Pat Cerasaro - Page 207

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.




InDepth InterView: HOW TO SUCCEED's Christopher J. Hanke
InDepth InterView: HOW TO SUCCEED's Christopher J. Hanke
April 5, 2011

Today we are talking to one of the stars of the smash hit Broadway revival of Frank Loesser's HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, co-starring Daniel Radcliffe, Tammy Blanchard and John Larroquette, at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, this actor can also be seen in the just-concluded final season of HBO's BIG LOVE and in a recurring role on ABC's BROTHERS & SISTERS - Mr. Christopher J. Hanke! Discussing everything from HAIR and hippies to business suits and HOW TO SUCCEED, as well as a thorough analysis of his CRY BABY experience and even a little IN MY LIFE, Hanke opens up about his co-stars, characters, collaborators and even shares a few audition stories.

SATURDAY SPECIAL: Elton John: Saturday Night’s All Right
SATURDAY SPECIAL: Elton John: Saturday Night’s All Right
April 2, 2011

In his forty-year-career in show business Sir Elton John has amassed more accolades, awards - Grammys, Emmys, Tonys and Golden Globes among them - and accomplishments than nearly anyone else around. His sheer, awe-inspiring, rock-star-to-the-nth audacious awesomeness is just part and parcel of the whole fabulous package that John's larger-than-life persona, on and off the stage, can command - and does, then and now. While Elton John Night this week on AMERICAN IDOL may have ran hot-and-cold, a look back at even Sir Elton's most recent successes, such as last year's Leon Russell collaboration THE UNION - who guests with John on SNL as a special musical guest tonight - and his enchanting Broadway hits THE LION KING, BILLY ELLIOT and AIDA - the former two recipients of Best Musical and the latter Best Score, respectively - show he is not stopping anytime soon (ANIMAL FARM: The Musical, based on the novel by George Orwell, is coming to a West End stage later this year!). Which brings us to tonight - SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE - and what we can hope to expect from the self-confessed king of tantrums and tiaras, live and in person in his sketch comedy debut.

FLASH FRIDAY: Leguizamo: Kartoon PEST to Shakespeare KLOWN
FLASH FRIDAY: Leguizamo: Kartoon PEST to Shakespeare KLOWN
April 1, 2011

This week, in a corollary column to tonight's InDepth InterView: John Leguizamo, who can currently be seen nightly in his one-man-show GHETTO KLOWN on Broadway, we have an abundance of performance clips from his past stage shows - FREAK, SEXAHOLIX, SPIC-O-RAMA and more - as well as clips from his most beloved films - THE PEST, CARLITO'S WAY and TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, JULIE NEWMAR, among others - as well as a look at his most memorable and mind-blowing characters - ranging from Tybalt in Baz Luhrmann's ROMEO + JULIET to Toulouse Lautrec himself in MOULIN ROUGE - all coming on the heels of the nationwide release of his newest feature film, THE LINCOLN LAWYER, co-starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Josh Lucas and William H. Macy, which we take a cursory look at, too, of course. Plus, some musical theatre parodies, celebrity impressions, his debut appearance in a Madonna music video, and even a visit from Elmo himself!

SOUND OFF: BLACK SWAN: A Ballet Rhapsody on Blu-Ray
March 31, 2011

One of the most highly acclaimed and most riveting films of 2010 is undoubtedly the Academy Award-winning BLACK SWAN by Darren Aronofsky. While the stunning lead performance of Natalie Portman was the only nomination of the five (for Picture, Directing, Editing and Cinematography being the other four) to score Oscar gold, director Darren Aronofsky has now solidified himself in recent years as one of the most notable and accomplished directors of his, or any, generation. Stanley Kubrick is somewhere smiling. The Blu-Ray, released this week, brings BLACK SWAN to home video in the most, well, perfect of manners.

InDepth InterView: John Leguizamo
InDepth InterView: John Leguizamo
April 1, 2011

To accrue all the characters, characteristics and components of a career as diverse and varied as that of stage and screen star John Leguizamo would be near-impossible for even the most gifted performers in the galaxy. Having appeared in nearly ninety films so far in his twenty-five year career - including a musical, MOULIN ROUGE, and an adaptation of Shakespeare, ROMEO + JULIET, both for noted directed Baz Luhrmann - as well as five off-Broadway and Broadway solo shows - MAMBO MOUTH, SPIC-O-RAMA, FREAK, SEXAHOLIX and, now, GHETTO KLOWN - Leguizamo is consistently challenging himself and revealing new sides to his personality and skills as an actor and performer with his daring choices of roles and searing performances. In this comprehensive career retrospective, we cover Broadway, Hollywood and much more and we even have his first comments on his new feature film opening this weekend, THE LINCOLN LAWYER. From Todd Haynes' POISON to Brian DePalma's CASUALTIES OF WAR and CARLITO'S WAY, to Spike Lee's SUMMER OF SAM, to TO WONG FOO, SUPER MARIO BROS. and more; singing Sondheim's 'Send In The Clowns'; plus, stories on his recently departed co-stars Dennis Hopper (LAND OF THE DEAD) and Brittany Murphy (SPUN), and first news on the David Koresh biopic WACO co-starring Kurt Russell and Adrien Brody, and FUGLY with Radha Mitchell - Leguizamo‘s performances speak (and sing) for themselves. King, cartoon, criminal, artist, clown or klown - Leguizamo can play them all. And play them damn well, as well.

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Susan Lucci Talks New Book, Broadway, Hollywood, DWTS & More
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Susan Lucci Talks New Book, Broadway, Hollywood, DWTS & More
March 29, 2011

Holding the world's record for playing the longest-running role in entertainment history, Erica Kane on ABC‘S ALL MY CHILDREN, is just one mere jewel amongst the scores in the fifty-year career crown tiara of television icon Susan Lucci. Having appeared on Broadway in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and performed in nightclubs across the country with Regis Philbin, she is certainly no stranger to the stage - and what could better define working actor than memorizing scripts for a new hour-long drama every day, five days a week, for forty-one years? Commitment to her craft, an intense love of performance, and an affinity for the expression of human emotion - as well as an instant likeability and irrepressible allure - are just a few of the many features that make up the impressive journey of two women - Erica, included - over the course of Lucci's compelling and personally revealing new autobiography ALL MY LIFE, in stores today - as well as our warm and candid discussion about it. From Broadway to Hollywood; New York to LA to Vienna; from Broadway stages, concert stages, cabarets, to screens large and small - and, also, to some of the strongest television films of all time (plus, some starry stories and DANCING WITH THE STARS tidbits, too) - see some of the reasons why she is simply known as La Lucci, just as any grand opera diva (soaps, stage or otherwise) should undoubtedly be.

FLASH FRIDAY: Toasting Ms. Taylor
FLASH FRIDAY: Toasting Ms. Taylor
March 25, 2011

Following the news this week of the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, we are taking a look back at some of her most memorable screen appearances over the years, beginning with LASSIE COME HOME and NATIONAL VELVET, and ranging from Vincente Minnelli's loveable comedies FATHER OF THE BRIDE and its equal sequel FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND, to her unforgettable dramatic performance in A PLACE IN THE SUN, to the series of legendary pictures produced alongside her (sometime) husband and (always) love of her life Richard Burton, in roles ranging from Antony and Cleopatra in, of course, CLEOPATRA, to BOOM! Based on Tennessee Williams' THE MILK TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE - with a screenplay by Williams himself (his sole screen adaptation) - and one of the greatest films in cinematic history, based on one of the most important plays of the latter half of the twentieth century: Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? That's not even mentioning her iconic performance in Williams' CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER - plus, BUTTERFIELD 8 (her first Oscar win), A PLACE IN THE SUN and GIANT. Who knows, there may even be time for a little FLINSTONES action, as well! Here we have a surefire spangled salute to one of the last great stars Broadway and Hollywood has known.

SPOTLIGHT ON The Public: Mona Mansour & URGE FOR GOING
SPOTLIGHT ON The Public: Mona Mansour & URGE FOR GOING
March 24, 2011

Today we are continuing our series of coverage of the offerings this Spring at The Public Theater with the playwright of the new LAB production, URGE FOR GOING, Mona Mansour. With topics ranging from the Palestinian crisis to Patty Hearst and the play, ME AND THE SLA, that it inspired; her Lebanese upbringing; her affection for John Waters; humble beginnings at the Groundlings leading now to the New York premiere of her first play at the Public, URGE FOR GOING; and more. Additionally, Mansour provides her insights into the culturally rich material at the core of URGE FOR GOING, her own family's reaction to the controversial material and what audiences can expect from the drama.

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Simon Cowell Talks X FACTOR, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Broadway & More!
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Simon Cowell Talks X FACTOR, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Broadway & More!
March 22, 2011

Earlier today I had the extreme privilege of speaking to the most powerful man in the recording industry and one of the most accomplished and successful producers of the modern era, Simon Cowell, about his new reality competition show beginning in the US this September, THE X FACTOR, as well as his thoughts on Broadway in general, Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harry Connick, Jr. and much more. Though our time was expectedly limited given his impossibly busy schedule, Simon was kind enough to open up and talk about what aspects of musical theatre work in pop music and which do not and that good performances know no bounds, as well as elaborate on his past 'too Broadway' and 'too cabaret' AMERICAN IDOL criticisms and also share what his favorite movie musical is, among many other illustrative and interesting comments. Plus, will Mariah Carey be co-judging X FACTOR after all?

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Michael Urie Talks GayFest SPRING AT LAST!, ANGELS IN AMERICA, UGLY BETTY & More
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Michael Urie Talks GayFest SPRING AT LAST!, ANGELS IN AMERICA, UGLY BETTY & More
March 21, 2011

Today we are talking to the current Prior Walter in Michael Grief's off-Broadway revival of Tony Kushner's Pulitzer prize-winning ANGELS IN AMERICA, and also a headliner of Monday night's SPRING AT LAST! Gala to benefit The Harvey Milk School, late of ABC's smash-hit comedy UGLY BETTY, the charmingly candid and overwhelmingly talented Michael Urie! In this exclusive conversation we tackle topics ranging from Shakespeare to Sondheim to the power and legacy of ANGELS IN AMERICA and what songs and words of hope we can expect from him at the SPRING AT LAST! Gala alongside headliners Lance Horne and Wanda Sykes. Plus, Michael gives us the first news on a number of films he has coming out in the next year and much, much more!

FLASH FRIDAY: SOUTH PARK & Showtunes
FLASH FRIDAY: SOUTH PARK & Showtunes
March 18, 2011

Today, in honor of THE BOOK OF MORMON in previews on Broadway, we are taking a look at one of the most controversial and well-crafted musicals of the last twenty years - strange as it may seem at first to consider it so - the feature film animated musical adaptation of the Trey Parker/Matt Stone Comedy Central juggernaut SOUTH PARK, SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT! Plus, we have a glimpse of the three other Parker/Stone musicals, past - CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL, TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE - and present - THE BOOK OF MORMON - as well as a nod to the man behind much of the music of the SOUTH PARK musical, Marc Shaiman - represented himself by a Broadway musical currently in previews, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. So, come on down to South Park and see if you can't unwind!

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Wanda Sykes Talks GayFest SPRING AT LAST!, CURB, ANNIE, MUPPETS MOVIE & More
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Wanda Sykes Talks GayFest SPRING AT LAST!, CURB, ANNIE, MUPPETS MOVIE & More
March 18, 2011

Earlier today I spoke to one of America's most beloved comedians - screen, stand-up or otherwise - the Emmy-winning Wanda Sykes about her upcoming appearance headlining Monday's GayFest Spring At Last! Gala to benefit The Harvey Milk School and she shared with me her message of hope to the next generation, what she wishes for in the equal rights movement in the near future, as well as personal stories of herself being bullied and how she remained resilient in the face of adversity. Additionally, she clues us in on what her character arc will involve this season on HBO's CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM - hint: it involves Cheyenne Jackson - when it makes its highly-awaited return in the Summer; plus, we take a look back at her TV specials, various series and film roles and she offers up a glimpse of what we can expect from her in 2011 and beyond. All of this is, of course, in addition to a thorough discussion of her recent essaying of the role of Miss Hannigan in ANNIE in Philadelphia and if she would consider taking on the role in the upcoming James Lapine-directed revival aimed at Broadway. Plus, news about the forthcoming big-screen MUPPET MOVIE - and much more!

FLASH FRIDAY: Send In The Clowns (x5)
FLASH FRIDAY: Send In The Clowns (x5)
March 11, 2011

Today, in honor of this week's InDepth InterView with Kathy Griffin celebrating her Broadway debut in KATHY GRIFFIN WANTS A TONY - which opens tonight - we are taking a look at the impressive list of comedic talents who will be virtually taking over the Great White Way this Spring. In addition to Griffin, two of the biggest comedians in the country, Dane Cook and Chris Rock, will also be settling in to a Broadway run in Neil LaBute's FAT PIG and Stephen Adly Guirgis's THE MOTHERF*CKER WITH THE HAT, respectively; and two of the biggest actor/comedians on the planet, Ben Stiller and Robin Williams, will be appearing in dramatic roles in the revival of John Guare's THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES and the new play THE BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO, respectively. Perhaps more than any other moment in Broadway history, we're sending in the clowns - in more ways than one! Five, to be precise.

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Kathy Griffin WANTS A TONY & Talks GLEE, Palin, Sheen & More
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Kathy Griffin WANTS A TONY & Talks GLEE, Palin, Sheen & More
March 10, 2011

Last night I had the honor of interviewing two-time Emmy-winning comedy queen and Broadway's newest leading lady Kathy Griffin about her new show KATHY GRIFFIN WANTS A TONY, which opens at the Belasco Theater this Friday, as well as all her other exciting endeavors coming up soon. Next week, Kathy will be all over the entertainment landscape, with her Sarah Palin-esque turn as a red state Regionals judge in red on Tuesday's GLEE and later that week marks the premiere of her new Bravo comedy special KATHY GRIFFIN: 50 AND NOT PREGNANT - the first of four she will presenting on the network in the coming months. All of this in addition to her Broadway debut. Commenting on everyone from Julie Andrews to Charlie Sheen to Sarah Palin and Scarlett Johansson, Griffin's quick wit and razor-sharp astuteness makes her a convivially caustic and endearing subject - and perhaps the funniest, as well. See why she is soon to be the toast of Broadway - plus, find out her favorite cast album of all time; a selection she shares with Stephen Sondheim, no less - and a whole lot more in this exciting, exclusive conversation only on BroadwayWorld!

SOUND OFF SPECIAL EDITION: GLEE Gets Sexy, But Does It Really Go There?
SOUND OFF SPECIAL EDITION: GLEE Gets Sexy, But Does It Really Go There?
March 9, 2011

How does Season 2B of GLEE stack up against the first season and a half of the show? Did Gwyneth make 'Sexy' truly titillating and tremendous? Has GLEE finally found its rhythm and found a way to contain the unyielding beast it is? The method to the madness and more in this analysis of Season 2B so far (from post-Super Bowl 'Sue Sylvester Shuffle' all the way up to Tuesday's 'Sexy') and, of course, the Top Ten songs you need to download right now - after all, the song downloads are what make it unique (and uniquely successful) and have helped it to become an entertainment institution rather than just a little TV show.

InDepth InterView: Lily Rabe Talks MERCHANT OF VENICE, CHARACTER APPROVED, A DOLL'S HOUSE & More
InDepth InterView: Lily Rabe Talks MERCHANT OF VENICE, CHARACTER APPROVED, A DOLL'S HOUSE & More
March 8, 2011

Today we are talking to one of the biggest and youngest sensations of the season, Al Pacino's highly-lauded Portia to his Shylock in the sold-out MERCHANT OF VENICE, as well as a recurring star on THE GOOD WIFE and MEDIUM - following an unforgettable appearance on NIP/TUCK last year - this year's recipient of USA's CHARACTER APPROVED Award for Theatre, Lily Rabe. In this enlivened discussion, Rabe and I dissect her work on stages and screens large and small as well as what the future holds for her on Broadway, in Hollywood and beyond - including starring in a new independent film, LETTERS TO THE BIG MAN, and a revival of A DOLL'S HOUSE co-starring Hamish Linklater at the Williamstown Theatre Festival.

