Off-Broadway Theatre + Broadway News

Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of I FORGIVE YOU, RONALD REAGAN Off-Broadway

(6/18/2013) - The producers of I Forgive You, Ronald Reagan, the new play by John S. Anastasi, in which the present is on a collision course with the past, present a limited Off-Broadway run this summer. Directed by Charles Abbott, performances will begin at The Beckett Theatre (410 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Aves.) on Monday, July 15. Opening Night is set for Tuesday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. The show is scheduled to play through August 25th. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below!

Official: COLIN QUINN UNCONSTITUTIONAL to Re-Open at Cherry Street Theatre, 7/4

(6/18/2013) - Due to popular demand and after receiving rave reviews, Colin Quinn Unconstitutional, (www.ColinQuinnUnconstitutional.com) a new comedy written by and starring Colin Quinn, will transfer to The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) for a 3 week run: July 4 - July 23rd. Colin Quinn Unconstitutional, is presented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Mike Lavoie.

Sigourney Weaver, David Hyde Pierce & More Set for Off Broadway Alliance Awards Reception at Sardi's Today

(6/18/2013) - The Off Broadway Alliance, the organization of Off Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents and marketing firms, will present the 3rd annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards today, June 18th at 4:30 PM at Sardi's. The awards honor outstanding achievement in Off Broadway theater for the 2012-2013 season. All recipients will be on hand to receive their awards.

BUYER & CELLAR Begins Previews Off-Broadway at Barrow Street Theatre Tonight

(6/18/2013) - The off-Broadway comedy, Buyer & Cellar, starring Michael Urie ("Ugly Betty"), written by Jonathan Tolins, and directed by Stephen Brackett, begins performances tonight at 7:30pm at the Barrow Street Theatre. The opening night is set for Monday, June 24 at 7:30pm.

BUYER & CELLAR, Starring Michael Urie, Transfers to Barrow Street Theatre, Now thru 6/24

(6/18/2013) - Producers Darren Bagert, Dan Shaheen, and Ted Snowdon have announced that the hit comedy Buyer & Cellar, starring Michael Urie ('Ugly Betty'), written by Jonathan Tolins, and directed by Stephen Brackett, will transfer to the Barrow Street Theatre for a ten-week engagement beginning tonight, June 18, at 7:30pm and opening Monday, June 24. Tickets go on sale today.

CHOIR BOY Begins Previews Tonight at Manhattan Theatre Club

(6/18/2013) - Manhattan Theatre Club presents the American premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy, the new play featuring gospel music directed by Trip Cullman at MTC's The Studio at Stage II - Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series at New York City Center - Stage II (131 West 55th Street).

Photo Flash: Tonya Pinkins and More in TBTB's STILL MORE OF OUR PARTS Festival

(6/17/2013) - Theater Breaking Through Barriers (TBTB), the renowned Off-Broadway company known for its productions that integrate artists with disabilities with able-bodied actors, presents its third annual short play festival, STILL MORE OF OUR PARTS - an evening of six ten-minute plays about disabilities -- with performances running through June 28 at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street). BroadwayWorld has photos of the casts in action below!

COLIN QUINN UNCONSTITUTIONAL to Re-Open at Cherry Lane Theatre, July 4?

(6/17/2013) - According to Deadline.com, following its run at Barrow Street Theatre, COLIN QUINN UNCONSTITUTIONAL will be re-opening at Cherry Lane Theatre on July 4. The show is a new comedy written by and starring Colin Quinn, SNL's former 'Weekend Update' correspondent.

Photo Flash: MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL Celebrates Off-Broadway Opening

(6/17/2013) - Three-time Emmy award winner Anthony J. Wilkinson's comedic but heart felt portrayal of the autobiographical story of his real life Father's passing, coincidentally opened on Father's Day evening. Scroll down for photos from the opening!

Off Broadway Alliance to Honor King Displays with 'Friend of Off Broadway' Award

(6/17/2013) - The Off Broadway Alliance, the organization of Off Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents and marketing professionals, will bestow its 2nd Annual Friend of Off Broadway Award to Wayne Sapper and Ken Lubin of King Displays. The Alliance established the Friend of Off Broadway Award to honor the people or organizations that have consistently provided extraordinary generosity, support and expertise to the Off Broadway community. The award will be presented at the 3rd annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards Reception tomorrow, June 18th at 4:30 PM at Sardi's. All of the 2013 honorees will be on hand to receive their awards.

