Chris Cooper News

It just got a whole lot easier being green. Walt Disney Records is set to release Muppets: The Green Album, a musical tribute to the world's much-loved Muppets, featuring 12 fan favorite songs reinterpreted by today's hottest artists.

New York Stage and Film (Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director; Mark Linn-Baker, Max Mayer, Leslie Urdang, Producing Directors) and Vassar College (Ed Cheetham, Producing Director) have announced the full line-up of their 2011 Powerhouse Theater season, now entering its 27th year. The result of a unique collaboration between New York Stage and Film and Vassar College, the program consists of an eight-week residency on the Vassar campus (124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY) during which more than 200 professional artists and some 40 apprentices live and work together to create new theater works. The 2011 Main Stage season kicks off with Patricia Wettig's F2M (June 29 - July 10).

In a significant strategic partnership within the ever-changing home/digital entertainment market, Starz, LLC has agreed to sell The Weinstein Company (TWC) a 25% stake in Starz Media, LLC, a programming production, home entertainment and international TV distribution company which includes Anchor Bay Entertainment and other TV/home entertainment assets. Separately, Anchor Bay has entered into a multi-year domestic distribution agreement for new theatrical content from TWC and its Dimension Films label.

Check out this hilarious behind the scenes video of TEMPEST star Russell Brand doing a little improv on his character's background. Click below to watch the clip!

When one thinks of the Boston Pops, recollections of a grand orchestral sound come to mind, along with memories of brilliant conducting by Maestro Keith Lockhart, incredibly fine arrangements and a long list of Broadway guest stars. These have included Christine Ebersole, Patti LuPone, Nathan Lane, Victoria Clarke, Jason Danieley, Marin Mazzie, John Barrowman, Faith Prince and a host of others. In the coming weeks, the name of R&B singer Melinda Doolitle can be added to the list. Ms Doolittle, who made such a vivid impression on viewers of 'American Idol' during its sixth season, will be joining the orchestra on their annual holiday tour. During these wonderful and spirited concerts, Ms Doolittle (no relation to Eliza!) will show off her powerful and soulful voice in such holiday favorites as 'Joy to the World' and 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' in what promises to be a series of memorable concerts.

Julie Taymor is at the helm of a new film adaptation of THE TEMPEST, to be released nationwide December 17. The film was shot in Hawaii with stars Helen Mirren (Prospera), Alfred Molina (Stephano), Ben Whishaw (Ariel), FeliciTy Jones (Miranda), Russell Brand (Trinculo), Djimon Hounsou (Caliban), Alan Cumming (Sebastian), Chris Cooper (Antonio), and David Strathairn (Alonso).

Stephen Farber, one of the country's leading film critics and historians, will continue his film series Reel Talk with Stephen Farber at the Wadsworth Theatre for 12 Monday nights beginning September 20. Reel Talk with Stephen Farber is presented in partnership with RICHMARK Entertainment and Landmark Theatres.

Westport Community Theatre's ETC Staged Reading of TRUMBO Red, White & Blacklisted by Christopher Trumbo

THE MOTHERF**KER WITH THE HAT by Stephen Adly Guirgis will make its world premiere on Broadway starring Bobby Cannavale, Chris Rock, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Annabella Sciorra and Yul Vázquez. Directed by Anna D. Shapiro, the production will open on Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street, New York City). The strictly limited 14-week engagement will begin previews on Tuesday, March 22, 2011.

Westport Community Theatre's ETC Staged Reading of TRUMBO Red, White & Blacklisted by Christopher Trumbo

Westport Community Theatre's ETC Staged Reading of TRUMBO Red, White & Blacklisted by Christopher Trumbo

Tony Award-winner and Academy Award-nominated Julie Taymor is screening her soon-to-be- released new film, The Tempest, as a benefit for Theatre for a New Audience's new home in the BAM Cultural District on Sunday, October 17, at 5:00pm at BAM Rose Cinema, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn.

According to reports from Variety, Disney is in talks with actress Amy Adams to join the currently untitled new Muppet movie, set to begin filming in November. Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones are also being mentioned to co-star with Jason Segel and round out the human cast.

Julie Taymor is at the helm of a new film adaptation of THE TEMPEST, to be released this winter. The film was shot in Hawaii with stars Helen Mirren (Prospera), Alfred Molina (Stephano), Ben Whishaw (Ariel), Felicity Jones (Miranda), Russell Brand (Trinculo), Djimon Hounsou (Caliban), Alan Cumming (Sebastian), Chris Cooper (Antonio), and David Strathairn (Alonso). The trailer has been releases and BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

As BroadwayWorld has previously reported, Julie Taymor is at the helm of a new film adaptation of THE TEMPEST, to be released this December. The film was shot in Hawaii with stars Helen Mirren (Prospera), Alfred Molina (Stephano), Ben Whishaw (Ariel), Felicity Jones (Miranda), Russell Brand (Trinculo), Djimon Hounsou (Caliban), Alan Cumming (Sebastian), Chris Cooper (Antonio), and David Strathairn (Alonso). The New York Times reports today that the film will in fact be the main attraction at this year's New York Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in October. The film will get a special screening on October 2, 2010 at Alice Tully Hall.

The New York Film Festival has announced that this year's festival will open with 'The Social Network,' written by Aaron Sorkin (THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, A FEW GOOD MEN) and directed by David Fincher. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake. 'The Social Network' focuses on Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook.

September 10 was the 35th Toronto International Film Festival Press Conference for TOWN at at the Hyatt Hotel on September in Toronto, Canada. Those in attendance included Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, and Blake Lively.

The New York Film Festival has announced that this year's festival will open with 'The Social Network,' written by Aaron Sorkin (THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, A FEW GOOD MEN) and directed by David Fincher. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake. 'The Social Network' focuses on Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook.

A world premiere, fully-staged production by John Patrick Shanley, the first professional production for playwright Tracy Thorne, and the newest musical project from the multi-award winning director Michael Mayer will be just a few of the many highlights of Vassar & New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Theater season, June 25 - August 1, 2010.

As BroadwayWorld has previously reported, Julie Taymor is at the helm of a new film adaptation of THE TEMPEST, to be released this December. The film was shot in Hawaii with stars Helen Mirren (Prospera), Alfred Molina (Stephano), Ben Whishaw (Ariel), Felicity Jones (Miranda), Russell Brand (Trinculo), Djimon Hounsou (Caliban), Alan Cumming (Sebastian), Chris Cooper (Antonio), and David Strathairn (Alonso). The New York Times reports today that the film will in fact be the main attraction at this year's New York Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in October. The film will get a special screening on October 2, 2010 at Alice Tully Hall.