Off-Broadway Theatre + Broadway News

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).

MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL to Open 6/16 at St. Luke's Theatre

(6/12/2013) - 'My Big Gay Italian Funeral' which began previews June 1st is set to open this Sunday 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!

Photo Flash: THE SILVER CORD Celebrates Opening Night at Sardi's

(6/12/2013) - The Peccadillo Theater Company is currently presenting the first major NYC revival of Sidney Howard's THE SILVER CORD, directed by OBIE Award winner Dan Wackerman. The production opened last night, June 11th at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street (between Ninth & Tenth Ave.) Check out the cast's celebration at Sardi's below!

Photo Flash: ITALIAN BREAD Cast Supports Guyon Resue

(6/12/2013) - Off-Broadway's ITALIAN BRED welcomes Janine and Dominick Detore in guest starring cameo roles at the June 11th show. This performance will support GUYON RESCUE. The Detores are major supporters of the Staten Island based charitable organization.

The Amoralists Stage RANTOUL AND DIE, Now thru 7/20

(6/12/2013) - Having earned a reputation as one of New York's most daring young theater companies, The Amoralists continue to grow in size, ambition and audacity. In the seven years since its founding, the Company has successfully produced 16 productions of ten plays, including nine world premieres, and has quickly moved from basement theaters to Off-Broadway. On the heels of these accomplishments, The Amoralists will kick off 'The Summer of The Amoralists' season with the New York premiere of Mark Roberts' Rantoul and Die, directed by Jay Stull and featuring performances by Derek Ahonen, Sarah Lemp,Matthew Pilieci and Vanessa Vache - all members of The Amoralists' 50-member ensemble.

Atlantic Theater Kicks Off LATINO MIXFEST Today

(6/12/2013) - Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director) will present LATINO MIXFEST, a series of free readings that will run today, June 12 - Friday, June 28 at Atlantic Stage 2 (330 West 16th Street) and at Atlantic's rehearsal studios (76 Ninth Ave, Suite 537).

Review Roundup: REASONS TO BE HAPPY Opens Off-Broadway - All the Reviews!

(6/11/2013) - MCC Theater's Reasons to be Happy, starring Leslie Bibb (Iron Man, ABC's 'GCB') and Jenna Fischer (NBC's 'The Office') making their New York City stage debuts opposite Josh Hamilton (The Coast of Utopia) and Fred Weller (MCC's Still Life and In a Dark Dark House), is Playwright-in-Residence Neil LaBute's new play, which LaBute will also direct. The show opens tonight, June 11, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and runs through June 23, 2013. Let's see what the critics had to say...

Photo Flash: First Look at Lorenzo Pisoni, Jennifer Westfeldt and More in MTC's THE EXPLORERS CLUB

(6/11/2013) - THE EXPLORERS CLUB is now in previews at Manhattan Theatre Club with an official press opening set for Thursday, June 20 featuring Brian Avers (Rock 'n' Roll), Max Baker (Cyrano DeBergerac), Steven Boyer (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), Arnie Burton (Peter and the Starcatcher), Carson Elrod (All in the Timing), David Furr (The Importance of Being Earnest), Tony Award nominee John McMartin (Into The Woods), Drama Desk Award winner Lorenzo Pisoni (Humor Abuse at MTC), and Tony Award nominee Jennifer Westfeldt (Friends With Kids, Wonderful Town). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Patricia Richardson to Lead I FORGIVE YOU, RONALD REAGAN at The Beckett Theatre; Full Cast & Creative Team Announced!

(6/11/2013) - 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, are pleased to announce the cast and creative team for 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.

THE SILVER CORD Opens Off-Broadway Tonight

(6/11/2013) - The Peccadillo Theater Company is presenting the first major NYC revival of Sidney Howard's THE SILVER CORD, directed by OBIE Award winner Dan Wackerman. Opening night is tonight, June 11th at 7pm at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street (between Ninth & Tenth Ave.)

Photo Flash: Tom Hanks Hosts Irish Rep's SOMETHING WONDERFUL!

(6/11/2013) - Tom Hanks and Shirley Jones joined Irish Repertory Theatre's Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director, and Ciaran O'Reilly, Producing Director, as the Off-Broadway company celebrated its 25th anniversary with SOMETHING WONDERFUL! THE SONGS OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN, an evening celebrating classic Rodgers and Hammerstein hits performed by a galaxy of Broadway stars, for one night only, on Monday, June 10 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). Check out a look back at the event below!

DIRTY GREAT LOVE STORY Makes US Debut at 59E59 Theaters Tonight

(6/11/2013) - 59E59 Theaters will present the US premiere of DIRTY GREAT LOVE STORY, written and rhymed by Richard Marsh and Katie Bonna, and directed by Pia Furtado. Produced by Polly Ingham Productions and TIM JOhanson Productions in association with Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, DIRTY GREAT LOVE STORY begins performances tonight, June 11 for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 30.