Sean Dugan to Lead Page 73 Productions' Reading of RITU COMES HOME Today

(6/17/2013) - Page 73 Productions - the Off-Broadway company dedicated to producing and developing works by early-career playwrights - will present a reading of their 2013 Interstate 73 member Peter Gil-Sheridan's play RITU COMES HOME on Monday, June 17 at 4pm at A.R.T./New York's Studios@520 (520 8th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Studio B) Davis McCallum (WATER BY THE SPOONFUL; ELLIOT, A SOLDIER'S FUGUE) will direct.

Carla Gugino, Caroline Aaron and More Set for LCT3's A KID LIKE JAKE

(6/17/2013) - Caroline Aaron, Michelle Beck, Peter Grosz and Carla Gugino will be featured in the cast of the upcoming LCT3/Lincoln Center Theater world premiere production of A KID LIKE JAKE, a new play by Daniel Pearle, directed by Evan Cabnet. A KID LIKE JAKE opens tonight, June 17 and runs through Sunday, July 14 at the Claire Tow Theater, 150 West 65 Street.

Brooke Shields Joins 'Celebrity Autobiography' Tonight

(6/17/2013) - The Drama Desk Award-winning Celebrity Autobiography returns to Stage 72 (formerly the Triad Theater (158 West 72 Street) with its new edition, Celebrity Autobiography: The Next Chapter tonight, June 17 at 7:30pm.

Danielle Lee Greaves to Star in MOTHER DIVINE: THE MUSICAL at NYMF; Cast Announced!

(6/16/2013) - MOTHER DIVINE: The Musical, an official selection of the New York Musical Festival's Next Link Project, will begin performances July 11th at the PTC Performance Space (Pearl Theatre Company). Book and lyrics are by Laurel Klinger Vartabedian and music by Bill Evans.

MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL Opens Today at St. Luke's Theatre

(6/16/2013) - 'My Big Gay Italian Funeral' which began previews June 1st is set to open today, June 16th. After sold out previews filled with standing ovations and great feedback, the show has already picked up momentum and is gearing up for its official opening weekend. 'My Big Gay Italian Funeral' is yet another comedy from Wilkinson and uses some of the same characters from 'My Big Gay Italian Wedding.' The father (Joe Pinnunziato) is now deceased and we introduce some new characters, namely Anthony's gay brother Peter Pinnunziato, who he hasn't spoken to in over a decade. Family drama and crazy characters unite when everything that can possibly happen at an Italian wake certainly will!

Charlie Williams Joins SILENCE! THE MUSICAL Today

(6/15/2013) - Beginning today, June 15th, Charlie Williams will be the new Dream Hannibal in Off-Broadway's long-running smash SILENCE! THE MUSICAL at the Elektra Theatre in the heart of Times Square. SILENCE! announced this week that it will end its triumphant two-year run Sunday, July 7th. The show's producer, Theater Mogul, is currently negotiating licensing deals for futureSILENCE! productions to open during the 2013-14 season in major markets across the country and around the world.

Jane Krakowski Joins 'Celebrity Autobiography' Tonight

(6/15/2013) - The Drama Desk Award-winning Celebrity Autobiography returns to Stage 72 (formerly the Triad Theater (158 West 72 Street) with its new edition, Celebrity Autobiography: The Next Chapter, tonight, June 15 at 9:30pm and Monday, June 17 at 7:30pm.

Photo Flash: Kids of the Arts' FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY Off-Broadway

(6/14/2013) - Kids of the Arts touring production of Freckleface Strawberry The Musical recently performed to sold out audiences Off-Broadway at the 47th Street Theater. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek below!

Photo Flash: First Look at IT'S JUST SEX at Actors Temple Theatre

(6/14/2013) - After over two years of sold-out performances, as well as acclaim from critics and audiences alike, It's Just Sex, Los Angeles' longest-running, award-winning comedy about partner-swapping couples, will finally come to New York City. Written by Jeff Gould and directed by Rick Shaw, It's Just Sex began an open-ended Off-Broadway run June 4th at the Actors Temple Theatre (339 West 47th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues). Opening Night is set for Tuesday June 25th. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Photo Flash: In the Recording Studio with THE LAST SMOKER IN AMERICA

(6/14/2013) - Yellow Sound Label (Michael Croiter) announced today that the Original Cast Album for The Last Smoker in America will be released on June 25, 2013. The album, produced and engineered by Joel Moss and distributed by Yellow Sound Label, will be available on Amazon, iTunes, and elsewhere where music is sold. BroadwayWorld has photos of the cast and creative team in the recording studio below!

BUYER & CELLAR to Give Away 2 Tickets to Opening Night at Barrow Street Theatre

(6/14/2013) - Michael Urie, star of the off-Broadway comedy, Buyer & Cellar, has announced that the hit play is offering one lucky fan an opportunity to win two tickets to the opening night performance and party. Mr. Urie made the announcement via his Twitter account.

Charlie Williams to Join SILENCE! THE MUSICAL Tomorrow for Final Month of Performances

(6/14/2013) - Beginning tomorrow, June 15th, Charlie Williams will be the new Dream Hannibal in Off-Broadway's long-running smash SILENCE! THE MUSICAL at the Elektra Theatre in the heart of Times Square. SILENCE! announced yesterday that it will end its triumphant two-year run Sunday, July 7th. The show's producer, Theater Mogul, is currently negotiating licensing deals for future SILENCE! productions to open during the 2013-14 season in major markets across the country and around the world.

LAST SMOKER IN AMERICA Cast Recording Set for June 25 Release

(6/14/2013) - Yellow Sound Label (Michael Croiter) announced today that the Original Cast Album for The Last Smoker in America will be released on June 25, 2013. The album, produced and engineered by Joel Moss and distributed by Yellow Sound Label, will be available on Amazon, iTunes, and elsewhere where music is sold. For additional information and to pre-order the Original Cast Album, visit www.YellowSoundLabel.com.

5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE to Return for Gay Pride, 6/27-29; Set for Open-Ended Run at Snapple Center, Beg. 7/19

(6/13/2013) - Returning after extended runs at the New York International Fringe Festival Encore Series and Off Broadway's SoHo Playhouse, The New Colony's award-winning 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE will play the Snapple Theater Center's Anne L. Bernstein Theater (210 West 50th Street at the corner of Broadway, New York City). The play returns for a special three performance Pride Weekend engagement June 27 to June 29, 2013.

Prospect Theater Announces $20 Ticket Lottery for UNLOCK'D; Talkback with Carner & Gregor Set for 6/19

(6/13/2013) - Prospect Theater Company will offer a $20 ticket lottery for their upcoming Off-Broadway production of UNLOCK'D. Performances begin June 16, 2013 at The Duke on 42nd Street, a New 42nd Street project.

Jinkx Monsoon's THE VAUDEVILLIANS Announces Pre-Opening Extension; to Play Laurie Beechman Through August 8

(6/13/2013) - Tickets are $22 (plus a $15 food/drink minimum.) A $40 VIP ticket including priority seating and meet-and-greet is also available. To purchase tickets, call 212-352-3101 or visitwww.SpinCycleNYC.com.

Tennessee Williams' THE TWO-CHARACTER PLAY Begins Previews Tonight at New World Stages

(6/13/2013) - The highly anticipated production of Tennessee Williams' The Two-Character Play, uniting the white-hot talents of Tony Award winner Amanda Plummer (Agnes of God, Pulp Fiction) and Academy Award nominee Brad Dourif (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), directed by Gene David Kirk, begins previews at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) tonight. Opening Night is set for June 19 at 8:00 p.m.

SILENCE! THE MUSICAL to Close Off-Broadway on July 7

(6/13/2013) - SILENCE! THE MUSICAL will end its triumphant two-year run Sunday, July 7th at the Elektra Theatre. The production will have played a total of 529 performances and eight previews. The show's producer, Theater Mogul, is currently negotiating licensing deals for future SILENCE! productions to open during the 2013-14 season in major markets across the country and around the world.

York Theatre Co. to Present Summer Readings of UNEXPECTED JOYS; Capathia Jenkins, Emma Hunton & More to Star!

(6/13/2013) - The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Andrew Levine, Executive Director), in association with Jim Kierstead, as part of its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series, continues its summer schedule with the new musical Unexpected Joy, with Book & Lyrics by Bill Russell and Music by Janet Hood. Directed by Tony Award nominee Sheryl Kaller and with music direction by Jodie Moore, the four-member cast will feature Annie Golden, Emma Hunton, Capathia Jenkins and AnnMarie Milazzo.

Tonya Pinkins Joins STILL MORE OF OUR PARTS, Now thru 6/28 at Theatre Row

(6/13/2013) - Theater Breaking Through Barriers (TBTB), the renowned Off-Broadway company known for its productions that integrate artists with disabilities with able-bodied actors, presents its third annual short play festival, STILL MORE OF OUR PARTS - an evening of six ten-minute plays about disabilities, featuring world premieres by Jerrod Bogard, Bekah Brunstetter, Bruce Graham, Samuel D. Hunter, Neil LaBute, and Lynn Manning, with performances to run tonight, June 13-28 at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street). Christopher Burris, Nicholas Viselli, Christina Roussos, Russell Treyz, Karen Case Cook, and Roberto Cambeiro direct.

