New Musical 'IF/THEN' Opens November 5

Idina Menzel returns to the stage for the first time since originating her Tony Award-winning role in WICKED, in this world premiere musical. Set against the ever-shifting landscape of modern day Manhattan, If/Then is a romantic and original new musical about how choice and chance collide and how we learn to love the fallout.

Acting Classes with Director Frank Licato-a few slots still open

Lamppost Reunion directed by Frank Licato   "Frank works within that rare environment where creativity is a balance of seriousness and playful freedom, rooted in a trustworthy sense of truth and expanded and challenged by boundless imagination." - Michael Ornstein, Chuck Marstein on Sons of Anarchy "Frank Licato is a wonderful director, actor and teacher in that his stage and TV career has been a stellar combination of acting and directing.  He gives his colleagues first hand knowledge because he has been there and done that.  His work is gritty, truthful and on the money." - Richard Vetere, Pulitzer nominated playwright/screenwriter   --------------------------  SCHEDULE SCENE STUDY STARTING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH  11:00 AM TO 1:30 PM      8 WEEK INTENSIVE    $325 for the course with a $100 non-refundable deposit required to reserve a spot ---------------------------------  MONOLOGUE INTENSIVE   STARTING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH 11:00 AM TO 1:00 PM 4 WEEK INTENSIVE $200 for the course with a $50 non-refundable deposit required to reserve a spot  ----------------------------------   The cornerstone of my work, both in rehearsal and coaching, is to help the actor find his or her own unique voice to ignite the text, while at the same time creating a grounded, motivated and honest performance. My goal is to give actors the tools they need to prepare audition material - bold, focused and clear choices - and the confidence to do their best moment to moment work in the audition room itself. Having worked as an actor, I understand the actor's process and language. Being a director and having watched countless auditions, I know what will get you noticed.  I give practical advice and a safe space to help actors do their best work, as well as advice on monologue selection and general audition techniques.  SCENE STUDY     This class is designed to sharpen your acting skills by working on scenes from plays in which you would realistically be cast. Our focus will be on strong, clear and honest choices that are the basis of all my work with actors. In addition, we will also discuss audition techniques and examine choices that will help you to stand out in the audition room. Workshop limited to 10. "Having recently worked with Frank Licato in his scene study class,  I have never felt more empowered and reminded of the thoroughness of the process of character. It was incredibly rewarding. Frank is an excellent guide and teacher who will walk you through a scene moment to moment, and help you find the little truths that make a performance great. Frank reminds you of the roots of acting; the reason I fell in love with acting in the first place. I highly recommend Frank, he is thoroughly dedicated to you, the performer!" - Monica Trombetta, Actress/Board Member- NY, SAG-AFTRA   MONOLOGUE INTENSIVE This 4 week workshop will help you polish your existing monologues, as well as find and work on new pieces (contemporary and/or classical). Along with your fellow participants, I will assist you in finding pieces that show you off and make your unique talents shine. In addition to monologue work, we will also cover general audition techniques and preparation. Workshop limited to 8. "Acting teacher Frank Licato's focus is totally on the work. He helps his students by teaching them how to analyze text closely for maximum impact. An accomplished theatre director, Frank has also worked extensively as an actor. He knows what directors and casting agents want to see, and he is an expert at showing his students how to seek out -- and reveal -- the living, beating heart of any scene or monologue." - Michael Folie, Playwright/Actor     PRIVATE COACHING These sessions can be tailored to the individual's needs in working on a monologue, a scene, material for an audition or to just work on something new. The fee for these sessions is $80 an hour.   "One of the things I appreciate the most about Frank as a monologue coach is his ability to quickly hone in on what isn't working in an audition piece. He then provides clear, specific direction for how to improve upon it.  He also sees what IS working and manages to make suggestions that strengthen the piece even further. His sense of humor and pleasant demeanor are an added bonus, which makes the time spent working with him feel more like play.  I couldn't recommend him more highly to anyone looking to refine a new monologue or shake up an old one." - Dana Benningfield, Actress/Director  If you have any further questions email  @:      frank@franklicato.com or call 646-522-5689  Spirits of Exit Eleven by Michael Puzzo directed by Frank Licato

