Today’s Highlights:
The Mirror and the Light, by Dame Hilary Mante, directed by Jeremy Herrin, featuring Ben Miles (Thomas Cromwell), Nathaniel Parker (Henry VIII), Melissa Allan, Samuel Awoyo, Ian Drysdale, Jo Herbert, Andrew Hodges, Niamh James, Umi Myers, Liam Smith, Nicholas Tizzard, Nicholas Boulton, Matt Pidgeon, Giles Taylor, Rosanna Adams, Paul Adeyefa, Aurora Burghart, Terique Jarrett, Jordan Kouamé, Geoffrey Lumb, Olivia Marcus, Tony Turner, Leo Wan, and Nicholas Woodeson, opens at London’s Gielgud Theatre.
As You Like It, with songs from the Beatles, adapted & directed by Daryl Cloran, featuring Melanie Brezill (Celia), Adam Wesley Brown (Forest Lord/Hymen/Danny O’Leary), Tony Carter (Oliver), Michael Daniel Dashefsky (Silvius/Forest Lord/Assassin), Austin Eckert (Charles/Amiens), Lachrisa Grandberry (Audrey/Mother Russia), Kevin Gudahl (Duke Senior/Duke Frederick), Deborah Hay (Jaques/Le Beau), Heifi Ketternring (Phoebe/Eleanor Rigby), Kayvon Khoshkam (Touchstone), Kieran McCabe (Forest Lord/William/Jaques de Boys), Steven Pringle (Adam/Martext), Liam Quealy (Orlando), Lakeisha Renee (Rosalind), Kurt Schweitz (Forest Lord/Assassin), and Nancy Voigts (Corin/Duke Frederick’s Assistant), with Bridget Adams-King, David Corlew, Jodi Gage, Conor Jordan, Michael Kurowski, Jeff Kurysz, Jeff Parker, Tom Ochocinski, and Janelle Villas, opens at Chicago Shakespeare.
Young Frankenstein, directed & choreographed by Jeff Whiting (recreating Susan Stroman’s original direction & choreography), featuring John Bolton (Frederick Frankenstein), Sally Struthers (Fray Blücher), Soara-Joye Ross (Elizabeth), Will Burton (Igor), Hannah Cruz (Inga), David Baida (Inspector Kemp), and Zachary James (The Monster), with Anthony Cannarella, Jeremiah Ginn, Sarah Elizabeth Gold, Nigel Jamal Hall, Aliah James, Graham Keen, Missy Marion, Erica Perez-Barton, and Noah Ruebeck, opens at ME’s Ogunquit Playhouse.
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GRACE NOTES Quote of the Week: “Theatre people are always pining and agonizing because they’re afraid that they’ll be forgotten. And in America they’re quite right. They will be.” ~ Agnes de Mille
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Video: Stars in the House, offering a Les Misérables Game Night: Jean Valjeans vs. Javerts & Marius!, with special guests (Valjeans) Dave Clemmons, J. Mark McVey, and Ivan Rutherford… vs… (Javerts) Philip Hernandez and Chuck Wagner, and (Marius) Adam Jacobs. (1:43:06)
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Additional casting has been announced for Funny Girl, revised by Harvey Firestein, which will begin previews Mar. 26, 2022 and open Apr. 24 at the August Wilson Theatre, directed by Michael Mayer, with choreography by Ellenore Scott, and tap choreography by Aydele Casel.
Previously announced: Beanie Feldstein (Fanny Brice)
Newly announced: Ramin Karimloo (Nick Arnstein), Jane Lynch (Mrs. Brice), Jared Grimes (Eddy Ryan),
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Rent will run Nov. 2 – Jan. 2, 2022 at VA’s Signature Theatre, directed by Matthew Gardiner, with choreography by Rickey Tripp, and music direction by Mark G. Meadows.
Jake Loewenthal (Mark), Vincent Kempski (Roger), Arianna Rosario (Mimi), David Merino (Angel), Josh A. Dawson (Tom), Katie Mariko Murray (Maureen), Ines Nassara (Joanne), and Da’Von T. Moody (Benjamin), with Kaiyla Gross, Imani Branch, Adelina Mitchell, Solomon Parker III, Usman Ali Ishaq, Jimmy Mavrikes, Devin Bowles, Ricardo, Blagrove, Alex De Bard, Emmanuel Kikoni, and Sarah Anne Sillers.