FLASH FRIDAY: Host of Harry
FLASH FRIDAY: Host of Harry
March 4, 2011

For this week's FLASH FRIDAY we have a host of Harry Connick, Jr.-related clips, including a special look at his new CD/DVD and Blu-Ray ON BROADWAY, which is available now and currently showing on PBS Great Performances. From New Orleans jazz done with Broadway flair in clips featuring material from his stage musical THOU SHALT NOT, to trailers for the stupendous film version of Tracy Letts's Off-Broadway play BUG, directed by William Friedkin, that he co-stars in with Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon, to COPYCAT co-starring Sigourney Weaver to some fun music videos and soundtrack contributions and much, much more inside! Plus, check out Harry's appearances on THE COLBERT REPORT and TODAY from earlier this week if you missed them live!

BWW EXCLUSIVE Interview: Harry Connick, Jr. On Doing it All
BWW EXCLUSIVE Interview: Harry Connick, Jr. On Doing it All
March 19, 2011

Today we are talking to Emmy and multi-Grammy-winning actor, musician and performer Harry Connick, Jr. about his new concert CD/DVD/Blu-Ray HARRY CONNICK, JR.: ON BROADWAY, in stores this week and premiering on PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES nationwide on Sunday. In this revealing two-part discussion encapsulating many of Harry's stage, film and concert memories - as well as anecdotes about working with friends and co-stars like Sandra Bullock, Hilary Swank and Renee Zellweger - we analyze the sights and sounds of his new concert album and DVD (which was filmed at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway last year) with central focus of the conversation being his passion for musical theatre music - as a musician, composer, performer and actor - and what the future holds for him on stages and screens large and small around the world. Of course, all of this is coming on the heels of the first news of Harry himself starring in the highly-awaited revival of ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER on Broadway next year! All that and much, much more awaits in this extensive weekend triptych feature, so don't miss the special Harry-centric edition of FLASH FRIDAY for the full experience!

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Harry Connick, Jr. On New CD/DVD & Much More!
BWW EXCLUSIVE: Harry Connick, Jr. On New CD/DVD & Much More!
March 3, 2011

Today we are talking to Emmy and multi-Grammy-winning actor, musician and performer Harry Connick, Jr. about his new concert CD/DVD/Blu-Ray HARRY CONNICK, JR.: ON BROADWAY, in stores this week and premiering on PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES nationwide on Sunday. In this revealing two-part discussion encapsulating many of Harry's stage, film and concert memories - as well as anecdotes about working with friends and co-stars like Sandra Bullock, Hilary Swank and Renee Zellweger - we analyze the sights and sounds of his new concert album and DVD (which was filmed at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway last year) with central focus of the conversation being his passion for musical theatre music - as a musician, composer, performer and actor - and what the future holds for him on stages and screens large and small around the world. Of course, all of this is coming on the heels of the first news of Harry himself starring in the highly-awaited revival of ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER on Broadway next year! All that and much, much more awaits in this extensive weekend triptych feature, so don't miss the special Harry-centric edition of FLASH FRIDAY for the full experience!

FLASH FRIDAY: Princes, Princesses & Sir Tim
FLASH FRIDAY: Princes, Princesses & Sir Tim
February 25, 2011

Today we are highlighting the work of multi-Tony and Oscar-winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice, putting a particular emphasis on his work with Disney. From ALADDIN to THE LION KING to AIDA and THE ROAD TO EL DORADO and beyond - with even a song or two for the stage version of BEAUTY & THE BEAST thrown in for good measure, we cover it all! Of course, all of this in preparation for our forthcoming exclusive InDepth InterView: Tim Rice, coming later this weekend! Stay tuned, it is not to be missed!



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