Pat Cerasaro - Page 187

Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh has revealed in a new interview with Vulture.com that he plans on pursuing theater work following his impending retirement with the release of this week's new feature film SIDE EFFECTS and the forthcoming HBO Liberace biopic BEHIND THE CANDELABRA finished and in the can, ready to premiere later this year.

THE PERFECT AMERICAN, a two-act opera with prologue by renowned opera, film and experimental composer Philip Glass is now available to view in full as presented by medici.tv

International rock sensation Muse released their next music video from the platinum-selling THE 2ND LAW today, with the grandiose and epic visualization for 'Supremacy'. 'Supremacy' will follow the Grammy Award-nominated 'Madness' and the 2012 Olympics theme, 'Survival', as a single from the super-successful album when it is officially released along with the video on February 25. It is available to watch on NME's site only until them.

Willow Smith, the 'Whip My Hair' tween hitmaker daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, has withdrawn from the forthcoming feature film remake of ANNIE. Charles Strouse, Thomas Meehan and Martin Charnin's Tony Award-winning stage musical ANNIE has previously been filmed twice, the first time in 1982 with John Huston in the director's chair and later in a made-for-TV adaptation produced by Disney and helmed by CHICAGO director Rob Marshall in 1999.

The new BBC2 period drama series DANCING ON THE EDGE premiered this week, kicking off with a splashy two-hour premiere, with a second episode following it up to generally strong reviews (ratings are not in). The 1930s-set, music-heavy jazz age series stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Goodman, Matthew Goode and Janet Montgomery and was created by Stephen Poliakoff.

NBC's hit musical drama series SMASH had its Season Two premiere last night and new castmember Jeremy Jordan (Jimmy Collins) has already scored a coup for the show with scoring a slot on the iTunes Top 100 chart with his passionate recording of the original Joe Iconis song 'Broadway, Here I Come'. The full iTunes chart is available here. Unlike the other musical TV series of the moment, GLEE, SMASH songs have rarely had a prominent place on the iTunes charts, so this early hit portends well for the contemporary original material being created for the show in Season Two by tunesmiths Joe Iconis as well as A CHRISTMAS STORY and DOGFIGHT composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Original material for BOMBSHELL and the other original musicals in SMASH beside HIT LIST is written by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman.

Once in a generation, if we are lucky, an extraordinary talent like no other arises - one who can ceaselessly, effortlessly caress the loftiest heights of comedy and drama onstage (and sometimes onscreen), while, simultaneously, imbuing musical theatre roles with the same skill set, plus a powerhouse, quintessentially unique and resplendent vocal instrument; and, of course, that indescribable 'it' factor, too - such is the tale of Broadway's grand dame, Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone is a part of that great pantheon of leading ladies of lore led by Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Angela Lansbury, Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters - that is, musical theatre royalty. Taking a look back at many moments in her long and varied career thus far, LuPone candidly opines about a vast array of topics and opens up about many of the remarkable figures who have played roles in her astounding time spent on Broadway, in Hollywood and on TV - among them: Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, Steven Spielberg, David Mamet, Ryan Murphy and many more. Most importantly, LuPone discusses various aspects of her ever-expanding new solo show upon which her sensational live album, FAR AWAY PLACES, is based - the songs, the stories, the themes, the collaborators and her future plans for the piece (such as her series of 54 Below shows coming up in February). Additionally, LuPone addresses appearing on GLEE, reflects on working with Jennifer Lopez and Jason Statham on PARKER, shares her thoughts on her favorite films of the year, expounds upon what roles she would like to pursue and teases about her concert with David Yazbek and the debut of her new Carnegie Hall concert as well as a return to London where she made her mark with her Olivier-winning original Fantine in LES MISERABLES - all of that and much, much more!

Today we are talking to a tremendously successful recording artist and performer who has won the hearts of millions with his five best-selling studio albums and chart-topping songs, as well as with his copious concert appearances and theatrical endeavors - the charming and immensely gifted Josh Groban. Analyzing all aspects of this evening's Fathom live concert event - available to view in select cities nationwide at 7:30 PM - Groban and I shine a light on what we can expect from the unprecedented concert showcase (including a live Q&A) as well as what songs culled from his vast oeuvre we can anticipate enjoying. Also, Groban opens up about the inspiration, song selection process, recording and refining of his new album, ALL THAT ECHOES, and shares stories and insights into his previous efforts, as well. Plus, Groban shares his enthusiasm for CHESS and recounts backstage stories of his participation in two legendary presentations of the iconic 1980s rock opera - including cast-mates like Idina Menzel, Kerry Ellis, Adam Pascal, Sutton Foster, Raul Esparza and many more - and reveals his desire to pursue doing the show again in the future. Additionally, Groban and I discuss his appearances on GLEE and THE OFFICE, the possibility of a Broadway show in the near future, his affection for the music of Stephen Sondheim and much, much more in this career-spanning chat!

