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Pinkalicious, the Musical, Extends Through 2010

PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL will continue performances Saturdays at 1 pm and 4 pm and Sundays at 1 pm. The show is appropriate for children ages 2 to 10. For tickets and information, please visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call (212) 579-0528. The BLEECKER STREET THEATRE is located at 45 Bleecker Street (North side of Bleecker Street, between Lafayette & Mott Streets).

PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL, now in its third year, began at Vital Theatre Company's home theater at 76th Street and Broadway. After completing its initial sold-out six week run it moved to the SOHO PLAYHOUSE where it enjoyed an extended run into summer of 2007. In January of 2008, the production re-opened at midtown's NEW WORLD STAGES, where it ran through September of 2008. In November of 2008 the production moved to the Bleecker Street Theater at 45 Bleecker where it settled into an open-ended run in the 240-seat theater. Vital Theatre Copany will open the first Canadian producion of PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL in Toronto on October 10th 2009.

The one hour musical, with book and lyrics by ELIZABETH KANN and VICTORIA KANN, and music, lyrics and orchestrations by JOHN GREGOR, is based on the popular children's book PINKALICIOUS by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann. The musical adaptation is directed by TERESA K. POND with choreography by DAX VALDES and musical direction by JAD BERNARDO.

PINKALICIOUS can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.

The current cast includes Jeff Barba, Colleen Fee, John Galas, Molly Gilman, Jace Nichols, Rori Nogee, Kristin Renn Parker, Eric Restivo, Bridget Riley, Chloe Sabin.

Lyricist, composer and orchestrator JOHN GREGOR received a 2004 Frederick Loewe Award for his musical WITH GLEE, for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics. WITH GLEE was presented in a workshop by the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU, and premiered at the New York Musical Theater Festival. His musical adaptation of Gogol's tragicomic short story THE OVERCOAT has been presented in London at the Bridewell Theatre, and at the Barrington Stage Company and The New York International Fringe Festival. He has also co-written several children's musicals for Vital Theatre Company, including THE CHANGELING and THE BULLY.

ELIZABETH KANN & VICTORIA KANN (Book & Lyrics) are co-authors of the New York Times best-selling children's picture books PINKALICIOUS (HarperCollins, 2006) and PURPLICIOUS (HarperCollins, 2007) that Victoria also illustrated. Elizabeth and Victoria are sisters who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Victoria's award-winning artwork has graced the covers and pages of many magazines, newspapers, and books. Elizabeth's writing has appeared in a variety of newspaper and print publications. To learn more about the sister duo and their books, visit them online at their website at http://www.cupcakesforall.com.

Director TERESA K. POND has produced and directed numerous plays, musicals, and opera during her seven-year tenure as Producing Artistic Director of ACT (Alaska). Musicals include WEST SIDE STORY, THE MUSIC MAN, THE WIZARD OF OZ, CAMELOT and HONK! Regional work includes MACBETH, TARTUFFE, LYSISTRATA, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER and OF MICE AND MEN. Her award-winning production of HALF LIFE was hailed as the top show of The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) in 2005 (New York Magazine). Recent work includes: EXTRAORDINARY! at Vital Theatre Company, PERFECT WEDDING and RUN FOR YOUR WIFE at Millbrook Playhouse.

The PINKALICIOUS crew includes Stage Managers Annie Deardorff and SHANI MURFIN and Sound Engineer WILLIAM NEAL.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY commissions four to five new musicals for children each season. Since its founding in 1999, Vital Theatre Company has been honored with two AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE by the Off Off Broadway Review and received high acclaim from audiences and critics alike for being "a wonderful place for parents to introduce their kids to the glories of live theatre, done well and at modest prices." Now in its 11th season, the company is dedicated to producing entertaining and educational theatre for young audiences. To date, the company has presented 49 original productions for over 156,000 children and their families.

Love Child Comes to New World Stages 10/23

Martin Hummel (Producer), in association with Primary Stages (Casey Childs, Executive Producer; Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director; Elliot Fox, Managing Director) and The StoryLine Project LLC (R.K. Greene, Executive Director), has announced the Off-Broadway transfer of the madcap comedy, Love Child, written and performed by Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton with direction by Carl Forsman and choreography by Tracy Bersley. The zany comedy received its New York premiere at Primary Stages last fall where it garnered rave reviews. Performances begin Friday, October 23, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. for a limited engagement through Sunday, January 3, 2010 at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). Opening night is set for Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.

