Paul Olson

Judith Clurman to Conduct Essential Voices USA in Sing-Along Of Handel's Messiah

The public is invited to join in a Sing-Along of Handel's Messiah in April at Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights. Learn more about the event!

Tickets On Sale Now For DON'T HUG ME I'M PREGNANT

Tickets are now on sale for the hilarious musical comedy "Don't Hug Me, I'm Pregnant," book and lyrics by Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson, presented by the Hill Country Community Theatre.

Hill Country Community Theatre Presents DON'T HUG ME I'M PREGNANT

The Hill Country Community Theatre brings a bundle of joy into the world with the first show of its 2018-19 season - the hilarious musical comedy "Don't Hug Me, I'm Pregnant," book and lyrics by Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson, opening on September 20 and running through October 7.

Mark Your Calendars For DON'T HUG ME, I'M PREGNANT at HCCT

The folks from Bunyon Bay, Minnesota are back!  Clara is 8½ months pregnant with their first child, and today she's looking forward to her baby shower, getting lots of presents, and taking a break from her raging hormones. Suddenly, a freak snow storm, a 'tsnownami,' hits Bunyan Bay. All roads are closed. No one can get in or leave. Gunner's worst nightmare comes true when Clara goes into labor and he realizes he's going to have to deliver the baby in the bar.

BWW Interview: Director Doug Engalla Talks RUMORS at Group Rep

A native of San Francisco, Doug Engalla first joined The Group Rep in 1997 as an Actor; while directing projects outside of the Company. In 2007, Doug's first full-length play as Director at the Group Rep was Arsenic and Old Lace, with Rumors being his seventh production as Director there. Other directorial projects included Harvey, A Nice Family Gathering, A Nice Family Christmas, Bless Me, Father (by late Playwright and Group Rep member, Craig Alpaugh); and four World Premieres in the Don't Hug Me musical comedy series by Phil Olson and Paul Olson. When did you first get interested in doing theatre or working on the stage?

BWW Review: DON'T HUG ME, WE'RE FAMILY Has World Premiere in North Hollywood

The small house at T.U. Studios quickly filled as 8 p.m. ticked closer. The set was reminiscent of a small-town restaurant and bar set in the Midwest: Minnesota Viking banners adorned the walls and bar, a mounted deer head peered over the coat rack, and beer propaganda took up all other open spaces. A small table with a few chairs set center stage, and a bowl of mini pretzels sat on top of the table. It felt homey, warm and strangely inviting.

BWW Interview: Playwright Phil Olson Discusses New DON'T HUG ME Musical

Playwright Phil Olson is best known for his popular, hilarious DON'T HUG ME musical plays written with brother Paul Olson, that are crowd favorites wherever they are performed.  His comedy, A NICE FAMILY GATHERING, played at Group Rep Lonny Chapman Theatre in 2016, has been nominated for an NAACP LA Local Award for Best Ensemble.   Phil shares with us some details about his life as a writer and how "Don't Hug Me, We're Family" came about.

Hill Country Community Theatre Presents A DON'T HUG ME CHRISTMAS CAROL

A familiar cast of characters returns to the Hill Country Community Theatre. After last year's smash hit show, Don't Hug Me, the inhabitants of Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, will appear once more in the sequel, A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol, book and lyrics by playwright Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson.

DON'T HUG ME Characters Return for Christmas at the Hill Country Community Theatre

A familiar cast of characters returns to the Hill Country Community Theatre. After last year's smash hit show, Don't Hug Me , the inhabitants of Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, will appear once more in the sequel, A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol , book and lyrics by playwright Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson.

39 STEPS, STATE FAIR, THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR and More Set for HCCT's 2017-18 Season

Hill Country Community Theatre announces its 2017-18 season. Featuring five productions, the season includes the new musical comedy 'Senior Moments', a holiday musical 'A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol', the thriller/comedy '39 Steps', the comedy 'The Red Velvet Cake War', and Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical 'State Fair'. This marks HCCT's 32nd year.

Hill Country Community Theatre Announces 2017-18 Season

- Hill Country Community Theatre announces its 2017-18 season.  Featuring five productions, the season includes the new musical comedy "Senior Moments", a holiday musical "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol", the thriller/comedy "39 Steps", the comedy "The Red Velvet Cake War", and Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "State Fair".  This marks HCCT's 32nd year.  

UG! COMEDY SHOW!! Now at Exile Above 2A

Todd Montesi & Richard James present awesome comics in front of a cool supportive crowd in the epicenter of hip NYC the East Village. Featuring both established comic veterans you've seen on TV to the up and comers, UG! guarantees a swell time all for FREE! We've also got tons of drink specials! So what are you waiting for? Come down and UG! it with us!!!

UG! COMEDY SHOW!! Now at Exile Above 2A

Todd Montesi & Richard James present awesome comics in front of a cool supportive crowd in the epicenter of hip NYC the East Village.

Hill Country Community Theatre Presents the Musical Comedy DON'T HUG ME

HCCT opens its 2016-17 season with the hilarious musical comedy Don't Hug Me, book and lyrics by Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson.

CCT Opens 2016-17 Season in September With Hilarious Musical Comedy Don't Hug Me

HCCT opens its 2016-17 season in September with the hilarious musical comedy Don't Hug Me, (a love story with singin' and stuff) book and lyrics by Phil Olson, music by Paul Olson.

Cast Announced for DON't HUG ME at Hill Country Community Theater

The Hill Country Community Theatre and executive director Mike Rademaekers announce casting for the hilarious musical comedy Don't Hug Me.  Don't Hug Me is a love story (with singin' and stuff) set in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota, in a little bar called The Bunyan, owned by Clara and Gunner Johnson.

BWW Blog: Randa Meierhenry - Oh for Cryin' in the Sink!: A Quick Look at Prairie Repertory Theatre's DON'T HUG ME

A chilling start to their 46th season, Prairie Repertory Theatre opened their first show last week: Don't Hug Me. Despite the ninety plus degree weather outside, the cast bundled up, sang their hearts out, and left audiences rolling in the aisles.

Hill Country Community Theatre Announces Shows for 2016-17!

Hill Country Community Theatre is pleased to announce its 2016-17 season.  Featuring five productions, the season includes the musical comedy Don't Hug Me, the comedy 'Til Beth Do Us Part, the drama Rabbit Hole, the suspense thriller Murder Weapon, and the popular  9 to 5: The Musical.  This marks HCCT's 31st year as a destination for exhilarating performances and entertaining theatrical experiences.

UG! COMEDY SHOW!! Continues Tomorrow

Todd Montesi and Pat Rigby present awesome comics in front of a cool supportive crowd in the epicenter of hip NYC the East Village. Featuring both established comic veterans you've seen on TV to the up and comers, UG! guarantees a swell time all for FREE! We've also got tons of drink specials! So what are you waiting for? Come down and UG! it with us!!!

Avenue of the Arts Hotel Costa Mesa Officially Joins Tribute Portfolio Brand, Unveils New Renovation

"We are so proud to have worked with the hotel's ownership team to give SPG members and guests the ability to 'Stay Independent' in Orange County," said Dave Marr, Global Brand Leader for Tribute Portfolio. "We know the newly renovated Avenue of the Arts Hotel Costa Mesa will deliver a truly unforgettable California experience, from its locally-inspired design to the distinct touches that make it a true indie experience."