Samantha Barks News

Pop star and former Broadway/West End CHICAGO lead Ashlee Simpson returns to the celebrated role for the upcoming Hollywood Bowl production, directed by Brooke Shields, and a first look at the cast in rehearsal has been revealed.

Ashlee Simpson has been announced to play Roxie Hart in the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of CHICAGO, the musical which holds the record as the third longest running show in Broadway history. The production will also star previously announced Samantha Barks as Velma, Drew Careyas Amos, Lucy Lawless as Mama Morton, and Stephen Moyer as Billy.

On June 25th at the glamorous 583 Park Avenue in New York City, the Recording Academy celebrated 2013 honorees Ashford & Simpson, GRAMMY-winning violinist Joshua Bell, GRAMMY-winning artist Melissa Etheridge, GRAMMY-winning creators of 'LES MISERABLES' - Alain Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer and Claude-Michel Schonberg - and R&B singer/songwriter Trey Songz. Below you can check out photos of the stars and honorees in the 'In The Spotlight' series by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

The Recording Academy Honors 2013 celebrated honorees Ashford & Simpson, GRAMMY-winning violinist Joshua Bell, GRAMMY-winning artist Melissa Etheridge, GRAMMY-winning creators of 'LES MISERABLES' - Alain Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer and Claude-Michel Schonberg - and R&B singer/songwriter Trey Songz. The Recording Academy Honors was established to celebrate outstanding individuals whose work embodies excellence and integrity and who have improved the environment for the creative community. Check out photos from inside the event below!

Renowned musical theatre composer and lyricist Scott Alan hosts a reading of HOME, written by Christy Hall and himself, today June 27, 2013 under the direction of Stafford Arima. 'For the first time in ten years of doing readings and workshops of HOME,' Alan writes, 'I am presenting the story I always set out to tell.'

Montblanc and Urban Arts Partnership presented the highly anticipated return of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS, now in its third year in Los Angeles, on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at the Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica.

The Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of CHICAGO, the musical which holds the record as the third longest running show in Broadway history, will star Samantha Barks as Velma, Drew Carey as Amos, Lucy Lawless as Mama Morton, and Stephen Moyer as Billy.

Today, Michael Riedel reports that in addition to upcoming productions of MISS SAIGON, BARNUM and a Broadway return of LES MIS that 'As if three shows weren't enough, Mackintosh is also planning a Broadway revival of 'Oliver!' Lionel Bart's chirpy old musical hasn't been seen in New York since a short-lived 1983 production starring Patti LuPone. It's said to be Mackintosh's favorite musical, and it's how he got his start in the theater. 'Oliver!' played the New Theatre in London in 1960, and a teenage Mackintosh got a job polishing the brass railing in the theater lobby.'

This gala will support the Chapter's ongoing advocacy, education and professional development programs.

The Recording Academy Honors 2013 will feature GRAMMY-winners Michael Bolton, Kristian Bush and David Caddick, GRAMMY-nominee Joan Osborne, stage and screen stars Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks and Stephanie J. Block, American Idol Music Director Ray Chew, singer-songwriters Peter Cincotti and Frankie Moreno, Island Def Jam Music Group President Steve Bartels, IMG Founder Charles Hamlen, and entertainment and media entrepreneur Kevin Liles. The star studded gala will celebrate honorees Ashford & Simpson, GRAMMY-winning violinist Joshua Bell, GRAMMY-winning artist Melissa Etheridge, GRAMMY-winning creators of 'Les Miserables' - Alain Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer and Claude-Michel Schonberg - and R&B singer/songwriter Trey Songz. The Recording Academy Honors was established to celebrate outstanding individuals whose work embodies excellence and integrity and who have improved the environment for the creative community. The event, which will attract recording artists, key entertainment executives and community leaders, will be hosted Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at 6 p.m. at 583 Park Avenue. This gala will support the Chapter's ongoing advocacy, education and professional development programs.

The Recording Academy - New York Chapter is set to pay tribute to Valerie Simpson of the songwriting/performing duo Ashford & Simpson, GRAMMY-winning violinist Joshua Bell, GRAMMY-winning recording artist Melissa Etheridge, GRAMMY-winning creators of 'Les Miserables' - Alain Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer and Claude-Michel Schonberg - and multi-platinum R&B singer/songwriter Trey Songz on June 25.

Renowned musical theatre composer and lyricist Scott Alan will soon host a reading of HOME, written by Christy Hall and himself, on June 27, 2013 directed by Stafford Arima. 'For the first time in ten years of doing readings and workshops of HOME,' Alan writes, 'I am presenting the story I always set out to tell.'

Renowned musical theatre composer and lyricist Scott Alan will soon host a reading of HOME, written by Christy Hall and himself, on June 27, 2013 directed by Stafford Arima. 'For the first time in ten years of doing readings and workshops of HOME,' Alan writes, 'I am presenting the story I always set out to tell.'

Who Has The Remote? named Les Miserables, a film adaptation of the stage musical based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name, as its Movie of the Month.

Renowned musical theatre composer and lyricist Scott Alan just announced via Tumblr that he will be hosting a reading of HOME, written by Christy Hall and himself, on July 1, 2013, directed by Stafford Arima.

Olivier nominated for Love Never Dies, Canadian born actor/singer Ramin Karimloo will perform his cabaret act at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal April 21-22. This will mark his cabaret debut in Los Angeles, and all three performances are already sold out. Renowned on the UK stage for every role in Les Mis including that of Jean Valjean and also for the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, Karimloo performed on the Oscar telecast in February singing 'One More Day' alongside Hugh Jackman, Ann Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks and others from the cast of the film Les Mis. In our chat, Karimloo talks about career past and present as well as his love of music that includes bluegrass as well as Broadway.

Renowned musical theatre composer/lyricist, Scott Alan and Broadway star, Caissie Levy, perform music from Scott's extensive original songbook and share the inspiration and stories behind them. Scott's thoughtful and moving original compositions have made him a favorite among many well-known artists including Sutton Foster, Jonathan Groff, Stephanie J. Block and Liz Callaway. The evening features songs from his four original albums.