ITALIAN BRED Benefits Guyon Rescue with Tonight's Performance

(6/11/2013) - Off-Broadway's ITALIAN BRED welcomes Janine and Dominick Detore in guest starring cameo roles at tonight's June 11th show. This performance will support GUYON RESCUE. The Detores are major supporters of the Staten Island based charitable organization.

THE SILVER CORD Opens Off-Broadway Tomorrow

(6/10/2013) - The Peccadillo Theater Company is presenting the first major NYC revival of Sidney Howard's THE SILVER CORD, directed by OBIE Award winner Dan Wackerman. Opening night is tomorrow, June 11th at 7pm and there will be a special added final preview performance tonight at 7pm at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street (between Ninth & Tenth Ave.)

Original Cast Member Jenny Bacon Returns to ASHER LEV Tonight

(6/10/2013) - She's come home! Jenny Bacon who received unanimous acclaim for her role in the long-running hit play My Name Is Asher Lev returns to the Westside Theatre beginning tonight.

THE SILVER CORD to Play Additional Preview Performance Tonight

(6/10/2013) - The Peccadillo Theater Company is presenting the first major NYC revival of Sidney Howard's THE SILVER CORD, directed by OBIE Award winner Dan Wackerman. There will be a special added final preview performance tonight at 8pm with the official opening set for tomorrow, June 11th at 7pm at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street (between Ninth & Tenth Ave.)

Previews for New World Stages' THE TWO-CHARACTER PLAY Delayed Until 6/13

(6/10/2013) - Tony and three-time Emmy Award-winner Amanda Plummer returns to the New York stage after a 15-year absence, along with Academy Award-nominated actor Brad Dourif (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) in the Off-Broadway premiere production of Tennessee Williams' rarely seen The Two-Character Play at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). Previews begin tonight, June 10. Opening Night is set for June 19 at 8:00 p.m. Equal parts Southern Gothic thriller, black comedy and psychological drama, the work, written during a time of great personal strife, is abstractly based on Williams' close yet complicated relationship with his sister, Rose. Gene David Kirk directs.

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tom Hanks and More Set for SOMETHING WONDERFUL Gala Tonight

(6/10/2013) - Irish Repertory Theatre celebrates its award-winning 25th Anniversary Season with SOMETHING WONDERFUL! THE SONGS OF Rodgers & Hammerstein, an evening celebrating classic Rodgers and Hammerstein hits performed by a galaxy of Broadway stars, for one night only, tonight, June 10 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). Tom Hanks hosts the gala evening, direct by Charlotte Moore, with special guests to include Shirley Jones, best known for her roles in 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel,' and Patrick Cassidy (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, 42nd STREET).

ReGroup Theatre's THE SILENT PARTNER Set for The Players Club, 7/15

(6/9/2013) - Clifford Odets' The Silent Partner, was originally written for production by The Group Theatre, but the company sadly closed its doors before the play was ever mounted. It was never published, and other than a 1972 Lee Strasberg helmed workshop at the Actors Studio, the play has been unseen for 75 years causing it to be the source of much speculation. Often referred to as a long-form version of Waiting for Lefty as it deals with striking workers, it is an entirely original and savagely poetic 3-Act tale that only Odets could tell.

STAGE TUBE: HOW TO BE A NEW YORKER Takes Tony Hopes to the Street

(6/9/2013) - A hilarious new video debuted this weekend from the cast and writers of NYC's comedy smash HOW TO BE A NEW YORKER. Check it out below! The video reveals the (somewhat desperate) Tony hopes that the hit Off-Broadway show has been harboring since it opened on October 17, 2012 to rave reviews at Sofia's Downstairs Theater in the heart of Times Square.

Photo Flash: First Look at THE LOVES OF MR. LINCOLN at GAYFEST NYC

(6/7/2013) - GAYFEST NYC, Inc., the country's premier producer of new LGBT- themed plays, concludes the Fifth Festival of Plays, a four-week event filled with powerful theatre works spotlighting gay issues, with the World Premiere of the new play, The Loves of Mr. Lincoln, written by David Brendan Hopes and directed by Sidney J. Burgoyne. The five-member cast features Don Burroughs, Leah Curney, Tyrone Davis, Jr., Steven Hauck and Stacey Todd Holt. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Gregory S. Moss' LA BREA to Debut 6/20 with Clubbed Thumb's SUMMERWORKS

(6/7/2013) - The third of three world-premieres presented by the 5-time Obie Award-winning Clubbed Thumb in its 18th annual SUMMERWORKS festival of new plays -- LA BREA by Gregory S. Moss -- begins previews June 20 prior to its official press opening June 23 at The Wild Project (195 E. 3 St.) in Manhattan. LA BREA performs daily at 8 p.m. from June 20 to 29. (No performance on June 24.)

Photo Flash: First Look at Peccadillo Theater Company's THE SILVER CORD Off-Broadway

(6/7/2013) - The Peccadillo Theater Company is presenting the first major NYC revival of Sidney Howard's THE SILVER CORD, directed by OBIE Award winner Dan Wackerman. Currently in previews, the production is set to officially open next Tuesday, June 11th at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street (between Ninth & Tenth Ave.) Check out a first look at the production below!