Paper Mill Playhouse Produces World-Premiere Musical 'Honeymoon In Vegas'

Honeymoon in Vegas stars television, screen and stage icon Tony Danza

and features a score by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown

Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn, NJ) is launching its 75th Anniversary Season with the world-premiere, Broadway-bound musical Honeymoon in Vegas, based on the Castle Rock Entertainment motion picture of the same title. Honeymoon in Vegas features music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade, 13) and book by Andrew Bergman (director and screenwriter of the film). Gary Griffin (The Color Purple) will direct with original choreography by Denis Jones. 

 Honeymoon in Vegas will star television, screen and stage icon Tony Danza (Who's the Boss?, Taxi, The Producers, A View From The Bridge, The Iceman Cometh) as Tommy Korman, a widowed and unscrupulous gambler looking for another shot at love. Leading the company are Tony nominee Rob McClure (Chaplin) as Jack Singer, Brynn O'Malley (Annie) as Betsy Nolan, Tony nominee Nancy Opel (Memphis, Urinetown) as Bea Singer, Matthew Saldivar (Peter and the Starcatcher) as Johnny Sandwich and David Josefsberg (Wedding Singer) as Tony Rocky/Roy Bacon. 

 Honeymoon in Vegas will play the Millburn, New Jersey theater from September 26 through October 27. The official opening night is Sunday, October 6, 2013, at 7:00 pm.

Honeymoon in Vegas, based on the hit movie, is an insanely funny musical that tells the tale of Jack Singer (McClure), a guy with an extraordinary fear of marriage, who finally overcomes his phobia and goes to Las Vegas to wed his longtime girlfriend, Betsy (O’Malley). Enter Tommy Korman (Danza), a widowed and unscrupulous gambler looking for another shot at love. Tommy spots Betsy, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his late wife, and the game is afoot. The author of the comedy classics The In-Laws and The Freshman and the Tony-winning composer of The Last Five Years team up to create a sidesplitting musical with all the glitz, fun, and brassy glamor of a night out in Las Vegas.

Honeymoon in Vegas will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday (altered first week schedule). Performance Schedule: Wednesday at 7:30 pm,Thursday at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Friday at 8:00 pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:00 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now and range from $27 to $98. 

Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn,  New Jersey, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680.

Here are Broadway's Most Popular Shows

Top-grossing Broadway shows for the week ending Aug. 25.

1. The Lion King
2. Wicked
3. The Book of Mormon
4. Kinky Boots
5. Motown: The Musical
6. Matilda the Musical
7. Pippin
8. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
9. Mamma Mia!

Source: The Broadway League

First Annual Sound Bites 10 minute Musical Theatre Festival Accepting Submissions Now

Who is presenting Sound Bites?

The First Annual Sound Bites 10 minute Musical Theatre Festival is being presented by Theatre Now New York. 

What is Sound Bites?

Do you have a 10 Minute Musical or 10 Minute Musical Excerpt of a full scale musical? Any 10 minute piece that can be performed and includes music can qualify!

The First Annual Sound Bites little festival of little musicals is perfect for you. Sound Bites offers a unique opportunity for talented writers, composers, and lyricists to showcase their work publicly in front of industry professionals.

Through an open submission process, Theatre Now New York will select the ten best 10-minute musicals or musical excerpts which will then be presented in NYC.

Each musical will compete for Festival Awards and for inclusion in future programs with the creative team of Theatre NOW New York on the development of new works.

Sound Bites gives an exhilarating chance for artists of all theatrical disciplines at any point in their careers in getting their work seen and possibly developed further or even produced.

When?

PLEASE NOTE: Deadline extended - Submissions are due before SEPTEMBER 16, 2013. 10 finalists will perform in November.

Where?

A performance space in New York, NY.

How?

For Guidelines Click Here.

To Submit Click Here.

Bernard Shaw's 'You Never Can Tell' at Pearl Theatre

                                                    (CLICK HERE)

Next at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey the world premiere of 'A Most Dangerous Woman'

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will launch the Fall portion of its 2013 Season with the world premiere of A Most Dangerous Woman written by Cathy Tempelsman and directed by Tony-Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr.A Most Dangerous Woman , which explores the extraordinary life of Mary Ann Evans – better known by her pen name George Eliot – begins performances on September 18 at The Shakespeare Theatre’s Main Stage – The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre (photo).

Responding to the exceptional interest in this new play about the famed Victorian author, The Shakespeare Theatre has extended the run and added six performances to the schedule. Performances of A Most Dangerous Woman will now continue through October 12th.

Tickets range from $35 to $70; student rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to curtain for $15. For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visitwww.ShakespeareNJ.org. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre is located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, New Jersey. Three-play discount ticket packages are also available.

An outcast, living a socially unconventional life, Mary Ann Evans was forced to write under the assumed name of George Eliot, not only to escape having her work judged by virtue of her gender, but to avoid having it judged by virtue of her scandalous life. Ironically, her success as George Eliot only led her deeper and deeper into a world of secrets and deception. Eliot’s acclaimed novels include Adam Bede, Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss and Silas Marner.

“Out of the isolation she suffers – born of her own passion and need – she develops a preternatural insight into hidden and secret lives and the suffering of ordinary men and women, who, dramatically, are as rich and compelling as the kings and queens we find in Shakespeare,” said playwright Cathy Tempelsman. “She was the most brilliant, fascinating person I had ever read about – her life was entirely modern and unconventional. I just felt that such a dramatic, controversial life belonged in the theatre.”


The Creative Team

Winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics awards, director Richard Maltby, Jr. directs A Most Dangerous Woman. Maltby conceived and directed the Broadway productions of Ring of Fireas well as the Tony-Award winning musicals Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Fosse. He was the director and lyricist for Baby, the lyricist for Big, and the lyricist and conceiver for Take Flight. He was the co-lyricist for Miss Saigon, and the co-book writer and lyricist for The Pirate Queen. He also directed and was the co-lyricist for Song & Dance starring Bernadette Peters. Off-Broadway, he was the director and lyricist for Staring Here, Starting Now, and Closer Than Ever which were both written with composer David Shire. Maltby also contributes crossword puzzles to Harper’s Magazine.

Academy Award and Grammy Award—winning composer David Shire will provide original incidental music for the production. Shire composed the soundtracks for the films The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, All The President’s Men, and Norma Rae among many others, and composed the scores for the Broadway productions of Baby and Big, as well as the off-Broadway productions of the Grammy-nominated Starting Here, Starting Now and the award-winning Closer Than Ever.

Playwright Cathy Tempelsman worked for the Wall Street Journal and is the author of the book Child-Wise published by William Morrow. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Coastal Living, among others. Tempelsman’s one-act play Missing was produced at Boston Playwrights Theatre and at the Barrow Group in New York. She is currently working on a new script based on events that occurred just after World War I. A Most Dangerous Woman was a finalist for the 2013 Terrence McNally New Play Award, given to an American script which celebrates the transformative power of art. It also won the Echo Theatre (Dallas, TX) national playwriting completion.

The Cast

Aedin Moloney makes her Shakespeare Theatre debut in the role of George Eliot. Moloney is the founder and artistic director of The Fallen Angel Theatre Company in New York City. She recently starred in Airswimming at Irish Rep/Fallen Angel Theatre and played Rose in the 20th Anniversary production of Dancing at Lughnasa at Irish Rep. Her credits also include Under Milk Wood at Hartford Stage, Hobsons Choice at the Atlantic Theatre and several productions at Irish Rep including Shadow of a Gunman, The Playboy of the Western World, Juno and the Paycock and more. Her film credits include Nora with Ewan McGregor, Far & Away and The Captives and Agnes Brown. She recently completed a recording of Molly Bloom’s soliloquy from James Joyce’s Ulysses in collaboration with Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains.

Shakespeare Theatre veteran Ames Adamson plays George Henry Lewes, with whom George Eliot has a longtime relationship. Adamson has appeared in Shakespeare Theatre productions of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Timon of Athens, Hamlet, King Lear and others. He recently appeared at the Quintessence Theatre Group’s productions of Arms and the Man and The Misanthrope, adapted by Martin Crimp.

John Little plays John Blackwood, Eliot’s publisher. Little has appeared in Shakespeare Theatre productions of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, Henry IV, Part One, The Grapes of Wrath and Amadeusamong others. He recently appeared in Poetic License at 59E59 Theatre. He has also appeared off-Broadway at New Federal Theatre and Harold Clurman Theatre.

Eliot’s best friend is played by Deanne Lorette who appeared in The Shakespeare Theatre’s production of The Little Foxes. Lorette has appeared on Broadway in La Bête and at regional theatres throughout the nation including The Goodspeed Opera House, Cincinnati Playhouse, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, DC and Actors Theatre of Louisville.

The role of Isaac Evans, George Eliot’s brother, is played by Shakespeare Theatre veteran Rob Krakovski. Krakovski appeared in The Shakespeare Theatre productions of Around the World in Eighty Days, Measure for Measure and Julius Caesar. He has recently appeared at GEVA in A Christmas Story, and at Portland Center Stage in Twelfth Night and Beard of Avon. Off-Broadway, he originated the role of Bill Wilson in Bill W.

Sheffield Chastain plays Herbert Spencer, a writer. Chastain appeared on Broadway in White Christmas, Is He Dead and in the national tour of The 39 Steps. He has appeared off-Broadway at the Perry Street Theatre and Atlantic Theatre and at Florida Studio Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Seattle Rep and Los Angeles Theatre Center among many others.

Returning for his 10th season at The Shakespeare Theatre to play George Combe, the phrenologist, is Andy Paterson. Paterson appeared in Shakespeare Theatre productions of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, The Tempest, and The Blue Bird among many others. He has appeared at theatres across the nation including The Acting Company, Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, McCarter Theatre, and Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Devin Norik plays Edward, a publishing house clerk. Norik appeared in The Shakespeare Theatre production of The Lion in Winter. His New York credits include At Play, 24 Hour Play Festival at Old Vic New Voices and The Smoking Gun at Studio Tisch.

The Artistic Staff

Creating the world of A Most Dangerous Woman are set designer Nicholas Dorr, costume designer Hugh Hanson, sound designer Rich Dionne, and lighting designer Tony Galaska. Kathy Snyder serves as production stage manager.

Special Performances

The first preview performance of A Most Dangerous Woman on Wednesday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m. offers opportunities for reduced-price tickets, as an incentive to first-time theatergoers. For those who would otherwise not be able to afford a night at the theatre, the first preview performance is Pay What You Can night – pay what you are able for that evening’s 7:30 p.m. preview performance. Offer is subject to availability. Call the box office at 973-408-5600 for details.

For no more than the cost of a regular ticket, Symposium Series performances include the addition of a free post-play discussion with the cast and artistic staff, on Tuesday, September 24th at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, September 28th; and Saturday, October 5th at 2:00 p.m.

On Thursday, September 26th, The Shakespeare Theatre presents the popular education program Know the Show. From 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., members of the artistic staff will present a pre-performance talk that provides background information and an insider’s perspective on A Most Dangerous Woman.

General admission to Know the Show is $5 for the general public, $4 for subscribers and ticket package holders. Tickets to that evening’s 8:00 p.m. performance may be purchased separately.

The 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, October 5th will be audio described for those who are blind or have visual impairments. Audio description enables patrons to hear, through an FM transmitter, a live description of the action on the stage. A pre-performance sensory seminar is offered that allows patrons to explore props, costumes and set pieces to further enhance their live theatrical experience. The service is offered free of charge.

Tickets & General Information

Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Chita Rivera's 80th Birthday Celebration October 7th

New York Play Closings

Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Price (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike)

Here is a list of shows closing this week:


‘The Designated Mourner’ (closes on Sunday) Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street, at Astor Place, East Village, (212) 967-7555, publictheater.org.

‘The Great Society’ (closes on Saturday) Clurman Theater at Theater Row, 410 West 42nd Street, Clinton, (212) 239-6200, telecharge.com.

‘The Hamlet Project’ (closes on Monday) Harley’s Smokeshack & BBQ, 356 West 44th Street, Clinton, hamletprojectnewyork.com.

‘I Forgive You, Ronald Reagan’ (closes on Sunday) Beckett Theater at Theater Row, 410 West 42nd Street, Clinton, (212) 239-6200, telecharge.com.

‘Murder for Two’ (closes on Sunday) McGinn/Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, at 76th Street, fourth floor, (212) 246-4422, 2st.com.

‘rogerandtom’ (closes on Saturday) Here, 145 Avenue of the Americas, at Dominick Street, South Village, (212) 352-3101, here.org.

‘Shida’ (closes on Wednesday) Arts Nova, 511 West 54th Street, Clinton, (866) 811-4111,shidathemusical.com.

Summer Shorts 2013 (Series A) (closes next Friday) 59 E 59 Theaters, 59 East 59th Street, Manhattan, (212) 279-4200, ticketcentral.com.

‘The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin’ (closes on Sunday) Laura Pels Theater, Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theater, 111 West 46th Street, (212) 719-1300,roundaboutunderground.org.

‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ (closes on Sunday). John Golden Theater, 252 West 45th Street, (212) 239-6200,telecharge.com.

Photo: T. Charles Erickson (McCarter Theatre)

New Jersey Current Plays

Scene from 'Saving Kitty' (NJ Rep)

Here is a selected list of current and upcoming offerings at professional theaters in the Garden State;

BEACH HAVEN Surflight Theater “Les Misérables,” based on the Victor Hugo novel, book by Alain Boublil, music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. Through Aug. 31. $45. Surflight Theater, Engleside and Beach Avenues.surflight.org; (609) 492-9477.

CAPE MAY Cape May Stage, The Robert Shackleton Playhouse “Boeing Boeing,” by Marc Camoletti; translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans. Through Sept. 13. $15 to $35. Cape May Stage, Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Bank and Lafayette Streets. (609) 770-8311;capemaystage.com.

LONG BRANCH New Jersey Repertory Company, Lumia Theater “Saving Kitty,” new comedy by Marisa Smith. Through Aug. 25. $25 to $40. New Jersey Repertory Company, Lumia Theater, 179 Broadway. (732) 229-3166; njrep.org. Read our review.

MADISON F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theater, Drew University “Tovarich,” by Jacques Deval. Adapted from the French by Robert E. Sherwood. Through Sept. 1. $35 to $70. F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theater, Drew University, 36 Madison Avenue. (973) 408-5600; njshakespeare.org. Read our review.

PRINCETON McCarter Theater Center “Proof,” a drama by David Auburn. Sept. 6 through Oct. 6. $20 to $87.50. McCarter Theater Center, 91 University Place. (609) 258-2787; mccarter.org. To be reviewed.

RED BANK Two River Theater Live Screening of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” a 1982 play, one of the 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle by August Wilson. Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Free. Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue. (732) 345-1400; trtc.org.

WEST CAPE MAY East Lynne Theater Company “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Washington Irving’s supernatural story, adapted by James Rana. Through Aug. 31. $15 to $30. East Lynne Theater Company, 121 Fourth Avenue. (609) 884-5898;eastlynnetheater.org.

'Tovarich' at NJ Shakespeare Theatre