|
Theater News
For news about Broadway & productions around the country, and the world, visit: www.Broadwayworld.com
To access the official database for Broadway theater information, click here.
To access Playbill's website, click here.
To access the Arts Journal, click here.
To access Theater News Online, click here.
To access Musicals-Dot-Net, click here
To learn what's playing in London, click here
Backstage Buzz -- as heard on WPKN 89.5/88.7 FM
-- Listen to recorded interviews with people involved in the theater and allied arts.
NEXT UP: An interview with Joel Vig - Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Click here to learn more about the show
Click here for: Backstage buzz
Julie Andrews to Direct "The Great American Mousical" for Goodspeed
This fall a new musical about musical-making mice rehearsing a new show will debut at the Norma Terris Theatre under the direction of Julie Andrews, who with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, wrote the children's book upon which the musical is based.
When the theater beneath which the mice are rehearsing is threatened by denolition and their diva Adelaide disappears, it takes all paws on deck to make sure that the show will go on. Filled with singing and dancing (Zina Goldrich, music, and Marcy Heisler, lyrics), and show biz lore, "...Mousical" is a delightful tribute to musical comedy.
The musical will run from Nov. 8 to Dec. 2, 2012. For tickets or more informationcall 860.873-8668 or go to www.goodspeed.org.
Live Radio Dramas -- "Radio Oddities" -- at the Quick Center
On Friday, Jan. 20, and Saturday, Jan. 21, an ensemble of talented actors will present a recreation of 1940s radio performances covering a range of material from comedic to haunting, complete with melodramatic music, overblown live sound effects and vintage commercials.
The program includes "The Undecided Molecule," a crazy courtroom drama performed entriely in rhymed meter that originally starred. amomng others, Vincent Price and Groucho Marx.
For tickets or more information call 203-254-4010 or go to www.quickcenter.com
Broad Brook Opera House
"Chicago: The Musical" Hits Town Feb. 10
Cast members of "Chicago" in rehearsal
The Opera House Players will present "Chicago: The Musical" from Feb. 10 through Feb. 26
Come see two death-row dollies fight for fame and fortunes, and the legal attention of Billy Flynn.
Tickets: 860-292-6068 or go to www.operahouseplayers.org
Playhouse on Park
"The Mystery of Irma Vep" is Solved at the Playhouse
Rich Hollman, above, will star with Sean Harris in "Irma Vep"
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 18 and running through Jan.29, Playhouse on park will present to comic romp, "The Mustery of Irma Vep." Named one of the best plays of 1984, this trubute to classic horror and suspense films features a cast of two who, in a quick-change marathon, portray all qight characters, including a vampire, a werewolf and a damsel in distress.
For tickets call 860-523-5900 X10 or go to www.PlayhouseOnPark.org
Long Wharf Theatre
"My Name is Asher Lev" Concludes 2011-12 Season
Long Wharf Theatre will present "MY Name is Asher Lev," by Aaron Posner, adapted from Chaim Potok's 1972 novel, as its final offering for the 2011-12 season.
"Sophie's Choice" was originaly scheduled for the final slot of the season, but after 18 months of workshops the production of this world premiere has been put off.
The replacement "is about the coming of age of an artist whose God-given gift is in conflict with his strict religious upbringing," said Gordon Edlestei, Long Wharf's creative director. "The play asks timneless questions about community, God, family and artistic talent."
For tickets call 203-787-4282 or go to www.longwharf.org
Yale Repertory Theatre
World Premiere of "Good Goods"
On Friday, Feb. 3, The Yale Rep will present the world premiere of "Good Goods," by Christina Anderson and directed by Tina Landau.
Amidst the cluttered shelves of a family-owned general store in a small black town that doesn;t appear on any map, four lost sould reunite. Partnerships dissolve, alliances shift and romances ignite as a tragic accident unleashes the towns mysterious histiry. Blurring the line between body and spirit, "Good Goods" is an otherworldly love story of the (dis)possessed.
For tickets call 203-432-1234 or go to www.yalerep.org.
Long Wharf Theatre
"February House" Debuts Feb. 15
The world premiere of "February House," a new musical by Gabriel Kahane, will occur on Long Wharf's Stage II on Wednesday, Feb. 15 and wil run through March 18
The musical is about George Davis, who in an attempt to create his own Utopia in a small house in Brooklyn Heights circa 1940, brings together an eclectic array of luminaries -- W.H. Auden, Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten and Gypsy Rose Lee.
"It's a kind of romp," said creative director Gordon Edelstein. "This musical is about breaking out. It is a celebration of eccentricity, artistry and a kind of failed utopian dream."
For more information call 203-787-4282 or go to www.longwharf.org
Windham Theatre Guild
Join the Guild's Broadway Chorus
The Windham Theatre Guild's Broadway Chorus has begun rehearsals, but it's not too late for newcomers to join.
This year's program, which will be presented at the Burton Leavit Theatre in Willimantic on April 27 and 28, will inlcude music from "The Pajama Game," "Chicago," "Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and "Footloose!" Anyone who enjoys Broadway music is welcome to join -- there are no try-outs, you just need to be at least 15 years old.
For more information call 860-423-2245 or go to www.windhamtheatreguild.org.
The Palace -- Waterbury
"Sound-of-Music" Sing-Along
The Palace Theater will come alive with the "Sounf of Music" when the performing arts center presents the interactive film presentations, "Sing-A-Long Sound of Music" on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
This unique screening of the classic Julie Andrews film will include subtitltes so the audience can sing along. The show starts with a vocal warm-up led by the evening's host, who take sthe audience members through their complementary "magic moments pack," which contains various [props to be used at strategic points in the film. There will also be a fancy-dress competition involving those who attend in costume (say, as nuns, girls in white dresses with blue stain sashes, lonely goatherds, etc.).
For tickest call 203-346-2000 or go to www.palacetheaterct.org
CT Cabaret Theatre
Theatre's Youth Comapny to Stage "13" -- Two Performances Only
On Sunday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre will preesent the musical "13," with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown (Tony award wsinner) and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn.
Under the guidance of director Matthew Collin Marrero, some of the brightest young talent in Connecticut will yell the storu of Evan Goldman, uprooted from New York and plopped down in a small toen in Indiana, where he must survive the agony of being the new kid in a very small town. This high-energy musical, with a memorable rock score, is about discovering that "cool" is where you find it -- and sometimes where you least expect it.
For tickets call 860-829-1248
Hartford Children's Theatre Wins Four 2011 BroadwayWorld.com Connecticut Theatre Awards
The Children's Theatre was the recent recipient of four awards -- Best Community Theatre; Best Musical for "Pinkalicious; Best Actress -- Tori Mooney in "Pinkalicious;and Best Actress Under 25 -- Hollis Long ("Annie" & "Willy Wonka") - bestowed by BroadwayWorld.com. after voting by its readers.
Hartford Children's Theatre is Connecticut's leading provider of theatrical training and quality entertainment for children and families. You cna learn more by going to www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.
The Palace
"Shrek the Musical" Comes to Waterbury for Three Performances - Feb 10 & 11
Can a swamp-dwelling ogre and a feisty princess find true happiness? Of course, if the ogre is Shrek.
Based on William Steig's book and the DreamWorks movie, "Shrek the Musical" captures all of the delightful twisting of fairy-tale standards that demand a princess be rescued by a 'hero" and that a side-kick should keep his mouth shut and just do what he's told.
Featuring an original score of 19 songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, "Shrek: The Musical" is delightful family fun.
Tickets: 203-346-2000 or go to www.palacetheaterct.org
Quick Center for the Arts
The Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company -- Sunday, Jan. 22
Brilliant colors, spectacular use of movement and pure inventiveness aptly decsribe the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company, which will appear at the Quick Center on Sunday, Jan.22, at 1 p.m.. This is a thater experience that transecnds the bariers of culture, age, language and...gravity, complete with pneumatic suits of all shapoes and sizes, dexterous juggling, dance, hilarious visual comendy and...art. In a review, the Hong Kong Standard commented that the troupe was "some of the funniest and cleverest exponents of mime, juggling, acrobatics and inflatables...in theatre today."
Tickets: 203-254-4010, or go to www.quickcenter.com.
Theatre Artists Workshop
Workshop Plans a Dynamic Season of Classic Plays
In February (10 & 11), TAW will present Eric Bentley's retelling of the Red Scare's impact on Hollywood in "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been," then in March (9 & 10), the mood turns lighter as TAW presents Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit." Finally, in April (13 & 14), TAW focuses on frustrated artistic aspirations and thwarted love with Chekhov's "The Seagull." (You might want to take in the Yale Drama Schhol's production of the same play in January [see below] and then see a different take of the classic at TAW -- good grist for some post-play cocktail conversations.
All performances take place in Norwalk at 5 Gregory Place. No admission charge but donations are appreciated. No reservations -- so come early. More info at www.taworkshop.org.
Yale School of Drama
"The Seagull" -- Jan 24 - 28
Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull" will be on the boards Jan. 24 - 28 at the Drama School's University Theatre (222 York St.), directed by Alexandru Mihail. This study of artistic frustration, familial tensions and thwarted love can be seen by going to drama.yale.edu or caslling the box office at 203-432-1234.
TheatreWorks New Milford
TWKids Winter Program Begins Jan .28
TheatreWorks TWKids Program begins its winter progam on Saturday, Jan. 28, culminating with a performance in March. Workshop includes a 90-minute skills class once a week after school and Saturday morning rehearsals.
This year's program is "Broadway Bedlam," which allows for those who have dreamed of playing a role but aren't the 'type' to give it a whirl -- you're agirl but want to play "Les Miserables" Jean Va; Jean -- give it a whirl; you're a blue-eyed blonde but always wanted to play Anita in "Werst Side Story"? Why not? The program seeks to break all the Broadway rules.
Specially designed for children in grades 2 - 8, the program focuses on the craft of acting plus lessons on how to mount a production, vocal skills and basic choreography. Tuition is $350 - registration and further info is available online at http://theatreworks.us/kids.php, or by calling 860-350-6863. Enrollment is limited.
Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
Fairfield University
PHILADANCO! -- The Philadelphia Dance Comapny
Celebrated for its innovation, creativity and preservation of predominantly African-American dance traditions, PHILADANCO will perform at the Quick Center on Jan. 20, 2012.
Superlative technique and an exciting repertoire are hallmarks of this dance group, as will be evident in the program scheduled for the Quick Center, which includes many audience favorites, including "Cottonwool," "Enemy Behind the Gates" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."
For tickets, call 203-254-4010 or go to www.quickcenter.com
Long Wharf Theatre
MACBETH 1969 will open Jan. 18
Barret O'Brien plays Soldier Number 2 in Long Wharf's production
of "Macbeth 1969"
Shakespeare gets a modern spin with this reworking of his classic tale of unbridled ambition. Associate artistic director Eric Ting has reinvisioned the "Scottish" play as a commentary on the trauma of war and the ubiquitous nature of conflict in the 20th and early 21st centuries.
As explained in the press release, "Ting believed that there was an opportunity to use Shakespeare's timeless story to explore the horrors of combat by focuasing on the challenges two brothers-in-arms -- Macbeth and Banquo -- face as they recover from the (Vietnam) war and endeavor to return to the lives they left for it."
For tickets, call 203-787-4282 or go to www.longwharf.org
Little Theatre of Manchester -- 2012 Season
There are play and movies in the 2012 schedule. The theater will be producing Neil Simon's "Laughter on the 23rd Floor," which opens on Feb. 17, as well as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Vagina Monologues," the "LTM Music Revue" and "1776!"
In addition, in conjunction with the "Laughter" production there wil be a "talk" with Jacques Lamarre about comedy writing on Jan. 11 and the movie "King of Comedy," starring Robert DiNero, will be screened on Jan. 21.
For tickets and more information call 860-647-9824.
Downtown Cabaret Theatre -- Bridgeport
A Kid Classic -- "Pinkalicious -- The Musical" runs from Jan. 15 to Feb. 19
Oh pity poor Pinkalicious, who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Excessive 'pink' consumption lands her in the doctor's office, since she is sufferng from "Pinkititis," a disease that turns people PINK! But you can take PINK too far, as Pinkalicious finally realizes. What will she do to get back to her healthy, human, rosy hue? 'Tis a puzzlement.
Box office -- 203-576-1636, or go online to www.dtcab.com
The Suffield Players -- Winter Production
The Suffield Players have selected "Criminal Hearts," a zany comedy by Jane Martin, for its winter production, It's a story of con men, divorce, revenge, grand larceny and love left too long on the vine to die...and yet...?
For tickets call 800-289-6148, or 860-668-0837, or go to www.sufffieldplayers.org
|
