Sam Mendes News

Fathom Events, National Theatre Live (NT Live) and BY Experience have come together again to broadcast the National Theatre's original stage production of 'War Horse,' pre-recorded live from London's West End, for only one night in cinemas across the country on Thursday, February 27. For the first time ever, a broadcast from National Theatre Live will be shown at New York City's legendary Ziegfeld Theatre (141 West 54th Street) on February 27th at 7:00 p.m. The broadcast can also be seen in New York at Cinema 123 (1001 3rd Avenue) with encore dates/times to follow.

On today's LIVE WITH KELLY AND MICHAEL, Tony Award winner ALAN CUMMING discussed returning to Broadway in 'Cabaret.'

Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Dinner with Friends by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies and directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon, opens tomorrow, Thursday, February 13 at 7:00PM.

Today we are talking to a terrifically talented triple-threat diva known for her legendary Broadway performance as the title character in the iconic original production of ANNIE as well as notable appearances on Broadway since in STARLIGHT EXPRESS, LES MISERABLES, STATE FAIR and more - the engaging and passionate Andrea McArdle. Opening up about her life after 'Tomorrow' as well as sharing memories of her time in ANNIE, McArdle sheds some light on her idiosyncratic showbiz career and shares sensational stories from her past and present while also looking ahead to the future. Additionally, McArdle looks back on many of her most famous roles to date, including her roller skating days in STARLIGHT EXPRESS and her recent stint as MAME herself, as well as her various Judy Garland-related properties, too - the TV biopic RAINBOW and the stage adaptation of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS among them, not to mention her sensational star turn as the opener of the recent sold-out series of 10th anniversary concerts at Joe's Pub, BROADWAYWORLD.COM VISITS OZ, directed by Richard Jay-Alexander and MaryBeth Abel, where she exquisitely performed 'I'm Always Chasing Rainbows'. Plus, McArdle comments on her recent Broadway Records live album 70'S & SUNNY and the material and decade that inspired it. Most importantly, McArdle looks ahead to her new series of solo shows kicking off at 54 Below this week titled DREAM ROLES and previews some of the stupendous song selections she has chosen for the show - with material by Stephen Sondheim, Charles Strouse and more included! All of that and much, much more awaits in this career-spanning chat with one of Broadway's best and best-loved leading ladies.

The West End is getting a new Willy Wonka. Taking over for Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Douglas Hodge in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be fellow Olivier-winner Alex Jennings, according to the Daily Mail. Directed by Sam Mendes, the production opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25 June 2013 and recently extended through May 20, 2015. Hodge's last performance is set for May 17, with Jennings taking over May 19, 2014.

WICKED will welcome new cast members to the Broadway blockbuster beginning Tuesday, February 25. CHRISTINE DWYER will assume the role of Elphaba, after recently performing the role on National Tour, and JENNI BARBER (The Nance, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) will assume the role of Glinda.

A group of avid knitters formed of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory cast members have been knitting hats to support St Mungo's Woolly Hat Day (Friday 31 January) when the charity asks people to put their hats on for homeless people.

Daniel Craig will star in the upcoming courtroom drama titled, THE WHOLE TRUTH from director Courtney Hunt.

Running December 13 through January 4, John Barrowman and The Krankies will return to the Clyde Auditorium for Glasgow's biggest pantomime in Robin Hood- packed full of action, adventure and comedy, as well as heroes and villains aplenty.

The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards just took place at the Prince of Wales Theatre, celebrating the 25th anniversary of these unique awards. Hosted by Critics' Circle Drama Section Chairman Mark Shenton, with regular guest speaker comedian Arthur Smith introducing proceedings, the ceremony is firmly established as a highlight of the theatrical calendar and, this year, marks a quarter of a century of recognising the best in British Theatre.

The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2013 will take place tonight, 28 January 2014, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, celebrating the 25th anniversary of these unique awards.

Applications are now open for five 'Golden Ticket' week-long, paid work experience placements on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which will provide five people with a unique insight into the working world of theatre. What's more, at the end of the week, the most promising candidate will be rewarded with a life-changing three-month paid placement as production intern, working alongside some of the most experienced people in the business.

Sam Mendes's production of 'King Lear' opened at the National Theater last week, with Simon Russell Beale in the title role. Let's see what the critics had to say:

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory today announced that it is extending its run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 20 May 2015. The new booking period will go on sale on 7 February 2014.

The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for the West Coast premiere of Laura Marks's powerful new play Bethany. Directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, Bethany will run today, Jan. 25 - Feb. 23, 2014 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run Jan. 25 - Jan. 29. Opening night is Thursday, Jan. 30 at 8:00 p.m. Meet the cast and creative team in the photos below!

Hampstead Theatre has announced the that the cast of Nick Whitby's The Mystae will be Adam Buchanan, Alex Griffin-Griffiths and Beatrice Scirocchi.

Today, SHOWTIME announced premiere dates for a number of its highly-anticipated new and returning programs this Spring. Beginning Sunday, April 13, the sweeping docu-series YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY makes its debut in time for Earth Day at 10 p.m., immediately following the season six premiere of NURSE JACKIE, starring Edie Falco, at 9 p.m. and the seventh and final season of CALIFORNICATION, starring David Duchovny, at 9:30 p.m. SHOWTIME's new series PENNY DREADFUL, the psychological thriller starring Eva Green and Josh Hartnett, premieres on Sunday, May 11 at 10 p.m.