Linda Gehringer News

It's been a helluva year for theater in the Seattle area. From the triumphant return of the Intiman with their summer festival to the hugely popular run of "Spring Awakening" from Balagan Theatre Seattle audiences were treated with some amazing shows and performances this past year. And so, allow me to shine the spotlight on some of my favorite outstanding moments from the past year with my 2012 BWW Seattle Critic's Choice Awards.

Bill Cain's 'How to Write a New Book for the Bible,' an autobiographical tale about family, a son's devotion, and a mother's love comes to South Coast Repertory from October 19 through November 18. It is directed by Kent Nicholson. 'How to Write a New Book for the Bible' follows the story of Bill, who comes home to take care of his octogenarian mother, Mary. Many times she's maddening, but she's always funny as the family's story unfolds through flashbacks.

THE OJAI PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE (OPC), one of the most prestigious and acclaimed new play development programs in the United States, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary Season with a stellar program of playwrights, new play workshops, special performance events and guest artists during its Summer New Works Festival from tonight, August 8-August 12, 2012 in Ojai.

THE OJAI PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE (OPC), one of the most prestigious and acclaimed new play development programs in the United States, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary Season with a stellar program of playwrights, new play workshops, special performance events and guest artists during its Summer New Works Festival from August 8-12, 2012 in Ojai.

There are certain authors whose shows I never miss if possible. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Terrence McNally, and Howard Ashman to name just a few. These are people whose work I rank among my favorites for the richness and compassion in their writing. Well, after yet another stunning work such as "How to Write a New Book for the Bible", currently playing at the Seattle Rep, I think I have another new favorite in Bill Cain.

This October, the Tony Award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre once again introduces a new script for the American theatre with the world premiere of How to Write a New Book for the Bible.

Sublimely articulated, crafted with infinite honesty, love and humor, "How to Write a New Book for the Bible" lifts up this ordinary family and makes sacred the story of their lives.

This October, the Tony Award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre once again introduces a new script for the American theatre with the world premiere of How to Write a New Book for the Bible.

How to Write a New Book for the Bible marks the debut of a poignant new play about caregiving from the award-winning author of Equivocation and 9 Circles.

This October, the Tony Award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre once again introduces a new script for the American theatre with the world premiere of How to Write a New Book for the Bible.

The National Music Theater Conference, led by artistic director Paulette Haupt, enters its final week, and will present final readings of two new musicals, Suprema, with Book and lyrics by Jordan Harrison, Music and Lyrics by Daniel Zaitchik; and The Shadow Sparrow, with Book by Anton Dudley, Lyrics by Charlie Sohne, and Music by Keith Gordon.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center has announced cast members for this summer's National Playwrights Conference.

In Annie Baker's engrossing CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION--the recent Obie Award Winner for Best New American Play--audiences are provided a glimpse into the world of the actor's studio, a bare space that comes alive with theater games, improvisation and emotional catharsis from its sometimes perplexed participants. One of last season's celebrated Off-Broadway hits, the play is remounted at South Coast Repertory for its West Coast Premiere engagement through January 30. Sam Gold, the play's original director returns to direct this new production in Orange County which features a terrific cast.

Last season's biggest Off-Broadway hit, Circle Mirror Transformation, will have its West Coast premiere on SCR's Julianne Argyros Stage Jan. 9 - 30.

Last season's biggest Off-Broadway hit, Circle Mirror Transformation, will have its West Coast premiere on SCR's Julianne Argyros Stage Jan. 9 - 30.

At South Coast Repertory's Annual Meeting on July 28, Board President Wylie A. Aitken announced that the theatre had ended its 46th consecutive season in the black and introduced the slate of officers for 2010-11, headed by incoming President Thomas D. Phelps. The unanimously elected executive committee, along with nine new Board members, will lead the theatre during its 47th Season.

La Jolla Playhouse announces the cast for the world premiere of Annie Weisman's Surf Report, the first production of the Playhouse's 2010/2011 season, running June 15 - July 11, 2010 in the Mandell Weiss Forum.

Surf Report/ by Annie Weisman/ La Jolla Playhouse @ Mandell Weiss Forum/ directed by Lisa Peterson/ through July 11 Catering to the whims of a spoiled womanizing boss and dealing with the philanderings of an ailing husband are but two of the issues facing career-oriented wife and mother Jude in Annie Weisman's engrossing world-premiere play Surf Report now playing in La Jolla.

Surf Report runs through July 11, 2010 at Mandell Weiss Forum. Surf Report is bY Annie Weisman, DIRECTED BY Lisa Peterson

La Jolla Playhouse announces the cast for the world premiere of Annie Weisman's Surf Report, the first production of the Playhouse's 2010/2011 season, running June 15 - July 11, 2010 in the Mandell Weiss Forum.