Center Theatre Group News & Blogs

'Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up' Calendar Release

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 20:42:00 -0700

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September – October 2016

EVENT:

“Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up”

Written and Performed by Lucy Alibar

Directed by Neel Keller

World Premiere.

DESCRIPTION:

Written and performed by Alibar, “Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up” blends a lecherous goat, Pentecostals on the radio, a clutter of inbred cats, phone calls from death row, Daddy’s burnpile and countless other rich ingredients into a delicious and magical stew of stories about a singular childhood in Grady County, Florida.

DATES/TIMES:

Previews Begin September 10, 2016. Opens September 16.

Through October 2.

Previews: Saturday through Thursday at 8 p.m. No Monday performance.

Opens Friday, September 16 at 8 p.m.

Regular Performances (September 17 through October 2):

Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.

Exceptions: Added 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, October 1.

TICKET INFO:

Ticket Prices: $25-$70 (Ticket prices are subject to change.)

Tickets are available online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling CTG Audience Services at (213) 628-2772, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles), or at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office two hours prior to performances. Groups: (213) 972-7231. Deaf community: information and charge, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/ACCESS.

LOCATION:

Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre

9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Ample free parking and restaurants adjacent.

'Throw Me on the Burnpile and Light Me Up' Press Kit

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 00:37:00 -0700

Cast is Set for 'Grey Gardens'

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:45:00 -0700

FULL CAST IS SET FOR “GREY GARDENS” THE MUSICAL AT CENTER THEATRE GROUP/AHMANSON THEATRE

Beloved Musical Presented by CTG in Its First Los Angeles Production

Previews Begin on July 6 and Performances Continue Through August 14

The cast is set for “Grey Gardens” The Musical at CTG/Ahmanson Theatre. Directed by Michael Wilson, “Grey Gardens” The Musical will begin previews on July 6, with the opening set for July 13, 2016. Performances continue through August 14.

The previously announced Rachel York and Betty Buckley will lead the cast alongside, in alphabetical order, Bryan Batt (AMC’s “Mad Men”), Peyton Ella, Sarah Hunt, Simon Jones, Katie Silverman, Davon Williams and Josh Young. The cast also includes Olivia Curry, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Steven Good, Melina Kalomas, Michelle London and Rebecca Spencer.

The book for “Grey Gardens” The Musical is by Doug Wright, with music by Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie. The scenic design is by Jeff Cowie, costumes are by Ilona Somogyi, lighting is by Howell Binkley, sound is by Jon Weston, projections are by Jason H. Thompson, wig design is by Paul Huntley and casting is by Beth Lipari. Hope Clarke is the choreographer, Kevin Stites is the music director and the production stage manager is Robert Bennett.

Set in East Hampton, New York, “Grey Gardens” The Musical tells the story of Big Edie and Little Edie, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and their journey from glamorous aristocrats in the 1940s to notorious recluses in the 1970s, living in a crumbling house filled with memories and cats.

“Grey Gardens” The Musical received 10 Tony Award nominations when it premiered on Broadway in 2006. Ben Brantley of The New York Times said of that production, “‘Grey Gardens’ is … an experience no passionate theatregoer should miss.” Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said, “‘Grey Gardens’ is more than a unique and unmissable musical: it’s a gift!” David Rooney of Variety said, “This spellbinding account of American fallen royalty is as boldly odd, original and beguiling as its subjects.”

Rachel York is a dynamic and versatile actress, singer, dancer and comedienne, best known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in “City of Angels,” “Les Misérables,” “Victor/Victoria” (Drama Desk Award) with Dame Julie Andrews, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “Sly Fox” with Richard Dreyfuss, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and recently the new musical “Disaster!” Previously at the Ahmanson, Ms. York starred as Reno Sweeney in the national tour of “Anything Goes.” Also on tour, she created the role of Cruella de Vil in “The 101 Dalmatians Musical,” starred as Guenevere in “Camelot” and portrayed Lilli Vanessi/Kate in “Kiss Me, Kate” (U.S. tour and London’s West End). Off-Broadway she starred in “The Best Is Yet to Come: The Music of Cy Coleman,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” (Drama Desk nomination), “Dessa Rose” (Drama Desk nomination) as well as NYC Encores! acclaimed productions of “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” and “Little Me.” Among her favorite regional productions are “Ragtime,” “The King and I” and “Turn of the Century” opposite Jeff Daniels. Ms. York turned heads with her courageous portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie “Lucy.” She has also appeared on several popular TV series including “Power,” “Hannah Montana,” “Frasier,” “Numb3rs,” and will be featured in the upcoming film “It Had To Be You.”

Betty Buckley, who has been called “The Voice of Broadway,” is one of theatre’s most respected and legendary leading ladies. She is an actress/singer whose career spans theatre, film, television and concert halls around the world. She was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame for 2012. She won a Tony Award for “Cats,” received her second Tony Award nomination for “Triumph of Love” and an Olivier Award nomination in London for her performance in “Sunset Boulevard,” which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway. Her other Broadway credits include “1776,” “Pippin,” “Song And Dance,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Carrie.” She has starred in many off-Broadway productions including “The Old Friends” for which she received a 2014 Drama Desk nomination. Her film credits include M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Happening,” Brian de Palma’s “Carrie,” Bruce Beresford’s “Tender Mercies,” Roman Polanski’s “Frantic,” Woody Allen’s “Another Woman” and Lawrence Kasdan’s “Wyatt Earp.” She is currently shooting “Split,” a new film directed by Shyamalan in which she is co-starring with James McAvoy. Her numerous TV credits include the series “Oz” for HBO and four seasons starring as Abby on “Eight is Enough.” She has received two Emmy nominations, and she has recorded 16 CDs, receiving two Grammy nominations. Her latest CD “Ghostlight” was produced by T Bone Burnett.

Michael Wilson directed the 2013 Broadway revival of “The Trip to Bountiful,” which garnered a Best Actress Tony Award for Cicely Tyson. This production was later presented at the Ahmanson Theatre. He received 2015 DGA and Image Award nominations for his direction of the Lifetime/Ostar production of “Bountiful,” which was nominated for two Emmys including Outstanding Television Movie. He received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his direction of Horton Foote’s “The Orphans’ Home Cycle” at Signature Theatre. His other Broadway productions include Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” “Dividing the Estate,” “Enchanted April” and “Old Acquaintance.” Off-Broadway his productions include “Talley’s Folly,” and also “The Old Friends” with Betty Buckley. He recently finished work on his first independent motion picture, “Showing Roots,” starring Maggie Grace, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth McGovern, Adam Brody and Cicely Tyson.

Tickets for “Grey Gardens” The Musical are available by calling (213) 972-4400 or online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, or by visiting the Center Theatre Group box office at the Ahmanson Theatre. The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.

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June 21, 2016

'A View From the Bridge' Calendar Release

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 00:14:00 -0700

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September – October 2016

EVENT:

The Young Vic Production of

Arthur Miller’s “A View From the Bridge”

Directed by Ivo van Hove.

DESCRIPTION:

In the Tony Award-winning production of “A View From the Bridge” (Best Revival and Best Direction), Eddie Carbone is a Brooklyn longshoreman obsessed with his 17-year-old niece, Catherine. When Catherine falls in love with a newly arrived immigrant, Eddie’s jealousy erupts in a rage that consumes him, his family and his world.

DATES/TIMES:

Previews begin September 7, 2016. Opens September 14. Through October 16.

Previews: (September 7 – 13) Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Exceptions: No Monday performance.

Opens Wednesday, September 14 at 8 p.m.

Regular Performances (September 15 – October 16):

Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.

Exceptions: No 8 p.m. performance on Thursday, September 22. Added 2 p.m. performance on Thursday, October 13. No 6:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, October 16.

TICKET INFO:

Ticket Prices: $25 – $125 (Ticket prices are subject to change.)

