Vanessa Williams News

With breaking news arising late last week of Glenn Close being considered for a return to her Tony Award-winning role in Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton's Tony Award-winning Best Musical SUNSET BOULEVARD as well as the show's anniversary of its original West End world premiere opening on July 12, now is an absolutely opportune time to turn back the clock to 1993 and see what precisely makes SUNSET BOULEVARD so spectacular - and muse on some of the major talent that could bring the type of big-time attention that would warrant a major revival of the musical, whether on Broadway, the West End or even the silver screen. Given that the original Billy Wilder film was penned with Gloria Swanson in mind and ultimately became a roman a clef of sorts for the unique star as well as considering the sordid history of original lead Patti LuPone and her odyssey in starring in the show, not to mention the victorious and memorable highs achieved by the leading ladies who have headlined the show - which, post-Close, included Betty Buckley, Rita Moreno, Diahann Carroll, Elaine Paige and more - the role is ripe for a star of epic proportions to introduce one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most acclaimed musicals to a new generation. And, the time is now. The possibilities are virtually endless, but here are some particularly delectable ideas as we begin to consider who would be absolutely ideal for a new Norma Desmond fit for 2015.

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) presents Smokey Joe's Cafe, playing tonight, July 14, through July 19 for TUTS' 48th consecutive year of offering FREE musical theatre at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

With much excitement and clamor, Broadway's N'Kenge returns to Alphine Theatre Project in Montana to star in 'Chicago' as Matron 'Mama' Morton, the Witch in 'Big Fish,' and various roles in 'Ring of Fire.' All three productions will be running in rotating repertory from July 9 - August 1.

The Flomenhaft Gallery in Chelsea is proud to host the National YoungArts Foundation Visual Artists Second Invitational, running July 9 - August 15, 2015. Opening Reception: Tonight, July 9, 6 - 8 pm.

The Flomenhaft Gallery in Chelsea is proud to host the National YoungArts Foundation Visual Artists Second Invitational, running July 9 - August 15, 2015. Opening Reception: Thursday July 9, 6 - 8 pm.

Tony nominee Vanessa Williams tied the knot in front of family and friends with longtime beau Jim Skrip in a patriotic fourth of July ceremony.

Eddie Cooper and Joe Grifasi join Ellen Greene, Jake Gyllenhaal and Taran Killam in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running for three performances, tonight, July 1, and tomorrow, July 2, 2015 at New York City Center.

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is proud to announce the cast of Smokey Joe's Cafe, playing July 14 - 19 for TUTS' 48th consecutive year of offering FREE musical theatre at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Sutton Foster won two Tony Awards for her leading roles in 'Anything Goes' and 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' and starred in the ABC Family TV series 'Bunheads.'

Transgender teen Nicole Maines makes her acting debut as a guest star in ROYAL PAINS episode 704, 'The Prince of Nucleotides,' airing tonight, June 23.

This weekend, Indianapolis is in for a treat as Broadway's darling N'Kenge returns for two-nights only with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for Disco Days and Boogie Nights: Music of the 70s.  N'Nenge, under the direction of Jack Everly, will sing disco anthems, such as "I Will Survive" and other monster rock hits! 

Transgender teen Nicole Maines makes her acting debut as a guest star in ROYAL PAINS episode 704, 'The Prince of Nucleotides,' which will air on Tuesday, June 23

PBS' Fall 2015 primetime schedule offers delights in all genres - from drama to the performing arts to sumptuous nature and science programs

With inviting, optimistic songs and a highly anticipated new full length album on Innervision Records, vocalist and songwriter Aysha showcases her sexy, sensual style with a dynamic mix of top artists and producers in contemporary urban jazz

Eddie Cooper and Joe Grifasi will join the previously announced Ellen Greene, Jake Gyllenhaal and Taran Killam in the Encores! Off-Center concert production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's Little Shop of Horrors, running for three performances, July 1-2, 2015 at New York City Center. Eddie Cooper replaces his father Chuck Cooper, who will be starring in the upcoming Broadway musical Amazing Grace.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tony Nominee Vanessa Williams will soon head to USA Network's ROYAL PAINS.

MotorCity Casino Hotel will welcome Vanessa Williams Live in Concert at Sound Board on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

Second Stage Theatre has announced two New York Premiere productions for its upcoming 37th season.  The season will kick off in fall 2015 with the New York Premiere production of Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews' new musical, INVISIBLE THREAD (previously titled Witness Uganda), in association with American Repertory Theater, directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin).  The season will continue in early 2016 with the New York premiere of Lydia R. Diamond's (Stick Fly) critically acclaimed play, SMART PEOPLE, directed by Tony Award Winner Kenny Leon (Fences, A Raisin in the Sun, Stick Fly). Two additional productions remain to be announced. 

Already a Tony Award winner, and one of this year's Academy Award and Golden Globe nominees for the feature film with Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS has taken New York by storm this season in a celebrated new production that will launch a national tour in the 2016/17 Season.

Today we are revisiting one of Kander & Ebb's most awarded musicals in honor of its opening more than 20 years ago this week, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.