Category: theatre

The European Union has commissioned a study that “will examine what roles exist for older women and how decisions are made when casting parts which can be played by either sex. It will also look how women over 40 are portrayed in television and theatre.”

Max Reimer — currently managing artistic director of Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ont.– will succeed the troupe’s outgoing artistic director, Glynis Leyshon.

Michael Boyd took over the Royal Shakespeare Company at a time when it seemed to have lost its way. But after a string of successes, “he has presided over a new London season that is set for financial success as well as critical acclaim.”

Most shows opened to typical holiday season business…

Laguna Playhouse has chosen Karen Wood, managing director of San Diego Repertory Theatre as its new managing director. She replaces Richard Stein, who left suddenly in June after serving 17 years at the playhouse.

“The increased costs from the tentative contract between producers and stagehands, including annual raises of about 4% for five years, will be nominal to consumers.”

“The producers have achieved changes in work rules that, over time, should curtail some (though not all) of the featherbedding on Broadway. In addition, they should be able to cut down the cost of the load-in, that very expensive period during which shows are physically put into the theater. But to achieve those ‘savings’ they had to give up nearly $40 million in gross box-office receipts.”

Only two weeks after it opened in London’s West End, the musical “Desperately Seeking Susan,” based on the movie by the same name, is closing.

“Getting literature onstage is a great way to get new conversations started. The idea of sparking interest in a theatrical event in people who are familiar with a book is exciting.”

Many shows are toying with new pricing schemes to encourage a rapid rebound for Broadway biz. “Chicago,” for instance, sold all seats to the Nov. 29 perf for $26.50, and ticketholders turned away because of the strike are being encouraged to rebook by March 28 with the offer of a $40 gasoline gift card.