Interview: John Douglas Thompson On Providing a More Thorough Perspective of William Jennings Bryan in INHERIT THE WIND
by Gil Kaan
- November 24, 2023
A re-imagined production of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s Inherit the Wind is currently playing on the Pasadena Playhouse stage, just extended through December 3, 2023. Michael Michetti directs the cast, led by Alfred Molina & John Douglas Thompson as the battling lawyers in a trial inspired by the Scopes Monkey trials in 1925. Rounding out the talented company: Chris Perfetti, Abubakr Al, David Aaron Baker, Rachel Hilson, Jared, Brian Calì, Marlene Forte, Matt Gomez Hidaka, Thomas Hobson, Michael Kostroff, John W. Lawson, Philip J. Lewis, Gabriella Pizzigoni, Rene Rivera and Pam Trotter. After the whirlwind of opening night and unexpected COVID cancellations, John Douglas graciously found some time to chat with me on the phone.
Carnegie Hall to Present The Sphinx Virtuosi, Part Of GENERATIONS U.S. Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- September 11, 2023
On Friday, October 20, 2023 at 7:00pm in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall will present the Sphinx Virtuosi, a groundbreaking self-conducted string orchestra of 18 exceptional Black and Latinx artists and the premier touring ensemble of the Sphinx Organization.
1st Stage Announces New Commission Of Solo Work From Brilliant Playwrights And Creators
by A.A. Cristi
- September 24, 2020
During this uncertain time for the nation and the arts community, 1st Stage remains committed to creating diverse, modern work by leading playwrights and performers. Despite the prolonged theatre closure necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company delights in bringing you the same quality of beautiful, emotional, relatable stories that you could have otherwise seen on our stage.
KAFKA'S METAMORPHOSIS: THE MUSICAL to Have Concert Reading at Feinstein's/54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- February 14, 2020
Kafka's Metamorphosis: The Musical!, the surprise hit of fringe festivals in Montreal and Washington D.C, and last seen as a standout reading at the 2019 New York Musical Festival (NYMF), will have a special one night only concert reading on Friday, March 6th at 9:30PM at Feinstein's / 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, Cellar. The production features book, music and lyrics by Matt Chiorini, additional music and lyrics by Travis Newton, and Vocal Arrangements/Orchestrations by Travis Newton. www.kafkamusical.com.
NYYS Jazz And Saxophonist Steve Wilson Celebrates Charlie Parker At Jazz At Lincoln Center
by A.A. Cristi
- February 12, 2020
The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) continues its 2019-2020 season with a performance by the 17-member NYYS Jazz ensemble on Monday, March 9, 2020 in two sets at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, at Dizzy's Club, Jazz at Lincoln Center, led by Director Andy Clausen. Titled Celebrating Charlie Parker @ 100, and featuring saxophonist Steve Wilson, the performances pay homage to Charlie Parker's centennial, musical legacy, and bebop innovations with selections by Parker, Wilson, Bennie Moten, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, and more. NYYS Jazz will also give the world premiere of the NYYS First Music commission In the Shadow of Tall Giants by Devin Reilly.
Syracuse Stage Celebrates The Holidays With Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
by A.A. Cristi
- November 14, 2019
Syracuse Stage rings in the holiday season with the family musical a?oeDisney's Beauty and the Beast,a?? directed by Donna Drake and choreographed by Anthony Salatino with musical direction by Brian Cimmet. Preview performances begin Nov. 22. Opening night is Nov. 29, with performances scheduled through Jan. 5. Excellent seats remain for many performances and are available through the Box Office (315-443-3275) and at www.SyracuseStage.org.
New York Youth Symphony Announces Its 57th Season Of Concerts And Venues
by A.A. Cristi
- August 01, 2019
New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), is proud to continue its mission of educating and inspiring young musicians through its Orchestra, Jazz, Chamber Music, Composition, Musical Theater Composition, Apprenticeship Conducting, and First Music commissioning programs. This season includes seven world premieres of new works commissioned through the First Music program, composed for the Orchestra, Jazz, and Chamber Music ensembles. The season also features renowned and up-and-coming soloists including prodigy pianist Harmony Zhu, 2019 Sphinx Competition winner cellist Sterling Elliott, and leading young pianist Michelle Cann in the Carnegie Hall premiere of Florence Price's recently re-discovered Piano Concerto in One Movement with NYYS Orchestra, as well as in-demand drummer Matt Wilson, celebrated saxophonist Steve Wilson, and trombone virtuoso Wycliffe Gordon with NYYS Jazz. The complete NYYS 2019-2020 concert calendar follows at the end of this press release.
Shakespeare Theatre Co Announces Casting For Adaptation VANITY FAIR
by Julie Musbach
- January 15, 2019
Following the success of her Sense and Sensibility at the Folger Theatre in 2016, Wall Street Journal's Playwright of the Year 2017 Kate Hamill, returns to D.C. with her adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray's classic novel Vanity Fair. Hamill's vibrant and colorful tale about society's foibles is a co-production with San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater. Directed by Jessica Stone and featuring Rebekah Brockman as Becky Sharp, the production will run at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street, NW) from February 26 through March 31, 2019.