Porgy & Bess Opening Night!

Porgy & Bess has officially opened! I was so happy to have the chance to be there for the opening night performance. And even happier to have been backstage for the Gypsy Robe ceremony. Below is a photo from the pre-show ceremony. It's amazing how one still photo can capture hours of emotion:

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

In this photo is yours truly, Christopher Windom, Director elite, Diane Paulus, Assoc Dir./Stage Manager extraordinaire, Nancy Harrington and Playwright extraordinaire Suzan Lori Parks. If you could read my mind you would see a mountain of joy filling me up from within. Standing next to Diane as she was weeping, giving final encouragement to the company on opening night. Theatre is a very satisfying experience and this snapshot is my actual proof. I always want to feel this kind of excitement. I would love for everyone to experience this kind of happiness. 

Thank you Porgy & Bess! Have a fantastic run!!

Februrary House!

Next week I will begin my first new assignment of 2012! I have been asked to Assistant Direct a new musical called February House. It is a world premier with Music and Lyrics by Gabriel Kahane, Book by Seth Bockley and Directed by Davis McCallum. It will rehearse and perform at Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, CT and is also being Co-Produced with the Public Theater in NYC. 

Below is a synopsis of the story:

"Bringing together some of the greatest and most colorful minds of a generation (W.H. Auden, Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten, and Gypsy Rose Lee) George Davis tries to create his own utopia in a small house in Brooklyn in the 1940s.  The artists discover new ideas exploding at every turn as they find love, friendship and their own artistic voices in a time of war.  Written by up-and-coming composer Gabriel Kahane, the exciting score mixes elements of classical operetta, jazz, and musical comedy with modern folk-pop."

I'm very excited to be a part of this project and looking forward to the adventure of it all!

Porgy & Bess .... Production Assistant

Today I began part two of my PORGY & BESS experience. This past summer I was fortunate enough to serve as Produciton Assistant on a three week workshop for PORGY & BESS before it went to The A.R.T. in Cambridge, MA. Today, I'm so grateful to have the chance to help with rehearsals as it makes it's triumphant way to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. With Diane Paulus directing, Suzan Lork Parks crafting the book and Ronald K. Brown choreographing...it's a first rate experience with a historic production.

I'm delighted to be in the room with such an amazing and inspiring creative team and cast. To learn more about the produciton click the image below:

Central Avenue Breakdown...is going to Korea

Central Avenue Breakdown is the WINNER OF THE 2011 DEAGU INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL FESTIVAL PRODUCTION AWARD  

As the recipient of the DIMF Production Award, Central Avenue Breakdown will receive a full production at the 6th annual Daegu International Musical Festival, which will be mounted at the Daegu Opera House in Daegu, South Korea in the summer of 2012.  To learn more about this prestigious opportunity or help provide financial support for the DIMF Production of Central Avenue Breakdown, click here.

In addition to DIMF Production Award, Central Avenue Breakdown is the WINNER OF FOUR NYMF 2011 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Excellence in Choreography: Christopher Windom
Excellence in Writing - Music: Kevin Ray
Outstanding Orchestration: Justin Hornback
Outstanding Individual Performance: Rodrick Covington

-- Plus --

Outstanding Ensemble Performance:  Honorable Mention: The Cast of Central Avenue Breakdown
Excellence in Direction: Honorable Mention: Christopher Windom

A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep...Broadway World promo

BroadwayWorld.com has posted a write up for ACC now playing at Trinity Repertory Company through December 30th. Click below for the link to the article: