Pat Cerasaro - Page 201

Pat Cerasaro Pat Cerasaro contributes exclusive scholarly columns including InDepth InterViews, Sound Off, Theatrical Throwback Thursdays, Flash Friday and Flash Special as well as additional special features, world premiere clips and extensive news coverage. His work for the site has appeared in The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, US Weekly, The Biography Channel, NBC and more. He also wrote and directed two sold-out 2014 BroadwayWorld charity concert events featuring all-star casts, EVERYTHING'S COMING UP BROADWAYWORLD.COM: A JULE STYNE TRIBUTE and THE LORD & THE MASTER: BROADWAYWORLD.COM SINGS THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER & STEPHEN SONDHEIM.




SPOTLIGHT ON PHANTOM 25: Interview: Sierra Boggess
September 28, 2011

Today we are talking to the leading lady of the new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 25th Anniversary At The Albert Hall - airing live in Fathom movie theaters around the world this Sunday - Christine Daae herself - Sierra Boggess! In this extensive discussion about all things PHANTOM we dissect the starring role in the biggest musical theatre sensation of all time and she illustrates her journey with the character of Christine from originating it in director Hal Prince's PHANTOM VEGAS in 2006 to inspiring the role (ten years later) in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical sequel to PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LOVE NEVER DIES, in the West End - a musical which, incidentally, is also being filmed this week (though not simulcast in movie theaters); Simon Lee's Australian production - all the way up until now - and her two starring roles on Broadway in between as, respectively, a mermaid and a student of Maria Callas - as she prepares for preserving the role in the filmed stage super-production for the ages. Additionally, Sierra and I touch on her work in THE LITTLE MERMAID and MASTER CLASS on Broadway as well as her first audition for Hal Prince, plus recollections of "instant chemistry" with LOVE NEVER DIES and PHANTOM 25 co-star and the Phantom himself, Ramin Karimloo, as well as hinting at some special surprises Sunday may very well hold in store - Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman included - and much, much more!

BRIDGING TV & THEATRE: Brooke Elliott & DROP DEAD DIVA
September 25, 2011

Tonight's the night! Just in time for the season finale of DROP DEAD DIVA on Lifetime at 9 PM, we have an exclusive, extensive conversation with the show's stupendous star, Brooke Elliott, in which we talk all about the first three seasons of the hit Lifetime dramedy as well as what we can expect from tonight's highly-anticipated finale and the just-announced fourth season of the show coming in 2012, in addition to casting a look back at her favorite moments so far, backstage stories and guest star dish. Plus, Brooke shares reminiscences of her time starring in the Broadway production of TABOO and working with Rosie O'Donnell and Raul Esparza on it and some of her aspirations for the future as well as much, much more!

WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE: GLEE Takes On WEST SIDE STORY's 'Something's Coming' With Darren Criss
WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE: GLEE Takes On WEST SIDE STORY's 'Something's Coming' With Darren Criss
September 26, 2011

Today, BroadwayWorld is beyond thrilled to present the world premiere of the newest track from Fox's hit musical dramedy series GLEE - Darren Criss, as Blaine, performing the classic Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim opening vocal number from WEST SIDE STORY, "Something's Coming"! This year's choice for McKinley High's new musical production, WEST SIDE STORY is a classic American institution known not only for its original Broadway run but also for the memorable 1961 film version that won a boatload of Oscars, including Best Picture. The Shakespeare-based musical tragedy created by Broadway's finest minds has more than its fair lion's share of unforgettable songs, as well - among them, last season's top fan-favorite, "I Feel Pretty". With "Something's Coming" Criss proves to be the ideal Tony, too. A match made in musical theatre heaven, here is GLEE meets WEST SIDE STORY!

SOUND OFF: THE X FACTOR Exacts Simon's Search For Excellence
September 22, 2011

Returning to the very same format that made him internationally famous - and, to many, infamous; with the same network that brought AMERICAN IDOL by way of POP IDOL to the USA - Fox; alongside the compatriot IDOL judge whose palpable rapport with him made them one of TV's unlikeliest couples - Paula Abdul; yes, indeed - with last night's grandiose season premiere of THE X FACTOR on Fox, Simon Cowell proved why he is one of the most powerful forces in the entertainment industry and why he is the sole reason to watch reality competition programming on any level. THE VOICE hasn't got a note on THE X FACTOR - and, most of all, IDOL is mere idolatry compared to the solid gold Buddha of Simon. THE X FACTOR delivered on its promise and hype - and how!

