Actors’ Equity Association pulled back the curtain on its 2022 officer and councilor election results tonight.
Wydetta Carter was re-elected 1st Vice President, representing principal actors. Al Bundonis was voted 2nd Vice President, representing chorus actors, Erin Maureen Koster was elected 3rd Vice President, representing stage managers — both running opposed. Sandra Karas was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer.
More than 40 council seats were filled, effective immediately, across all three regions and representing four categories: principal actor, chorus actor, stage manager and at-large.
Here are those results; all terms are for four years, except where noted:
Eastern Region Principal Councilors
Stephen Bogardus
Kimberly Chatterjee
Matt DaSilva
Ashley De La Rosa
Carla Martinez
Maureen Moore
Margot Moreland
Diane Nicole
Judy Rice
Sid Solomon
Jennifer Swiderski
Allyson Tucker
Erikka Walsh
Kristen Beth Williams
Eastern Region Chorus Councilors
Joanne Borts
Todd Buonopane
Taavon Gamble
Shonica Gooden
Ashley E. Matthews
Sarah Quinn Taylor
Eastern Region Stage Manager Councilors
Ruth E.
Wydetta Carter was re-elected 1st Vice President, representing principal actors. Al Bundonis was voted 2nd Vice President, representing chorus actors, Erin Maureen Koster was elected 3rd Vice President, representing stage managers — both running opposed. Sandra Karas was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer.
More than 40 council seats were filled, effective immediately, across all three regions and representing four categories: principal actor, chorus actor, stage manager and at-large.
Here are those results; all terms are for four years, except where noted:
Eastern Region Principal Councilors
Stephen Bogardus
Kimberly Chatterjee
Matt DaSilva
Ashley De La Rosa
Carla Martinez
Maureen Moore
Margot Moreland
Diane Nicole
Judy Rice
Sid Solomon
Jennifer Swiderski
Allyson Tucker
Erikka Walsh
Kristen Beth Williams
Eastern Region Chorus Councilors
Joanne Borts
Todd Buonopane
Taavon Gamble
Shonica Gooden
Ashley E. Matthews
Sarah Quinn Taylor
Eastern Region Stage Manager Councilors
Ruth E.
- 5/26/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity and the Off-Broadway League have reached an agreement for a new three-year contract that includes significant pay raises; Covid protocols; new provisions that strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and additional protections that address issues of harassment, bullying and discrimination.
The new pact also includes an option for producers to make their Off-Broadway productions available to a broader audience base through streaming platforms.
The two sides said that the agreement’s Covid protocols and other safety requirements “reflect a shared understanding of the needs of actors, stage managers and producers when it comes to keeping everyone safe from the virus. The safety protocol recognizes the disparate needs of the Off-Broadway Leagues’ members and provides for options that meet those needs.”
The agreement is retroactive to August 1 and expires on July 28, 2024.
In a joint statement, the parties said that the agreement “reflects a shared commitment to deliver a contract...
The new pact also includes an option for producers to make their Off-Broadway productions available to a broader audience base through streaming platforms.
The two sides said that the agreement’s Covid protocols and other safety requirements “reflect a shared understanding of the needs of actors, stage managers and producers when it comes to keeping everyone safe from the virus. The safety protocol recognizes the disparate needs of the Off-Broadway Leagues’ members and provides for options that meet those needs.”
The agreement is retroactive to August 1 and expires on July 28, 2024.
In a joint statement, the parties said that the agreement “reflects a shared commitment to deliver a contract...
- 8/11/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A Star Trek: Voyager reunion broke the Stars In The House single-episode fundraising record, drawing donations totaling $19,225 for The Actors Fund’s efforts to assist entertainment professionals in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The previous Stars In The House record was set by a Glee reunion episode that raised $13,910. Watch the Voyager reunion episode below.
“It came as no surprise that the Trekkies showed up in full force to see the reunion,” said Stars hosts-creators Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, “but we didn’t know their generosity would be so great as to break the single-episode fundraising record. Of course, it makes sense because the Star Trek franchise has always been about inclusivity and kindness and we should have known that the values of the show are shared by Trekkies everywhere.”
The hosts said they’re already planning for additional Star Trek-themed episodes in the coming weeks.
The...
The previous Stars In The House record was set by a Glee reunion episode that raised $13,910. Watch the Voyager reunion episode below.
“It came as no surprise that the Trekkies showed up in full force to see the reunion,” said Stars hosts-creators Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, “but we didn’t know their generosity would be so great as to break the single-episode fundraising record. Of course, it makes sense because the Star Trek franchise has always been about inclusivity and kindness and we should have known that the values of the show are shared by Trekkies everywhere.”
The hosts said they’re already planning for additional Star Trek-themed episodes in the coming weeks.
The...
- 5/28/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The widely acclaimed (and very large) Off Broadway cast of The Public Theater’s Girl From The North Country will reprise their roles when the production begins its Broadway run in February, producers announced today. Among those making the move are Mare Winningham, Marc Kudisch and Colton Ryan.
The musical, written and directed by Conor McPherson and with a score made of “reimagined” Bob Dylan songs, begins previews at Broadway’s Belasco Theatre on Friday, Feb. 7. Opening night is set for Thursday, March 5.
In addition to Winningham, Kudisch and Ryan, reprising their roles from last fall’s Off Broadway production will be Todd Almond, Jeannette Bayardelle, Matthew Frederick Harris, Caitlin Houlahan, Robert Joy, Luba Mason, Ben Mayne, Tom Nelis, David Pittu, John Schiappa, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Rachel Stern and Chelsea Lee Williams. Joining the production in the role of Nick Laine will be Jay O. Sanders (Stephen Bogardus played the role Off Broadway.
The musical, written and directed by Conor McPherson and with a score made of “reimagined” Bob Dylan songs, begins previews at Broadway’s Belasco Theatre on Friday, Feb. 7. Opening night is set for Thursday, March 5.
In addition to Winningham, Kudisch and Ryan, reprising their roles from last fall’s Off Broadway production will be Todd Almond, Jeannette Bayardelle, Matthew Frederick Harris, Caitlin Houlahan, Robert Joy, Luba Mason, Ben Mayne, Tom Nelis, David Pittu, John Schiappa, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Rachel Stern and Chelsea Lee Williams. Joining the production in the role of Nick Laine will be Jay O. Sanders (Stephen Bogardus played the role Off Broadway.
- 9/26/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mining Bob Dylan’s unrivaled songbook – even if he’d never written a tune beyond the 20 or so included in Off Broadway’s Girl From The North Country, his contribution to popular music would be assured – and wandering his spiritual map of a mythic Americana that conforms to no historical boundaries but feels undeniably true to the bone, Conor McPherson’s radiant musical is as eccentric and unclassifiable as any fellow traveler of Dylan should be.
A remarkable piece of theater that made its London premiere last year, Girl opens tonight at the Public Theater with an impeccable cast including Mare Winningham and Stephen Bogardus. At times so lovely – as when a pair of young, broken-up lovers duet on a newly mournful version of the once sprightly I Want You – Girl might have you wishing for some sort of theatrical replay mechanism.
A remarkable piece of theater that made its London premiere last year, Girl opens tonight at the Public Theater with an impeccable cast including Mare Winningham and Stephen Bogardus. At times so lovely – as when a pair of young, broken-up lovers duet on a newly mournful version of the once sprightly I Want You – Girl might have you wishing for some sort of theatrical replay mechanism.
- 10/2/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
This week the series continued with special performance from the cast of Phantom Of The Opera Ben Crawford, Ali Ewoldt, Jay Armstrong Johnson Desperate Measures Lauren Molina, Conor Ryan On A Clear Day You Can See Forever Stephen Bogardus, Melissa Errico, John Cudia, Florrie Bagel, William Bellamy, Rachel Coloff, Peyton Crim, Caitlin Gallogly, Matt Gibson, Daisy Hobbs, Craig Waletzko Beautiful Kara Lindsay, Ben Jacoby, Sara Sheppard, Gabrielle Elisabeth, Salisha Thomas, Yasmeen Sulieman, Alex Hairston.
- 7/22/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
This week's performers will include Phantom Of The Opera Ben Crawford, Ali Ewoldt, Jay Armstrong Johnson Desperate Measures Lauren Molina, Conor Ryan On A Clear Day You Can See Forever Stephen Bogardus, Melissa Errico, John Cudia, William Bellamy, Rachel Coloff, Peyton Crim, Caitlin Gallogly, Matt Gibson, Daisy Hobbs, Craig Waletzko Beautiful Kara Lindsay, Ben Jacoby, Sara Sheppard, Gabrielle Elisabeth, Salisha Thomas, Yasmeen Sulieman, Alex Hairston...
- 7/19/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
This week's performers will include Phantom Of The Opera Ben Crawford, Ali Ewoldt, Jay Armstrong Johnson Desperate Measures Lauren Molina, Conor Ryan On A Clear Day You Can See Forever Stephen Bogardus, Melissa Errico, John Cudia, William Bellamy, Rachel Coloff, Peyton Crim, Caitlin Gallogly, Matt Gibson, Daisy Hobbs, Craig Waletzko Beautiful Kara Lindsay, Ben Jacoby, Sara Sheppard, Gabrielle Elisabeth, Salisha Thomas, Yasmeen Sulieman, Alex Hairston...
- 7/19/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The American cast of the London hit musical Girl From The North Country was announced by Off Broadway’s Public Theater today, with Mare Winningham (The Affair) taking the role that won Scottish actress Shirley Henderson a 2018 Olivier Award.
Broadway veteran Stephen Bogardus will take the lead actor role of Nick Laine, which earned an Olivier nomination for Ciaran Hinds, and Glee‘s Samantha Marie Ware has been cast in the supporting role of Marianne Laine, which won Sheila Atim an Olivier.
Written and directed by Conor McPherson, Girl From the North Country, which includes such classic Dylan songs as “Like a Rolling Stone,” “I Want You,” “Slow Train,” “Forever Young,” “Idiot Wind” and the title number, begins previews at The Public’s Newman Theater on Tuesday, September 11, with an official opening on Monday, October 1 and runs through Sunday, November 4.
In addition to Winningham (who plays Elizabeth Laine), Bogardus and Ware,...
Broadway veteran Stephen Bogardus will take the lead actor role of Nick Laine, which earned an Olivier nomination for Ciaran Hinds, and Glee‘s Samantha Marie Ware has been cast in the supporting role of Marianne Laine, which won Sheila Atim an Olivier.
Written and directed by Conor McPherson, Girl From the North Country, which includes such classic Dylan songs as “Like a Rolling Stone,” “I Want You,” “Slow Train,” “Forever Young,” “Idiot Wind” and the title number, begins previews at The Public’s Newman Theater on Tuesday, September 11, with an official opening on Monday, October 1 and runs through Sunday, November 4.
In addition to Winningham (who plays Elizabeth Laine), Bogardus and Ware,...
- 7/18/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
This week's performers will include Phantom Of The Opera Ben Crawford, Ali Ewoldt, Jay Armstrong Johnson Desperate Measures Lauren Molina, Conor Ryan On A Clear Day You Can See Forever Stephen Bogardus, Melissa Errico, John Cudia, William Bellamy, Rachel Coloff, Peyton Crim, Caitlin Gallogly, Matt Gibson, Daisy Hobbs, Craig Waletzko Beautiful Kara Lindsay, Ben Jacoby, Sara Sheppard, Gabrielle Elisabeth, Salisha Thomas, Yasmeen Sulieman, Alex Hairston...
- 7/17/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Irish Repertory Theatre's On A Clear Day You Can See Forever begins performances tonight, June 15 The show stars Tony Award-nominee Stephen Bogardus Bright Star, John Cudia The Phantom of the Opera, and Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico Finian's Rainbow. On A Clear Day features music by Burton Laneand book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. The cast held a preview event last night, June 14, and BroadwayWorld got in on the action Check out photos below...
- 6/15/2018
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
Irish Repertory Theatre's On A Clear Day You Can See Forever begins performances tomorrow, June 15 The show stars Tony Award-nominee Stephen Bogardus Bright Star, John Cudia The Phantom of the Opera, and Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico Finian's Rainbow. On A Clear Day features music by Burton Laneand book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. BroadwayWorld has preview of the cast in action. Check it out below...
- 6/14/2018
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Actors’ Equity members have re-elected Kate Shindle to a second term as president of the union that reps moire than 50,000 professional stage actors and stage managers. She was running unopposed, as were several other officers chosen in the 2018 National Council election.
Shindle, who was Miss America 1998, beat incumbent president Nick Wyman in the 2015 election. There was an unprecedented number of seats up for grabs across all three regions in the 105-year-old group, and all 55 were filled, effective immediately.
The other officers elected without opposition were 3rd Vice President Ira Mont, Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Karas, Central Regional Vice President Dev Kennedy and Western Regional Vice President Doug Carfrae.
Among those facing challengers, Melissa Robinette was elected 1st Vice President (Principal), Jennifer Cody was elected 2nd Vice President (Chorus) and Sid Solomon was elected Eastern Regional Vice President.
The regional winners are listed below.
After more than a decade of using an electronic voting option,...
Shindle, who was Miss America 1998, beat incumbent president Nick Wyman in the 2015 election. There was an unprecedented number of seats up for grabs across all three regions in the 105-year-old group, and all 55 were filled, effective immediately.
The other officers elected without opposition were 3rd Vice President Ira Mont, Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Karas, Central Regional Vice President Dev Kennedy and Western Regional Vice President Doug Carfrae.
Among those facing challengers, Melissa Robinette was elected 1st Vice President (Principal), Jennifer Cody was elected 2nd Vice President (Chorus) and Sid Solomon was elected Eastern Regional Vice President.
The regional winners are listed below.
After more than a decade of using an electronic voting option,...
- 5/24/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Irish Repertory Theatre Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director and Ciaran O'Reilly, Producing Director will present On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, starring Tony Award-nominee Stephen Bogardus Bright Star, John Cudia The Phantom of the Opera, and Tony Award-nominee Melissa Errico Finian's Rainbow this summer. On A Clear Day features music by Burton Laneand book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner.
- 4/17/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
It was batter up at the Stephen Sondheim Theater last night Roundabout Theatre Company just presented its Damn Yankees Benefit Concert Reading, starring Whoopi Goldberg as 'Applegate,' Maggie Gyllenhaal as 'Lola,' and Matthew Morrison 'Joe Hardy' and included Stephen Bogardus 'Joe Boyd,' Danny Burstein as 'Van Buren,' Victoria Clark as 'Meg Boyd,' Annie Golden 'Doris,' Julie Halston 'Sister,' Reggie Jackson as 'Mr. Welch,' and Adrienne Warren 'Gloria Thorpe.'...
- 12/12/2017
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
The new musical Bright Star, from Grammy and Emmy winner Steve Martin and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Edie Brickell, will play a limited engagement at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater from December 2, 2015 to January 10, 2016. Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie, Bright Star will have its Kennedy Center official opening night on Thursday, December 17.Bright Star will begin performances on Broadway on Thursday, February 25, 2016 with an official Broadway opening night on Thursday, March 24 at the Cort Theatre.Carmen Cusack will make her Broadway debut as Alice, a role she originated in Bright Star's world premiere production, and will be joined by co-stars Paul Alexander Nolan, Tony Award nominee Michael Mulheren, A.J. Shively, Hannah Elless, Tony Award nominee Stephen Bogardus, three-time Tony Award nominee Dee Hoty, Stephen Lee Anderson, Emily Padgett, Tony Award nominee Jeff Blumenkrantz, along with Maddie Shea Baldwin, Allison Briner-Dardenne, Max Chernin, Patrick Cummings, Sandra DeNise, Richard Gatta,...
- 12/17/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Recently, CBS served up the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Elementary" episode 3 of season 4. The episode is entitled, "Tag, You're Me," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff go down as the double homicide of 2 men that look alike, prompt a Holmes and Watson investigation, and more. In the new, 3rd episode press release: Sherlock Offers To Help His Father Resolve A Work Issue In Exchange For His Prompt Departure From New York City, On "Elementary," Thursday, Nov. 19. Press release number 2: When Sherlock finds himself distracted by his father's ongoing presence in New York City, he will offer to help Morland resolve a work issue in exchange for his prompt departure home. Also, Holmes and Watson's investigation into the double murder of two men who looked alike, will lead them into the world of facial recognition technology. Guest stars feature: Drew Rausch...
- 11/12/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
The Huntington Theatre Companyopensits 2015-2016 season with the Tony Award-winning musical A Little Night Music, Stephen Sondheim's most romantic and popular work, led by Tony and Olivier nominee Haydn Gwynne, as well as Broadway's Stephen Bogardus and Lauren Molina. Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois after all the terrible things I do Smart People Rapture, Blister, Burn and Becky Shaw directs. Performances run throughOctober 11, 2015 at the Avenue of the Arts Bu Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below...
- 9/15/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Huntington Theatre Companyopens its 2015-2016 season with the Tony Award-winning musical A Little Night Music, Stephen Sondheim's most romantic and popular work, led by Tony and Olivier nominee Haydn Gwynne, as well as Broadway's Stephen Bogardus and Lauren Molina. Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois after all the terrible things I do Smart People Rapture, Blister, Burn and Becky Shaw will direct. Performances will run tonight, September 11, throughOctober 11, 2015 at the Avenue of the Arts Bu Theatre.