THE WEIR Extends Through August 4 at Irish Rep

(6/7/2013) - Irish Repertory Theatre announces a four-week extension of its hit revival of THE WEIR by Conor McPherson, with performances now set to run through August 4, Tuesdays through Sundays, on the Irish Repertory's Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage (132 West 22nd Street). Ciaran O'Reilly directs.

Photo Flash: Bobby Cannavale Visits THE SILVER CORD Off-Broadway

(6/7/2013) - Broadway and film star Bobby Cannavale attended last night's preview performance of THE SILVER CORD, which is scheduled to open officially next Tuesday, June 11th at Off-Broadway's Theatre at St. Clement's. Bobby brought along a couple of his fellow actors from Broadway's THE BIG KNIFE, Lee Aaron Rosen and Mark Zeisler. This marked a reunion with SILVER CORD star Dale Carman, who served in the wardrobe department for THE BIG KNIFE through the end of its limited engagement last Sunday. Cast members from both shows posed for onstage photos after the performance.

Atlantic Theater Extends GOOD TELEVISION Through June 21

(6/6/2013) - Atlantic Theater Company announces that the world premiere of Rod McLachlan's new play GOOD TELEVISION, directed by Bob Krakower, will now be extended through Friday, June 21. The production began previews May 22 and opened Tuesday, June 4 off-Broadway at Atlantic Stage 2 to critical praise.

Jan Maxwell to Star in PTP/NYC's THE CASTLE at Atlantic Stage 2; Full Summer Season Casts Announced!

(6/6/2013) - PTP/NYC, in association with Middlebury College, presents its 27th repertory season, its 7th consecutive in New York, running from July 3 to August 4, 2013 in a limited Off-Broadway engagement at The Atlantic Stage 2, located at 330 West 16th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues in New York City.

Photo Flash: First Look at Peccadillo Theatre's THE SILVER CORD Off-Broadway

(6/6/2013) - The Peccadillo Theater Company is presenting the first major NYC revival of Sidney Howard's The Silver Cord, directed by OBIE Award winner Dan Wackerman. Currently in previews, the production is set to officially open next Tuesday, June 11th at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street (between Ninth & Tenth Ave.) BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

York Theatre to Present Reading of FICTION IN PHOTOGRAPHS, 6/13

(6/6/2013) - 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 Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. (The reading will not be held at The York Theatre Company.)

SHOWGIRLS! THE MUSICAL! Extends Through July 17; Cast Album Available June 11

(6/6/2013) -

Second Stage Uptown Extends THE TUTORS Through June 23

(6/6/2013) - Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director) extends the world premiere of The Tutors, written by Erica Lipez and directed byThomas Kail through June 23rd. The Tutors opened on Wednesday, June 5 and is presented at Second Stage Theatre's uptown home, the McGinn/Cazale Theatre on Broadway at 76th Street. Tickets are $30-$35 and can be purchased by calling the Second Stage Theatre Box Office at 212-246-4422 or online at www.2ST.com.

F#%KING UP EVERYTHING to End Off-Broadway Run on June 13

(6/6/2013) - Jeremy Handelman/Off The Leash Productions' Off-Broadway musical F#%KING UP EVERYTHING, will celebrate its final performance on Thursday, 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.

Photo Flash: First Look at YOU ARE DEAD. YOU ARE HERE., Beg. Tonight at HERE

(6/5/2013) - As part of its 2012-2013 producing Season, HERE presents You Are Dead. You Are Here. Together, playwright Christine Evans, director Joseph Megel and media designer Jared Mezzocchi have formed Transit Lounge, and You Are Dead. You Are Here. marks the company's debut production. This world premiere plays a limited engagement tonight, June 5-22, with Official Opening Night on Sunday, June 9 at 8:30PM at HERE (145 Sixth Avenue, just below Spring Street). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below!

Photo Flash: HOW TO BE A NEW YORKER's Margaret Copeland & Kevin James Doyle Brave the Heat with Lemonade

(6/5/2013) - The writers & stars of the Off-Broadway hit comedy HOW TO BE A NEW YORKER confronted last Thursday's heat wave head on by bringing free lemonade to thirsty New Yorkers in Central Park. Margaret Copeland and Kevin James Doyle wound their way through the hot, humid park Thursday morning 5/30, distributing refreshing liquid reinforcements to locals and tourists (without discrimination!), making loads of new friends along the way. Check out a look at Copeland and Doyle braving the heat below!

Photo Flash: First Look at Happenstance Theatre's THE BOAT FACTORY at 59E59

(6/5/2013) - 59E59 Theaters presents the US premiere of THE BOAT FACTORY, written by Dan Gordon and directed by Philip Crawford, coming to Brits Off Broadway direct from the Grand Opera House, Belfast. Produced by Happenstance Theatre Company, THE BOAT FACTORY began previews on Tuesday, June 4 for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 30. Opening Night is Sunday, June 9 at 7:15 PM. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!