Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: August 17, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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TEARS TO REMEMBER AND HONOR

King Charles and Queen Camilla shed tears at service of remembrance. Photo: Pool

It was called "the forgotten army."

Those who served in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Last Friday, August 15, 2025 King Charles and Queen Camilla joined prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and 33 veterans, aged between 96 and 105, who served in east Asia and the Pacific. The national service of remembrance, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, marked the 80th anniversary of (Victory over Japan) VJ Day, commemorating the end of the six-year war.

The shedding of tears was cathartic and respectful.

The total estimated deaths in the Pacific theater exceeded 35 million people, with figures varying by source but generally placing the total deaths at over 30 million, encompassing both military and civilian lives. Japan suffered significantly with an estimated 2.6 to 3.1 million deaths, while China's death toll was even higher at around 20 million. The United States had over 100,000 military deaths in the Pacific corridor, with approximately 111,606 total killed or missing.

For the event Queen Camilla was stunning in a white pleated chiffon dress by Dior and a white Philip Treacy hat. She also wore The Rifles brooch, representing the regiment of which she is Colonel-in-Chief.

People of "Oriental" descent, particularly those from East Asian cultures, wear white to funerals and memorials to symbolize purity, peace, reverence, and the soul's journey to the afterlife, a stark contrast to the black associated with grief in Western cultures. White also represents the sorrow and loss felt by the family, and in some traditions, specific colors of white are used by family members to denote their closeness to the deceased.

While all lives are precious some names are more widely remembered.

Notable figures like Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ernie Pyle were killed by sniper fire on Okinawa, a key battle in the Pacific theater, and actor Clark Gable served in a reconnaissance role in the European and Pacific theaters, risking his life.

Yavar Abbas,105, a former captain in the 11th Sikh Regiment, took to the stage. According to published reports, while scheduled to read extracts from his 1945 Burma diaries, Mr Abbas, originally from Lucknow in India, paused his prepared remarks to address the monarch directly.

"I make no apologies for briefly going off the script to salute my brave King, who is here with his beloved Queen in spite of the fact that he is under treatment for cancer," the centenarian declared.

Camilla looked at her husband sitting next to her and wiped away a tear. The crowd of around 1,500 guests erupted in applause.

Mr Abbas, who has battled cancer, added that he hoped his own 25-year remission from the disease would bring "comfort" to the King, offering a shared understanding of the health challenges faced.

He added: "I salute him for gracing this occasion, because by his presence here, he has gone a long way to make sure that his grandad’s Fourteenth Army is never given the sobriquet again of ‘the forgotten army’."

The ceremony was hosted by actress Celia Imrie and featured readings by actor Robert Lindsay and veterans, as well as musical performances from the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, Jennifer Pike and the Royal Corps of Signals Pipes and Drums. Ahead of the service, the King, in a pre-recorded audio address to the nation, vowed that the sacrifice of heroes who fought and died in the campaigns "shall never be forgotten".

He said: "Please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity’s darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity – a beacon that honors our past and guides our future."

Lee Marvin

The King and Queen were joined by the prime minister and Lady Victoria Starmer, as they met some 30 veterans who served in east Asia during the Second World War for the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, accompanied by their families and carers.

Servicemen who returned home forever changed included many who achieved performing arts greatness.

Lee Marvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in August 1942. He served with the 4th Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during World War II. In total, he took part in the invasions of 21 islands and was wounded and nearly died as a result during the Battle of Saipan, an engagement in which most of his unit was killed. He was a sniper and would be sent in during the night in a small rubber boat, prior to the rest of his platoon. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, and spent 13 months in therapy recovering from them and received a medical discharge. His wartime experiences deeply affected him for the remainder of his life. Marvin's military decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Returning to the United States it was while working as a plumbers apprentice, repairing a toilet at a local community theater, that he was asked to stand in for an actor who had fallen ill during rehearsals. He immediately caught the acting bug.

Clark Gable

Jason Robards joined the US Navy, serving as a radioman 3rd class aboard the USS Northampton in 1941, which was sunk by Japanese torpedoes while Robards was aboard. He later served aboard the USS Nashville during the invasion of Mindoro in the Philippines. Paul Newman joined the US Navy after completing high school in 1943 and served as a radio operator and turret gunner on aircraft carriers in the Pacific theatre. He also trained replacement combat pilots and air crewmen.

