Al Cooper News

Five talented Long Island music students will once again receive a unique opportunity to study and perform at Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts this summer, thanks to a charitable scholarship program developed by Usdan Center and Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Just when you thought it was safe to go to the theater once again, we welcome you to the debut installment of Music City Confidential, all the news that's fit to print (or not-depending on your perspective) from Nashville's ever-growing, ever-fascinating (okay, so we obviously don't have enough to occupy ourselves) live theater industry (we're trying that out-does it work? Let us know, theaterati!) Here amid the florid prose and flowery praise, you'll find all the stories that don't quite fit elsewhere, some of 'em kind of gossipy, some of 'em stone-cold serious, some of 'em just lists of names you need to know. You'll also find photos from our new "Intermission@" series, details about the latest cast parties and various and sundry minutiae-the veritable flotsam and jetsam-from backstage, onstage, offstage and beyond…

Silly, fun and farcical, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a delightful musical theater diversion, certain to entertain and delight. Brought to the stage in a Keeton Theatre production directed by Kate Adams, with music direction by Ginger Newman, the Stephen Sondheim- Burt Shevelove-Larry Gelbart confection packs as much of a laugh-filled wallop in 2012 as it did when it first premiered on Broadway almost 50 years ago, proving that a well-written and conceived show just never grows old.

AMNH has announced the following summer public programs.

More than 60 years after it disappeared from a Berlin museum in the chaotic aftermath of World War II, a painting depicting the flagellation of Christ will return home.

More than 60 years after it disappeared from a Berlin museum in the chaotic aftermath of World War II, a painting depicting the flagellation of Christ will return home.

More to the point, Ragtime in Concert at Street Theatre Company is not to be missed. It is an awe-inspiring night of theater, staged with confidence and a practiced eye for what works visually by Cathy Street and Jane Kelley (who also conducts the 30-some member ensemble) and featuring the always significant contributions of music director Rollie Mains, this production obviously emphasizes the extraordinary musical score that, without danger of exaggeration, should be included in the pantheon of musical theater's greatest accomplishments. I defy you to hear the title tune, 'New Music,' and 'Wheels of a Dream' (or any number of other songs from the score, to be honest) and not to find your heart soaring - they are finely crafted works of art.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Interim Executive Director Joey Parnes) announced today that the Ford Foundation has generously awarded The Public Theater a $2 million grant to support The Public's GOING PUBLIC capital campaign. The largest campaign gift to date after the City's substantial commitment of $28 million, the Ford Foundation will be recognized for this significant grant with the renovated Public Theater lobby being renamed the 'Ford Foundation Lobby.' The $40 million renovation of The Public's long-time home on Lafayette Street is expected to be completed by summer 2012 with a grand reopening in fall 2012.

The national tour of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the Tony Award®-winning new musical inspired by the electrifying true story of four rock ‘n' roll icons will open the national tour at PlayhouseSquare October 11 through October 23 as a part of the KeyBank Broadway Series

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport announces its next special event in their ongoing Broadway Concert Series on Saturday, September 3rd at 8PM with Broadway Journey.

The national tour of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the Tony Award®-winning new musical inspired by the electrifying true story of four rock ‘n' roll icons will open the national tour at PlayhouseSquare October 11 through October 23 as a part of the KeyBank Broadway Series

The 17th annual Summer Festival of Sacred Music continues on Sunday, July 31, at 11 am with a service to honor our black musical heritage. St. Bartholomew's Choir and percussionists will be conducted by William K. Trafka.

The 17th annual Summer Festival of Sacred Music continues on Sunday, July 31, at 11 am with a service to honor our black musical heritage. St. Bartholomew's Choir and percussionists will be conducted by William K. Trafka.

As part of their 25th Anniversary Year, Diversionary Theatre will stage the World Premiere historic drama Dooley as the last show of its 2010-2011 season.

As part of their 25th Anniversary Year, Diversionary Theatre will stage the World Premiere historic drama Dooley as the last show of its 2010-2011 season.

The following guests are set for appearances on 'The Tonight Show' April 12 - 22:

As part of their 25th Anniversary Year, Diversionary Theatre will stage the World Premiere historic drama Dooley as the last show of its 2010-2011 season.

PlayhouseSquare announces today its entire seven-show line-up for the 2011 - 2012 KeyBank Broadway Series at PlayhouseSquare.

Since its inception in 1956, the China Anhui Traditional Orchestra (CATO) has established itself as a leading art institution in China's traditional music arena.

Since its inception in 1956, the China Anhui Traditional Orchestra (CATO) has established itself as a leading art institution in China's traditional music arena.