Michael Cain News

Director Crystal Ganong presents a smart, fast-paced version of Ira Levin's infamous mystery-comedy at YLT.

Oscar Wilde once said, "A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament." Indeed, it is the "unique temperament" of the Marquis de Sade which is on display in Different Stages' outstanding production of Quills, written by Doug Wright. With its hysterical text, its magnificent cast, and its wonderful creative team, Quills is a fantastic start to Austin's 2013 theater scene. This is one show that knows how to shock and delight audiences. I doubt the Marquis is smiling upon Different Stages from heaven, but if you look a bit further south you may find him smirking...

Today we are talking to a talented writer and journalist who has penned the definitive book on the hottest UK crossover TV series of the new millennium, the early 20th century-set family period drama DOWNTON ABBEY, with her estimable new tome now available, THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA - Jessica Fellowes. Discussing many of the most alluring aspects of the hit Brit series, especially insofar as an international audience is concerned, as well as adding even more historical, political and social insight into the proceedings on the show over the course of its run so far, Fellowes and I assess many of the most arresting aspects of the three seasons of the series as well as the comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that she provides (along with Matthew Sturgis) in THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. All of that, discussion of the third season of the series which premieres in the US on PBS January 6, first news on Jessica's uncle Julian's new historical series for NBC, THE GUILDED AGE and much, much more!

Bristol Riverside Theatre opens the New Year with the fun and sinister Deathtrap by Ira Levin, running January 29-February 24. Directed by Richard Edelman, the cast includes BRT favorites Keith Baker, Barbara McCulloh and Jo Twiss, joined by Mordecai Lawner and Robert Ross.

Check out a first look at Now You See Me pits an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against 'The Four Horsemen,' a super-team of the world's greatest illusionists.

The Guthrie Theater today announced a one-night screening of the 1992 family favorite film The Muppet Christmas Carol in the Dowling Studio at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. Seating will be general admission, and the film is recommended for ages 4 and up. Tickets for this special holiday treat are $5 and are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

Examiner.com has confirmed that Joseph Gordon-Levitt will take on the role of 'Batman' in the upcoming film JUSTICE LEAGUE. Drew McWeeny of HitFix broke the news that the actor will 'absolutely' play the caped crusader in the movie.

Billy Connolly brings his uncensored, uncut and unpredictable new show BILLY CONNOLLY: THE MAN LIVE to San Francisco's Marines' Memorial Theatre (609 Sutter St., 2nd floor) for five performances only (tonight, November 27 - December 1, 2012). Tickets range in price from $55-$65 and are available now by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

The Warner Archive Collection (WAC) - the Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) division dedicated to releasing on DVD previously unavailable films and television shows - today announced the launch of its first Blu-ray titles. The two titles, Deathtrap and Gypsy, will debut today, November 20. Beginning in February 2013, WAC expects to release a minimum of one to two Blu-ray titles per month. Future titles include The Hudsucker Proxy and Fearless.

The Warner Archive Collection (WAC) - the Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) division dedicated to releasing on DVD previously unavailable films and television shows - today announced the launch of its first Blu-ray titles. The two titles, Deathtrap and Gypsy, will debut on November 20. Beginning in February 2013, WAC expects to release a minimum of one to two Blu-ray titles per month. Future titles include The Hudsucker Proxy and Fearless.

Renaissance Theaterworks (RTW) presents the 2nd show of its 20th season EDUCATING RITA a comedy by Willy Russell. Jenny Wanasek will direct this comedy featuring Jonathan Smoots and Cristina Panfilio. Running January 18 - February 10, 2013 at the Studio Theatre, 158 N. Broadway, tickets can be purchased for $36 (fee & taxes not included) in person at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office, by telephone at (414) 291-7800, or online at www.r-t-w.com.

The Charles Dickens-inspired classic holiday story "The Muppet Christmas Carol," rings in its 20th anniversary with the Blu-ray™ debut of this family favorite today. Check out the clip from the special collection below!

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation & BWW Announce New Partnership on Conversations Q&A Series and Expansion of 'Backstage with Richard Ridge'

Wind Dancer Films announced today that it has come on board to finance and produce THE KEEPING ROOM with Gilbert Films and Anonymous Content. Sierra/Affinity will handle international sales, introducing buyers to the film at this week's American Film Market. WME Global arranged financing and will represent North America.

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that Bette Midler is the top candidate to play legendary Hollywood agent Sue Mengers on Broadway in a new play by Tony-winner John Logan. Riedel reports that 'She's interested in Logan's play - as yet untitled - because, says a source, "a one-person show isn't as risky as shouldering a big musical." That - and the fact that Mengers is a hell of a character.'

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles® (BAFTA Los Angeles), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has announced it will honor multi-Academy® and BAFTA Award-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis with the prestigious Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film

According to Variety, the musical adaptation of the film Secondhand Lions is aiming to open at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theater in August 2013.

Revolver Entertainment are pleased to announce that iLL MANORS, the critically acclaimed directorial debut film by Ben Drew (aka award-winning British artist 'Plan B'), will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray, Download and On-Demand, from Monday 8th October 2012.

Due to popular demand, a second night has been added to Billy Connolly's New York engagement at The Beacon Theatre.

Deadline reports that Daniel Day-Lewis will receive the British Academy Of Film And Television Arts' Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film. The actor will receive the award at the 2012 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards which will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 7.