F. Mitchell Dana News

When I started writing this review I had Turner Classics on, and it just so happened they were playing SHOW BOAT. Funny how that works sometimes, when you've just seen a splendid live performance of a show the night before, and the next evening you stumble across Hollywood's take on the material. Seeing it live is always better, I think, and SHOW BOAT has a definite history with the Muny, a fact clearly reflected by the numerous stagings it's had since its initial appearance in 1930. But, that's to be expected, since this is the perfect venue for Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's memorable adaptation of Edna Ferber's sprawling novel. And as such, it provides us with a particularly grand finale for the Muny's 2010 season.

I remember seeing FOOTLOOSE in a theatre back in 1984, and I think I actually enjoyed it. I even have a cassette of the soundtrack somewhere, although I don't remember ever purchasing it. Still, it's the type of movie that can be easily tweaked for translation to the stage since the songs are already in place (for the most part), and the plot blends dance with romance. It is an undeniably infectious combination, especially for those of us who grew up with this music, for better or worse.

The Muny's Sound Of Music will close August 1. THE SOUND OF MUSIC was directed by Marc Bruni, with choreography by Liza Gennaro, musical direction by Ben Whiteley, set design by Michael Anania, and lighting design by F. Mitchell Dana.

The Paper Mill Playhouse's production of Peter Pan, directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Patti Colombo, will close at the Millburn Theater on June 27, 2010. Peter Pan is generously supported by a gift from Allen and Joan Bildner and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Patti Colombo, Peter Pan opened last night, June 6, at the Millburn Theater at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. The production will run through June 27, 2010. BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture opening night!

The Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce casting for its production of Peter Pan. Directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Patti Colombo, Peter Pan will run at the Millburn Theater from June 2 through June 27, 2010. The production will open for the press on June 6. Peter Pan is generously supported by a gift from Allen and Joan Bildner and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce casting for its production of Peter Pan. Directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Patti Colombo, Peter Pan will run at the Millburn Theater from June 2 through June 27, 2010. The production will open for the press on June 6. Peter Pan is generously supported by a gift from Allen and Joan Bildner and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce casting for its production of Peter Pan. Directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Patti Colombo, Peter Pan will run at the Millburn Theater from June 2 through June 27, 2010. The production will open for the press on June 6. Peter Pan is generously supported by a gift from Allen and Joan Bildner and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce casting for Peter Pan. Directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Patti Colombo, Peter Pan will run at the Millburn Theater from June 2 through June 27, 2010. Peter Pan is generously supported by a gift from Allen and Joan Bildner and supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Two River Theater Co. will present Neil Simon's Tony nominated romantic comedy: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, directed by Two River Founder and Executive Producer, Robert M. Rechnitz. Barefoot in the Park begins previews on Tuesday, February 9, opens Saturday, February 13, and runs through Sunday, February 28.

Two River Theater Co. will present Neil Simon's Tony nominated romantic comedy: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, directed by Two River Founder and Executive Producer, Robert M. Rechnitz. Barefoot in the Park begins previews on Tuesday, February 9, opens Saturday, February 13, and runs through Sunday, February 28.

From the Equity Red Carpet entrance to a capacity crowd of theater and business celebrities, the stage was set for an evening of glamour and drama at this year's 15th Annual Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre Ceremony on Monday, October 5 at the Walnut Street Theatre. Presented by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, the black-tie ceremony, directed by Karen DiLossi, celebrated the work of local theatre artists as well as the vibrancy of the region's theatrical offerings with 26 awards.

The Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre are the Greater Philadelphia region's only comprehensive theatre awards program, recognizing artists for excellence and innovation while serving to increase awareness of the richness of the local theatre community.

The Muny is presenting a very good production of GODSPELL that's buoyed by a talented and energetic cast. Even if you're not a particularly religious person, you'll still find plenty to appreciate in this family-friendly show.

Washington National Opera (WNO), under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo, concludes its 2008-2009 season with Puccini's Turandot. Originally from Royal Opera House, Andrei ?erban's visually arresting and highly acclaimed production, which celebrates 25 years this season, runs in eight performances from May 16 to June 4 at the Kennedy Center Opera House.

Washington National Opera (WNO), under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo, concludes its 2008-2009 season with Puccini's Turandot. Originally from Royal Opera House, Andrei ?erban's visually arresting and highly acclaimed production, which celebrates 25 years this season, runs in eight performances from May 16 to June 4 at the Kennedy Center Opera House.

Whodunit by Dame Agatha Christie Entertains at the Olney Theatre Center

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) announces its mainstage production of Cole Porter's masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, returning to the Paper Mill Stage after a 40 year absence. Directed by Paper Mill favorite James Brennan, Kiss Me, Kate won the very first Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949 - and has been delighting audiences ever since. Kiss Me, Kate will run at the Millburn theatre from April 16 through May 18, 2008.

The winners of the Kevin Kline Awards have been announced

Seventeen St. Louis theater companies are represented in the nominations for the second annual Kevin Kline Awards. Thirty-seven plays and musicals produced in the St. Louis area during 2006 now share 115 nominations in 22 different categories for the coveted award. The nominations were announced on KWMU-FM's 'Cityscape' on January 19.