SOUND OFF: GLEE Goes Back To School
September 21, 2011

GLEE is back! With a bevy of big Broadway anthems in tow - including HAIRSPRAY'S "You Can't Stop The Beat", ANNIE GET YOUR GUN'S "Anything You Can Do", the Barbra Streisand version of "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" from THE WIZARD OF OZ by Harold Arlen, and, a song culled from a show currently in a hit revival playing eight times a week on Broadway, Cole Porter's title song from ANYTHING GOES - last night's GLEE was a Broadway baby's perfect first day back to school. If all of that wasn't enough, Darren Criss even got a chance to tear up a jive-talkin' Tom Jones hit, "It's Not Unusual"! The musical quotient was exceedingly satisfying, without a doubt, yet what about the rest of the night's proceedings? Will Season Three and the final season for a handful of New Directions' best assets - and two of the show's finest performers, Lea Michele and Chris Colfer - spell disaster come this time next Fall? What do Ryan Murphy and co. have up their sleeves to satiate the situation and appease the fans, and, furthermore, will they make right on their promise to bring the main players into even sharper focus this season? While we still have more than twenty episodes to find out, the kick-off episode, "The Purple Piano Project", came through in a rainbow of colors on its promise. The long-awaited return of Idina Menzel as Rachel Berry's absentee mom next week, in a season-long arc, will only up the ante and make GLEE an even more winning bet than it already is, even just judging from the fun and touching premiere ep!

SOUND OFF WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE CLIP: DROP DEAD DIVA's 'Mambo Italiano'
SOUND OFF WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE CLIP: DROP DEAD DIVA's 'Mambo Italiano'
September 20, 2011

Today, BroadwayWorld has the distinct privilege of premiering an exclusive world premiere clip from the Season Three finale of Liftime's hit original dramedy series DROP DEAD DIVA. Click below to check out Brooke Eliott as the titular lady in action and legal eagle in charge breaking down the classic Rosemary Clooney rouser "Mambo Italiano", penned by the theatre's own Bob Merrill (of FUNNY GIRL and CARNIVAL fame) - with some generous assistance from Thunder Down Under, no less - and bringing down the house with her big, bright Broadway belt. As is clear to see in this clip and in the rest of the musical numbers on the show, DROP DEAD DIVA delivers the goods for Broadway babies and perhaps that is because DROP DEAD DIVA boasts the same executive producers as CHICAGO, HAIRSPRAY, the forthcoming FOOTLOOSE remake, as well as a string of hit television musical theatre adaptations (such as ANNIE, THE MUSIC MAN, GYPSY and LIZA'S AT THE PALACE) - the esteemed Craig Zadan and Neil Meron - so, the production values are truly top-most and they deserve a huge tip of the top hat for their continued excellence in bringing theatre-themed entertainment to an international audience time and time again.

SOUND OFF SPECIAL AWARDS SHOW SPOTLIGHT: EMMY AWARDS 2011
September 19, 2011

Last night was TV's top honors and the queen bee of the night was undoubtedly host Jane Lynch, who rocked the amphitheatre from beginning to end and proved to be a host to boast she is the most of the most - and among the best. The very best. Neil Patrick Harris and Hugh Jackman better watch out now with Jane in town! The rest of the Emmys evening was filled with a few thrilling surprises and some very unexpected upsets, chiefly among them: Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell's MODERN FAMILY wins as the show proceeded to sweep most of the Comedy categories, including Best Comedy for the second year in a row; and, in Drama, Peter Dinklage taking top honors for his ingratiating GAME OF THRONES turn and Kyle Chandler taking home the prize for the final season of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Grandiloquent DOWNTON ABBEY was shown some serious love in the form of Oscar-winning GOSFORD PARK scribe's Julian Fellowes writing win, Maggie Smith for her supporting role, Brian Percival for directing; as was HBO's MILDRED PIERCE - with Guy Pearce and Kate Winslet scoring the big wins - yet the picaresque big-budget series ultimately lost Best Miniseries to the UK-bred DOWNTON ABBEY, where it was somewhat unfairly juxtaposed by most accounts - and, surprising no one coming after its superb fourth season, MAD MEN expectedly took home Best Drama Series. So, for a rundown of the best, the rest and a whole lot more, read on!

