KISS ME, KATE! opens at Longwood Gardens, 7/28July 28, 2011The Brandywiners, Ltd production of Kiss Me, Kate! opens tonight, July 28 at Longwood Gardens' magnificent outdoor theatre in Kennet Square, PA. The show is also performed July 29, 30 and and August 4-6.
Tom Wopat to Release New Solo Album 'Consider It Swung', 8/9July 28, 2011Currently playing the role of Frank Abagnale in Broadway's Tony-nominated musical Catch Me If You Can, the Tony-nominated actor Tom Wopat is set to release his next solo album on August 9, 2011. The jazz album will be entitled 'Consider It Swung,' and features covers, original music, and even a song that was cut from Catch Me If You Can. It is produced by the LML Music Label with piano accompaniment by Tedd Firth, Peter Grant on the drums, David Finck on bass and Bob Malach on saxophone.
Photo Flash: AMERICAN IDOL Tour Hits RaleighJuly 28, 2011American Idol Winner SCOTTY MCCREERY and Runner Up Singer LAUREN ALAINA performs live to a sold out audience as their 2011 American Idols Live Tour makes a stop in Scotty McCreery's hometown at the RBC Center. Click below to check out photos from the concert!
Lee Pace Joins Cast of TEAM OF RIVALS FilmJuly 28, 2011According to Deadline.com, Broadway veteran Lee Pace will join previously reported Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and David Strathairn in 'Team of Rivals,' based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography of the president. Steven Spielberg will direct the film titled, 'Lincoln,' featuring a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner.
John Lithgow Brings STORIES BY HEART to Elliott Masie's 2011July 28, 2011For one very special evening, Elliott Masie's Learning 2011 conference is proud to present the extraordinary John Lithgow in his one-man theatrical memoir, STORIES BY HEART. Earlier in the day, Elliott Masie will interview John Lithgow on the ‘Power of Storytelling' - a key competency in the ever evolving field of Learning.
STAGE TUBE: First Look at LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the MUNYJuly 27, 2011The Muny has just released a preview for the upcoming production LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. A true classic of camp comedy, this is the musical that's sure to grow on you! For information call (314) 361-1900 , or visit our website at www.muny.org. To charge tickets by phone, call (314) 534-1111. Click below o check it out!
STAGE TUBE: First Look at Hunter Foster's THE HOLLOWJuly 27, 2011Signature Theatre's 22nd season kicks off by making musical theatre history with its American Musical Voices Project: Next Generation 'World Premiere Repertory Series' - the first time in the history of the American theatre that two world premiere musicals will be presented in rotating repertory, in full production. The eight-week series, beginning previews on August 23rd, will produce The Hollow (book by Hunter Foster; music and lyrics by Matt Conner), to be directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner. Check out the just-released trailer for the show by clicking below!
Photo Flash: John Stamos & Nick Jonas Prepare for HAIRSPRAY at the Hollywood BowlJuly 27, 2011John Stamos is best known for his TV roles - 'Uncle Jesse' on Full House and Carl on GLEE, to name just two - but the actor also has a distinct presence on stage with four Broadway credits under his belt. Next up for Stamos is the Hollywood Bowl production of HAIRSPRAY, and he just posteda photo of him and castmate Nick Jonas in rehearsal for the show. Check out the duo in action below!
NEW TESTAMENT, CARRIE & FRANCINE, et al. Set for SUMMER SHORTS 5July 27, 2011Throughline Artists (J.J. Kandel and John McCormack, Producing Directors) will present SUMMER SHORTS 5, their fifth annual festival of new American short plays from established and emerging writers, at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street). Performances will begin Thursday August 4th, and continue through Saturday September 3rd. This season's cast includes Mando Alvarado, Jeff Binder, Christian Campbell, James Chen, Nick Choksi, Erin Darke, Crystal Finn, Arthur French, Meg Gibson, Kathryn Grody, Beth Hoyt, Neal Huff, J.J. Kandel, Megan Ketch, Ted Koch, Jodie Markell, Shirley A. Rumierk, Socorro Santiago, Rebecca Schull, Ryan Cyrus Shams, Victor Slezak, Aidan Sullivan, Louise Sullivan, Maryann Towne, Ryan Tramont, and Lydia Weintraub.
