along with 10 game tickets.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.nymf.org, or bought at the door. Individual game tickets, which are $2 each, will be sold at the event.

The NYMF Hoedown will take place on Sunday, August 10th, 2008 from 8-11 pm at Spanky's BBQ, 127 West 43rd Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway. The venue can be accessed by the A,C,E / 1,2,3 / N,Q,R,W / 7 / Grand Central Station Shuttle lines at 42nd Street/Times Square.

d'Amboise and Goldyn To Play Final 'Chorus' Performance 8/ - 8/10/2008

On August 10th, 2008 Charlotte d'Amboise will play her last performance at Cassie, and Jessica Lee Goldyn will play her last performance at Val in the Broadway musical A Chorus Line.

The current Broadway production of The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical A Chorus Line will play its final performance on Broadway Sunday, August 17, 2008, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 W 45th St). The closing cast will feature Nick Adams (Larry), Tommy Berklund (Greg), Mike Cannon (Al), Natalie Cortez (Diana), Dena DiGiacinto (Bebe), Jenifer Foote (Val), Jessica Lee Goldyn (Cassie), Deidre Goodwin (Sheila), Bryan Knowlton (Paul), James T. Lane (Richie), Melissa Lone (Maggie), Mario Lopez (Zach), J. Elaine Marcos (Connie), Paul McGill (Mark), Heather Parcells (Judy), Adam Perry (Don), Jeffrey Schecter (Mike), Will Taylor (Bobby) and Katherine Tokarz (Kristine) in a cast of 32 that includes Deanna Agulnega, Todd Anderson, Michelle Aravena, Kurt Domoney, Joey Dudding, Eric Dysart, Lyndy Franklin, Lorin Latarro, Courtney Laine Mazza, Eric Sciotto, Kim Shriver, Grant Turner and Deone Zanotto.

Now in its second year on Broadway, the new, critically acclaimed production of A Chorus Line opened October 5, 2006 and continues to be a singular sensation at the box office having recouped the show's entire $8 million investment in 157 performances (19 weeks). A Chorus Line is directed by its original Tony Award winning co-choreographer Bob Avian, conceived and originally choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, with the original choreography re-staged by Baayork Lee. A Chorus Line is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions. Masterworks Broadway's 2006 Broadway cast recording of A Chorus Line is available in stores nationwide.

The new production features scenery by Robin Wagner, costumes by Theoni V.Aldredge, lighting by Tharon Musser adapted by Natasha Katz and sound by Acme Sound Partners. Musical direction and supervision is by Patrick Vaccariello, orchestrations are by Jonathan Tunick, Billy Byers and Hershey Kay and vocal arrangements are by Don Pippin.

d'Amboise and Goldyn To Play Final 'Chorus' Performance 8/10 - 8/10/2008

On August 10th, 2008 Charlotte d'Amboise will play her last performance at Cassie, and Jessica Lee Goldyn will play her last performance at Val in the Broadway musical A Chorus Line.

Photo Credit Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

TIMES LIKE THIS: a new musical fable - 8/10/2008

To connect further with A Quarter to 9ine, visit our blog at haveyouturned9ineyet.blogspot.com, or join our Facebook group.

Lights & Music Extends Run At 45th Street Through 8/10 - 8/10/2008

John MacDonald & Maggie Maes' production of LIGHTS & MUSIC, written by PATRICK CERVANTES LETTERII & directed by JEREMY QUINN, will extend its run at the 45th Street Theatre, through August 10th.

Four disenfranchised youths struggle with love, friendship & the absurdity of life in their small apartment microcosm. LIGHTS & MUSIC deals with a lost generation growing up in a chaotic post 9/11 world. The only thing protecting them from the outside world is their apartment. But when the world comes to them, they are forced to make a difficult decision in order to discover their place in all of this.

The characters (and the actors) in LIGHTS & MUSIC are all in their 20s. They wrote, produced, designed & even sold advertising to raise the money to present this show.

Likewise, the music featured in the play is a reflection of a new generation of artists. The soundtrack features the well-known Canadian band Born Ruffians, New York- based mandolinist Beauregard, & Boston-based Berklee super-group Wifflebat.

Featured in LIGHTS & MUSIC are Nicholas Bonnar, Patrick Letterii, John MacDonald, Haley Rawson & Lindsay Teed.

