Exclusive: Tony Award-winnning director Anna D. Shapiro has signed with CAA for representation. CAA also will represent multimedia venture Highwire Media which includes principals Shapiro, Leelai Demoz, Ian Barford, and Brad Keywell.
Shapiro, who won the Tony for Best Direction in 2008 for Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County, most recently directed last season’s Broadway production of Letts’ Tony-nominated The Minutes. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her 2011 direction of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherf**ker With The Hat starring Chris Rock and Bobby Cannavale.
Among other credits, Shapiro directed the Broadway production of This Is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan; Fish in the Dark, written by and starring Larry David, and Of Mice and Men starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd.
Shapiro led Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company as Artistic Director from 2014 to 2021.
Currently, she is developing and directing the planned Broadway musical The Devil Wears Prada, with music by Elton John,...
Shapiro, who won the Tony for Best Direction in 2008 for Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County, most recently directed last season’s Broadway production of Letts’ Tony-nominated The Minutes. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her 2011 direction of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherf**ker With The Hat starring Chris Rock and Bobby Cannavale.
Among other credits, Shapiro directed the Broadway production of This Is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan; Fish in the Dark, written by and starring Larry David, and Of Mice and Men starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd.
Shapiro led Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company as Artistic Director from 2014 to 2021.
Currently, she is developing and directing the planned Broadway musical The Devil Wears Prada, with music by Elton John,...
- 11/2/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tony Award-winning director Anna D.Shapiro (August: Osage County), Oscar-nominated producer Leelai Demoz (On Tip-Toe), Tony-nominated actor/writer Ian Barford (Linda Vista) and entrepreneur Brad Keywell have teamed up to create multimedia venture Highwire Media, an artist-first production company that is developing and producing projects across film, theater, and television.
Highwire Media’s debut slate includes projects with Emmy Award-winning actors and producers Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso) and Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), writer Matthew-Lee Erlbach (Masters of Sex), Tony Award-winning producer Greg Nobile (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder) and companies Hyde Park Entertainment and West Madison Entertainment, as part of an initial plan to put 5 projects into production annually.
Highwire’s founders have formalized an innovative development process, honed from years of working across the entertainment landscape.
In a joint statement, the founders explain, “Highwire Media is committed to an artist-centric model...
Highwire Media’s debut slate includes projects with Emmy Award-winning actors and producers Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso) and Jane Lynch (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), writer Matthew-Lee Erlbach (Masters of Sex), Tony Award-winning producer Greg Nobile (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder) and companies Hyde Park Entertainment and West Madison Entertainment, as part of an initial plan to put 5 projects into production annually.
Highwire’s founders have formalized an innovative development process, honed from years of working across the entertainment landscape.
In a joint statement, the founders explain, “Highwire Media is committed to an artist-centric model...
- 10/27/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
At the request of company members of Broadway’s The Minutes, producers announced today that audiences will be required to continue masking through the play’s final performance on Sunday, July 24, nearly a month after Broadway at large will shift to a mask optional policy.
The Minutes, at the Studio 54 theater, becomes the second production – following American Buffalo – to extend the mask mandate through their closing nights. (American Buffalo at Circle in the Square closed July 10.)
According to recent reports, six of the 11 cast members of The Minutes were out sick with Covid in mid-June.
The mask optional policy was announced by The Broadway League, the trade organization representing theater owners and producers, earlier this month. The new policy allows individual productions to set their own protocols.
The mask debate comes as New York City’s Covid positivity rates have plateaued or even crept up in recent weeks, with daily...
The Minutes, at the Studio 54 theater, becomes the second production – following American Buffalo – to extend the mask mandate through their closing nights. (American Buffalo at Circle in the Square closed July 10.)
According to recent reports, six of the 11 cast members of The Minutes were out sick with Covid in mid-June.
The mask optional policy was announced by The Broadway League, the trade organization representing theater owners and producers, earlier this month. The new policy allows individual productions to set their own protocols.
The mask debate comes as New York City’s Covid positivity rates have plateaued or even crept up in recent weeks, with daily...
- 6/30/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In a Broadway season teeming with exciting plays, musicals, and revivals, a dramatization of a small city council meeting may sound dull. Perhaps in the hands of a lesser playwright than Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy Letts, but his fictional Big Cherry bureaucracy at the center of “The Minutes” is anything but tame. The “August: Osage County” scribe re-teamed with director Anna D. Shapiro for this genre-defying political satire with a horrifying underbelly. The ensemble comprises both New York and Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre mainstays, featuring the likes of Blair Brown, Jessie Mueller, Austin Pendleton, and Letts himself, with Noah Reid making his Broadway debut. “The Minutes” opened at Studio 54 on April 17 for a limited engagement.
Letts’ latest work received overwhelmingly strong notices from critics. In a rave review, Naveen Kumar (Variety) calls the play a “cunning,” “sensational,” and “astonishing feat” handled with “brilliant finesse.” He applauds Letts for penning this “thrilling...
Letts’ latest work received overwhelmingly strong notices from critics. In a rave review, Naveen Kumar (Variety) calls the play a “cunning,” “sensational,” and “astonishing feat” handled with “brilliant finesse.” He applauds Letts for penning this “thrilling...
- 4/20/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Tracy Letts’ The Minutes would be one of the most thrilling new plays on Broadway this season even if recent real-life events hadn’t made it seem as uncanny as it is funny and, ultimately, disarming. The Minutes – there are a brisk 90 of them in all – begins as one thing and ends up quite another, and every step along the way is so finely rendered that we’re too busy savoring the moment to see what’s waiting just ahead.
Featuring an impeccable cast headed by Noah Reid – the Schitt’s Creek star makes a wonderful Broadway debut here – The Minutes reunites playwright and cast member Letts with his August: Osage County director Anna D. Shapiro, and together they find once again the eccentric, perfect balance of laugh-out-loud humor, dark undercurrents and emotional violence that made the prize-winning August unforgettable.
If the new play, opening tonight at Broadway’s Studio 54, doesn’t have the widely relatable,...
Featuring an impeccable cast headed by Noah Reid – the Schitt’s Creek star makes a wonderful Broadway debut here – The Minutes reunites playwright and cast member Letts with his August: Osage County director Anna D. Shapiro, and together they find once again the eccentric, perfect balance of laugh-out-loud humor, dark undercurrents and emotional violence that made the prize-winning August unforgettable.
If the new play, opening tonight at Broadway’s Studio 54, doesn’t have the widely relatable,...
- 4/18/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As of now, there is a lot of uncertainty around Covid when it comes to Broadway. Within the past couple of months, several shows had to suspend performances due to positive cases in their casts, some others had to close permanently, and a couple more are taking hiatuses. The American Theatre Wing also hasn’t announced key dates for this year’s Tony Awards yet.
With that being said, we are now about halfway through the Broadway season, and there are currently 11 productions of plays set to open this spring. Could we be seeing any of them contend at this year’s Tonys? Below is an overview of each play as well as the awards histories of their authors, cast, and directors, plus the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.
“Skeleton Crew” (opened January 26; closes February 20)
This new play by Tony nominee Dominique Morisseau is set in 2008 at a small automotive factory in Detroit,...
With that being said, we are now about halfway through the Broadway season, and there are currently 11 productions of plays set to open this spring. Could we be seeing any of them contend at this year’s Tonys? Below is an overview of each play as well as the awards histories of their authors, cast, and directors, plus the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.
“Skeleton Crew” (opened January 26; closes February 20)
This new play by Tony nominee Dominique Morisseau is set in 2008 at a small automotive factory in Detroit,...
- 2/10/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The Broadway production of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes is delaying its performance dates by two weeks this spring. The play, starring Schitt’s Creek actor Noah Reid, Letts, Blair Brown, Jessie Mueller and others, will now begin previews at Studio 54 on April 2, with opening night set for April 17.
The previous dates were about two weeks earlier.
Though the production has not indicated a reason for the delay, other shows have initiated similar spring delays due to the recent Omicron surge and its impact on rehearsal schedules, among other things.
The Minutes had already begun previews in spring 2020 when the Covid pandemic shutdown hit. At the time, the play was staged at the Cort Theatre. A planned renovation prompted the production’s move to the Studio 54 venue.
Also during the production’s hiatus, original star Armie Hammer withdrew amidst sexual misconduct allegations. Reid was later cast in the role.
The previous dates were about two weeks earlier.
Though the production has not indicated a reason for the delay, other shows have initiated similar spring delays due to the recent Omicron surge and its impact on rehearsal schedules, among other things.
The Minutes had already begun previews in spring 2020 when the Covid pandemic shutdown hit. At the time, the play was staged at the Cort Theatre. A planned renovation prompted the production’s move to the Studio 54 venue.
Also during the production’s hiatus, original star Armie Hammer withdrew amidst sexual misconduct allegations. Reid was later cast in the role.
- 2/1/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Schitt’s Creek actor Noah Reid will make his Broadway debut next spring in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s The Minutes, the Tracy Letts play that was in previews when the Covid pandemic shutdown was announced in March 2020.
Reid will take the role of Mr. Peel, previously played by Armie Hammer, who withdrew from the production amidst sexual misconduct allegations.
The Minutes will resume performances at Studio 54 on March 19, 2022, with an official opening set for Thursday, April 7. Tickets are on sale today.
Reid will join the rest of the cast that was in place at the time of the shutdown: Letts, Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still.
Best known for playing Patrick Brewer in TV’s Schitt’s Creek, Reid most recently starred in the independent feature film Buffaloed opposite Zoey Deutch and Judy Greer. He will next star...
Reid will take the role of Mr. Peel, previously played by Armie Hammer, who withdrew from the production amidst sexual misconduct allegations.
The Minutes will resume performances at Studio 54 on March 19, 2022, with an official opening set for Thursday, April 7. Tickets are on sale today.
Reid will join the rest of the cast that was in place at the time of the shutdown: Letts, Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still.
Best known for playing Patrick Brewer in TV’s Schitt’s Creek, Reid most recently starred in the independent feature film Buffaloed opposite Zoey Deutch and Judy Greer. He will next star...
- 10/15/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Noah Reid has joined the cast of the Anna D. Shapiro-directed Broadway run of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes.
The Schitt’s Creek actor joins returning castmembers Letts, Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still. The show is set to open April 7 at Studio 54, a little over two years after its original opening date. Previews will begin March 19.
Reid has replaced Armie Hammer, who dropped out in April, following sexual harassment allegations and a subsequent LAPD investigation. In a statement, Hammer said he was stepping back from the show “...
The Schitt’s Creek actor joins returning castmembers Letts, Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still. The show is set to open April 7 at Studio 54, a little over two years after its original opening date. Previews will begin March 19.
Reid has replaced Armie Hammer, who dropped out in April, following sexual harassment allegations and a subsequent LAPD investigation. In a statement, Hammer said he was stepping back from the show “...
- 10/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Noah Reid has joined the cast of the Anna D. Shapiro-directed Broadway run of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes.
The Schitt’s Creek actor joins returning castmembers Letts, Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still. The show is set to open April 7 at Studio 54, a little over two years after its original opening date. Previews will begin March 19.
Reid has replaced Armie Hammer, who dropped out in April, following sexual harassment allegations and a subsequent LAPD investigation. In a statement, Hammer said he was stepping back from the show “...
The Schitt’s Creek actor joins returning castmembers Letts, Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton and Jeff Still. The show is set to open April 7 at Studio 54, a little over two years after its original opening date. Previews will begin March 19.
Reid has replaced Armie Hammer, who dropped out in April, following sexual harassment allegations and a subsequent LAPD investigation. In a statement, Hammer said he was stepping back from the show “...
- 10/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the stage adaptation of the 2001 film, won the Tony Award for Best Musical tonight. The Inheritance, Matthew López’s elegiac two-part drama about the AIDS scourge inspired by E.M Forster’s Howards End, won the Tony Award tonight for Best Play.
López, after thanking and acknowledging three queer artists who inspired him, noted that he was the first Latinx playwright to win a Tony Award for Best Play. He said that while the Latinx community made up 19% of the U.S. population, the number drops to only 2% on Broadway. “This must change,” he said.
With the Best Play award going to The Inheritance, Slave Play, nominated for 12 Tonys, ended the night with no awards. The shut out is easily the biggest upset of the night.
Earlier in the broadcast, director Kenny Leon, accepting the award for best play revival...
López, after thanking and acknowledging three queer artists who inspired him, noted that he was the first Latinx playwright to win a Tony Award for Best Play. He said that while the Latinx community made up 19% of the U.S. population, the number drops to only 2% on Broadway. “This must change,” he said.
With the Best Play award going to The Inheritance, Slave Play, nominated for 12 Tonys, ended the night with no awards. The shut out is easily the biggest upset of the night.
Earlier in the broadcast, director Kenny Leon, accepting the award for best play revival...
- 9/27/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway has just reopened after shuttering on March 13, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To mark the return of the rialto, the 74th annual Tonys were handed out on Sunday, September 26 at the Winter Garden theater. This two-part ceremony, which will be hosted by six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald on Paramount+ and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom, Jr. on CBS, comes almost one year after nominations were announced on October 15, 2020.
Two new musicals – “Jagged Little Pill” and “Moulin Rouge!” — lead the Tony Awards nominations with 15 and 14 bids respectively including Best Musical. A third tuner, “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” reaped a dozen bids as did the new drama “Slave Play.” While the nominees were decided by 48 theater professionals, the winners were voted on by 831 members of the Broadway community.
Below, the 2020 Tony Awards winners list in all 25 competitive categories.
See Broadway insiders dishing the 2020 Tony Awards nominations in our theater forum
Musicals...
Two new musicals – “Jagged Little Pill” and “Moulin Rouge!” — lead the Tony Awards nominations with 15 and 14 bids respectively including Best Musical. A third tuner, “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” reaped a dozen bids as did the new drama “Slave Play.” While the nominees were decided by 48 theater professionals, the winners were voted on by 831 members of the Broadway community.
Below, the 2020 Tony Awards winners list in all 25 competitive categories.
See Broadway insiders dishing the 2020 Tony Awards nominations in our theater forum
Musicals...
- 9/26/2021
- by Sam Eckmann and David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Steppenwolf’s production of The Minutes, the new Tracy Letts play that had begun previews on Broadway when the industry shut down in March 2020, will resume performances in March 2022, with an official opening night on Thursday, April 7.
The play, with cast to be announced, will take up residence at Broadway’s Studio 54 theater, a move from its 2020 home at the Cort Theatre. Though Studio 54 is owned by the Roundabout Theatre Company, The Minutes is not a Roundabout production.
At the time of the shutdown, The Minutes starred Letts, Ian Barford, Armie Hammer, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton, and Jeff Still. Hammer dropped out of the production in April after becoming the subject of sexual misconduct allegations (the actor has denied all the accusations).
The cast for the 2022 production will be announced soon, producers say.
The Minutes chronicles the inner...
The play, with cast to be announced, will take up residence at Broadway’s Studio 54 theater, a move from its 2020 home at the Cort Theatre. Though Studio 54 is owned by the Roundabout Theatre Company, The Minutes is not a Roundabout production.
At the time of the shutdown, The Minutes starred Letts, Ian Barford, Armie Hammer, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton, and Jeff Still. Hammer dropped out of the production in April after becoming the subject of sexual misconduct allegations (the actor has denied all the accusations).
The cast for the 2022 production will be announced soon, producers say.
The Minutes chronicles the inner...
- 6/22/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Armie Hammer has dropped out of a Broadway production of the play “The Minutes,” which was written by Tracy Letts and was meant to reopen at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2022.
Hammer is leaving the project following accusations of sexual assault against him and as he is the suspect in a sexual assault investigation by the LAPD, claims which Hammer and his attorney have repeatedly denied.
“I have loved every single second of working on ‘The Minutes’ with the family I made from Steppenwolf. But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production,” Hammer said in a statement posted to Broadway’s Best Shows.
“Armie remains a valued colleague to all of us who have worked with him onstage and offstage on ‘The Minutes.’ We wish only the best for him and respect his decision,...
Hammer is leaving the project following accusations of sexual assault against him and as he is the suspect in a sexual assault investigation by the LAPD, claims which Hammer and his attorney have repeatedly denied.
“I have loved every single second of working on ‘The Minutes’ with the family I made from Steppenwolf. But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production,” Hammer said in a statement posted to Broadway’s Best Shows.
“Armie remains a valued colleague to all of us who have worked with him onstage and offstage on ‘The Minutes.’ We wish only the best for him and respect his decision,...
- 4/2/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Armie Hammer has withdrawn from the planned 2022 Broadway production of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes, producers confirmed today. The news is the latest hit to Hammer’s career in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations and an LAPD rape investigation.
“I have loved every single second of working on The Minutes with the family I made from Steppenwolf. But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production,” Hammer said in a statement.
The production team, led by producer Jeffrey Richards, released the following statement: “Armie remains a valued colleague to all of us who have worked with him onstage and offstage on The Minutes. We wish only the best for him and respect his decision.”
The actor had been set to return to the suspended Broadway staging along with Letts, Ian Barford,...
“I have loved every single second of working on The Minutes with the family I made from Steppenwolf. But right now I need to focus on myself and my health for the sake of my family. Consequently, I will not be returning to Broadway with the production,” Hammer said in a statement.
The production team, led by producer Jeffrey Richards, released the following statement: “Armie remains a valued colleague to all of us who have worked with him onstage and offstage on The Minutes. We wish only the best for him and respect his decision.”
The actor had been set to return to the suspended Broadway staging along with Letts, Ian Barford,...
- 4/2/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The curtain’s inching up on the Tony Awards: A ceremony will be held on an as-yet-undetermined date in coordination with Broadway’s eventual reopening, but voters will finally be able to make their selections beginning March 1, Tony organizers tell Deadline.
Nominees for the 74th Annual Tony Awards were announced last October, with the 18 eligible productions reflecting the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season (the count usually numbers in the 30s). The 2020 Tony ceremony and CBS broadcast had originally been set for June 7 at New York’s Radio City Musical Hall, but of course was scuttled due to the Covid shutdown.
The voting period will run from March 1 to March 15. Although Broadway remains officially closed until June, most insiders don’t expect any stagings before fall at the earliest, with timing contingent on widespread Covid-19 vaccinations.
The March 12 theater closure preceded the official end of the Broadway season and the traditional late-April/early-May announcement of nominees,...
Nominees for the 74th Annual Tony Awards were announced last October, with the 18 eligible productions reflecting the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season (the count usually numbers in the 30s). The 2020 Tony ceremony and CBS broadcast had originally been set for June 7 at New York’s Radio City Musical Hall, but of course was scuttled due to the Covid shutdown.
The voting period will run from March 1 to March 15. Although Broadway remains officially closed until June, most insiders don’t expect any stagings before fall at the earliest, with timing contingent on widespread Covid-19 vaccinations.
The March 12 theater closure preceded the official end of the Broadway season and the traditional late-April/early-May announcement of nominees,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Steppenwolf’s Broadway production of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes is exiting the Cort Theatre, its pre-covid home, with plans to re-open in 2022 at another Broadway venue.
The move signals yet another way the pandemic shutdown has impacted Broadway’s shuffle of theater tenants and reopening schedules.
The Minutes, a political comedy directed by Anna D. Shapiro and starring Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Armie Hammer, Tracy Letts, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton, and Jeff Still, began previews at the Shubert Organization’s Cort Theatre on Feb. 25, 2020. Its planned opening date of March 15, 2020, was scuttled when all of Broadway went dark just three days prior due to Covid-19.
As with most other suspended productions early in the pandemic months, The Minutes had initially hoped to reopen at its original home venue. Had the shutdown not occurred, The Minutes was set to play at the...
The move signals yet another way the pandemic shutdown has impacted Broadway’s shuffle of theater tenants and reopening schedules.
The Minutes, a political comedy directed by Anna D. Shapiro and starring Ian Barford, Blair Brown, Cliff Chamberlain, K. Todd Freeman, Armie Hammer, Tracy Letts, Danny McCarthy, Jessie Mueller, Sally Murphy, Austin Pendleton, and Jeff Still, began previews at the Shubert Organization’s Cort Theatre on Feb. 25, 2020. Its planned opening date of March 15, 2020, was scuttled when all of Broadway went dark just three days prior due to Covid-19.
As with most other suspended productions early in the pandemic months, The Minutes had initially hoped to reopen at its original home venue. Had the shutdown not occurred, The Minutes was set to play at the...
- 11/16/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Yesterday, the nominees for the 74th annual Tony Awards were announced. Honoring Broadway’s best, it comes as the industry is shut down due to Covid-19, reminding us all that the film industry isn’t the only one feeling the brunt of Coronavirus. Covid may have shut down the theaters, but the show will go on, Tony-wise. In terms of what faired the best with these nominations, the musical Jagged Little Pill led the way with a whopping fifteen nominations, with Moulin Rouge! next in line at fourteen. They led the pack, though also getting double digit citations were Slave Play and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at a dozen each, while The Inheritance managed eleven. Here are all of the Tony nominees for this year: Best Play Grand Horizons by Bess Wohl The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez Sea Wall/A Life by Simon Stephens and Nick Payne Slave Play...
- 10/16/2020
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
The Tony Awards nominations were announced on Thursday, October 15 by Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”). The reveal of the roster of contenders was carried on the Tonys YouTube channel. While the nominations for the 74th annual Tony Awards were determined by 41 theater professionals, winners will be decided by 784 members of the Broadway community.
Only 18 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and four revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, four new tuners are in contention; no musical revivals qualified. The cutoff date for eligibility was February 19, 2020. As both the Bob Dylan tuner “Girl From the North Country” and a new revival of “West Side Story” opened after that, don’t look for them on the list of nominations below.
Broadway has remained closed since March 13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tony Awards had been set...
Only 18 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and four revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, four new tuners are in contention; no musical revivals qualified. The cutoff date for eligibility was February 19, 2020. As both the Bob Dylan tuner “Girl From the North Country” and a new revival of “West Side Story” opened after that, don’t look for them on the list of nominations below.
Broadway has remained closed since March 13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tony Awards had been set...
- 10/15/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
With the 2020 Tony Awards delayed by the global pandemic, it’s been months since nominators have seen this season’s contenders. So here’s a last minute Tonys wish list. A reminder of outstanding performances that deserve to be recognized when nominations are unveiled on Thursday October 15. Let’s cross our fingers for these underdogs.
Featured Actor in a Musical: Ryan Knowles, “The Lightning Thief”
“The Lightning Thief” is squarely aimed at young theatergoers, and in that realm it greatly succeeds. The teens sitting around me in the audience had an absolute blast cheering on the heroes of this musical. Thankfully, Ryan Knowles burst onto the stage as a multitude of characters to provide humor for the adults in the room. I guffawed as he swished across the moody underworld as a pitch perfect Paul Lynde impression escaped his mouth. I doubt any of the kids knew of Lynde, or...
Featured Actor in a Musical: Ryan Knowles, “The Lightning Thief”
“The Lightning Thief” is squarely aimed at young theatergoers, and in that realm it greatly succeeds. The teens sitting around me in the audience had an absolute blast cheering on the heroes of this musical. Thankfully, Ryan Knowles burst onto the stage as a multitude of characters to provide humor for the adults in the room. I guffawed as he swished across the moody underworld as a pitch perfect Paul Lynde impression escaped his mouth. I doubt any of the kids knew of Lynde, or...
- 10/14/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The 2020 Tony Awards may represent a shortened Broadway season, but there is a wealth of contenders to consider for the play categories. Fall and winter on the rialto was full of non-musical dramas, which will make for plenty of tense races at this year’s ceremony. Nominations will be announced October 15 with a virtual ceremony sometime later this fall. To help you predict which productions and performers might come out on top this year, take a read of the potential nominees for the play categories below.
See 2020 Tony Awards: Every eligible contender from the shortened 2019-2020 Broadway season
Best Play
There are 10 eligible dramas from the 2019-2020 season, which should give us five nomination slots. The two biggest conversation starters of the fall were “The Inheritance” by Matthew Lopez and “Slave Play” by Jeremy O. Harris. Both should easily land a spot. I’m also betting that Adam Rapp grabs...
See 2020 Tony Awards: Every eligible contender from the shortened 2019-2020 Broadway season
Best Play
There are 10 eligible dramas from the 2019-2020 season, which should give us five nomination slots. The two biggest conversation starters of the fall were “The Inheritance” by Matthew Lopez and “Slave Play” by Jeremy O. Harris. Both should easily land a spot. I’m also betting that Adam Rapp grabs...
- 10/12/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre has indefinitely postponed its world premiere stage adaptation of the 2005 George Clooney-co-written film Good Night, and Good Luck, a project that had generated considerable interest on Broadway.
Steppenwolf announced yesterday that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the theater company’s 2020-21 season will consist largely of streaming, virtual productions. Good Night, and Good Luck won’t hit the Chicago stage until “a future season,” according to Steppenwolf.
Written by playwright Matt Charman based on the George Clooney-Grant Heslov screenplay for the Oscar-nominated film about the battle between Sen. Joseph McCarthy and TV journalist Edward R. Murrow, Good Night, and Good Luck had been set to begin performances in December. The play was to be directed by Anna D. Shapiro (The Minutes), with Steppenwolf’s Ian Barford leading the cast.
Other announced cast members for the now-scuttled staging were William Petersen as William S. Paley, Alana Arenas as Annie Lee Moss,...
Steppenwolf announced yesterday that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the theater company’s 2020-21 season will consist largely of streaming, virtual productions. Good Night, and Good Luck won’t hit the Chicago stage until “a future season,” according to Steppenwolf.
Written by playwright Matt Charman based on the George Clooney-Grant Heslov screenplay for the Oscar-nominated film about the battle between Sen. Joseph McCarthy and TV journalist Edward R. Murrow, Good Night, and Good Luck had been set to begin performances in December. The play was to be directed by Anna D. Shapiro (The Minutes), with Steppenwolf’s Ian Barford leading the cast.
Other announced cast members for the now-scuttled staging were William Petersen as William S. Paley, Alana Arenas as Annie Lee Moss,...
- 9/3/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
If you’re confused as to who is actually able to compete for the newly announced virtual Tony Awards this fall, you’re not alone. The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced a new cut off date of February 19, 2020. That means that the 2019-2020 Broadway season was cut incredibly short.
Musical races are most heavily affected by the shortened season. “West Side Story” will have to wait until next year to compete as it opened after the February 19th eligibility cutoff date. Other scheduled revivals of “Caroline, or Change” and “Company” were postponed due to the Broadway shutdown. As such there will be no Revival of a Musical category this year. Other categories, like Best Musical and Director of a Musical, will likely see their number of nominees reduced to three due to a limited number of contenders.
Luckily, there are plenty of plays in contention since many of these non-musical outings premiere in the fall.
Musical races are most heavily affected by the shortened season. “West Side Story” will have to wait until next year to compete as it opened after the February 19th eligibility cutoff date. Other scheduled revivals of “Caroline, or Change” and “Company” were postponed due to the Broadway shutdown. As such there will be no Revival of a Musical category this year. Other categories, like Best Musical and Director of a Musical, will likely see their number of nominees reduced to three due to a limited number of contenders.
Luckily, there are plenty of plays in contention since many of these non-musical outings premiere in the fall.
- 8/29/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The Broadway revival of American Buffalo, orignally set to star Laurence Fishburne, Sam Rockwell and Darren Criss, and the Steppenwolf production of Tracy Letts’ The Minutes are targeting Spring 2021 openings, though producers say the development of a coronavirus vaccine is “essential” to the plans.
Both productions had been scheduled to open during Spring 2020 prior to Broadway’s coronavirus shutdown in March. The casts have not been confirmed.
In a statement, producers of both shows (they share lead producer Jeffrey Richards), said, “It is the intent to open these plays — both powerful, funny and relevant dissections of Americana — in the spring of 2021, on the exact dates they were scheduled to open in 2020. However, we will only do so knowing that there are safeguards in place that will encourage audiences to return to the theatre, and that our government will allow us to have gatherings of more than 500 people. We, the producing team,...
Both productions had been scheduled to open during Spring 2020 prior to Broadway’s coronavirus shutdown in March. The casts have not been confirmed.
In a statement, producers of both shows (they share lead producer Jeffrey Richards), said, “It is the intent to open these plays — both powerful, funny and relevant dissections of Americana — in the spring of 2021, on the exact dates they were scheduled to open in 2020. However, we will only do so knowing that there are safeguards in place that will encourage audiences to return to the theatre, and that our government will allow us to have gatherings of more than 500 people. We, the producing team,...
- 6/25/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mary-Louise Parker could add a second Tony Award to her mantle this year to join her 2001 trophy for “Proof.” After receiving rave reviews for her performance in “The Sound Inside,” industry watchers pegged her as the early Tony frontrunner for Lead Actress – Play. The only problem is that she will face stiff competition….from herself.
“The Sound Inside” marked the Broadway debut of the Pulitzer Prize finalist author Adam Rapp (“Red Light Winter”). Parker starred as college writing professor Bella, who lives a mostly solitary life. The only person she seems to have time for is the sole other character in the drama, Christopher (Will Hochman), one of her students. Bella brings the audience on an emotional journey as she deals with the emotional turmoil surrounding a cancer diagnosis. The hypnotic script gifted Parker with a meaty role (she never left the stage) full of dense language and complicated emotions.
“The Sound Inside” marked the Broadway debut of the Pulitzer Prize finalist author Adam Rapp (“Red Light Winter”). Parker starred as college writing professor Bella, who lives a mostly solitary life. The only person she seems to have time for is the sole other character in the drama, Christopher (Will Hochman), one of her students. Bella brings the audience on an emotional journey as she deals with the emotional turmoil surrounding a cancer diagnosis. The hypnotic script gifted Parker with a meaty role (she never left the stage) full of dense language and complicated emotions.
- 3/24/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The Tony Awards Administration Committee met for the second time during the 2019-2020 Broadway season to discuss eligibility of eleven productions for the 2020 American Theatre Wing’s 74th Annual Tony Awards.
The productions considered were: “The Great Society,” “Slave Play,” “Linda Vista,” “The Rose Tattoo,” “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” “The Sound Inside,” “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” “The Inheritance,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Jagged Little Pill” and “My Name is Lucy Barton.”
The following determinations were made:
David Weiner (lighting designer) and Victoria Sagady (projection designer) will be considered jointly eligible in the Best Lighting Design of a Play category for their work on “The Great Society.”
Joaquina Kalukango will be considered eligible in the Lead Actress in a Play category for her performance in “Slave Play.”
Ian Barford will be considered eligible in the Lead Actor in a Play category for his performance in “Linda Vista.”
Marisa Tomei...
The productions considered were: “The Great Society,” “Slave Play,” “Linda Vista,” “The Rose Tattoo,” “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” “The Sound Inside,” “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” “The Inheritance,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Jagged Little Pill” and “My Name is Lucy Barton.”
The following determinations were made:
David Weiner (lighting designer) and Victoria Sagady (projection designer) will be considered jointly eligible in the Best Lighting Design of a Play category for their work on “The Great Society.”
Joaquina Kalukango will be considered eligible in the Lead Actress in a Play category for her performance in “Slave Play.”
Ian Barford will be considered eligible in the Lead Actor in a Play category for his performance in “Linda Vista.”
Marisa Tomei...
- 1/31/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
As we are now about halfway through the Broadway season, and there are currently 12 productions of plays set to open this spring. Could we be seeing any of them contend at this year’s Tony Awards? Below, we recap the plot of each play as well as the awards history of its author, cast, creative types, the opening, and (where applicable) closing dates.
“My Name is Lucy Barton” (opens January 15; closes February 29)
In this stage adaptation of Elizabeth Strout’s 2016 novel of the same name, the story follows the title character, who, unsteady after an operation, awakens to find her mother sitting at the foot of her bed. She hasn’t seen her in years, and her visit brings Lucy back to her desperate rural childhood and her escape to New York. As she begins to find herself as a writer, she is still gripped by the urgent complexities of family life.
“My Name is Lucy Barton” (opens January 15; closes February 29)
In this stage adaptation of Elizabeth Strout’s 2016 novel of the same name, the story follows the title character, who, unsteady after an operation, awakens to find her mother sitting at the foot of her bed. She hasn’t seen her in years, and her visit brings Lucy back to her desperate rural childhood and her escape to New York. As she begins to find herself as a writer, she is still gripped by the urgent complexities of family life.
- 1/29/2020
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Tracy Letts says he’s driven by the need to tell stories that showcase humanity. It’s a need that earned him a 2008 Pulitzer Prize for “August: Osage County” and led to his current Broadway play, “Linda Vista,” about a 50-year-old divorcé (played by Ian Barford) in the midst of a midlife crisis. Letts also brings the human touch to his acting roles; he won a Tony Award as George in the 2012 Broadway revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” His many on-screen credits include playing the dad of Saoirse Ronan’s character in Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-nominated film “Lady Bird.” Currently, Letts appears as Henry Ford II, heir to the Ford Motor Co., in James Mangold’s “Ford v Ferrari.”
How did you come to play the role of Henry Ford II?
James Mangold had talked to me about playing a part in a Patty Hearst movie. That project got abandoned,...
How did you come to play the role of Henry Ford II?
James Mangold had talked to me about playing a part in a Patty Hearst movie. That project got abandoned,...
- 11/22/2019
- by Lorraine Wheat
- Variety Film + TV
Broadway’s upcoming The Minutes by Tracy Letts has set its large cast with a roster that includes Armie Hammer, Jessie Mueller, Blair Brown and Letts himself in a production directed by Anna D. Shapiro, producers announced today.
The Letts-Shapiro pairing marks their first trip to Broadway since 2007 with their Pulitzer- and Tony-winning August: Osage County.
Previews for the 16-week limited engagement begin Feb. 25, 2020, at Broadway’s Cort Theatre, with an opening night of Sunday, March 15.
Letts, currently represented on Broadway with his play Linda Vista and last season starred in a revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, first staged The Minutes at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2017.
The official synopsis: “The record-breaking hit production from Steppenwolf Theatre Company takes a look at the inner-workings of a city council meeting in the small town of Big Cherry – and the hypocrisy, greed, and ambition that follow. This powerful,...
The Letts-Shapiro pairing marks their first trip to Broadway since 2007 with their Pulitzer- and Tony-winning August: Osage County.
Previews for the 16-week limited engagement begin Feb. 25, 2020, at Broadway’s Cort Theatre, with an opening night of Sunday, March 15.
Letts, currently represented on Broadway with his play Linda Vista and last season starred in a revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, first staged The Minutes at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2017.
The official synopsis: “The record-breaking hit production from Steppenwolf Theatre Company takes a look at the inner-workings of a city council meeting in the small town of Big Cherry – and the hypocrisy, greed, and ambition that follow. This powerful,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Although a familiar face to Broadway audiences of late as an actor, Tracy Letts (he starred in a Tony-nominated revival of “All My Sons” last season) has not had one of his plays here in almost a decade. The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of “August: Osage County” returns to the rialto with “Linda Vista,” a Second Stage Theater production which opened at the Hayes Theater on October 10.
Directed by Dexter Bullard, “Linda Vista” unfolds in San Diego during the drawn-out divorce of Dick Wheeler (Ian Barford), a camera repair-man and former photojournalist who boasts a general disdain for much of life as he hurtles toward a midlife crisis in the arms of various women.
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Letts’s long-awaited return to Broadway received mostly positive notices. Ben Brantley (New York Times) labels “Linda Vista” a Critic’s Pick and calls the play an “inspired,...
Directed by Dexter Bullard, “Linda Vista” unfolds in San Diego during the drawn-out divorce of Dick Wheeler (Ian Barford), a camera repair-man and former photojournalist who boasts a general disdain for much of life as he hurtles toward a midlife crisis in the arms of various women.
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Letts’s long-awaited return to Broadway received mostly positive notices. Ben Brantley (New York Times) labels “Linda Vista” a Critic’s Pick and calls the play an “inspired,...
- 10/14/2019
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The Minutes, a 2018 Pulitzer Prize finalist by Tracy Letts, will make its Broadway premiere next February, reuniting the playwright with his August: Osage County director Anna D. Shapiro, producers Jeffrey Richards and Steve Traxler announced today.
Shapiro, who won the 2008 Tony Award for her direction of Letts’ August, directed the premiere production of The Minutes at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2017. The 90-minute play features a cast of eleven actors. The Chicago cast included Kevin Anderson, William Petersen, Ian Barford, Francis Guinan and Sally Murphy.
The producers described the play as a “brisk, scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real-world power. Full of chicanery, back-stabbing, manipulation and perhaps some mistruths, the play refracts the current state of America and our politics through a town meeting in the very small fictional city of Big Cherry.”
Production dates, casting, design team and Broadway venue will be announced later this year. In...
Shapiro, who won the 2008 Tony Award for her direction of Letts’ August, directed the premiere production of The Minutes at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2017. The 90-minute play features a cast of eleven actors. The Chicago cast included Kevin Anderson, William Petersen, Ian Barford, Francis Guinan and Sally Murphy.
The producers described the play as a “brisk, scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real-world power. Full of chicanery, back-stabbing, manipulation and perhaps some mistruths, the play refracts the current state of America and our politics through a town meeting in the very small fictional city of Big Cherry.”
Production dates, casting, design team and Broadway venue will be announced later this year. In...
- 6/20/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Steppenwolf Theatre’s Ian Barford will reprise his starring role in Tracy Letts’ Broadway-bound Linda Vista along with most of the cast from the play’s West Coast premiere in January 2019 at the Mark Taper Forum.
Linda Vista will begin previews Sept. 19 for a strictly limited eight-week engagement at Broadway’s Hayes Theater. Opening night is Oct. 10.
In addition to Barford, who plays the lead character Wheeler, the Broadway staging, directed by Dexter Bullard, will feature Sally Murphy, Caroline Neff, Chantal Thuy, Jim True-Frost, Cora Vander Broek and Troy West. All but Thuy and True-Frost are reprising their roles from the L.A. production and an earlier Chicago staging. (Barford and Neff are pictured above in the Chicago staging.)
Casting for the Second Stage Theater presentation of Steppenwolf’s production was announced today by Second Stage’s Carole Rothman, president and artistic director, and exec director Casey Reitz.
Letts,...
Linda Vista will begin previews Sept. 19 for a strictly limited eight-week engagement at Broadway’s Hayes Theater. Opening night is Oct. 10.
In addition to Barford, who plays the lead character Wheeler, the Broadway staging, directed by Dexter Bullard, will feature Sally Murphy, Caroline Neff, Chantal Thuy, Jim True-Frost, Cora Vander Broek and Troy West. All but Thuy and True-Frost are reprising their roles from the L.A. production and an earlier Chicago staging. (Barford and Neff are pictured above in the Chicago staging.)
Casting for the Second Stage Theater presentation of Steppenwolf’s production was announced today by Second Stage’s Carole Rothman, president and artistic director, and exec director Casey Reitz.
Letts,...
- 5/21/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today additional casting for the highly anticipated world premiere of The Minutes by ensemble member, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tracy Letts, directed by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro. Ensemble members Kevin Anderson Mr. Breeding, James Vincent Meredith Mr. Blake, Sally Murphy Ms. Matz and William Petersen Mayor Superba join previously announced ensemble members Francis Guinan Mr. Oldfield and Ian Barford Mr. Carp in the cast of this new political comedy. Also featured in the cast are Brittany Burch as Ms. Johnson, Cliff Chamberlain as Mr. Peel and Penny Slusher as Ms. Innes. Previously announced ensemble member Tim Hopper is no longer in the cast due to a scheduling conflict. Remaining roles to be announced at a later date.
- 8/7/2017
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Broadway World have partnered for an filmed Conversations QampA series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theatre community in New York City and the union actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen. The most recent conversation featured the cast of Broadway's The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Alex Sharp, Francesca Faridany, Ian Barford, Enid Graham, Taylor Trensch and Helen Carey, moderated by BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge. Check out Part 1 of the interview below...
- 1/11/2015
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Broadway World have partnered for an inaugural filmed Conversations QampA series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theatre community in New York City and the actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen. We are thrilled to present this event in partnership with the New School for Drama. Please join us for a Conversations with the cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Alex Sharp,Taylor Trensch, Francesca Faridany, Ian Barford, Enid Graham, and Helen Carey, and moderated by Broadway World's Richard Ridge of 'Backstage with Richard Ridge'...
- 1/7/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Broadway World have partnered for an inaugural filmed Conversations QampA series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theatre community in New York City and the actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen. We are thrilled to present this event in partnership with the New School for Drama. Please join us for a Conversations with the cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Alex Sharp,Taylor Trensch, Francesca Faridany, Ian Barford, Enid Graham, and Helen Carey, and moderated by Broadway World's Richard Ridge of 'Backstage with Richard Ridge'...
- 1/5/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Broadway World have partnered for an inaugural filmed Conversations QampA series to recognize and celebrate the vibrant theatre community in New York City and the actors who aspire to have a career on the stage and screen. We are thrilled to present this event in partnership with the New School for Drama. Please join us for a Conversations with the cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Alex Sharp,Taylor Trensch, Francesca Faridany, Ian Barford, Enid Graham, and Helen Carey, and moderated by Broadway World's Richard Ridge of 'Backstage with Richard Ridge'...
- 12/16/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
It's tempting to look at Catch Hell, Ryan Phillippe's directing debut, as something of an incantation. Phillippe plays Reagan Pearce (note the initials), an on-his-way-down actor spinning his wheels in a Louisiana indie while looking for a role to change his luck. One morning he's kidnapped by locals — an aggrieved husband and his swamp-rat nephew — who chain him up in a bayou shack in order to torture him, and, improbably, hack into his social media. After a beatdown with a "gator thumper" — a nasty, heavy club that crushes Pearce's hands (leaving his face largely unscathed) — Mike (Ian Barford) attempts to destroy his victim's rep by uploading naked photos and anti-Semitic rants to Pearce's Twitter account. Barford's performance is larg...
- 10/8/2014
- Village Voice
Catch Hell is an extremely personal dissection of celebrity culture straight from the mind of Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Phillippe, addressing the actor’s fall from mainstream grace. Phillippe comments on the seedy nature of celebutante social media usage, entitled actor egos and obsessed fandoms, but even amidst the gator-wrasslin’ and hostage beatings, Catch Hell becomes a smidge self-indulgent. Between a yokel’s fatal attraction and Phillippe’s almost martyr-like mentality, sympathy is the last emotion conjured by Ryan’s character Reagan Pearce (R.P. – clever). Yes, we’re supposed to care for the tormented actor who still lives a life of luxury despite his dimming spotlight, because everyone loves a Southern-fried redemption story that takes place in a Louisiana swamp, right?
Phillippe plays Reagan Pearce, a struggling actor desperate to regain his superstar status. In order to do so, Pearce must take a few roles that don’t scream blockbuster potential,...
Phillippe plays Reagan Pearce, a struggling actor desperate to regain his superstar status. In order to do so, Pearce must take a few roles that don’t scream blockbuster potential,...
- 10/8/2014
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
“You Can’t Take It With You” (Opens Sept. 28)James Earl Jones leads a starry cast (including Rose Byrne, Annaleigh Ashford, and Mark Linn-Baker) in this revival of the classic American comedy about the hilarious clash between an eccentric family and an extremely conservative one. “The Country House” (Opens Oct. 2)Starring Blythe Danner, Daniel Sunjata, and Kate Jennings Grant, this Chekhovian Donald Margulies play about what happens when artists encounter love and passion while visiting a Berkshires summerhouse will be directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” (Opens Oct. 5)Based on the novel of the same title, this British import follows the exceptionally intelligent 15-year-old Christopher on his hunt to identify the true killer of his neighbor’s dog after he’s accused of the deed. The show stars Alexander Sharp, Taylor Trensch, Ian Barford, and others. “It’s Only a Play” (Opens Oct.
- 9/18/2014
- backstage.com
Chicago – I’m not sure if Gene Roddenberry ever read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s 1943 French novella, but even before “Star Trek” first aired in 1966, kids everywhere since 1943 recall one of the first space explorers to voyage where no boy has gone before: “The Little Prince”.
“One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
~ The Little Prince
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0
So when Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company (co-founded by David Schwimmer of “Friends” fame) decided to bring it to life on stage, it gave me the opportunity to bring an imaginative 9-year-old book lover to see it after I recently read to her the pop-up version of the story.
Amelia Hefferon (left, The Little Prince) and Kasey Foster (Fox) in the Lookingglass Theatre’s “The Little Prince”.
Photo credit: Liz Lauren
“The Little Prince” (which my mom read to me as a kid) still sits...
“One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
~ The Little Prince
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0
So when Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company (co-founded by David Schwimmer of “Friends” fame) decided to bring it to life on stage, it gave me the opportunity to bring an imaginative 9-year-old book lover to see it after I recently read to her the pop-up version of the story.
Amelia Hefferon (left, The Little Prince) and Kasey Foster (Fox) in the Lookingglass Theatre’s “The Little Prince”.
Photo credit: Liz Lauren
“The Little Prince” (which my mom read to me as a kid) still sits...
- 12/15/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Camryn Manheim, Rumer Willis and Illeana Douglas have joined the cast of indie feature Return to Sender. Rosamund Pike, Shiloh Fernandez and Nick Nolte are starring in the psychological thriller being directed by Fouad Mikati and currently shooting in New Orleans. Holly Wiersma and Candice Abela are producing. Story: Rosamund Pike, Shiloh Fernandez and Nick Nolte to Star in 'Return to Sender' Keir O'Donnell, Stephen Grush, Ian Barford, Alexi Wasser, and Scout Taylor-Compton are also on the call sheet. The plot centers on a meticulous small-town nurse (Pike) who falls victim to a life-altering event after she
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- 5/31/2013
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Casting is complete for Steppenwolf Theatre Companys upcoming production of Harold Pinters The Birthday Party, under the direction of ensemble member Austin Pendleton. Ensemble member Kevin Anderson joins the previously announced cast ensemble members Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, Moira Harris and John Mahoney with Sophia Sinise. The Birthday Party begins performances January 24, 2013 in Steppenwolfs Upstairs Theatre 1650 N Halsted St. Opening night is February 3, 2013 press performances are February 2 at 3pm and February 5 at 730pm. Tickets 20 78 go on sale at a later date.
- 11/6/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Chicago – One of the nice surprises of the Chicago International Film Festival was the opening night presence of a true Chicago-based film. “The Last Rites of Joe May” stars Dennis Farina as an aging small-time hood, taken in by single mother Jenny Rapp, portrayed by Jamie Anne Allman. The production was directed with sublime power by Joe Maggio.
Allman and Maggio were at the festival, circulating opening night and sitting down for interviews the next day. The film uses the city of Chicago as a character, but you won’t see Wrigley Field or the skyline. What you will see is the bitter winter on streets where people like Joe May live and survive.
HollywoodChicago.com got to talk with both Allman and Maggio, and got their keen insight into this excellent Chicago-based film.
Jamie Anne Allman, Jenny Rapp in “The Last Rites of Joe May”
Ms. Allman was born Jamie Anne Brown,...
Allman and Maggio were at the festival, circulating opening night and sitting down for interviews the next day. The film uses the city of Chicago as a character, but you won’t see Wrigley Field or the skyline. What you will see is the bitter winter on streets where people like Joe May live and survive.
HollywoodChicago.com got to talk with both Allman and Maggio, and got their keen insight into this excellent Chicago-based film.
Jamie Anne Allman, Jenny Rapp in “The Last Rites of Joe May”
Ms. Allman was born Jamie Anne Brown,...
- 12/6/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Dennis Farina is Chicago. Born and raised in the Windy City, his persona and manner is everything Chicago – bold, classy and the true urban Midwest. His latest film is “The Last Rites of Joe May,” which features another actor who got his start in Chicago theater, Gary Cole.
Last month, at the Chicago International Film Festival, both actors did a press day promoting their gritty Chicago-based film, which was directed by Joe Maggio. “The Last Rites of Joe May” stars Farina in the role of a lifetime, permeating the wintry streets of Chicago as an aging small time hustler that everyone assumes is dead after he comes back from an extended hospital stay. Gary Cole has a small but significant role as Lenny, a neighborhood boss.
HollywoodChicago.com sat down and interviewed the two Chicago acting icons regarding their film and careers.
Dennis Farina, Title Character in “The Last Rites of Joe May...
Last month, at the Chicago International Film Festival, both actors did a press day promoting their gritty Chicago-based film, which was directed by Joe Maggio. “The Last Rites of Joe May” stars Farina in the role of a lifetime, permeating the wintry streets of Chicago as an aging small time hustler that everyone assumes is dead after he comes back from an extended hospital stay. Gary Cole has a small but significant role as Lenny, a neighborhood boss.
HollywoodChicago.com sat down and interviewed the two Chicago acting icons regarding their film and careers.
Dennis Farina, Title Character in “The Last Rites of Joe May...
