Bernadette Peters News

Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the 50,000-strong union of stage actors and stage managers founded in 1913, has just announced a celebration of 100 years of professional American theater on the occasion of their Centennial.

Sierra Repertory Theatre will open its 33rd season with its production of Gypsy, playing March 3 through April 22 at Sierra Rep's East Sonora stage. A burst of trumpet opens the musical classic Gypsy, pulling audiences into the world of vaudeville and Broadway's fable of a fierce and focused stage mom with a desperate dream.

Bernadette Peters, the Emmy-nominated, Tony-winning star of Broadway, returns to Music Hall's stage in her first appearance with the Pops in two decades.

The Drama League has gathered together a team of Broadway's best to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the 78th Annual Drama League Awards set for Friday, May 18, 2012 at 12:00 p.m., at the Marriott Marquis Times Square (1535 Broadway). The team of Broadway luminaries includes Nina Arianda, Christian Borle, Norbert Leo Butz, Kathleen Chalfant, Raul Esparza, Rosemary Harris, Jeremy Jordan, Christine Lahti, Linda Lavin, Norm Lewis, Judith Light, Audra McDonald, Cynthia Nixon, Denis O'Hare and Blair Underwood. The Honorary Co-Chairs serve as ambassadors for The Drama League Awards and the excellence of the New York theatre season, and welcome the attendees of the Awards Luncheon at a cocktail reception before the event.

Bernadette Peters, the Emmy-nominated, Tony-winning star of Broadway, returns to Music Hall's stage in her first appearance with the Pops in two decades.

Broadway favorites Lea Michele, Megan Hilty and Bernadette Peters will all lend their vocal talents to the upcoming DOROTHY OF OZ animated film. In the video below, which features a portion of the yet to be released teaser trailer, they chat with ET about their respectivecharacters. Click below to check it out!

Aaron Lazar will play Joe's Pub tonight at 9:30 PM, under the direction of Alexander Gemignani. Tickets are $20.

The Drama League has announced Drama League nominee Megan Hilty (9 To 5, "Smash") and Justin Long (Seminar) will co-host the announcement of the The 2012 Drama League Nominees for Distinguished Production of a Play, Distinguished Production of a Musical, Distinguished Revival of a Play, Distinguished Revival of a Musical, and the much coveted Distinguished Performance Award on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Sardi's. As in years past, the nominations ceremony will be broadcast worldwide via live stream right here on BroadwayWorld!

Check out this interview video with Lea Michele, Megan Hilty and Bernadette Peters talking about their character work for the DOROTHY OF OZ animated film.

The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor esteemed stage actress Patti LuPone with the company's third Stephen Sondheim Award. The award, established in 2009 in honor of America's most influential contemporary musical theater writer and composer, will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit on April 16, 2012 at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC. Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer said, 'I am thrilled that Patti LuPone will be this year's recipient of the Stephen Sondheim Award. With her wonderful performances in Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Company, Passion, and more - she has had an amazing connection to Steve's words and music. It's wonderful to add her name to the distinguished honorees Angela Lansbury and Bernadette Peters. We look forward to saluting Patti and her extraordinary talents in April.'

Looking for a quick roundup of this week's events in the theatre world? Look no further - here are some of the best articles the week had to offer!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS crosses the pond, LYSISTRATA JONES reunites, Joel turns 80, and so much more!

Bernadette Peters surprised Broadway legend Joel Grey on his 80th birthday with a cake backstage at 'Anything Goes' at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City yesterday, April 11, 2012. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the celebration and brings you complete photo coverage below!

Bernadette Peters surprised Joel Grey on his 80th birthday with a cake backstage at 'Anything Goes' at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City on April 11, 2012.

As first reported exclusively by BroadwayWorld.com last week, the Public Theater confirmed today that Tony Award-winner Donna Murphy has been cast as The Witch in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved musical INTO THE WOODS, directed by Timothy Sheader with co-direction by Liam Steel. Murphy last performed at the Delacorte in the Shakepeare in the Park production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood in 1985. INTO THE WOODS will begin previews on Monday, July 23 and continue for five weeks through Saturday, August 25 with an official press opening on Thursday, August 9.

Triple-platinum recording artist Aaron Carter, scheduled to complete his run as Matt in The Fantasticks on April 22, 2012, will remain with the production through July 22, 2012. A new block of tickets is now on sale at Ticketmaster.com.