'Ripcords', A New Dramatic Musical, Presented In Fringe - 8/10/2008

Emily Skeggs and Michael McEachran will star in a new dramatic musical called RIPCORDS. Gregg Wiggans will direct this musical drama, set in the 1950s, whose story concerns an incident of war profiteering that happened during WWII. RIPCORDS plays August 10, 13, 16, 21 and the 24th at The Bleecker Street Theater (45 Bleecker Street). The six-person ensemble cast includes Jason Lawgren, Edward Prostak, Evan Enderle and Abby Marsh.

In the 1950's, a new generation - called the "silent generation", as they were too young to have served in the war, but too old to be considered Baby Boomers - came of age. RIPCORDS tells the story of one woman from that generation: Susan Davies, an office worker at the Champlain Line Company in upstate New York. Susan faces a decision: should she settle down and marry Charlie, her humble ex-GI fiancé, or should she set her sights on more? Susan's choices become more difficult when Joe, her old flame, and the soon-to-be president of the Champlain Line Company, arrives. With Joe comes a secret from the past: revelations about war profiteering, which have repercussions that affect the whole town.

Emily Skeggs just recently starred in The Irish Repertory Theatre's extended run/revival of "Take Me Along." Michael McEachran, a FringeNYC alumni who created the hero Miles Muldoon in "How To Save The World and Find True Love in Ninety Minutes", returns to FringeNYC in RIPCORDS.

RIPCORDS features a jazzy score by young songwriters Anne Berlin (book/lyrics) and Andy Cohen (music) making their NYC professional stage debut this summer. Their Lil whodunit "Charlie Chang and the Mysterious Salami", an irreverent and politically incorrect spoof of the old Charlie Chan film serial, has enjoyed a sold out run at the Bad Musicals Theater Festival this past month. liz smith called that show "An hilarious event" and dubbed it a "Laugh Riot".

For more information, visit www.ripcordsmusical.com, and for tickets, visit The New York International Fringe Festival homepage at http://www.fringenyc.org.

'Be In' with the Cast of Hair - 8/11/2008

Joe's Pub is Proud to Announce: BE IN: A Night of Music and Love with members of the Public Theater's cast of HAIR A Benefit for Broadway Cares, Equity Fights AIDS on Mondays, July 7th and August 11th, 9:30pm. Members of the cast of The Public Theater's production of "Hair" is holding a Be-In! Come celebrate with the Tribe as they sing songs of peace, love, and freedom in a night that will leave you inspired to "Let Love Rule". An evening of surprise guests and great music will surely be the perfect soundtrack for your very own "Summer of Love". All proceeds to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, $20.

Tickets on sale now. For tickets call 212-967-7555 or visit www.joespub.com.

Purchase of tickets does NOT guarantee a table reservation; you must call to reserve seats. Seating, as well as standing-room, is available only on a first-come, first-served basis for all shows without a dinner reservation. Two drink or $12 food minimum per person is standard.

de Haas and Burgess Sing Songs os Henry Gainza - 8/11/2008

Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com, the leading source for exclusive theater information and live-events tickets nationwide, are proud to announce EXTRAVAGAINZA: THE SONGS OF Henry Gainza, Monday August 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., as part of the long-running, Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.

It will be another unforgetable evening at Birdland, as singer/songwriter Henry Gainza and friends take to the stage to perform a collection of songs, offering a musical fusion of Salsa, Pop and influences from the Great White Way. Guest artists include Chris Jackson (In the Heights), Janet Dacal (In the Heights), Andy Senor (Rent), VERONICA VASQUEZ-JACKSON (Nervous Records), Darius de Haas (Songs for a New World), Tituss Burgess (Little Mermaid), and more.

Henry Gainza has performed across the United States, abroad, and in the New York theater community. He has appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live", in the film Isabella Rico, and sung jingles for companies such as Heineken. He also had a leading role in pop star Enrique Iglesias' off Broadway hit 4 Guys Named Jose and was featured on the cast album. He frequently returns to South Florida where he performs at the Actors' Playhouse and with City Theatre. GAINZA was a finalist in the John Lennon Song Writing Contest with his song, "Lo Tienes Todo," which was recorded in a home studio that also doubled as a laundry room. As a songwriter he has also been honored by the USA Songwriting Contest, The International Songwriting Competition and VH1's Song of the Year.

Tickets are $25.00 plus $10.00 Food/Drink Minimum (Per Person)

Tickets can be purchased Online: www.BIRDLANDJAZZ.com; or by Telephone: 212.581.3080.

