Michael Jenkins News

Vineyard Theatre will produce the world-premiere of the musical BROOKLYNITE directed by the Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer as well as a new play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (APPROPRIATE) as part of the non-profit theatre company's 2014-15 season, it was confirmed this afternoon by Douglas Aibel, The Vineyard's Artistic Director, and Sarah Stern, Co-Artistic Director.

Metamorphoses is less of a play than it is a dreamlike series of theatrical vignettes adapted from the mythology canon of Ovid's epic poem of the same name. Though the segments are connected by little more than the thematic act of transformation, the fluid physicality of Ensembles' production creates a motif of movement that links each piece together seamlessly. Much of the intense emotionality is portrayed through an impressive litany of dance-based movement (choreographed by Michael Jenkinson) rather than traditional action, which cements the surreal quality of the performance.

Noises Off plays in the Marian Theatre, April 24 - May 11, 2014, then in the Solvang Festival Theater, June 12 - 29.

After receiving critical acclaim and overwhelming demand by sold out New York audiences, Larry Kirwan's Stephen Foster musical 'Hard Times' will extend performances thru February 16th at the the cell, A Twenty First Century Salon (Founding Artistic Director, Nancy Manocherian) (338 West 23rd Street). The production will play the following ten additional performances: Wednesdays thru Saturdays 2/5-8 and 2/12-15 at 8pm; Sundays 2/9 and 2/16 at 3pm.

Come and experience the greatest English language play ever written - Shakespeare's sublime story of treachery and revenge, The Tragedy of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark. Hamlet teeters on the edge of madness when he learns his uncle has killed his father and married his mother. Hamlet plays in the Marian Theatre February 13 - March 2, 2014.

Hard Times the new Stephen Foster musical will serve up an Irish Wake in honor of the show's opening Off Broadway on January 13th---the 150th Anniversary of Foster's death. At a post-performance party all audience and cast members will share shots of Irish Whiskey to salute the acclaimed 'father of American music', and pre-eminent 19th century songwriter. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Having received critical and popular acclaim last season, Larry Kirwan's Stephen Foster musical 'Hard Times' will return to Off Broadway at thethe cell, A Twenty First Century Salon (Founding Artistic Director, Nancy Manocherian), (338 West 23rd Street), opening Monday, January 13th (7PM) --- to commemorate the 150 anniversary of Mr. Foster's death. Directed by Kira Simring, choreographed by Joe Barros and produced by the cell, Hard Times will start preview performances on Thursday, January 9th (8PM).

Earlier this week, the cast of A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL went to the 'Good Morning America' studios where they taped a special medley featuring 'It All Comes Down To Christmas' and 'Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana.' Airing this Friday, December 20, the performance features Erin Dilly, Jake Lucas, Noah Baird and David Scott Purdy as The Parker Family with kids ensemble Charlie Babbo, Hannah Bautista, Beada Briglia, Judae'a Brown, Michael Crispi, Alexa Niziak, Luke Spring and Nicky Torchia. Check out a sneak peek below!

Having received critical and popular acclaim last season, Larry Kirwan's Stephen Foster musical 'Hard Times' will return to Off Broadway at the the cell, A Twenty First Century Salon (Founding Artistic Director, Nancy Manocherian), (338 West 23rd Street), opening Monday, January 13th (7PM) --- to commemorate the 150 anniversary of Mr. Foster's death. Directed by Kira Simring, choreographed by Joe Barros and produced by the cell, Hard Times will start preview performances on Thursday, January 9th (8PM).

Fresh from Broadway, PCPA will be one of the first regional theatres in the nation to produce Mary Poppins, the magical high-flying family-musical that is perfect for this holiday season. It plays tonight, November 7 - December 22, 2013 in the newly renovated Marian Theatre.

