Give Me Your Answer, Do! 1999 - Articles Page 18

Tony winner Joel Grey will guest star as disgruntled airline passenger Hank Kasserman on tonight's episode of CBS's CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION.

Headlined by Michael Ball and Lea Salonga, two of musical theatre's biggest stars, the chance to go behind the scenes of Do You Hear The People Sing? in Shanghai was an opportunity not to be missed.

Tony winner Joel Grey will guest star as disgruntled airline passenger Hank Kasserman on an upcoming episode of CBS's CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION.

This week, Galavais spoke with reporters about the upcoming season of THE BACHELOR. Below, find out what his prospects are for finding his one true love on the newest installment of the dating competition!

Now starring in the title role of the national touring company of EVITA, genuine triple-threat Caroline Bowman embodies the Dior-clad role of Argentina's once shining real-life jewel Eva Peron, and has been winning over audiences and critics alike with her powerful vocals and grounded acting. Right before she and her cast-mates invaded Segerstrom Center for the Arts for its two-week tour stop (ending December 22), Bowman agreed to answer a few silly questions from BroadwayWorld's Michael Lawrence Quintos.

Broadway has a lot to be thankful for this year, with 41 productions having opened in 2013 and two more to go before the end of the season. Below, we bring you a classic Thanksgiving table tradition--Broadway style. In the special feature below, BroadwayWorld brings you entries from over 60 of Broadway's brightest stars, who have shared what they are most thankful for this year. Find out why Broadway's elite will be counting their blessings this holiday season below! Find out why Broadway's elite will be counting their blessings this holiday season below!

The New York Times reports that Joel Grey, who won a Tony Award for his role as the Emcee in the original 1967 Broadway production of CABARET, is set to publish a memoir with Macmillan's Flatiron Books. With the working title MASTER OF CEREMONIES, the book is aiming for a 2015 release.

This past summer, Theatre Under the Stars finally gave us the news that many had eagerly been anticipating. In July, TUTS announced their newest endeavor and introduced us to TUTS Underground, a brand of theatre that is edgy and features innovative and modern works. Utilizing the intimate Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, TUTS Underground is unleashing an electric 2013-2014 season that is sure to be a new theatre experience for Houston audiences. Opening the inaugural season for TUTS Underground is LIZZIE, a rock musical about the infamous murderess Lizzie Borden. I was really excited when Carrie Manolakos, singer-songwriter and actress, generously agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to let me know about her experience playing the axe-wielding Lizzie Borden, and a little bit about what Houston audiences can expect from this TUTS Underground show.

Today we are talking to a Tony Award-winning performer known around the world for her iconic original performance as Eponine in both the West End and Broadway editions of international stage sensation LES MISERABLES, copiously convivial chanteuse Frances Ruffelle. Discussing her legacy with the iconic mega-musical and her relationship with the show's director, John Caird, Ruffelle opens up about a life in the theatre, telling tales of her time spent treading the boards in the various incarnations of LES MISERABLES - winning the Tony for her Broadway performance - as well as working on the original London production of Stephen Schwartz's CHILDREN OF EDEN with Caird and fellow InDepth InterView participants Matthew Bourne and Ruthie Henshall in addition to shedding light on fascinating workshop experiences - STARLIGHT EXPRESS, SUNSET BOULEVARD and WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND among them - and her more recent roles, such as her run as the title character in PIAF and featured part making up the intricate ensemble of William Finn's entertaining revue MAKE ME A SONG. Ruffelle also discusses her solo album work and future recording plans and also comments upon the pop success of her daughter, UK star Eliza Doolittle. Most importantly, Ruffelle peels back the layers of the return engagement of her successful solo show BENEATH THE DRESS and clues us in on what we can expect from her upcoming dates at celebrated cabaret venue 54 Below. Plus, Ruffelle fills us in on her next cabaret piece and its inspiration, as well as shares the 411 about her new films coming out in the next couple of months. All of that, thoughts on Broadway versus the West End, sharing the screen with Anne Hathaway in the mega-hit big screen edition of LES MISERABLES, thoughts on some of her recent TV roles as well as much, much more in this all-access pass with a particularly lovely and lively star.

Lincoln Center Theater, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Andre Bishop, has announced that Bianca Amato, Shirine Babb, John Patrick Doherty, Austin Durant, Richard Easton, Francesca Faridany, Stephanie Fieger, Malcolm Gets, John Glover, Ben Horner, Ruy Iskandar, Brian d'Arcy James, Byron Jennings, Aaron Krohn, Jeremiah Maestas, Christopher McHale, Jonny Orsini, Sam Poon, Triney Sandoval, Nathan Stark, Daniel Sunjata, Patrick Vaill, Tyler Lansing Weaks and Derek Wilson will join Ethan Hawke and Anne-Marie Duff in its upcoming production of Shakespeare's MACBETH, directed by Jack O'Brien. The production, which will feature a cast of 27, will begin previews on Thursday, October 24 and open on Thursday, November 21 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street).

In my opinion, one of the most incredible aspects of theatre is the World Premiere of a new piece. While these works seldom become the next big hit on Broadway, it is always fascinating to experience a product on the ground floor and be a part of it from the beginning. Luckily, for me, the Houston theatre community revels in giving me the opportunity to enjoy that experience with moderate regularity. The next brand new work to hit Houston stages is S. Denise O'Neal's THE FLY IN THE WINDSHIELD. The play is based on her interviews with men recovering from addiction in a F.I.R.M Recovery's 90-day faith-based rehab program. She took time out of her busy tech week schedule to give me insight into the work, its inception, and its development.

Today we are talking to an electrifying live performer who has made a major mark in the theatrical realm with his work as the title character in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL - PHANTOM 25 for short - as well as the originator of the role in its musical sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES - to say nothing of his long-standing and upcoming association with LES MIERABLES, at the O2, in Toronto this Fall and beyond - the one and only Ramin Karimloo. Espousing on the many major musical theatre roles he has essayed thus far as well as what he would like to take on in the future, Karimloo grants unprecedented access into his background and illustrates his experiences participating in some already classic once-in-a-lifetime events, such as PHANTOM 25 and LES MIZ at the 02. Most importantly, Karimloo clues us in on what we can expect from his series of shows this week at SubCulture as well as explains the history and future plans for his Broadway and Bluegrass - aka Broadgrass - tour. Additionally, Karimloo discusses the finer points of his forthcoming headlining role as Jean Valjean in the Toronto kick-off of the brand new LES MISERABLES revival and shares his memories of appearing on the Academy Awards this year with the film's cast. Also, Karimloo offers first news on his upcoming series of EPs, reflects on his past solo albums and how they developed, as well as comments on his recent UK TV recurring role on THE SPA ROOM and desire to pursue more TV/film work in the future, as well as shares his enthusiasm for GLEE - and much, much more!

In recent American culture, bullying has reached new heights and gained a lot of power. It seems like the word and programs implemented to stop bullying are inescapable. Sadly, it also seems that these prevention programs are largely ineffective. In Houston, Texas, a skilled group of talented professionals are embarking on a creative venture that may or may not answer some questions we all have about bullying. BULLY, A NEW MUSICAL, conceived as a film, has a score, lyrics, and book written by Aaron Alon. The goal of the project is to get people talking in hopes that those conversations will be reparative, meaningful, impactful, healing, and begin to reexamine and even create new solutions to the problem of bullying. Recently, I sat down with writer Aaron Alon, director Justin Doran, and actor/singer Brad Goertz, and discussed this new musical film in the making and its upcoming Concept Cast Recording.

Today we are talking to a passionate and prolific performer who has appeared in a number of impressive properties over the course of his career thus far - Milky White in the most recent Broadway revival of INTO THE WOODS to his starring roles in MEMPHIS and beyond - the charming Chad Kimball.

If you're one of the many people who have already caught a glimpse of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: THE MUSICAL, the Broadway stage adaptation of Frank Abagnale, Jr.'s real-life adventures that has been touring the country since October of last year, then you would have no doubt sat up and took notice of the charming young man at the center of the show. That would be fresh-faced Stephen Anthony, whose impressive performance in the show was one of its most entertaining assets, introducing audiences to a brand new rising musical theater star we should all look out for in bigger and better things in the near future. But before the national tour plays its final-ever shows in Costa Mesa this week, Anthony agreed to answer a few silly questions from BroadwayWorld's Michael Lawrence Quintos.