Clark Gable served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a waist gunner and in a reconnaissance role, participating in combat missions in Europe and the Pacific, risking his life in these dangerous assignments.

William Wyler, a prominent Hollywood director, served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a pilot and director of combat films during the war, including in the Pacific theater, where he filmed the documentary "The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress". With the rank of Lieutenant Colonel his awards included a Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

In civilian life he holds the record of twelve nominations for the Academy Award for Best Director. For his oeuvre of work, Wyler was awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award.

Sterling Hayden, a former model and actor, served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and in the U.S. Maritime Service during the war, with his activities taking him to the Pacific.

With peace talks taking place this week it is hoped we have learned from the past.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

MUSEUMS HONOR JANE AUSTEN'S 250th BIRTHDAY Inside the Museum Celebrations Honoring Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Exhibitions around the world are exploring Austen's legacy, through items ranging from 18th century documents to the iconic 20th century film "Clueless."

Jane Austen was an English novelist known for her witty social commentary and ironic use of free indirect speech. Her six novels, originally published anonymously, critique and interpret the lives of the English landed gentry in the late 18th century. Austen's plots often explore how women relied on marriage for economic security and social standing.

One of the undisputed greats of English literature, the celebrated novels of Jane Austen, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma", have continued to resonate with new generations. The English writer’s six classics put the experiences of women front and center in narratives that are governed by the strict social and moral codes of Regency-era England. Yet, despite its specific context, Austen’s wit and incisive observations about human nature have seen her work continually re-read and readapted for film, theatre, and television.

This summer, Austen is the subject of several transatlantic museum exhibitions marking 250 years since her birth, in 1775. As well as spotlighting the novelist’s now iconic characters and storylines, these shows aim to reveal new sides to her masterpieces and bring together an array of art and memorabilia that is testament to their enduring popularity.

The Morgan Library and Museum in New York City is making full use of its rich collection of Austen’s correspondence and manuscripts, begun by J.P. Morgan’s son Jack in the 1920s, to stage "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250." The landmark survey, which also includes additional loans from 15 institutions, traces Austen’s story from her earliest attempts to establish herself to her eventual international renown, focusing on her cultural impact in North America. It is on view through September 14., 2025.

Celebrations in the U.K., meanwhile, are largely concentrated in Austen’s home county of Hampshire, to the south-west of London. These range from a Regency Ball in Winchester on August 16 to the exhibition "Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels,"which reveals the lives of everyday women in Georgian Hampshire and tours the region until February 2026. At Jane Austen’s House, the cottage where she lived in the small village of Chawton, "Austenmania!" is a tribute to her enduring appeal across screens big and small. It runs through January 4, 2026.

Jane Austen Festival participants play croquet. Photo: Jane Austen Festival

Bath, England where Austen called home from 1801 to 1806, was a thriving spa resort, popular with fashionable society. Several large scale Austen events take place annually and this year is no exception.

Even in Austen’s lifetime, her impact would reach far beyond the quaint villages she called home. The Morgan exhibition includes four of the first U.S. editions of Emma, which was printed in Philadelphia in 1816, a year before Austen’s death. The influence of Austen’s most famous lines is demonstrated by the inclusion of Amy Sherald’s 2019 painting "A Single Man in Possession of a Good Fortune", the title of which quotes the Pride and Prejudice opener.

The exhibition also revels in one lesser aspect of Austen’s creative output, that of her elegant sense of style. It will include fashion plates, a turquoise ring, and a reproduction of her silk pelisse coat, featuring an oak leaf motif pattern in yellow over gold ground. The 1814 original is currently on view until October 20 at City Museum in Winchester, England where visitors can also see two of the novelist’s purses and her personalized ivory spool case.

Austen’s books pull the viewer into high society in late Georgian England, revealing its charms while offering a wry commentary on its social conventions. But what about Austen herself? Visitors to “A Lively Mind” at the Morgan will learn how the writer was supported in her ambitions by her family but still needed perseverance to defy the limiting gender expectations of her day. A sense of her character shines through from letters to her older sister Cassandra while contemporary artworks build up and image of her world.

In the 20th century, Austen’s legacy multiplied across new media, most notably film and television. This was never more true than in 1995, a year that saw four beloved Austen adaptations that remain fan favorites to this day. The BBC’s Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth, the same broadcaster’s Persuasion, the feature film Sense and Sensibility, starring Emma Thompson, and Emma-inspired chick flick Clueless! are all the subject of “Austenmania!” Viewers can marvel over scripts, production notes, press cuttings, and merch, either in person or online.

