Center Theatre Group News & Blogs

Cast Is Set for "Water by the Spoonful" at the Taper

Center Theatre Group — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 13:36:00 -0800

CAST IS SET FOR CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING “WATER BY THE SPOONFUL” AT THE MARK TAPER FORUM JANUARY 31 MARCH 11, 2018

Center Theatre Group has announced the cast for “Water by the Spoonful” by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The 2012 Pulitzer Prize-winning play will be presented at the Mark Taper Forum January 31 through March 11, 2018. Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, the opening of “Water by the Spoonful” is set for February 11.

The cast includes, in alphabetical order, Bernard K. Addison, Josh Braaten, Sean Carvajal, Sylvia Kwan, Keren Lugo, Nick Massouh and Luna Lauren Vélez.

The creative team includes set design by Adam Rigg, costume design by Raquel Barreto, lighting design by Yi Zhao, sound design by Jane Shaw, projection design by Hannah Wasileski, and production stage management by David S. Franklin.

A janitor, a software mogul, a college grad and an IRS paper-pusher have one thing in common. Although they live thousands of miles apart, these four people share a secret: they’re recovering addicts who have found a safe haven in an online chat room. There, with liberal doses of jokes and bullying, they help each other navigate the broken terrain of their lives. But when an Iraq War veteran’s tragedy spills over into their cyberhome, everything changes. In this fearless play by Quiara Alegría Hudes (“In the Heights”), worlds virtual and real unfold onstage, challenging our notions of family, forgiveness, community and courage.

When it played off-Broadway, Charles Isherwood of The New York Times said, “‘Water by the Spoonful’ gives off a shimmering, sustaining warmth. Ms. Hudes writes with such empathy and vibrant humor that regeneration and renewal always seem to be just around the corner.”

“Water by the Spoonful,” the second in a trilogy of plays, will be produced at the Taper at the same time as Center Theatre Group is presenting the first play in the trilogy, Hudes’ Pulitzer finalist “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue,” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The Latino Theater Company will present the final installment of the trilogy with their production of “The Happiest Song Plays Last” at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC). Presented all together, the full trilogy gives Los Angeles theatre audiences a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in this exciting playwright’s work.

Quiara Alegría Hudes is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. Her play “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” premiered off-off Broadway by Page 73 Productions and was a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “Water by the Spoonful” premiered at Hartford Stage Company and won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “The Happiest Song Plays Last” premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2013. Hudes wrote the book for the Broadway musical “In the Heights,” which received the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical, and was a 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Other works include the plays “26 Miles” and “Yemaya’s Belly” and the children’s musical “Barrio Grrrl!” Hudes grew up in West Philadelphia where she studied music with Don Rappaport, Dolly Kranzapolski and Linda Hudes. She was later mentored by playwright Paula Vogel at Brown University. Hudes is an alumna of New Dramatists and sits on the board of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, which produced her first play in the tenth grade.

Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1600 to 2000-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to presenting and producing the broadest range of theatrical entertainment in the country, Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics and circumstance to serve Los Angeles.

Tickets to “Water by the Spoonful” are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or at the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $25 – $95 (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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December 21, 2017

Cast Announced for 'Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue' at Douglas

Center Theatre Group — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 13:36:00 -0800

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR “ELLIOT, A SOLDIER’S FUGUE” AT CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE

Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Pulitzer Finalist Will Run January 27 Through February 25, 2018

Center Theatre Group has announced the casting for “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” by Pulitzer-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed by Shishir Kurup, the production will begin previews January 27, open February 3 and continue through February 25, 2018, at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.

The cast for “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” includes, in alphabetical order, Rubén Garfias, Peter Mendoza, Jason Manuel Olazábal and Caro Zeller. The creative team includes set design by Sibyl Wickersheimer, costume design by Raquel Barreto, lighting design by Geoff Korf and sound design by John Nobori. The production stage manager is Maggie Swing.

A soldier, like his father and his father’s father, 19-year-old Elliot is back from Iraq with a Purple Heart. As he recovers from his injuries and decides whether to return to Iraq, he yearns for a truer connection with his father and considers his own limited options outside the military.

Phoebe Hoban of The New York Times said “‘Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue’ is that rare and rewarding thing: a theater work that succeeds on every level, while creating something new. The playwright, Quiara Alegría Hudes, who has degrees in music (a bachelor's from Yale) and playwriting (a master’s from Brown), combines a lyrical ear with a sophisticated sense of structure to trace the legacy of war through three generations of a Puerto Rican family.”

“Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue,” the first in a trilogy of plays, will be produced at the Douglas at the same time as Center Theatre Group is presenting the second play in that trilogy, Hudes’ Pulitzer-winning “Water by the Spoonful” at the Mark Taper Forum. The Latino Theater Company will present the final installment of the trilogy with their production of “The Happiest Song Plays Last” at the Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC). Presented all together, the full trilogy gives Los Angeles theatre audiences a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in this exciting playwright’s work.

Quiara Alegría Hudes is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. Her play “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” premiered Off-Off-Broadway by Page 73 Productions and was a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “Water by the Spoonful” premiered at Hartford Stage Company and won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “The Happiest Song Plays Last” premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2013. Hudes wrote the book for the Broadway musical “In the Heights,” which received the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical and was a 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Other works include the plays “26 Miles” and “Yemaya’s Belly” and the children’s musical “Barrio Grrrl!” Hudes grew up in West Philadelphia where she studied music with Don Rappaport, Dolly Kranzapolski and Linda Hudes. She was later mentored by playwright Paula Vogel at Brown University. Hudes is an alumna of New Dramatists and sits on the board of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, which produced her first play in the 10th grade.

Tickets for “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, at the Center Theatre Group Box Office at the Ahmanson Theatre or at the Kirk Douglas Theatre Box Office two hours prior to performance. Tickets range from $25 – $70 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA 90232. Ample free parking and restaurants are adjacent.

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Elliot Trilogy to Play Los Angeles Theatres

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:44:00 -0800

ELLIOT TRILOGY TO PLAY CONCURRENTLY IN LOS ANGELES THEATRES JANUARY 27 THROUGH MARCH 19, 2018

Center Theatre Group’s Previously Announced Productions of “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” at the Douglas and “Water by the Spoonful” at the Taper Will Be Joined By Latino Theater Company’s Production of “The Happiest Song Plays Last”

Los Angeles audiences will have the rare opportunity to follow Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Elliot Trilogy playing concurrently at theatres across the city in early 2018. Center Theatre Group’s production of Pulitzer finalist “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” (at the Kirk Douglas Theatre January 27 through February 25, 2018) and Pulitzer winner “Water by the Spoonful” (at the Mark Taper Forum January 31 through March 11) will be joined by Latino Theater Company’s production of the final installment of the trilogy “The Happiest Song Plays Last” (at the Los Angeles Theatre Center February 17 through March 19). It is the first time all three plays will run at the same time in one city.

“It’s really thrilling to get a chance to see the plays produced back to back for the first time in a single city,” said Hudes. “You see one play, and you get that beginning, middle, end—you get that story. But you see two, three of the plays, you get that sense of family all of a sudden. You’ve gone through it over time with this family. So I think the ending of the entire trilogy lands in a deeper way. The laughs get deeper, the pain gets more pronounced. Hopefully the plays are resonating off of each other in ways that will yield rewards.”

“This is a special moment for our patrons and for us—and really for anyone in Los Angeles who loves theatre,” said Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. “We’re taking advantage of the breadth and depth of our programming and of the rich theatre ecosystem of our city by joining forces with the Latino Theater Company to tell an epic story from start to finish. These three remarkable plays definitely stand on their own, but the opportunity to see the completed trilogy together and to follow Quiara’s characters through their entire arc is truly impactful.”

”We’re thrilled to offer L.A. audiences the chance to see the final installment of the trilogy, which isn’t as well-known as the others,” said Latino Theater Company Artistic Director José Luis Valenzuela. “I think it’s especially beautiful because of the poetry of the language, and because of the music which brings us closer to who Elliot is.”

Quiara Alegría Hudes is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. Her play “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” premiered off-off Broadway by Page 73 Productions and was a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “Water by the Spoonful” premiered at Hartford Stage Company and won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “The Happiest Song Plays Last” premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2013. Hudes wrote the book for the Broadway musical “In the Heights,” which received the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical and was a 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Other works include the plays “26 Miles” and “Yemaya’s Belly” and the children’s musical “Barrio Grrrl!” Hudes grew up in West Philadelphia where she studied music with Don Rappaport, Dolly Kranzapolski and Linda Hudes. She was later mentored by playwright Paula Vogel at Brown University. Hudes is an alumna of New Dramatists and sits on the board of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, which produced her first play in the tenth grade.

The Latino Theater Company is dedicated to providing a world-class arts center for those pursuing artistic excellence; a laboratory where both tradition and innovation are honored and honed; and a place where the convergence of people, cultures and ideas contribute to the future. Now entering its 32nd year, the Latino Theater Company has operated The Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC), a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and a landmark building in Downtown’s Historic Core, since 2006.

Tickets to “Elliot, A Solder’s Fugue” and “Water by the Spoonful” are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or at the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA 90232. The Mark Taper Forum is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

Tickets to “The Happiest Song Plays Last” are available by calling (866) 811-4111, online at www.thelatc.org or at The LATC box office, located at 514. S Spring Street in Downtown L.A. 90013.

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Center Theatre Group Selects Schools for Disney Musicals in Schools

Center Theatre Group — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 15:04:00 -0800

CENTER THEATRE GROUP ANNOUNCES THE FIVE SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Los Angeles Area Public Elementary Schools to Produce a Disney Musical

Center Theatre Group is pleased to announce the five elementary schools that have been selected to participate in the inaugural 2017-2018 Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) program. The program is an initiative developed by Disney Theatrical Productions to create sustainable theatre programs in under-resourced elementary schools. The five schools are in Los Angeles County and include the following: Harrison Elementary (LAUSD), Hope Street Elementary (LAUSD), Humphreys Avenue Elementary (LAUSD), La Ballona Elementary (Culver City Unified School District) and Ritter Elementary (LAUSD).

The selected schools will begin a 17-week musical theatre residency in January of 2018. Each school will receive performance rights, education support materials and guidance from two teaching artists. The program features a professional development focus, through which participating school teachers partner with Center Theatre Group teaching artists to learn how to produce, direct, choreograph and music direct, culminating in their first 30- to 45-minute Disney KIDS musical at their school. As a capstone to the experience, Center Theatre Group will host a Student Share Celebration in which each school performs one number from their show for an audience of students, teachers, family and community members. The Student Share Celebration will now take place at the Ahmanson Theatre on May 21, 2018. Please note that a previous announcement stated that it would take place at the Mark Taper Forum.

Harrison Elementary Principal Carlos Madrigal said, “Being accepted into the DMIS Program means so many things. It means joy, self-expression, creativity, community and collaboration – not only for our students, but for our team teachers as well.” On being selected, Hope Street Elementary Principal Pamella LeMuiex said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Center Theatre Group and DMIS to give Hope Street Elementary School students the valuable experience of participating in a live musical theatre performance. We are so excited to watch them shine!” Alejandro Almaguer, the principal of Humphreys Avenue Elementary, said that the program will “not only give our students the unique opportunity to participate in a top-notch musical program, but it will also expose them to a career in theatre arts and dance…[it] will be a transcendental experience…” La Ballona Principal Jennifer Slabbinck said that “DMIS gives us an opportunity to train our teachers to take the lead and to more regularly bring arts instruction into their own classrooms.” “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage in the theatre arts and learn to express themselves in a variety of ways,” said Ritter Elementary Principal Dr. Michelle Rappino. “This opportunity will also increase our students’ level of confidence and help them build self awareness as they learn the art of stage performance.”

“Each school selected demonstrated not only a strong commitment to their students but also to creating and sustaining a musical theatre program in their school for years to come. We are delighted to launch our inaugural DMIS season with such passionate educators,” said Center Theatre Group Director of Education and Engagement Tyrone Davis. “The DMIS program is about building educators’ capacity, which aligns with our commitment to support educators as art leaders in their own communities.”

Using the unique world of musical theatre, Disney Musicals in Schools helps to foster positive relationships between students, faculty, staff, parents, and the community. Students and teachers work in teams, developing the wide spectrum of skills needed when producing a piece of musical theatre, including: critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, communication, self-confidence and interpersonal skills.

