Beth Leavel News

Did you know that before Paige Faure was a princess, she was Wendy Darling and Trinity from the Matrix? Below, Broadway brings you videos of the CINDERELLA star in a high school comedy troupe called 'The Bad Eggs,' starring alongside Broadway actor Andrew Durand (WAR HORSE), and Atlanta actors Nick Arapoglou and Jimi Kocina.

?54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, has announced initial casting for '54 Sings Kiss of the Spider Woman.'Anthony Crivello, who won a Tony Award for his performance as Valentin in the original 1993 Broadway production of Kiss of the Spider Woman, headlines the evening celebrating John Kander and Fred Ebb's celebrated score.

BroadwayWorld.com has just learned the casting for an upcoming New York City developmental lab of the Casey Nicholaw directed and choreographed, and Broadway (via Seattle) bound new musical, Something Rotten!

Broadway stars Christine Ebersole, Beth Leavel, and Betty Buckley will perform at an event to support Clay Aiken's campaign for US Congress. Aiken is running on the Democratic ticket for North Carolina's 2nd district.

Whether you've been living under a rock for the past week or you're just in the mood for a recap, BroadwayWorld's 'this week in pictures' is here to satisfy your end-of-the-week fix! Take a look below to catch up on the latest happenings from the Great White Way to The West End (and everywhere in between) with coverage of press events, rehearsals, opening nights and more. Highlights this week include opening night of LOVE LETTERS, Barbra Streisand on Jimmy Fallon, the American Theatre Wing's Annual Gala honoring Dame Angela Lansbury, and more!

The Muny, America's premier summer musical theatre, and Webster University's Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Conservatory of Theatre Arts, a national leader in training for Musical Theatre, have joined forces to launch a summer intensive for emerging young artists. This three-week program invites 10 rising junior and senior high school students from across the nation to participate in an immersive theatrical experience. The first Muny/Webster Intensive for Emerging Young Artists will be held during the summer of 2015.

On Friday night, September 12, director Eric Ulloa and Music Director John McDaniel presented an all-star Broadway cast in 'Rise, Rise, Rise' a tribute to the late Elaine Stritch at 54 Below, singing the songs that made Stritch famous and told the stories that made her infamous. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights from the concert below!

Last night, September 12 (9:30pm), director Eric Ulloa and Music Director John McDaniel presented an all-star Broadway cast in 'Rise, Rise, Rise' a tribute to the late Elaine Stritch at 54 Below, singing the songs that made Stritch famous and told the stories that made her infamous. Check out pre-show photos below!

Laura Osnes, Jarrod Spector and Beth Leavel participated this week in a reading of a hot new musical called BANDSTAND

Few legends come along as brassy and powerful as Elaine Stritch, and so it's time to 'Rise, Rise, Rise' in tribute to her. Tonight, September 12 (9:30pm), director Eric Ulloa and Music Director John McDaniel will present an all star Broadway cast singing the songs that made Stritch famous and telling the stories that made her infamous. So, come to 54 Below for an evening of great music, memories, food and of course cocktails.

54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, has announced Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie (Bullets Over Broadway, Next To Normal, Kiss Me Kate), as the latest addition to the starry cast of '54 Sings Big River.'The one-night-only event takes place this Sunday, September 14 at 7PM and 9:30PM.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) debuts a transformative new performance and event venue, raising the curtain on THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. FPAC kicks off the company's premiere season in its new home with a grand-opening weekend September 20-22 to introduce the theater and event space to the community. Anchoring a series of signature events, FPAC's annual Gala will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 6 p.m. featuring silent and live auctions, inspired cuisine by Artistry Catering and Events, and dancing until midnight. The evening's entertainment presents a special, one-night-only performance by guest artists Beth Leavel, renowned Broadway veteran and Tony® Award winner for The Drowsy Chaperone, and Alexander Gemignani, Broadway's acclaimed Jean Valjean (Les Miserables) and Billy Flynn (Chicago).

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) launches its 24th season with grand opening performances in THE BLACK BOX, FPAC's new home and performance venue in downtown Franklin. A special kick-off weekend will introduce the theater, music and event space to the community. Anchoring a series of signature events, FPAC's annual Gala on Saturday evening, September 20, features a special, one-night-only performance by Tony® Award winner Beth Leavel and Broadway star Alexander Gemignani. On Sunday, September 21, FPAC hosts an Open House at THE BLACK BOX, inviting the public to come celebrate, tour the facility, and learn about upcoming programming and arts opportunities for Franklin and the surrounding region. The weekend's events conclude with the FPAC Golf Tournament on Monday, September 22, featuring a day on the links at Franklin Country Club.

Lena Hall, 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), recently surprised students of Broadway Artists Alliance'a Summer Intensive. Hall spoke of the start of her career, auditioning for her award winning role, and making time for her rock band, The Deafening. Hall also participated in a Q&A with students, answering questions and offering advice for young performers. Get a look at her appearance below!

This September and October 54 BELOW presents a lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

The Muny's seventh and final show of its 96th season, HELLO, DOLLY!, directed by Rob Ruggiero, choreographed by Ralph Perkins, with music direction by James Moore, ran through August 17, 2014. Below, check out a fun behind-the-scenes remix from the company, featuring Beth Leavel, John O'Hurley, Rob McClure, Mamie Parris, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Eloise Kropp and more!

Broadway legend and Tony Award Winner Beth Leavel prepared five talented performers -- Kristen DelBosque, Mark Jammal, Priscilla Milliner, Lauren Santana, and Laurel Smalley -- for careers in theatre in a special Straight From New York documentary. Watch the video below, plus scroll down for photos from the workshop!

54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, has announced Big River, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Mame as the next three musical scores to be celebrated in its acclaimed '54 Sings' series.

A great, big Broadway season is on its way, with fourteen productions already slated to open in the next few months. With weeks until the craziness begins, there is still plenty of time to catch up on what's been going on at Broadway's already occupied theaters . BroadwayWorld will be profiling the hits of the Great White Way that continue to draw crowds after months, years, and (in some cases) decades. Meet the current cast of Broadway's MAMMA MIA! below!