F#%KING UP EVERYTHING Ends Off-Broadway Run Today

(6/13/2013) - Jeremy Handelman/Off The Leash Productions' Off-Broadway musical F#%KING UP EVERYTHING, will celebrate its final performance today, June 13, 2013. F#%KING UP EVERYTHING has music & lyrics by David Eric Davis, book by Sam Forman and David Eric Davis, directed & choreographed by Jen Wineman, orchestrations & music supervision by Matt Hinkley and music direction by Eli Zoller.

York Theatre Presents Reading of FICTION IN PHOTOGRAPHS Today

(6/13/2013) - The York Theatre Company and its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series kicks off the summer with Janet Brenner co-producing Fiction In Photographs, an original musical conceived and directed by Randy Redd, with Book by Dan Elish and Music & Lyrics by Dan Mills. With music direction by Adam Podd, the five-member cast will feature Cole Burden, Van Hughes, David Larsen, Lauren Pritchard and Ali Stroker. The By-Invitation-Only, one performance presentation is set for today, June 13, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. (The reading will not be held at The York Theatre Company.)

THE BANANA MONOLOGUES Begins Off-Broadway at Acorn Theatre Tonight

(6/13/2013) - Gregory Taft Gerard is presenting 'The Banana Monologues' Off Broadway, at the Acorn Theatre (Theatre Row) 410 West 42nd Street. The production will begin performances tonight, June 13 and the Opening is Monday, June 24th at 7:00 pm. The 90-minute relationship comedy is written by John Brennan, Mary Cimino, and Jason C. Cooper. The cast and production team will soon be announced for the summer engagement.

Ed Malone to Direct THE BALLAD OF CHARLIE AND CATE Reading at Irish Rep, 6/24

(6/12/2013) - On Monday, June 24th at 1:00pm acclaimed Irish Playwright, Ed Malone, will direct a Special Industry (by invitation only) Pre-Broadway Reading of his new revolutionary play THE BALLAD of CHARLIE and CATE.

Photo Flash: First Look at Patrick Fitzgerald and Cara Seymour in Irish Rep's GIBRALTAR

(6/12/2013) - The Irish Repertory Theatre continues its award-winning 25th Anniversary Season with the Off-Broadway premiere of GIBRALTAR-Patrick Fitzgerald's two-character adaptation of James Joyce's 'Ulysses' - currently in previews prior to opening tomorrow, June 13 in the company's W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre (132 West 22nd Street). Terry Kinney directs. GIBRALTAR co-stars playwright and actor Patrick Fitzgerald and Cara Seymour. Below, BroadwayWorld has a first look at the duo onstage!

Roundabout Releases Upstage Playgoers Guide to 'TOM DURNIN'

(6/12/2013) - For all Roundabout productions, Education at Roundabout creates an issue of UPSTAGE, designed to enhance students' theatre-going experience. Each edition features interviews with the production's creative team members, contextual information about the play and teacher resources and activities. The latest issue of UPSTAGE features interviews with David Morse, Steven Levenson, Christopher Denham and Jill Rafson, quotes from each of the designers about their process, and much more!

MONKEY: JOURNEY TO THE WEST to Open 2013 Lincoln Center Festival, 7/6

(6/12/2013) - MONKEY: JOURNEY TO THE WEST, an extraordinary music-theater collaboration based on the classic Chinese folktale 'Journey to the West' from 1592, will open the 2013 Lincoln Center Festival, playing 27 performances throughout the festival from July 6 - 28 in the David H. Koch Theater. MONKEY: JOURNEY TO THE WEST is conceived and directed by internationally renowned opera and film director Chen Shi-Zheng, with music by Damon Albarn, lead singer of Blur, and design and animation by award-winning artist Jamie Hewlett, who, with Albarn, created the virtual band Gorillaz.

ALCESTIS ASCENDING to Begin Off-Broadway at Theatre Row, 7/9

(6/12/2013) - Cuban National Office of Scenic Arts, The University of Alabama and Company HavanaBama invite you to the World Premiere of ALCESTIS ASCENDING, a new play with music based on Euripides' classic drama. Written and directed by Seth Panitch, this groundbreaking collaboration combines actors and dancers from the Cuban National Office of Scenic Arts (several of whom are TV stars in Cuba) as well as actors from the University of Alabama. Performances of this Off-Broadway limited engagement run July 9 - 21 at the Harold Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd).