Bette Midler News

Writers, producers and actors Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele, the current kings of sketch comedy, sit down with host David Steinberg to discuss their Second City roots

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) is combining and reorganizing its development and programming functions, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment.

Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer once again demonstrates his success with new musicals.

Broadway's Mandy Gonzalez (Wicked, In the Heights, Dance of the Vampires, Lennon) has joined the cast of The Amanda McBroom Project, set for March 14, 15, and 17 at 7pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42 Street (Between 9 and 10 Avenues.) For Reservations: 212.695.6909Music charge $20. Food/drink minimum $15

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The Mosh Pit's exclusive Oscar wrap-up, Billy Zane announced for Lyric Opera, DLO's 'Les Miz' aims high, Porchlight tries 'How To Succeed,' Bailiwick's 'Dessa Rose' begins, as does 'Heartbeat Of Home' from BIC, 'Option Up! ' returns, voice students compete at NATS, and more!

Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, opening tonight, March 4, 2014, and playing through March 30. Adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart, Beaches is directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). This heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women stars Mara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie and Alysha Umphress (Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom.

The Facebook data team surveyed the conversation around last night's 86th Annual ACADEMY AWARDS and revealed that 11.1 million people had over 25.4 million interactions, including posts, comments and likes).

This year's annual 'In Memoriam' tribute, televised live on the 86th annual ACADEMY AWARDS, featured some of Hollywood's biggest names

The 2014 Academy Awards telecast was lovely, lengthy and a generally low-key affair, filled with more than a few buzz-worthy moments worth a replay or two as well as some spectacular song sequences, too - as would be expected from two noted and similarly Oscar-winning producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Ellen Degeneres delivered on the humor as expected, if not surpassing expectations in doing more than merely decently, whereas the winners themselves were generally smart and savvy choices, all said - 12 YEARS A SLAVE and DALLAS BUYER'S CLUB nabbing many top awards. Plus, FROZEN took home a well-earned trophy or two and its sensational lead Idina Menzel was responsible for not only the performance of the night - a Swarovski explosion of epic proportions, with vocals to match - but also the viral video, too, byway of John Travolta's unfortunate faux pas introduction mispronouncing the Broadway superstar's name. Oops, Oohs, Ahhs, and, well, OZ, the 2014 Oscars fulfilled its promise of entertaining, if perhaps overstaying its welcome - yet, who would want to sacrifice those fabulous speeches; or anything else, for that matter? Everyone got their moment - but maybe just a moment or two too many.

Following this year's 'In Memorium' segment, Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-winner (and Academy Award nominee) Bette Midler sang a moving version of her classic ballad 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.

Some of Broadway's brightest have turned up for this year's Oscars, including Liza Minnelli, Idina Menzel, and Kristin Chenoweth! Check out coverage of the ladies on the red carpet below!

The Man Beneath His Wings - Today we lost a man to whom the song, made famous by Ms. Bette Midler, could have very well been about - Robert L. Spencer.

The Amanda McBroom Project...continuing the journey will play March 14, 15, and 17 at 7pm at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42 Street (Between 9 and 10 Avenues). Reservations: 212.695.6909. Music charge $20; Food/drink minimum $15.

BEACHESThis spring, Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women starsMara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress(Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom. Click below to watch Alysha Umphress and Mara Davi sing 'What I Should Have Told Her' over footage from rehearsal!

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) tonight, February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.

This spring, Virginia's Signature Theatre presents the world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women starsMara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress(Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!

On Monday, March 3, legendary comedians from both sides of the pond, Eric Idle and Bob Einstein, sit down with INSIDE COMEDY host David Steinberg to dish on their careers and some of television's most iconic shows. British comedian, actor, author and writer Eric Idle talks about the origin of Monty Python and creating the Tony-Award winning musical comedy Spamalot. Meanwhile actor, comedian and writer Bob Einstein talks about getting his break on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, working with the celebrated Redd Foxx and the creation of one of his most memorable characters, Super Dave.

Marty Thomas presents DIVA is a weekly show at Industry Bar in midtown Manhattan. Featuring a cast of Alexa Green (WICKED, COMPANY), Kelly King (Babyface, Michael Bolton) and Marissa Rosen (MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING), it is hosted and produced by Marty Thomas (XANADU, WICKED, THE SECRET GARDEN). DIVA celebrates fabulous female vocalists paying tribute to some of histories most over the top icons! The cast performs a brand new show every week with exciting new guests rotating.

This week at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach Florida, Rob Russell entertainment director is presenting Amanda McBroom. Appearing with Amanda, is her long time collaborator and music director pianist/composer Michele Brourman.