Barbra Streisand News

Showbiz411 reports exclusively that Barbra Streisand will no longer direct the upcoming film SKINNY AND CAT. The project, starring Colin Firth and Cate Blanchett, would have marked her first time in the director's chair in 16 years.

Since it's founding in 1992, Georgia Ensemble Theatre has generally produced a small musical each year, but in its 20th season, G.E.T. is presenting one of the grandest shows in Broadway history, 'Hello Dolly!' Their production is directed by Suzi Award winner Heidi Cline McKerley (Horizon Theatre's 'Avenue Q') and choreographed by her husband Jeff (who also stars as Cornelius), who won two Suzis; Best Actor and Best Choreography for the New American Shakespeare Tavern's 'Cabaret.' Music direction is by Bill Newberry. The show opens April 11th and runs through April 28th.

Three Cat Productions began rehearsals this week for a reading of Light, a new play by Jarrin Davis. Light is the second of seven new plays being performed in Three Cat's Chicago New Work Festival. Rehearsals, taking place all week, are open to the public with a suggestion donation of $5.00. The final reading will be at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6 at the Berger Park Coach House Theater at 6205 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660. Tickets are available for $10.

Three Cat Productions has announced its sixth annual Bab Fab concert celebrating Barbra Streisand's 71st birthday. The performance will be hosted by Rob Dorn on April 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the Coach House Theater at the Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, Ill.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Big doings at Broadway In Chicago, 'Othello: The Remix,' world premieres from Pride Plays, The Second City and two from composer Kevin O'Donnell, 'Spamalot,' 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale' and so much more!

On Monday, April 1, Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series welcomed the return of Broadway actress and cabaret star Karen Mason with her brand new show, 'Secrets of the Ancient Divas.' Scroll below for photos from the performance!

The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today the presenter line up for the upcoming 40th Chaplin Award honoring Academy Award-winner Barbra Streisand, on the evening of April 22nd at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. The celebration in honor of the international film legend's groundbreaking career will feature musical performances and film and interview clips culminating in the presentation of The Chaplin Award by President Bill Clinton.

Legendary music producer Phil Ramone passed away this morning, March 30, 2013. He was 72. Ramone was hospitalized in New York City earlier this month after suffering an aortic aneurysm. Throughout his notable career, Ramone worked with talents such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and more.

The 'Spotlight Gala' benefiting North Coast Repertory Theatre is scheduled for Sunday, April 21st, at the Del Mar Country Club. The evening includes a cocktail reception, gourmet sitdown dinner and entertainment by multi-award winning singer and actor Lainie Kazan. During the course of her storied career, Kazan has received Tony, Golden Globe and Emmy-nominations.

Three Cat Productions announces the first Chicago New Work Festival. Seven Chicago playwrights will be partnered with directors to develop and perform staged readings of never before seen, full-length plays. Plays will be performed every Saturday from today, March 30 to May 18 in the Coach House at the Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL.

Three Cat Productions has begun readings this week on Sasha Dune, a new play by Lisa Scott and the first of seven being workshopped as part of Three Cat's Chicago New Work Festival. The players will begin rehearsals this week at the Berger Park Coach House Theater at 6205 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660. The final reading will be at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30. Tickets are $10. All rehearsals are open and the public is encouraged to attend for a suggested donation.

Today we are talking to an internationally celebrated performer who has scaled the highest heights of the music industry over the course of her incredibly impressive career and also inspired and originated a leading role in one of the most famous Broadway musicals of all time in the process, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - the refreshingly unique and singularly gifted Sarah Brightman. Granting a rare exclusive interview while preparing for the US debut of her new space-themed studio album, DREAMCHASER, Brightman reveals the impetus for the project and shares illuminating insights and opinions on the vast array of musical material, new and old, included on this idiosyncratic and immensely transporting new release - Paul McCartney to Sia and far beyond. Additionally, Brightman reveals plans for a promotional tour in support of DREAMCHASER and discusses some of the intriguing bonus tracks - including a song in Japanese. Also, Brightman takes a look back at her theatrical legacy and her role in the creation of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, sharing stories of rehearsing the original production with Hal Prince, Michael Crawford, Lloyd Webber and company as well as the musical's legacy as the world's most successful entertainment ever. Plus, Brightman offers remembrances of her spectacular appearances at PHANTOM 25 at the Royal Albert Hall as well as the recent Broadway anniversary and offers up insights on Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES. All of that, memories of starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 50th Birthday Celebration, future plans, thoughts on GLEE and much, much more awaits in this career-spanning conversation!

If you haven't had the chance to catch up on your theater news, look no further than today's recap of all things theater - exclusive features, interviews, reviews and more! - around the Broadway World for the week of March 25

The Barns at Wolf Trap Welcomes a GRAMMY-Winning Songstress, a Celebrated Pop-Rock Sensation, and a Cabaret Queen.

The Barns at Wolf Trap has announced the following upcoming performances.

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any radio or television outlet, today announced the return of its historic, two-day, star-studded music event – the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

Lost Note Theater Company, dedicated to presenting concert readings of obscure and forgotten musicals, is pleased to announce its inaugural production: I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE, playing three performances only, April 27 - May 1, 2013 at Strawdog Theatre Company's Hugen Hall, 3829 N. Broadway in Chicago. With book by Jerome Weidman (based on his novel) and music & lyrics by Harold Rome, Lost Note's production is directed by Stephen Murray with musical direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster.

Following her dazzling North American tour of 2012, Barbra Streisand LIVE! will visit Europe this summer for seven exclusive engagements, with more to be announced. Just announced today is an additional show in London on June 3! Pre-sale begins tomorrow, March 26, with a public on-sale date of March 27.

Keep Memory Alive's 17th annual Power of Love Gala continues to grow with an extended list of entertainment icons and celebrities attending and performing at the 80th birthday celebration for Quincy Jonesand Sir Michael Caine in Las Vegas.