Latest news with #Playhouse
Axios
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
"My Fair Lady" enchants at San Francisco Playhouse
Fans of musical theater are in for a real treat: "My Fair Lady" has landed at the San Francisco Playhouse. Why it matters: The theater company is ending on a crowd favorite for the last show of the 2025 season. Devotees of the 1964 Audrey Hepburn film won't be disappointed. State of play: The musical's leads are all standouts. Adam Magill is a triumph as Henry Higgins and Jillian A. Smith brings a soaring voice and beautiful fragility as Eliza Dolittle. Don't sleep on the supporting cast — I could've watched Heather Orth deliver the withering glances of Henry Higgins' housekeeper Mrs. Pearce all night. Between the lines: Both the film and musical run for nearly three hours, but the Playhouse production is as well-paced as an Ascot race horse. The show hews closely to the film in keeping many beloved set pieces — such as the masterfully choreographed street-sweeper dance sequences and famous race scene, complete with elaborate monochrome costumes. My thought bubble: As an Aussie in America, I've heard my fair share of mangled Commonwealth accents onstage. But the cast largely passed the test of capturing London's varied accents, thanks to the production's dialect coaches. I was especially impressed by Eliza's elocutionary glow-up by Act II.
Sydney Morning Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Beloved theatre reopens its doors for Sydney Fringe
Darlinghurst's much-loved Eternity Playhouse is set to spring back to life more than a year after closing its doors. The historic Palmer Street venue will reopen in September as the Off Broadway Hub for this year's Sydney Fringe Festival. The Playhouse stage has been dark since resident company Darlinghurst Theatre went into liquidation in June last year. 'It's just so nice that those doors will be open again,' says Patrick Kennedy, confirmed last night as the festival's new CEO after being appointed on an interim basis about a month ago. 'It was a real loss to the community having those doors shuttered. We're terrifically overwhelmed to be the first people back.' Kennedy, who took on the top job following the resignation of long-time CEO Kerri Glasscock, said the festival had worked tirelessly with the City of Sydney to be able to seal the Playhouse deal, revealing the contract was finally inked last Friday. A City of Sydney spokesperson said the council would operate the theatre for the next three years, the Fringe being the first event to use the venue. Loading 'The City of Sydney will introduce a range of locally produced performing arts in 2026, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with a full line-up of performances taking over the theatre,' the spokesperson said. 'Long term, we intend to lease the theatre to a resident company or operator to ensure the theatre remains operational.' This year's Fringe festival, which starts on September 1, will feature more than 460 events across 10 festival hubs and four separate precincts – inner west, central, eastern and Greater Sydney.
The Age
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Beloved theatre reopens its doors for Sydney Fringe
Darlinghurst's much-loved Eternity Playhouse is set to spring back to life more than a year after closing its doors. The historic Palmer Street venue will reopen in September as the Off Broadway Hub for this year's Sydney Fringe Festival. The Playhouse stage has been dark since resident company Darlinghurst Theatre went into liquidation in June last year. 'It's just so nice that those doors will be open again,' says Patrick Kennedy, confirmed last night as the festival's new CEO after being appointed on an interim basis about a month ago. 'It was a real loss to the community having those doors shuttered. We're terrifically overwhelmed to be the first people back.' Kennedy, who took on the top job following the resignation of long-time CEO Kerri Glasscock, said the festival had worked tirelessly with the City of Sydney to be able to seal the Playhouse deal, revealing the contract was finally inked last Friday. A City of Sydney spokesperson said the council would operate the theatre for the next three years, the Fringe being the first event to use the venue. Loading 'The City of Sydney will introduce a range of locally produced performing arts in 2026, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with a full line-up of performances taking over the theatre,' the spokesperson said. 'Long term, we intend to lease the theatre to a resident company or operator to ensure the theatre remains operational.' This year's Fringe festival, which starts on September 1, will feature more than 460 events across 10 festival hubs and four separate precincts – inner west, central, eastern and Greater Sydney.
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Why the Coconut Grove Playhouse project is a revival, not a demolition
A recent Op-Ed in the Miami Herald by Miami resident and theatergoer Barry J. White about the Coconut Grove Playhouse renovation reflects a heartfelt concern. The Playhouse, closed since 2006, is undergoing a long-awaited transformation, including the restoration of its historic front façade and the construction of a new 300-seat theater. White argues that the current renovation is effectively a demolition of the original 1,100-seat main theater, replaced with a venue 'with just 300 seats,' which he believes 'is economically nonviable for hosting Broadway touring companies, which require at least 1,000 seats.' I appreciate White's passion. As the producing artistic director of GableStage, which is entering its 27th season and is set to become the resident theater company at the renovated Playhouse, I'd like to offer some insight on what lies ahead. Most important, I want to emphasize that what we are building at the Playhouse is much more than just a building. The project now underway is not about demolition — it is about revival. It honors the history that White rightly values while looking toward a future defined by artistic excellence, civic participation and lasting community impact. As the future operator of the Playhouse, GableStage will perform in a fully equipped, state-of-the-art regional theater. The new venue will include an orchestra pit, fly loft, and wing space — essential infrastructure for producing ambitious, fully realized work. What is being built is not a scaled-down version of something greater. It is a purpose-built space designed for world-class artistry and long-term sustainability. The revitalized Playhouse will once again become a cultural gathering place for Coconut Grove and the broader Miami community. The impact of a theater is measured not only by what takes place on its stage, but by what it makes possible beyond its walls. The mission of a regional theater is to serve as a center for imagination — a place where community and artistry meet, where ideas are exchanged, and where stories reflect the people it serves. That is the role GableStage embraces fully. Currently, GableStage produces a five-play season in its 138-seat theater located at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The company has received 72 Carbonell Awards — South Florida's most prestigious theater honor — and more than 200 nominations. We are also proud recipients of the Ruth Forman Award for major advancements in the South Florida theater scene. Founded in 1979 as Florida Shakespeare Theatre, GableStage began by performing Shakespeare's plays in repertory at the outdoor Casino Gardens at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Our work has always been rooted in place, created with intention, and offered in direct dialogue with our audiences. At the Grove, our impact will deepen. Through a transformational partnership with Florida International University, we will collaborate with both students and faculty across disciplines to build new bridges between education, the arts and civic life. Our work has never been confined to the stage. A theater company is a citizen of its community. Whether through public programs, partnerships with local organizations, or expanded outreach to underserved schools, GableStage will continue to grow the work we already do across Miami. Theater, at its best, is a civic necessity. It teaches us to listen, to empathize, to imagine. GableStage exists to inspire optimism and creative problem-solving in response to the challenges we face as a society. We will continue to play a vital role in Miami's vibrant professional theater ecosystem— one we are proud to be part of and proud to help strengthen. Our move to Coconut Grove is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in something enduring. We are not simply restoring a building; we are writing a new chapter in Miami's cultural story while honoring the legacy of the original Playhouse. We are honored to do so — and we invite Barry White and others in the community to join us. Bari Newport is the producing artistic director of GableStage, set to become the resident theater company at the renovated Coconut Grove Playhouse.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
June 28: What's on
Kaitlyn Rex is Annie with Sandy, played by Lucy from the hit musical which comes to the Playhouse next weekend. Image: Val Adamson MARKETS Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market: Spend time with family (pets included) and friends outdoors. Traders sell everything from fresh produce and deli food to arts and crafts. Walk the short nature trail or have a zipline adventure. Open rain or shine, and wheelchair accessible from 7am to 1pm. Musgrave Market: Head to Berea Park for food, music, arts and crafts. From 9am to 2pm. Buzz Market: Community market at 38 Pitlochry Road, Westville, 9am to 2pm. Ballito Farmers Market: More than 150 traders offer fresh farm produce, cut flowers and a nursery, retail, fashion, kids' entertainment, art, hobbies, crafted goods and lifestyle products. R103 at Umhlali. 7am to 2pm. Harlequins Flea Market: Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. New vendors welcome. WhatsApp 083 595 7033 or email [email protected] Rotary Uvongo Flea Market: Crafts, toys, bead work, wire work, clothing and food every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm, opposite Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds. Call 082 829 0059. Golden Hours Market: (tomorrow) Family-friendly market at Golden Hours School, 10am to 2pm. Live music and food stalls. Call 083 262 3693. Macnut Farm, Assagay: (tomorrow) Fresh produce market for locals, 11am to 2pm. Sunday lunch, drinks and bar. Call 031 765 2572 or 074 603 0000. uMhlanga Farmers Market: Autumn Drive, Prestondale, every Wednesday from 8am to noon. Call Ethel at 060 303 3957. SHOWS Rhumbelow Theatre, Northlands: Piano Man - A Tribute to Elton John and Piano Legends is back by popular demand as Evan Cullum, one of Durban's most versatile and dynamic pianists, takes the stage in tribute to the piano greats. Today at 7.30pm, tomorrow at 6.30pm. Tickets R200 at webtickets. Izulu Theatre, Sibaya: (today) Dance X South Africa is an all-style dance festival celebrating the diversity of dance. It brings dancers from across the nation to compete, perform, and showcase their unique styles in a vibrant, high-energy environment. Saturday, June 28 from 9am to 8pm. Tickets R90 via Dance X website and R140 at the door. Under 6 free. Playhouse Opera: KZN Young Performers Project presents the musical, Annie, the story of the plucky youngster and her quest for a bright new life outside of the walls of Miss Hannigan's dreary orphanage. Directed by Daisy Spencer; with musical direction by Des Govender; and choreography by Evashnee Pillay. The cast comprises 120 performers. July 4-13. Tickets R150-R280 from Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores nationwide. Playhouse Drama: Little Shop of Horrors comes to the Playhouse. A ridiculous and hilarious horror-spoof, in which a plant, which has a desire for world domination, grows by eating people with all the lead characters falling prey to its voracious appetite. July 2-5 at 7.30pm, July 5 at 2pm and July 6 at 3pm. Tickets R50-R100 from webtickets. Milkwood Theatre: Shri Manesh Maharaj presents his students in an offering of Hindustani classical and modern music titled SWARANJALI. Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium and vocal music come together in a spiritual experience in a delightful evening of North Indian music. July 5 at 6pm. Tickets R100 from webtickets. Rhumbelow Theatre, Durban: Rock Across America features Barry Thomson & The Reals celebrating America's top rock hits in the 1970s. This is a genre of rock music characterised by a straightforward, often roots musical style, often with a focus on blue-collar workers, and a conviction that rock music has a social or communal purpose beyond just entertainment. July 5 at 7.30pm, July 6 at 2pm. Tickets R200 from webtickets. Baroque 2000 features soprano Lynelle Kenned in concert on Sunday. Image: Supplied MUSIC Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre: (today) The relaunch of the Ugu Jazz Festival promises an unforgettable evening with artists, including Zonke Dikana, Ami Faku, Mondli Ngcobo, Bongane Nkwanyana, Tender Mavundla and Olefied Khetha. June 28 from 5pm to 3am. Tickets from R150 from Ticketpro. Music Revival: Pianist Chris Duigan hosts guitarist James Grace on a tour of KZN. At All Souls Anglican Church, Salt Rock, Sunday June 29 at 3pm, tickets R150. Booking via WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or [email protected]. Also Monday June 30 at Amberfield. Tickets R80 and booking from Amberfield office. At St Agnes Church, Kloof on Tuesday July 1 at 7pm, tickets R130 via WhatsApp 083 417 4473 or [email protected]. At Coffeeberry, Hilton on Wednesday July 2 at 6pm. Tickets R220 from [email protected]. At Coffeeberry, Cascades on Thursday July 3 at 6pm. Tickets R220 from [email protected]. Ballito Pro, Main stage: Three unforgettable nights of live music. On Wednesday July 2 The Ballito Pro Infinite Playlist from 5.30pm to 9.30pm with performances from iconic names such as Squeal, Perez, Arapaho, Just Jinger, Ella Mental, Tree63, The Kickstands, The Black Lapels and Springbok Nude Girls. On Thursday July 3 from 5.30pm to 10.30pm top DJs energise the crowd with music from DJs Mörda, Merlon and Sox, and Blanco Nero. The Friday concert on July 4 from 5.30pm to 11.30pm headlines Matthew Mole. He's joined The Saxby Twins, Booshle G and Pietermaritzburg's Matthew Gardiner. Rounding off the evening is DJ Kyle Cassim. St James Church, Morningside: Baroque 2000 presents soprano Lynelle Kenned in concert. Sunday June 29 at 11.30am. Tickets R180 at the door. Children free. Contact Michel at [email protected] or 082 303 5241 Durban Jewish Club: An afternoon of music featuring world-class soloists, pianist Christopher Duigan and guitarist James Grace. Their programme includes many of their own arrangements on classic melodies, jazz standards, Latin milongas and Spanish classics. Sunday July 6 at 2.30pm. Tickets: R140 at the door. Contact [email protected] or 071 505 1021 FILM Rhumbelow Theatre Film Club: With cinemas closing or really expensive, and Netflix becoming stay-at-home-predictable, enjoy the notion of an old-fashioned movie night out with friends… with a drink in your hand (an adult beverage – at club prices) and affordable snacks and light meals (other than popcorn). The club opens its doors every Wednesday for a smorgasbord of films from vintage and classics to more modern and interesting films. Membership is R300 for six months, with a WhatsApp group informing you of what's on and what's coming. SASSA grant recipients can join for free. Call Roland on 082 499 8636 or email: [email protected] ART KZNSA: The gallery hosts its annual Members' Award Show. The theme of the exhibition is Imisinga (Currents) with submissions thinking about how water holds memory, movement, and meaning. It is a source of life, ritual, conflict, and celebration. In Durban, water surrounds and sustains us culturally, historically, environmentally but it also reminds us of our vulnerabilities. Woza Moya Gallery, Hillcrest: The exhibition Behind Closed Doors opened last night. Features the work of artist Sinethemba Ndimande, and photographers Masibulele Nako and Manelisi Nene. OUTDOORS Amblers Hiking Club: (tomorrow) At 2pm on July 29 hike Roosfontein Nature Reserve – Westville. Meal at Waxies afterwards. Drive to Westville Prison bottom gate, below Pavillion to meet for the hike. Do not enter Call David on 072 615 0559. Recycles Group: Meet at 9am on Tuesdays at the parking area behind Pirates life saving club. For a 20 km ride on the promenade. Open to beginners, sociable, safe and an option for a breakfast at Pirates coffee shop. Call Ian to join on 083 675 2125. Retreads walking group: Join for a 3 or 5 km social walk on Tuesdays at 9am on the promenade followed with an option of breakfast at Pirates. Call Michele on 083 779 7443 Mountain Biking Rides: Saturdays at 6am, meet at Dura Cycles, Uvongo. Call 039 315 7359. EVENTS St Margaret's Anglican Church Hall: (today) The South African National Society meets on June 28 at 09.30am 11 Delaware Avenue, Virginia, Durban North. Guest speaker David Hulme talks on 'The Berlin Airlift'. Entrance members R30/ visitors R50. Refreshments afterwards. Maltos, Wild Coast Sun: (today) An electrifying night of music, dance, and the ultimate Bhangra Night Extravaganza. Begin with a flavour-packed buffet dinner from 6pm to 8pm. Then hit the dance floor as top DJs - DJ Vishal, DJ Sums, DJ Avesh, DJ Yugenk, and DJ Ashe - take you on a high-energy musical journey with the hottest Bhangra beats. Saturday, June 28 from 6pm. Tickets R200 via GetMyTickets or R300 at the door. Wild Coast Sun: (today) Thunee is a popular trick-taking card game that originated in Durban. A thunee tournament takes place on Saturday June 28 from 10am till late. R30 000 cash will be up for grabs. Register by Friday, 27 June for R200 per two-player team. Entry is open to all.