Disney Musicals in Schools was launched in 2010 in response to Disney Theatrical Production’s concern that under-resourced public elementary schools were not afforded equitable access to the arts. After successfully offering the program in New York City schools, Disney Theatrical Productions began partnering with organizations in other communities across the United States.

Disney KIDS musicals, created in partnership with Music Theatre International (MTI), are 30- to 45-minute musicals designed for elementary school performers and have been adapted from the classic Disney films “101 Dalmatians,” “Aladdin,” “The Aristocats,” “Cinderella,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King” and “Winnie the Pooh.”

Disney Theatrical Productions (DTP) operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher and is among the world’s most successful commercial theatre enterprises, bringing live entertainment events to a global annual audience of more than 19 million people in more than 50 countries. Under the Disney Theatrical Productions banner, the group produces and licenses Broadway productions around the world, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” Elton John & Tim Rice’s “Aida,” “TARZAN®,” “Mary Poppins,” a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh, “The Little Mermaid,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Newsies” and “Aladdin.” “Frozen,” based on the Academy Award®-winning film, will open on Broadway in 2018. Other successful stage musical ventures have included the Olivier-nominated London hit “Shakespeare in Love,” stage productions of Disney’s “High School Musical,” “Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame” in Berlin, and “King David” in concert. DTP has collaborated with the country’s leading regional theatres to develop new stage titles including “The Jungle Book,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Freaky Friday.”

Disney Theatrical Productions also delivers live shows globally through its license to Feld Entertainment, producer of “Disney on Ice” and “Disney Live!” For over 30 years, “Disney on Ice” and “Disney Live!” have brought beloved Disney stories and characters annually to over 12 million guests in nearly 50 countries worldwide, through productions such as “Marvel Universe Live!” and “Frozen,” the most well attended and highest grossing “Disney on Ice” production to date. In addition, DTP licenses musical titles for local, school and community theatre productions through Music Theatre International, including “The Lion King Experience,” a unique holistic arts education program wherein accredited elementary and middle schools produce condensed, age-appropriate JR. and KIDS adaptations of “The Lion King.”

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.

MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide.

MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

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"Crazy For You" at the Ahmanson is Postponed

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 10:11:00 -0800

CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF

“CRAZY FOR YOU” AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE IS POSTPONED

Center Theatre Group’s pre-Broadway production of “Crazy For You,” which was scheduled to run at the Ahmanson Theatre February 7 – March 18, 2018, has been postponed.

“Due to scheduling complications, Center Theatre Group and Joey Parnes, our producing partner in New York, have agreed to postpone the upcoming production of ‘Crazy For You’ at the Ahmanson,” said Michael Ritchie, Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group. “We remain excited to see this new production of ‘Crazy For You’ in the future. In the meantime, we will be reaching out to our subscribers and single ticket buyers, and we are working on alternative programming options for this season at the Ahmanson.”

Tickets that have been purchased for “Crazy For You” at the Ahmanson Theatre will be honored for the new production once it is announced. For those patrons with questions or needing additional assistance, please contact Center Theatre Group’s Audience Services department at (213) 628-2772.

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November 22, 2017

'Something Rotten!' Opens at the Ahmanson

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:34:00 -0800

“SOMETHING ROTTEN!” PRESENTED BY CENTER THEATRE GROUP AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE OPENS NOVEMBER 21 AND PLAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 31

“A DELIRIOUSLY ENTERTAINING new musical comedy that brings down the house!” –New York Post

“FRESH, IRREVERENT and HYSTERICAL!” –AP

Presented by Center Theatre Group, the Los Angeles engagement of “Something Rotten!” opens Tuesday, November 21 at 8 p.m. at the Ahmanson Theatre. The completely original new musical is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon,” “Aladdin”), with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O’Farrell. Performances will continue through December 31.

Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Something Rotten!” comes to Los Angeles with three principal cast members direct from Broadway: Rob McClure as Nick Bottom, Adam Pascal as Shakespeare and Josh Grisetti as Nigel Bottom.

The touring cast also features Maggie Lakis as Bea, Blake Hammond as Nostradamus, Autumn Hurlbert as Portia, Scott Cote as Brother Jeremiah and Jeff Brooks as Shylock.

Rounding out the ensemble are Lucy Anders, Kyle Nicholas Anderson, Kate Bailey, Daniel Beeman, Brandon Bieber, Mandie Black, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Ian Campayno, Pierce Cassedy, Drew Franklin, Cameron Hobbs, Ralph Meitzler, Patrick John Moran, Joel Newsome, Con O’Shea-Creal, Kaylin Seckel, Sarah Quinn Taylor, Tonya Thompson and Emily Trumble.

The award-winning design team of Broadway veterans includes Scott Pask (scenic design), Gregg Barnes (costume design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design), Peter Hylenski (sound design), Josh Marquette (hair design), Phil Reno (music direction / conductor), Glen Kelly (arrangements), Larry Hochman (orchestrations), Steve Bebout (associate director), and casting by Telsey + Company/Bethany Knox, CSA.

From the director of “Aladdin” and co-director of “The Book of Mormon” and the producer of “Rent,” “Avenue Q” and “In the Heights,” this hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world's very first musical. With the most singing, the most dancing and the most gut-busting laughs on Broadway, it's something wonderful... something for everyone... It’s “Something Rotten!,” "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years" (Time Out New York)!

With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, “Something Rotten!” is an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals — those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us and remind us that everything’s better with an exclamation point!

Tickets for “Something Rotten!” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or by visiting the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $30 – $140 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.

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November 15, 2017

2018–2019 Ahmanson Theatre Partial Season Release

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 09:00:00 -0800

Center Theatre Group announced three new productions fresh from Broadway that will join the 2017 Tony-winning Best Musical in the 2018–2019 season at the Ahmanson Theatre. Moving musicals “Come From Away” and the Lincoln Center Theater production of “Falsettos” join hit comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong” and the previously announced “Dear Evan Hansen.” The remaining two productions in the season will be announced at a later date.

"This is shaping up to be a remarkable season at the Ahmanson," said Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. "We're extremely pleased to be bringing Broadway’s six-time Tony Award-winning ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ to Los Angeles.

“Now we’re ready to announce three more remarkable shows. First, we have added another great new musical, 'Come From Away,' the show that stole Broadway's heart last season. We also look forward to bringing you Lincoln Center Theater's terrific revival of William Finn and James Lapine’s groundbreaking musical ‘Falsettos.’ And finally, we have secured 'The Play That Goes Wrong,' a wonderful new madcap murder mystery."

“This top-notch season is filled with some of the finest offerings to come out of New York in years."

"Dear Evan Hansen"
October 17 – November 25, 2018

The winner of six 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The previously announced engagement will launch Center Theatre Group's 2018–2019 Season at the Ahmanson Theatre.

“Dear Evan Hansen” features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Academy Award and Tony-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

Declared “One of the more remarkable shows in recent musical theater history” by the Washington Post’s Peter Marks, “Dear Evan Hansen” opened at the Music Box Theatre to rave reviews on December 4, 2016, where it’s broken all box office records and has struck a chord with critics and audiences alike.

In addition to winning six Tony awards, “Dear Evan Hansen” has won numerous other awards, including the 2017 Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical Production and, for the off-Broadway production, two Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Helen Hayes Awards.

The original Broadway cast recording of “Dear Evan Hansen,” produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at number eight — the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961.

“Come From Away”
November 28, 2018 – January 6, 2019

The critically acclaimed “Come From Away” was nominated for seven Tony Awards winning Best Direction of a Musical and also won five Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical, four Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding Musical Production, three Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

“Come From Away,” which has been playing to standing room only audiences on Broadway, features a book, music and lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominees and Outer Critics Circle Award winners Irene Sankoff and David Hein, direction by Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle winner Christopher Ashley, musical staging by two-time Tony Award nominee Kelly Devine (“Rocky”) and music supervision by Ian Eisendrath (“A Christmas Story”).

“Come From Away” features scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (“Act One”), costume design by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James (“Jelly’s Last Jam”), lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (“Hamilton”), sound design by Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Gareth Owen (“End of the Rainbow”), orchestrations by Tony Award nominee August Eriksmoen (“Bright Star”), and music arrangements by Ian Eisendrath.

The New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

Following sold-out, record-breaking, critically-acclaimed engagements at La Jolla Playhouse, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. and Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, “Come From Away” landed on the “Best Theater of the Year” morelists in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Seattle Times, San Diego Union Tribune and Toronto Star, and was featured in The New York Times’ “Memorable Theatre of 2016.”

“Falsettos”
April 16 – May 19, 2019

The Lincoln Center Theater production of William Finn and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical “Falsettos” which received five Tony nominations including Best Musical Revival, marks a reunion for composer/lyricist Finn and playwright/director Lapine.

In 1981, Finn and Lapine’s new one-act musical “March of the Falsettos” premiered at Playwrights Horizons’ second floor, 75-seat space. The story of a gay man named Marvin, his lover Whizzer, Marvin’s wife Trina, son Jason and their psychiatrist Mendel, “March of the Falsettos” was a critical success, described by The New York Times as “a musical find.”

“March of the Falsettos” eventually moved to Playwrights Horizons’ larger downstairs theatre for an extended engagement before enjoying a long run Off-Broadway at what was then known as the Westside Arts Theatre. Fast forward to 1990, when a second new musical by Finn and Lapine, “Falsettoland,” opened at Playwrights Horizons. A continuation of the story of Marvin and his extended family in the early days of the AIDS crisis, “Falsettoland” repeated the success of its predecessor with rave reviews and a move to the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

In 1992, the two one-act musicals were combined into one and opened on Broadway as “Falsettos.” The musical ran for over a year at the John Golden Theatre and won Tony Awards for Finn’s score and Finn and Lapine’s book.

The new production of “Falsettos” is directed once again by James Lapine with choreography by Spencer Liff, sets by David Rockwell, costumes by Jennifer Caprio, lighting by Jeff Croiter, sound by Dan Moses Schreier and features Michael Starobin’s original orchestrations. “Falsettos” received five 2017 Tony nominations and was hailed as “an exceptional production” by Charles Isherwood of The New York Times, who added “This singular show, about an unorthodox family grappling with the complexities of, well, just being a family — unorthodox or otherwise — has been restored to life, some 25 years after it was first produced, with such vitality that it feels as fresh and startling as it did back in 1992.”

“The Play That Goes Wrong”
July 9 – August 11, 2019

Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, “The Play That Goes Wrong” is a riotous comedy about the theatre. The play introduces The ‘Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ who are attempting to put on a 1920s’ murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong…does, as the accident prone thespians battle on against all the odds to get to their final curtain call.

It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance, and has gone on to play to an audience of over half a million around the world.

Mischief Theatre, led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer, was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began as an improvised comedy group. Mischief Theatre performs across the UK and internationally with improvised and original scripted work.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” is directed by Mark Bell, featuring set design by Nigel Hook, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Andy Johnson and costume design by Roberto Surace.

The Broadway production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” transferred from the West End where it was awarded 2015 Olivier Award. It went on to receive a 2017 Tony Award for Best Set Design, Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Play and the Theater Fans Award Choice Award for Best Play. “The Play That Goes Wrong” is now in its third smash hit year on the West End and is the longest running play currently on Broadway.

Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1600 to 2000-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to presenting and producing the broadest range of theatrical entertainment in the country, Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics and circumstance to serve Los Angeles.

Bank of America is the season sponsor and Delta airlines is the official airline sponsor for Center Theatre Group’s 2018–2019 season at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Tickets for the 2018–2019 season are currently only available to renewing subscribers. Current subscribers can call (213) 972-4444 or login to their account at CenterTheatreGroup.org to renew. To be placed on a priority waiting list for group sales please call (213) 972-7231 and a representative will be able to assist and answer any questions.

Tickets and subscriptions for the 2017–2018 Season at the Ahmanson Theatre, which includes the “Bright Star,” “Something Rotten!,” “Crazy for You,” “Soft Power” and “The Humans,” are available by phone at (213) 972-4400 and online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/Ahmanson.

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Center Theatre Group Hosts Broadway Karaoke After Friday Performances of 'Spamilton'

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 11:20:00 -0800

CENTER THEATRE GROUP HOSTS BROADWAY KARAOKE AFTER FRIDAY PERFORMANCES OF “SPAMILTON” AT THE KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE

The West Coast Premiere of “Spamilton” Runs Through January 7, 2018

Starting on Friday, November 17, Center Theatre Group will host karaoke following every Friday night performance of “Spamilton” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Like the musical “Spamilton,” the post-show karaoke will focus on “Hamilton” but also offers an array of other Broadway classics. Snacks will be provided and there will be a cash bar. On the first four Fridays (November 17 and 24 and December 1 and 8), City Tavern will be providing the snacks. Admission is free to ticket holders only.

Created, directed and written by Gerard Alessandrini, “Spamilton” began previews on November 5 and opens Sunday, November 12. Performances of “Spamilton” have been extended through January 7, 2018.

Produced by special arrangement with John Freedson, David Zippel, Christine Pedi and Gerard Alessandrini, “Spamilton” celebrates and satirizes the Broadway blockbuster with a versatile cast. The cast includes, in alphabetical order, Glenn Bassett, Susanne Blakeslee, Dedrick A. Bonner, Becca Brown, John Devereaux, Wilkie Ferguson III, William Cooper Howell, Elijah Reyes and Zakiya Young.

The creative team includes choreography by Gerry McIntyre, music supervision and arrangements by Fred Barton, set and prop consultant Glenn Bassett, costume design by Dustin Cross, lighting design by Karyn D. Lawrence, sound design by Adam Phalen and music direction by James Lent.

Marilyn Stasio of Variety mused, “Hip-hop, Broadway showtunes, Viennese waltzes – is there anything this guy can’t write? No, not ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, but Gerard Alessandrini, whose ingenious parody ‘Spamilton’ simultaneously salutes and sends up Miranda and his signature musical.” And Ben Brantley of The New York Times said, “This smart, silly and often convulsively funny thesis, performed by a motor-mouthed cast that is fluent in many tongues, is the work of that eminent specialist in Broadway anatomy, pathology and gossip, Gerard Alessandrini.”

“We’re very excited about expanding the show a bit,” Alessandrini said. “We will also be adding up-to-date references to ‘Hamilton,’ Lin-Manuel Miranda and their impact on the current Broadway season.”

Gerard Alessandrini is best known for creating and writing all 25 editions of “Forbidden Broadway” in Los Angeles, New York, London and around the world. Alessandrini was featured in the 1982 cast of “Forbidden Broadway” and can be heard on four of the 12 “Forbidden Broadway” cast albums. Television writing credits include comedy specials for Bob Hope, Angela Lansbury and Carol Burnett. Directing credits include Maury Yeston’s “In the Beginning.” As a director, he is currently working on an upcoming revue focusing on the songs of Maury Yeston, entitled “Anything Can Happen (In the Theatre).” Alessandrini is the recipient of an Obie Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, two Lucille Lortel Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Drama League and seven Drama Desk Awards (including two for Best Lyrics for “Forbidden Broadway” and two special lifetime awards). Alessandrini was also awarded an Honorary Tony Award for “excellence in the theatre.”

Tickets for “Spamilton” are available by calling (213) 628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, at the Center Theatre Group Box Office at the Ahmanson Theatre or at the Kirk Douglas Theatre Box Office two hours prior to performance. Tickets range from $55 – $99 (ticket prices are subject to change). Rush tickets may be purchased in person at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office 30 minutes before curtain for $30, subject to availability. The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA 90232. Free three hour covered parking at City Hall, with validation (available in the Kirk Douglas Theatre lobby).

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November 14, 2017

'Water by the Spoonful' Calendar

Center Theatre Group — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:26:00 -0800

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January – March 2018

EVENT: “Water by the Spoonful” By Quiara Alegría Hudes Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz

DESCRIPTION: A janitor, a software mogul, a college grad and an IRS paper-pusher have one thing in common. Although they live thousands of miles apart, these four people share a secret: they’re recovering addicts who have found a safe haven in an online chat room. There, with liberal doses of jokes and bullying, they help each other navigate the broken terrain of their lives. But when an Iraq War veteran’s tragedy spills over into their cyberhome, everything changes. In this fearless Pulitzer Prize winning play by Quiara Alegría Hudes (“In the Heights”), worlds virtual and real unfold onstage, challenging our notions of family, forgiveness, community and courage.

DATES/TIMES: Previews begin January 31. Opens February 11. Through March 11, 2018. Previews (January 31 – February 10): Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performance. Exceptions: Added matinee on Saturday, February 10 at 2:30 p.m. Opens Sunday, February 11 at 7 p.m. Regular Performances (February 13 – March 11): Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.

TICKET INFO: Ticket Prices: $25 – $95 (Ticket prices are subject to change.) Tickets are available online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Audience Services at (213) 628-2772 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/Mark Taper Forum At The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012

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November 2, 2017

Cast Set for 'Something Rotten!' at Ahmanson

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:07:00 -0800

CAST IS SET FOR “SOMETHING ROTTEN!” PRESENTED BY CENTER THEATRE GROUP AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE NOVEMBER 21 THROUGH DECEMBER 31

“A DELIRIOUSLY ENTERTAINING new musical comedy that brings down the house!” –New York Post

“FRESH, IRREVERENT and HYSTERICAL!” –AP

Casting is set for the Los Angeles engagement of the completely original new musical “Something Rotten!,” directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon,” “Aladdin”), with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O’Farrell. “Something Rotten!” opens at Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre on November 21 and plays through December 31.

The touring cast also features Maggie Lakis as Bea, Blake Hammond as Nostradamus, Autumn Hurlbert as Portia, Scott Cote as Brother Jeremiah and Jeff Brooks as Shylock.

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November 7, 2017

Center Theatre Group News & Blogs

Cast Is Set for "Water by the Spoonful" at the Taper

CAST IS SET FOR CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING “WATER BY THE SPOONFUL” AT THE MARK TAPER FORUM JANUARY 31 MARCH 11, 2018

Cast Announced for 'Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue' at Douglas

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR “ELLIOT, A SOLDIER’S FUGUE” AT CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE

Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Pulitzer Finalist Will Run January 27 Through February 25, 2018

Elliot Trilogy to Play Los Angeles Theatres

ELLIOT TRILOGY TO PLAY CONCURRENTLY IN LOS ANGELES THEATRES JANUARY 27 THROUGH MARCH 19, 2018

Center Theatre Group’s Previously Announced Productions of “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” at the Douglas and “Water by the Spoonful” at the Taper Will Be Joined By Latino Theater Company’s Production of “The Happiest Song Plays Last”

Center Theatre Group Selects Schools for Disney Musicals in Schools

CENTER THEATRE GROUP ANNOUNCES THE FIVE SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Los Angeles Area Public Elementary Schools to Produce a Disney Musical

"Crazy For You" at the Ahmanson is Postponed

CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF

“CRAZY FOR YOU” AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE IS POSTPONED

'Something Rotten!' Opens at the Ahmanson

“SOMETHING ROTTEN!” PRESENTED BY CENTER THEATRE GROUP AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE OPENS NOVEMBER 21 AND PLAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 31

“A DELIRIOUSLY ENTERTAINING new musical comedy that brings down the house!” –New York Post

“FRESH, IRREVERENT and HYSTERICAL!” –AP

2018–2019 Ahmanson Theatre Partial Season Release

"Dear Evan Hansen" October 17 – November 25, 2018

“Come From Away” November 28, 2018 – January 6, 2019

“Falsettos” April 16 – May 19, 2019

“The Play That Goes Wrong” July 9 – August 11, 2019

Center Theatre Group Hosts Broadway Karaoke After Friday Performances of 'Spamilton'

CENTER THEATRE GROUP HOSTS BROADWAY KARAOKE AFTER FRIDAY PERFORMANCES OF “SPAMILTON” AT THE KIRK DOUGLAS THEATRE

The West Coast Premiere of “Spamilton” Runs Through January 7, 2018

'Water by the Spoonful' Calendar

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January – March 2018

Cast Set for 'Something Rotten!' at Ahmanson

CAST IS SET FOR “SOMETHING ROTTEN!” PRESENTED BY CENTER THEATRE GROUP AT THE AHMANSON THEATRE NOVEMBER 21 THROUGH DECEMBER 31

“A DELIRIOUSLY ENTERTAINING new musical comedy that brings down the house!” –New York Post

“FRESH, IRREVERENT and HYSTERICAL!” –AP

"Dear Evan Hansen"
October 17 – November 25, 2018

“Come From Away”
November 28, 2018 – January 6, 2019

“Falsettos”
April 16 – May 19, 2019

“The Play That Goes Wrong”
July 9 – August 11, 2019