Spare Some Change Holds Benefit for Obama - 8/11/2008

Just one week before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, we invite you to join us for an inspiring evening to raise money and consciousness for Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

SPARE SOME CHANGE: NYC ARTISTS FOR Barack Obama will be held at New World Stages on Monday, August 11th at 8 p.m. In keeping with the inclusionary spirit of Senator Obama's revolutionary campaign, artists from all walks of life will take part in the call for change – from subway musicians and soap opera stars to Broadway luminaries. Currently scheduled:

* An original song from Oscar-nominee and Grammy Award-winning composer Henry Krieger and Tony-nominated lyricist Bill Russell, sung by Tony Award-winner Lillias White,
* Appearances from One Life to Live stars Kathy Brier (also of Broadway's Hairspray), Bethann Bonner, and Kamar De Los Reyes,
* Songs from Andrew Lippa, Sarah Schlesinger & Grammy Award-winner Mike Reid, Georgia Stitt, Sean Keogh, and Kirsten Guenther & Joy Sun,
* Performances from Broadway's newly infamous Glory Days, the current Public Theater production of HAIR, theater personality Seth Rudetsky, Mamma Mia star Carrie Manolakos, Grease's Lindsay Mendez, and Company's Teri Ralston, Joe Iconis and the BLACK SUITS

From the producers: "This is such an important time for all of us in this country. As many already know, Barack will not accept public funding from lobbyists or political action committees, but instead relies solely on a broad base of individual donors – such as ourselves – to ensure that his campaign answers to no one but the people. Please join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so we can make history."

Ryan Mekenian is producing and directing the event. Gena Oppenheim is Co-Producer, Sally Sibson is Production Manager, and Music Direction is by J. Oconer Navarro (The Adding Machine) & Mark Evans.

Tickets are priced at $16.50, $76.50, and $251.50 and may be purchased at telecharge.com. All proceeds will be donated to Senator Obama's campaign. For further information or to volunteer to help with the event, please e-mail sparesomechangenyc@gmail.com

Leslie Kritzer To Perform At Splash August 11th - 8/11/2008

On Monday, August 11th at 11:30pm, "Scott Nevins' Curtain Call" will host Broadway's Leslie Krtizer at Splash.

Fresh from her magnificent performance in "A Catered Affair", this Broadway belter from "Legally Blonde" and "Hairspray" who also gained great praise for her turns in "Leslie Kritzer is Patti LuPone at Les Mouches" and "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" returns to Curtain Call tonight directly following the video madness of "Musical Mondays"!

Leslie will serve up a full set of Broadway's hottest tunes so get there early to grab a seat to watch those legendary musical numbers on the screens, and then sit tight as Leslie Kritzer performs live in person! Admission is free until 10pm, $5 after. Must be 21 w/ id. Splash is located at 50 west 17th st (b/w 5th and 6th)

Valleti and Diana Team Up To Present Look At MTA In 'Tales - 8/11/2008

Hop on board for an evening of love, hate, admiration, contempt, patience, impatience, comfort and discomfort, courtesy of the New York City Subway System.

TALES FROM THE TUNNEL, a new theatrical work created by Troy Diana and James Valletti is making its debut as an invite-only Actors' Equity Association Staged Reading at Manhattan Theatre Club Studios, starring Farah Bala, Geri Brown, J. Arthur Cruz, Brandon Jones*, Mean Messmer*, and TJ O'Connell, and stage managed by Michelle Dunn*. (*Member of Actors' Equity Association).

Borne of a concept hatched in the 2006 Lincoln Center Directors' Lab and developed over two years by Diana and Valletti, TALES FROM THE TUNNEL is a series of pieces based on extensive research and hundreds of interviews with riders and employees who have something to say about their travels throughout the veins of NYC.

This is the first collaboration between Diana, whose writing or performing credits include STORIA (2007 Midtown International Theatre Festival/London's South Hill Park), STRESSED, DEPRESSED, AND REPRESSED (Pulse Theatre), and TAKE THIS JOB (Zipper Theatre), and Valletti, whose Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LITTLE WOMEN, TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN', ALTAR BOYZ (Assistant Director) and pre-Broadway/readings of RING OF FIRE and the upcoming 9 TO 5.

Performance dates are August 11, 12, & 13 at 8pm at Manhattan Theatre Club Studios (311 W. 43rd St., 8th Fl). For a special invitation and to reserve tickets to a performance, email talesfromthetunnel@hotmail.com.

