Phylicia Rashad News

'The PICTURE BOX" by Cate Ryan will be presented by The Negro Ensemble Company Off Broadway* at Theatre Row - Beckett Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street. Previews begin Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 and the opening is Sunday, January 15th for the limited engagement from the theatre company. The new play is directed by Charles Weldon.

NBC will look back at 85 years of one of America's greatest holiday traditions with 'The 85th Anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade,' on Thursday, November 24 from 10-11 p.m. ET. Matt Lauer will host this retrospective, which will feature the favorite floats, balloons and performances that have made the parade a must-watch spectacle every year for generations of American families.

Internationally renowned actor, Golden Globe Winner, and multiple Emmy Nominee Matthew Modine and TONY-Award Nominee and Broadway Star Melissa Errico star in a unique dramatic presentation drawn from the passionate letters of Thomas Jefferson and painter/composer/musician Maria Cosway, intertwined with the performance of music mentioned in their correspondance, including works by Sacchini, Hewitt, and rarely performed compositions by Cosway herself.

Today, Richard talks to Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, producers of critically acclaimed and award-winning feature films, television movies, series and Broadway productions. The dynamic duo spoke to Richard Ridge backstage before being honored at The New York Musical Theatre Festival Gala earlier this month. HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS and HARRY POTTER star Daniel Radcliffe was on hand to present Neil and Craig with their award and spoke to us exclusively as well about how they got him involved with the production and more!

Modern-day master of musical theatre Stephen Sondheim is about to release the second book of his complete collected lyrics - covering mostly everything written in the last three decades and in this one so far - titled after a line from what may very well be his ultimate masterpiece, the Pulitzer Prize-winning SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE - LOOK, I MADE A HAT; Collected Lyrics (1981-2011) with Attendant Comments, Amplifications, Dogmas, Harangues, Digressions, Anecdotes and Miscellany. So, today, we are going to be taking a look at a litany of the finest moments from Sondheim's post-SWEENEY TODD musicals that are highlighted in LOOK, I MADE A HAT and perhaps discover a few of the many reasons why Sondheim's musicals - whether late-period or early on- are the best of the best Broadway has to offer - now or ever. And, what an absolutely mind-blowing list it is - and what a masterpiece of a book!

NBC will look back at 85 years of one of America's greatest holiday traditions with 'The 85th Anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade,' on Thursday, November 24 from 10-11 p.m. ET. Matt Lauer will host this retrospective, which will feature the favorite floats, balloons and performances that have made the parade a must-watch spectacle every year for generations of American families.

Westport Country Playhouse will present, as part of its Family Festivities Series, 'A Season of Miracles,' a sparkling collection of holiday tales from different cultures set to music, on Sunday, December 11, at 1 and 4 p.m.

Westport Country Playhouse is hosting a Writing Challenge for area students, grades K - 8, in conjunction with its Family Festivities presentation of 'A Season of Miracles' in December, part of the 'Winter at the Playhouse' events.

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director) announced today that BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, by Pearl Cleage, is set as the second production of the 2011 - 2012 season. Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps is also confirmed to direct the production. BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY will replace the engagement of Pastoral which was to have starred Angela Bassett this fall. Performances begin November 1, 2011 and the production will play through November 27, 2011 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino).

The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson (DR. Martin Luther King, Jr.,) and Angela Bassett, directed by the Tony-nominated Kenny Leon (Fences, A Raisin in the Sun), opened last night, October 13, 2011 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there for the starry arrivals and celebratory after party and brings you photo coverage below!

Leaders from fashion, entertainment, and media were among the nearly 700 guests who stepped up to support the millions of individuals around the world affected by lupus during the second annual Lupus Foundation of America's (LFA) Butterfly Gala in New York City.

According to Deadline.com, a remake of the 1989 movie 'Steel Magnolias' which was based on the 1987 play, is currently in the works. Lifetime is currently working with Broadway director Kenny Leon and producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron to recreate the classic film with an all-black cast.

Subscriptions are now on sale to the general public for the 2012 season at Westport Country Playhouse.

Actors' Equity Association announced today that James Earl Jones is the recipient of the 2011 Paul Robeson Award. Created in 1971, the Award recognizes a person who best exemplifies the principles by which Mr. Robeson lived.

An Evening with Bill Cosby comes to the MORRISON CENTER tonight - 5 & 8 pm with IMAG Screen

Nicholas Martin and Phylicia Rashad have been added to the roster of directors helming productions during Westport Country Playhouse's 2012 season, playing May through November.