Critics group bestows thousands of dollars in new play awards
A national theater critics organization has presented more than $40,000 in awards to four playwrights to recognize their prestigious accomplishments. The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) presented Chiara Atik with the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award for one of her plays, Poor Clare. The...
Outstanding service to South Florida Theater recognized
The South Florida Theatre League has announced the 2021 Remy awards. This honor recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service behind the scenes to South Florida’s theater community. The livestream of the award presentation will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, with video available on demand afterwards. Look...
Her Honor, Jayne Byrne receives top national play award
By AARON KRAUSE Nicole Brooks describes herself as a playwright who “likes to shove a lot of words into their text.” But recently, Brooks found herself at a loss for words. That’s because Brooks was giving her acceptance speech after winning the 2021 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre...
Not your ordinary Town Hall event
Two Broadway legends on Aug. 3 will discuss a new book and the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that is the book’s subject. Specifically, “an intimate digital conversation event” will feature Tony Award-winning playwright and director James Lapine, as well as legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The event’s purpose is to celebrate...
Sparks fly in New Normal Rep’s riveting ‘Lines in the Dust’
© New Normal Rep The cast of New Normal Rep’s production of Lines in the Dust comprises (from left) Lisa Rosetta Strum as Dr. Beverly Long, Melissa Joyner as Denitra Morgan, and Jeffrey Bean as Mike DiMaggio. By AARON KRAUSE All Denitra Morgan wants is for her daughter,...
Island City Stage audiences to see Bright Colors and Bold Patterns
By AARON KRAUSE After producing a couple of timely, thought-provoking plays, Island City Stage (ICS) will wrap up its 9th season with a much lighter piece. Specifically, the Wilton Manors professional, nonprofit company will sport Bright Colors and Bold Patterns from June 4-29. ICS has added mask optional in-theater...
Promising musical theater artists honored
Here are Benjamin Scheuer, Melissa Li, and Kit Yan. Melissa Li, Benjamin Scheuer, and Kit Yan are names to remember in musical theater. Indeed, these individuals have each earned the 2021 Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre. The honor’s namesake is Edward L. Kleban. He is the late Tony and...
‘Long Distance Affair’ is intimate, immersive theater
By AARON KRAUSE The young man had never ventured outside the U.S. That is, until recently, when he and others dropped by Segun Adefila’s home and arts center in Lagos, Nigeria. Adefila was deep in incantation. Nevertheless, he was thrilled to meet his visitors. The Nigerian welcomed them...
Versatile artist of the stage, screen dies
Edinburgh Theatre Festival Tony Tanner as Sergei Diaghliev in his one-man show. The Tony and Drama Desk Award-nominated director and choreographer for the original Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has died. Tony Tanner died on Sept. 8 in his Los...
Prize-winning play focuses on women’s strength and resilience
Stephanie Alison Walker By AARON KRAUSE The 2019 winner of a national award recognizing an emerging female playwright penned a piece about “the strength and resilience of women,” in the author’s words. The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) has honored Stephanie Alison Walker with the Francesca Primus Prize....