Valleti and Diana Team Up To Present Look At MTA In 'Tales From the Tunnel' - 8/11/2008

Hop on board for an evening of love, hate, admiration, contempt, patience, impatience, comfort and discomfort, courtesy of the New York City Subway System.

TALES FROM THE TUNNEL, a new theatrical work created by Troy Diana and James Valletti is making its debut as an invite-only Actors' Equity Association Staged Reading at Manhattan Theatre Club Studios, starring Farah Bala, Geri Brown, J. Arthur Cruz, Brandon Jones, Mean Messmer, and TJ O'Connell, and stage managed by Michelle Dunn.

Borne of a concept hatched in the 2006 Lincoln Center Directors' Lab and developed over two years by Diana and Valletti, TALES FROM THE TUNNEL is a series of pieces based on extensive research and hundreds of interviews with riders and employees who have something to say about their travels throughout the veins of NYC.

This is the first collaboration between Diana, whose writing or performing credits include STORIA (2007 Midtown International Theatre Festival/London's South Hill Park), STRESSED, DEPRESSED, AND REPRESSED (Pulse Theatre), and TAKE THIS JOB (Zipper Theatre), and Valletti, whose Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LITTLE WOMEN, TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN', ALTAR BOYZ (Assistant Director) and pre-Broadway/readings of RING OF FIRE and the upcoming 9 TO 5.

Performance dates are August 11, 12, & 13 at 8pm at Manhattan Theatre Club Studios (311 W. 43rd St., 8th Fl). For a special invitation and to reserve tickets to a performance, email talesfromthetunnel@hotmail.com.

Burgess, Gainza and More To Perform at Birdland 'Extravaga - 8/11/2008

Jim Caruso's Cast Party will present EXTRAVAGAINZA: THE SONGS OF Henry Gainza, Monday August 11th at 7:00 p.m., as part of the long-running, Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.

It will be another unforgetable evening at Birdland, as up-and-coming singer/songwriter Henry Gainza and friends take to the stage to perform a collection of songs, offering a musical fusion of Salsa, Pop and influences from the Great White Way. Guest artists include Tony Award nominee ROBIN DE JESÚS (In the Heights), Christopher Jackson (In the Heights), Janet Dacal (In the Heights), ANDY SEÑOR (Rent), Krysta Rodriguez (In the Heights), VERONICA VAZQUEZ-JACKSON (Nervous Records), Darius de Haas (Rent, Dreamgirls), Tituss Burgess (The Little Mermaid), and Joshua Henry (In the Heights, Godspell).

Henry Gainza has performed across the United States, abroad, and in the New York theater community. He has appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," in the film Isabella Rico, and sung jingles for companies such as Heineken. He also had a leading role in pop star Enrique Iglesias' off Broadway hit 4 Guys Named Jose and was featured on the cast album. He frequently returns to South Florida where he performs at the Actors' Playhouse and with City Theatre. GAINZA was a finalist in the John Lennon Song Writing Contest with his song, "Lo Tienes Todo," which was recorded in a home studio that also doubled as a laundry room. He has also participated in, and received accolades in The International Songwriting Contest, USA Songwriting Contest and VH-1's Song of The Year. GAINZA is a Carbonell nominee and an "Hola Award" winner.

Created by acclaimed performer, writer, producer & presenter Jim Caruso, BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND is a weekly concert series on Sunday and Monday evenings, showcasing legendary Broadway performers and composers, as well as up-and-coming musical theater talents. It started as a companion piece to the hugely popular and hilarious weekly impromptu variety show Jim Caruso's Cast Party (which follows Mondays at 9:30pm). BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND has recently hosted such diverse performers as Jason Robert Brown, Lucie Arnaz, Christine Ebersole with Billy Stritch, and Melissa Errico – as well as the benefit concert Chita Rivera Loves Broadway Cares, which sold out two shows in record time.

Tituss Burgess was born and raised in Athens, Georgia where he grew up in the church and sang around the city with his mama (when he is home, he still does!) As an only child, he entertained himself by banging on the nearest piano; perhaps his passion for music and communication came from his need to fill time. Having graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Music, he currently stars as Sebastian the Crab in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Past credits on Broadway: Jersey Boys and Good Vibrations. Regionally he was seen in The Wiz (Cowardly Lion, La Jolla), Songs For A New World w/ Jason Robert Brown, Brian d'Arcy James and Alice Ripley. Television: "The View," "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Late Night with David Letterman."