Tickets are available at this time as part of the 2016-2017 Ahmanson Theatre season subscription at (213) 972-4444 or CenterTheatreGroup.org. On July 22, single tickets will become available online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400, or in person at the Center Theatre Group box office. Groups: (213) 972-7231. Deaf community: Information and charge, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/ACCESS.

LOCATION:

Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre

At the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

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June 14, 2016

'A View From the Bridge' Press Kit

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 20:53:00 -0700

Block Party Press Kit

Center Theatre Group — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:20:00 -0700

Applications Available for CTG's Block Party at the Douglas

Center Theatre Group — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:56:00 -0700

LOCAL THEATRE COMPANIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S INAUGURAL BLOCK PARTY AT THE KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE

CTG Will Remount Three Local Productions For Block Party Celebration

Application Deadline is August 12, 2016

Applications are now available for Center Theatre Group’s inaugural Block Party: Celebrating Los Angeles Theatre, which will highlight some of the remarkable work being done on other stages throughout Los Angeles by fully producing three previously staged productions.

Theatre companies from the greater Los Angeles area may submit one production for consideration. To be eligible, the production must have opened between January 1, 2015, and August 12, 2016. Three productions will be selected for presentation at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, April 14 through May 21, 2017. The deadline to apply is August 12, 2016.

Interested theatre companies need to complete an online application, which may be found at CenterTheatreGroup.org/BlockParty. Should any questions arise throughout the application process, please email BlockParty@CTGLA.org. There will also be two information sessions held for applicants at the Kirk Douglas Theatre on Saturday, July 16 at 11 a.m. and Monday, July 25 at 7 p.m.

The three selected productions will be announced in the fall and each will have a two-week run with 11 performances at the Douglas. All three theatre companies will be part of a three-month collaboration with CTG and will receive the full support of CTG and its staff in order to fund, stage and market each production.

With Block Party, Center Theatre Group hopes to strengthen relationships within the Los Angeles community, create additional avenues for CTG to become familiar with local playwrights, actors, directors and designers, and foster relationships between CTG staff and the staff at theatre companies throughout Los Angeles.

Block Party receives generous support from Joni and Miles Benickes and Aliza and Marc Guren.

Center Theatre Group has a long history of pairing with local theatre companies including the Deaf West production of “Big River” which was produced at the Mark Taper Forum in 2002 and went on to Broadway before returning to the Ahmanson Theatre in 2005 as part of a national tour. More recently, Center Theatre Group partnered with Ebony Repertory Theatre for the remounting of “A Raisin in the Sun” (which played at the Douglas), 24th Street Theatre’s “Walking the Tightrope” (also at the Douglas) and other productions around the city such as “The Behavior of Broadus” (with Burglars of Hamm and Sacred Fools Theater Company) and “Birder” (with The Road Theatre Company).

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June 13, 2016

"Disgraced" Opens June 19 at Mark Taper Forum

Center Theatre Group — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 01:03:00 -0700

AYAD AKHTAR’S “DISGRACED” OPENS SUNDAY, JUNE 19 AT MARK TAPER FORUM

THE PULITZER-WINNING PLAY RUNS THROUGH JULY 17

Ayad Akhtar’s 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Disgraced,” opens Sunday, June 19, at 7 p.m. at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Kimberly Senior, “Disgraced” plays through July 17.

The cast features, in alphabetical order, J Anthony Crane, Behzad Dabu, Hari Dhillon, Karen Pittman and Emily Swallow.

In a riveting, contemporary exploration of identity and religion, “Disgraced” follows a married couple living in Upper East Side Manhattan. Amir is a corporate lawyer and Emily an artist, and though Amir was raised Muslim, he has left that faith behind. The couple hosts a small dinner party and soon, before anyone can stop it, polite protocol is abandoned and the talk turns to religion, politics and sex.

Scenic design is by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Jennifer von Mayrhauser, lighting design by Christine A. Binder and sound design by Jill BC Du Boff. Casting is by Meg Fister and the production stage manager is David S. Franklin.