John Patrick Shanley's FIRE BURNING RAIN Plays Highline Ballroom, 9/8July 27, 2011FIRE BURNING RAIN, a multi-media rock opera was created by internationally renowned artist/composer Jihae in collaboration with two time Academy Award winning playwright/director John Patrick Shanley, is set to play Highline Ballroom September 8. THe show will begin at 9PM; doors open at 7PM.
STAGE TUBE: Anthony Rapp Chats with TLU StudentsJuly 27, 2011Film and stage actor Anthony Rapp ('Rent' on Broadway and film) was artist in residence for a week during the Spring '11 semester. Rapp worked with students in several classes in the School of Music and with a class in Dramatic Media. Rapp also participated in a talkback session with TLU students, faculty and staff after a showing of the film version of 'Rent.' Here he takes questions and gives feedback to the Dramatic Media Ensemble. Click below to check it out!
Kristin Chenoweth, Whoopi Goldberg, et al. to Judge Hero Dog Awards, 11/11July 27, 2011Hallmark Channel announced today that international film star Ewan McGregor ('The Beginners') will join actress, comedian, and author Betty White ('Hot in Cleveland') on stage as a celebrity presenter, while film, stage, and television actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth ('Glee', 'Pushing Daisies') and health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels ('The Doctors', 'Dr. Phil') will join Whoopi Goldberg, among others, as celebrity judges for the inaugural American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards(TM), which will premiere as a 90-minute original special on Hallmark Channel, Friday, November 11 (8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C).
Michael Sherman Wins MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Casting ContestJuly 27, 2011MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the smash-hit musical that will resume performances this Thursday at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street), announces that Michael Sherman of Chicago, IL has won the show's online casting contest 'Do You Have What It Takes?'
Steve Valentine Joins Cast of Geffen's ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITYJuly 27, 2011Original cast members Usman Ally (VP), Terence Archie (Chad Deity) and Desmin Borges (Mace) get back in the ring to reprise their roles in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at the
Geffen Playhouse where they're joined by character actor Steve Valentine in the role of EKO (one more actor remains to be announced). Written by Kristoffer Diaz, this Pulitzer Prize finalist slams together thrilling spectacle, incredible characters and geopolitical allegory into an invigorating theatrical experience you can't find on pay-perview.
RELATIVELY SPEAKING Tickets Now Available for AmEx MembersJuly 27, 2011Tickets are now on-sale exclusively to American Express card members for the Broadway production of RELATIVELY SPEAKING through Friday, August 14, before they go on sale to the general public on August 20. Be among the first to purchase tickets by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/Relatively-Speaking-tickets/artist/1617884.
Photo Flash: CHICAGO Cast & Randy Harrison Visit SILENCE!July 27, 2011This past Saturday, July 23, Randy Harrison (Queer as Folk) and the entire cast and crew of Broadway's Chicago attended SILENCE! The Musical, Off-Broadway's newest smash hit, at Theatre 80. The 10:30 PM performance was particularly electric as Charlotte d'Amboise and the other Chicago cast members broke out into cheers and applause every time SILENCE's leading lady (Jenn Harris) executed her Fosse moves, as devised by director/choreographer Christopher Gattelli. Harrison and the Chicago company happily posed for onstage photos afterwards with Brent Barrett, Jenn Harris and the entire SILENCE! cast.
Photo Flash: Stages St. Louis' SECRET GARDENJuly 27, 2011Unlock the magic behind The Secret Garden,opening July 22 at STAGES ST. LOUIS.The Secret Garden continues through August 21 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood.