I started this blog with one daughter, kept it up with the other, to spend time together doing something we enjoyed.
However, things change and people evolve. My daughters are older, busier, and not as interested in writing.
From now on this blog will be mostly mom with occasional contributions from my daughters and maybe even my husband.
Nothing else will change. We'll still focus on sharing fun places to go, fun things to do, and more, and we would  still love to hear your views too

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Sunday Scoop Week of 8/2/15 - What's Happening This Week or Coming Up Soon

Rock of Ages the Musical 
The Strand Theater
400 Clifton Avenue
Lakewood, NJ
August 2 at 2:00 PM
August 6 at 7:00 PM
August 7 at 8:00 PM
August 8 at 8:00 PM

For more information or to order tickets go to  http://www.strand.org/

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 Remaining Camps this Summer at TADA! Youth Theater
15 W. 28th Street
New York, New York
AGES 4-5 
August 3-14                                            Silly Beans & Sweet Dreams

AGES 6-8
August  17-21                                           You Can't Stop the Beat
August 24-28                                            Fashion Freakout
August 31- September 4                          Time Machine Madness

AGES 9-14
August 10 -14                                          Woods Are Just Trees
August 17-21                                            Perfectly Pitched
August  24- 28                                          Runway Ready
August 31- September 4                         Warp Speed

For more information or to sign your child up go to http://www.tadatheater.com/summercamps.asp
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 Dan Baker Appearance at the Riversharks
401 N Delaware Avenue
Camden, NJ 
The voice of the Phillies will make a trip across the Delaware River for a night, as Dan Baker will do all of the public address announcing for the Camden Riversharks game on Friday, August 14th at 7:05pm.
Baker will participate in an exclusive meet-and-greet prior to the game from 5:30-6:00pm in the Diamond Café. Fans will have the opportunity to take one (1) picture with Baker or may bring one (1) piece of memorabilia of their choosing to be autographed. Baker will also have his World Series Rings on display during the meet-and-greet.

Tickets to the meet-and-greet are just $30 each and include a ticket to the game, access to the event in the Diamond Café, and a 90-minute buffet from 6:30-8:00pm. The buffet menu includes Dietz & Watson hot dogs, pulled chicken, boneless buffalo wings, popcorn, pasta salad, cookies, soda, water, and more.

For more information on the meet-and-greet or to purchase your tickets, contact Jason Tremblay at 856.831.0431 or jtremblay@riversharks.com

CLICK HERE for more information and to order tickets using the group code "danbaker".
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Upcoming at iPlay America
110 Schank Road
Freehold, NJ

Hollywood Ending  in one of their Final Appearances

August 15

Tickets Free 

For more information or to order tickets go to  http://www.iplayamerica.com/special-event/hollywood-ending-0
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August Events at Franklin Square
200 N. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA


August 15, 7 - 11 pm – Saturday Night at The Movies – Bring a blanket and watch a movie on the Great Lawn. Games and pre-show activities start at 7, movie begins at 9 pm.

August 20, 4 - 10 pm – SummerFestivus – Enjoy some of Philly’s finest food trucks, activities, and a summer beer garden presented by Barren Hill Brewery. Admission is free, with food and beverage available for purchase from participating vendors. 
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Standing Room Only Tickets on sale for Mets vs. Yankees
Citi Field
126th St and Roosevelt Avenue
Flushing, NY

Saturday, September 19 game vs. the Yankees (1:05 p.m. start)

The Mets have placed Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets on sale.
 
Tickets available at Mets.com/Tickets and by phone at (718) 507-TIXX.  
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KIDZSIGNMENTS FALL CHILDREN'S CONSIGMENT SALE 
Flemington, NJ

Kidzsignments Fall sale for Flemington, NJ has been announced for October 1- 3

For more information about Kidszsignments go to http://www.kidzsignments.com/

More information about the upcoming sale will follow shortly.
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 York Theater Kickstarter Fundraising Drive
619 Lexington Avenue (E 54th Street)
Lower level of St. Peter's Church
New York, New York

The York Theater Company is currently engaged in a Kickstarter fundraising drive for their upcoming World Premiere prodution of Bock and Harnick's Rothschild & SonsRothschild & Sons is an intimate re-imagining of their Tony Award winning The Rothschilds, and starring Tony-nominee Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll & Hyde) as Mayer Rothschild the show will be presented:

October 6 - November 1, 2015

For more information about the show or to order tickets go to https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/948165 

To make a donation go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/994450242/rothschild-and-sons
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News from Waldmania PR

Childrens Performers Upcoming Touring Schedules:

 Andrew & Polly - 

August 6 - UCLA Family Show & Picnic - Los Angeles, CA

For more information go HERE.

Josh & the Jamtones -

Aug. 6 - Baker Park Bandshell - Frederick, MD

Aug. 8 - Beach Movie Night, Neptune Blvd. Beach - Long Beach, NY

Aug. 12 - Summer in the City - Cambridge, MA

Aug. 13 - Boarding House Park - Lowell, MA

Aug. 15/16 - The Bronx Zoo - New York, NY

Aug. 23 - Evelyn Rubenstein JCC - Houston, TX


For more information go HERE.


Mil's Trills -

August 6 - Wolf Trap Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods - Vienna, VA

August 7 - Wolf Trap Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods - Vienna, VA

August 21 - Gerritsen Beach Public Library - Brooklyn, NY
September 3 - Albee Square - Brooklyn, NY For more information go to HERE.********************************************************************************************************
 News from Michelle Tabnick Communications

South Street Seaport Museum
Announces Cancellation of

DOCK ROCKS - Party on the Piers

on Tuesday August 4, 2015

due to unforeseen logistical problems at the site
**
SATELLITE COLLECTIVE presents

Seven World Premiere Interdisciplinary Works

at BAM FISHER
September 3-5, 2015

Satellite Collective presents cutting edge, interdisciplinary works at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, NY, from September 3-5, 2015 at 8pm. Tickets are $25-$35 ($10 students) and are available at http://www.bam.org/satellitecollective, by phone at 718-636-4100, or in person at the BAM box office. Tickets will be on sale beginning July 25, 2015.
**
  Manhattan Youth Ballet Announces
Fall Auditions

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Manhattan Youth Ballet will hold Fall Auditions on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.  Audition class schedule is Ages 7-9: 4:00-4:45pm, Ages 10-12: 4:45-6:00pm, and Ages 13 & up: 6:00-7:30pm. Dancers should arrive 30 minutes prior to their audition class.  Registration opens at 3:15pm. Audition fees are $30 pre-registration and $35 on day of registration. Pre registration forms are available at www.manhattanyouthballet.org. Dancers must bring a headshot and first arabesque photo. 

About Manhattan Youth Ballet
Modeled with an emphasis on European classical ballet, Manhattan Youth Ballet (MYB) offers world-class training in a nurturing environment focused on discipline, precision and artistry.  MYB is the culmination of Ms. Rose Caiola's effort for the past seventeen years to create a viable, curriculum-based ballet academy in Manhattan in order to serve the needs of the multifaceted community.  Principal members of the diverse faculty have danced for the Kirov Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and more. The faculty strives to bring out the individual potential of each student with an emphasis on artistry as well as technique to create truly versatile dancers for the current dance world. Manhattan Youth Ballet has acquired a reputation for excellent teaching in an intimate and individually supportive environment. The school's graduates have danced professionally with American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater, Ballet de España, San Francisco Ballet and Complexions


For more information, visit www.manhattanyouthballet.org.
**
EPIC SPORTS
 
FALL SCHEDULE
at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
September 8, 2015 - November 30, 2015
EPIC SPORTS announces the Fall Schedule for Sports Programs beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (MMAC), 248 W. 60th Street, NYC. Classes will be offered after school Monday through Friday from 3-8 pm for young athletes in grades 1-8. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.epicsports.org/, email: info@epicsports.org or call 646-385-8495. 

EPIC SPORTS FALL SCHEDULE '15

Fundamentals First Training:
Grades 1 - 4
Beginner Level
10 Monday Session @ $55 per = $550
11 Tuesday - Thursday Session @ $55 per = $605
This is an introductory class for players who are new to the game of basketball. This class focuses on the (5) fundamentals of EPIC Sports: Footwork, Shooting, Dribbling, Passing and Catching. Athletes will receive instruction in the form of skills & drills and games incorporating skills and competitions.

Basketball 101:
Grades 4 - 8
Intermediate Level
10 Monday Session @ $55 per = $550
11 Tuesday - Thursday Session @ $55 per = $605
This is an intermediate class for players who show proficiency in the (5) fundamentals. This class focuses on skills that will help players with overall team development and will set a foundation for what the players will encounter during a typical basketball season. Players will develop a sense of teamwork amongst their peers through communication and exhibiting sportsmanship. Players will learn how to move on the court when the ball is not in their possession, and will also learn defensive concepts.

H.I.T: (High Intensity Training)
Grades 4 -12
Intermediate/Advanced Level
10 Monday Session @ $65 per = $650

11 Tuesday - Thursday Session @ $65 per = $715
This is an Intermediate to advanced class that focuses on developing and increasing each player's ability in the following areas, speed and agility, stamina and endurance, strength and conditioning. Our high intensity full body workout will be sure to develop all the right physical attributes to contribute to a stronger more complete basketball player.

1 on 1 and Group Sessions Time Schedule. (All sessions are 1hr in length)
Fridays - (2) Spots per hr. - 3:30pm - 4:30pm; 4:30pm - 5:30pm; 8:00pm - 9:00pm

1 on 1 Training
Grades 3 - 12
1 session - $115
5 Pack @ $100 per session = $500
10 Pack @ $90 per session = $900

2/3 Group Sessions
Grades 3 - 12
1 Session - $85 per child
5 Pack $75 per child
10 Pack $70 per child

About EPIC SPORTS
 Fun and equal opportunity for all is the very essence of youth sports. Participating in youth sports builds confidence, character, integrity, and core values that transcend any field of play and life as a whole. Welcoming children from across the city whose backgrounds are as distinct as their talents, the goal at EPIC is to build a diverse community of student athletes who are accountable, discipline, selfless and respectful, not only to their chosen sport but their world at large. Focusing on physical, mental and technical instruction, EPIC's experienced and qualified instructors seek to expand the skills of young athletes through fundamental skill and team building. From small groups to private lessons, from travel basketball to AAU basketball, EPIC has the right program for your child. EPIC's progressive teaching methods will equip every athlete with the insight and tools to excel.  Our athletes will "Think, Act, React... Be" not only in the sports arena but the arena of life.
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News from O& M Co.
  
THE INSIDE SCOOP RETURNS!

THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY
DEVELOPMENTAL READINGS SERIES
PRESENTS
THE RETURN ONE-NIGHT ENGAGEMENT OF
“CALL MY PUBLICIST!
-- THE STARRY EDUCATION OF A BROADWAY PRESS AGENT”
A ONE-MAN-SHOW
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JOSHUA ELLIS
DIRECTED BY GRETCHEN CRYER

ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH AT 7:30 P.M.
AT THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY AT SAINT PETER’S

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
 Due to popular demand, The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director), as part of its acclaimed Developmental Readings Series, will present the return one-night performance of Call My Publicist! – The Starry Education of a Broadway Press Agent, written and performed by Joshua Ellis and directed by Gretchen Cryer, on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter’s (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue).  The reading is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.00.

In Call My Publicist! – The Starry Education of a Broadway Press Agent, Joshua Ellis, who was one of the theater’s top press agents, gives an insider’s view of the glamorous and sometimes maddening world of The Great White Way from a vantage point the public rarely sees.  With his very personal, first-hand stories, we hear from Yul Brynner, Carol Channing, Stephen Sondheim, Lena Horne, David Merrick, Sir Trevor Nunn, Eartha Kitt, Sandy Duncan, and numerous other theater greats with whom Ellis worked and learned the tricks of the trade.  Among the shows he publicized are the original Broadway productions of Into the Woods, 42nd Street, Fences, The Elephant Man, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Big River, and the award-winning revivals of The King and I (Yul Brynner), Dracula (Frank Langella), Peter Pan (Sandy Duncan) and Morning’s at Seven.  Call My Publicist! is about a love affair with the New York theatre, and like all romances it has its share of joys and heartbreaks.  Call My Publicist! – The Starry Education of a Broadway Press Agent debuted this past spring on April 8th at the York Theatre Company.

Reservations for Call My Publicist! – The Starry Education of a Broadway Press Agent may be made by visiting the website at www.yorktheatre.org
**
UNDANCE INSTITUTE AND KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER
BRING CAROL BURNETT’S PLAY
“ H O L L Y W O O D   A R M S ”
BACK ONSTAGE AFTER 15 YEARS
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
SEPTEMBER 21

BURNETT TO INTRODUCE READING OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL PLAY
WRITTEN WITH LATE DAUGHTER, CARRIE HAMILTON
AND DEVELOPED AT THE SUNDANCE THEATRE LAB IN 1998

DIRECTED BY MARK BROKAW

STARRING TYNE DALY
AND MICHELLE PAWK IN HER TONY-WINNING ROLE

 Sundance Institute in collaboration with Kaufman Music Center will present An Anniversary Concert Reading of Hollywood Arms at Merkin Concert Hall on September 21. Carol Burnett and Philip Himberg, Artistic Director of the Sundance Institute Theatre Program, will introduce the special concert reading of the Broadway production of Burnett’s autobiographical play, Hollywood Arms, written with her daughter Carrie Hamilton. The reading is directed by Sundance alum, Mark Brokaw, the recipient of Drama Desk, Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards, and stars Michele Pawk (HairsprayCabaretMamma Mia!) in her Tony-winning role, as well as Tyne Daly, Emily Skeggs and others to be announced. Tickets go on sale now at kaufmanmusiccenter.org/hollywoodarms.

Hollywood Arms is based on Burnett’s bestselling memoir One More Time and tells the story of three generations of fiercely determined women living on welfare in a one-room Hollywood apartment. Hollywood Arms was developed, in part, at the 1998 Sundance Institute Theatre Lab, which supports some of the boldest theatre artists developing new work for the stage. The anniversary concert reading is part of Kaufman Music Center’s Broadway Close Up series, a season of events that takes theatre lovers behind the scenes of musicals old and new with eye-opening interviews and inspiring performances by some of Broadway’s greatest talents.
**
First Look at Fall 2015 Season
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fall 2015


NEW BROADWAY:

ALLEGIANCE
Book by Marc Acito
Music & Lyrics by Jay Kuo
Directed by Stafford Arima
Previews begin October 6
Opening Night set for November 8
at the Longacre Theatre
220 West 48th Street
A story you’ve never heard, about a family you will never forget. Following its record-breaking, sold-out engagement at San Diego’s Old Globe, the acclaimed new American musical Allegiance tells the touching and uplifting story about a family’s love, loss, and heroism during the period of the Japanese–American internment in World War II. From the lush California heartland, to the windswept prairies of Wyoming, to the European battlefields of World War II, Allegiance is a multi-generational tale of one Japanese- American family's love, optimism, and unparalleled heroism in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

With a book by Marc Acito, music and lyrics by Jay Kuo, and inspired by his real life childhood, Allegiance stars television legend, activist, and social media icon George Takei (in his Broadway debut), along with Lea Salonga and Telly Leung.

Allegiance is helmed by Olivier Award nominee Stafford Arima and Andrew Palermo will serve as Choreographer. Music Supervision, Arrangements, and Orchestrations by Lynn Shankel with Laura Bergquist as Musical Director. Scenic Design is by Tony Award®-winner Donyale Werle, Costume Design by Tony Award® nominee Alejo Vietti, Lighting Design by Tony Award®-winner Howell Binkley, Sound Design by Tony Award® nominee Kai Harada and Hair and Wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. Projection Design is by Darrel Maloney.

- - -

KING CHARLES III
By Mike Bartlett
Directed by Rupert Goold
Previews begin October 10
Opening Night set for November 1
at the Music Box Theatre
239 West 45th Street

The Queen is dead. After a lifetime of waiting, Prince Charles ascends the throne. A future of power lies before him…but how to rule? Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Play, King Charles III is the “bracingly provocative and outrageously entertaining” (The Independent) drama of political intrigue by Mike Bartlett that comes to Broadway following a sensational West End run. Directed by Rupert Goold and deemed “the most insightful and engrossing new history play in decades” by Ben Brantley of The New York Times, this “bold and brilliant” (The Times of London) production explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of Britain's democracy and the conscience of its most famous family.

Joining Tim Pigott-Smith, reprising his much-raved-about role as King Charles III, will be Oliver Chris as William, Richard Goulding as Harry, Adam James as Mr. Evans, Margot Leicester as Camilla, Miles Richardson as James Reiss, Tom Robertson as Couttsey and other roles, Sally Scott as Sarah and other roles, Tafline Steen as Jess and Lydia Wilson as Kate.

- - -

SCHOOL OF ROCK
Book by Julian Fellowes
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Laurence Connor
Previews begin November 9
Opening Night set for December 6
at the Winter Garden Theatre
1634 Broadway

In School of Rock—The Musical, down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star Dewey Finn (Alex Brightman) poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet. When he discovers his students’ musical talents, he enlists his fifth-graders to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands.

Based on the Paramount movie of the same name written by Mike White, School of Rock has a book by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

School of Rock—The Musical will be directed by Laurence Connor (currently represented on Broadway by Les Miserables) and feature Choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, Scenic and Costume Design by Anna Louizos, Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Sound Design by Mick Potter, and Music Supervision by Ethan Popp.

School of Rock—The Musical is produced on Broadway by Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Really Useful Group, Warner Music Group & Access Industries, The Shubert Organization, and The Nederlander Organization. Nina Lannan and Madeleine Lloyd Webber serve as Executive Producers.


OUT-OF-TOWN (PRE-BROADWAY):

A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
Based on the novel by John Kennedy Toole
Directed by David Esbjornson
Previews begin November 11
Limited engagement through December 13
at the Huntington Theatre Company

Based on the posthumously published, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by John Kennedy Toole, Confederacy of Dunces tells the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, his exploits, misadventures, and all-around insultingly brilliant behavior in 1960's New Orleans.
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, the world premiere production stars Nick Offerman (NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”) as the larger-than-life character Ignatius J. Reilly: overweight, arrogant, eccentric, and still living in his mother’s home. Called the Don Quixote of the French Quarter, Ignatius has a singular outlook on life. His farcical odyssey includes visits to a department store and a strip club, and stints working at a pants factory and as a hot dog vendor. A Confederacy of Dunces is a hilarious, wild ride, filled with colorful characters and comic misadventures.

Directed by David Esbjornson, A Confederacy of Dunces is presented in cooperation with a team of developmental partners including Robert Guza, John Hardy, LSU Press, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh

- - -


BRIGHT STAR
Music & Book by Steve Martin
Music & Lyrics by Edie Brickell
Directed by Walter Bobbie
Previews begin December 2
Opening set for December 17
Strictly limited engagement through January 10
at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Eisenhower Theater

Inspired by a true event, the wholly original new musical Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 40s. When successful literary editor Alice Murphy meets an ambitious young soldier just home from World War II, their connection inspires Alice to confront her past. Together they discover a stunning secret with the power to transform their lives.  
With music and book by Steve Martin and music and lyrics by Edie Brickell, Bright Star features direction by Walter Bobbie, choreography by Josh Rhodes, scenic design by Eugene Lee, costume design by Jane Greenwood, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, musical supervision by Peter Asher, musical direction and vocal arrangements by Rob Berman, and orchestrations by August Eriksmoen. Bright Star was developed and had its world premiere at The Old Globe in San Diego (Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director; Michael G. Murphy, Managing Director).

- - -


GOTTA DANCE
Book by Chad Beguelin & Bob Martin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Nell Benjamin
Additional music by Marvin Hamlisch
Direction and Choreography by Jerry Mitchell
Previews begin December 13
Opening set for December 28
Limited Engagement through January 17
at Broadway in Chicago’s Bank of America Theater

In 2007, one of the unlikeliest ideas ever to come out of professional sports resulted in the formation of basketball’s first-ever dance team entirely made up of people over sixty. Over the coming months, bonds would be formed, generation gaps would be crossed, and, eventually, some pretty hot moves would be busted. The venue? Center court. The genre? Hip-hop. Gotta Dance tells the remarkable true story of these wildly diverse seniors with a common goal, the young coaches who help them achieve it, and a passion for dance that brings them all together. Gotta Dance is the age-defying blast of a musical that proves that sometimes the biggest shot is the one you take late in the game.
The cast of Gotta Dance, the new Broadway-bound musical based on the critically acclaimed 2008 documentary about professional basketball’s first ever aged 60-and-older dance team will include Lori Tan Chinn, Tony® Award nominee Andre De Shields, five-time Emmy® Award nominee Georgia Engel, Tony Award-winner Lillias White, television and film icon Stefanie Powers (making her Broadway debut), Haven Burton and Nancy Ticotin, with additional casting to be announced.
Gotta Dance brings together an all-star creative team that includes a book by Tony Award- nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin) and Tony Award-winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), music by Tony Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf) and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), with additional music by Marvin Hamlisch (an Emmy, Grammy®, Tony and Oscar® winner) and direction and choreography by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots). 
The design team of Gotta Dance reunites Mitchell with his Kinky Boots collaborators, including five time Tony Award nominee David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design) and Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), along with Nick Kenkel (Co-Choreography), four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski (Sound Design), Tony Award-winner Larry Hochman (Orchestrations), Charlie Alterman (Musical Director) and Telsey + Company (Casting).
- - -


MOONSHINE: THAT HEE HAW MUSICAL
Book by Robert Horn
Music & Lyrics by Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark
Directed by Gary Griffin
Previews begin September 2
Opening set for September 18
Limited Engagement through October 11
at the Dallas Theater Center
Hilarious and downright irreverent, MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical distills the spirit of an iconic television series and bottles it into an original musical comedy. Set in present day Kornfield Kounty, this highly anticipated show introduces a new generation of irresistible characters as it tells the story of Misty Mae, the ultimate hometown girl, who heads out to follow her dreams in the big city of… Tampa. When she returns home to introduce her slick city-boy beau to her friends and family, everything goes haywire!

The World Premiere cast of MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical will feature Justin Guarini, Rose Hemingway, Ken Clark, Ryah Nixon, Rob Morrison, Kevin Cahoon, and PJ Benjamin, with an ensemble that includes Mackenzie Bell, John Campione, Travis Coombs, Leslie Flesner, Julie Johnson, Kate McMillian, Harris Milgrim, and Adam Perry.

The musical features a score by multi-Award winning artists Brandy Clark (a 2015 Grammy Award nominee for Best New Artist) and Shane McAnally (a two-time Grammy Award-winner), two of today’s most critically acclaimed country music singer/songwriters. With an original book by Robert Horn, direction by Gary Griffin and choreography by Denis Jones, MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical begins performances at Dallas Theater Center on September 2, 2015, where it runs through October 11, 2015.

The creative team of MOONSHINE: That Hee Haw Musical also includes Tony Award-winner John Lee Beatty (Set Design), Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Design), Philip Rosenberg (Lighting Design), Tony Award-winner John Shivers (Sound Design), Tara Rubin (Casting), with musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Oremus.

ONGOING BROADWAY:

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
Book by Robert L. Freedman
Music by Steven Lutvak
Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak
Directed by Darko Tresnjak
at the Walter Kerr Theatre
219 West 48th Street

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is the winner of the 2014 Tony® Awards for Best Musical, Direction of a Musical (Darko Tresnjak), Best Book of a Musical (Robert L. Freedman), and Costume Design of a Musical (Linda Cho). 

It received a season-leading 10 Tony® Award nominations, including dual nominations for Actor in a Musical (Jefferson Mays & Bryce Pinkham), Featured Actress in a Musical (Lauren Worsham), Score Written for the Theatre (Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak), Scenic Design of a Musical (Alexander Dodge), Orchestrations (Jonathan Tunick), and is produced on Broadway by Joey Parnes, S.D. Wagner, and John Johnson.
The hit musical stars Tony® Award Winner Jefferson Mays and Jeff Kready, and features Scarlett Strallen, Catherine Walker and Judy Blazer, plus Sandra DeNise, Joanna Glushak, Kristen Hahn, Greg Jackson, Eddie Korbich, Mark Ledbetter, Kevin Massey, Jennifer Smith, Kathy Voytko and Price Waldman.

Monty Navarro (Kready) has just received some really great news from his late mother’s lifelong friend Miss Shingle (Blazer). He’s a long-lost member of a noble family and could become the next Earl of Highhurst! There are only eight minor issues, namely the other relatives who precede him in line for the title. So Monty does what any ambitious, highborn gentleman would do: he sets out to eliminate them one by one, all while juggling his mistress (Strallen) (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (Walker) (she’s his cousin, but who’s keeping track?), plus the constant threat of landing behind bars! But it will all be worth it if he can slay his way into Highhurst Castle…and be done in time for tea. Each of the eight heirs perilously standing in the way of Monty’s fortune are played by Jefferson Mays in a performance the New York Times calls “brilliant” and says “deserves to be immortalized in Broadway lore.”

- - -


BEAUTIFUL - The Carole King MusicalBook by Douglas McGrathFeaturing songs by
Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia WeilDirected by Marc Bruniat the Stephen Sondheim Theatre
124 West 43rd Street
www.BeautifulOnBroadway.com

Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice. Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

The current Broadway cast of Beautiful includes Chilina Kennedy as ‘Carole King’, Scott J. Campbell as ‘Gerry Goffin’, Jessica Keenan Wynn as ‘Cynthia Weil’, Tony® Award-nominee Jarrod Spector as 'Barry Mann', Paul Anthony Stewart as 'Don Kirshner', Tony® Award-nominee Liz Larsen as 'Genie Klein', and an ensemble that includes Gisela Adisa, Andrew Brewer, E. Clayton Cornelious, Rebecca E. Covington, Josh Davis, Kevin Duda, James Harkness, Aisha Jackson, Brittney Johnson, Sara King, Julia Knitel, Douglas Lyons, Gabrielle Reid, Sara Sheperd, Yasmeen Sulieman, Daniel Torres, Melvin Tunstall and Alan Wiggins.

With a book by Tony® and Academy® Award-nominee Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni and choreography by Josh Prince, Beautiful features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Ghostlight Records), the 2015 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Theater Album, is available on CD, digitally, and on vinyl. In addition to the hit Broadway production, which has broken all box office records and recently became the highest grossing show in the history of the Sondheim Theatre, Beautiful opened to rave reviews at London’s Aldwych Theatre in February 2015 (where the show just garnered 8 Olivier Awards nominations), and will launch its First National Tour in September 2015.

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FUN HOME
Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed by Sam Gold
at The Circle in the Square Theatre
1633 Broadway

Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir of the same name, Fun Home, the 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, features music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, and direction by Sam Gold, all of whom won 2015 Tony Awards for their work on this production.

Featuring a cast led by 2015 Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris, as well as 2015 Tony Award nominees Judy Kuhn, Beth Malone, Sydney Lucas and Emily Skeggs, Fun Home also features Roberta Colindrez, Zell Steele Morrow, Joel Perez, Oscar Williams, Lauren Patten, Gabriella Pizzolo, Marrick Smith, Jim Stanek, and Nicole Van Giesen.

Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely dysfunctional family – her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father – that connect with her in surprising new ways. This intimate and emotional theatrical experience is performed entirely in the round, bringing audiences closer to Alison’s story than ever before. Hailed as "the best musical of the season" by both The New York Times and New York Magazine, Fun Home "demonstrates how much our world has changed and reflects just how far we’ve come" (The Wall Street Journal). Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Fun Home was also nominated for 2015 Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design of Musical (David Zinn), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Ben Stanton) and Best Orchestrations (John Clancy). The creative team also includes Danny Mefford (Choreography), Kai Harada (Sound Design), and Chris Fenwick (Music Direction).
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HAND TO GOD
By Robert AskinsDirected by Moritz von Stuelpnagelat the Booth Theatre222 West 45th Streetwww.HandToGodBroadway.com

Hand to God, which opened to rave reviews on April 7, 2015, received five 2015 Tony® Award nominations: Best Play, Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Steven Boyer), Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Geneva Carr), Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Sarah Stiles), and Direction of a Play (Moritz von Stuelpnagel).
The hilarious and provocative Hand to God centers on shy, inquisitive student Jason, who finds an outlet for his burgeoning creativity at the Christian Puppet Ministry in the devoutly religious, relatively quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Jason’s complicated relationships with the town pastor, the school bully, the girl next door and—most especially—his mother are thrown into further upheaval when Jason’s hand puppet Tyrone—once soft-spoken—takes on a shocking and dangerously irreverent personality all its own. As Tyrone’s influence over Jason steadily grows, Hand to God explores the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality, and the ties that bind us.    
Hand to God features Steven Boyer as Jason/Tyrone; Geneva Carr as Margery; Marc Kudisch as Pastor Greg; Sarah Stiles as Jessica; and Michael Oberholtzer as Timmy.

The design team for Hand to God includes scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costumes by Sydney Maresca, lighting by Jason Lyons, sound by Jill BC Du Boff, puppet design by Marte Johanne Ekhougen, and fight direction by Robert Westley.

Hand to God is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum.

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KINKY BOOTSBook by Harvey Fierstein
Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Direction & Choreography by Jerry Mitchell
at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 West 45th Street
www.KinkyBootsTheMusical.com

Producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig are proud to present Kinky Boots, the six-time Tony® Award-winning musical that brings together four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Tony® Award-winner for Best Score/Music and Lyrics for Kinky Boots). Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots began performances on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street), and opened on Thursday, April 4, 2013. 

In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

Inspired by a true story and based on the Miramax motion picture written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by Mr. Fierstein and a richly diverse musical score from Ms. Lauper, in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell has crafted a production that moves, inspires and sets the audience's feet dancing.

The current Broadway cast of Kinky Boots includes Tony® Award-winner Billy Porter, Andy Kelso, Haven Burton, Daniel Stewart Sherman, Cortney Wolfson, Marcus Neville, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Paul Canaan, Sean Patrick Doyle, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Kyle Post, Joey Taranto, Adinah Alexander, Douglas Baldeo, Eugene Barry-Hill, Stephen Berger, Alfred DalPino, Anna Eilinsfeld, Mia Gentile, Natalie Joy Johnson, Jake Katzman, Eric Leviton, Ellyn Marie Marsh, John Jeffrey Martin, Graham Montgomery, Abby Mueller, Jake Odmark, Nathan Peck, Robert Pendilla, Jennifer Perry, Stephen Tewksbury, Jeremy T. Villas, and Timothy Ware.

Now in its third smash year, Kinky Boots is also currently touring the country on its First National Tour, and opened a production in Toronto. The show is scheduled to open in London in September 2015.  The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Kinky Boots is available on Sony Masterworks Broadway.


NEW OFF-BROADWAY:

CLEVER LITTLE LIES
Written by Joe DiPietro
Directed by David Saint
Previews begin September 18
Opening Night set for October 14
Limited engagement through January 3
at the Westside Theatre (Upstairs)
407 West 43rd Street

Following critically acclaimed sold-out runs at George Street Playhouse in 2013 and Guild Hall last summer, Emmy®, Grammy®, and Golden Globe® Award winner Marlo Thomas returns to the New York stage in Joe DiPietro's delightfully deceitful comedy Clever Little Lies. Additional information, including complete casting, will be announced shortly.

A mother always knows when something is wrong. When Alice (Marlo Thomas) notices her beloved husband Bill has returned home on edge after a tennis match with their son, she grows suspicious and springs into action. Determined to piece together the puzzle, she invites her son and daughter-in-law over for drinks and dessert. Sidesplitting chaos ensues as Alice digs for the truth, resulting in even more honesty than anyone expected. Shattering and hilarious, Clever Little Lies is a story of long-term love and marriage… for better and for worse.

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MCC THEATER
at the Lucille Lortel Theatre
121 Christopher Street

Coming to MCC Theater this fall:
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE
Written by Matthew Lopez
Directed by Mike Donahue
Choreography by Paul McGill
Previews begin August 20
Opening Night set for September 9
Limited engagement through October 4
at The Lucille Lortel Theatre

Matthew Lopez’s The Legend of Georgia McBride is the first production of MCC’s 2015-16 Season.  Dave Thomas Brown, recently of Heathers: The Musical at New World Stages, leads a cast that also includes Wayne Duvall (O Brother Where Art Thou?, Leatherheads), Matt McGrath (Cabaret, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Keith Nobbs (Lombardi, “The Black Donnellys”) and Afton C. Williamson (“Nashville,” “Homeland”). The production is directed by Mike Donahue (The Wolfe Twins) with choreography by Paul McGill (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), set design by Tony Award® Winner Donyale Werle (Peter and the Starcatcher), costumes by Anita Yavich (Venus in Fur), hair and makeup by Jason Hayes (Casa Valentina), lighting by Ben Stanton (Fun Home) and sound design by Jill DuBoff (Hand to God). The Legend of Georgia McBride will begin previews on August 20, 2015 ahead of a September 9, 2015 opening night.  It is scheduled through October 4, 2015.  For more information on MCC Theater, please visit www.mcctheater.org.
How can an Elvis impersonator become a winning drag queen in the Florida Panhandle? With an empty bank account and a pregnant wife, Casey’s going to have to answer that question fast in this music-filled comedy about finding your true voice. Playwright Matthew Lopez (The Whipping Man) and director Mike Donahue (The Wolfe Twins) make their MCC Theater debuts with The Legend of Georgia McBride in a production not too be missed.
***
LOST GIRLS
Written by John Pollono
Directed by Jo Bonney
Previews begin October 22
Opening Night set for October 9
Limited engagement through November 29
at The Lucille Lortel Theatre

When their seventeen-year-old daughter goes missing during a winter storm, Maggie and Lou ­– former high school sweethearts, now divorced – are forced to confront the legacy of their past decisions. Lost Girls is a hard-hitting drama about a blue-collar family struggling to rise above their limited prospects to prevent history from repeating itself. Lost Girls reunites playwright John Pollono and director Jo Bonney at MCC Theater following their collaboration on 2013’s hit thriller, Small Engine Repair.
***

SMOKEFALL
Written by Noah Haidle
Directed by Anne Kauffman
Previews begin February 3
Opening Night set or February 22
Limited engagement through March 13
at The Lucille Lortel Theater

Magical realism collides with manic vaudeville in a family drama unlike any you've ever seen. The Twins swap philosophy while awaiting their birth, Beauty eats dirt and doesn't speak, Father is about to drive away and never return, and a man named Footnote acts as our guide. Whipping from astonishing tenderness to profound humor and back again, this wholly original play uncovers the extraordinary family connections we all stretch and warp across the years but can never quite break. Smokefall marks the MCC Theater debut for playwright Noah Haidle (Mr. Marmalade) and the return of director Anne Kauffman (The Nether).
***

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNELOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK
Written by Halley Feiffer
Directed by Trip Cullman
Previews begin May 19
Opening Night set for June 6
Limited engagement through June 25
at the Lucille Lortel Theatre
In A Funny Thing…, a foul-mouthed twenty-something comedienne and a middle-aged man embroiled in a nasty divorce are brought together unexpectedly when their cancer-stricken mothers become roommates in the hospital. Together, this unlikely duo must negotiate some of life’s biggest challenges... while making some of the world’s most inappropriate jokes. Can these two very lost people learn to laugh through their pain and lean on each other when all they really want to do is run away?

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MOTHERSTRUCK
By Staceyann Chin
Directed by Cynthia Nixon
Performances begin September 24
Opening Night set for October 7
at the Lynn Redgrave Theater
49 Bleecker Street

From the producers of NIRBHAYA, The Exonerated, Guantanamo and Sarah Jones' Bridge & Tunnel, Culture Project along with Rosie O’Donnell will present the world premiere of MotherStruck, written and performed by Staceyann Chin and directed by Cynthia Nixon. MotherStruck sets forth Staceyann Chin’s personal journey to motherhood as a single woman, lesbian and activist who does not have health insurance or a “serious, stable financial set up,” but wants to have a child. Told through Chin’s uniquely personal and poetic lens, this solo show explores how the process changed her life and how she makes peace with what she learns from this profound experience.
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TARGET MARGIN THEATER

Coming to Target Margin Theater this fall:
                                                                                          
REREAD ANOTHER
By Gertrude Stein
Directed by David Herskovits
Performances begin September 24
Opening Night set for September 28
Limited engagement through October 17
at The Brick
579 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Performed only twice and hailed as an “exhilarating air of discovery” and “something kind of wonderful” by Ben Brantley in The New York Times, Target Margin Theater brings back Reread Another by Gertrude Stein, the critically acclaimed, fun, fast moving new work directed by David Herskovits. The cast will feature TMT Associate Artists Clare Barron, Purva Bedi, and Ugo Chukwu. Performances begin September 24, 2015 for a limited engagement through October 17, 2015 at The Brick (579 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn).  Ticket information available on website at www.targetmargin.org. 

Target Margin Theater for twenty-five years has been at the forefront of New York’s alternative theater scene and has been praised for its bold and sometimes wild interpretations of classic dramas and lesser-known works. TMT has presented ambitious re-thinkings of plays by Shakespeare, Chekov, Brecht, Gertrude Stein, and Beaumarchais, among others. TMT has also created original works and new music/opera over the years and has served nearly 1,000 artists (mostly emerging) through its annual Lab.   The company’s production of Mamba’s Daughters received the Obie Award and was a sensation of the 1999 Spoleto Festival, and its recent epic production of Goethe’s Faust received critical acclaim. Recent productions include Uriel Acosta: I Want That Man! at The Chocolate Factory (Queens), The (*) Inn at Abrons Arts Center and Uncle Vanya and The Tempest at HERE.

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YORK THEATRE COMPANY
The York Theatre at Saint Peter’s
Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue

Coming to York Theatre Company this fall:

ROTHSCHILD & SONS
WORLD PREMIERE
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Book by Sherman Yellen
Directed by Jeffrey B. Moss
Performances begin October 6
Opening set for October 18
Limited engagement through November 1at The York Theatre at Saint Peter’s

The York Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals and preserving musical gems from the past, in association with Arnold Mittelman and The National Jewish Theater Foundation, launches their 41st season with the world premiere of Rothschild & Sons, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Sherman Yellen. Jeffrey B. Moss is set to direct. Broadway veteran Robert Cuccioli will star as Mayer Rothschild. Additional casting will be announced shortly.

Rothschild & Sons launches the York Theatre Company’s 2015/16 season with the full involvement of the creators—Sheldon Harnick, Sherman Yellen and the estate of Jerry Bock. Based on their original The Rothschilds, inspired by the novel of the same name by Frederic Morton, this one-act, intimate  reimagining of the musical focuses on the relationships between the patriarch of the family, Mayer Rothschild, his wife Gutele, and their five sons. The work is newly structured and features several songs not included in the original, with new lyrics by Mr. Harnick and an 11 member cast empowering Mr. Yellen's highly relevant story of a family fighting for human rights and triumphing over extraordinary odds. Yellen dubs it a "musical love story about a father and his sons." 

The original Broadway production of The Rothschilds was the last collaboration between Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The musical ran on Broadway in 1970 for over 500 performances.  It received nine Tony Award nominations and garnered Best Actor and Featured Actor awards for Hal Linden and Keene Curtis, respectively. In 1990, an Off-Broadway revival of the show starred Mike Burstyn in the lead role of Mayer Rothschild and Robert Cuccioli in the role of Nathan Rothschild, the son who ends up figuring prominently in the building of the family’s wealth from his position in London. 

Performances are set to begin on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 for a limited engagement through Sunday, November 1, 2015 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter’s (entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue).  Opening night is set for Sunday, October 18, 2015.

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Returning to York Theatre Company this fall:

TUNE IN TIME
New York’s New Hit Musical Theater Game Show Continues
Fall Performances Dates: August 31, October 12, November 9, December 14
at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter’s

Due to popular demand, the acclaimed game show for musical theatre lovers, Tune in Time, presented by The York Theatre Company, and producers Amy Engelhardt and Heather Shields, returns to The York this fall. Hosted by Emily McNamara, with Musical Director Nate Buccieri and annoyingly insistent timekeeper Sheila Head, Tune in Time will play the following Monday evening dates:  August 31, October 12, November 9 and December 14, at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peters.   All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.  Pre-performance cocktails and refreshments begin at 6:30 p.m.

In this “Musical Theater Olympics,” three teams of composers and lyricists who have never worked together are forced to collaborate – and to beat the clock.  Their task? They must write a song for a new Broadway musical, the title of which is picked from a hatful of audience suggestions – and in a style determined by a spin of the dreaded Genre Wheel - all within 20 minutes! Tune in Time is an evening of edge-of-your-seat suspense, brain-frying bravery, and musical theatre magnificence.  Each edition of Tune in Time features a different roster of musical theater composers and lyricists, as well as a panel of celebrity judges. 

General Admission tickets for Tune in Time are priced at $20 and can be purchased online at www.yorktheatre.com, or by visiting the York Theatre Company Box Office (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), or by calling the Box Office at (212) 935-5820 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). 

“A triumph! A rollicking celebration of words and music that skips briskly along the path that wends from the hilarious to the sublime." – Big Yellow Taxi

“Head down to Tune in Time. It’s a joyous, hilarious romp that has the added benefit of being an exceptional night of creative genius!”  – Stage Buddy

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The 24th Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala
Honoring the Legendary Angela Lansbury
Monday, November 16
at Guastavino’s
409 East 59th Street

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Andrew Levine, Executive Director) will honor the legendary Angela Lansbury with the 2015 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre at the 24th Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala to be held on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Guastavino’s (409 East 59th Street). 

Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. with award ceremony and entertainment beginning at 8:00 p.m.  For additional information, pricing and reservations, please visit the website at www.yorktheatre.org, or call Julie Griffith at (212) 935-5824, ext 213, or via email at jgriffith@yorktheatre.org.

The Oscar Hammerstein Award, named in honor of the prolific master lyricist, recognizes significant lifetime achievement in musical theatre.  The award is presented at an annual gala which benefits The York Theatre Company, and is presented with the endorsement of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and the Hammerstein Family. Past recipients include Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, Stephen Sondheim, Betty Comden & Adolph Green, Harold Prince, Cy Coleman, Charles Strouse, Arthur Laurents, Jerry Herman, Stephen Schwartz, Peter Stone, David Merrick, John Kander & Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally, Cameron Mackintosh, Carol Channing, Tony Walton, Joseph Stein, George S. Irving, Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick, Thomas Meehan, Barbara Cook, and Paul Gemignani.

* * *

The York Theatre Company is the only theater in New York City—and one of very few in the world—dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows from the past. For over four decades, York’s intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Under the guidance of Producing Artistic Director James  Morgan since 1997, the York has focused on new musicals in its Mainstage Series—most of them world, American, or New York premieres—by some of the field’s most esteemed creators, and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 35 cast recordings from York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, including its acclaimed revival of Closer Than Ever (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival); commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)Souvenir (Tony Award Nomination for actress Judy Kaye), and Jolson & Company, and revivals of  Pacific Overtures  and Sweeney Todd (four Tony Nominations including Best Revival) have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs.

The Mainstage Series presents three full productions of new musicals by emerging and established authors. Various productions have transferred to commercial Off-Broadway or Broadway runs, and many have received further productions in regional, stock, and university theaters. The York's productions have been regularly recognized with Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, OBIE, and Lucille Lortel nominations and awards. Directors, designers, cast, and musicians are drawn from among the best talent on and Off-Broadway, whether established or new.

The Musicals in Mufti Series presents staged concert readings of musical gems from Broadway, Off-Broadway and London for a limited number of performances. "Mufti" means "in street clothes, without all the trappings of a full production," and each show is presented script-in-hand, with minimal staging. The series has recently celebrated such writers as Sheldon Harnick, Tom Jones and Joseph Stein and this year will celebrate its 100th production.

The Developmental Reading Series presents some 30-35 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors throughout the year. These readings are a vital part of the writing process, often putting a work in front of its first audience. This series also serves as an incubator for shows to be considered for Mainstage production, thus serving the York's unique mission of taking new musicals through the complete development process to full production. The NEO program ("New, Emerging, Outstanding") is now in its 11th year of supporting emerging writers and provides them with resources in the form of readings, mentorship and networking opportunities.



ONGOING OFF BROADWAY:

39 STEPS
By Patrick Barlow
Directed by Maria Aitken
at Union Square Theatre
100 East 17th Street

39 Steps is a comedic spoof of the classic 1935 film, with only 4 “insanely talented” actors portraying more than 150 characters, sometimes changing roles in the blink of an eye. The brilliantly madcap story follows our dashing hero Richard Hannay (Robert Petkoff) as he races to solve the mystery of The 39 Steps, all the while trying to clear his name. The show’s uproarious fast-paced 100 minutes promises to leave you gasping for breath… in a good way! It’s fun for everyone from 9 to 99.

Adapted by Tony® nominated author Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, and based on the book by John Buchan and the classic 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, 39 Steps features Tony® nominated direction by Maria Aitken, Tony® winning lighting design by Kevin Adams, Tony® winning sound design by Mic Pool, and Tony® nominated scenic and costume design by Peter McKintosh.

39 Steps features original Broadway cast member Arnie Burton reprising his role of Clown #2, Billy Carter as Clown #1, recent Juilliard grad Brittany Vicars as Pamela/Annabella/Margaret, and Broadway vet Robert Petkoff as the dashing hero Richard Hannay.

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FUERZA BRUTA
at the Daryl Roth Theatre
101 East 15th Street

Now celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the global phenomenon, Fuerza Bruta is the Argentinian-founded multi-sensory spectacular created by Artistic Director Diqui James and Musical Director Gaby Kerpel, the same creators of De La Guarda. Fuerza Bruta premiered in Buenos Aires in 2005 and has been seen in London, Lisbon, Cordoba, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Sao Paulo, Rosario, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Queretaro and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it earned critical praise and was honored with the prestigious Bank of Scotland Herald Angel award for "the biggest and best show on the Fringe – the must see event of 2007" (The Herald). The New York City production began performances at the Daryl Roth Theatre (101 East 15th Street, NYC) in 2007, and recently celebrated its 2,500th performance.
Following every Friday late night performance through the end of October, Fuerza Bruta has partnered with NYC’s legendary nightclub/live music venue Webster Hall to host DJ Nights. The DJs will be hand selected by Webster Hall, and will play a special extended 20-30 minute dance set during the performance. Admission to Webster Hall is free to all Fuerza Bruta ticket holders on the night they attend the performance, so they can continue the party at the official Fuerza Bruta after party location.

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SLEEP NO MORE
at The McKittrick Hotel
530 West 27th Street

EMURSIVE (Randy Weiner, Arthur Karpati, and Jonathan Hochwald, principals) presents Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel (530 West 27th Street, New York, NY). 

A legendary hotel.  Shakespeare’s fallen hero.  A film noir shadow of suspense.  Punchdrunk's Sleep No More is an award-winning theatrical experience that tells Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth through a darkly cinematic lens. Audiences move freely through the epic world of the story at their own pace, choosing where to go and what to see, ensuring that everyone’s journey is different and unique. No one under sixteen will be permitted.

The creative team features Felix Barrett (Direction and Design), Maxine Doyle (Direction and Choreography), Stephen Dobbie (Sound Design), Beatrice Minns (Design Associate), and Livi Vaughan (Design Associate).


NIGHTLIFE:

THE McKITTRICK HOTEL
530 West 27th Street

The McKittrick Hotel (530 West 27th Street) is a unique nightlife and entertainment destination in New York City’s Chelsea District.  Its many features include:
·         Sleep No More, the immersive theatre production, now playing seven days a week.
·         Gallow Green, the rooftop bar complete with a 360-degree view of New York City, unique cocktails, and a menu of small plates created by Chef R.L. King.
·         The Heath, a full-service fine dining experience, also curated by Chef R.L. King.
·         Manderley Bar, inside the hotel, which has often treated guests to pop-in sets from artists like P!nk, John Legend, Wyclef Jean, and many others.
·         Special Guests, most recently Grammy® winning Mumford & Sons, hit singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles, actor Neil Patrick Harris, performer Dita von Teese, actress Evan Rachel Wood, and DJ Junior Sanchez, among many others.
·         Special Events, including festivities on Halloween, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day and other occasions, providing year-round party and special events programming.
EMURSIVE (Jonathan Hochwald, Arthur Karpati & Randy Weiner principals) produces all activities at The McKittrick Hotel.


RESTAURANTS:

GALLOW GREEN
a rooftop lounge
at The McKittrick Hotel
542 West 27th Street

The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th Street) offers a gorgeous rooftop lounge, Gallow Green, seasonally through November.  This meticulously-designed green space in the heart of Chelsea—steps away from the High Line—features an extensive cocktail and punch menu, vivid scenery, and a garden snack menu designed by Chef R.L. King.  Daily service, beginning at 5:00 p.m., offers early guests an after-work or evening/weekend snack & drinks setting which, as the evening progresses, takes on a more vibrant cocktail-nightlife atmosphere.  Reservations nightly for parties of 8 or more are recommended, and can be booked online at www.McKittrickHotel.com or by calling 212-564-1662. Walk ups are welcome.  Gallow Green is open 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on weeknights, with late night hours on the weekends.  Beginning Sunday, April 20, Gallow Green began weekly Bottomless Saturday and Sunday Brunch service.

This past spring’s opening of Gallow Green marks the complete restoration of The McKittrick Hotel, which also houses Sleep No More, the jazz-age inspired Manderley Bar, and the recently-opened fine dining experience The Heath, a full-service restaurant.

Additionally, Gallow Green will house an aeroponic garden that will produce vegetables all summer long to supply both the food dishes and the cocktails at Gallow Green.

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JOE ALLEN / ORSO
326 West 46th Street / 322 West 46th Street

Since its opening in 1965, Joe Allen has defined the Theater District hang-out. Now, five decades later, it has become one of the most iconic restaurants in America – serving its renowned, reliable fare against the backdrop of its world famous “flop wall.” Every day of the week, Joe Allen and its more intimate sister-restaurant, Orso, open their respective doors to a unique mix of the people who attend the theater and those who make it. At the center of the scene is Joe himself – the omnipresent host of the greatest, longest-running party the theater world has ever known. Shows come and go, but Joe Allen is forever.
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THE HEATH
a full-service dining experience
at The McKittrick Hotel
542 West 27th Street

In collaboration with EMURSIVE (Jonathan Hochwald, Arthur Karpati, and Randy Weiner) and Chef R.L. King, Punchdrunk has crafted The Heath, a dining experience in the spirit of Sleep No More to compliment Chef King’s menu, which is a modern take on classic American and British fare. Those dining at The Heath can therefore expect hearty cuisine with an ambiance – both on the plate and in the room – as only Punchdrunk could imagine.

“The New York theatre scene has always been an inspiration to me as a director and we’re delighted audiences have welcomed Sleep No More,” said Barrett. “Now we want to derive inspiration from the New York food scene – which is arguably the best in the world – for our next endeavor; our take on the restaurant. Our approach to theatre has always been to take the rules and break them and now we are trying that with food. Like with our theatre shows, we want to breathe a little adventure into the dining experience and that is just what we will do here at The Heath.”

Heading the kitchen at The Heath is Chef R.L. King whose use of sustainable food, solid technique, and thoughtful creativity fit perfectly into the milieu of the restaurant. King’s cooking talents have brought him from Charleston, to Washington D.C., to New York City, where he has resided as Executive Chef at Hundred Acres.

“Working with Punchdrunk on The Heath restaurant concept has been a wild ride of culinary freedom,” said King. “It’s refreshing to work with such an innovative organization whose philosophy is creating an experience for each guest beyond the confines of a limited imagination. The menu created for The Heath is elevated English fare with a strong emphasis on seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients. Expect to see vegetable heavy nibbles and shareable appetizers, two to three different twists on classic savory pies, and Sunday style roasts.”

The Heath is open at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For reservations, visit www.TheHeathNYC.com, or call (212) 564-1662.

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THE STRAND HOTEL
The Strand Bistro / Top of the Strand
33 West 37TH Street

Located in The Strand Hotel in the heart of the Fashion District, The Strand Bistro features New American cuisine with contemporary influences under Executive Chef, Coby Farrow, formerly of BLT Prime. Top of the Strand, the year round rooftop bar, has been named “One of the TOP 10 rooftop bars in the world" by Premier Traveler Magazine. Top of the Strand is Midtown Manhattan’s most spectacular urban oasis. A retractable glass roof over the intimate rooftop lounge designed by Lydia Marks shows off the New York skyline year round.

Juan Coronado, award-winning mixologist, spices up the drinks menus with seasonally rotating cocktails that feature Fashion District-inspired names like Needles & Pins and Zippers & Tonic. Coronado, a gifted cocktail innovator oversees the cocktail list at this award-winning rooftop bar. Light snacks and fare are provided by Chef Coby from the Bistro.


OTHER:

AMERICAN THEATRE WING

The American Theatre Wing (William Ivey Long, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Heather Hitchens, President) is dedicated to advancing artistic excellence and nurturing theatre’s next generation: on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience.
For nearly a century, the Wing has pursued this mission with programs that span the nation to invest in the growth and evolution of American Theatre. Traditionally, the Wing has encouraged members of the theatre community to share their off-stage time and talent directly with the theatre audience at large whether it was singing for the troops in the Stage Door Canteen of the 1940's, or sharing their stories on a podcast today.
The American Theatre Wing will honor legendary actor James Earl Jones at its annual Gala on Monday, September 28, 2015 at The Plaza Hotel (Fifth Avenue at Central Park South). Mr. Jones is a two-time Tony Award® winner, two-time Obie Award® winner and alumnus of the American Theatre Wing Professional School. CeCe Black, Anki Leeds, and Marva Smalls will serve as Gala Chairs. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the theatre education and artist development programs of the American Theatre Wing.
As the founders of The Tony Awards®, the American Theatre Wing has developed the foremost national platform for the recognition of theatrical achievement on Broadway. Yet the Wing's reach extends beyond Broadway and beyond New York. The Wing develops the next generation of theatre professionals through the SpringboardNYC and Theatre Intern Network programs, incubates innovative theatre across the country through the National Theatre Company Grants, fosters the song of American theatre through the Jonathan Larson Grants, honors the best in New York theatrical design with the Henry Hewes Design Award, and illuminates the creative process through the “Working in the Theatre” program and media archive.
The American Theatre Wing has also entered into a long-term partnership with The Village Voice to co-present The OBIE Awards, Off Broadway’s Highest Honor, beginning this past May, which marked the Award’s 60th Anniversary. Visitors to americantheatrewing.org can get inspired and gain insight into the artistic process through the Wing’s extensive media collection, and learn more about its programming for students, aspiring and working professionals, and audiences.
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THE DRAMA LEAGUE
32 Avenue of the Americas in Tribeca

Commemorating 100 Years!
The Drama League Centennial Gala
Monday, November 2, 2015
at The Plaza
768 Fifth Avenue

The Drama League, embarking on a landmark year of celebration commemorating its 100 years of service to the American theater, will host The Drama League Centennial Gala on Monday evening, November 2, 2015 at The Plaza (768 Fifth Avenue). Cocktails and silent auction will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner and performance at 8:00 p.m. Special Guests and performers will be announced at a later date. The Centennial Gala Committee is now in formation; tables and seats are available by calling (212) 244-9494.

This once-in-a-century celebration, which will pay tribute to the living legends of Broadway and honor major theatrical milestones, will include a fully-staged, one-night-only musical with dozens of acclaimed performers from Broadway, the West End, and Hollywood. The black-tie evening will support The Drama League’s educational initiatives for promising young artists, including the award-winning Directors Project. 