- 9/11/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
As part of New York Voices, the artist commissioning program of Joe's Pub at The Public, singer-songwriter Dawn Landes music and lyrics and director Daniel Goldstein book bring forth a new musical called Row - the heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story of Tori Murden McClure, the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. On June 21 and 22, Landes, with Xanthe ElbrickTori, Stephen Bogardus Mac and more, will perform a concert version of Row at Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette, NYC.
- 5/14/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Recently, CBS delivered the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "The Good Wife" episode 19 of season 6. The episode is entitled, "Winning Ugly," and it turns out that we're going to see some very interesting and drama-filled stuff as Alicia and company get attacked with a State's Attorney Election voting recount scandal. They'll try to fight it off, and more! In the new, 19th episode press release: Alicia And Eli Try To Stop A Recount When Potential Voter Fraud Is Discovered In The State's Attorney Election. Press release number 2: When potential voter fraud is discovered in the State's Attorney election, Eli and Alicia are going to take steps to stop a recount by enlisting the help of a well-respected civil rights lawyer, Spencer Randolph (Ron Rifkin). Also, Diane is going to learn she unwittingly submitted false evidence in Cary's case. Guest stars feature: Ron Rifkin (Spencer Randolph), John Procaccino...
- 4/5/2015
- by Chris
- OnTheFlix
Recently, NBC served up the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "The Blacklist" episode 12 of season 2. The episode is entitled, "The Kenyon Family," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff go down when a polygamous and his dangerous shipping containers become the main investigation for a task force, and more. In the new,12th episode press release: The task force will investigate the disappearance of a polygamous cult leader, Justin Kenyon. Press release number 2: When Red (James Spader) tips Liz (Megan Boone) off on the disappearance of Justin Kenyon (Stephen Bogardus), a polygamous cult leader with dangerous shipping containers buried on his property, the task force will set out to investigate. In the meantime, Red is going to utilize his sources to appease Fitch's last words and travels to track down his hidden safe. Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Amir Arison and Mozhan Marno also star.
- 2/12/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
TriArts Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, presents William Finn and James Lapine's Tony-winning musical Falsettos, running now through July 20. Falsettos Original Broadway cast members Michael Rupert, Stephen Bogardus, Chip Zien, Jonathan C. Kaplan, and Heather MacRae attended the Saturday, July 12 performance of 'Falsettos' with a talkback afterwards. Scroll down for production photos and pictures of the Broadway cast...
- 7/16/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Tony Award-Winners Adriane Lenox After Midnight, Doubt,Karen Ziemba Bullets Over Broadway, Curtains, Contact, Randy Graff Les Miserables, City of Angels and Andy Blankenbuehler In The Heights, Bring it On, Tony Award-nominees Liz Callaway Miss Saigon, Baby, Cats, Sally Mayes She Loves Me, Christiane Noll Ragtime, Chaplin, Jekyll amp Hyde, Stephen Bogardus Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Bob Stillman Dirty Blonde and Annie GoldenHair, and Elizabeth Stanley Million Dollar Quartet, Company, Ann Harada Cinderella, Avenue Q, Eddie KorbichA Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Kerry O'Malley Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Sally Wilfert Assassins and Nightlife Award Winners Scott Coulter, Julie Reyburn andSteve Ross appeared in Town Hall's Broadway by the Year Series on Monday night, May 12, The Broadway Musicals Of 1965-1989.
- 5/14/2014
- by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
- BroadwayWorld.com
Tony Award-Winners Adriane Lenox After Midnight, Doubt, Karen Ziemba Bullets Over Broadway, Curtains, Contact, Randy Graff Les Miserables, City of Angels and Andy Blankenbuehler In The Heights, Bring it On, Tony Award-nomineesLiz Callaway Miss Saigon, Baby, Cats, Sally Mayes She Loves Me, Christiane Noll Ragtime, Chaplin, Jekyll amp Hyde,Stephen Bogardus Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Bob Stillman Dirty Blonde and Annie Golden Hair, and Elizabeth Stanley Million Dollar Quartet, Company, Ann Harada Cinderella, Avenue Q, Eddie Korbich A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Kerry O'Malley Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Sally Wilfert Assassins and Nightlife Award Winners Scott Coulter, Julie Reyburn and Steve Ross will be among the 25 stars set to appear in Town Hall's Broadway by the Year Series on Monday, May 12 at 8pm, The Broadway Musicals Of 1965-1989. More stars to be announced soon...
- 4/16/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Off-Broadway's The New Group just honored Beth Henley, playwright, author of Crimes of the Heart and The Jacksonian, and Geoff Rich, Executive Director of The New Group 2002-2013, with The 2014 Michael Mendelson Award at the company's Annual Gala, 'Bright Lights Off-Broadway.' The Gala featured appearances by Ed Harris, Holly Hunter, Carol Kane, Amy Madigan, Bill Pullman and Jonathan Marc Sherman and performances by Stephen Bogardus, Lea DeLaria and John Tartaglia, along with cocktails, dinner, and silent and live auctions.BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the special night below...
- 3/11/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Off-Broadway's The New Group honors Beth Henley, playwright, author of Crimes of the Heart and The Jacksonian, and Geoff Rich, Executive Director of The New Group 2002-2013, with The 2014 Michael Mendelson Award at the company's Annual Gala, 'Bright Lights Off-Broadway.' The Gala, set to take place Monday, March 10 beginning at 600pm at Tribeca Rooftop 2 Desbrosses Street, features appearances by Ed Harris, Holly Hunter, Carol Kane, Amy Madigan, Bill Pullman and Jonathan Marc Sherman and performances by Stephen Bogardus, Lea DeLaria and John Tartaglia, along with cocktails, dinner, and silent and live auctions filled with an array of exciting items and one-of-a-kind experiences.
- 3/3/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, will celebrate the theater's past, present and future at its 45th Anniversary Bash this Friday evening, May 10 at the Edison Ballroom 240 West 47th Street. The evening will include an exclusive sneak peek at works under consideration for the company's future Musical Theatre Initiative productions with performances from Judy Kuhn, Stephen Bogardus and Jeffry Denman-all of whom were featured in this season's critically-acclaimed Passion-as well as Alexander Gemignani, Alexandra Silba, Jenny Fellner and more, directed by Jack Cummings III, with musical direction by Greg Jarrett.
- 5/7/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Drama Desk Awards — commonly known as the theater world’s Golden Globes, though nominees are represented across all NYC productions in a season — are the last precursor to the Tony Awards (check EW.com tomorrow morning for a full list of those). And judging by the list below, it’s going to be quite a competitive year, with some pretty heavy-hitters mixed in with longshots, not to mention some major snubs (Alan Cumming, Cyndi Lauper, Fiona Shaw, Chaplin’s Rob McClure to name a few). The winners will be announced at NYC’s Town Hall on May 19. Below is...
- 4/29/2013
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced today that their critically-acclaimed new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Passion, directed by John Doyle director of the acclaimed Broadway revivals of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Company, will extend once again by popular demand for four additional performances through Friday, April 19 at Csc 136 East 13th Street. Passion stars Melissa Errico Clara, Judy Kuhn Fosca and Ryan Silverman Giorgio. The production also features Stephen Bogardus Colonel Ricci, Jeffry Denman Lieutenant Barri, Jason Michael Evans Private Augenti, Ken Krugman Lieutenant Torasso, Orville Mendoza Sergeant Lombardi, Tom Nelis Doctor Tambourri, Will Reynolds Major RizzoliLudovic, John Antony understudy and Amy Justman understudy.Csc also announced that twenty 10 tickets for each of the final four performances - Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm, Wednesday, April 17 at 7pm, Thursday, April 18 at 8pm and Friday, April...
- 3/14/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced today that their critically-acclaimed new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Passion, directed by John Doyle director of the acclaimed Broadway revivals of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Company, will extend by popular demand through Sunday, April 14 at Csc 136 East 13th Street. Passion stars Melissa Errico Clara, Judy Kuhn Fosca and Ryan Silverman Giorgio. The production also features Stephen Bogardus Colonel Ricci, Jeffry Denman Lieutenant Barri, Jason Michael Evans Private Augenti, Ken Krugman Lieutenant Torasso, Orville Mendoza Sergeant Lombardi, Tom Nelis Doctor Tambourri, Will Reynolds Major RizzoliLudovic, John Antony understudy and Amy Justman understudy.BroadwayWorld brings you highlights from the show below...
- 3/4/2013
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, announced today that their critically-acclaimed new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Passion, directed by John Doyle director of the acclaimed Broadway revivals of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Company, will extend by popular demand through Sunday, April 14 at Csc 136 East 13th Street. Passion stars Melissa Errico Clara, Judy Kuhn Fosca and Ryan Silverman Giorgio. The production also features Stephen Bogardus Colonel Ricci, Jeffry Denman Lieutenant Barri, Jason Michael Evans Private Augenti, Ken Krugman Lieutenant Torasso, Orville Mendoza Sergeant Lombardi, Tom Nelis Doctor Tambourri, Will Reynolds Major RizzoliLudovic, John Antony understudy and Amy Justman understudy.
- 3/4/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Stephen Bogardus, Jeffry Denman, and More Join Classic Stage Company's Passion- Full Cast Announced!
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, today announced complete casting for the company's upcoming new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Passion, to be directed by John Doyle director of the acclaimed Broadway revivals of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Company. Joining previously announced Melissa Errico Clara, Judy Kuhn Fosca and Ryan Silverman Giorgio in the production are Stephen Bogardus Colonel Ricci, Jeffry Denman Lieutenant Barri, Jason Michael Evans Private Augenti, Amy Justman understudy, Ken Krugman Lieutenant Torasso, Orville Mendoza Sergeant Lombardi, Tom Nelis Doctor Tambourri and Will Reynolds Major RizzoliLudovic. Passion is slated to begin performances on February 8, 2013 at Csc 136 East 13th Street, with an official press opening scheduled for Thursday, February 28, playing a limited engagement through Sunday, April 7. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at Noon on Thursday, January 3.
- 1/3/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Brace yourselves. This list of the Top 100 Greatest Gay Movies is probably going to generate some howls of protest thanks to a rather major upset in the rankings. Frankly, one that surprised the hell out of us here at AfterElton.
But before we get to that, an introduction. A few weeks ago we asked AfterElton readers to submit up to ten of their favorite films by write-in vote. We conducted a similar poll several years ago, but a lot has happened culturally since then, and a number of worthy movies of gay interest have been released. We wanted to see how your list of favorites had changed.
We also wanted to expand our list to 100 from the top 50 we had done previously. We figured there were finally enough quality gay films to justify the expansion. And we wanted to break out gay documentaries onto their own list (You'll find the...
But before we get to that, an introduction. A few weeks ago we asked AfterElton readers to submit up to ten of their favorite films by write-in vote. We conducted a similar poll several years ago, but a lot has happened culturally since then, and a number of worthy movies of gay interest have been released. We wanted to see how your list of favorites had changed.
We also wanted to expand our list to 100 from the top 50 we had done previously. We figured there were finally enough quality gay films to justify the expansion. And we wanted to break out gay documentaries onto their own list (You'll find the...
- 9/11/2012
- by AfterElton.com Staff
- The Backlot
We, like many of you, are ultra curious as to just how the new stage version of the classic William Peter Blatty tale The Exorcist will play out in a live theatre setting. One thing's for sure: Star Emily Yetter has already piqued our curiosity.
The Geffen Playhouse’s stage adaptation of The Exorcist showcases an award-winning design team – including world-renowned creative consultant Teller and internationally acclaimed spiritual composer Sir John Tavener – to bring playwright John Pielmeier’s script and Tony Award winning director John Doyle’s vision to life on stage. The team also includes Tony Award winning scenic/costume designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Jane Cox and sound designer Dan Moses Schreir. Working with Doyle, the design team was tasked with creating a theatrical experience that engages the senses in a way that is unique to live performance.
As the designers create ambiance and atmosphere, the actors taking...
The Geffen Playhouse’s stage adaptation of The Exorcist showcases an award-winning design team – including world-renowned creative consultant Teller and internationally acclaimed spiritual composer Sir John Tavener – to bring playwright John Pielmeier’s script and Tony Award winning director John Doyle’s vision to life on stage. The team also includes Tony Award winning scenic/costume designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Jane Cox and sound designer Dan Moses Schreir. Working with Doyle, the design team was tasked with creating a theatrical experience that engages the senses in a way that is unique to live performance.
As the designers create ambiance and atmosphere, the actors taking...
- 7/19/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The Geffen Playhouses world premiere stage adaptation of The Exorcist features Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain in the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin, respectively, as well as Broadway actor David Wilson Barnes as the troubled young priest Father Damien Karras, Tony Award nominee Harry Groener takes on the role of Chris charismatic director Burke Dennings and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Emily Yetter plays the young Regan MacNeil. The world premiere cast also includes Stephen Bogardus, Manoel Felciano, Tom Nelis and Roslyn Ruff. The play is written by John Pielmeier adapted from the novel by William Peter Blatty, and is directed by John Doyle.The Exorcist just began previews and opens in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse tonight, July 11, 2012 and runs through August, 12, 2012. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights from the show below...
- 7/11/2012
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Geffen Playhouses world premiere stage adaptation of The Exorcist features Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain in the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin, respectively, as well as Broadway actor David Wilson Barnes as the troubled young priest Father Damien Karras, Tony Award nominee Harry Groener takes on the role of Chris charismatic director Burke Dennings and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Emily Yetter plays the young Regan MacNeil. The world premiere cast also includes Stephen Bogardus, Manoel Felciano, Tom Nelis and Roslyn Ruff. The play is written by John Pielmeier adapted from the novel by William Peter Blatty, and is directed by John Doyle. The Exorcist just began previews and opens in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse on July 11, 2012 and runs through August, 12, 2012. Get a first look at the production in the photos below...
- 7/3/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
It's amazing. It's like Exorcist-a-mania lately. With a TV miniseries and several other unrelated demonic possession flicks and TV shows on their way, the devil is once again at the top of his game. Read on for the latest on The Exorcist stage play!
From the Press Release:
In addition to an accomplished cast, the Geffen Playhouse’s world premiere stage adaptation of The Exorcist showcases an award-winning design team – including world-renowned creative consultant Teller and internationally acclaimed spiritual composer Sir John Tavener – to bring playwright John Pielmeier’s script and Tony Award winning director John Doyle’s vision to life on stage. The team also includes Tony Award winning scenic/costume designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Jane Cox and sound designer Dan Moses Schreir. Working with Doyle, the design team will be tasked with creating a theatrical experience that engages the senses in a way that is unique to live performance.
From the Press Release:
In addition to an accomplished cast, the Geffen Playhouse’s world premiere stage adaptation of The Exorcist showcases an award-winning design team – including world-renowned creative consultant Teller and internationally acclaimed spiritual composer Sir John Tavener – to bring playwright John Pielmeier’s script and Tony Award winning director John Doyle’s vision to life on stage. The team also includes Tony Award winning scenic/costume designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Jane Cox and sound designer Dan Moses Schreir. Working with Doyle, the design team will be tasked with creating a theatrical experience that engages the senses in a way that is unique to live performance.
- 5/29/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
There are two surprises in that headline, and I’ll guess that the bigger shock is that The Exorcist — the 1973 horror classic that wrought hellish nightmares on a generation — will take the stage in a new adaptation (of the original novel) at L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse. And yes, Brooke Shields will be playing the mother.
The play will frighten audiences courtesy of Tony Award-winning director John Doyle, the Tim Burton of the theater community, well-known for his genre-challenging productions (like his everybody-plays-their-own-instrument mountings of Sweeney Todd and Company). In Doyle’s wicked world premiere, stage and screen vet Shields...
The play will frighten audiences courtesy of Tony Award-winning director John Doyle, the Tim Burton of the theater community, well-known for his genre-challenging productions (like his everybody-plays-their-own-instrument mountings of Sweeney Todd and Company). In Doyle’s wicked world premiere, stage and screen vet Shields...
- 5/18/2012
- by Marc Snetiker
- EW.com - PopWatch
Talk about timing! A few of us were in Los Angeles this past weekend and wondered what was up with the stage play version of The Exorcist, and lo and behold a press release just landed in our inbox with all the latest news, including who the stars will be. Curious? Read on for more!
From the Press Release:
Stage and screen stars Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain take on the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin in playwright John Pielmeier’s world premiere of The Exorcist at the Geffen Playhouse. Helmed by acclaimed director John Doyle, who won a Tony Award for his striking reimagining of Sweeney Todd, this stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s famous 1971 novel transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact, and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful.
Joining Shields and...
From the Press Release:
Stage and screen stars Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain take on the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin in playwright John Pielmeier’s world premiere of The Exorcist at the Geffen Playhouse. Helmed by acclaimed director John Doyle, who won a Tony Award for his striking reimagining of Sweeney Todd, this stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s famous 1971 novel transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact, and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful.
Joining Shields and...
- 5/17/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Stage and screen stars Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain take on the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin in playwright John Pielmeier’s world premiere of The Exorcist at the Geffen Playhouse.
Helmed by acclaimed director John Doyle, who won a Tony Award for his striking reimagining of Sweeney Todd, this stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s famous 1971 novel transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful.
Joining Shields and Chamberlain on stage is Broadway actor David Wilson Barnes (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as the troubled young priest Father Damien Karras, Tony Award nominee and Geffen alum Harry Groener (Equivocation) as Chris’ charismatic director Burke Dennings and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Emily Yetter as young Regan MacNeil. The world premiere cast also includes Stephen Bogardus,...
Helmed by acclaimed director John Doyle, who won a Tony Award for his striking reimagining of Sweeney Todd, this stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s famous 1971 novel transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful.
Joining Shields and Chamberlain on stage is Broadway actor David Wilson Barnes (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as the troubled young priest Father Damien Karras, Tony Award nominee and Geffen alum Harry Groener (Equivocation) as Chris’ charismatic director Burke Dennings and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Emily Yetter as young Regan MacNeil. The world premiere cast also includes Stephen Bogardus,...
- 5/17/2012
- shocktillyoudrop.com
What was supposed to be a fake slap became a real smack last weekend at the Huntington Theatre Company's production of "God of Carnage." Thirty minutes before the end of the Jan. 14 matinee, Tony-Award-nominee Johanna Day, who plays Veronica, broke her hand when slapping cast member Stephen Bogardus during a scene. He was not injured. A fight director had choreographed the scene, but a Huntington representative told Playbill.com, "Something simply went amiss this time around."Day finished the performance and then went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a broken bone in her hand. The Jan. 14 evening performance was cancelled, and the production resumed shows the next day with revised fight choreography. Huntington's "God of Carnage" is scheduled to run through Feb. 6. .
- 1/17/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Frank Nestor)
- backstage.com
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) announces the star-studded cast of the upcoming workshop of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City. Tony Award winner and Broadway legend Betty Buckley (Sunset Boulevard, Cats on Broadway) takes on the beloved character of Anna Madrigal, and Tony Award-nominated actor Stephen Bogardus (Love! Valour! Compassion!, Man of La Mancha, and Falsettos on Broadway) plays Edgar Halcyon, Mrs. Madrigal's love interest. Up-and-coming performer Betsy Wolfe (Everyday Rapture, Into the Woods on Broadway) plays Mary Ann Singleton, the naïve Midwestern transplant to San Francisco at the center of the story. A.C.T. core acting company member and Tony Award-nominated actor Manoel Felciano (Sweeney Todd on Broadway; Rock 'n' Roll, and John Doyle's The Caucasian Chalk Circle at A.C.T.) portrays Norman Neal Williams, joined by two graduates of A.C.T.'s acclaimed Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) Program: Bay...
- 10/4/2010
- BroadwayWorld.com
On Monday, September 14th, The National Asian American Theatre Company (Naatco) will present a one-night-only all Asian-American performance of Terrence McNally's Love! Valour! Compassion!, directed by Alan Muraoka, at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) to benefit Naatco. Joe Mantello, the original director of Love! Valour! Compassion! and Stephen Bogardus, a member of the play's original cast, were honorary chairs for the Naatco benefit performance.
- 9/21/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Emmy Award winner Michael Emerson ("Lost") and Emmy and Tony nominee Roger Rees ("...Nicholas Nickleby", Indiscretions) to join Tony Award winners Michael Cerveris (Sweeny Todd) and Randy Graff (City of Angels) and Tony nominees Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent, Les Miserables), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Spelling Bee), Michael Rupert (Falsettos, Legally Blonde), Stephen Bogardus (Love! Valour! Compassion!), Liz Callaway (Baby) and Gavin Creel (Hair) for "Broadway Stands up for Freedom!," a benefit concert to support the youth programs of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
- 7/20/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Emmy Award winner Michael Emerson ("Lost") and Emmy and Tony nominee Roger Rees ("...Nicholas Nickleby", Indiscretions) to join Tony Award winners Michael Cerveris (Sweeny Todd) and Randy Graff (City of Angels) and Tony nominees Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent, Les Miserables), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Spelling Bee), Michael Rupert (Falsettos, Legally Blonde), Stephen Bogardus (Love! Valour! Compassion!), Liz Callaway (Baby) and Gavin Creel (Hair) for "Broadway Stands up for Freedom!," a benefit concert to support the youth programs of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
- 6/17/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Snow will fill the Marquis Theatre this holiday season as Irving Berlin's White Christmas comes to Broadway for a limited run, following productions in San Francisco, Boston, Detroit, Toronto, Los Angeles, and St. Paul, Minn. David Ives has adapted the script from the popular 1954 film, fondly remembered for its timeless spirit and melodies, including the title song — the best selling record in history. Many other Berlin favorites, including "Blue Skies" and "I Love a Piano," will be interpolated into the tale. Ives and the cast describe it as a reinvention rather than a revival. The story concerns two showbiz duos — a male song-and-dance team and a sister act — who fall in love and help save a Vermont inn. The show boasts a full orchestra and a 32-member cast. Back Stage spoke with cast members Stephen Bogardus (Bob Wallace), Kerry O'Malley (Betty Haynes), Jeffry Denman (Phil Davis), and Meredith Patterson...
- 11/20/2008
- by Ronni Reich
- backstage.com
PARK CITY, Utah -- Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning play, "Love! Valour! Compassion!," depicting the gay middle-class, has opened on the screen. Unfortunately, it has not been opened up for the screen but seems framed solidly beneath the proscenium arch. Nevertheless, this Fine Line release boasts a talented cast and will perhaps reach new fans who have not caught its big-city runs.
As New York audiences know, and Los Angeles audiences are currently learning, the story focuses on a circle of eight gay male friends and their weekend in the country. Actually, it's three weekends in the country here as the scenario runs the summer-holiday weekend season of Memorial Day/Fourth of July/Labor Day. In McNally's brainy and witty story line, the friends congregate at Gregory's (Stephen Bogardus) lakefront home, an inviting Victorian that, although fussily outfitted, is a warm cocoon for the guys. For those not familiar with the play, the menfolk are a diverse lot, temperamentally as well as professionally.