In Love Child, it's opening night. The cast is unruly, the crowd is restless, and the play is obscure, but Joel has a larger worry: his mother is in the front row. Real and theatrical worlds collide in this new comedy about the night a classic play spoke so loudly to its audience that they felt compelled to talk back. Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton take you on a wild ride when they portray everyone on stage, backstage and in the house, all coming together on one riotous night in the theater.

"A rollicking two-hander where half the fun is seeing if you can keep up," raved The New York Times. While the Associated Press added, "One of the funniest plays about a play that you will see. Both actors display an endless supply of comic flair."

The Off-Broadway transfer reunites the creative team that includes Neil Patel (Set), Candice Donnelly (Costumes), and Jeff Croiter & Grant Yeager (Lights). The Production Stage Manager is Joanne E. McInerney and the General Manager is CESA Entertainment.

Love Child will play the following performance schedule: Mondays at 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays - Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m, Dark on Tuesdays.

Single tickets for Love Child are priced from $29.50 - $69.50. Tickets go on sale September 15th and may be purchased through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200/ www.telecharge.com, or by visiting the box office at New World Stages located at 340 West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

Eye Of God Premieres At The Kirk Theatre, Previews Start 10/2

Theatre East presents "Eye Of God" by Tim Blake Nelson (Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize and Independent Spirit Award Nominee), Off Broadway at The Kirk Theatre (Theatre Row), 410 West 42nd Street, NYC. Lisa Devine (Joseph Jefferson Citation Nominated Director) directs the new play that features Morgan Baker, Ehad Berisha, Benard Cummings, William Franke, Judson Jones, Helen Merino, Richard Mawe, Valerie Redd, Matt Savins, Doug Sheppard, and Shorey Walker. Previews begin on October 2 and the opening is Wednesday, October 7 at 8pm. The Scenic Designer is Robin Vest; Costume Design by Benjamin Taylor Ridgway; Lighting Design by Jessica M. Burgess; Scott O'Brien is the Sound Designer & Composer and Matthew Herrick is Voice & Dialect Coach. Assistant Director, Producer is Christa Kimlicko Jones with Producers Joseph Parks and Daryl Wendy Strauss. http://www.theatreeast.org/Eye-of-God.html

In Kingfisher, Oklahoma, an innocent young woman meets a strong man of faith. A young boy witnesses a brutal murder. Where is the line between moral and radical? A love story between the lonely, the troubled, the forgotten and the radical believer who can save them. 90 minutes with one intermission

Tim Blake Nelson (Playwright) wrote the award-winning "The Grey Zone," "Anadarko" and "Cyrus". He has also acted extensively in New York appearing in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for the Shakespeare Festival. Other credits include "The Beard of Avon", portraying William Shakespeare (NY Theatre Workshop); "Oedipus", with Frances McDormand & Billy Crudup (CSC), "Troilus and Cressida" (NYSF), "Les Bourgeois Avant-Garde" (Yale Rep), "An Imaginary Life" (Playwrights Horizons), "The Baltimore Waltz" (Yale Rep), Mad Forest (NYTW), "Richard III" (NYSF) and "Twelfth Night" (Portland Stage) to name a few. He has acted in over thirty-five films. In addition to playing a supporting role, he wrote, directed, and co-produced Leaves of Grass, which premiered recently at the Toronto Film Festival, staring Edward Norton, Susan Sarandon, and Richard Dreyfuss. Other film directorial credits include The Grey Zone, which he wrote and directed and stars Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, Mira Sorvino, and David Arquette. The National Board of Review honored The Grey Zone with a "Special Recognition of Films that Reflect the Freedom of Expression." He also directed O, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello, awarded Best Director (Seattle Film Festival). The film stars Martin Sheen, Julia Stiles, and Josh Hartnett.

Lisa Devine (Director) Lisa Holds an MFA in Directing New Works and has coached actors for 15 years at the college/university level at some of the country's top acting conservatories. Lisa was nominated for Leading Educator of Higher Education in Philadelphia, PA. Also she was awarded the Exemplary Achievement Teaching Award for her outstanding contribution and personal commitment to her teaching in Houston, TX. She was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Citation for Director in her Chicago production of Eye of God which was extended for a 6-month run. In 2001, the world premiere production of Cheating Death received 22 awards including Judge's Choice and Directing at the national play competition KC/ACTF.