Today, BroadwayWorld is thrilled to host the world premiere of a spectacularly sensational showstopper from the forthcoming soundtrack recording for the show-within-the-show on NBC's hit musical dramedy series SMASH, which returns at 9 PM this Tuesday, February 5 - 'Cut, Print… Moving On,' which acts as the Act One Finale, no less. The BOMBSHELL soundtrack itself - featuring show stars Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Debra Messing and Christian Borle, as well as guest stars Bernadette Peters, Will Chase and more - hits on February 12.

Last night's buck naked, buck wild episode of GLEE, 'Naked' - written and directed by series co-creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan - acted as evidence that GLEE is about more than mere surface sheen, shine and brilliantine vacuity and it owes its continued success to the its three best features - or, make that assets - the music, the message and the cast. Dressed to the nines or in the all together, as last night's case may have been, taken all together, GLEE continues to hit the high notes, touch the heart and showcase top talent. 'Naked' was one more episode in a surprisingly strong and enjoyable Season Four, albeit a bit body-conscious. Plus, the grand returns of Santana (Naya Rivera), Quinn (Dianna Agron) and Miss Pillsbury (Jayma Mays).

Today we are talking to a phenomenally talented performer who has starred in a string of contemporary musicals, ranging from replacement gigs in the Broadway productions of Elton John & Tim Rice's AIDA and Stephen Schwartz's WICKED to creating lead roles in Jim Steinman's DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES and Lin-Manuel Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS, in addition to her memorable contributions to the Laura Nyro revue, ELI'S COMIN', Off-Broadway - the one and only Mandy Gonzalez. Discussing her time spent in many of the aforementioned shows as well as her experiences inhabiting the wildly different characters within each, Gonzalez shares her infectious enthusiasm for performance and her appreciation for having participated in such landmark shows. Most importantly, Gonzalez shares stories from the heated rehearsal rooms backstage at the 24-Hour Musicals celebration and what participating in the event that would form the basis for ONE NIGHT STAND, a documentary film being released in select cities this Wednesday, January 30. Additionally, Gonzalez reflects on her new role as a mom, as well as roles she would enjoy pursuing in the future, onstage and off, as well as her own favorite shows and scores. All of that and much, much more!

Last night, GLEE made its big Winter return on FOX with Episode 11 of Season Four, titled 'Sadie Hawkins' and a virtually (and sonically) dizzyingly plot-packed and music-bedecked episode written by Ross Maxwell and directed by Bradley Buecker. New characters were introduced, romances were born and furthered and a lot of songs were sung - all in all, a GLEE just right for the midway point of the year.

With news coming late this week of a revised and reworked edition of the Cole Porter/Abe Burrows Golden Age musical CAN-CAN aiming for a reading in October and the possibility of a potential major production thereafter, now seems like a tres bien moment in time to glance back at the underappreciated charms of this alluring, Paris-set show. Plus, from Gwen Verdon, Patti LuPone, Eartha Kitt, Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Kelly Clarkson, MAD MEN's Christina Hendricks and many more, this clip collection has more than just an errant bright bulb or two to add to the already magnificent and romantic sights of the city of lights.

Today we are talking to the proud "Pope Of Trash" himself - the iconic writer/director of such seminal cinematic entries as cult classics PINK FLAMINGOS, FEMALE TROUBLE, DESPERATE LIVING, HAIRSPRAY, CRY BABY, SERIAL MOM, CECIL B. DEMENTED, A DIRTY SHAME and many more - the one and only John Waters. Packing a characteristically caustic conversation into a relatively brief time slot was no trouble for Waters, for he and I cover a wide range of topics, from his favorite 2012 films to his all-time favorite movie musicals and much more. Most importantly, Waters discusses his process in adapting the hit Tony Award-winning stage property HAIRSPRAY into concert form and what we can expect from his newly-penned narration and role as narrator in the live Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presentation of HAIRSPRAY: IN CONCERT on January 24. Additionally, Waters expounds on his experiences creating the original HAIRSPRAY film and how it compares to both its musical sister, as well as the hit 2007 feature film adaptation of it (in which he makes a cameo appearance as - what else? - "the flasher who lives next door"). Plus, Waters opens up about the plot and themes of HAIRSPRAY 2: WHITE LIPSTICK, a project he was commissioned to create a few years ago as a new film project but which is currently on hold indefinitely. All of that, filming the remarkable 2012 horror film EXCISION, memories of the recently deceased Patti Page and the unforgettable use of the Bob Merrill pop earworm "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" at the grand finale of PINK FLAMINGOS, an update on his children's film project, FRUITCAKE, as well as details about his new book and what we can expect from Waters in 2013 insofar as personal speaking engagements go - and, how Justin Bieber is the new Shirley Temple. All of that and much, much more awaits!