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Timothy Allen McDonald, Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson’s Between the Lines will have a limited run beginning June 14, 2022 at the Tony Kiser Theatre (link TBA), directed by Jeff Calhoun, with music direction by Daniel Green.
Casting TBA.
The new musical, based on the Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer of the same name, follows Delilah, an outsider in a new school who seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood. But the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur, and she has to confront whether she has the power to rewrite her own story.
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Video: “Tick, Tick…Boom” film trailer, which will premiere Nov. 19 on Netflix.
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TheaterWorks Hartford has announced its 2021-22 season:
Someone Else’s House (Oct. 21-31), by Jared Mezzocchi, directed by Margot Bordelon. The live virtual experience centers on Mezzocchi’s true-life haunting inside his family’s 200-year-old New England house.
This Bitter Earth (Feb. 15 – Mar. 20, 2022), by Harrison David Rivers, directed by David Mendizábal. The new play concerns a multi0racial gay couple forced to reckon with issue of race, class, and the bravery it takes to love out loud.
Zoey’s Perfect Wedding (May 3 – June 5), by Matthew López, directed by Rob Rugiero. The play about love, relationships, and expectations celebrates the courage it takes to find true happiness.
Hurricane Diane (July 19 – Aug. 21), by Madeleine George, directed by TBA. Greek god and Dionysus returns to the modern world disguised as the gardener Diane, whose mission is to seduced the mortal followers and restore the earth to its natural state.
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RIP: Stage and screen veteran Lenka Peterson died Sept. 24 at the age of 95, at her Connecticut home.
One of the first members admitted to New York City’s Actors Studio, Peterson’s Broadway productions included Sundown Beach (1948), The Grass Harp (1952), The Time of Your Life (1955), All the Way Home (1960), Nuts (1980), and Quilters (1984).
Lenka was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Quilters. She also guest starred in such early television productions as “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (1952), “The Philco Television Playhouse” (1955), and “Actors Studio” (1949 and 1950).
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Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein & Jason Howland’s Little Women will run Nov. 11 – Dec. 19 (opening Nov. 17) at the Park Theatre, directed by Bronagh Lagan, with music direction by Leo Munby, and choreography by Sarah Golding.
Lydia White (Jo), Hana Ichijo (Meg), Anastasia Martin (Beth), Mary Moore (Amy), Bernadine Pritchett (Aunt March), Sev Keoshgerian (Laurie), Ryan Bennett (Professor Bhaer), Brian Protheroe (Mr. Lawrence), Lejaun Sheppard (John Brooke), and Savannah Stevenson (Marmee), with Liv Andrusier.
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The Vineyard Theatre‘s Fall Forward Festival has been announced, offering five newly commissioned works of alternative theatre, a mix of virtual and in-person offerings — with some fully realized and some still in progress.
Aunt Lillian, a new radio musical by Kirsten Childs (continues through Dec. 31), directed by Awoye Timpo, featuring Amber Iman, Ashley D. Kelley, NaTasha Yvette Williams, Darlesia Cearcy, Jasmin Walker, Brandon Gill, and Kevin Massey. Childs tells a story from her own childhood in a battle of wills between two California siblings and their visiting Southern aunt.
“Maybe Dorothy Was Right” (streams Oct. 7 – Dec. 31), a short film by Ngozi Anywanwu & Alfonso Johnson. A love letter to New York City and its theatres.
Flowers (Oct. 24-25) in-person reading, by Polly Pen. A musical about a veterinarian receptionist’s fascination with early 20th century composer Carrie Jacobs-Bond.
On the Beauty of Loss (livestreams Nov. 11-21), written by & starring Jared Mezzocchi, An exploration of the impact of social technology on how humans collect memories and experience grief.
The Fish (Dec. dates TBA), by Madeline Sayet. Two Mohegan-Jewish siblings delve into their ancestors’ secrets.
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& 
“An Evening with Stephen Schwartz” will take place Mon. Oct 18 at 7:30 PM ET at NYC’s 92Y.
Frank DiLella, Michael McCorry Rose, and Ciara Renée, and more TBA.
