So Help Me God! Revival 2009 - Articles Page 22

Earlier today, prior to his appearance at Comic Con, I had the pleasure of speaking to WALKING DEAD lead actor Jon Bernthal all about his theatre background and his Ovation Award-nominated performance in SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, and, also, his critically praised work on the monster AMC hit series THE WALKING DEAD, which makes its grand return tomorrow night for the launch of its hotly-anticipated second season. I am also happy to share that I was just lucky enough to view the episode myself and I can tell you that it has certainly been worth the wait since THE WALKING DEAD was last seen on TV last year - although the pay-off certainly won't pay off completely until next week given the grisly occurrences in the premiere (and the mind-blowing cliffhanger)! Discussing all aspects of his WALKING DEAD character and what we can expect from tomorrow night's zombie apocalypse shocker - as well as the rest of Season Two - Bernthal and I shed some light on the production of the second season of the hit show so far and how the series will now fare without former show-runner Frank Darabont at the helm. Most importantly, Bernthal shares his deep understanding and passion for theatre and his devotion to his craft - musing on Brecht, Shakespeare and more - as we trace his career trajectory onstage and onscreen from his founding of the Fovea Floods theatre company and the film version of the hit Off-Broadway interactive play TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING in the early 1990s all the way up to HBO'S THE PACIFIC and Roman Polanski's THE GHOST WRITER more recently. Bernthal is also kind enough to share with us what we can look forward to coming up in the near future: RAMPARTS, co-starring fellow InDepth InterView participant Steve Buscemi! Plus, his comments on previous castmates Jason Ritter, Andrea Anders and more!

Today we are talking to one of the world's foremost cabaret artists and jazz vocalists - also known for her famous rapport with sibling and fellow Broadway baby Liz Callaway - who has written and recorded hundreds of songs over her thirty-year career - including 'I've Dreamed Of You' for Barbra Streisand's A LOVE LIKE OURS, among many others - but, perhaps she is most famous for the unforgettable theme from the highly syndicated hit 90s sitcom THE NANNY starring Fran Drescher - the one and only Ann Hampton Callaway! Discussing all aspects of her brand new album and duets show with sister Liz - titled after the music of their youth; so, being baby boomers growing up with the music of the 1960s and 1970, the oh-so-apropos title is BOOM! Covering Cole Porter to Rosemary Clooney to Ella Fitzgerald, Carly Simon, Stephen Sondheim and Laura Nyro, Callaway and I dissect many facets of songwriting, singing, performing and the nature of live versus studio recording, memories of starring in the musical revue SWING! on Broadway, and, she also reveals her own fondest recollections of working with her sister and many of her most fascinating collaborators over the years. Plus, we have first news of her new Streisand-based symphony show coming up in 2012, as well as the new Christmas show she is starring in with Liz later this year, YULETIDE, as well as her thoughts on filming THE GOOD SHEPARD and soundtrack scoring, as well as her opinions on GLEE, AMERICAN IDOL and much, much more!

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will present Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town, tonight through October 16 in the Nafe Katter Theatre, Storrs.

Today we are talking to the new Roxie in CHICAGO on Broadway best known for her status as one of the most successful songwriters of the twenty-first century, having had hundreds of songs featured on albums by the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Pink and many, many more - with a significant number of them topping the charts in a variety of genres from pop to rock to country and beyond. In this all-encompassing conversation, DioGuardi and I dissect her career thus far - in front of millions and behind the scenes - and she generously sheds some light on how some of her most famous songs came to be - including the modern-day Gwen Stefani classic "If I Were A Rich Girl", famously sampling a song from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Additionally, we talk about her two-year stint on AMERICAN IDOL and what working with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul was like, as well as her opinions on Simon's new talent competition premiering later this year, THE X-FACTOR, and how she looks back on her experience doing the hit show and her own reality series, PLATINUM HIT. Additionally, we discuss DioGuardi's Broadway baby roots and her formative theatrical experiences, as well as what taking the stage at this point in her career means to her - and, all about wearing Ashlee Simpson's costume. Plus, DioGuardi's thoughts on entertainment legends ranging from CHICAGO composer John Kander to rock icon Jim Steinman to Broadway legends like Liza Minnelli, Gwen Verdon, Stephen Sondheim and many, many more. We also have news on her upcoming songs and collaborations to look out for, featuring a vast array of artists such as Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo and more - many featured through her music publishing company, Arthouse Entertainment. As if all of that weren't enough, DioGuardi also shares her affection for GLEE, Broadway song craftsmanship and gypsies!

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will present Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town, October 6 - 16 in the Nafe Katter Theatre, Storrs.

Today, we are talking to GLEE fan favorite - as Jesse St. James - and theatre superstar - from SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway to DEATHTRAP in the West End - the charismatic and magnetic Jonathan Groff. In this world exclusive interview, Jonathan and I discuss all things GLEE and all about working on the second season of the hit show - and, most importantly, everything about the season finale - with GLEE stars Lea Michele, Cheyenne Jackson, and Charice, in addition to working with Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel and GLEE creator/show-runner Ryan Murphy. Additionally, in this complete conversation, we take a look back at Groff's many stage roles ranging from HAIR and THE BACCHAE in Central Park for the Public Theater, to SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway, DEATHTRAP in the West End, as well as his debut in IN MY LIFE - a show whose composer/lyricist/writer, Joe Brooks, was just in the news following his apparent suicide this weekend. Jonathan and I also touch on his blazing feature film debut in Ang Lee's TAKING WOODSTOCK co-starring Liev Schreiber, as well as his work on the pilot for Ryan Murphy's PRETTY/HANDSOME, co-starring Joseph Fiennes and Blythe Danner, and his participation in the new independent film TWELVE THIRTY. We also take a look ahead to the future and deduce what is next for one of the brightest talents on Broadway - all of that and much, much more!

The Ladies Who Lunch Theatre (Michael & Barbara Ross) take pride in introducing you to THEY CHANGED BROADWAY, a new musical revue, for three performances only, June 8, 12 & 15, at The Excelsior Dinner Theatre in Manalapan, New Jersey.

Emmy winning actress/singer Vicki Lawrence hardly needs an introduction. Having co-starred on The Carol Burnett Show for 11 years (1967-1978) and then star of Mama's Family in '83 and then 86-90, she has established herself as one of TV's most endearing comediennes. Lawrence will appear at the Welk Resort in Escondido from May 19-22 in her one-woman - oops! I mean two character - show as herself and of course, Mama. In our chat she talks about her show, Mama, Harvey Korman and lots of other fun legendary memories.

Today we are talking to the star of two of the hottest shows of this season - THE MERCHANT OF VENICE and WAR HORSE - none other than the young and talented Seth Numrich. Starring in the new permanent production at Lincoln Center Theater's Vivian Beaumont - the critically hailed National Theatre import of Nick Stafford's WAR HORSE; directed by Marianne Elliot and Tom Morris - is his new gig, but in this extensive conversation we also take a look back at his time spent earlier this year in the rapturously-received Public Theater/Shakespeare In The Park production of William Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE starring Al Pacino and Lily Rabe. Additionally, we discuss his education at Juilliard, working with innovative playwright Charles Mee, his work with the Rising Pheonix Rep., what other Shakespearean roles he would like to take on in the future, his favorite shows currently running, Broadway versus Central Park, and much, much more! Plus, we have the first news about his independent feature film debut, PRIVATE ROMEO, premiering next month.

When I found out I'd be covering Wonderland for BroadwayWorld, I wasn't sure if I should bring my seven-year-old daughter. As most of you know by now, the whole premise of this column is a mom (me) bringing her kids to the theatre and reporting back to you about the experience. But that doesn't mean I'm going to subject my kid to something she's not prepared for, and in this case, the decision was not obvious to me.

In a very short time since his Broadway debut roughly ten years ago, Aaron Lazar has crafted a particularly impressive career consisting of a striking series featured and leading roles in everything from LES MISERABLES and A TALE OF TWO CITIES to THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA - and the sensational PBS Live From Lincoln Center telecast of it - to his superb turn as Count Carl Magnus in the recent revival of Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury to, most recently, Lonny Price's rapturously received presentation of Sondheim's COMPANY: IN CONCERT starring Neil Patrick Harris and Patti LuPone at Lincoln Center - which will soon be seen in 500+ movie theaters nationwide starting in June. In this revealing conversation we discuss all of the aforementioned peformances, as well as what we can expect from the forthcoming Clint Eastwood film J. EDGAR starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Josh Lucas, written by Dustin Lance Black, with Lazar in a featured role, as well as his upcoming dates premiering his new show at Feinstein‘s in June. Before all of that, you can catch Aaron live and in person May 2 at the NY Pops Tribute to Bob Hope, which will also feature performances by Kelli O'Hara, Tom Wopat and many more in addition to a special presentation by Angela Lansbury. More information about the event - and tickets - is available here.

HIGH explores the universal themes of truth, forgiveness, redemption and human fallibility. When Sister Jamison Connelly (Turner) agrees to sponsor a 19 year-old drug user in an effort to help him combat his addiction, her own faith is ultimately tested. Struggling between the knowledge she possesses as a rehabilitation counselor and a woman of religious conviction, she begins to question her belief in miracles and whether people can find the courage to change. Did the show live up to high expectations? Find out now!

Sarah Bolt is currently starring as the kooky Sister Mary Patrick in the exciting new Broadway production of SISTER ACT. Opening at the Broadway Theatre on Wednesday April 20, the show features a brand new score by multi-Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning composer Alan Menken and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Glenn Slater.

Supremely gifted. Stupendously stunning. Stupefying in her ability to hold magnetic sway over an audience. Kerry Ellis simply has it all and, now, following the worldwide success of her truly awesome collaboration with Queen's Brian May on their epic rock album ANTHEMS, May and Ellis are hitting the road for a UK tour kicking off at the Royal Albert Hall later this month. Over the weekend Kerry was kind enough to take a look back at her career with me - which includes her earth-shattering turns in WICKED in both the West End and on Broadway, plus her unforgettable turns in CHESS: LIVE IN CONCERT, on CD and DVD, as well as OLIVER and more - plus, we take a look ahead to what she would like to tackle next: a one-woman-musical ala TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, perhaps? Whatever she chooses to do, judging from her track record it is clear she will knock it clear out of the park.

Ms. Howard shares with me all about the filming of the highly anticipated conclusion of the TWILIGHT series, TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN Parts 1 & 2 in which she plays a central role: that of Siobahn, an ancient Irish vampire. William Finn, Dan Fogler, Bill Condon, Michael Sheen, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and stories about working with many more of her exciting co-stars and collaborators await in this comprehensive conversation.

Acclaimed actor/writer JEREMY LAWRENCE has just been added to the performers taking part in the sold-out "A Celebration of Tennessee Williams" this Monday night, February 7th at the 92nd Street Y.

Acclaimed actor/writer JEREMY LAWRENCE has just been added to the performers taking part in the sold-out "A Celebration of Tennessee Williams" this Monday night, February 7th at the 92nd Street Y.

Today we are talking to the composer of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical NEXT TO NORMAL, Tom Kitt, about his influences - from Sondheim to Schwartz to Finn to Elton John to some of his own contemporaries - and working with Green Day on AMERICAN IDIOT and his own eponymous band, to the creation of a Broadway phenomenon by tracing the path of the show from FEELING ELECTRIC to NEXT TO NORMAL - plus, the many exciting projects that he has coming up this year and beyond, including a thorough discussion of his upcoming collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amanda Green and Jeff Whitty on BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL and the very first news of a new, original Kitt/Yorkey musical on the horizon - and much, much more.

Negro Ensemble Company (www.necinc.org), America's legendary black theater company, will present 'With Aaron's Arms Around Me and The Mire,' an evening of two one-acts by Sophia Romma, a Russian-American playwright, both on the theme of intolerance. Both plays deal with eternal themes of intolerance from an émigré's perspective. Performances are December 3 to 19 at Cherry Lane Theatre (Studio Theatre), 38 Commerce Street. Since our notice of November 2, there has been a change of directors on one of the plays. Now both one-acts will be directed by Negro Ensemble Company's Artistic Director, Charles Weldon.

Stephen Sondheim to Jerry Herman to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael John LaChiusa to Kander & Ebb to Dempsey & Rowe, PUTTING IT TOGETHER to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET on Broadway - the phenomenally gifted co-founder of the Signature Theater is one of the brightest lights in directing today - whether in regional theatre or on Broadway or the West End - and a mere glance at his resume reveals many of the reasons why. Discussing the current production of SUNSET BOULEVARD opening later this month at the Signature, plus a complete rundown of the upcoming Kennedy Center production of FOLLIES, in this, his most comprehensive interview to date, Eric Schaeffer bares all and reveals what makes his productions shine so bright on Broadway and beyond.

Negro Ensemble Company (www.necinc.org), America's legendary black theater company, will present 'With Aaron's Arms Around Me and The Mire,' an evening of two one-acts by Sophia Romma, a Russian-American playwright, both on the theme of intolerance. Both plays deal with eternal themes of intolerance from an émigré's perspective. Performances are December 3 to 19 at Cherry Lane Theatre (Studio Theatre), 38 Commerce Street. Since our notice of November 2, there has been a change of directors on one of the plays. Now both one-acts will be directed by Negro Ensemble Company's Artistic Director, Charles Weldon.

Today we are talking to one of the top-tier talents in her field of producing theatre for television, the estimable Ellen Krass who is largely responsible for many of the greatest television captures of theatrical events in the last thirty years, starting with the filming of SWEENEY TODD and continuing with FOLLIES: IN CONCERT in the early 1980s, through to SWEENEY TODD: IN CONCERT, CANDIDE: IN CONCERT, COMPANY and last year's CYRANO starring Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner. Tonight marks the PBS debut of SONHDEIM! The Birthday Concert and in honor of that momentous occasion, Ms. Krass joined me for a look back at her career that began backstage at the Dick Cavett show and will continue on into next year with COMPANY: IN CONCERT and far, far beyond to be sure!

Today, we are presenting a special interview edition of FLASH FRIDAY with a two-time Tony-winning legend famous for her star-making turn in the original cast of WEST SIDE STORY under the direction of Jerome Robbins through to her heralded performances in the original casts of a trio of thrilling Kander & Ebb musicals - CHICAGO, THE RINK and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN. Most recently, she stormed Broadway with her bio-musical THE DANCER'S LIFE. She is Chita Rivera and over the course of our career-spanning conversation her unmistakable vivacity and earthy elegance belied her more than fifty years experience in show business. Her optimism is positively infectious and her charm alarmingly disarming. You can catch her live onstage beginning a week from today for four special performances at Birdland. Tickets are available at the link below. Don't miss Chita on BroadwayWorld and at Birdland... and all her jazz!

Negro Ensemble Company (www.necinc.org), America's legendary black theater company, will present 'With Aaron's Arms Around Me and The Mire,' an evening of two one-acts by Sophia Romma, a Russian-American playwright, both on the theme of intolerance. Both plays deal with eternal themes of intolerance from an émigré's perspective. Performances are December 3 to 19 at Cherry Lane Theatre (Studio Theatre), 38 Commerce Street. Since our notice of November 2, there has been a change of directors on one of the plays. Now both one-acts will be directed by Negro Ensemble Company's Artistic Director, Charles Weldon.

Today, we present a particularly thrilling taste of the forthcoming InDepth InterView in this BWW WORLD EXCLUSIVE with one of the finest actors of stage and screen - and, now, thanks to the Scissor Sisters NIGHT WORK album, recording studio - the foremost Shakespearean interpreter of our age and star of two of the biggest film franchises of all time - LORD OF THE RINGS and X MEN - Sir Ian McKellen! In this portion of the complete discussion, we discuss his second year hosting the ONLY MAKE BELIEVE gala to benefit hospitalized children, as well as discuss how he became involved with the Dena Hammerstein-founded charity. We also discuss his participation in Peter Jackson's forthcoming LORD OF THE RINGS prequel THE HOBBIT and his cameo in the epic music video for his Sister Sisters collaboration 'Invisible Light' - plus thoughts on Shakespeare, stage, screen and monster movies and not just GODS & MONSTERS. All god, no monster, Ian McKellen is as renowned and respected as it gets. And rightfully so.