Center Theatre Group News & Blogs

Center Theatre Group Applications Now Available for DMIS Program

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:20:00 -0700

CENTER THEATRE GROUP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Applications Now Available for Los Angeles Area Public Elementary Schools to Participate and Produce a Disney Musical at No Cost

In 2017, Center Theatre Group was awarded a grant from Disney to bring the Disney Musicals in Schools program to the Los Angeles area. The program is an initiative developed by Disney Theatrical Productions to create sustainable theatre programs in under-resourced elementary schools. Center Theatre Group will select four area public elementary schools to participate in this year’s program. Previous recipients have included Breed Street Elementary (LAUSD), Cantara Street School (LAUSD), Harrison Elementary (LAUSD), Hope Street Elementary (LAUSD), Humphreys Avenue Elementary (LAUSD), La Ballona Elementary (Culver City Unified School District), Ritter Elementary (LAUSD), Saturn Street Elementary (LAUSD), Tulsa Street Elementary (LAUSD) and Wild Rose School of Creative Arts (Monrovia Unified School District).

The selected schools will participate in a 17-week musical theatre residency, led by a team of teaching artists trained by Center Theatre Group and Disney Theatrical Productions, at no cost. Each school will receive performance rights, education support materials and guidance from the 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-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 on the Ahmanson Theatre stage for an audience of students, teachers, family and community members.

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.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 – 2020 season. Public elementary schools in Los Angeles County holding a Title 1 status are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 19, 2019. For more information or to apply, visit www.CTGLA.org/DisneyMusicalsInSchools or email DMIS@ctgla.org.

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 Theater International (MTI), are 30-minute musicals designed for elementary school performers and have been adapted from the classic Disney films “101 Dalmatians,” “Aladdin,” “The Aristocats,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King” and “Winnie the Pooh.”

Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading nonprofit theatre company, which, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, Managing Director Meghan Pressman and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1600 to 2100-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.

Disney Theatrical Group (DTG) operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher and is among the world’s most successful commercial theatre producers, bringing live entertainment events to a global audience of more than 20 million people a year in more than 50 countries. Under the Disney Theatrical Group 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,” “Aladdin” and “Frozen.” 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. DTG has collaborated with the nation’s preeminent theatres to develop new stage titles including “The Jungle Book,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Freaky Friday” and “Hercules.” As a part of the recent acquisition of 21st Century Fox, DTP also heads the Buena Vista Theatrical banner which licenses Fox titles for stage adaptations including “Anastasia,” “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “The Devil Wears Prada.”

Disney Theatrical Group also delivers live shows globally through its license to Feld Entertainment, producer of “Disney on Ice” and “Marvel Universe Live!,” bringing beloved Disney stories and characters annually to over 12 million guests in nearly 50 countries worldwide. In addition, DTG 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.

MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City (mtishows.com), with additional offices in London (MTI Europe: mtishows.co.uk, mtishows.eu), and Melbourne (MTI Australia: mtishows.com.au).

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August 27, 2019

Center Theatre Group Continues Artist Series, Audience Talks and Stage Talks in 2019 – 2020 Season As Part of the Organization's Audience Engagement Programs

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:20:00 -0700

CENTER THEATRE GROUP CONTINUES ARTIST SERIES, AUDIENCE TALKS AND STAGE TALKS IN 2019 – 2020 SEASON AS PART OF THE ORGANIZATION’S AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Center Theatre Group will continue its Artist Series, Audience Talks and Stage Talks programs in the 2019 – 2020 season. These engagement programs offer additional ways for theatregoers to start conversations about the work they have seen or will experience on stage at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre.

The Artist Series offers theatregoers the opportunity to prepare themselves for the performance at the Mark Taper Forum with exclusive conversations with artists and creatives before seeing the play. These conversations take place at The Music Center Annex (601 West Temple St) from 1 to 2 p.m. immediately before the second Saturday matinee performance of every production at the Taper.

The schedule of the 2019 – 2020 Artist Series is as follows:

September 14, 2019 “A Play Is a Poem”

November 30, 2019 “Jitney”

January 18, 2020 “What the Constitution Means to Me”

April 4, 2020 “The Antipodes”

August 8, 2020 “King James”**

Post-show Audience Talks at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre widen the post-show conversation by offering theatregoers the opportunity to discuss the production with each other, moderated by trained facilitators. Audience Talks are held at all post-opening evening performances at the Taper and every performance at the Douglas (except when there is a Stage Talk scheduled).

