The national tour of Disney’s Newsies opened at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts on November 17, 2015.Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss. Based on true events, NEWSIES tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right... and staying true to who you are.Jeff Calhound directed a cast that included Zachary Sayle, Joey Barreiro, Morgan Keene, Stephen Michael Langton, Ethan Steiner, and John Michael Pitera.
Island City Stage opened its production of Angry Fags at The Abyss Theatre on November 12, 2015.This explosive play, which was recently produced at the Garage at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, is an uncompromising Oscar Wilde-meets-Fight Club fantasia” about how good ideas go bad, with fascinating forays into American politics, bomb building and pistachios. The play follows Bennet, a speechwriter for Georgia’s only gay congresswoman and his roomate Cooper as their fear and frustration turn to rage after the killing of Bennet’s ex. They come to the conclusion that “acceptance” as second class citizens isn’t enough and they quickly morph into a gay Thelma and Louise wreaking havoc with unintended consequences.
Emotional combat comes to life as morals, values, humility and humanity are explored and dissected. The winner of the prestigious 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical, this critically acclaimed Off-Broadway show, based on the 1991 cult classic movie, centers on the unlikely, yet poignant romance between a young Marine and a shy, awkward waitress he meets the night before shipping out to Vietnam in 1963.
Patrick Fitzwater directed a cast that included Alexander Zenoz, Hannah Benitez, Mike Westrich, Christian Vandepas, Alexa Baray, Kaitlyn O’Neill, Ben Sadnomir, Brian Varela, Cameron Jordan, Sabrina Lynn Gore and Rick Peña.
Zoetic Stage opened its world premiere production of Christopher Demos-Brown’s Stripped at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on November 5, 2015.Christopher Demos-Brown, author of the award-winning plays Fear Up Harsh and Captiva, explores new territory in the battle between a mother's rights and the American legal system. Stripped is the story of Masha, an immigrant, an exotic dancer, and a mother. Devastated when the State takes custody of her daughter, Masha must struggle against all odds to reunite her family. Stripped is a moving, irreverent, portrait of one woman's quest for true freedom.
The Wick Theatre opened its production of Hello Dolly! on November 5, 2015."And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of this most delightful of musical comedies. "Some people paint, some sew... I meddle," replies Dolly. Hello, Dolly! is full of memorable songs including "Put On Your Sunday Clothes", "Ribbons Down My Back", "Before the Parade Passes By", and "Hello, Dolly!". Come along as we follow the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker!Lee Roy Reams directed a cast that included himself as Dolly, Jason Edward Cook, Molly Anne Ross, Chris Brand, Meredith Bartmon, Idalmy Carache, Troy J. Stanley, Brody Anwalt, Shannon Bates, Alexandra Dow, Danny Durr, Erin Eloise, Amanda Frennier, Joey Lucherini, Ashley Rubin, Megan Sell, Kayley Stevens, David Vogel and Robert Wilday.
The Stage Door Theatre opened its production of Dial ‘M’ for Murder on October 30, 2015.Deception, murder, and passion complicate Frederick Knott’s darkly brilliant tale of jealousy and greed. Motivated by his wife Margot’s large fortune and a previous infidelity, Tony Wendice decides it’s high time to murder her. In need of an alibi, he blackmails an old friend into doing the dirty work for him. His plans, of course, go awry when his friend winds up dead and Margot is arrested for murder. With twists galore, DIAL “M” FOR MURDER remains one of the most clever and shocking plays of any genre.
Theatre at Arts Garage kicked off their new season with their production of Laura Eason’s Sex with Strangers on October 25, 2015.When someone’s existence can be entirely fabricated online, we ask: who, exactly, is lying in bed next to us? Olivia, a 40-something writer in Chicago, unexpectedly encounters the younger, sex-blogger Ethan, but questions about his past take their relationship through a series of comic and surprising turns.
