Category: theatre

“This production has some audience members squirming in their seats. Not only are they struggling with their memories of, and expectations for the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, they’re seeing on stage one of the ugliest stereotypes in our history: an imposing black man ravaging a petite white woman.”

“Tony and Grammy award-winner Heather Headley will play singer Rachel Marron – the role originated by Houston” – in the adaptation of the 1992 film starring the late singer and Kevin Costner.

Playing a war horse is no walk in the park, say the actors in the Toronto version of the hit play.

“The problem in a nutshell is this: Established theaters have by and large grown larger, public funding has become a monumental challenge and artistic directors have moved in an increasingly commercial direction, adopting a bottom-line mentality that has put publicity and profitability over bold and substantive choices.”

“Keeping ‘Shakespeare under the stars’ became the top focus with the design of the theater. But if the weather turns rainy, too windy or cold, technicians will be able to close a retractable roof when the new theater is completed; stars will still be there, but painted on the ceiling when it’s closed.”

The League of Independent Theater has an idea: If every Broadway show included 5 cents for Off-Off-Broadway, the money available for independent theatre would shoot up – without affecting Broadway ticket prices much.

“As part of the settlement, the producers said they have agreed to pay Taymor full royalties for her services as director of the New York production. … The settlement also provides for other payments to Taymor as a ‘collaborator’ when the show’s New York production recoups its investment.”

Charles Isherwood on Kevin Spacey as Richard III: “So while there is nary an understated note struck in the performance, those three-plus hours flew by mighty quickly. I can’t say I entirely respected Mr. Spacey’s endlessly ingratiating performance, but I definitely enjoyed it, as you enjoy indulging in something that you know is bad for you but cannot resist.”

“The project, which is thought to be the first time any theatre company’s work has been viewed by so many schools simultaneously, will see the RSC’s staging of I, Cinna by Tim Crouch recorded and then streamed into the schools on July 2.”

“A spokesman for the Pasadena Playhouse said that Dillingham will stay with the company until a permanent hire is named. Stephen Eich stepped down from the executive director position earlier this month after serving 2 1/2 years.”