Michael Barakiva News

After a nationwide search, the Hangar Theatre announces the appointment of Michael Barakiva as Artistic Director. His tenure will begin immediately as he transitions from Interim to full-time Artistic Director. Michael will be the Hangar's first full-time, in residence Artistic Director.

Following their sold-out production of In the Heights, the Hangar Theatre will present Thirdby Wendy Wasserstein from July 21 until July 30, 2016. Set in a small, prestigious college town in New England (like Ithaca), the play tells the story of a professor whose seemingly well-ordered life is thrown into dizzying disarray after she accuses a student athlete of plagiarism.  Interim Artistic Director, Michael Barakiva, will be directing this production; he also directed the world premiere of this show at Theatre J in Washington, D.C. Join the cast, crew, and Hangar staff on opening night, Friday, July 22 at 8pm at the Hangar Theatre, located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 in Cass Park.

The Hangar Theatre's 42nd Summer Season starts June 16 with a lineup of thrilling plays and musicals, offering something for everyone. The Hangar's summer season runs through August 13 and includes four professional productions in the Mainstage Season, five shows for young audiences in the KIDDSTUFF Season, and four late night and free productions in the Wedge Series.

Primary Stages presents EXIT STRATEGY, a New York premiere by Ike Holter (Hit the Wall) and directed by Kip Fagan (Grand Concourse). The limited engagement runs now through May 6, 2016 at Primary Stages at the Cherry Lane Theatre and features Michael Cullen, Aime Donna Kelly,Rey Lucas, Deirdre Madigan, Christina Nieves, Brandon J. Pierce, and Ryan Spahn. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

The Drama League of New York just celebrated a major milestone few organizations have achieved -- its 100th birthday! The 100th Birthday Party was held on January 11, 2016, at Feinstein's/54 Below, featuring cocktails, dinner, and a one-night-only concert celebrating The Drama League and 100 years of service to the American Theatre. BroadwayWorld has photos from the evening below!

The Drama League will celebrate a major milestone tonight that few organizations have achieved…its 100th year of service to the American theatre community. The 100th Birthday Party will be held tonight,January 11, 2016 at Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street, Cellar).  The sold-out celebration will include cocktails, dinner, speeches and musical performances recognizing the history, achievements, and future of the award-winning arts education organization.  

The Hangar Theatre is pleased to announce that Michael Barakiva has accepted the position of Interim Artistic Director. He will lead Hangar artistic programming through the summer of 2016. Michael is joining the Hangar staff immediately, and has already begun working with outgoing Artistic Director, Jen Waldman, to ensure a smooth transition. Michael returns to the Hangar after working with the organization as a Drama League Director in 2001 and as a director for Hangar School Tours in 2003. Since then he has worked as a freelance director Off-Broadway and at numerous regional theatres, including Syracuse Stage, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Primary Stages, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents Perfect Arrangement, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno)and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement closes today, November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno)and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs through this Friday, November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project.

Two young 1950s married couples seem to be living idyllic lives, but they have a secret.

Two government workers are assigned to help rid personnel of 'deviants.' There's just one little problem.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs now through November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project. 

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs now through November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project. Opening night is tonight, October 15 at 7PM. BroadwayWorld has a look at the cast in action below!

Topher Payne's new comedy is set during a time when the U.S. government sought to identify 'sexual deviants.'

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs now through November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project. Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Christopher J. Hanke takes a look at some of the historic research that helps put the actors in a 1950s state of mind.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs tonight, September 29, through November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street project. Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, announces casting for Perfect Arrangement, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed by Michael Barakiva (White People). The limited engagement runs September 29- November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street® project. Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM.

Primary Stages, in association with Amy Danis, Mark Johannes, and Dan Shaheen, announces casting for Perfect Arrangement, a New York premiere by Topher Payne (Swell Party, The Only Light in Reno) and directed byMichael Barakiva (White People).  The limited engagement runs September 29- November 6, 2015 at Primary Stages at The Duke on 42nd Street - a New 42nd Street® project.  Opening night is Thursday, October 15 at 7PM.

Primary Stages has announced the fourth production of their upcoming 31st Season to be performed at The Duke on 42nd Street, a New 42nd Street project: