Joel Drake Johnson News

Victory Gardens Theater Artistic Director Chay Yew and Managing Director Erica Daniels announce the 2018/19 Season Directors Inclusion Initiates, to include Lauren Katz (Indecent), Mikael Burke (Rightlynd), N. Emil Thomas (Pipeline), Denise Yvette Serna (Cambodian Rock Band) and Ruby Des Jardins (Miriam for President).

Troupe today announces the World Premiere of Joy Wilkinson's The Sweet Science of Bruising. Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, the production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 5 October, with previews from 3 October, and runs until 27 October.

Aurora Theatre Company today announced that long-time artistic director Tom Ross will step down at the end of the company's 27th season in July 2019. When Ross departs, he will have been on staff at Aurora for 27 years, 15 of which he will have served as artistic director.

When Rasheeda Speaking first premiered in the US, it was met with critical divide on all ends. It's the second play I've seen this week that's theatrically dissected race, culture and class. What makes this play different is that it throws office politics into the mix, placing focus on racism in a more isolated setting.

Two powerful New York institutions, Long Island University (LIU) Brooklyn and the renowned theater company The New Group, have announced a new partnership to help train the next generation of great actors. A new B.F.A program in Acting for Theatre, Film and Television, starting in Fall 2018, will be founded on the studio model, where students will study stage acting, voice, and movement under the supervision and guidance of faculty in collaboration with the award-winning The New Group. 

The New Group has announced full casting and creative team for Lily Thorne's Peace for Mary Frances, with Heather Burns, Johanna Day, Natalie Gold, Mia Katigbak, Paul Lazar, Brian Miskell, Melle Powers and J. Smith-Cameron joining, as previously announced, Lois Smith in this world premiere production directed by Lila Neugebauer.

Shattered Globe Theatre is pleased to conclude its 2017-18 Season with the Chicago premiere of Will Snider's fast-paced gritty drama HOW TO USE A KNIFE, directed by SGT Producing Artistic Director Sandy Shinner*, playing April 26 - June 9, 2018 at SGT's resident home Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Single tickets are currently available at www.shatteredglobe.org, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. The press opening is Sunday, April 29 at 3 pm.

The New Group has announced a second extension for the New York premiere production of David Rabe's Good for Otto, which will now play its final performance on Sunday, April 15.  Due to demand, the company previously announced a one week extension through April 8.

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a three-week extension for Jerry Springer - The Opera, with Matt McGrath appearing as Jerry Springer beginning March 13.  Terrence Mann, currently appearing in the role of Jerry Springer, plays his final performance March 11 due to an existing commitment beyond that date.

Troupe today announces full casting for the UK premiere of Joel Drake Johnson's tense workplace drama Rasheeda Speaking. Sheila Reid (Rose Saunders) and Bo Poraj (Dr David Williams) complete the company with the previously announced Elizabeth Berrington (Ileen Van Meter) and Tanya Moodie (Jaclyn Spaulding). Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle the production opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 20 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 12 May.

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a one-week extension for the New York premiere production of David Rabe's Good for Otto. Previews begin tonight, February 20, in advance of an Official Opening Night on Thursday, March 8. Originally set to play a limited Off-Broadway engagement through April 1, this production now plays through Sunday, April 8 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street).

Shattered Globe Theatre is pleased to conclude its 2017-18 Season with the Chicago premiere of Will Snider's fast-paced gritty drama HOW TO USE A KNIFE, directed by SGT Producing Artistic Director Sandy Shinner*, playing April 26 - June 9, 2018 at SGT's resident home Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Casting will be announced shortly. Single tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at www.shatteredglobe.org, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. The press opening is Sunday, April 29 at 3 pm.

Troupe today announces Elizabeth Berrington and Tanya Moodie are to star in the UK premiere of Joel Drake Johnson's tense workplace drama Rasheeda Speaking. Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle the production opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 20 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 12 May.

The New Group has announced that Rhea Perlman will join F. Murray Abraham, Kate Buddeke, Laura Esterman, Nancy Giles, Lily Gladstone, Ed Harris, Charlotte Hope, Mark Linn-Baker, Amy Madigan, Rileigh McDonald, Kenny Mellman, Maulik Pancholy and Michael Rabe in the New York premiere of David Rabe's Good for Otto. Rhea Perlman will appear in the role of Nora, as Rosie O'Donnell, previously announced, is unable to appear due to illness. Directed by Scott Elliott, this production will play a limited Off-Broadway engagement February 20 - April 1, with Opening Night on Thursday, March 8 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street).

The New Group has announced full casting and creative team for David Rabe's Good for Otto, with Kate Buddeke, Laura Esterman, Nancy Giles, Lily Gladstone, Charlotte Hope, Mark Linn-Baker, Kenny Mellman and Maulik Pancholy joining, as previously announced, F. Murray Abraham, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Rileigh McDonald, Rosie O'Donnell and Michael Rabe in this New York premiere directed by Scott Elliott.

The New Group has announced full casting for the Off-Broadway premiere Jerry Springer The Opera with Jennifer Allen, Florrie Bagel, Brandon Contreras, Sean Patrick Doyle, Bradley Greer, Luke Grooms, Nathaniel Hackmann, Billy Hepfinger, Justin Keyes, Beth Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Loyacano, Tiffany Mann, Jill Paice, Kim Steele and Nichole Turner joining, as previously announced, Terrence Mann and Will Swenson.

The New Group has announced today that Terrence Mann and Will Swenson will star in the company's Off-Broadway premiere of Jerry Springer - The Opera, as 'Jerry Springer' and 'Warm-Up / Satan,' respectively.

The New Group presents New Group Now: Where Art Meets Our Present Culture, an ongoing series of public discussions locating New Group productions within the larger context of American and/or global society, continuing on Monday, December 11 with a conversation on 'Confronting Racial Bias in Our Communities.'

The New Group presents the world premiere of Seth Zvi Rosenfeld's Downtown Race Riot.

The New Group has announced additional casting and production dates for David Rabe's Good for Otto, with F. Murray Abraham, Rileigh McDonald, Rosie O'Donnell and Michael Rabe joining, as previously announced, Ed Harris and Amy Madigan in this New York premiere directed by Scott Elliott.