The Centennial Gala Co-Chairs are Anna May Feige and Stan Ponte. Honorary Chairs (list in formation) include two-time Tony Award Winner Judith Light. Gala Vice Chairs are Rebecca Gillan, Mary Jain, Julie and Rich Meister, Joseph and Lauren Pizza, and Elaine C. and W. Weldon Wilson.  Centennial Sponsors include The Plaza

VIP and Committee seats, and a limited number of seats open to the General Public, are now available. For more information, please call (212) 244-9494, or visit the website at www.dramaleague.org.

The Drama League Centennial Gala helps to raise funds to support the educational training programs of The Drama League Directors Project. The award-winning initiative, which began in 1982 and whose alumni now number over 300, has been instrumental in launching the careers of Tony® Award winners Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland), Pam MacKinnon (A Delicate Balance), Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), John Rando (On The Town), Sam Gold (Fun Home); Tony Award nominees Christopher Ashley (Memphis), Mark Brokaw (Cinderella), Moritz von Steulpnagel (Hand to God), and Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson); and OBIE and Emmy Award winners Rachel Chavkin, Lear deBessonet, R.J. Cutler, and Anne Kaufmann,  to name a few.

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The Drama League of New York, since 1916, has been at the forefront of the American Theatre community, providing talent, audiences, and prosperous support. It is one of the nation’s oldest continuously-operating, not-for-profit arts advocacy and education organizations. Through its programs, initiatives and events, The Drama League indelibly transforms the lives of artists and audiences by harnessing the unique social and creative dynamism of theatre. Its nationally-renowned, award-winning efforts have two vital goals: To train and nurture the artists of tomorrow and to deepen and strengthen the audience experience.
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THE LILLY AWARDS FOUNDATION

THE LILLY AWARDS BROADWAY CABARET
An Evening of Showstoppers Written by Women and Performed by Broadway’s Best
Monday, November 9
at the Cutting Room
44 East 32nd Street

The Lilly Awards Broadway Cabaret, benefitting The Lilly Awards Foundation, is set Monday, November 9, 2015 at the Cutting Room (44 East 32nd Street). Directed by Leigh Silverman and produced by songwriters Georgia Stitt and Amanda Green, the evening will includes performances by Broadway’s best.  VIP Reception followed by light supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale in early September. Additional information available on the website at www.thelillyawards.org.

The Lilly Awards Foundation Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote gender parity at all levels of theatrical production, as well as develop, celebrate and advocate for the work of women in the theater.  To those ends, the Lilly Awards Foundation produces a yearly awards ceremony called The Lilly Awards which recognizes outstanding contributions to the theater made by women writers, composers, directors and designers; designs and initiates programs to raise awareness of gender bias within the hiring and producing practices of theaters; endeavors to change the artistic choices of theaters and residency programs nationally; and conducts a Count (expected to be released this fall) which will determine how many women writers and artists are being hired and produced by American theaters of all sizes. 

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NEW YORK STAGE & FILM

New York Stage and Film (Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director; Thomas Pearson, Executive Director; Mark Linn-Baker, Max Mayer, Leslie Urdang, Producing Directors)  is a not-for-profit company dedicated to both emerging and established artists in the development of new works for theater and film.  Since 1985, New York Stage and Film has played a significant role in the development of new plays, provided a home for a diverse group of artists free from critical and commercial pressures, and established itself as a vital cultural institution for residents of the Hudson Valley and the New York metropolitan region www.newyorkstageandfilm.org

New York Stage and Film will host its annual Gala Sunday, November 15 at the Plaza Hotel.

Now in its 31st year, Powerhouse Theater is a collaboration between New York Stage and Film and Vassar College dedicated to both emerging and established artists in the development and production of new works for theater and film. The Powerhouse program consists of an eight-week residency on the Vassar campus during which more than 250 professional artists and 50 apprentices in the Powerhouse Training Program live and work together to create new theater works. Recent highlights at Powerhouse include Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway-bound Hamilton; Bright Star, an original musical from Steve Martin and Edie Brickell; The Fortress of Solitude, Itamar Moses, Michael Friedman and Daniel Aukin’s musical adaptation of the best-selling novel by Jonathan Lethem; and Richard Greenberg’s The Babylon Line. Many additional shows from past seasons have found their way to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and theaters nationwide, including Stephen Karam’s Sons of the Prophet and The Humans (Roundabout Theater); The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar (NYTW), Found by Hunter Bell, Lee Overtree and Eli Bolin (Atlantic Theater Co), Michael Mayer and Peter Lerman’s Brooklynite (Vineyard Theater), Julia Jordan and Juliana Nash’s Murder Ballad (Manhattan Theater Club); and Pulitzer finalist Nathan Englander’s The Twenty-Seventh Man (The Public Theater; Old Globe Theater);.  Other projects developed at the Powerhouse include the Tony Award-winning Side Man and Tru; the multi-award-winning Doubt by John Patrick Shanley; the groundbreaking Broadway musical American Idiot, and A Steady Rain, produced on Broadway in 2009 with Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig. 

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SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY

Shakespeare & Company, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country, founded in 1978 by Tina Packer. The company, which attracts more than 60,000 patrons annually, has a core of over 150 artists who develop and perform Shakespeare, classics and contemporary new plays of social and political significance. Shakespeare & Company embraces the core values of Shakespeare’s work: collaboration, commitment to language, visceral experience and classical ideals, expressed with physical prowess and an embodied contemporary voice.

Additionally, Shakespeare & Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a regional theatre in the country, where professionals from all over the world come to train. The Company is also home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education program, one of the largest the Northeast; it reaches more than 45,000 students annually with innovative performances, workshops and residencies.

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TODAYTIX

TodayTix (Merritt Baer, CEO & Co-Founder; Brian Fenty, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder) is bringing Broadway and Off Broadway into the 21st century as the first mobile-only ticketing platform for theater, with its first class, easy-to-use app interface and exclusive concierge service. Having recently expanded into the UK, the app now operates in the world’s two most iconic theatre districts, London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, offering both local and travelling theatre fans access to some of the most celebrated global theatrical productions.

Offering an unparalleled customer experience by leveraging best practices from hospitality, venture capital and consumer brands, TodayTix caters to last minute ticket-buyers (approximately 40-50% of Broadway tickets are now purchased week-of) and customers seeking a simple, transparent, one-stop shopping experience for live theatrical events in New York City and London. TodayTix makes tickets available to a range of live theatrical events in New York City and London up to one week in advance, and at the best available prices. Unlike traditional ticket-buying interfaces, purchases can be made in 30 seconds or less, with just a few taps.  TodayTix utilizes enterprise-grade mobile and payments infrastructure built by Bluefin Payment Systems and PayPal.

In building a scalable platform for both venues as well as consumers, TodayTix has partnered with many New York institutions, including The Public Theater, New York City Center, Roundabout Theatre Company, The Atlantic Theater Company, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical Fun Home, On The Town and more. TodayTix also recently launched a popular referral program, through which theatergoers can share savings with their friends by providing them a $20 discount code on their first purchase, and receiving a $20 credit in return towards their next show.

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WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL

Since 1955, the Williamstown Theatre Festival has brought America's finest actors, directors, designers, and playwrights to the Berkshires, engaging a loyal audience of both residents and summer visitors. Each WTF season is designed to present unique opportunities for artists and audience alike, revisiting classic plays with innovative productions, developing and nurturing bold new plays and musicals, and offering a rich array of accompanying cultural events including Free Theatre, Late-Night Cabarets, readings, workshops, and educational programs. While best known for our acclaimed productions, WTF is also home to of the nation’s top training and professional development programs for new generations of aspiring theatre artists and administrators. WTF was honored with the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 2002 and the Commonwealth Award for Achievement in 2011.  The 61st Williamstown Theatre Festival season, the first under the Artistic Direction of Mandy Greenfield, runs June 30 – August 23 and includes the World Premieres of William Inge’s undiscovered Off the Main Road, the World Premiere of Dominique Morisseau’s new play Paradise Blue, and the World Premiere of the musical Unknown Soldier, among many others.  For more information, visit www.wtfestival
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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.