Marilyn Monroe News

Macha Theatre/Films presents the world premiere of 'Marilyn-My Secret' written by Willard Manus and Odalys Nanin, directed by Odalys Nanin. This dramedy with music, chronicles the life of Norma Jean from unwanted orphan, to bit player, to sex goddess including the untold story of Marilyn's affairs with both female and male lovers - - from her acting coach to the president of the United States. The play runs tonight, March 30 - April 21, at the Macha Theatre in WeHo.

Walnut Street Theatre's President and Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard has announced the 2013-2014 Independence Studio on 3 season, noting 'the plays I've selected are a dramatic blend of new work and American classics. It's the most ambitious season yet for our intimate theatre. Several of the shows have larger casts and more challenging scenic elements, which will be exciting to see our creative designers bring to life. I'm thrilled to share our upcoming season with Philadelphia audiences.'

Veteran Las Vegas performer Steve Connolly stars as the legendary Elvis Presley in the stage production SPIRIT OF THE KING, which premiered March 6 for an open-ended engagement in the Cascade Lounge of the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs. Dubbed "The hardest working KING in show biz," Steve Connolly has performed as Elvis Presley more than 4,000 times in his career and was chosen by the Las Vegas Review Journal's staff as "Best Elvis in Las Vegas" in 2006 and 2007. I had the chance to see the production on opening night and again this week and it could, and very well should, become one of the "must see" attractions in Palm Springs. But, even though Connolly is at the top of his game, it just misses the mark. It is, however, still a "work in progress" and so I have extremely high hopes for its success.

Today we are talking to a divinely gifted triple-threat talent who made a name on the Great White Way with her starring parts in 9-TO-5 and WICKED and has shot to international stardom with her leading role on NBC's musical drama series SMASH - the gorgeous vocal powerhouse Megan Hilty. Analyzing all aspects of her new solo album, the expressive and sexy IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, Hilty shares her inspirations, considerations, ruminations and dedications in regards to the new release, explicating the meanings behind both the original songs and covers. In addition to all about IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, Hilty also shares stories about some of her own favorite performers, songs and performances as well as what elements had to converge in order to create this fantastic first solo album. Additionally, Hilty shares details about her day job on SMASH Season Two and what we can expect in the coming weeks - including behind-the-scenes stories involving guest stars Bernadette Peters and Liza Minnelli, no less - as well as what musical material we will be hearing from the reclaimed bombshell of BOMBSHELL, Marilyn Monroe, now that she is back in the show. All of that, news on sharing a soundtrack duet with GLEE star Lea Michele in LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY'S RETURN and her experiences working on that upcoming animated film and much, much more awaits!

Select songs from tonight's episode of NBC's Golden Globe-nominated musical drama series Smash (Tuesdays, 10-11pm ET) will be available today from NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Columbia Records in the Smash iTunes store: http://www.itunes.com/NBCSmash.

Macha Theatre/Films presents the world premiere of 'Marilyn-My Secret' written by Willard Manus and Odalys Nanin, directed by Odalys Nanin. This dramedy with music, chronicles the life of Norma Jean from unwanted orphan, to bit player, to sex goddess including the untold story of Marilyn's affairs with both female and male lovers - - from her acting coach to the president of the United States. The play runs March 30 - April 21, at the Macha Theatre in WeHo.

Today, fans of Marilyn Monroe's legendary style can officially shop the starlet's eponymous apparel collection exclusively at 150 Macy's stores and on macys.com/mstylelab. The new line will offer those who covet Marilyn Monroe's coquettish style a combination of flirty and sweet looks that remain true to her iconic aesthetic. The collection, created by Authentic Brands Group and LF USA, will be sold within a Marilyn-inspired shop in Macy's Mstylelab department, offering customers an up-close look at the starlet's personality revealed through photography, music and custom displays.

Where prom themes are concerned, many people might assume that there's nothing new under the sun. But Stumps, a party decorations cataloger based in South Whitley, Indiana, that has been a leader in the high school prom industry since 1926, always has some new ideas under its lace sleeves.

After teasing us with two exclusive track releases, Megan Hilty released her first solo album 'It Happens all the Time' on March 12.

Select songs from tonight's episode of NBC's Golden Globe-nominated musical drama series 'Smash' (Tuesdays, 10-11pm ET) will be available today from NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Columbia Records in the 'Smash' iTunes store

Julien's Auctions, the world's premier entertainment celebrity memorabilia auction house, has announced its Hollywood Legends auction of over 800 items including exceptional screen worn wardrobe, props, photographs, jewelry and celebrity owned items to be held on April 5 & 6, 2013 at Julien's Auctions Beverly Hills Gallery. From the only surviving vehicle from the Green Hornet production to the fanciful Munchkin's hats in the all-time classic 'Wizard of Oz,' Julien's will not disappoint at this year's Hollywood spectacular.

Acclaimed jazz vocalist Rebecca Kilgore and the Harry Allen Jazz Quartet returned to New York with a new show, “I Like Men -- Songs about Men from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway,” for five nights at the Metropolitan Room from March 6 to March 10. Kilgore, known in jazz circles for her airborn and erudite stylings, made her Metropolitan Room debut. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos from the engagement below!

On March 8, 2013, The New York Pops continued its 30th season with an evening of swinging favorites in Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More. Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke led the orchestra as it tipped its hat to the Rat Pack, Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Monroe, and other stars from the golden age of entertainment. The performance featured Megan Hilty, Broadway singer and star of the television show Smash, and Ryan Silverman, one of Broadway's favorite leading men. The program included 'Luck Be a Lady,' 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,' music from Smash and more. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos from the concert below!

Last night, one of the most significant theatre-related entities in the universe paid tribute to the game-changing film that re-introduced the movie musical to modern audiences back in 1999: Baz Luhrmann's musical masterpiece, MOULIN ROUGE. And, it more than merely delivered on the inherent promise presented by that seminal film.

As she gears up for Friday's concert at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops and the release of her debut solo album, Megan Hilty talks about music, theater and the songs that move us.

Kim Stanley is an iconic actress who is legendary on Broadway and in Hollywood but almost unknown to the public. alled the Female Brando, she made just four movies but was nominated twice for an Academy Award. She originated the dynamic characterization of Cherie in the original Broadway production of Bus Stop, a performance that Marilyn Monroe studied multiple times before appropriating it for the film version. To bring the story of Kim Stanley to the world, three theatre professionals and former students of hers have interviewed over 60 people around the world, including Lord Richard Attenborough, Sydney Pollack, Arthur Penn, Jessica Lange, Ellen Burstyn, Horton Foote, Eli Wallach and Lauren Hutton. THE NEEDS OF KIM STANLEY focuses on Kim's artistry and her approach to acting, epitomized by the exercise she created called 'The Needs.'

Doris Roberts, Jerry Mathers, Frances Fisher, Fred Willard, Dee Wallace, Thaao Penghlis, Jorge Garcia and other celebrity guests were on hand for a 'Hurray for Hollywood' capital raising effort for a new theatre production by Jack Betts, entitled 'It Goes Like This.' The reading was held at the Private residence of Dr. Robert Joseph and the $100 ticket price raised thousands to make the stage production a reality. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below!

Acclaimed jazz vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, and the Harry Allen Jazz Quartet return to New York with a new show, 'I Like Men -- Songs about Men from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway,' for five nights at the Metropolitan Room from tonight, March 6 to March 10. Kilgore, known in jazz circles for her airborn and erudite stylings, is making her Metropolitan Room debut.

Acclaimed jazz vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, and the Harry Allen Jazz Quartet return to New York with a new show, "I Like Men -- Songs about Men from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway," for five nights at the Metropolitan Room from March 6 to March 10. Kilgore, known in jazz circles for her airborn and erudite stylings, is making her Metropolitan Room debut.

The Picture Show at Bay Street Theatre, sponsored by Peconic Landing, continues with classic films this spring. Please note changes as some film dates were shifted due to adding the St. Patrick's Day Party on March 16 at 8 pm.