A few weeks before BroadwayWorld.com Cabaret Reviewer and Columnist Stephen Hanks was about to stage the opening night of his debut solo cabaret show on May 31, a number of cabaret performers asked him if he was going to write about the experience in some way, with some even encouraging him to keep a diary. 'It might be really interesting to read how your perspective about cabaret performers and performing might have changed and how it might impact your reviews now that you're doing it yourself,' commented one singer. 'It was a fascinating notion and one that I had already thought about,' Hanks admits, 'but between a full time job, attending shows, writing reviews, taking vocal lessons, rehearsing, etc., finding the time and the energy to keep even a weekly diary was not in the cards.' Hanks certainly didn't think he'd forget even the little things that have gone into making his journey what he calls 'an amazing, fantasy-fulfilling, almost surreal experience.' On the eve of his last performance of his three-show run (over three weeks) at the Metropolitan Room of Beyond American Pie: The Don McLean Songbook, BroadwayWorld.com sat down with our lead cabaret reviewer to get his insights and perspective on what's it been like to be on the performer end of things.

Today we are talking to a five-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer celebrated for her stupendous work on CRAZY FOR YOU, THE PRODUCERS, CONTACT, THE FROGS, THOU SHALT NOT, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and many more - the master musicals director Susan Stroman. In discussing a vast array of topics, Stroman and I touch upon many of her past projects as well as look ahead to her current and future endeavors - that is: the forthcoming Broadway bow of the new musical BIG FISH, starring Norbert Leo Butz, as well as the world premiere of Ahrens & Flaherty's LITTLE DANCER next year. Most importantly, Stroman shines a light on her enduring artistic partnership with Mel Brooks in bringing to life the screen-to-stage musical adaptations of both THE PRODUCERS and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, with BLAZING SADDLES on the way - their rich collaboration also being highlighted in this week's AMERICAN MASTERS tribute to Mel Brooks on PBS. Additionally, Stroman reflects on some of her lesser-known entities and casts a light on some of her foremost influences as well as candidly discusses her specialty work for a bevy of major stars - such as at SONDHEIM: A CELEBRATION AT CARNEGIE HALL in 1992 - and the finer points of working with Stephen Sondheim and Nathan Lane on Sondheim's most recent original Broadway musical, THE FROGS. Plus, Stroman shares first details of her upcoming collaboration with comedy master Woody Allen on the musical stage adaptation of Allen's Academy Award-winning BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and also offers the 411 on the upcoming Los Angeles and West End productions of Kander & Ebb's THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - including the real-life role the musical has played in the pardoning of the originally accused nine just last month. Stroman also comments on her work with Hal Prince on the career revue PRINCE OF BROADWAY, opening in Japan in 2015, and also touches upon her ongoing desire to pursue a film adaptation of her multi-Tony Award-winning and genre-redefining 2000 Best Musical, CONTACT. All of that and much, much awaits in this wide-ranging conversation!

Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director), Barry Grove (Executive Producer), and Mandy Greenfield (Artistic Producer) previously announced that THE EXPLORERS CLUB, the world premiere comedy by Tony nominee Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), will be directed by Marc Bruni (Ordinary Days, Old Jews Telling Jokes) featuring Obie Award winner Steven Boyer and Tony Award winner Richard Easton.

A few times a year, some of Broadway's best perform at Northport's John W. Engeman Theatre for their ongoing Concert Series. This past weekend, Tony winner Anthony Crivello was part of the cast and took some time to speak with me as rehearsals were getting underway.