As in any gathering, it's usually the most flamboyant members who, as we get to learn more about them, are the most vulnerable. In this case, the eye-catchers are Buzz (Jason Alexander), a Broadway musical buff whose constant witticisms and pronouncements lead us to suspect that his happy hysterics mask far less happier truths. On the dispositional opposite end from Buzz, way down the grouch meter, is John (John Glover), a haughty and pompous composer whose sour asides and judgmental glower dampen everyone's spirit.
Without further delineating the plot, suffice it to say that what the plot does not necessarily thicken, it spreads, genuflects, saddens, alights, pouts, reconciles and curls around.
Perhaps the most striking addition that this filmic visualization makes to the stage play is the stunningly sunny lakeside setting. The natural beauty of the setting is a fitting corollary for the men's friendship and, alas, also a sobering counterpoint for the unspoken thoughts on everyone's mind -- AIDS. Director Joe Mantello sensitively swathes the storyline with images of the pristine beauty of nature, and this truly does "open" it from the play. However, discussions are statically shot and visualizations are medium-shot -- boring.
Mantello never fully uses the power of the camera to add perspective or provide insight, nor does he utilize the rhythm of the cut to propel the production beyond a standard, dramatic two-step.
The highlights of "Love! Valour! Compassion!" are the layered, revealing performances. As the bawdy but brittle Buzz, Alexander is a treat. He's the life of the party and, ultimately, the character who most touches our hearts. Glover is marvelously formidable as the towering composer and does double duty by limning the musician's dying brother from England. John Benjamin Hickey and Stephen Spinella are aptly solid as the dull, gray suits of the group.
Technically, the film is at its best in its design. Praise to production designer Francois Seguin for the neo-Victorian look and to costume designer Jess Goldstein for the array of personal colors that catch one's eye in the characters' outfittings.
LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!
Fine Line Features
Producers Doug Chapin, Barry Krost
Director Joe Mantello
Executive producers Ruth Vitale,
Jonathan Weisgal, Amy Labowitz
Line producer Diane Conn
Screenwriter-playwright Terrence McNally
Director of photography Alik Sakharov
Editor Colleen Sharp
Production designer Francois Seguin
Music supervisor Jackie Krost
Music Harold Wheeler
Costume designer Jess Goldstein
Choreographer John Carrafa
Color/stereo
Cast:
Buzz Hauser Jason Alexander
Ramon Fornos Randy Becker
Gregory Mitchell Stephen Bogardus
John & James Jeckyll John Glover
Arthur Paper John Benjamin Hickey
Bobby Brahams Justin Kirk
Perry Sellars Stephen Spinella
Running time -- 115 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
As New York audiences know, and Los Angeles audiences are currently learning, the story focuses on a circle of eight gay male friends and their weekend in the country. Actually, it's three weekends in the country here as the scenario runs the summer-holiday weekend season of Memorial Day/Fourth of July/Labor Day. In McNally's brainy and witty story line, the friends congregate at Gregory's (Stephen Bogardus) lakefront home, an inviting Victorian that, although fussily outfitted, is a warm cocoon for the guys. For those not familiar with the play, the menfolk are a diverse lot, temperamentally as well as professionally.
As in any gathering, it's usually the most flamboyant members who, as we get to learn more about them, are the most vulnerable. In this case, the eye-catchers are Buzz (Jason Alexander), a Broadway musical buff whose constant witticisms and pronouncements lead us to suspect that his happy hysterics mask far less happier truths. On the dispositional opposite end from Buzz, way down the grouch meter, is John (John Glover), a haughty and pompous composer whose sour asides and judgmental glower dampen everyone's spirit.
Without further delineating the plot, suffice it to say that what the plot does not necessarily thicken, it spreads, genuflects, saddens, alights, pouts, reconciles and curls around.
Perhaps the most striking addition that this filmic visualization makes to the stage play is the stunningly sunny lakeside setting. The natural beauty of the setting is a fitting corollary for the men's friendship and, alas, also a sobering counterpoint for the unspoken thoughts on everyone's mind -- AIDS. Director Joe Mantello sensitively swathes the storyline with images of the pristine beauty of nature, and this truly does "open" it from the play. However, discussions are statically shot and visualizations are medium-shot -- boring.
Mantello never fully uses the power of the camera to add perspective or provide insight, nor does he utilize the rhythm of the cut to propel the production beyond a standard, dramatic two-step.
The highlights of "Love! Valour! Compassion!" are the layered, revealing performances. As the bawdy but brittle Buzz, Alexander is a treat. He's the life of the party and, ultimately, the character who most touches our hearts. Glover is marvelously formidable as the towering composer and does double duty by limning the musician's dying brother from England. John Benjamin Hickey and Stephen Spinella are aptly solid as the dull, gray suits of the group.
Technically, the film is at its best in its design. Praise to production designer Francois Seguin for the neo-Victorian look and to costume designer Jess Goldstein for the array of personal colors that catch one's eye in the characters' outfittings.
LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!
Fine Line Features
Producers Doug Chapin, Barry Krost
Director Joe Mantello
Executive producers Ruth Vitale,
Jonathan Weisgal, Amy Labowitz
Line producer Diane Conn
Screenwriter-playwright Terrence McNally
Director of photography Alik Sakharov
Editor Colleen Sharp
Production designer Francois Seguin
Music supervisor Jackie Krost
Music Harold Wheeler
Costume designer Jess Goldstein
Choreographer John Carrafa
Color/stereo
Cast:
Buzz Hauser Jason Alexander
Ramon Fornos Randy Becker
Gregory Mitchell Stephen Bogardus
John & James Jeckyll John Glover
Arthur Paper John Benjamin Hickey
Bobby Brahams Justin Kirk
Perry Sellars Stephen Spinella
Running time -- 115 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 1/27/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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