Today, in honor of the release of the complete Season One of NBC's hit musical drama series SMASH on DVD, we are revisiting some of the most memorable and truly tremendous musical numbers from the show so far - all available on the four-disc box set, available now - as we anticipate the grand return of the show on February 5. A look at Season Two, too!

Today we are talking to a talented writer and journalist who has penned the definitive book on the hottest UK crossover TV series of the new millennium, the early 20th century-set family period drama DOWNTON ABBEY, with her estimable new tome now available, THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA - Jessica Fellowes. Discussing many of the most alluring aspects of the hit Brit series, especially insofar as an international audience is concerned, as well as adding even more historical, political and social insight into the proceedings on the show over the course of its run so far, Fellowes and I assess many of the most arresting aspects of the three seasons of the series as well as the comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that she provides (along with Matthew Sturgis) in THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. All of that, discussion of the third season of the series which premieres in the US on PBS January 6, first news on Jessica's uncle Julian's new historical series for NBC, THE GUILDED AGE and much, much more!

Just in time for the Season Three premiere of DOWNTON ABBEY on PBS stations across the US starting this Sunday, BroadwayWorld is pleased to present two exclusive images from the spectacular fact-filled THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY by Jessica Fellowes, niece of creator Julian Fellowes.

2012 marked the passing of a number of notable entertainment icons whose influence will be felt for centuries to come, yet unquestionably one of the most pertinent people to pass on insofar as Broadway babies were concerned given his considerable contributions to musical theatre (and far, far beyond) was the one and only EGOT-plus recipient himself - that is: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony-winner; plus a spare Pulitzer Prize, in his case, as a matter of fact - legendary composer/conductor/arranger Marvin Hamlisch. And, last night, byway of PBS and Live From Lincoln Center, audiences across the country were treated to a live gala event celebrating his tremendous Broadway and Hollywood legacy - ONE SINGULAR SENSATION: CELEBRATING MARVIN HAMLISCH. Highlights of the star-studded night included SMASH Brian D'arcy James on a song he debuted in Hamlisch's short-running SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, Michael Feinstein with an emotional take on Hamlisch's self-professed favorite self-penned song, Raul Esparza and Kelli O'Hara on two obscure SWEET SMELL gems and Maria Friedman with a song from Hamlisch's forthcoming musical THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, with book and lyrics by Rupert Holmes, based on the comedic cinema classic by Jerry Lewis, with the moment of the night owing to O'Hara and McDonald joining SMASH lead Megan Hilty on a spine-tingling iteration of the stunning A CHORUS LINE trio "At The Ballet". Through the ears of Marvin, last night we were reminded that nobody did it quite like he did while remembering the way we were - and what we won't forget - while being entertained by some of the best songs of the last century offered by New York's finest performers, musicians and creative talents.

Today, in anticipation of the DVD release of NBC's hit musical drama series SMASH on January 8, BroadwayWorld is pleased to present this exclusive clip from the extensive behind-the-scenes features available on the complete Season One DVD box set! 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actor In A Musical, Christian Borle, along with SMASH executive producer and lauded theatrical producer Craig Zadan, expound upon some specifics of the hit series in this exclusive look at the bonus content present on the forthcoming DVD set. Enjoy!

Christmas Day 2012 marks the biggest and best day of the year for many Broadway babies around the world, but the anticipatory fervor has little to do with the man with the beard in red and white from the North Pole - you see, the guy in question in this equation is more apt to be seen in red and black and his origins are decidedly a bit more Gallic than Jolly Old St. Nick. The man whom I speak of is, of course, Jean Valjean, the protagonist of Victor Hugo's spellbinding 1862 historical epic LES MISERABLES, a novel which was subsequently adapted into a 1980 concert spectacular and ultimately a 1985 full-fledged stage musical, painstakingly developed through the shepherding of uber producer Cameron Mackintosh, alongside the talents responsible for breathing song into the story - original French composer/lyricist team Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil (along with Jean-Marc Natel), to whom Mackintosh added English lyricist Herbert Kretzmer (and also contributor James Fenton). Through a special partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, LES MISERABLES: THE MUSICAL premiered at the Barbican Theatre in the West End soon thereafter under the direction of Trevor Nunn and John Caird and opened to largely negative reviews, albeit ecstatic, ebullient audiences. Broadway was next, where it went on to win Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Featured Actress & Actor and even more (eight total). LES MISERABLES onstage was a hit like few others from then on and the rest, ze say, is history - or, in this case, l'histoire. Yet, on Christmas Day, the next step in the evolution of the worldwide phenomenon commonly and colloquially known as LES MIZ will occur - just days after the Mayan-predicted end of days, no less - and the movie musical adaptation of the stage show will finally become a reality, featuring an all-star cast comprised of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, among others. The time has come to hear the people sing onscreen at long, long last. But, first, how is the film?