David Hyde Pierce News

On Sunday, May 6, George Street Playhouse paid tribute to playwright and director Arthur Laurents with the naming of the theatre's mainstage as The Arthur Laurents Stage at George Street Playhouse and the establishment of The Arthur Laurents Fund for the Development of New Work.

Today we are continuing BroadwayWorld's month-long Tony Awards clip countdown - which culminates in the Tony telecast itself on Sunday, June 10 - with a handful of Tony moments featuring members of the awesomely talented cast of NBC's musical drama series SMASH - season finale airing at 10 PM tonight - years before their big TV breakthrough roles on the hit show, which has been officially renewed for a second season: Megan Hilty, Brian d'Arcy James and a Tony Award nominee this year, Christian Borle!

The Fred Ebb Foundation (Mitchell Bernard, Trustee) in association with the York Theatre (James Morgan, Artistic Director) presents an invitation-only showcase presentation entitled Trunk and Disorderly: Songs from the Deep Dark Trunk of Jeff Blumenkrantz, who received the 2011 Fred Ebb Award. The presentation will feature Drew Gehling, Dee Hoty, Dee Roscioli, and Sarah Stiles.

The Fred Ebb Foundation (Mitchell Bernard, Trustee) in association with the York Theatre (James Morgan, Artistic Director) is pleased to present an invitation-only showcase presentation entitled Trunk and Disorderly: Songs from the Deep Dark Trunk of Jeff Blumenkrantz, who received the 2011 Fred Ebb Award. The presentation will feature Drew Gehling, Dee Hoty, Dee Roscioli, and Sarah Stiles.

Williamstown Theatre Festival Artistic Director Jenny Gersten has announced additional casting for the 2012 Summer Season. A host of Williamstown Theatre Fesival veterans and talented newcomers including Becky Ann Baker, Marylouise Burke, Tyne Daly, Brandon Victor Dixon, Alison Fraser, Heather Lind, Amy Spanger, Jeremy Strong, Lili Taylor and many more, will take the stage during the Festival's 58th Season.

Last night, Night at the Pier featured Broadway-themed performances in honor of the 30th anniversary of Family Equality Council, the national organization that connects, supports and represents the one million parents in the U.S. who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). View photos of the performers and attendees - including MEMPHIS star Montego Glover, singer Clay Aiken, the cast of NEWSIES, Tony Award-winner David Hyde Pierce and more - below!

Christopher Sieber is currently playing the role of Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES on tour. Christopher's career has been unique and diverse. He has been on TV and Broadway and brings his own life's experiences to the role of Albin/Zaza. Christopher was also priviledged to play the role of Georges on Broadway. He is the only actor who has ever played both lead roles in LA CAGE. He shared his experiences and lessons he has learned over the years as a performer and details of his current role as Albin/Zaza.

The Tony Awards Film Series will open on Saturday, May 12th with the world premiere of Stephanie Riggs' 'The Standbys.' The Standbys follows actors Ben Crawford (standby for Shrek), Merwin Foard (standby for Gomez in The Addams Family) and Aléna Watters (standby for Anita in West Side Story). Get a first look at the film below!

This week the 2012 Tony Awards Nominations were announced! I always get up early to watch the nominations on NY1; but my favorite part of the noms is the day after, when the nominees meet the press. Here are excerpts from my favorite nominee reactions in recent years.

NOW. HERE. THIS. closes tonight, April 28, after playing an extended run at the Vineyard Theatre.

Vineyard Theatre's Developmental Lab Production of THE LANDING (previously titled 'Andra') -- a collection of three related one-act musicals written by the celebrated composer John Kander and his new collaborator, Greg Pierce -- will be presented under the direction of Walter Bobbie, May 15-June 3 at The Vineyard (108 E. 15 St.). The cast just met the press, and BroadwayWorld brings you photos of John Kander, Greg Pierce, Paul Anthony Stewart, David Hyde Pierce, Jake Bennett Siegfried, Julia Murney, David Loud and Walter Bobbie below!

Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere production of THE COLUMNIST by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan currently opened last night, April 25, at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The production, which recently announced an extension, is scheduled to run though June 24, 2012. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage from the opening night pre-show and post-show red carpets below!

The new musical comedy NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, with music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro, opened last night, April 24 at Broadway's Imperial Theatre. NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT stars two-time Tony Award-winner Matthew Broderick and three-time Tony Award nominee Kelli O'Hara and is directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall. BroadwayWorld was on the red carpet as the stars arrived for showtime and brings you photo coverage below!

Emmy Award winning actress Jane Lynch will host this year's Backstage at the Geffen fundraiser, which recognizes leadership in the theater community while raising support for the theater's artistic and outreach initiatives, honoring Hollywood legend Carol Burnett and Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment Jim Gianopulos. Ms. Burnett will receive the Distinction in Theater Award and Mr. Gianopulos will be presented with the Distinction in Service Award by entertainment icon and longtime colleague Warren Beatty. The star-studded event will be co-chaired by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger and his wife, journalist Willow Bay. This irreverent evening of laughter, music and stories, which is sponsored by City National Bank, will be held on Monday June 4, 2012 at the Geffen Playhouse.

BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture all the red carpet arrivals of GHOST THE MUSICAL's opening night on Broadway - April 24, 2012!

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.

Christopher Sieber is currently playing the role of Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES on tour. Christopher's career has been unique and diverse. He has been on TV and Broadway and brings his own life's experiences to the role of Albin/Zaza. Christopher was also priviledged to play the role of Georges on Broadway. He is the only actor who has ever played both lead roles in LA CAGE. He shared his experiences and lessons he has learned over the years as a performer and details of his current role as Albin/Zaza.

Tonight, April 23, 2012, Theatre Communications Group (TCG) will celebrate its 50th anniversary at a gala honoring Kenny Leon, Judith O. Rubin, and The Shubert Foundation, at Espace (635 West 42nd Street between 11th and 12th avenues).

On Monday, April 23, 2012, Theatre Communications Group (TCG) will elebrate its 50th c anniversary at a gala honoring Kenny Leon, Judith O. Rubin, and The Shubert Foundation, at Espace (635 West 42nd Street between 11th and 12th avenues).