Category: theatre

Following on the huge commercial success of the 2012 Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross that starred Pacino, David Mamet has wriiten a new play for the actor: China Doll. (The playwright says his new work “is better than oral sex.”)

“Roughly a month after Shakespeare & Company’s new executive director and president, Rick Dildine, arrived at his job at the helm of the venerable Berkshires company from a similar job at the helm of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, he announced the departure of artistic director Tony Simotes, effective on Nov. 10, several months before the end of Simotes’ contract.”

“There will be two versions of the musical available – a 30-minute version for primary schools and 70-minute adaptation for secondary schools.”

“London fringe venue the Twickenham Theatre is to close just days after its first production – Sweeney Todd starring David Bedella – came to an end. [The company] has been told it has to vacate the premises after the pub over which it is based … was sold without warning.”

“Generational changes aren’t new to cultural institutions, but the changes at Steppenwolf are notable because they are happening on all fronts at the same time — on the business and artistic sides as well as in the boardroom.”

“The board of governors of Shaw have decided to purchase the Anchorage Motel property overlooking the Niagara River and plan to build two new venues to replace the existing Court House and Royal George theatres, the Star has learned.”

Studio 360 considers the unlikely success of Fiddler on the Roof. (audio)

The Teatreneu in Barcelona uses facial-recognition software installed in tablet computers on the seat backs to monitor just how much individual audience members laugh at the show. The charge: 30 cents per laugh, to a maximum charge of €24. (Yes, every laugh after your 80th is free.)

“By continuing to carve your own way, without parents there to open every door with their pocketbook, or stand in the wings telling you that you ought to be a star, you are going to be forced to test the assumption of your dream.”

“The group’s central premise can’t be dismissed: The institutional structures of Los Angeles theater are too weak for an urban center of this size and cultural prestige. Modification to union agreements that points the way toward growth and development is the obvious answer. How to get there is much more complicated.”