Theatre East (Judson Jones, Artistic Director; Christa Kimlicko Jones, Associate Artistic Director) is a New York based theatre company committed to ensemble collaboration through production of vivid theatrical works that explore our mortality and the shared human experience. We seek to build community by confronting isolation, allowing for a better understanding of our audience and ourselves.

Performances are: Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm with special performances Monday 10/5 at 8pm; Tuesday 10/13 at 7p, and Saturday 10/17 at 2pm. Tickets are only $18. They are available through Ticket Central: (212) 279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com.

The Bacchae at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park Opens 8/24

The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of Euripides' THE BACCHAE, directed by JoAnne Akalaitis with original music by Philip Glass and translated by Nicholas Rudall, will run through August 30 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The official press opening takes place tonight, Monday, August 24 at 8 p.m. Performances of Shakespeare in the Park will be Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm.

JoAnne Akalaitis returns to The Public Theater to present Greek tragedy as it was always meant to be seen - in the open air of the city. This visionary interpretation, featuring a lush choral score by Philip Glass, re-imagines the classic story about what happens when a government attempts to outlaw desire.

With April Armstrong, George Bartenieff, Sullivan Corey, André De Shields, Marisa Echeverría, Jonathan Groff, Tara Hugo, Jennifer Ikeda, Karen Kandel, Jennifer Nikki Kidwell, Alexa Kryzaniwsky, Vella Lovell, Joan MacIntosh, Anthony Mackie, Nana Mensah, Steven Rishard, Ereni Sevasti, Elena Shaddow, Rocco Sisto, and Han Tang.

For over 50 years, The Public has been proud to bring free performances to over 100,000 people each summer at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This long-standing tradition has joined esteemed artists with audiences from all over the world to celebrate Shakespeare and other classic works. Free tickets are available both in person and online to the general public. Outreach initiatives, student programs, and borough ticket distribution help bring these productions to a broad cross-section of the community.

For additional information about Shakespeare in the Park, visit The Public Theater website atwww.publictheater.org

New Musical, Genesius, Opens 8/26 at TADA! Theater

L J Fecho, Entourage Entertainment, in association with Genesius Theatre and Sweet Street Desserts, presents GENESIUS, a new musical beginning August 26, 2009 at TADA! Theater, 15 W. 28th Street, NYC (between Broadway and Fifth Avenue).  Tickets are $18 and are available at www.smarttix.com, 212-868-4444.

A celebration of those who perform for the sheer love of it, GENESIUS tells the story of one woman's passion for love, for theatre, and for the opportunity to be onstage.  This new musical touches on the universal themes of reaching out and giving back while pursuing one's own dreams.  In 1971, Jane Simmon Miller co-founded Genesius Theatre in Reading, PA; she dreamed of a theatre group where teen-aged amateurs could participate, learn, and grow while putting on a show.  GENESIUS is her story.

Book by L J Fecho, music and lyrics by Michael O'Flaherty, directed and choreographed by William Sanders, with musical direction by Greg Brown, Ian Schugel and James Stenborg.  Set design is by Rod Snyder; lighting design is by David Neel, Spencer M. Fecho and L J Fecho; sound design is by David Neel, Production Solution, Inc.; costume design is by Mary Anne Kelly and Heather Wight.  Assistant director is Simmon E. Fecho.  Featuring Beth Glover* (Grey Gardens, TheatreWorks, Palo Alto, CA) as Jane Simmon Miller, Paul Carlin*, Danny Gardner* (42nd Street, national tour), Andrew Hodge, Benjamin Howes* ([title of show]), Melisa Klausner*, and Ryan Mikita, with Ardis Barrow, Emilie Battle*, Cameron Bautsch, Johannah Giron, Lannon Killea*, Rebecca Leigh, Lauren Lukacek, Meagan MacLeod, Nick Mannix*, and Dane Reis.  An Equity Approved Showcase.

ABOUT GENESIUS THEATRE
We believe that the best theatre is an experience of living and feeling, changing and growing, challenging and becoming. We trust in the power of this inspiring and dynamic medium to transform the artists who create it, the audiences who enjoy it, and the patrons who support it. We exist to produce and present entertainment in all phases of the performing arts that entertains audiences, educates and trains artists, nurtures emerging art, and enriches the cultural community for people of all ages in Berks County.  The vision of Genesius Theatre is to be the premier focal point for new and novel experiences in the performing arts.  Founded in 1971 by Jane Simmon Miller and Michael O'Flaherty, Genesius Theatre is named after Saint Genesius, Patron Saint of Actors.