Charles Isherwood of The New York Times called “Disgraced” a “terrific, turbulent drama” and David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter called it “smart, spiky entertainment.” “Nothing is sacred,” said Linda Winer of Newsday, “the Quran, the Old Testament, terrorism, art history, cultural tourism, ancient prejudices and blazing ambivalence – as Akhtar rubs unexpected raw spots with enormous intelligence and humor.”

Ayad Akhtar was born in New York City and raised in Milwaukee. His play “Disgraced” premiered at the American Theater Company in January 2012 and was staged at LCT3/Lincoln Center in New York in October 2012. “Disgraced” then premiered in London at the Bush Theatre in 2013, and made its Broadway debut in 2014. Akhtar’s play “The Invisible Hand” was nominated for the ATCA/Steinberg Award, and won Best New Work 2013 from the St. Louis Theater Circle. As a screenwriter, he was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay for "The War Within." He is the author of "American Dervish," published in 25 languages worldwide and a 2012 Best Book of the Year at Kirkus Reviews, Toronto’s Globe and Mail, Shelf Awareness and O Magazine.

Kimberly Senior has worked closely with Akhtar since the inception of “Disgraced” and has directed productions of the play on Broadway and at Lincoln Center Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Other credits in her prolific career include Akhtar’s “The Who & The What” (La Jolla Playhouse), “Rapture, Blister, Burn” (Goodman Theatre), “Marjorie Prime” (Writers Theatre) and “The North Plan” (Steppenwolf). Senior is the founder of Collaboraction, a Resident Director at Writers Theatre and an Associate Artist at TimeLine Theatre Company. In 2012, she was named Best Director in Chicago by Chicago Magazine.

Tickets for “Disgraced” are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org. Tickets range from $25 - $85 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Mark Taper Forum is located at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

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June 10, 2016

CTG Presents "Disgraced" Community Conversations

Center Theatre Group — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 01:09:00 -0700

CENTER THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS “DISGRACED” COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

DISCUSSIONS INSPIRED BY AYAD AKHTAR’S PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING PLAY

Speakers Include Salam Al-Marayati, Reza Aslan, Edina Lekovic, Brie Loskota, Najeeba Syeed, Ani Zonneveld and the Play’s Director Kimberly Senior

Conversations Occur Before Three Performances of “Disgraced” at the Mark Taper Forum

Center Theatre Group presents “Disgraced” Community Conversations, a series of three talks with leading experts, activists and scholars from Los Angeles’ Muslim community and beyond. The Conversations will take place on June 15, June 24 and July 7 before performances of Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Disgraced,” which plays at CTG/Mark Taper Forum from June 8 through July 17, 2016.

Community Conversations are inspired by issues that arise in “Disgraced,” and will include discussion of cultural appropriation, images of Muslims in the media, Islamophobia and the intersection of religion and culture. As part of CTG’s audience engagement programming, Community Conversations bring together voices and perspectives from across Los Angeles. The engagement programming will also include talk-backs after each performance of “Disgraced.”

The first Conversation will be held on Wednesday, June 15 and will include “Disgraced” director Kimberly Senior, Salam Al-Marayati, president and co-founder of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and Edina Lekovic, public affairs consultant for MPAC.

The second Conversation will be held on Friday, June 24, and will include Dr. Reza Aslan – internationally acclaimed writer, scholar of religions and creator and owner of Aslan Media – and Ani Zonneveld, founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values.

The third and final Conversation will be held on Thursday, July 7, and will include Brie Loskota, executive director of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California, Najeeba Syeed, assistant professor of Interreligious Education at the Claremont School of Theology, and Lekovic.

All Community Conversations will be held at Center Theatre Group Annex at 601 W. Temple Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free with a purchased ticket for that night’s performance. Light hors d’oeuvres and wine will be provided.

