Act II: American Racial History Plays in London By BEN BRANTLEY

London theater has returned to tackling period pieces, especially vintage works by and/or about African-Americans, on their own terms.

Seven Characters Not in Search of a Director By ADA CALHOUN

An obscure collective called the National Theater of the United States of America has stealthily become one of the most exciting and eccentric young theater companies in New York.

DIRECTIONS
Did Someone Say Good Grief? By ROBERT SIMONSON

This play isn't inspired by a comic strip. No sir. Got that, lawyers?

Decades of Polishing Up the Handle By DINITIA SMITH

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, a phenomenon of the Upper West Side of the 1970's, is ready to welcome in 2006.

In Israel, Where Art Imitates Messy Life By LISA ALCALAY KLUG

Palestinians and Jews come together to address the Middle Eastern conflict in a play that will make its debut at an Israeli kibbutz on Saturday evening.

Listen. Learn. Then lead. By Jan Breslauer

As a playwright, Erik Ehn is about as unconventional as they come. He brings a similar spirit to his job as CalArts' theater school dean.

When Pinter should have paused for effect By James C. Taylor

PERSPECTIVE: Dishing off a rambling recorded rant for his Nobel recognition, the ailing writer misses a chance to say so much more.

It's springtime for Ponderosa High grad in "The Producers" film By John Moore

MARQUEE VALUE: Ring of Fire at the Ethel Barrymore

Musical Highlights of 2005 by Ken Mandelbaum

The Siegel Column

Mark Ruffalo is quietly impressive in Rumor Has It. Plus: Barbara & Scott on This Way That Way and Baby Jane Dexter at Helen's.

Christopher d'Amboise's The Studio to Debut at South Coast Rep.

Ben Widdicombe's Gatecrasher

It looks like the wheels have fallen off Jennifer Lopez's planned star vehicle, a flashy film musical version of "Carmen."

Obituary: Roy Stuart - Actor, comedian

Roy Stuart's Broadway Credits

Marjorie Kellogg, 83, Writer of 'Junie Moon' and Movies, Dies By WOLFGANG SAXON

Marjorie Kellogg poured her personal experiences into the best-selling book "Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon," a story of three disabled people keeping house together.

Henry Krieger to Speak Following January 10 Performance of Dreamgirls at Prince Music Theatre

Orchestral Theatre Piece Edison Invents May Be Expanded for Musical Stage

Les Miz, Bombay Dreams Stars Become The People Next Door for Yale Rep

Salute to Record-Breaking Phantom on "Radio Playbill" Dec. 31-Jan. 8

Suburb, the Award-Winning Musical Comedy, Finally Gets a CD — and a Licensing Deal

Today In Theatre History: DECEMBER 31

Last Course: Five Course Love Serves Final Meal Dec. 31

Auto Pilot: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Away Dec. 31

This Wayto the Exit: New Vaudeville Show Closes Dec. 31

Orson No Longer Casts Its Shadow at Barrow Street After Dec. 31

Latinologues Closes on Broadway Dec. 31

Last Dance: Christina Applegate Sweet Charity Ends Broadway Run Dec. 31

Schiller and Ibsen Unexpected Champs of 2005 London Theatre Scene

Harold Prince-Alfred Uhry Musical Love Music to Have Tryout in 2006

Abigail's Party Extends Off-Broadway Again; Displaces Upcoming Music Teacher

Abigail's Party Extends Again; New Group Shifts Shawns' Teacher to Minetta Lane

Broadway booms