Cate Blanchett News

I just have to write about Lara Fabregas; she's my kind of a leading lady of the theater: enigmatic, elusive, complex, sultry, and divine. If she were to star as Hedda Gabler, the original, quintessential "desperate housewife" in Henrik Ibsen's 1890 play, in the big city, which versatile and accomplished actresses Cate Blanchett and Mary-Louise Parker did in 2006 and 2009, respectively, I'd be the first to fall in line for show tickets. Alas, Ms. Fabregas' much-awaited stage comeback after almost seven years is happening back home in Manila. At times like these, I wish I were a bridge that could stretch across the Pacific.

Voting is now well underway for the 2011 Australia Awards and here is the latest update! Now, it's time for you to get out and vote for your favorites in the hopes that they will be the recipients of a 2011 BroadwayWorld Australia Award. No time to waste, click on the voting link and make your opinion count! Below are the stats so far as of Monday November 23, 2011.

Actress Juliet Landau, best known to television audiences for her portrayal of Drusilla in 17 episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) is currently co-starring onstage in John Patrick Shanley's Danny and the Deep Blue Sea @ Crown City Theatre through December 18. In our chat the actress, who is a member of the Actors Studio, talks about what it was like growing up the daughter of famous parents, actors Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, her favorite plays and what drew her to playwright John Patrick Shanley in the first place.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center announced today that Rachel Jett will take the reins of its undergraduate training program, the National Theater Institute (NTI) effective January 1, 2012, replacing Jeff Janisheski, who has led the program as Artistic Director since summer 2008. A national search for a permanent replacement will be conducted in spring 2012, to be completed in early summer.

London 2012 today launched the programme for the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK, opening on Midsummer's Day 21 June and running until 9 September 2012.

Peter Jackson has released a new video update on his upcoming film, THE HOBBIT. In the video Jackson talks about the 3D technology used on the movie.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is coming to theaters on December 14th from New Line Cinema. The fantasy adventure film is directed by Peter Jackson.

Taproot Theatre brings the work of one of Britain's wittiest playwrights to the stage this fall with Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. Dandies and diamonds swirl in and out of this comedic classic. Sir Robert appears to be the ideal husband, until a choice from early in his career comes back to haunt him. Can he be restored to his adoring wife or will the truth be everyone's undoing? This smart satire sparkles with wit and romance. Written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Karen Lund, An Ideal Husband opens on September 23 and runs through October 22, with previews on September 21 and 22.

ANIMATION DOMINATION kicks off this fall with a star-studded lineup of guest voices on returning favorite animated series THE SIMPSONS, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD premiering Sunday, Sept. 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. New kid on the block, ALLEN GREGORY, sets out on his first day of school Sunday, Oct. 30 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

Taproot Theatre brings the work of one of Britain's wittiest playwrights to the stage this fall with Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. Dandies and diamonds swirl in and out of this comedic classic. Sir Robert appears to be the ideal husband, until a choice from early in his career comes back to haunt him. Can he be restored to his adoring wife or will the truth be everyone's undoing? This smart satire sparkles with wit and romance. Written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Karen Lund, An Ideal Husband opens on September 23 and runs through October 22, with previews on September 21 and 22.

The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (UPI).

Taproot Theatre brings the work of one of Britain's wittiest playwrights to the stage this fall with Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. Dandies and diamonds swirl in and out of this comedic classic. Sir Robert appears to be the ideal husband, until a choice from early in his career comes back to haunt him. Can he be restored to his adoring wife or will the truth be everyone's undoing? This smart satire sparkles with wit and romance. Written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Karen Lund, An Ideal Husband opens on September 23 and runs through October 22, with previews on September 21 and 22.

Focus Features and LAIKA, the two companies behind the Academy Award-nominated animated feature Coraline are reteaming for LAIKA's next two projects.

ANIMATION DOMINATION kicks off this fall with a star-studded lineup of guest voices on returning favorite animated series THE SIMPSONS, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD premiering Sunday, Sept. 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. New kid on the block, ALLEN GREGORY, sets out on his first day of school Sunday, Oct. 30 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

The 2011 Helpmann Awards® Ceremony was held earleir today. Monday 1 August at Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House, hosted by Jonathan Biggins will Host the Awards Ceremony.

Thank God for air-conditioning in our DC/MD/VA area theatres! In August it will be sizzling in our local theatres. Signature Theatre has its 'Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret' series with visits from Broadway favorites Marc Kudisch and Julia Murney, and Signature favorites Erin Driscoll, Sandy Bainum, and Lauren Williams. The talk of the town is Cate Blanchett visiting The Eisenhower Theatre at The Kennedy Center, where a hundred yards away Wicked is playing to SRO audiences (what else is new?).

The annual Helpmann Awards® recognise distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. The Helpmann Awards also incorporates the JC Williamson Award for outstanding contribution to the Australian live performance industry.