The producers of A Christmas Story, The Musical have announced the full cast for the production when it arrives at The Theater at Madison Square Garden for its December 11 - 29, 2013 engagement. Reprising their roles will be Dan Lauria (Lombardi, 'The Wonder Years,' 'Sullivan and Son') as Jean Shepherd, John Bolton (Spamalot, Contact, Titanic, 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Gossip Girl') as the Old Man, Tony Award nominee Erin Dilly (Nice Work if You Can Get It, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Mother and Caroline O'Connor (Chicago, Moulin Rouge) as school teacher Miss Shields. Eli Tokash (Mary Poppins) will play Ralphie at certain perforances, Noah Baird as little brother Randy, and Jake Lucas (Newsies, Far From Heaven), donning the famous spectacles will take on the lead role of Ralphie.

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign across North America with a sold-out engagement in Dallas, which concluded on Sunday, October 20 at The Music Hall at Fair Park. The triumphant three-week return grossed over $4.9 million at the box office and entertained more than 79,000 patrons during 24 performances. The award-winning musical returned to Dallas following a six-week sold-out premiere in 2002 and a successful five-week return in 2007 at The Music Hall.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) just featured Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Stephanie Umoh(Ragtime), Jim Stanek (Freud's Last Session) and Host Edward Hibbert as The Drowsy Chaperone's 'Man in Chair', Wicked composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, Tony Award nominee Christopher Sieber (Shrek the Musical), Telly Leung (TV's 'Glee'), Ciara Renee (Big Fish) and Sarah Stiles (Into the Woods) in SHOW OFF!, in a benefit concert celebrating 25 years of NAMT's Annual Festival of New Musicals last night, October 20 at 7pm at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.

Fresh from Broadway, PCPA will be one of the first regional theatres in the nation to produce Mary Poppins, the magical high-flying family-musical that is perfect for this holiday season. It plays November 7 - December 22, 2013 in the newly renovated Marian Theatre.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) announced today that it will honor its Founders and Presidents, past and present, at SHOW OFF!, a benefit concert celebrating 25 years of NAMT's Annual Festival of New Musicals on Sunday, October 20 at 7pm at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square).

Clybourne Park, a new play by Bruce Norris that defies definition, is sure to instigate much debate on social issues - past and present. It plays in the Severson Theatre tonight, September 12 - 29.

William Blake (Echoes of Etta, The Who's Tommy, The Rocky Horror Show), John Duff (Bayside! The Musical!, Rent), Billboard recording artist and three-time Showtime at the Apollo winner Matt Cusson, Capathia Jenkins (Newsies, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Caroline, or Change, Godspell, The Civil War), Leslie McDonel (American Idiot, Hairspray), N'Kenge (Motown The Musical, The Michael Jackson World Tour Tribute), Sondheim on Sondheim), Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (A Time To Kill, Carole, or Change, Radio Golf, The Wild Party, Jelly's Last Jam, Play On!), two-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw(Motown The Musical), A. J. Shively (La Cage Aux Folles, Unlock'd, February House) Rachel Valdati (My Big Gay Italian Wedding) and American Idol Top 10 Finalist Erika Van Pelt will sing songs from the Michael Jackson catalog at The Pop Show Presents…Michael Jackson! on Monday, September 16, 2013 at Birdland Jazz Club.

One of our brightest and beloved stars in the dance community, Buster Cooper is turning 90 years young in August. To celebrate Mr. Cooper's 90 years of star quality, Michael Jenkins and the Musical Hall at Fair Park and Dance Council of North Texas are hosting a birthday celebration today, August 31st.

Clybourne Park, a new play by Bruce Norris that defies definition, is sure to instigate much debate on social issues - past and present. It plays in the Severson Theatre September 12 - 29.

One of our brightest and beloved stars in the dance community, Buster Cooper is turning 90 years young in August. To celebrate Mr. Cooper's 90 years of star quality, Michael Jenkins and the Musical Hall at Fair Park and Dance Council of North Texas are hosting a birthday celebration on Saturday, August 31st.