Gretchen Law

Sunday Morning Michael Dale: Billy Crystal, Mr. Saturday Night and The Tricky Business of When (and when not) To Be Funny

When portraying a comedian in a play, sometimes getting the laugh is not the point.

Arena Stage's TURN ME LOOSE Extends Through October 21

The D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, will receive an additional six performances during its run at Arena Stage. Under the direction of John Gould Rubin, Turn Me Loose now plays through October 21, 2018 in the Kreeger Theater.

Review Roundup: Critics Weigh In On TURN ME LOOSE at Arena Stage

Arena Stage's D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital recently celebrated opening night.

Photo Flash: TURN ME LOOSE Celebrates Opening Night at Arena Stage

Arena Stage's D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital recently celebrated opening night. Check out the photos below!

BWW Review: TURN ME LOOSE at Arena Stage

The late great comic genius/activist Dick Gregory was a trailblazer for so many reasons. He told it like it was and didn't care what you thought.

Photo Flash: Arena Stage Presents TURN ME LOOSE

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces the D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital. Turn Me Loose chronicles Gregory's rise as the first Black comedian to expose audiences to racial comedy; in confronting bigotry head-on with biting humor and charm, Gregory turned activism into an art form. "Scorchingly funny and brilliant" (The New York Times), Turn Me Loose, directed by John Gould Rubin, runs September 6-October 14, 2018 in the Kreeger Theater.

John Carlin Joins Cast of Arena Stage's TURN ME LOOSE

Arena Stage announces the D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital.

VIDEO: Get A First Look At TURN ME LOOSE At Arena Stage

Arena Stage announces the D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital.

Photo Flash: Arena Stage Previews Its Upcoming Season!

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie announce the 2018/19 season lineup for the company's 69th season. The season reflects Arena Stage's commitment to championing diverse voices and producing work that is politically and socially relevant.

Photo Flash: TURN ME LOOSE Begins Rehearsals at Arena Stage

Arena Stage presents the D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital.

John Carlin Joins Cast of Arena Stage's TURN ME LOOSE

Arena Stage announces the D.C.-area premiere of Turn Me Loose, Gretchen Law's intimate, no-holds-barred drama about the extraordinary and explosive life of Dick Gregory, who spent his later years in the nation's capital.

Arena Stage 2018/19 Season Single Tickets On Sale

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces single tickets on sale July 31, 2018 for the full 2018/19 season.

Arena Stage Announces Additional Season Casting; Edward Gero, Edwin Lee Gibson, and More

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces artistic updates, including select cast members for upcoming productions, as part of the company's 2018/19 programming.

INDECENT, JUNK, and More Headed for DC in Arena Stage's 2018/19 Season

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Director Edgar Dobie announce the 2018/19 season lineup for the company's 69th season. The season reflects Arena Stage's commitment to championing diverse voices and producing work that is politically and socially relevant.

Review: Joe Morton Embodies Comedian and Activist Dick Gregory in TURN ME LOOSE

TURN ME LOOSE explores the influential life of 1960s comic genius Dick Gregory, the first Black stand-up to make white audiences laugh at the absurdity of bigotry. The play reveals how the power of activism enticed Gregory from one of the most successful show business careers of the postwar era into a life of sacrifice and danger alongside Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers and other Civil Rights leaders. And I can tell you, when Joe Morton describes the tragic murder of Evans, his anger and tears seem to flow from his soul.

TURN ME LOOSE, Starring Joe Morton, Extends at The Wallis

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis) announces the second extension of the West Coast premiere of the Off-Broadway hit Turn Me Loose - a comedic drama by Gretchen Law, produced by John Legend and Mike Jackson, about the life of trailblazing comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory who passed away in August at the age of 84. The first performance of the limited engagement begins tonight and now runs Thursdays through Sundays until November 19.

The Wallis Announces 2017-18 Season; L.A. Dance Project Becomes Company-In-Residence

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis) announced today the 2017/18 season, which features 250 performances delivering groundbreaking produced and presented works in dance, music and theater from locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists and companies.

BWW Interview: Joe Morton Talks SCANDAL's Papa Pope, Bringing TURN ME LOOSE to Broadway

There are very few characters on television as terrifying as SCANDAL's Eli Pope. The former (or is he?) head of the classified, covert government organization B613 has been the series' most dangerous and destructive force since Season 2, and with tonight's highly anticipated Season 6 premiere just hours away, Papa Pope's portrayer Tony-nominee and Emmy-winner Joe Morton is happy that the show is finally back.

THEATER TALK to Air Tony Awards Wrap-Up This Weekend

An all-new THEATER TALK features its annual TONY Wrap-Up, with journalists Jesse Green (New York Magazine), Michael Musto (Out.com) and Patrick Pacheco (Los Angeles Times); an AndrewAndrew report from the TONY Red Carpet; and a discussion about Turn Me Loose: A Play About Comic Genius Dick Gregory, now Off-Broadway.

BWW Review: Joe Morton Spectacular as Dick Gregory in Gretchen Law's Dynamic TURN ME LOOSE

The actor convincingly recreates the finesse, the sublimated anger and the stinging wit of the comedy trailblazer and civil rights activist.