- 12/2/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Dennis Farina is Chicago. Born and raised in the Windy City, his persona and manner is everything Chicago is – bold, classy and the true urban Midwest. His latest film is “The Last Rites of Joe May,” which features another actor who got his start in Chicago theater, Gary Cole.
Last month, at the Chicago International Film Festival, both actors did a press day promoting their gritty Chicago-based film, which was directed by Joe Maggio. “The Last Rites of Joe May” stars Farina in the role of a lifetime, permeating the wintry streets of Chicago as an aging small time hustler that everyone leaves for dead after he comes back from an extended hospital stay. Gary Cole has a small but significant role as Lenny, the son of one of Joe’s old contacts.
HollywoodChicago.com sat down and interviewed the two Chicago acting icons regarding their film and careers.
Last month, at the Chicago International Film Festival, both actors did a press day promoting their gritty Chicago-based film, which was directed by Joe Maggio. “The Last Rites of Joe May” stars Farina in the role of a lifetime, permeating the wintry streets of Chicago as an aging small time hustler that everyone leaves for dead after he comes back from an extended hospital stay. Gary Cole has a small but significant role as Lenny, the son of one of Joe’s old contacts.
HollywoodChicago.com sat down and interviewed the two Chicago acting icons regarding their film and careers.
- 12/2/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The Chicago born-and-bred actor Dennis Farina has had many opportunities in his career to distinguish himself in a variety of roles, but never has he carried a film as well as his turn in the recent “The Last Rites of Joe May.” Farina imbues the title character with raw emotion, feral toughness and a touch of fear.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
What is distinctive about Joe May is that he is cut off from the world temporarily, and when he returns nobody misses him. To have lived with no connections of family, friends or colleagues is an intriguing notion to begin a story, and writer/director Joe Maggio puts the title protangonist through a road-to-Mount-Calvary situation that has the nobility of the King of Kings. This film is an exceptional character study, with the supporting cast providing a treasure trove of their own quirks, that Farina plays off on like a fine musical instrument.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
What is distinctive about Joe May is that he is cut off from the world temporarily, and when he returns nobody misses him. To have lived with no connections of family, friends or colleagues is an intriguing notion to begin a story, and writer/director Joe Maggio puts the title protangonist through a road-to-Mount-Calvary situation that has the nobility of the King of Kings. This film is an exceptional character study, with the supporting cast providing a treasure trove of their own quirks, that Farina plays off on like a fine musical instrument.
- 11/27/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Dennis Farina in .The Last Rites of Joe May ., distributed by Tribeca Film. Photo Credit: Jay Silver
Chicago Film To Open 47th Chicago International Film Festival
With The Last Rites Of Joe May
Chicago, Il.Cinema/Chicago today announced that the 47th Chicago International Film Festival will officially open with The Last Rites Of Joe May, showcasing a tour-de-force performance from longtime film and Chicago theater actor Dennis Farina (Get Shorty, Snatch, Midnight Run). Acclaimed indie director and Festival veteran Joe Maggio will walk the red carpet with Mr. Farina and actors Gary Cole (Office Space, Pineapple Express) and Jamie Anne Allman (.The Killing., The Notebook) to present the Chicago Premiere of the film at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park (205 E Randolph Street.Chicago) on Thursday, October 6th 2011 at 6pm, with the official presentation to begin at 7pm. Additional surprise guests will be announced.
.The Last Rites Of Joe May...
Chicago Film To Open 47th Chicago International Film Festival
With The Last Rites Of Joe May
Chicago, Il.Cinema/Chicago today announced that the 47th Chicago International Film Festival will officially open with The Last Rites Of Joe May, showcasing a tour-de-force performance from longtime film and Chicago theater actor Dennis Farina (Get Shorty, Snatch, Midnight Run). Acclaimed indie director and Festival veteran Joe Maggio will walk the red carpet with Mr. Farina and actors Gary Cole (Office Space, Pineapple Express) and Jamie Anne Allman (.The Killing., The Notebook) to present the Chicago Premiere of the film at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park (205 E Randolph Street.Chicago) on Thursday, October 6th 2011 at 6pm, with the official presentation to begin at 7pm. Additional surprise guests will be announced.
.The Last Rites Of Joe May...
- 9/15/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago- Earlier today, Cinema/Chicago announced that the 47th Chicago International Film Festival will premiere with the film “The Last Rites of Joe May.” The film stars longtime film and Chicago theater actor Dennis Farina.
“The Last Rites of Joe May” is the story of a hustler (played by Farina) who is shocked to see life went on normally without him when his friends and acquaintances thought he had died while Joe was in the hospital fighting pneumonia. Joe must now cope with living with new tenants who had moved in when Joe’s landlord thought he had died and the struggle of redefining a legacy that he realizes is less than stellar.
“The Last Rites of Joe May” was written and directed by Joe Maggio and co-stars Jamie Anne Allman, Meredith Droeger, Ian Barford, Chelcie Ross, and Gary Cole.
Maggio was humbled by the nomination and praised the city...
“The Last Rites of Joe May” is the story of a hustler (played by Farina) who is shocked to see life went on normally without him when his friends and acquaintances thought he had died while Joe was in the hospital fighting pneumonia. Joe must now cope with living with new tenants who had moved in when Joe’s landlord thought he had died and the struggle of redefining a legacy that he realizes is less than stellar.
“The Last Rites of Joe May” was written and directed by Joe Maggio and co-stars Jamie Anne Allman, Meredith Droeger, Ian Barford, Chelcie Ross, and Gary Cole.
Maggio was humbled by the nomination and praised the city...
- 9/15/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
By Sam Weisberg - April 28, 2011
No actor has mastered the art of muttering obscenities under his breath more expertly than Dennis Farina. In “Get Shorty,” “Snatch” and other films about low-life criminals, Farina, with his eagle-eyed glare, Charles Bronson-like mustache and clenched-teeth diction, has stolen every scene he’s in merely by spouting off an array of expletives. “The fucking airport,” he barks at a cab driver in “Get Shorty,” disgusted at being put upon to give simple directions. His every eyebrow twitch, stiff-necked shrug and sarcastic overemphasis on every word—as if he’s already explained what he’s saying three times—deliver the message: “I don’t give an inch for you—you give an inch for me.”
Happily, Farina’s signature macho style is put to good use for much of “The Last Rites of Joe May.” But the film, directed and written by Joe Maggio,...
No actor has mastered the art of muttering obscenities under his breath more expertly than Dennis Farina. In “Get Shorty,” “Snatch” and other films about low-life criminals, Farina, with his eagle-eyed glare, Charles Bronson-like mustache and clenched-teeth diction, has stolen every scene he’s in merely by spouting off an array of expletives. “The fucking airport,” he barks at a cab driver in “Get Shorty,” disgusted at being put upon to give simple directions. His every eyebrow twitch, stiff-necked shrug and sarcastic overemphasis on every word—as if he’s already explained what he’s saying three times—deliver the message: “I don’t give an inch for you—you give an inch for me.”
Happily, Farina’s signature macho style is put to good use for much of “The Last Rites of Joe May.” But the film, directed and written by Joe Maggio,...
- 4/29/2011
- by Screen Comment
- Screen Comment
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