L J Fecho (Book) is the Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre, in Reading, PA., where he began his theatrical career at the age of twelve. By the time he graduated from high school, he had been involved in over 65 plays and musicals. Soon after that, he was hired as a staff associate for the late Broadway producer, Alexander H. Cohen. During that season he assisted on Hellzapoppin', starring Jerry Lewis and Lynn Redgrave; Comedians, directed by Mike Nichols; and Anna Christie, starring John Lithgow, as well as the 1977 Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awardstelecast on ABC.  Mr. Fecho has been Special Events and Cabaret Manager at the acclaimed Williamstown Theatre Festival in Williamstown, MA., and produced WTF's Annual New York Cabaret Benefit (1985/86) at Studio 54 and The Palladium, featuring such notables as Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Dick Cavett, Christopher Reeve, Betty Buckley and Patti Lupone, to name a few.  He was the Marketing Director and Assistant Producer at Off-Broadway's Hudson Guild Theatre, and assisted the producer of Carol Hall's Off-Broadway hit, To Whom It May Concern, directed by the legendary screen star, Geraldine Fitzgerald. Mr. Fecho freelanced as a production assistant for The Manhattan Theatre Club, La Mamma, The Watery Star Theatre and The New York Theatre Workshop, and was the Director of Promotions at the Fulton Opera House, in Lancaster, PA   He was known as the guy "who could get almost anything for free"! Entourage Entertainment, he produces, writes and directs themed corporate parties, murder mystery events and corporate games for companies and associations.  In addition to writing twelve comedic murder mystery events, he has written a full-length play, Just Another Illegitimate Child Of John Lennon, which made its debut at Genesius Theatre in 2003 and then moved to the 2003 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, where it had four sold-out performances at the Adrien Theatre. He also collaborated with Michael O'Flaherty on a new musical entitled, The Belsnickel Scrooge - a Depression Era, Pennsylvania Dutch version of A Christmas Carol, which made its debut in 2007 at Genesius.
 
Michael O'Flaherty (Music & Lyrics) is the co-founder, with Jane Simmon Miller, of Genesius Theatre, in Reading, PA.  Between 1971 and 1980, he produced, directed, music-directed, designed sets, lights and costumes, and performed in nearly one hundred musicals and plays there, in addition to running the day-to-day business of the theater and handled all the publicity and public relations. He was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of most of them. This training gave him the foundation he needed to launch his professional career in Broadway and regional theater.  Since 1980, Mr. O'Flaherty has done just that.  He is in his 18th season as the Resident Music Director of the highly acclaimed Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut.  On Broadway, he music-directed Gentleman Prefer Blondes for Tony Randall's National Theatre Company, and was the music director for Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, By Jeeves, which ran on Broadway, and in Washington DC, Los Angeles and London's West End. Off-Broadway, he was musical supervisor, musical director, vocal arranger, musical stager and also performed in Carol Hall's To Whom It May Concern, directed by Geraldine Fitzgerald.  He has worked at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C, North Shore Music Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, The Whole Theatre, The Acting Company, The Smithsonian Institution, The Chelsea Theatre Center, The Phoenix Theatre, and Columbia Pictures.  He produced, created and directed a 60's revue, And The Beat Goes On, which ran at The Silver Lining in New York City.  He served as conductor for a national tour of George M, and was assistant conductor of The Gershwin Gala at The Brooklyn Academy of Music and The Kennedy Center.  Mr. O'Flaherty has also performed a great deal throughout his career.  At the acclaimed Williamstown Theatre Festival, where he was the musical supervisor and cabaret director for eleven years, he sang at many of the performances, including all of their New York Cabaret Benefits.  He was seen performing on the Joanne Woodward tribute to The Group Theatre, which aired on PBS in 1989.  On Broadway, he composed the score for Nikos Psacharopoulos'production of A Streetcar Named Desire at Circle In The Square. He has written songs for Kidsports International and Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals, and has composed scores for productions of Summer and Smoke, Peer Gynt, and The Greeks.  In addition to Genesius, he has also collaborated with L J Fecho on a new musical entitled, The Belsnickel Scrooge - a Depression-era, Pennsylvania Dutch version of A Christmas Carol, which made its debut in 2007 at Genesius Theatre, Reading, PA.
 
William Sanders (Director/Choreographer) Artistic Director: Civic Theatre of Allentown off and on for 16 years directing everything from Guys & Dolls to The Who's Tommy, Noises Off to Death Of A Salesman, and Master Class to both parts of Angels in America. Member: SSDC and Equity. He assisted Joe Mantello on several Broadway and Off-Broadway productions at Lincoln Center Theater, the Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, and at the Ahmanson/Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, including the Tony-award winning Love! Valour! Compassion!, Design for Living, Blue Window, Proposals, and A Man of No Importance. In New York: directed Trust, Dance in the Giddy Circle, jasonSongs and the readings of many new plays, regionally and in colleges. He has created choreography for most of the musicals he has directed as well as productions of The Cradle Will Rock, My Fair Lady, On the Twentieth Century, Angry Housewives, Over Here, Irma La Douce, Mack and Mabel & Company - as a choreographer he has worked since 1977 on many musicals including an original dance review Gotta Dance! - produced in 1978 at Genesius Theatre.
 
GENESIUS will be performed from August 26 - September 13, 2009 at TADA! Theater, 15 W. 28th Street, NYC (between Broadway and Fifth Avenue), with performances Wed 8/26 and Thu 8/27 at 7pm; Sat 8/29 at 4pm; Sun 8/30 at 2pm; Mon 8/31 at 3pm and 8pm; Tue 9/1 - Thu 9/3 at 7pm; Tue 9/8 - Fri 9/11 at 7pm; Sat 9/12 at 4pm; Sun 9/13 at 2pm and 7pm.  Tickets are $18 and are available at www.smarttix.com, 212-868-4444.  (GENESIUS is not a TADA! Theater production.)
 
For more information, visit

www.genesiustheatre.org.
 
* Member of Actors' Equity Association

Modern Day Adaptation of Woyzeck Comes to Fringe

AWARD WINNING L.A. THEATRE COMPANY BRINGS WOYZECK TO THE FRINGE

 NEW YORK, July 30, 2009 – L.A.’s award winning Gangbusters Theatre Company is pleased to announce in its eighth season, the critically acclaimed modern day adaptation of George Buchner’s Woyzeck.  Their production of this famous German play has been selected to appear in this year’s New York International Fringe Festival.  Gangbusters’ hit production transfers from its sold out Los Angeles run for a limited 5 show engagement this August.

Gangbusters Theatre Company is dedicated to “staging the modern classics with their original speed and violence.”  Their innovative work has previously been honored with L.A. Ovation, L.A. Weekly, NAACP, and Backstage Garland Critic Awards.  Their acclaimed production of Woyzeck has been lauded by Backstage as “a visionary production” and has impressed the L.A. Times with its “low tech, high-impact approach.”  In addition, they have received the highly prestigious Pick of the Week from LA Weekly.

Gangbusters Theatre Company adapts Buchner’s classic about a mentally challenged enlisted soldier who is provoked by his superiors to kill his unfaithful lover.  “Director Bob McDonald’s adaptation of his visionary production bring it sharply into a netherworld of cultural timelessness, sometimes conjuring an impression of Buchner’s original time frame, sometimes as contemporary as anything created today,” hails Backstage.

McDonald leads a talented cast of seasoned screen and stage performers including Christian Levatino (2009 Backstage Garland Award Best Actor Nomination – Hamlet in HAMLET) as the title character and Sierra Fisk as his mistress Marie.  The remaining cast includes Michael Laurie, Allen Andrews, Stephanie O' Neill, Robert Mollohan, Mary Kelsey, Steve Hamm, Mancini Graves, Matthew Heron, Jacque Lynn Colton, Brighid Fleming, and Henry Hereford.

Critically Acclaimed 'Our Town' Welcomes Jason Butler Harner 8/25

New York, NY–  The producers of the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production of’ Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, have announced that Obie Award-winner Jason Butler Harner will assume the central role of ‘Stage Manager’ in David Cromer’s staging of Wilder’s timeless play.  Beginning  Tuesday, August 25th, Mr. Harner will succeed Mr. Cromer who departs the company to begin rehearsals for his Broadway directorial debut this fall with Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound.