Stage Talks at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre give theatregoers the opportunity to come together after select performances for Q&A sessions with cast members and/or creators for a chance to discover more about their creative process. At the Taper, Stage Talks are held after select Tuesday evening and Sunday matinee performances, while Stage Talks at the Douglas take place after select Wednesday evening performances.

The dates and productions for the 2019 – 2020 Stage Talks are as follows:

September 25 and October 9, 2019 “On Beckett” Kirk Douglas Theatre

October 1, 8 and 13, 2019 “A Play Is a Poem” Mark Taper Forum

December 10, 17 and 22, 2019 “Jitney” Mark Taper Forum

January 28, February 4 and 16, 2020 “What the Constitution Means to Me” Mark Taper Forum

January 29 and February 12, 2020 “Until the Flood” Kirk Douglas Theatre

April 14, 21 and 26, 2020 “The Antipodes” Mark Taper Forum

To be determined “Sakina’s Restaurant” Kirk Douglas Theatre

For more information about Center Theatre Group’s pre and post-show opportunities, visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/programs/audiences/pre-and-post-show-engagement.

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August 27, 2019

Lindsay Allbaugh Named Associate Artistic Director and Neel Keller Named Artistic Director/Literary Director of Center Theatre Group

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:20:00 -0700

LINDSAY ALLBAUGH NAMED ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND NEEL KELLER NAMED ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/LITERARY DIRECTOR OF CENTER THEATRE GROUP

Lindsay Allbaugh has been named Associate Artistic Director and Neel Keller has been named Associate Artistic Director/Literary Director of Center Theatre Group, announced Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. Both Allbaugh and Keller will continue working closely with Ritchie and Associate Artistic Director Kelley Kirkpatrick to oversee all artistic responsibilities of the nonprofit theatre company, including productions across the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.

“Center Theatre Group’s staff has included some of the best artistic collaborators in the country, and that remains as true today as it has since our founding in 1967,” said Ritchie. “We’re producing, presenting and often creating pieces of theatre for one of the widest and most diverse audiences, and throughout my time leading this organization, both Lindsay and Neel have been instrumental in helping Center Theatre Group continue guiding our artistic mission. Their new titles are well deserved and consistent with the work they’ve already been doing as well as the expectations going forward.”

Allbaugh joined Center Theatre Group in 2004 as Assistant to the Managing Director, later working in various capacities throughout the Artistic Department including most recently as Associate Producer. At Center Theatre Group, she produces the annual Block Party program featuring Los Angeles-based theatre companies, which she helped launch in 2016, and mainstage productions including “Indecent,” “Bent,” “The Nether,” “Women Laughing Alone With Salad,” “Good Grief,” “Archduke” and multiple Samuel Beckett plays including “Waiting for Godot, “Endgame” and “Happy Days.” Along with her work over the past 15 years with Center Theatre Group, Allbaugh spent 10 years as Co-Artistic Director of the Elephant Theatre Company in Hollywood and has directed plays and readings at various Los Angeles-based theatre companies including Boston Court, The Echo Theater Company and IAMA Theatre Company.

“I’m incredibly honored to shift into the position of Associate Artistic Director. My time at Center Theatre Group has been rich with opportunity, and that’s a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from Michael Ritchie, Neel Keller, Kelley Kirkpatrick and the rest of our staff,” said Allbaugh. “I’m excited to build upon our ongoing artistic initiatives and to continue fostering relationships with artists on a local, national and international level. I have always been incredibly passionate about new work and the vast array of talent the Los Angeles theatre community has to offer. The creation of our Block Party program has been, and continues to be, an incredibly fulfilling endeavor and is one that has strengthened Center Theatre Group and this city’s vibrant local theatre ecosystem. I look forward to continuing the great work we’ve been doing with Block Party and other like-minded initiatives as well our work with some of the leading artists of our time.”

Keller joined Center Theatre Group as Associate Producer in 2003, following his previous relationship with the organization as a freelance director. He was named Associate Artistic Director in 2011. Keller will now assume additional duties as Literary Director, including leading the ongoing development of new works and the L.A. Writers’ Workshop program, which launched in 2005 and provides an annual residency for seven local playwrights to research and write new works. Keller has directed many productions for Center Theatre Group, including the recent world premieres of “Quack,” “Forever,” “different words for the same thing” and “The Nether.” Prior to joining Center Theatre Group, he worked with Williamstown Theatre Festival, Lincoln Center Theater, the American National Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse, where he was Associate Artistic Director from 1997 to 2000.

“Center Theatre Group was one of the first companies to make wholesale commitments to developing new works and I’m proud to have played a part in that ongoing vision since first joining the staff alongside Gordon Davidson and now Michael Ritchie,” said Keller. “Having playwrights in our buildings is critical to the life and reach of our wonderful theatres. I’m excited by the opportunity to find ways for playwrights to be even more present within the rehearsal rooms, halls and offices of this important institution. Being involved with the nurturing of writers and the creation of new works is a dream job.”

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August 29, 2019

Center Theatre Group Now Accepting Applications for 2019 – 2020 Student Ambassador Program

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:20:00 -0700

CENTER THEATRE GROUP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 – 2020 STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Center Theatre Group invites high school students from the greater Los Angeles area to apply for the 2019 – 2020 Student Ambassador Program, a free leadership development program for students who are curious about the arts and want to build leadership and teamwork skills.

As part of the Student Ambassador Program, accepted students will select to be part of either the Marketing and Social Media Team or the Community Engagement Team. Each team meets regularly from October 2019 through May 2020, under the guidance of Center Theatre Group staff, to devise projects for “Once on This Island” at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Students on the Marketing and Social Media Team work with experts to develop a social media campaign in support of a theatre-related event inspired by “Once on This Island,” while students on the Community Engagement Team work with experts to produce and plan activities for the event. No prior marketing, social media or event planning experience is required to apply.

In addition to gaining leadership skills, valuable experience and knowledge about potential careers in the arts, Student Ambassadors will also receive a $750 stipend for their time.

For more information and to apply to the Student Ambassador program, students can visit CTGLA.org/StudentAmbassadors starting on August 22. Applications close at 5 p.m. on September 26.

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August 30, 2019

Center Theatre Group Now Accepting Applications for 2019 – 2020 Student Matinee Program

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:20:00 -0700

CENTER THEATRE GROUP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 – 2020 STUDENT MATINEE PROGRAM

Shows Include “Latin History for Morons,” “Jitney,” Matthew Bourne’s “Swan Lake,” “What the Constitution Means to Me” and “Once on This Island”

Center Theatre Group invites schools and community organizations serving youth from the greater Los Angeles area to apply for the 2019 – 2020 Student Matinee Program, a comprehensive arts education experience which brings thousands of students and educators to the theatre each season.

The Student Matinee Program includes admission to a special morning matinee performance of a production at the Ahmanson Theatre or Mark Taper Forum, followed by a post-show discussion with the cast and crew and educational materials to help prepare students to comprehend the world of the play. Prior to seeing the show, teachers participate in an educator conference to explore the play in-depth and have the option of bringing Center Theatre Group teaching artists into their classroom to lead show-based activities.

The dates and productions for the 2019 – 2020 Student Matinee Program are as follows:

October 17, 2019 “Latin History for Morons” Ahmanson Theatre

December 3 and 4, 2019 “Jitney” Mark Taper Forum

December 12, 2019 Matthew Bourne’s “Swan Lake” Ahmanson Theatre

February 11 and 12, 2020 “What the Constitution Means to Me” Mark Taper Forum

April 30, 2020 “Once on This Island” Ahmanson Theatre

Multiple educators from the same school or community organization may apply. Each application allows for a maximum enrollment of 50 students and up to 5 chaperones. Accepted groups must provide their own transportation to the theatre and pay a $50 enrollment fee. Administrative expenses and tickets for each student, teacher, and adult chaperone are included.

To apply to the Student Matinee program, educators from schools and community organizations serving youth can visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/Student-Matinees.

The Student Matinee Program is made possible in part by the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Student Matinee Program also receives generous support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The Walt Disney Foundation Company, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, Renee & Meyer Luskin, Deena & Edward Nahmias, Union Bank, and U.S. Bank.