Today we are talking to a terrifically talented twosome who are being touted as the next songwriting duo to take New York by storm - and, with DOGFIGHT appearing Off-Broadway at Second Stage last year and A CHRISTMAS STORY setting Broadway alight for a limited run this past holiday season, they are certainly on the fast-track to success - Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Revealing their reaction to last week's 2013 Tony Award nominations for their stupendous score for the screen-to-stage adaptation of A CHRISTMAS STORY as well as all about the creation and ultimate execution of the show itself, Pasek & Paul open up about their creative process and illustrate what makes their music work so well in a theatrical milieu. Most importantly, the songwriters discuss DOGFIGHT - the inspiration for it, writing of it, the recent Off-Broadway production directed by Joe Mantello, and, now, the absolutely spectacular cast album now available on Ghost light - to say nothing of next week's concert celebrating the album release. Additionally, Pasek & Paul share stories of the songs that make up their popular and frequently-produced EDGES, new and old, as well as their plans for future shows. Plus, all about the new material recently written by the duo for NBC's musical drama series SMASH, details about their stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's seminal children's book JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH as well as opinions on fellow songwriting teams and other influential musical theatre icons, as well as much, much more!

Cornelia Street Cafe presents Happy Birthday William Shakespeare!, an evening of sonnets and music in celebration of the Bard as part of its ongoing poetry series. The Shakespeare tribute features a fabulous all-star cast of Barbara Feldon, Roberta Maxwell, Tony Award winner Richard Easton and Paul Hecht, with music by soprano Jolle Greenleaf and lutenist, Hank Heijink.

Cornelia Street Cafe presents Happy Birthday William Shakespeare!, an evening of sonnets and music in celebration of the Bard as part of its ongoing poetry series. The Shakespeare tribute features a fabulous all-star cast of Barbara Feldon, Roberta Maxwell, Tony Award winner Richard Easton and Paul Hecht, with music by soprano Jolle Greenleaf and lutenist, Hank Heijink.

Last week I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Broadway headliner and SMASH Season Two Breakout star Jeremy Jordan about a wide range of topics, covering the vast majority of his career thus far in anticipation of the upcoming New York Pops Stephen Schwartz concert event, THE WIZARD & I: THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, on April 12 at Carnegie Hall. So, today, in this all-encompassing conversation, Jordan and I discuss his preparation for the sure-to-be sensational Schwartz event and provides analysis and ideas on the songs he will be performing as well as Schwartz's oeuvre in general. Also, Schwartz reveals a plethora of information about Season Two of NBC's musical drama series SMASH and what we can expect from the series over the next several weeks as the drama heats up and HIT LIST hits the stage. Also, Jordan reveals preliminary information about the forthcoming feature film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's celebrated Off Broadway musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS, co-starring fellow Broadway/Hollywood crossover Anna Kendrick, and he shares some initial impressions of the project, as well as new details about what we can expect from the highly anticipated Richard LaGravenese-directed movie musical that is set to start shooting in June. Additionally, Jordan reflects upon his time playing Tony in WEST SIDE STORY under the direction of Arthur Laurents, in addition to remarking upon roles he would enjoy pursuing in the future, near and far, as well as much, much more!

In the premiere week of Season 4 of NBC's THE VOICE, the first round of artists made it through their blind auditions. The talented singers spoke by phone about their experience thus far on the popular singing competition.

Hidden secrets are unearthed and family tensions fly high in Pulitzer Prize nominee Jon Robin Baitz's contemporary family drama Other Desert Cities. Helen Hayes Award winner and former Arena Stage Associate Artistic Director Kyle Donnelly returns to direct the D.C.-area premiere of the show with a cast that features Tony Award nominee and two-time Helen Hayes Award winner Helen Carey (Mary Tyrone in Arena Stage's Long Day's Journey into Night, Broadway's Hedda Gabler) as matriarch Polly Wyeth and two-time Tony Award nominee Larry Bryggman (Broadway's Harvey, CBS's As the World Turns) as patriarch Lyman Wyeth. Rounding out the cast are Emily Donahoe (Broadway's 33 Variations) as daughter Brooke Wyeth, Scott Drummond (Cherry Lane Theatre's A Perfect Future) as son Trip Wyeth and Martha Hackett (Pacific Resident Theatre's Nora) as their aunt Silda Grauman. Other Desert Cities runs April 26-May 26, 2013 in the Fichandler Stage.