BRIDGING TV & THEATRE: Ben Feldman & DROP DEAD DIVA
BRIDGING TV & THEATRE: Ben Feldman & DROP DEAD DIVA
September 18, 2011

Today we have the penultimate entry in our twelve-part series dedicated to Lifetime's hit dramedy DROP DEAD DIVA with an all-encompassing chat with the show's heavenly agent himself, Fred, portrayed by stage and screen star Ben Feldman! In this illuminating conversation we talk all about his three years on DROP DEAD DIVA and what the future holds for Fred, Jane, Stacey and company, as well as his favorite guest stars and memories so far. Additionally, Ben and I discuss his training for the stage and his work on Broadway, opposite Kathleen Turner in THE GRADUATE, as well as his performances in the recent remake of FRIDAY THE 13th and shooting the avant garde thriller CLOVERFIELD, in addition to his thoughts on various pilots with the likes of Christine Ebersole, Fran Drescher, Marc Blucas, Amy Smart and more!

FLASH FRIDAY: Bring Hugh Home
FLASH FRIDAY: Bring Hugh Home
September 16, 2011

Hugh Jackman is everywhere this week and it appears he has really arrived in a big way, both in Hollywood and on Broadway - announcing his return to the Great White Way later this season in a solo musical; starring in a new Dreamworks action CGI extravaganza opening in theaters soon, REEL STEEL; as well as the biggest news of all (which is saying something), his being cast in the lead role of Jean Valjean in the big screen version of the international musical sensation LES MISERABLES, opposite Russell Crowe as Javert. Broadway babies have known since his Tony-winning work in the Peter Allen musical THE BOY FROM OZ that Hugh can cut up a carpet and knock out a tune like the best gypsies in town, but it is his immediate and lasting rapport with the audience and his eminently likeable manner that seems to pour forth from every orifice that make him perhaps the greatest Broadway leading man of the twenty-first century. With these new endeavors offering ample opportunities for Hugh to sing, strut and show his stuff for an international audience in a major way, his one-man-musical and LES MIZ are the ideal way to showcase his significant triple-threat talents in full while REEL STEEL fulfills his action star ascent. So, today we are going to take a look at some of Hugh's best filmed stage work as available on YouTube, complete with his equal parts rousing, exhilarating and phenomenal Tony Awards performances over the last few years - including this year's unforgettable duet with Neil Patrick Harris; as well as his inimitable take on the disco DREAMGIRLS knock-out "One Night Only", and, of course, a glimpse at his actual Tony-winning role itself as the Boy From Oz. In addition to all of that, we also have his pseudo-audition for LES MIZ in the form his duet with Anne Hathaway at the Oscars - and rumors are flying that Hathaway has been cast in the role of Fantine in the film after all, the character who sings the song they share in one of today's featured clips, the classic "On My Own". We also take a look at REEL STEEL and his brand new stage show in its tryout form in both Toronto and San Francisco, plus his live in-character retort to a cell phone while starring with Daniel Craig in A STEADY RAIN and much, much more!

BRIDGING TV & THEATRE: Callie Thorne & NECESSARY ROUGHNESS
September 14, 2011

Today we are closing out our first season of interviews with the star players of USA's breakout hit series NECESSARY ROUGHNESS with the show's star, the endearing and scrappy Callie Thorne. In addition to all about the first season of the freshman smash - which has just this week has been greenlit for Season Two - Thorne illustrates what makes the show work so well and what initially drew her to her complex character and the show itself, as well as describing what working with show creator Craig Shapiro is like and how she has collaborated with him and her costars to help further shape her role on the sports themed dramedy. In addition to all of that, we touch on her assortment of cast-mates and the previous participants in this column - Marc Blucas, Scott Cohen, Mehcad Brooks and Andrea Anders included - as well as what she thinks the themes and ideas the show presents mean to men, women and the world at large in 2011. We also touch on her stage roots, having appeared alongside Sam Rockwell and Eric Bognosian in THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, directed by InDepth InterView participant Philip Seymour Hoffmann, as well as her extensive theatre training (at the Lee Strasberg Institute, no less) and how that background informs all of her work, on NECESSARY ROUGHNESS and beyond - and how to endure big game-time injuries, as a result. Plus, comments on HOMICIDE, the final season of RESCUE ME, her new film MEET MY BOYFRIEND and more!