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August 28, 2019

"Latin History for Morons" Comes to the Ahmanson

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:20:00 -0700

FOLLOWING ITS HIT BROADWAY RUN JOHN LEGUIZAMO’S “LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS” IS COMING TO LOS ANGELES

Written & Performed by JOHN LEGUIZAMO

Directed by TONY TACCONE

“Boisterous, joyful and politically urgent, there couldn’t be a better time for ‘Latin History for Morons.’ Keeping an entire theater enraptured through his own musings, impressions, and literal pratfalls, Leguizamo gives us a space to cheer and cry, to laugh and listen.” – David Canfield, Entertainment Weekly

Following its Tony-nominated hit Broadway run seen by tens of thousands, Tony Award winner John Leguizamo’s one-man play “Latin History for Morons” will be presented by Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles from September 5 through October 20, 2019. Opening is set for Sunday, September 8.

The WOW Agency brings “Latin History for Morons” to Los Angeles as part of a North American tour that premiered at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York and has traveled across the country including engagements in Atlanta, Dallas, Durham, Hartford, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and San Antonio among others. For more information on upcoming city engagements, please visit LatinHistoryOnTour.com.

“Latin History for Morons” is inspired by the near total absence of Latinos from his son’s American History books. John Leguizamo embarks on an outrageously funny, frenzied search to find a Latin hero for his son’s school history project. From a mad recap of the Aztec empire to stories of unknown Latin patriots of the Revolutionary War and beyond, Leguizamo breaks down the 3,000 years between the Mayans and Pitbull into 110 irreverent and uncensored minutes above and beyond his unique style.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times called “Latin History for Morons” a “surprisingly poignant one-man play that slyly poses sharp and timely questions of what culturally defines American identity and who, in the nationalistic age of Trump, has ‘the right’ to be here.”

Steven Suskin of The Huffington Post concluded, “John Leguizamo is back, as smart, provocative, bracing – and wise – as ever. In this dazzling comedic-philosophic evening of laughter, his Latin lesson is a treat.”

“Latin History for Morons” concluded its successful run on Broadway on February 25, 2018. The original 16-week engagement was extended an additional three weeks on opening night, November 15, 2017. The production was the first play of the 2017-2018 season to recoup its entire capitalization.

“Latin History for Morons” marks theatre’s most prolific modern Latino playwright, John Leguizamo’s sixth one-man venture onto the stage, following success on Broadway with “Ghetto Klown” (Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award), “Freak” (Drama Desk Award), “Sexaholix…A Love Story” (Tony nomination) and Off-Broadway with “Mambo Mouth” (Obie Award) and “Spic-O-Rama” (Drama Desk Award). “Mambo Mouth,” “Spic-O-Rama,” “Freak” and “Ghetto Klown” all went on to be filmed for presentation on HBO.

Fresh off the celebrated and financially successful Broadway run of “Ghetto Klown,” Leguizamo began his acclaimed work on “Latin History for Morons.” The play had its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre followed by its New York premiere at The Public Theater. Directed by Tony Taccone (“Wishful Drinking,” “Bridge & Tunnel”), the Tony-nominated production of “Latin History for Morons” is written and performed by Leguizamo, featuring scenic design by Rachel Hauck, lighting design by Alexander V. Nichols and original music and sound design by Bray Poor.

“Latin History for Morons” is produced by The WOW Agency, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and The Public Theater.

For more information, please visit LatinHistoryOnTour.com.

Tickets are available online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Audience Services at (213) 972-4400 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles). Tickets range from $35 – $145 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.

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August 29, 2019

www.LatinHistoryOnTour.com www.instagram.com/latinhistory101 www.twitter.com/latinhistory101 www.facebook.com/LatinHistory101

Cast is Set and Rehearsals Have Begun for 'A Play Is a Poem' at Taper

Center Theatre Group — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:56:00 -0700

CAST IS SET AND REHEARSALS HAVE BEGUN FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF ETHAN COEN’S “A PLAY IS A POEM” AT THE MARK TAPER FORUM SEPTEMBER 11 THROUGH OCTOBER 13, 2019

The cast is set and rehearsals have begun for the world premiere of Ethan Coen’s “A Play Is a Poem” at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Neil Pepe and presented in association with Atlantic Theater Company, “A Play Is a Poem” begins performances on September 11 and continues through October 13. The opening is set for September 21.

The cast includes, in alphabetical order, Ro Boddie, Max Casella, Micaela Diamond, Peter Jacobson, Jason Kravits, Nellie McKay, Saul Rubinek, Miriam Silverman, Joey Slotnick, Sam Vartholomeos and CJ^ Wilson.

The creative team features scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez, costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by Tyler Micoleau and sound design by Leon Rothenberg with original music by Nellie McKay. The production stage manager is David S. Franklin.

“A Play Is a Poem” is a new collection of five one acts by Ethan Coen set in the hillbilly hollows of Appalachia, the executive suites of Hollywood, a New York tenement apartment, the smoke-filled office of a Los Angeles private eye and a magnolia-scented gazebo in Natchez, Mississippi. Each place holds a different story – together they offer an eccentric look at life across America that only Ethan Coen could deliver.

Ethan Coen has written three previous evenings of one acts, “Happy Hour,” “Almost an Evening” and “Offices,” all three directed by Neil Pepe. His full-length play “Women or Nothing” was directed by David Cromer and premiered at Atlantic Theater Company. He contributed a play to “Relatively Speaking,” a Broadway trio of one acts whose other contributors were Woody Allen and Elaine May. Coen has written a collection of stories, “Gates of Eden,” and two collections of poems, “The Drunken Driver Has the Right of Way” and “The Day the World Ends.” Coen has also written, produced and directed films with his brother Joel for 35 years.

Neil’s recent directing credits include the New York premiere of Simon Stephens’ “On the Shore of the Wide World,” and the world premieres of George Brant’s “Marie and Rosetta,” Kenneth Lonergan’s “Hold On To Me Darling” and David Mamet’s “The Penitent,” all at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York. Broadway credits include the musical, “Hands on a Hardbody” the acclaimed revival of David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow” and “A Life in the Theatre.” Off-Broadway credits at Atlantic Theater Company include John Guare’s “3 Kinds of Exile;” Moira Buffini’s “Dying For It;” Jez Butterworth’s “Parlour Song,” “Mojo” and “The Night Heron;” Ethan Coen’s “Happy Hour,” “Offices” and “Almost an Evening;” Harold Pinter’s “Celebration and The Room;” Adam Rapp’s “Dreams of Flying Dreams of Falling;” Joe Penhall’s “Blue/Orange;” Hilary Bell’s “Wolf Lullaby;” David Pittu’s “What’s That Smell?;” Howard Korder’s “Sea of Tranquility;” Edwin Sanchez’ “Clean;” Quincy Long’s “Shaker Heights.” Additional off-Broadway credits include David Mamet’s “American Buffalo” (Donmar Warehouse, Atlantic Theater Company); “Romance” and “Two Unrelated Plays by David Mamet” (Center Theatre Group, Atlantic Theater Company); Zinnie Harris’ “Further Than the Furthest Thing” (Manhattan Theatre Club); Jessica Goldberg’s “Refuge” (Playwrights Horizons); Tom Donaghy’s “The Beginning of August” (South Coast Repertory, Atlantic Theater Company); Frank Gilroy’s “The Subject Was Roses” with Martin Sheen (Center Theatre Group) and Eric Bogosian’s “Red Angel” (Williamstown Theatre Festival). Neil has been the Artistic Director of the award-winning off-Broadway company, Atlantic Theater Company, since 1992.

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 (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles). Tickets range from $25 – $110 (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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August 16, 2019; ^Updated 8/27/19

Center Theatre Group Announces FreePlay Performances for 2019 – 2020 Season

Center Theatre Group — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:56:00 -0700

CENTER THEATRE GROUP ANNOUNCES FREEPLAY PERFORMANCES FOR 2019 – 2020 SEASON

Program Offers Free Tickets to Theatregoers 25 Years Old and Younger for the

First Preview of All Center Theatre Group Productions at the

Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre

Plus Select Ahmanson Theatre Shows

Tickets Are Free at the Box Office $5 Per Ticket Handling Fee Required For Phone or Online Reservations

Center Theatre Group will continue its FreePlay program for the 2019-2020 season. Anyone who is 25 years old or younger will be able to reserve free tickets to the first preview of all Center Theatre Group productions at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre as well as select shows at the Ahmanson Theatre. Reservations are free if made in-person at the box office. There will be a $5 per ticket handling fee to reserve online at CTGLA.org/FreePlay or over the phone by calling (213) 628-2772.

“Center Theatre Group’s mission focuses on introducing the largest possible audiences, from all across Los Angeles, to theatre,” said Ritchie. “Through programs like FreePlay, we are making a direct effort to welcome new theatregoers by lowering any perceived barriers of our organization or live theatre overall. It’s imperative that we strive to create a more vibrant Los Angeles with a stronger cultural fabric that supports such accessible experiences.”

Reservations will be made available approximately two weeks before the first preview of each available production and may be reserved up until 30 minutes prior to curtain, subject to availability. Patrons are allowed to reserve two FreePlay tickets per performance. Tickets will be distributed at will call on the day of the performance and each person utilizing a FreePlay ticket must be 25 or under with a valid ID. Tickets must be picked up from the box office no less than 30 minutes prior to curtain. Beginning Wednesday, August 28 reservations will begin for the first three shows of the season: “Latin History for Morons” at the Ahmanson Theatre (first preview September 5), “A Play Is a Poem” at the Mark Taper Forum (first preview September 11) and “On Beckett” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre (first preview September 13).

The schedule for currently announced FreePlay performances is as follows:

September 5, 2019 “Latin History for Morons” Ahmanson Theatre

September 11, 2019 “A Play Is a Poem” Mark Taper Forum

September 13, 2019 “On Beckett” Kirk Douglas Theatre

October 23, 2019 “The New One” Ahmanson Theatre

November 22, 2019 “Jitney” Mark Taper Forum

January 14, 2020 “What the Constitution Means to Me” Mark Taper Forum

January 24, 2020 “Until the Flood” Kirk Douglas Theatre

March 18, 2020 Block Party 2020 Kirk Douglas Theatre

March 25, 2020 “The Antipodes” Mark Taper Forum

May 29, 2020 “Sakina’s Restaurant” Kirk Douglas Theatre

July 29, 2020 “King James” Mark Taper Forum

For more information on FreePlay or to receive notifications when productions become available, please visit CTGLA.org/FreePlay. For general ticket information, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org, call Audience Services at (213) 628-2772 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre) or at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office which opens two hours prior to a performance. The Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum are located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012. The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City, CA 90232.

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August 22, 2019

'Hadestown' Comes to Ahmanson as Part of Center Theatre Group's 2020-2021 Season

Center Theatre Group — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0700

WINNER OF EIGHT 2019 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL THE MOST HONORED SHOW OF THE YEAR “HADESTOWN” COMES TO LOS ANGELES’ AHMANSON THEATRE AS PART OF CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S 2020 – 2021 SEASON

“Hadestown,” the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical announced today on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that the show will launch a National Tour beginning in the Fall of 2020. In its first year, the tour will visit more than 30 cities coast to coast. One of those cities is Los Angeles, where “Hadestown” will be a part of Center Theatre Group’s 2020 – 2021 season at the Ahmanson Theatre. Other cities on the tour include (alphabetically) Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Tempe and Washington, DC (with more cities to be announced shortly). The exact dates for the Ahmanson engagement will be announced at a later date.

Hailed by the Los Angeles Times’ Charles McNulty as, “Quite simply one of the most exquisite works of musical storytelling I’ve seen in my more than 25 years as a theater critic,” “Hadestown” is the most honored show of the 2018 – 2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards, it has been honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding New Broadway Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical.

The acclaimed new musical by celebrated singer-songwriter and Tony Award winner Anaïs Mitchell and developed with innovative director and Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin. “Hadestown” marks the first time in over a decade that a woman has been the solo author of a musical: writing the music, lyrics and book, and is the fourth time in Broadway history a woman has accomplished this creative feat.

Producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold and Tom Kirdahy said jointly, “Throughout its development, ‘Hadestown’ has been deeply influenced by diverse audiences around the world. We have been overwhelmed by the response on Broadway and are thrilled and humbled to now share this beautiful story, written and directed by two amazingly talented women, with audiences across the country.”

“Hadestown” is already the highest-grossing musical in the history of the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway (219 West 48th Street, New York) and continues to sell out nightly with a cast led by Outer Critics Circle Award nominee Reeve Carney, Tony Award winner André De Shields, Tony Award nominee Amber Gray, two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada and Tony Award nominee Patrick Page.

The show originated as Mitchell’s indie theatre project that toured Vermont which she then turned into an acclaimed album. With Chavkin, her artistic collaborator, “Hadestown” has been transformed into a genre-defying new musical that blends modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz to reimagine a sweeping ancient tale.

Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — “Hadestown” invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, “Hadestown” delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

The creative team for Broadway features Tony Award winner Rachel Hauck (set design); four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Krass (costume design); two-time Tony Award winner Bradley King (lighting design); Tony Award winners Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (sound design); Chita Rivera Award winner and three-time Bessie Award winner David Neumann (choreography); Liam Robinson (music direction and vocal arrangements); Tony Award winners Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose (arrangements and orchestrations); Ken Cerniglia (dramaturgy) and Stewart/Whitley (casting).

“Hadestown” electrified audiences with its 2016 world premiere at New York Theatre Workshop, which is the longest-running show in that celebrated theatre’s 40-year history. The production then received its Canadian premiere at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre in 2017 and then a 2018 sold-out engagement at the London’s National Theatre prior to Broadway. “Hadestown” was developed with funding from the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center and was further developed by The Ground Floor at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. “Hadestown” was co-conceived by Ben t. Matchstick.

Broadway tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, by calling (877) 250-2929, or visiting the Kerr box office.

The “Hadestown” Original Broadway Cast Recording is now available digitally. The album is produced by David Lai, Sicakfoose, and Mitchell on Sing It Again Records.

BIOGRAPHIES

ANAÏS MITCHELL (Music, Lyrics, & Book) is a singer-songwriter whose recordings include the original studio album of “Hadestown” (2010, featuring Justin Vernon and Ani Difranco) and “Young Man In America” (2012). Reinterpretations of traditional music include “Child Ballads” (2013, w/ Jefferson Hamer) and “Bonny Light Horseman” (2019, as Bonny Light Horseman). She has headlined worldwide and supported tours for Bon Iver, Josh Ritter and Punch Brothers. She received the 2019 Tony Award and 2019 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Score for “Hadestown,” and her music has featured in year-end best lists including NPR, Wall Street Journal, MOJO, Uncut, Guardian, Sunday Times and Observer.

RACHEL CHAVKIN (Director) received the 2019 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director of a Musical for “Hadestown.” She is a director, writer and dramaturg, as well as the founding Artistic Director of Brooklyn-based ensemble the TEAM (theteamplays.org) whose work has been seen all over London and the U.K. including the National Theatre, the Royal Court and multiple collaborations with the National Theatre of Scotland. Selected freelance work: Dave Malloy's “Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812” (Ars Nova, A.R.T., Broadway), Matt Gould and Carson Kreitzer’s “Lempicka” (Williamstown), Caryl Churchill's “Light Shining in Buckinghamshire” (New York Theatre Workshop), Marco Ramirez’s “The Royale” (Old Globe, Lincoln Center), Bess Wohl’s “Small Mouth Sounds” (Ars Nova, Off-Broadway, national tour), Sarah Gancher’s “I’ll Get You Back Again” (Round House), and multiple collaborations with Taylor Mac including “The Lily's Revenge, Act 2” (HERE). In addition to her awards for “Hadestown,” Chavkin is a recipient of a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Musical, three Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, multiple Lortel Award nominations, two Doris Duke Impact Award nominations, and the 2017 Smithsonian Award for Ingenuity along with Dave Malloy, with whom she is working on an upcoming adaptation of “Moby Dick” (A.R.T. December 2019). Her first film, “Remind Me,” was an official selection of the Venice and Beverly Hills Film Festivals. Proud NYTW Usual Suspect and Member SDC.

DAVID NEUMANN (Choreography) received the 2019 Chita Rivera Award and Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for his choreography for “Hadestown.” Neumann’s work with Advanced Beginner Group has been presented in New York at PS 122, New York Live Arts, The Kitchen, Central Park Summerstage (in collaboration with John Giorno), Symphony Space (in collaboration with Laurie Anderson), Abrons Arts Center, The Chocolate Factory and The Whitney. Advanced Beginner Group has also performed at the Walker Art Center, Jacob’s Pillow, MASS MoCA, American Dance Institute and Carolina Performing Arts, among others. Neumann has performed with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Big Dance Theater, Doug Elkins, Doug Varone and Sally Silvers. His work in theatre includes “An Octoroon” at Soho Rep, “Underground Railroad Game” at Ars Nova, directing Geoff Sobelle in “The Object Lesson” at BAM Fischer and New York Theatre Workshop. He was choreographer on both “Hagoromo” with Wendy Whelan and Jock Soto and “Home” at BAM Harvey, Sibyl Kempson's “Let Us Now Praise Susan Sontag” and “The Antipodes” at Signature Theatre. He was choreographer on “Hadestown” at NYTW; The Citadel in Edmonton, Canada; and The National Theatre in London. He is the recipient of three New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Awards (including Best Production in 2015 for “I Understand Everything Better”).

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August 13, 2019

Center Theatre Group News & Blogs

Center Theatre Group Applications Now Available for DMIS Program

CENTER THEATRE GROUP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Applications Now Available for Los Angeles Area Public Elementary Schools to Participate and Produce a Disney Musical at No Cost

Center Theatre Group Continues Artist Series, Audience Talks and Stage Talks in 2019 – 2020 Season As Part of the Organization's Audience Engagement Programs

CENTER THEATRE GROUP CONTINUES ARTIST SERIES, AUDIENCE TALKS AND STAGE TALKS IN 2019 – 2020 SEASON AS PART OF THE ORGANIZATION’S AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Lindsay Allbaugh Named Associate Artistic Director and Neel Keller Named Artistic Director/Literary Director of Center Theatre Group

LINDSAY ALLBAUGH NAMED ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND NEEL KELLER NAMED ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/LITERARY DIRECTOR OF CENTER THEATRE GROUP

Center Theatre Group Now Accepting Applications for 2019 – 2020 Student Ambassador Program

CENTER THEATRE GROUP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 – 2020 STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Center Theatre Group Now Accepting Applications for 2019 – 2020 Student Matinee Program

CENTER THEATRE GROUP NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 – 2020 STUDENT MATINEE PROGRAM

"Latin History for Morons" Comes to the Ahmanson

FOLLOWING ITS HIT BROADWAY RUN JOHN LEGUIZAMO’S “LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS” IS COMING TO LOS ANGELES

Written & Performed by JOHN LEGUIZAMO Directed by TONY TACCONE

Cast is Set and Rehearsals Have Begun for 'A Play Is a Poem' at Taper

CAST IS SET AND REHEARSALS HAVE BEGUN FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF ETHAN COEN’S “A PLAY IS A POEM” AT THE MARK TAPER FORUM SEPTEMBER 11 THROUGH OCTOBER 13, 2019

Center Theatre Group Announces FreePlay Performances for 2019 – 2020 Season

CENTER THEATRE GROUP ANNOUNCES FREEPLAY PERFORMANCES FOR 2019 – 2020 SEASON

Program Offers Free Tickets to Theatregoers 25 Years Old and Younger for the First Preview of All Center Theatre Group Productions at the Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre Plus Select Ahmanson Theatre Shows

Tickets Are Free at the Box Office $5 Per Ticket Handling Fee Required For Phone or Online Reservations

'Hadestown' Comes to Ahmanson as Part of Center Theatre Group's 2020-2021 Season

WINNER OF EIGHT 2019 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL THE MOST HONORED SHOW OF THE YEAR “HADESTOWN” COMES TO LOS ANGELES’ AHMANSON THEATRE AS PART OF CENTER THEATRE GROUP’S 2020 – 2021 SEASON

Written & Performed by JOHN LEGUIZAMO

Directed by TONY TACCONE

Program Offers Free Tickets to Theatregoers 25 Years Old and Younger for the

First Preview of All Center Theatre Group Productions at the

Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theatre

Plus Select Ahmanson Theatre Shows