Darius de Haas: Broadway: Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Carousel, Rent, Gershwins' Fascinating Rhythm, Marie Christine, Dreamgirls, Hair. Other credits: Running Man (Obie Award), The Bubbly Black Girl…, Children of Eden. Concert soloist: Lincoln Center, The Blue Note (Japan), Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, LA's Disney Concert Hall, London's Royal Festival Hall. Special Guests Appearances: Vanessa Williams, Roberta Flack, Marvin Hamlisch, Audra McDonald, Deborah Harry, Elvis Costello, Michael Feinstein. Recordings: Darius de Haas: Day Dream (PS Classics), Children of Eden, Marie Christine, I Was Looking at the Ceiling…, Myths and Hymns, Bubbly Black Girl…, Dreamgirls, Bright Eyed Joy, Anastasia, Chicago. Website: www.DariusdeHaas.com.

ROBIN DE JESÚS was nominated for a 2008 Tony Award for his work in In the Heights. He is thrilled to return to In the Heights after its amazing Off-B'way run (Drama Desk for Best Ensemble.) B'way/NY credits include Rent; Lonnie/Jake; Kingdom; Kander, Ebb and Stein's All About Us; Stephen Schwartz' Captain Louie; Zorba; Mask. Regional: Godspell, Nilo Cruz' A VERY OLD Man With Enormous Wings. Also the Public, the York, NYTW, NAMT, Barrow Group, McCarter, Paper Mill, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ. Film: Camp, Pet the Goat, Fat Girls. Proud member of Actors' Equity.

Janet Dacal: Broadway: In the Heights, Good Vibrations. Off-Broadway: In the Heights (Drama Desk Award), Byzantium. Regional: Señor Discretion, Himself (Arena Stage); 5 Course Love (Carbonell Nomination); 4 Guys Named Jose; Annie and others (Actors' Playhouse). Recordings and tours for various Grammy winning artists including Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada and Luis Enrique. "Los quiero mami, papi, my brothers and sister, nieces, family and supportive friends."

Joshua Henry is excited to make his Broadway debut with this blessed cast of In the Heights. Off-Broadway: Serenade (Thomas), In the Heights, Regional: Godspell at Papermill Playhouse (Judas), Being Alive at Westport Country Playhouse. Thanks to God, family, AEA, and Jaradoa Theater Company. Joshua will star as Judas in the upcoming Broadway Production of Godspell.

Christopher Jackson: Having been involved with Heights since 2002, Christopher is thrilled to be making the move to Broadway! Credits: Freestyle Love Supreme (charter member). Broadway: Simba in Disney's The Lion King. Regional: Clay Harris in Comfortable Shoes (Jefferson Award, Black Theater Alliance Award nomination '03), Happy Mac in Beggar's Holiday (BATC nomination '05). 2007 Drama Desk Award recipient, Outstanding Ensemble Performance. Special thanks to Brian and Cory at Liebman Ent., Jen and the gang at Gersh NY, and his beautiful family, Veronica and CJ!

Krysta Rodriguez: Broadway: In The Heights (Ensemble; U/S Vanessa, Nina & Carla), A Chorus Line (Bebe), Spring Awakening, Good Vibrations (Original Casts). Regional: The Boy Friend directed by Julie Andrews (Goodspeed/ National Tour), Bye Bye Birdie (Encores!), title role in Gidget The Musical directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Burgess, Gainza and More To Perform at Birdland 'Extravagainza' - 8/11/2008

Andrea McArdle to Make Metropolitan Room Debut 8/13 - 8/12/2008

Andrea McArdle will make her Metropolitan Room debut in August with "You Don't Know Me", Aug. 13 at 7:30 PM. Subsequent shows are scheduled for Aug. 14 at 7:30 PM, Aug. 15 at 7:30 PM, Aug. 16 at 7:30 PM, Aug. 22 at 7:30 PM, Aug. 23 at 7:30 PM, Aug. 24 at 7 PM and Aug. 25 at 7:30 PM.

According to press notes "If orphan Annie is the one recollection you have of Andrea … then you are in for a glorious surprise. Although embedded forever in our hearts as the red-headed orphan in the red dress with the big belt voice - Andrea has continued her extraordinary career on and off the Broadway stages with a unique talent, perspective and energy. In her show she revisits some of her favorite Broadway musical memories from the many shows she's starred in and she takes us on a great journey with her very entertaining and surprising, backstage stories … she also reveals her natural musical instincts in contemporary pop and jazz and even teases us with hints of Broadway roles yet to come."