Tickets for “Disgraced” are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org. Tickets range from $25 – $85 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Mark Taper Forum is located at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

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June 10, 2016

"Grey Gardens" Documentary Screening and Conversation at the Ahmanson June 18

Center Theatre Group — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 23:26:00 -0700

Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre Hosts Special Event

A SCREENING OF THE 1975 CLASSIC “GREY GARDENS” DOCUMENTARY IN CONNECTION WITH THE UPCOMING AHMANSON PRODUCTION OF “GREY GARDENS” THE MUSICAL

THE MUSICAL’S STARS BETTY BUCKLEY AND RACHEL YORK JOIN DIRECTOR MICHAEL WILSON IN A CONVERSATION FOLLOWING THE SCREENING ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18 AT 3 P.M. AT AHMANSON

Center Theatre Group will host a special event featuring a screening of “Grey Gardens,” the 1975 classic documentary, followed by a conversation with Betty Buckley, Rachel York and Michael Wilson – the stars and director of the upcoming Ahmanson Theatre production of the Tony Award-nominated “Grey Gardens” The Musical.

The screening of the “Grey Gardens” documentary, created by David Maysles, Albert Maysles, Ellen Hovde, Muffie Meyer and Susan Froemke, begins at 3 p.m. on June 18 at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Set in East Hampton, New York, “Grey Gardens” tells the story of Big Edie and LittleEdie, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and their journey from glamorous aristocrats in the 1940s to notorious recluses in the 1970s, living in a crumbling house filled with memories and cats.

Previews for “Grey Gardens” The Musical begin on July 6, with the opening set for July 13, 2016, at CTG at the Ahmanson Theatre. Performances continue through August 14. The book for “Grey Gardens” The Musical is by Doug Wright, with music by Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie.

Rachel York is a dynamic and versatile actress, singer, dancer and comedienne, best known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in “City of Angels,” “Les Misérables,” “Victor/Victoria” (Drama Desk Award) with Dame Julie Andrews, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” “Sly Fox” with Richard Dreyfuss, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and recently the new musical “Disaster!” Previously at the Ahmanson, Ms. York starred as Reno Sweeney in the national tour of “Anything Goes.” Also on tour, she created the role of Cruella de Vil in “The 101 Dalmatians Musical,” starred as Guenevere in “Camelot” and portrayed Lilli Vanessi/Kate in “Kiss Me, Kate” (U.S. tour and London’s West End). Off-Broadway she starred in “The Best Is Yet to Come: The Music of Cy Coleman,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” (Drama Desk nomination), “Dessa Rose” (Drama Desk nomination) as well as NYC Encores! acclaimed productions of “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” and “Little Me.” Among her favorite regional productions are “Ragtime,” “The King and I” and “Turn of the Century” opposite Jeff Daniels. Ms. York turned heads with her courageous portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie “Lucy.” She has also appeared on several popular TV series including “Power,” “Hannah Montana,” “Frasier,” “Numb3rs,” and will be featured in the upcoming film “It Had To Be You.”

Michael Wilson directed the 2013 Broadway revival of “The Trip to Bountiful,” which garnered a Best Actress Tony Award for Cicely Tyson. This production was later presented at the Ahmanson Theatre. He received 2015 DGA and Image Award nominations for his direction of the Lifetime/Ostar production of “Bountiful,” which was nominated for two Emmys including Outstanding Television Movie. He received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his direction of Horton Foote’s “The Orphans’ Home Cycle” at Signature Theatre. His other Broadway productions include “Gore Vidal’s The Best Man,” “Dividing the Estate,” “Enchanted April” and “Old Acquaintance.” Off-Broadway his productions include “Talley’s Folly,” and also “The Old Friends” with Betty Buckley. He recently finished work on his first independent motion picture, “Showing Roots,” starring Maggie Grace, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth McGovern, Adam Brody and Cicely Tyson.

The documentary screening and conversation event on June 18 is free of charge ($5 reservation fee may apply) and reservations may be made at CenterTheatreGroup.org/ggfilmevent until June 17 at 12 p.m. Tickets may also be available at the door on the day of the event.

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June 6, 2016