Lee Ann Payne News

Palo Alto Players continues its 2017-18 Season with THE LARAMIE PROJECT, the powerful drama originally developed by Mois s Kaufman and members of Tectonic Theater Project in the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student at the University of Wyoming. The play chronicles the reactions of the town of Laramie, Wyoming in the year after the murder, bringing to life the real people who lived at the epicenter of one of the nation's most heart-wrenching anti-gay hate crimes. THE LARAMIE PROJECT is directed by Lee Ann Payne and features a cast of eight local Bay Area actors, portraying more than sixty characters on stage. THE LARAMIE PROJECT runs January 19 - February 4 at the Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For information or tickets, visit paplayers.org or call 650.329.0891.

Coming off the success of its attendance record-setting production of The Crucible, Los Altos Stage Company is ringing in the holidays with a beloved blast from the past in The 1940s Radio Hour.

Coming off the success of its attendance record-setting production of The Crucible, Los Altos Stage Company is ringing in the holidays with a beloved blast from the past in The 1940s Radio Hour.

San Francisco Playhouse (Bill English, Artistic Director; Susi Damilano, Producing Director) complete their fourteenth season of transformation with the rollicking musical La Cage aux Folles, featuring the bawdy humor of Harvey Fierstein and the melodic genius of Jerry Herman.

No, No, Nanette is musical theatre's equivalent to the perfect glass of champagne. It sparkles, tickles your taste buds, and you can't get enough of it.   San Francisco's acclaimed 42nd Street Moon has announced the tap spectacular No, No, Nanette to close their 24th season.

After a 2016-2017 season filled with iconic American stories and Theatre Bay Area Recommended Productions, Los Altos Stage Company is pleased to announce its 2017-2018 season of plays and musicals, continuing its proud tradition of presenting bold, entertaining, and thought-provoking theater.

Los Altos Stage Company's 21st season opens with arguably one of the most controversial Broadway musicals ever written. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, Assassins opens September 2 (preview performance on September 1) and runs through September 25, 2016 at the Bus Barn Theater in Los Altos.

The audiences have warmed up to THE SNOW QUEEN, a rousing new musical in The New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF). Photos from the New York City premiere at the Alice Griffin theater tell the wondrous and fantastical story.

A new musical THE SNOW QUEEN is icing up New York City for their opening tomorrow 7/14 in The New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF). The Snow Queen had its World Premiere at the San Jose Rep in 2013 and today will have their New York City Premiere at the Alice Griffin theater.

The cast of THE SNOW QUEEN recently flew into Fox 5 New York to heat up for The New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) with a performance of the musical's hit tune 'Flying!' Watch the interview and performance below!

The Snow Queen will have its New York premiere this summer as part of The New York Music Theatre Festival (NYMF), celebrating its 11th Anniversary Season. With a book by Kirsten Brandt & Rick Lombardo, music byHaddon Kime, lyrics by Kirsten Brandt, Haddon Kime and Rick Lombardo, with additional music by Rick Lombardo, this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure will be presented in The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street - between 9th & 10th Aves.). Directed by Mr. Lombardo, performances will begin on July 14th and continue through July 20th.

San Jose Rep Theatre presents a World Premiere, Musical adaptation of THE SNOW QUEEN, Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure. As you follow Gerda's journey through an unimaginably dangerous and whimsical world with singing flowers, a chattering crow and a talking river to save her friend, Kai, you'll realize this isn't your average bedtime story. An original pop rock score that propels a legend suffused with urban steam punk flair and the enigmatic Snow Queen, turn this traditional fairy tale into an epic quest. Check out a first look at the production below!

Not a typical Broadway musical, San Jose Repertory Theatre's world premiere of "The Snow Queen" is a unique experience. The Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale does not lend itself naturally to stage. Without its country-twanged score, San Jose's production could pass as a mere children's play. But the final product proves itself so much more. Although it takes time for the characters to pull their audience into the journey, the production's multitalented cast, raw sound and layered themes make it a musical to discuss and digest well after the ensemble bows.

San Jose Rep Theatre presents a World Premiere, Musical adaptation of THE SNOW QUEEN, Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical coming-of-age adventure. As you follow Gerda's journey through an unimaginably dangerous and whimsical world with singing flowers, a chattering crow and a talking river to save her friend, Kai, you'll realize this isn't your average bedtime story. An original pop rock score that propels a legend suffused with urban steam punk flair and the enigmatic Snow Queen, turn this traditional fairy tale into an epic quest.

Continuing its 21st season, 42nd Street Moon unwraps a holiday treat for the whole family, SNOOPY!!!, with Music by Larry Grossman, Lyrics by Hal Hackady and Book by Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. Directed by Lee Ann Payne, the show will run November 27 - December 15, 2013. Meet the cast below!

It's fitting that Stephen Sondheim wrote "A Little Night Music" as one grand waltz. When Hillbarn Theatre's production of the musical opens, a semi-narrating chorus dances in the waltz and foreshadow the characters and events about to unfold. A young girl observes their dance, following her grandmother's advice to watch the sky for its smiles. We, too, will soon smile at the follies of mankind. We will join the girl, a lively maid and a conservative student as they perceive and comment on those dancing around them.

42nd Street Moon's NYMPH ERRANT opens tonight.

42nd Street Moon's first production of 2011-12, its nineteenth season begins in previews tonight.

42nd Street Moon today announced casting for the first production of 2011-12, its nineteenth season.

The Cold War turns hot in Cole Porter's final Broadway musical SILK STOCKINGS, a sly and sophisticated musical version of the classic film Ninotchka, to be presented by 42nd Street Moon. The show will closes May 22 at the Eureka Theatre.