Richard Griffiths News

Today, we remember those within the entertainment industry that we lost in 2013.

Global superstars One Direction have made chart history with the release of their third studio album MIDNIGHT MEMORIES, topping the charts around the world.

Chicago area and North Shore audiences -- for the third consecutive year -- will have the opportunity to experience the best of British theatre in December, when the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University presents the National Theatre Live (NT Live) broadcast series.

Two-time Olivier Award winner Simon Russell Beale's performance in the title role of William Shakespeare's KING LEAR, directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, will be seen by cinema audiences worldwide whenNATIONAL THEATRE LIVE broadcasts the production live from the National's Olivier Theatre on Thursday, May 1, 2014, with varying dates internationally and encore screenings to follow.

Music Box Theatre expands its Stage-to-Screen programming this winter, importing even more captured live stage performances from the UK than ever before. Additional programming includes a new collaboration with the UK's Royal Shakespeare Company kicking off December 7 and 18 with Richard II, starring Doctor Who's David Tennant, beamed from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Throughout 2013, the centenary of British composer Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) has been observed around the world by musicians and institutions of every kind. Music Director James Conlon, whose lifelong fascination with Britten is reflected in his personal three-year performance cycle of the composer's works in America and Europe, is the inspiration for LA Opera's Britten 100/LA: A Celebration, an extensive collaboration featuring performances, conferences and exhibitions presented by a host of organizations throughout the Southland. Britten's centenary year may be drawing to an end, but Britten 100/LA events will continue into early 2014.

Chicago area and North Shore audiences -- for the third consecutive year -- will have the opportunity to experience the best of British theatre in December, when the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University presents the National Theatre Live (NT Live) broadcast series.

'Henry V,' the final installment of Shakespeare's four history chronicle plays comprising 'The Hollow Crown' airs October 11 at 9 p.m. on THIRTEEN's'Great Performances' on PBS stations (check local listings).

'Henry V,' the final installment of Shakespeare's four history chronicle plays comprising 'The Hollow Crown' airs October 11 at 9 p.m. on THIRTEEN's'Great Performances' on PBS stations (check local listings).

Writers and non-writers who refer to dictionaries to properly spell or pronounce a word will enjoy the hilarious stage production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," Oct. 25-Nov. 10, at Northwestern University.

The epic production of National Theatre's "War Horse," based on the novel by English author, poet, playwright and librettist and 2003-05 Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, is the latest addition to a series of hit London plays that will be broadcast this season at Northwestern University. Single tickets to "War Horse" go on sale today (Sept. 27).

Center Theatre Group recently announced that Justin Bartha would be joining the cast of Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys' at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre replacing the previously announced David Krumholtz who needed to leave the production for personal reasons.

'Humor Abuse,' the hilarious and heartfelt story of growing up in a circus, created by Lorenzo Pisoni and Erica Schmidt, directed by Schmidt and featuring a tour de force performance by Pisoni, will be presented at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum, today, September 17 through November 3, 2013. The opening is set for September 21. Get a first look at Pisoni onstage below!

Center Theatre Group announced that Justin Bartha will be joining the cast of Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys' at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre replacing the previously announced David Krumholtz who needed to leave the production for personal reasons.