Jason Butler Harner has been heralded for his stage roles including Ivan Turgenev in the multi-Tony award-winning Tom Stoppard play, The Coast of Utopia (Lincoln Center Theatre) and Tesman in Hedda Gabler, opposite Elizabeth Marvel (New York Theatre Workshop), He also appeared in The Gingerbread House by Mark Schultz (the stageFarm), opposite Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson; as A.E. Housman in the American premiere of The Invention of Love at ACT (opposite James Cromwell); as Trofimov in The Cherry Orchard, opposite Annette Bening and Alfred Molina (Mark Taper Forum); as Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, opposite Sally Field (The Kennedy Center); as; and as Barnett in Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Crimes of the Heart, opposite Amy Ryan (Second Stage Theatre).  He was recently seen in the Oscar nominated Clint Eastwood film Changeling opposite Angeline Jolie, as well as in this summer's blockbuster The  Taking of Pelham 1,2,3, and in the HBO mini-series “John Adams.”

Also joining the cast of Our Town are Susan Bennett as Mrs. Soames, Nathan Dame as Sam Craig, and Armand Schultz as Doc Gibbs.  Jeremy Beiler will assume the role of Simon Stimson. 

The complete cast includes (in alphabetical order) Rob Beitzel as Howie Newsome,  Kati Brazda as Mrs. Webb, George Demas as Constable Warren,  Jennifer Grace as Emily, Wilbur Edwin Henry as Professor Willard, Adam Hinkle as Joe Crowell, Ronete Levenson as Rebecca Gibbs, James McMenamin as George, Ken Marks as Editor Webb, Seamus Mulcahy as Wally Webb, Lori Myers as Mrs. Gibbs, Jay Russell  as Joe Stoddard, Armand Schultz as Doc Gibbs, and Jason Yachanin as Si Crowell.

David Cromer’s critically acclaimed staging of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town began performances February 17^th and opened to rave reviews on February 26^th at the downtown venue whose space has been completely redesigned for this production.  Tickets are now on sale through January 31, 2010.  

Our Town is produced by Scott Morfee, Jean Doumanian, Tom Wirtshafter, Ted Snowdon, Eagle Productions, Dena Hammerstein/Pam Pariseau, The Weinstein Company, and Burnt Umber Productions.

The performance schedule for Our Town is as follows: Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.,  Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are priced at $69 & $49.50 and are available through SmartTix (212) 868.4444,  www.smarttix.com, or at the Barrow Street Theatre box office (open at 1 p.m. daily).  Student tickets at $20 are available on the day of performance only at the box office.

Praise for Our Town:

 

“A WONDERFULLY INTIMATE, HIGHLY REWARDING PRODUCTION!”

— Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

 

“A SHATTERING PRODUCTION.  IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO BE MOVED.  TRUE AMERICAN FAITH ENDURES IN ‘OUR TOWN.’”

— Frank Rich, The New York Times

 

Click for Our Town Tickets and Information!

Diana DeGarmo Joins Toxic Avenger Tonight 8/14

Diana DeGarmo, Season 3 "American Idol" runner-up and Broadway vet is returning to the New York stage where, beginning Friday, August 14th, she will assume the role of Sarah, the sexy, blind librarian in The Toxic Avenger - named the "Best New Off-Broadway Musical" by the Outer Critics Circle.

Theatre audiences in New York will remember DeGarmo's critically acclaimed performance as Penny Pingleton in Broadway's Hairspray and across the country in the cast of the first national tour of Brooklyn: The Musical and her starring role as Dorothy in the first national tour of Oz. Ms. DeGarmo will soon appear in the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Raincoat. Diana exclaims "I am so excited to be coming back to New York to join the cast of The Toxic Avenger. When I saw the show, I laughed my head off. I can't wait to start rehearsal - and to be blonde again!"

The Toxic Avenger is a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all -- an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor and two guys who play...well, everyone else...bullies, mobsters, old ladies, and stiletto-wearing back-up singers. The show also features the most memorable and unbelievable duet you'll ever see on any New York stage. Audiences from teenagers to senior citizens love this hilarious new hit musical! Easily 1,000 laughs.

Featuring book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), music by David Bryan (Bon Jovi) and direction by Tony Award winner John Rando (Urinetown), The Toxic Avenger is playing an open-ended run at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street).

Ms. DeGarmo joins fellow cast members: Nick Cordero, Demond Green, Jonathan Root and Nancy Opel.

The production team for The Toxic Avenger includes: Beowolf Boritt (Scenic Design), David C. Woolard (Costume Design), Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Kurt Fischer (Sound Design), Mark Adam Rampmeyer (Hair & Make-Up Design), John Dods (Prosthetics & Special Effects Design), Rick Sordelet & David DeBesse (Fight Direction), Wendy Seyb (Choreographer), David Bryan & Chris Jahnke (Orchestrations) and Doug Katsaros (Music Director).

The performance schedule for The Toxic Avenger is: Monday, Wednesday - Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 4 & 8PM and Sunday at 3 & 7:30PM. Tickets are $51.50 & $71.50 and may be purchased through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200/www.telecharge.com. The original cast recording (Time Life) is in stores now and available on iTunes.

Diana DeGarmo - With an amazing range and vocal prowess far beyond her years, Diana DeGarmo gained overnight fame as a runner-up on the third season of television's No. 1 series, 'American Idol.' Such high-profile exposure opened the door for DeGarmo's first radio single 'Dreams,' from her full-length RCA label debut Blue Skies, which claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Ms. DeGarmo has also conquered the Great White Way, starring as Penny Pingleton in Broadway's Hairspray and as Brooklyn in the first national tour of Brooklyn: The Musical. She also starred as Dorothy in the first national tour of OZ, The Musical and in Back to Bacharach and David at the Music Box at Fonda in Los Angeles. The talented singer's television credits include ABC TV's "Walt Disney World Christmas Parade," as well as NBC-TV's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and CMT's reality series "Gone Country." DeGarmo is also a proud supporter of our American Troops, touring overseas with the USO and 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace.

Photo by Mark Rupp

Visit Toxic Avenger on BestOfOffBroadway.com,

Don't Leave It All to Your Children Welcomes Joy Franz and Cheryl Stern

JOY FRANZ and CHERYL STERN will join the cast of Saul Ilson’s musical comedy revue “DON’T LEAVE IT ALL TO YOUR CHILDREN! at The Actors Temple Theatre,  339 West 47th Street, NYC on Wednesday, August 12th.   “DON’T LEAVE IT ALL TO YOUR CHILDREN!”, written and directed by Mr. Ilson (“The Smothers Brothers Comedy hour”) is a laugh-filled 90 minutes of music and comedy that celebrates the funny side of the Golden years. 

Ms Franz and Ms. Stern join STEVE ROSSI (of Allan and Rossi) and JAMES DYBAS (Sunset Boulevard) in the comedy revue.  The two actresses will replace Marcia Rodd and Barbara Minkus who will return to the show later this year.

 JOY FRANZ appeared in the original Broadway production of Into the Woods as well as on the PBS broadcast and in the national company.  She also appeared in the original cast of Assassins, A Little Night Music and in the Broadway, London and national company of Company.  Her other Broadway credits include Pippin, Musical Chairs, Open Admissions, Sweet Charity, Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant, and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. She also toured as Meg Boyd in Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis.

 CHERYL STERN appeared on Broadway with Cynthia Nixon, Jennifer Tilly and Rue McClanahan in The Women (Roundabout; filmed for PBS), Candide (NY City Opera) and was featured with Jackie Mason in Laughing Room Only. Off-Broadway, Cheryl recently starred in Being Audrey and as Alice B. Toklas in 27 Rue de Fleurus, She won critical acclaim as Mamie Eisenhower in the Drama Desk-nominated production of First Lady Suite at Transport Group. Other Off-Broadway credits include, Requiem for William (also at Transport Group), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Game Show, That’s Life! and The Immigrant.  She has appeared in first national tours of A Grand Night for Singing, Les Miserables, Evita and Fiddler on the Roof.

 Director/Writer SAUL ILSON was nominated for 5 Emmy Awards and won the Writer’s Guild of America Award for comedy during his hugely successful 40+ years in television. As partner of Ilson/Chambers Productions, Saul produced and wrote some of the most successful comedy-variety series and specials on television including the legendary Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.  He began his career writing musicals for television in Canada in the early 60s - one introducing Robert Goulet which was directed by Norman Jewison. He subsequently moved to Hollywood working with Billy Crystal, Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cosby, Bea Arthur, Carol Channing, Frank Sinatra and many others. He won an International Emmy and a Juno Award, (Canada’s version of the Grammy) for his score for “Rich Little’s Christmas Carol” which aired in Canada, on HBO and in 27 other countries.  "Don't Leave It All To Your Children" is Saul’s second stage production – he wrote and directed a musical-comedy called “How The West Was Sung”, starring Mel Tillis, which ran for more than two years in Branson, MO.   

 JAMES DYBAS made his Broadway stage debut playing Sergio Franchi's son in the Richard Rodgers/Stephen Sondheim musical Do I Hear A Waltz? His other Broadway credits include Sunset Blvd., 42nd Street and original companies of George M!, Via Galactica, Pacific Overtures and The Scarlet Pimpernel. A six time recipient of the L.A. Drama-Logue Award, he played featured roles in Travesties, Nine, That Championship Season, The King and I, Breaking Legs, Romeo & Juliet, Guys & Dolls, Plaza Suite and a host of other plays and musicals in theaters throughout the U.S. and Europe. Film and TV credits include Sins of the City, Miami Vice, Somebody's Daughter and Guilty As Charged with Rod Steiger. 

 STEVE ROSSI is half of the world famous comedy team of Allen and Rossi.  At the age of 6 he appeared in “Going My Way” with Bing Crosby, “The Jolson Story” and over 30 movies.  After appearing with Mae West in concerts across the country, he teamed with Marty Allen in 1957 and soon became America’s #1 comedy team.  They appeared on every top TV show from Ed Sullivan to The Tonight Show and also starred in several Paramount films.  In addition to producing the star-studded 25th Anniversary Allen & Rossi Special, Steve has produced 11 comedy albums and sold more than 2 million copies of his hit record “More.”  In 1999 he was inducted into the Show Business Legends Hall of Fame at Las Vegas’ Tropicana Hotel.   

Musical Stager RUDY TRONTO received a TONY Award nomination as Best Director for SUGAR BABIES. He directed and choreographed MUSICAL CHAIRS on Broadway and also appeared in the Broadway productions of BALLROOM, MAN OF LA MANCHA as Sancho Panza, CARNIVAL and IRMA LA DOUCE.   Set Design is by Josh Iacovelli with lighting by Graham Kindred.  

The performance schedule for “DON’T LEAVE IT ALL TO YOUR CHILDREN!” is Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 PM and Saturday evenings at 8 PM.  

Tickets and information for "DON'T LEAVE IT ALL TO YOUR CHILDREN" are available at BestOfOffBroadway.com.

Review of Summer Shorts 3, Festival of New American Plays

Series B of the Summer Shorts 3, Festival of New American Short Plays features four plays from excellent American playwrights including, Carole Real, Keith Reddin, Roger Hedden, and William Inge. The work ranges from romantic comedy, to contemporary drama, to one really dark and thrilling play.

The first short play, Don’t Say Another Word, by Carole Real, shows how sometimes the best compliment is the simplest. The art of “digging oneself into a proverbial hole” is perfected by both Josh and Laura, played by Andy Grotelueshen and Stephanie D’Abruzzo. Grotelueshen and Tony- nominated D’Abruzzo have adorable chemistry and effortless comic appeal.

The next play takes a different direction. The Sin Eater by Keith Reddin is an almost surreal drama about an urban youth’s death wish for her mother. Reddin’s unconventional story-telling uses time and language to convey mood and character. The play focuses on the emotions and choices of its characters, who are struggling in a family torn apart.

If I Had by Roger Hedden, is a buddy comedy about two working class young men who own their own landscape maintenance business. The two reflect on the fairness of society, and how they work long and hard for the privileged elite. When Augie, played by Andy Powers, feels mistreated, he takes his working class resentment out on one of his client’s daughters.

The last play, and my favorite of the evening, is The Killing by William Inge, a strange and dark drama about two lonely men in the 1950s. When one man invites the other to his home for drinks, expectations are turned upside down. The plot takes a dark and tragic turn when the man asks his guest for a little favor. Neal Huff, and J.J. Kandel play the two men who give the performance of the night.  The dialogue, brilliantly crafted by Inge, creates a truth and reality for each character that sticks with you.

Summer Shorts 3, Festival of New American Short Plays, is running at 59E59 Theatres through August. The entire program is an entertaining and provoking hour and fifty minutes, with a ten minute intermission. Tickets are inexpensive, and for the variety and quality of the work, is well worth checking out.

Reviewed by Travis Ferguson, 2009