Category: theatre

“The Times offered the producers of ‘Brighton Beach’ several weeks worth of splashy ads in the paper and on its Web site at steep discounts, production sources say.” But there was a catch. “‘Brighton Beach’ couldn’t advertise anywhere else until after opening night.”

“The show premiered in the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin earlier this year before opening in London on September 4. It was due to close on February 14, however will now end its run on November 29. It will embark on an UK tour next year, which will culminate in Dublin.”

“It’s hard to see the acquisition of Live Nation’s theatres by the Ambassador Theatre Group as anything other than good news,” despite concerns that ATG is now too powerful. The group’s “record suggests that [it is] not likely to achieve success by dumbing down.”

“In September, the board of the 34-year-old company said that as a result of lackluster ticket sales and outstanding debt, they needed to raise $350,000 by Nov. 1 or the Willows would close.” Emergency fund-raisers weren’t enough to save it.

Glasgay! arts festival organizers said “Jesus Queen of Heaven,” written and performed by transsexual playwright Jo Clifford, “had not intended to incite or offend anyone. The Christian protesters gathered outside the theatre ahead of the opening night of the production on Tuesday.”

Just a year ago, the OSF revealed a $750,000 deficit for 2008 and made $1 million in emergency cuts to its 2009 budget. Now the company has announced that its 2009 season reached new highs in both attendance and revenue.

“Equity has failed to secure a 14.3% minimum pay increase across the board for actors and stage managers working outside the West End, after it was forced to accept an interim hike of 0.5% – £1.75 per week – for members employed in subsidised repertory theatre.”

“Classical Theatre of Harlem founders Alfred Preisser and Christopher McElroen have announced that they will depart the 11-year-old institution later this month.”

“With the prize allocated for a designer this year – it also rewards playwrights and directors on a three-year cycle – Burkett won for crafting marionettes. … In addition to $75,000 for the winning artist, the prize comes with $25,000 for a protégé of their choice.”

“Matthew Broderick has taken heat for needing prompts in previews of a new off-Broadway play, and an actor was fired in Hartford for storing lines in his character’s hat.” In light of tradition, it’s much ado about nothing.