2d Stage/The Apiary – Wicked/Donna McKechnie,Brad Oscar – The Life & Slimes of Marc Summers – Mary Jane/Full Cast – Peter Brynolf & Jonas Ljung/Stalker
Second Stage Theater’s production of Kate Douglas’ THE APIARY, directed by Kate Whoriskey began previews Jan. 31st at Second Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater. The play, which is the centerpiece production of Second Stage’s inaugural NEXT STAGE, featuresObie Award-winner April Matthis (The Piano Lesson, Toni Stone), Lucille Lortel Award nominee Carmen M. Herlihy (Second Stage’s Bachelorette), and Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe award nominee Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black, CSC’s A Month in the Country) and Nimene Wureh, making her New York theatre and off-Broadway debut. The production officially opens on February 13 at Second Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater, 305 West 43rd street. www.2ST.com
The Broadway blockbuster WICKED will welcome new cast members to the Gershwin Theatre this spring. Beginning Tuesday, March 5, Mary Kate Morrissey, who has played Elphaba on tour and is the current Broadway standby, will assume the role of Elphaba and Alexandra Socha, most recently seen on Broadway in Head Over Heels, will step into the role of Glinda. Tony Award-winner Donna McKechnie will take over the role of Madame Morrible, Broadway newcomer Natalie Ortega will assume the role of Nessarose, and Tony Award nominee Brad Oscar will become The Emerald City’s newest Wizard. They join a cast which includes Jordan Litz as Fiyero, Jake Pedersen as Boq, and William Youmans as Doctor Dillamond. Alyssa Fox (Elphaba), McKenzie Kurtz (Glinda), John Dossett (The Wizard), Michelle Pawk (Madame Morrible), and Kimber Elayne Sprawl (Nessarose) will play their final performances on Sunday, March 3.
Marc Summers, an icon of a generation, the host of Nickelodeon’s DOUBLE DARE, tells his story on stage in the new play THE LIFE AND SLIMES OF MARC SUMMERS. Beginning performances on February 14th, with a VIP Gala Performance on February 19th, in advance of its February 22nd opening night, running thru June 2nd. The show is written by Alex Brightman with original music by Drew Gasparini and will be performed at New World Stages (340 West 50 Street). Part interactive game show, part memoir, THE LIFE AND SLIMES OF MARC SUMMERS takes us on one man’s extraordinary journey, both on-screen and off. visit www.LifeAndSlimes.com
The full cast for the Broadway premiere of Mary Jane written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog (A Doll’s House, 4000 Miles), has been announced. It stars Academy Award® nominee & Critics Choice Award Winner Rachel McAdams and is directed by Anne Kauffman (The Sign in Sydney Brustein’s Window). Joining Rachel McAdams will be April Matthis (The Piano Lesson), Susan Pourfar (Tribes), Lily Santiago (“La Brea”) and Brenda Wehle (“The Gilded Age”). Previews begin April 2, opening night April 23 at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com
Swedish street magicians and illusionists Peter Brynolf and Jonas Ljung achieved the impossible by stumping the legendary Penn & Teller on the first season of their long-running television show, “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Now Penn & Teller return the favor by producing Brynolf & Ljung in their New York theatrical debut, Stalker, which combines street magic, stunning illusions and physical mentalism, leaving audiences both thrilled and mystified. Directed by “Eurovision” mastermind Edward Af Sillén, Stalker will open Monday, April 1 Off-Broadway at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). Previews begin March 18. Tickets are on sale at Telecharge.com.
Featured Image: Peter Brynolf/Jonas Ljung – Stalker