Austen’s many female protagonists, from the Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice to Emma Woodhouse of Emma, Anne Elliot in Persuasion, and Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey, have won the hearts of millions of readers. But what about the women in the background? The centerpiece of the Hampshire Cultural Trust’s program of events is the exhibition "Beyond the Bonnets," on view at the Gallery at the Arc in Winchester through November 2. It tours to the Willis Museum in nearby Basingstoke from November 12 until February 22, 2026.

The exhibition brings together audio vignettes from the novels, extracts from Austen’s letters to her sister Cassandra, newspaper clippings, and 65 archival domestic objects to spotlight some of the novel’s more minor characters, including business owners and women in service roles like housekeepers and governesses. Their stories–and those of real women who the Austens encountered in day-to-day life–offer a glimpse into the precarious reality of making a living for the many women who were not born into England’s upper classes.

Examples of these real, everyday women who visitors will encounter include Mrs. Mary Martin of Basingstoke, who ran a local public inn and later a draper’s shop, and Ann Freeman of Alresford, who supported herself after her husband’s death through a successful glazing business.

"The exhibition brings together a multitude of Hampshire voices–Austen’s distinctive and wry voice, the voices of individual working women from all around her and the echoes of their lives found in collections and archives," said "Beyond the Bonnets" curator Kathleen Palmer. "Visitors will discover unexpected and rich real-life histories of Georgian Hampshire in parallel with enjoying the acute observation of Austen’s own words."

"A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250" is on view at the Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, through September 14, 2025.

"Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels" is on view at the Gallery at the Arc, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB, United Kingdom, through November 2, 2025; and at the Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD, United Kingdom, November 12, 2025–February 22, 2026.

The Jane Austen Society of North America is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writing. JASNA is a nonprofit organization, staffed by volunteers, whose mission is to foster among the widest number of readers the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen’s works, her life, and her genius. " We have over 5,000 members of all ages and from diverse walks of life. Although most live in the United States or Canada, we also have members in more than a dozen other countries."

The group will be a major presence August 23 at the San Diego Region: KPBS Festival of Books in San Diego, CA.

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SPREADING THE WORD

ACADEMY ICONS: DARYL ROTH WITH ANNA DEAVERE SMITH Featuring a rare and intimate conversation between Guild Hall Academy of the Arts member Daryl Roth, 13-time Tony Award-winning producer of "Kinky Boots, The Normal Heart, Proof," and more, and Anna Deavere Smith, acclaimed actor and playwright (Twilight: Los Angeles, Notes from the Field, The West Wing, Nurse Jackie).

The two friends will delve into how theater drives social awareness, fosters empathy, and pushes boundaries at the crossroads of art and activism. Sure to be a fascinating and enlightening conversation between two theatrical icons.

Thursday, August 28 at Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY.

A NEW CAST OF ACTORS to voice the iconic roles in Pottermore Publishing and Audible upcoming audiobook productions of the complete Harry Potter series have been announced.

Hugh Laurie will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, while Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen will voice Lord Voldemort. Riz Ahmed has been cast as Professor Snape, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, and The Good Wife’s Cush Jumbo as the narrator. Additionally, two groups of young actors will voice the main trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione across the seven audiobooks. Frankie Treadaway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will play the characters in the first three books, while Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will take over the roles in books four through seven. (Arabella Stanton will also portray Hermione in the upcoming HBO TV series.) The new audiobook productions will feature over 200 actors and “immersive audio entertainment” with Dolby Atmos.

RICH LITTLE Having broken the record for the longest running one man show in Las Vegas, with 8 years on an original 12 week contract at the former Tropicana’s Laugh Factory, Rich Little has revamped the new show and opening in his new home at the Tuscany Suites and Casino’s Copa Show Room in Sin City. The new show features interactive clips from his own appearances on "The Judy Garland Show,” “The Hollywood Squares," "The Julie Andrews Show,” "The Tonight Show," "The Lucy Show," and more. In addition, Little has added an aspect of animation technology using his own original artwork depicting friends and colleagues such as Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, George Burns, John Wayne, and Sylvester Stallone. “In a city built on legends, Rich Little is royalty,” said Grayson McNees, General Manager of Tuscany Suites & Casino. “His unmatched talent and timeless humor are the perfect fit for our iconic Copa Showroom, right alongside The Rat Pack Is Back. It’s classic Vegas entertainment at its best, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this legendary residency for years to come.” More than just a biographical one man program, Rich Little uses his unique and legendary skills as one of the most famous impersonators in the world, for this in-depth and humorous view of the relationships he has formed, and interesting people he's met and, in most cases, impersonated. A revealing look at the many quirks and personalities of celebrities, as well as U.S. Presidents (From Kennedy to Biden).

In addition to Rich Little’s numerous entertainment accomplishments, he continues his support of the men and women of the US Armed Forces and it's Veterans, as well as first responders with his recently re-released edition of “People I’ve Known And Been,” benefitting the Gary Sinise Foundation.

RICHARD SKIPPER returns to The Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City on August 22, 2025 for an encore of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (But Were Afraid to Ask) where Richard tells tales about himself and others. A high profile gossip fest where you can feel people's ears burning.

OPEN FIST THEATRE COMPANY presents its annual First Look Festival featuring staged readings of four new plays over the course of two weekends, plus a third Fresh Look Weekend offering new perspectives on two classics.

Friday, August 22-23 "sistahs thr3e", written by Hutchins Foster and Michael A. Shepperd, directed by Michael A. Shepperd This new adaptation of The Three Sisters views Chekhov’s iconic play through the lens of a Black American family. In 1960s Detroit, the Pettigrew sisters find themselves trapped in the same cycle of deferred dreams that befell their Russian counterparts. Can they break free and inhabit the lives they were meant to live? Featuring original music evocative of Motown.

Saturday, August 23-24 it's "Dead People’s Dishes", written by Jennie Webb, directed by Margaret Starbuck Made up of stories which move through Los Angeles history to look at how we survive the trauma of fires, floods, earthquakes, riots, wars, health crises, environmental disasters and personal tragedies over and over again, Dead People’s Dishes explores what we hang onto, what we let go of, and the weight of our losses.

Friday, August 29-30: "The Bear Republic", written by Tom Jacobson, directed by Michael Michetti. In 1846, California was declared an independent nation — spawning a ballad, a winery and a legend. In 1939, Hollywood tried to make this true story into a movie — but filmed a tragedy instead. Could it happen again? Should it? An epic with a ghost, a grizzly and lots of horses.

Saturday, August 30- 31: "A Grain of Truth", written by Anne Kenney, directed by Lane Allison. When Rachel Osborn, the almost fiancée, and Tita Hernandez, the trusted long-term employee, find themselves sparring over who is the rightful lady of James Winslow's house, each comes face to face with how far she's willing to go to secure her future -- Lie? Cheat? Kill?

Friday, September 5 and 7th: "The Lion in Winter", written by James Goldman, directed by James Fowler James Goldman’s razor-sharp exploration of power, legacy and family dysfunction may be set against the backdrop of medieval Europe — but its themes speak directly to the political maneuvering and personal ambition that shape our world today.

Saturday, September 6. "Romeo and Juliet: Love Knows No Age", written by William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Christian Lebano. Shakespeare’s timeless tale of lovers caught between their families and their love gets a new twist: Romeo and Juliet are in their 70s and living in Verona Village.

All events at Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles.

WHITE HOUSE NEEDS DECORATING HELP AND ENTERTAINERS

Have you always had a desire to decorate the white house? Or, a craving to perform there? Now is your big opportunity.

First Lady Melania Trump has opened applications for White House Christmas decorators and performers. Applications are due by September 5th.

Christmas planning is underway at the White House, and President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are excited to continue the cherished tradition of welcoming volunteers to help celebrate the holiday season at the People’s House.

Americans from every U.S. state and territory are invited to apply for the opportunity to assist with decorating at the White House or showcase their talents as a performer at the holiday open houses.

The deadline to submit a volunteer application is Friday, September 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET. Selected applicants will be notified by Monday, October 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET. Please note that all selected volunteers are responsible for their individual travel, accommodations, and personal expenses.

Those interested in volunteering to decorate the White House ahead of the Christmas Season should note that any individual applying to volunteer at the White House must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Each person must apply individually; group applications cannot be accepted. Decorating will take place during the week of Monday, November 24 through Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Performers and musical groups including school bands, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to perform during the holiday open houses during the month of December.

Please direct any questions to Volunteers@who.eop.gov

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JOB WELL DONE . . . .

The Old Globe in San Diego, California has announced the retirement of Audrey S. Geisel Managing Director Timothy J. Shields.

Shields will retire in 2026, concluding a remarkable career in nonprofit regional theatre spanning 47 years. A national search for his successor will be launched, led by The Old Globe’s Board of Directors.

Shields has served as Managing Director of The Old Globe since 2017. The Globe’s creative output during his tenure included over 100 productions. Three transferred to Broadway, joining a legacy of 27 Globe-originated shows that have made the leap from San Diego to New York. He also led the institution through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the organization’s resilience and long-term vitality.

Reflecting on his time at the Globe, Shields shared, "My time at The Old Globe is the absolute highlight of my professional life and a fitting capstone to a career built on the belief that communities thrive when world-class theatre is accessible to all. I am deeply grateful to the incredible team at the Globe—so many of whom work tirelessly behind the scenes—and for the many kindnesses I’ve experienced throughout my time here. I especially want to recognize Barry Edelstein, the Globe’s Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director, whose warmth, vision, and partnership have made this journey so meaningful. There is no better artistic director anywhere, and collaborating with him has been a profound privilege. While I will miss many aspects of the job, I’ll miss none more than the daily connection with Barry. The Old Globe is in an exceptional position, and I can’t wait to see what comes next."

Shields’ legacy in American non-profit regional theatre includes leadership roles at four prominent institutions: Geva Theatre Center (Rochester, NY), Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Milwaukee, WI), McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton, NJ), and The Old Globe. He holds a degree in theatre production from Carnegie Mellon University and launched his career following an internship at Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, with early career positions at the Denver Center Theatre Company, the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis, and McCarter Theatre.

Throughout his career, Shields has been a committed advocate for the theatre field and his communities. He served as president and board member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), vice president and board member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), co-founder and president of a statewide theatre advocacy organizations in Wisconsin, a board member and president of New Jersey’s arts advocacy organization, and a board member of the Latino Arts Board in Milwaukee. In San Diego, he has served on the boards of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, LEAD San Diego, and as an associate board member of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.



PRESIDENT TRUMP has announced the nominees for the Kennedy Center Honors as well as disclosing that he had picked each one and will serve as host for the induction ceremony.

The honorees are:

George Strait. Beloved by millions, Strait has become known the world over as the unambiguous "King of Country." Over his extraordinary four-decade career, he has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, amassed 60 number-one hits, and produced 33 platinum-certified albums — more than any other living American. He is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for more than three decades. Offstage, Strait’s philanthropy has raised tens of millions of dollars for military and children’s causes, including through the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation to preserve the memory of his daughter and by presenting 127 mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans through the Military Warriors Support Foundation.

Michael Crawford. An actor, singer, philanthropist, and star of the Broadway stage, Crawford made his Broadway debut in 1967 and became an international sensation for his original portrayal of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s The Phantom of the Opera — earning him the esteemed Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Crawford’s generational talent defined one of the greatest Broadway roles of all time.

Sylvester Stallone. A three-time Oscar nominee, Golden Globe Award winner, and action movie icon, Stallone is a legend of the silver screen. From "Rocky" to "Rambo" and "Cobra" to "Creed," his films have grossed more than $7.5 billion worldwide over the course of his six-decade career. He is a pillar of American pop culture and a Hollywood superstar like no other whose films have inspired audiences worldwide with their portrayals of perseverance and triumph against the odds.

Gloria Gaynor. Among the most revered singers of the American disco era, Gaynor’s chart-topping 1978 hit "I Will Survive" earned her the 1980 Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording — with her song inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2016. Four decades later, Gloria won a second Grammy in 2020 for her gospel album "Testimony" — a historic achievement.

KISS. Among the greatest rock bands of all time, KISS was formed in New York City in 1973 by founding members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. The band would go on to become a global phenomenon, selling more than 100 million records worldwide, producing 30 gold albums — the most ever by an American band — and earning an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

These heroes of arts and culture will be celebrated at the annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala in December.



TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare.

Directed by The Public’s Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director, Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali.

Revel in the midsummer madness as twins Sebastian and Viola survive shipwreck, revenge plots, and the trick doors of love in this joyful romp.

The cast includes: Dario Alvarez ensemble/Understudy Curio Antonio. John Ellison Conlee as Sir Toby Belch. Khris Davis as Orsino. Peter Dinklage as Malvolio. Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Andrew Aguecheek. Jaina Rose Jallow ensemble. Ariyan Kassam curio/Understudy Sir Toby. Valentino Musumeci ensemble/Understudy Andrew Aguecheek, Fabian. Junior Nyong'o as Sebastian. Lupita Nyong’o as Viola. Sandra Oh as Olivia. Precious Omigie ensemble/Understudy Antonio. Chinna Palmer ensemble/ Understudy Viola/ Dance Captain. Nathan M. Ramsey ensemble/ Understudy Orsino/ Fight Captain. Daphne Rubin-Vega as Maria. Jasmine Sharma ensemble/Understudy Olivia. Moses Sumney as Feste. Kapil Talwalkar as Fabian. Joe Tapper Sea Captain/ Priest/Understudy Malvolio. Julian Tushabe ensemble/Understudy Priest/Sea Captain. Adrian Villegas ensemble. Ada Westfall ensemble/Understudy Feste. Mia Wurgaft ensemble/Understudy Maria.

The creatives are: Maruti Evans Scenic Design -- Oana Botez Costume Design - - Bradley King Lighting Design - - Palmer Hefferan Co-Sound Design - - Kai Harada Co-Sound Design - - Michael Thurber Composer/Orchestrations/Music Director - - Krystal Balleza Hair, Wigs, and Make-up Design - - Claire M. Kavanah Prop Manager - - Thomas Schall Fight Director - - Darrell Grand Moultrie Choreographer - - Karishma Bhagani Swahili Dialect Coach - - Sasha Bartol Music Supervisor - - Tia Allen Music Contractor - - Julie Congress & Andrew Wade Voice & Text Coaches - - Christopher Bayes Clowning Coach - - Deborah Lapidus Singing Coach - - Buzz Cohen Production Stage Manager - - Jessie Moore Stage Manager - - Luisa Sánchez Colón Stage Manager. Custom Suits and Menswear Provided by Brooks Brothers.

Performances through September 14, 2025 at the revitalized Delacorte Theater.

Free Shakespeare in the Park is part of The Public’s annual summer celebration of Shakespeare for the City. Free. For All. Forever.

The venue acknowledges the land on which The Public and its theaters stand is the original homeland of the Lenape people.

DECEIVED West Coast premiere by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson. Adapted from "Gaslight" by Patrick Hamilton.

Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg.

Bella Manningham’s new husband seems the doting partner, but when she sees the gaslights dim and he claims they have not, she begins to suspect the strange occurrences aren’t just in her head. This exhilarating new adaptation of the beloved mystery blows the dust off a classic.

The cast includes Brittany Bellizeare as Bella, Maggie Carney as Elizabeth, Kennedy Tolson as Nancy, and Travis Van Winkle as Jack.

Understudies include Morgan Carberry (u/s Elizabeth), Liliana Talwatte (u/s Bella and Nancy), and Justin Lang (u/s Jack).

Also joining Wright, Jamieson, and Sonnenberg as part of the creative team are Paige Hathaway (Scenic Design), Nicole Jescinth Smith (Costume Design), Bryan Ealey (Lighting Design), Fitz Patton (Sound Design and Original Music), Andrea Caban (Dialect Coach), Caparelliotis Casting (Casting), and Marie Jahelka (Production Stage Manager).

Performances through September 7, 2025, on the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

Post-Show Forum events will be held on Tuesday, August 19; Tuesday, August 26; Wednesday, August 27 (evening performance). The Open-Caption Performance is scheduled for Saturday, August 30 at 2:00 p.m.

MECHANICALLY INCLINED by Steve Ross.

Directed by Jamie Willims.

A witty, heartfelt look at the mess, magic, and meaning of making theatre. Abby Taylor is directing a community theatre production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a cast of colorful misfits, everyday people who have a shared passion they try to escape to from their complicated lives. As rehearsals progress, Abby quickly discovers more drama outside the rehearsal hall than in it, with personality clashes, life struggles, and creative differences.

Mechanically Inclined stars Brad Austin as Terry Finn, Shauna Black as Abby Taylor, Ben Skipper as Ben Flatley, Pierre Simpson as Robert Browning, Chris Vergara as Jacob Moynihan, and Blair Williams as Mason Adams.

