Sam Mendes News

Tia Maggini has been named Vice President, Original Movies, of Lifetime, it was announced today by Tanya Lopez, the network's Senior Vice President, Original Movies. Based in Los Angeles, Maggini will report directly to Lopez and be responsible for the development and production of Lifetime Original Movies.

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced that Michelle Williams has extended her acclaimed run as 'Sally Bowles' opposite Alan Cumming as 'Emcee' in Cabaret on Broadway through November 9, 2014.

Ghostlight Records will release the original cast recording of The Public Theater's production of A SECOND CHANCE online and in stores August 5.

As PENNY DREADFUL makes its San Diego Comic-Con debut, SHOWTIME will host autograph signings featuring cast members Josh Hartnett, Reeve Carney, Harry Treadaway, and creator and executive producer John Logan on Thursday, July 24th and Friday, July 25th. This marks the series' first trip to the world-famous gathering in San Diego. Headlining the opening night of Comic-Con, PENNY DREADFUL's panel session, moderated by Emmy® Award-nominated actress and host Aisha Tyler (The Talk, Archer), will be presented on Thursday, July 24th from6:00-7:00 pm in Ballroom 20. A special package of PENNY DREADFUL-inspired tarot cards will be given to all fans who attend the panel session. Additionally, four lucky members of the panel audience will have the opportunity to win tickets to an exclusive PENNY DREADFUL party that evening.

Gina McKee (Di & Viv & Rose, King Lear, Ivanov, Our Friends In The North, Notting Hill) plays Queen Elizabeth, alongside the previously announced Martin Freeman (Clybourne Park, The Hobbit, Sherlock, Fargo) as Richard III in Jamie Lloyd's first production of his second season at Trafalgar Transformed, Richard III, which had a press night on 8 July. The production runs through 27 September.

In April 2014, Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal announced that Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Leslie Uggams would be starring as Rose in Connecticut Repertory Theatre's (CRT) production of GYPSY: A Musical Fable today, July 10-20. This announcement quickly spread through social media circles and the theatre community and set off a firestorm of discussion on message boards and Twitter about casting an African American actress in this iconic role.

All the talk about this Richard III will be about Martin Freeman. It's unavoidable really. Well-known television star takes on one of the big Shakespearean roles and a role outside what might be seen as his comfort zone. Any review therefore will need to confront this head on.

The company of Cabaret gathered at Sardi's yesterday to celebrate the official portrait unveiling for stage and screen star Alan Cumming. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you complete coverage from the special event below!

The company of Cabaret gathered at Sardi's today to celebrate the official portrait unveiling for stage and screen star Alan Cumming. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you a sneak peek at the caricature below! And be sure to check back later for our full coverage!

The Public Theater will open its 2014-15 downtown season with the world premiere of Bridget Everett's ROCK BOTTOM at Joe's Pub.š Created by Bridget Everett, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, and Matt Ray, ROCK BOTTOM was originally commissioned as part of the Joe's Pub 2013 New York Voices series.

Alan Cumming lead the cast of Broadway's CABARET through 'Wikommen' to celebrate the return of the hit musical to the Great White Way.

Celebrating its 5th year bringing live theatre to cinema audiences around the world, NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE is proud to present two upcoming titles, broadcast to cinemas internationally.

The season finale of Penny Dreadful drew 856,000 total viewers last night during its initial airing, up from last week's 800,000 viewers

It's a well-known fact that Liza Minnelli loves Cabaret. She starred in the Bob Fosse film adaptation of the musical in 1972, which won eight Oscars. And she was perhaps the most excited person in the world when she heard it was coming back to Broadway. As BWW previously reported, she remarked, 'The 1998 production of Cabaret, by Sam and Rob, is coming back to Broadway this month. With Alan! And with no less than Michelle Williams, who's always so beautiful on the big screen, as Sally. Just like last time, Studio 54 will be turned into the Kit Kat Klub. And I will be there opening night.'

Roundabout Theatre Company's Cabaret on Broadway, starring Alan Cumming in his Tony Award-winning role as 'Emcee' and three-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams as 'Sally Bowles' opened on April 24 at Studio 54. The company has just reached the landmark of 500 performances! Except for Cumming, who only played 499 and a 1/2 performances. During one of the shows, he banged his head and couldn't perform the second half. But that hasn't stopped him from celebrating!

Variety reports that Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who teamed to write the last five James Bond films, will be scripting the 24th installment in the franchise. Purvis and Wade will rework John Logan's original screenplay, with SKYFALL helmer Sam Mendes onboard to direct.

The Ogunquit Playhouse, America's Foremost Summer Theatre, is pleased to present the first installment of a new post-show discussion series featuring the dynamic creators of Billy Elliot the Musical following the Today matinee on June 28 at 6PM. The one-hour discussion from the stage, moderated by Associate Producer Jayme McDaniel, will shine the spotlight on director BT McNicholl and choreographer Adam Pelty.

After sold out runs in Australia, the 2014 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) in association with Three Fish Productions presents Der Gelbe Stern (The Yellow Star) a new musical conceived and performed by NYMF's 'Next Broadway Sensation' winner Alexis Fishman*, written by James Millar & Alexis Fishman. Der Gelbe Stern is directed by Sharone Halevy and is being staged in its U.S. premiere at The Laurie Beechman Theater @ West Bank Cafe, 407 West 42nd Street (bet. 9th & 10th Avenues) in NYC for five performances from Monday, July 14 through Monday, July 21, 2014. *Appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes, last night marked the first anniversary of its opening at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane with a gala performance and party for cast, crew and special guests. Check out a first look at cast members on the red carpet below!