BRIDGING TV & THEATRE: Josh Stamberg & DROP DEAD DIVA
September 11, 2011

Today we are continuing the male-centric portion of our ongoing series of interviews with the stars of Lifetime's DROP DEAD DIVA with the boss of the legal practice on the show and the main love interest for Kate Levering's character, Kim: the affable and charming stage and screen star Josh Stamberg. In addition to dishing all about Season 3 of DROP DEAD DIVA and the future for Parker, Kim and company at the legal firm, Stamberg and I also discuss many of the various guest stars on the show this season and seasons past - Liza Minnelli, Sharon Lawrence and Faith Prince included - as well as how he sees Parker himself, his own insights into the complex character and what he feels the future holds for his relationships on the show - Kim, Jane and beyond. In addition to all things DIVA-related, Stamberg and I also discuss his many past stage and screen appearances, including: his unforgettable work as Sarge on SIX FEET UNDER and what it was like working with creator Alan Ball, as well as his role on the Aaron Sorkin-scripted series STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, plus: working at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and Atlantic Theatre Company, doing the workshop of A STEADY RAIN (and eventually getting replaced by Hugh Jackman), doing FRACTURED with Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins, acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Watts in Clint Eastwood's forthcoming film J. EDGAR, his favorite work experiences so far, roles he is yearning to essay in the future both near and far and much, much more! Over the course of the last several weeks, we have been taking an extensive look at the sights and sounds both onscreen and onset of the hit TV dramedy series DROP DEAD DIVA - new episodes airing Sunday nights at 9 PM on Lifetime - featuring exclusive interviews with the leading lady divas and stalwart supporting men on the LA-based supernatural legal series. Featuring a memorable collection of musical performances and Broadway guest stars over the years - Paula Abdul, Rosie O'Donnell, Delta Burke and many more included - DROP DEAD DIVA is the quintessential TV series for Broadway babies looking for some laughs and levity - the latter available in many more ways than one, given the show's heavenly aspirations. DROP DEAD DIVA centers on a legal eagle named Jane whose body acts as the means for the indomitable spirit of a model, Deb, who loses her life, to make a second chance and how the girl inside must learn to adjust to looking like the woman on the outside that she is now. In other words, a model finds out what it means to look like everybody else in a delightfully quirky twist of fate - and learns to be a lawyer along the way, as well. Season Three picked up with the cliffhanger car crash that closed last season in a dark and shocking way. Questions and posed and answered so far: What will Grayson remember of the conversation he had with Jane pre-crash? What will Jane do to save him? What about his engagement (to somebody else)? What will happen back at the office with Teri, Kim and Parker? What about Stacy and Fred? Indeed, all of these questions and many more will most assuredly be answered come the next two Sunday nights! Plus, as always, there's always a musical number or two not too far off if you stay tuned - such as last month's BroadwayWorld exclusive world premiere of "Lean On Me"! Will there be a musical grand finale after all? We shall soon see! Also, don't forget to check out the past interviews in this BRIDGING TV & THEATRE series - Margaret Cho, Kate Levering, April Bowlby, Sharon Lawrence, Faith Prince and Jackson Hurst included! There are only a few episodes of Season Three left - airing Sundays at 9 PM on Lifetime, as always, throughout September until the finale on September 25 - so be sure to check back here in coming weeks for chats with Ben Feldman and the titular diva herself, plus maybe even a surprise or two, too!

InDepth InterView: Kara DioGuardi Talks CHICAGO, BOOK OF MORMON, AMERICAN IDOL, GLEE & More!
InDepth InterView: Kara DioGuardi Talks CHICAGO, BOOK OF MORMON, AMERICAN IDOL, GLEE & More!
September 16, 2011

Today we are talking to the new Roxie in CHICAGO on Broadway best known for her status as one of the most successful songwriters of the twenty-first century, having had hundreds of songs featured on albums by the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Pink and many, many more - with a significant number of them topping the charts in a variety of genres from pop to rock to country and beyond. In this all-encompassing conversation, DioGuardi and I dissect her career thus far - in front of millions and behind the scenes - and she generously sheds some light on how some of her most famous songs came to be - including the modern-day Gwen Stefani classic "If I Were A Rich Girl", famously sampling a song from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Additionally, we talk about her two-year stint on AMERICAN IDOL and what working with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul was like, as well as her opinions on Simon's new talent competition premiering later this year, THE X-FACTOR, and how she looks back on her experience doing the hit show and her own reality series, PLATINUM HIT. Additionally, we discuss DioGuardi's Broadway baby roots and her formative theatrical experiences, as well as what taking the stage at this point in her career means to her - and, all about wearing Ashlee Simpson's costume. Plus, DioGuardi's thoughts on entertainment legends ranging from CHICAGO composer John Kander to rock icon Jim Steinman to Broadway legends like Liza Minnelli, Gwen Verdon, Stephen Sondheim and many, many more. We also have news on her upcoming songs and collaborations to look out for, featuring a vast array of artists such as Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo and more - many featured through her music publishing company, Arthouse Entertainment. As if all of that weren't enough, DioGuardi also shares her affection for GLEE, Broadway song craftsmanship and gypsies!

SOUND OFF: SCARFACE Onscreen & On Blu-ray
September 5, 2011

Never more apparent than at this very moment in history, the operatic emotions, over-the-top theatrics and outrageous outspokenness of the 1983 SCARFACE, new on Blu-ray this week, burst forth from screens both large and small, depending on your preferred venue. And, with the fiery, ferocious fearlessness that Brian DePalma so astutely and assuredly weaves his web of debauchery and demons of the soul, heart and mind with - its apotheosis residing in Al Pacino's legendary essaying of the title role - the world finally seems ready to see SCARFACE for what it really is: a classic American film. No, there are not many modern day classics and there certainly have not been over the last thirty years since its release, but SCARFACE is unquestionably now part of the great pantheon of American films - just as much as CITIZEN KANE, CABSABLANCA and THE GODFATHER before it - and with Fathom's re-release of the film in movie theaters for one night only last week, the impact of the film as felt in its true artistic home was something akin to transcendental. Indeed, I was lucky enough to check out the HD print in a showing in Ithaca, NY, last week, which was also accompanied by an ultra-informative and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the production and subsequent legacy of the near-thirty-year-old film which is also available in an even more expanded form on the new Blu-ray - including new interviews with Brian DePalma, Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, Martin Bregman, as well as comments from fellow filmmakers and fans like Eli Roth (who shares a particularly hilarious anecdote about reciting Lopez's monologue for classmates in sixth grade). The new Blu-ray is packed to the brim with Special Features - including this brand new hour-long making-of documentary to go along with the hours of bonuses ported over from many of the prior DVD releases. Yet, above all of these other virtues, the reason you must own SCARFACE on Blu-ray is not just because the HD remastering of the image is pristine, the 7.1 sound is perfect and the Special Features are overwhelmingly enjoyable, but - most of all - it is because SCARFACE is American movie-making at its finest - and most emotionally, visually and outwardly operatic. It sings. And stings. And zings. And, bring it - all.

BRIDGING TV & THEATRE: Jackson Hurst & DROP DEAD DIVA - Plus, TREE OF LIFE, BIRD OF THE AIR & More
September 4, 2011

Today we are kicking off the male-centric portion of our ongoing series of interviews with the stars of Lifetime's DROP DEAD DIVA with the heartthrob of the show and Jane's former fiancee in her past life, legal eagle Grayson, played by the dashing and suave Jackson Hurst. In addition to talking all about Season 3 of DROP DEAD DIVA and the future for Jane and Grayson - as well as the hiccups and roadblocks in his relationship with Deb, before, and, now, Jane, that have cropped up so precipitously along the way - we also analyze the various guest stars on the show over the seasons - everyone from Kathy Griffin to Samuel L. Jackson to Elliot Gould to Liza Minnelli and more! In addition, Hurst and I also discuss his past and future stage and screen roles and his experiences on sets and backstage - including a thorough discussion of working with director Terrence Malick on THE TREE OF LIFE and his starring role in the forthcoming September release, A BIRD OF THE AIR, by CHINATOWN scribe Robert Towne - as well as Hurst's own favorite films and ultimate career aspirations - plus much, much more!

FLASH FRIDAY: Cronenberg's A DANGEROUS METHOD
September 2, 2011

Today we are continuing our series on theatrically-related 2012 Oscar hopefuls with a look at the just-released trailer for David Cronenberg's new film A DANGEROUS METHOD starring Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen and Vincent Cassel. Based on a play about the friendship, lives and studies of scientists/philosophers/doctors Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung and how it pertains to a female patient, Sabina, penned by DANGEROUS LIASONS and ATONEMENT scribe Christopher Hampton, titled THE TALKING CURE, Hampton also penned the screenplay for this film adaptation, which also credits John Kerr's examination of Freud and Jung's studies and personal lives, A MOST DANGEROUS METHOD. Given the films R-rating, Cronenberg will evidently be given full reign to follow the story's explorations of the dark recesses of human psychology and how it manifests in our sexuality. While Cronenberg has repeatedly proven his prowess with intimate character studies in recent years with his superb string of dramas such as SPIDER starring Ralph Fiennes, A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE with Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello and, most recently, the unforgettable EASTERN PROMISES with Mortensen and Naomi Watts, A DANGEROUS METHOD is his first bid for Oscar gold this decade and for the first time in his forty year career he may finally be awarded for his cinematic legacy given this perfect storm of his idiosyncratic cinematic sensibilities married to charismatic lead performances by four of the hottest names in drama telling a story that only Cronenberg could tell this well - with a screenplay by one of the great playwrights and screenwriters of our age, as well. If the early reviews from the Venice Film Festival, where the film premiered earlier this week, and spellbinding images and scenes on display in the new trailer for the film are any indication of what we can expect from A DANGEROUS METHOD onscreen, this could very well be the film to sweep all the statuettes at the Oscars.

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Olivia Newton-John Talks GREASE, GLEE, XANADU & Pink And Blue For Two
August 31, 2011

Starring in the most successful movie musical of all time is a surefire way to cement yourself in the pop culture and Hollywood pantheon, but Olivia Newton-John's participation in that generational touchstone, GREASE, was actually only the beginning of her rise to the top of the pop charts as one of the biggest entertainers in the world in the 1970s and 1980s, setting the charts afire with a string of smash hit singles such as "Physical", "I Honestly Love You", "Totally Hot", "Heart Attack" and many more. Discussing various aspects of her show business career and the entertainment legacy left by GREASE, XANADU and many of her film, television and concert appearances, Ms. Newton-John also opens up about her nearly completed construction of the $250 million Olivia Newton-John Cancer And Wellness Centre in Australia and why the cause is particularly close to her heart (literally), as well as all about co-hosting Sunday's cancer research fundraising benefit Pink And Blue For Two with football superstar Terrell Owens - an event created by her nephew Ethan promoting not only breast cancer awareness, but prostate cancer awareness, as well. As if all of that were not enough, we also shed some light on her appearances on Fox's hit musical comedy series GLEE and all about working with Jane Lynch, Ryan Murphy and company on the remake of "Physical", as well as the possibility of a return to the series in the future. Plus, all about the Broadway version of XANADU and her reaction to it on opening night, the new 2011 remix of "Magic" she has just released, her new film (complete with a newly-penned song she sings in it) A FEW BEST MEN, opinions on John Farrar's musical adaptation of HEATHCLIFFE written with Sir Tim Rice, her opinions on fellow divas such as Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Cher and Lady Gaga - as well as much, much more!

SOUND OFF Special Interview: Robert Cuccioli At Feinstein's
SOUND OFF Special Interview: Robert Cuccioli At Feinstein's
August 28, 2011

Though most well-known to Broadway babies for his starring role in the original Broadway production of Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse's JEKYLL & HYDE, over the last few decades Robert Cuccioli has carved out quite a career for himself as a performer of considerable range, as his resume amply evidences: from LES MISERABLES and CAMELOT in the 80s and early 90s, to Maury Yeston's PHANTOM and the original Off-Broadway production of the Susan Stroman-directed Kander & Ebb revue AND THE WORLD GOES ROUND, as well as Woody Allen's CELEBRITY starring Kenneth Branagh, to JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS as well as a string of Shakespeare roles in the 00s, all the way up to today and his participation in three brand new original musicals - in between rehearsing Iago for an upcoming production of OTHELLO, of course - including: Bruce Hornsby's SCKBSTD, CUTMAN: THE BOXING MUSICAL, and his own solo show, A STANDARD LOVE. Discussing many aspects of these enterprises and much more - and even a comment or two on LONE STAR LOVE and the Quaids' shenanigans - Cuccioli also shares all about his upcoming appearance at Feinstein's in BROADWAY LIVE! and what we can expect from him on Monday night, as well as in the future, near and far - with his long-awaited solo album of romantic standards included!