The Metropolitan Room is located in Manhattan at 34 West 22nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. There is a $30 cover charge and a two-drink minimum. Call (212) 206-0440 for reservations or visit www.metropolitanroom.com.

Photo by Linda Lenzi.

Richard Kind Steps Into Damn Yankees @ Casa Manana - 8/12/2008

Casa Manana's President and Executive Producer Denton Yockey announced today that Richard Kind will replace Lou Diamond Phillips in the upcoming production of Damn Yankees, August 12 - 17, 2008 at Casa Manana Theatre.

"Due to his busy professional career, our good friend Lou Diamond Phillips is no longer available to perform in this special engagement," states Yockey. "Lou was really looking forward to his starring role in our production, and hopes to return to Fort Worth again soon."

Audiences will recognize Kind from his work on the hit comedies Mad About You and Spin City. In addition to his work on television, he has also starred in numerous shows on stage including the Broadway productions of The Producers and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, to name a few.

"We are pleased to announce that Richard Kind, star of stage and screen, has agreed to perform the role of 'Applegate' in our upcoming production," states Yockey. "Richard brings a sense of gleeful silliness to the role of the devil. We are looking forward to his performance."

Damn Yankees is a devilishly clever musical comedy! A middle aged man finds himself endlessly frustrated that his beloved baseball team is constantly thwarted by the New York Yankees. In desperation, he sells his soul to the Devil (Richard Kind) for a chance to lead his team to victory in the pennant race against those damn Yankees. Though his dreams of success and fame get closer every day, he finds himself yearning more and more for the life, and the wife, he left behind. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Damn Yankees features the classic songs, "Heart," "Two Lost Souls," "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO," "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets," and "Those Were The Good Old Days."

Performance dates: Tuesday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are now at the Casa Manana Theatre box office or by calling 817-332-2272. Ticket prices are $40 to $69 per person, depending upon seating location. For more information, go to http://www.casamanana.org/

NMST Presents Spelling Bee - 8/12/2008

Get out your dictionaries! The Tony® Award winning musical comedy, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE – one of Broadway's most buzzed about hits – is in attendance at North Shore Music Theatre's (NSMT) intimate theater in the round from August 12 – 31, 2008; Press Night is scheduled for August 14th at 7:30 pm. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is sponsored by The Boston Globe.

"Each production that we have brought to the NSMT mainstage this season has been unique and SPELLING BEE is no exception," said Barry Ivan, NSMT's Artistic Director and Executive Producer. "Set in a school gymnasium, SPELLING BEE takes a hilarious and heartwarming look at the pressures of growing up through the eyes of quirky yet lovable characters competing for the title of spelling bee champ. We're pleased to present this production whose witty and endearing music and lyrics are created by Massachusetts' own William Finn."

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a hip musical comedy which follows six young people in the throes of puberty, who are overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, as they learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. At each performance, four audience volunteers are selected and invited on stage to participate in the Bee, making each performance unique. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is recommended for theatergoers 13 and over.

Created, workshopped and developed by the Barrington Stage Company in western Massachusetts in the winter of 2004 and presented that summer, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE opened Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre where it was an instant hit, prompting it to move to Broadway's Circle-in-the-Square Theater. Nominated for six Tony® Awards including Best Musical – it took home two 2005 Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at NSMT is a co-production with the Barrington Stage Company where it appeared earlier this summer.

The cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE features Emy Baysic (Marcy Park), Emerson College graduate Miguel Cervantes (Chip Tolentino), Hannah Del Monte (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre), Molly Ephraim (Olive Ostrovsky), Demond Green (Mitch Mahoney), Clifton Guterman (Leaf Coneybear), Michael Mastro (Vice-Principal Douglas Panch), Eric Peterson (William Barfee), and Sally Wilfert (Rona Lisa Perretti).

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has music and lyrics by William Finn, a book by Rachel Sheinkin, conception by Rebecca Feldman, and original direction by James Lapine. It is directed by Jeremy Dobrish, choreographed by Dan Knechtges, and includes music direction from Brian Usifer. The creative team includes Beowolf Borritt (Production Designer), Jennifer Caprio (Costume Designer), Jeff Davis (Lighting Designer), Alicia Reece (Production Stage Manager) and Kate McDoniel (Assistant Stage Manager).

Tickets for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE are priced from $77 to $40. Senior & Youth Discounts and Rush Tickets are available. Also check out www.nsmt.org for special ticket packages including "Date Night" and "Girl's Night Out" (a perfect outing idea for teachers or moms!). Performances are August 12 -31, Tue – Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat at 8 pm, matinees Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 pm. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly.

Also during THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, NSMT is offering a new Kids Club program for parents and kids ages 4-11. With the purchase of an adult ticket to the August 24 production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, parents are invited to enroll their children in a special free theater workshop on site at NSMT while they attend the show. NSMT's teaching staff will lead classes in acting, dancing, and singing at the theater. This program is free of charge but advanced reservations are required by Friday, August 22. The Kids Club will have a designated date for other mainstage musical productions in the 2008 season.

Additional Free Audience Enrichment events: Meet the Theatre: post-show audience discussion with the artists on August 19 after the 7:30 pm performance and August 30 after the 2 pm performance; Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance (co-presented by the Wenham Museum) on August 24; Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception on August 28.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and The Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.

New Play Six Nights In The Black Belt To Have Reading 8/12 - 8/12/2008

The new play Six Nights In the Black Belt written by Lowell Williams, directed by Clayton Phillips will have a staged reading at The Theatre at St. Clements, August 12th (423 West 46th street) at 3:30PM.

In the summer heat of 1965, in the tiny "Black Belt" town of Hayneville, Alabama, Jonathan Daniels' quest to change the world met an abrupt and violent end. The wake of that smoking gun was the impact Daniels left on those who would become heroes of the coming Civil Rights movement. His legacy swept over Stokely Carmichael and Ruby Sales, future leaders who were just beginning to believe that a white man like Jonathan might really understand their struggle. Six Nights in the Black Belt reminds us of Jon's forgotten sacrifice with music and a story based on eyewitness accounts of an era of hope and change that we should never forget.

The cast includes: Anich D'Jae (IRNE Award nominee for The Black Bubbly Girl), Thursday Farrar (AIDA, Parade, Once Upon A Mattress), Heather Massie (Sickle), Maria Mendez (film: La Quebradita), Rodney Peck (TV: "The Rainmaker," "Angel"), Raphael Rawlins (To Kill A Mockingbird), Lynn Mastio-Rice (New York Lately), and Joe Tuttle ("As The World Turns," "Guiding Light").

Lowell Williams (playwright) is from originally from upstate NY and currently resides in southern NH. He was been recognized regionally as an award-winning playwright (for The Warmth of the Cold). Lowell serves as Playwright in Residence for Yellow Taxi Productions, a small professional company in Nashua, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Clayton Phillips (director) currently working as Artistic Director for the Commercial Division of Midtown International Theatre Festival and recently served as Producing Artistic Director of The Barnstormers Theatre in New Hampshire. Clayton has worked as a director nationally and internationally. He directed tours of Show Boat (nominated for American Theatre Award as Best Direction and Best Musical), and Kiss of the Spider Woman and served as Associate Director for the National tour of Cameron Mackintosh's production of Oliver! Clayton was Harold Prince's Assistant and Production Manager for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Candide and Parade on Broadway. He assisted Mr. Prince on the national tour of Parade and has directed Kiss of the Spider Woman in Tokyo (in Japanese) and Buenos Aires (in Spanish) as well as in the round at North Shore Music Theatre. He directed Empire, the musical in Los Angeles, which was nominated for an Ovation Award as Best New Musical and won for Best Choreography. Empire was subsequently produced at the Stamford Performing Arts Center in Stamford CT and is currently under consideration for a Broadway production. Clayton directed the workshop of Slow Dance With A Hot Pickup at Florida Studio Theatre and then presented the Professional World Premiere at The Barnstormers Theatre. On Broadway he served as a Production Stage Manager for Starlight Express and Jerome Robbins' Broadway. Other directorial credits include: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Dirty Blonde, Breaking Legs, Gypsy, Our Town, Of Mice And Men, An Evening of Original One Acts, The Apple Tree, The Last Five Years and the world premiere of Gauging, the Musical, among others. Clayton has also served as Executive Director for Big Apple Performing Arts, the home of New York City's Gay Men's Chorus, Managing Director for The York Theatre Company in New York City, and as the Artistic Director for Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, LI. He was also the Executive Producer of NETwork's national tour of The Full Monty.

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