Raise The Roof News

Ensemble Studio Theatre (William Carden, Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Slee, Executive Director) will present Marathon 2009, E.S.T.?s 31st annual festival of new one-act plays, at E.S.T. (549 West 52nd Street). Performances begin Friday, May 22nd, and continue through Saturday, June 27th.

A single figure appears at the back of the stage. A single voice begins to sing a Barry Manilow classic - exquisitely, soon to be joined by the other members of BBC's Last Choir Standing winners 'Only Men Aloud' and suddenly 'One Voice' explodes into an huge wall of sound as stunning vocals advance upon the ears of the audience. This opening number set the tone for the rest of what turned out to be a fantastic evening in the first 'Only Men Aloud' UK national tour, which opened on April 26 at the Swansea Grand Theatre.

The Altar Boyz bring the 'Rhythm' to Denver's 16th Street Mall!

Patina Miller and the supporting cast of nuns from Sister Act the Musical recorded '2 sensational new tracks and filmed a fabulous music video exclusively for you to enjoy as a taste of what's to come when the show opens', which we bring you right here on StageTube!

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced complete casting and creative team today for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON: The Concert Version, the fourth play of the 2008-2009 Public LAB season. Written and directed by Alex Timbers and featuring music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON: The Concert Version will begin performances on Tuesday, May 5 and run through Sunday, May 24. Tickets are $10 for all performances and are on-sale now.

Two Obie Award-winning theater companies -- The Play Company and Ma-Yi Theater -- will collaborate this spring to present the New York premiere of Lloyd Suh's new play AMERICAN HWANGAP, with previews to begin May 9, prior to an official press opening May 17 Off-Broadway at The Wild Project (195 East 3rd Street) in Manhattan. Trip Cullman directs an ensemble cast featuring some of the country's most accomplished Asian American actors, including James Saito (TV's 'Eli Stone' and Obie winner for DURANGO), Michi Barall (Charles Mee's QUEENS BOULEVARD), Mia Katigbak (DOGEATERS), Peter Kim (THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE), and Hoon Lee (YELLOWFACE).

Through its dedicated artistry and deep respect for the Japanese taiko drum, Kodo fuses thunderous beats, traditional dance and martial arts with innovative interpretations - offering audiences a mystical and exciting experience in witnessing the Japanese performing arts. The ensemble spends its time overseas, touring throughout Japan, and preparing contemporary and original material on Sado Island.

The National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) presents the world premiere of LEAH'S TRAIN, Karen Hartman's play about three generations of women from a Jewish family whose lineage spreads from Russia to present-day San Francisco, previewing February 6th prior to opening February 10th Off-Broadway at the TBG Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

The National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) -- whose revivals of western classics performed by all Asian-American casts since 1989 include such acclaimed productions as BERNARDA ALBA, OTHELLO, A LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, OUR TOWN, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU and IVANOV -- will expand its mission to include world premieres about non-Asian peoples performed by an all-Asian cast with the world premiere of LEAH'S TRAIN, Karen Hartman's play about three generations of women from a Jewish family whose lineage spreads from Russia to present-day San Francisco, previewing February 6th prior to opening February 10th Off-Broadway at the TBG Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

A new gospel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's ground-breaking score comes to Atlanta... Experience Jesus Christ Superstar as you've never seen it before - as gospel choirs raise the roof off Atlanta's Alliance Theatre.

The Alliance Theatre will host a red carpet event for the Opening Night of the new musical Jesus Christ Superstar GOSPEL. In attendance will be actor Ben Vereen, nominated for a Tony Award for his portray of Judas in the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Among others, also in attendance will be Grammy-winning country artist Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Earl Klugh (Grammy-winning jazz guitarist and composer) and actress Jasmine Guy. The red carpet arrivals will be hosted by KISS 104.1 FM's Veronica Waters. After the show, guests will enjoy a reception at Shout Restaurant in Midtown. Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Experience the hit musical as you never have before - as gospel choirs raise the roof off our Alliance. Throw your hands together and rejoice in a vibrant explosion of beloved music that puts the power of praise back into the gospels. This new gospel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's ground-breaking score will move you to new heights, with an inspirational new beat to classics like 'I Don't Know How to Love Him,' 'Everything's Alright' and 'Could We Start Again Please.' With the largest cast on the Alliance Stage since The Color Purple, this revolutionary celebration of life will leave you singing for days.

The National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) presents the world premiere of LEAH'S TRAIN, Karen Hartman's play about three generations of women from a Jewish family whose lineage spreads from Russia to present-day San Francisco, previewing February 6th prior to opening February 10th Off-Broadway at the TBG Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

The National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) -- whose revivals of western classics performed by all Asian-American casts since 1989 include such acclaimed productions as BERNARDA ALBA, OTHELLO, A LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, OUR TOWN, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU and IVANOV -- will expand its mission to include world premieres about non-Asian peoples performed by an all-Asian cast with the world premiere of LEAH'S TRAIN, Karen Hartman's play about three generations of women from a Jewish family whose lineage spreads from Russia to present-day San Francisco, previewing February 6th prior to opening February 10th Off-Broadway at the TBG Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

A new gospel version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's ground-breaking score comes to Atlanta... Experience Jesus Christ Superstar as you've never seen it before - as gospel choirs raise the roof off Atlanta's Alliance Theatre.

Sister Act Defies launches with record breaking ticket sales! When it was first announced news spread like wild fire around the globe. Stories appeared everywhere from Thailand to Brazil and from South Africa to Russia. Whoopi Goldberg said: Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Doloris and the girls to get such a resounding 'come on in'. The response has been amazing and I'm thrilled Doloris, the nuns, the cast, the producers and the audience are all going to have some fun!

The National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO) presents a revival of the Tennessee Williams classic OUT CRY -- a play about theatre, writing, and acting -- with previews set to begin November 29, prior to an official press opening December 4 at Abingdon Theater (312 West 36th Street), starring Mia Katigbak (DOGEATERS) and Eduardo Machado (THE COOK). Thom Sesma directs.

Tony Award nominee Gavin Creel (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and 'American Idol' finalist Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray) will star in the new Broadway production of GODSPELL. The first Broadway revival of the landmark rock musical will officially open on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) on Thursday, October 23, 2008. Previews will begin on Monday, September 29, 2008.

America's only honor recognizing excellence in dance on both stage and film, the Fred & Adele Astaire Awards honored some of the greatest talents in dance on Monday, June 2nd.

America's only honor recognizing excellence in dance on both stage and film, the Fred & Adele Astaire Awards will honor some of the greatest talents in dance on Monday, June 2nd at a gala evening at the Grand Ballroom, Manhattan Center Studios (311 West 34th Street).