SOUND OFF: ANYTHING GOES 2011
SOUND OFF: ANYTHING GOES 2011
August 25, 2011

A powerhouse of a performer like Sutton Foster comes along only once a generation or so - the last of her likes on these shores was undoubtedly grande dame EVITA diva Patti LuPone and, across the pond, original EVITA and CATS headliner and current FOLLIES revival star, Elaine Paige - and in her debut lead performance in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE more than ten years ago Ms. Foster set Broadway babies' hearts aflutter and tongues a-wagging with her steam train take on the title role and nabbed a well-earned Best Actress Tony Award for her considerable efforts. After that, starring roles in LITTLE WOMEN, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and SHREK followed - as well as a stupendous turn in the Encores! ANYONE CAN WHISTLE opposite Raul Esparza and Donna Murphy - but it was not until this very last season on Broadway that Sutton Foster truly received her shot to tap, strut, belt and, well, blow, in the old big Broadway Diva fashion. Make that even more to the point - in true Ethel Merman fashion. The new Tony on her mantle bespeaks Sutton's power in the theater, yet what about on the fresh new 2011 Broadway revival recording out this week on PS CLASSICS? And, what about her co-stars like Oscar-winner Joel Grey, Broadway stalwarts John McMartin and Adam Godley and the newer generation of Broadway hoofers like Colin Donnell, Jessica Stone and Laura Osnes? Come on aboard the S.S. Broadway World and find out for yourself!

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Dermot Mulroney & THE FAMILY TREE
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Dermot Mulroney & THE FAMILY TREE
August 25, 2011

Having appeared in more than seventy films so far in his distinguished career, multi-talented leading man Dermot Mulroney is playing one of strangest and most memorable characters of his career in the new independent comedy THE FAMILY TREE, which opens in select cities this weekend. Talking all aspects of shooting THE FAMILY TREE and working with co-stars Hope Davis, Jane Seymour, Chi McBride and fellow InDepth InterView participant Shad 'Bow Wow' Moss, Mulroney also sheds some light on his many beloved past roles onscreen - from MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING with Julia Roberts to GEORGIA RULE with Lindsay Lohan to KANSAS CITY directed by Robert Altman to ABOUT SCHMIDT with Jack Nicholson and Hope Davis to ZODIAC with Robert Downey, Jr. to YOUNG GUNS and far beyond. Additionally, Mulroney and I discuss his little-known musical abilities and his desire to appear on GLEE, the life of the working actor and what he is most remembered for by fans, and he also kindly clues us all in on the spate of supremely exciting new films he is currently working on or about to shoot - among them: Clint Eastwood‘s J. EDGAR starring Leonardo DiCaprio; as well as STOKER with Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode; ABDUCTION with Taylor Lautner; THE GREY with Liam Neeson; and, of course, his recent directorial debut, LOVE, WEDDING, MARRIAGE, starring Kellan Lutz and Mandy Moore. As if all of that were not enough, Mulroney also just finished shooting Emmy-winning GLEE star Chris Colfer's feature film screenwriting debut, STRUCK BY LIGHTNING, with fellow FAMILY TREE co-star Christina Hendricks, and he shares his experience shooting that this Summer and acting alongside Colfer in it. All of that and much, much more awaits!

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Shad 'Bow Wow' Moss & THE FAMILY TREE
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Shad 'Bow Wow' Moss & THE FAMILY TREE
August 25, 2011

Having racked up multiple top ten hits while still a mere teenager since he burst upon the music scene in 1999, songwriter and performer Shad Moss was once known as Lil Bow Wow and now goes by just Bow Wow, though he is building up a considerable enough film resume to consider now using only his Christian name to differentiate his various talents. Between LIKE MIKE, ROLL BOUNCE, THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT, Tyler Perry's MADEA'S BIG HAPPY FAMILY most recently, and, now, his villainous new role in THE FAMILY TREE, Moss has transitioned from rapper to leading man in much the same way that he seamlessly moved from boy wonder to the man behind his own music at Cash Money Records. With news on his forthcoming album UNDERRATED featuring collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, among others, as well as a look back at his past albums and appearances - such as his movie musical debut in MTV's CARMEN: A HIP-HOPERA co-starring Beyonce Knowles, Mekhi Pfeiffer and Mos Def; as well as his memorable stint on ENTOURAGE - Moss also shares his individual observations on how the music industry has changed and morphed in the last fifteen years since he started out as Jermaine Dupri's protégé, as well as all about his upcoming film thriller RECALLED and working with the cast, crew and creatives of THE FAMILY TREE - Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney and Chi McBride included - and much, much more! THE FAMILY TREE opens in select cities today.



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