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Casting has been announced for Jack Thorne’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which will run Nov. 30 – Jan. 1 at the Ahmanson Theatre, directed by Matthew Warchus.
Bradley Whitford (Ebenezer Scrooge), Kate Burton (Ghost of Christmas Past), Alex Newell (Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig), Chante Carmel (Mrs. Cratchit), Dashiell Eaves (Bob Cratchit), Brandon Gill (Fred), Alex Nee (Ferdy/Nicholas), Sebastian Ortiz & Cade Robertson (alternating as Tiny Tim), Brett Ryback (George), Harry Thornton (Young Ebenezer), Glory Yepassis-Zembrou (Little Fan), Grace Yoo (Jess), Celia Mei Rubin (Standy for Jess and Mrs. Cratchit), and Andrew Mayer (Swing).
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Steve Ross: Back on the Town will take place Sat. Oct. 23 at 8:30 PM ET at NYC’s Birdland.
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Nunsense will run Nov. 17 (7 PM CT) and Nov. 18 (1:30 & 7 PM CT) at Chicago’s Porchlight Music Theatre, directed by Michelle Lauto, with music direction by Kailey Rockwell, and choreograph by Jenna Schoppe.
Missy Aguilar (Sister Robert Anne), Cynthia Carter (Sister Mary Regina), Landree Fleming (Sister Mary Amnesia), Rebecca Keeshin (Sister Mary Leo), and Kyra Leigh (Sister Mary Hubert).
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Video: Dick Van Dyke interviewed by Ken Howard.
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Liz Callaway has announced three upcoming concerts:
Oc.t 16: An Evening with Liz Callaway, at 7:30 PM CT at Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio.
Nov. 12 & 13: Sibling Revelry, with Ann Hampton Callaway at The Purple Room in Palm Springs,
Dec. 11 & 12: VSO Broadway Holiday, with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (in Vancouver, Washington)
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TheaterWorks Hartford has announced its 2021-22 season:
Someone Else’s House (Oct. 21-31), written & performed by Jard Mezzocchi, and directed by Margot Bordelon. This live virtual experience centers on Mezzochi’s frightening, true-life haunting inside his family’s 200-year-old New England House.
Christmas On The Rocks (Dec. 2-23), conceived & directed by Rob Ruggiero, written by John Cariani, Jenn Harris & Mathhew Wilkas, Jeffery Hatcher, Jacques Lamarre, Theresa Rebeck ,and Edwin Sanchez. Your favorite kids from Christmas stories are all grown up, shaken, stirred, and served with a twist.
This Bitter Earth (Feb. 15 – Mar. 20, 2022), by Harrison David Rivers, directed by David Medizábal. The play centers on a multi-racial gay couple forced to reckon with issues of race, class, and the bravery it takes to love out loud.
Zoey’s Perfect Wedding (May 3 – June 5), by Matthew Lopez, directed by Rob Ruggiero. This wild and funny play about love, relationships, and expectations celebrates the courage it takes to find what truly makes us happy.
Hurricane Diane (July 9 – Aug. 21), by Madeleine George, directed by TBA. The Greek god Dionysus returns to the modern world disguised as the gardener Diane, whose secret mission is to seduce mortal followers and restore the earth to its natural stage.
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An Evening with Branford Marsalis will take place Thurs. Oct. 28 at 8 PM PT at Northridge’s Soraya
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Colin Quinn: The Last Best Hope will run Nov. 2-20 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
A national tour will follow. Click here for the tour schedule.
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Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day will run Oct. 13-31 at Syracuse Stage, directed by Robert Hupp.
Drew Hirshfield (Eli), LeeAnne Hutchinson (Suzanne), Tanisha Jackson (Winter), Jason O’Connell (Don), Laura Yumi Snell (Meiko), and Stephanie Weeks (Carina), with Theorri London, Thom Miller, Sarah Sakita Mozeson, Roslyn Seale, Blake Segal, and April Sweeney.
The play explores the valiant and sometimes valiantly misguided efforts inherent in attempts to address and reconcile seemingly irreconcilable differences. The degree to which those attempts succeed or fail in turn raises questions about the viability of an institution—or a nation—to operate by consensus. In that regard, setting the play in a day school in Berkeley seemed most appropriate for the playwright because of its history and reputation as a place to that tries so “earnestly” to live its values.