Passion 1983 - Articles Page 22

Turner Classic Movies (TCM), television's foremost authority and showplace for classic film, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year by sharing a passion for cinema with the network's devoted fans.

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) presents The Tragically Hip on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8:00pm at the Moore Theatre. Formed in 1983 in Kingston, Ontario, The Tragically Hip came together with childhood friends Gordon Downie (vocals), Bobby Baker (guitar), Paul Langlois (guitar), Gord Sinclair (bass), and Johnny Fay (drums). The group took their name from a Michael Nesmith video entitled Elephant Parts and focused on making a name for themselves in the local scene during the mid-'80s. While performing Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern, MCA Records president Bruce Dickinson was impressed by the Hip's infectious live presence and offered them a deal. A self-titled eponymous EP appeared in 1987, but it took the band two years to get critical attention.

Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of ALT, has announced that the company has commissioned The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In his announcement, Edelson explained that all of Dahl's beloved characters find a unique voice in this exciting new opera. 'If thoughts of Augustus Gloop being swept away in the Chocolate River, Violet Beauregarde inflating like a giant blueberry, Mike Teavee being demagnified into the tele-dimension, and Veruca Salt being thrown down the rubbish shoot by a gang of nut-inspecting squirrels sound like your idea of a fun night at the opera - or better yet, unlike any night at the opera or theater you've ever experienced - The Golden Ticket is....just the ticket!'

The works of Henrik Ibsen provide unique challenges for modern theater companies. This may be because of the complexities of his characters or the difficulties of getting an appealing translation of the playwright's original Norwegian prose. Happily the Roundabout Theater has faced both of these challenges and is currently presenting a compelling production of HEDDA GABLER at their elegant American Airlines Theater. Audiences realize they are about to witness something special when they see Hildegard Bechtler's atmospheric set bathed in the subtle and effective lighting of Natasha Katz. However, it is when Michael Cerveris makes his initial entrance that the audience realizes what an exceptional evening this HEDDA GABLER will be. Playing the intellectual writer Jorgen Tesman, Cerveris eschews a dour portrayal of an academic in favor of a character who is robust and certainly in love with his new bride, Hedda, who is stunningly portrayed in this version by Mary-Louise Parker. Cerveris' personal energy is immediately sensed by the audience and throughout the performance they could be detected sitting up or leaning forward whenever he was on stage. It is a masterful performance in every way and is met point-for-point by Ms. Parker. When these two actors are together on stage, the electricity is almost palpable.

FLASHDANCE is currently touring the UK and is expected to transfer to the West End next year after the tour closes. Sources reveal that the producers are so confident with the successful production that they are planning to tour it around the states as soon as 2009.

This fall, Tony Award nominated actor Keith Carradine (The Will Rogers Follies, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 'Nashville,' 'Dexter') returns to the New York stage in the New York premiere of Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed thriller, MINDGAME. Ken Russell, the celebrated director of the films Tommy, Woman In Love and The Boyfriend, makes his New York stage directorial debut with MINDGAME.

Eric Schaeffer, the Artistic Director of Signature Theatre, tonight announced that Signature will honor Stephen Sondheim at a Gala Benefit in April and establish an annual award as a tribute to America's most influential contemporary musical theater composer. Signature will salute Mr. Sondheim at a black-tie Gala Celebration on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington, DC highlighted by a musical tribute, festive dinner, and dancing and inaugurate an annual honor to be known in future years as The Sondheim Award.

This fall, Tony Award nominated actor Keith Carradine (The Will Rogers Follies, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 'Nashville,' 'Dexter') returns to the New York stage in the New York premiere of Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed thriller, MINDGAME. Ken Russell, the celebrated director of the films Tommy, Woman In Love and The Boyfriend, makes his New York stage directorial debut with MINDGAME.

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester launches its first full season on Saturday, September 20th, with a bona fide Broadway Baby, Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley in concert with her quartet. Headed by long-time collaborator, renowned jazz pianist Kenny Werner, they will be joined by Tony Marino on bass, Billy Drewes on reeds, and drummer Anthony Pinciotti in a program featuring selections from Ms. Buckley's two recent CD releases, as well as songs she is known for from the Great White Way. The Hanover's 2008-2009 calendar will feature touring productions of Movin' Out, Cats, Annie, and Chicago, as well as an eclectic mix of music, comedy, dance, and special attractions for the whole family.

This fall, Tony Award nominated actor Keith Carradine (The Will Rogers Follies, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 'Nashville,' 'Dexter') returns to the New York stage in the New York premiere of Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed thriller, MINDGAME. Ken Russell, the celebrated director of the films Tommy, Woman In Love and The Boyfriend, makes his New York stage directorial debut with MINDGAME.

Maria Friedman, the leading lady of the British musical theatre, makes her Broadway debut in London's smash hit musical, THE WOMAN IN WHITE, opening on Broadway Thursday, November 17th at the Marquis Theatre (211 W 45th St).

Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) presents the new Broadway production of Peter Nichol's drama Passion Play, directed by Mark Brokaw at the American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street). Previews begin on April 15th, 2005 and opens officially on May 4th, 2005. This is a limited engagement through July 3rd, 2005.