The creatives are: Beckie Morris (Set Designer), Alex Amini (Costume Designer), and Stacy Graham (Lighting Designer). Michael Panich is the Stage Manager and Sarah Flanigan is the Apprentice Stage Manager.

Mechanically Inclined by Steve Ross has performances through August 24, at the Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, St. Catharines in Canada.

LADY PATRIOT a play written and directed by Ted Lange.

The inner sanctum of Confederate president Jefferson Davis has been breached. Information is leaking to the enemy. Who is the spy? No one is privy to this information except Jeffersons advisors, and they are beyond repute. Based on a true story, Lady Patriot reveals an intimate look into the prejudices and patriotism of three ladies who lived during the Civil War: Varina Davis, Elizabeth Van Lew, and Mary Bowser. Lady Patriot combines Langes signature comedy and drama as it peels away traditional stereotypes prevalent in the South during the Confederacy.

"Reading a book on the life of Elizabeth Van Lew, I happened upon the contribution of black slave, Mary Bowser, as a Union spy," says Ted Lange. "I added into the mix the plight of the confederate first lady, Varina Davis. I soon realized I had a story about the patriotism of three different schools of thought. I delight in working with my "Love Boat" cast mates Jill and Fred. We have artistic chemistry and it is fun to see our love of theatre blossom on stage."

Lange will direct two of his co-stars from "The Love Boat," Fred Grandy and Jill Whelan, in an ensemble that also features Josie DiVincenzo, Gordon Goodman, Chrystee Pharris, Derek Powell and Count Stovall.

"Lady Patriot" features scenic and lighting design by Paul Jonathan Davis; and sound design by Will Mahood; and costume design by Andrew Burns. Roxedge Entertainment is General Manager, and Catrina Kopell is Production Stage Manager.

"Lady Patriot" will play a limited, 12-performance engagement, September 6 - 20, at Theatre Row in New York City. The official opening night is September 9.

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FINAL OVATION

GLORYA KAUFMAN a visionary philanthropist and tireless advocate for dance died August 5, 2025 .

During the course of her life, she transformed cultural institutions, uplifted underserved communities and opened doors for generations of dancers and students.

In the early 1950s, Glorya married Donald Bruce Kaufman, cofounder of Kaufman & Broad Building Company (now KB Home). After Donald and their son-in-law Eyal Horwitz's tragic deaths in a 1983 plane crash, Glorya established the Glorya Kaufman Foundation. Her first major gift honored Donald's passion for reading and community development: the Donald Bruce Kaufman Branch Library in Brentwood, which quickly became one of the busiest and most beloved public libraries in Los Angeles.

Glorya soon committed herself to advancing education and dance. She funded scholarships, outreach programs and pediatric eye clinics that restored both vision and confidence to countless children.

Her name became synonymous with the elevation of dance on both coasts. In 1999, a donation to UCLA transformed the women's gym into Glorya Kaufman Hall, a dedicated space with six rehearsal studios and a black-box theater. A decade later, her gift to the Los Angeles Music Center launched Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance, bringing world-class performances to broad and diverse audiences. She endowed perpetual scholarships for The Ailey School and funded Ailey Camp, enabling Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater free dance instruction to underserved youth across the country. She also created a glass-walled studio for Juilliard overlooking Broadway, nurturing young artists in the heart of New York City.

In 2011, her transformative gift to the University of Southern California established the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. The 54,000-square-foot International Dance Center welcomed its first Bachelor of Fine Arts class in 2015 and quickly earned national acclaim for its innovative, cross-disciplinary curriculum. Glorya joined the USC Board of Trustees in 2012 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2013, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in dance education and patronage.

Yet her philanthropy extended beyond dance. She supported the expansion of the Mar Vista Family Center, providing arts programming and critical services for low-income mothers and children. In 2019, she transformed the historic synagogue at Vista Del Mar into a state-of-the-art, 300-seat theater with dedicated dance and movement classrooms for children with developmental disabilities. In Culver City, she established the Glorya Kaufman Community Center - a 7,500-square-foot hub offering free access to the arts, educational programs and nonprofit collaboration.

Glorya is survived by her four children: Laura, Gayl, Curtis and Zuade; her 10 grandchildren; and her 13 great-grandchildren.

Next Column: August 24, 2025
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Laura Deni