InDepth InterView Exclusive: Vanessa Williams Talks NY Philharmonic SHOW BOAT, Plus THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL NYC Vs. LA, INTO THE WOODS Memories & More
by Pat Cerasaro - Oct 29, 2014
Today we are talking to a world famous triple-threat star of stage and screen who first shot to fame in the 1980s as the first African American Miss America and found considerable success as a recording artist and actress thereafter, the divine Vanessa Williams. Sharing sage wisdom from her life and career as well as reflecting on many of her most popular properties to date, Williams reveals some of her many secrets to success while also looking ahead to next month's hotly anticipated all-star concert presentation of legendary Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein musical SHOW BOAT, co-starring Julian Ovenden, Norm Lewis, Jane Alexander and many more along with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Ted Sperling. Also, Williams shares her enthusiasm for setting out to create new renditions of some of SHOW BOAT's most noted selections, including 'Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man Of Mine'. Additionally, Williams opens up about her multiple musical theatre endeavors highlighting the work of Stephen Sondheim, including the Tony Award-winning 2002 Best Revival production of INTO THE WOODS and the recent original revue SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Plus, Williams details her ongoing participation in THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, after having starred in the well-received Broadway production last season and now finishing up headlining the Los Angeles production before bringing the drama to Boston. All of that, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN memories, saving Audra McDonald's wedding day and much, much more with one of Broadway's brightest stars!
MCT to Present THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED], 11/19-12/14
by BWW News Desk - Oct 24, 2014
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) celebrates the holiday season with THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED]. Ray Jivoff directs this literary romp featuring Chris Klopatek, Rick Pendzich, Chase Stoeger and Marcus Truschinski. The cast of MCT favorites are also all alumni of the UW-Whitewater theatre program. Performances are November 19 - December 14, 2014 at the Broadway Theatre Center's Studio Theatre in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.
Review Roundup: ON THE TOWN Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Review Roundups - Oct 16, 2014
The new Broadway revival of On The Town, directed by John Rando (Tony Award for Urinetown) and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse (Emmy Award winner for 'Smash') officially opens tonight, October 16, 2014 at Broadway's Lyric Theatre. Let's see what the critics had to say...
Laura Benanti, Betty Buckley, Telly Leung and More Set for Feinstein's at the Nikko, Nov 2014
by BWW News Desk - Sep 26, 2014
Feinstein's at the Nikko is proud to announce the upcoming lineup for November 2014. Performers include Tony Award winning actress and singer Betty Buckley; Tony Award winner Laura Benanti; jazz legend Freddy Cole; acclaimed performance artist Jeffrey Johnson; star of stage and screen Telly Leung; Award-winning cabaret singer -- and Bay Area native -- Carly Ozard. Additional performers for November 2014 will be announced at a later date.
Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan-Led THE LAST FIVE YEARS Movie Gets Valentine's Day 2015 Release
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 5, 2014
RADiUS is proud to announce one of the first major acquisitions of the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, with North American rights to THE LAST 5 YEARS, Richard LaGravenese's (BEHIND THE CANDELABRA) big screen adaptation of the 2002 Off-Broadway musical by Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown. Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan ('Smash') star in LaGravenese's highly anticipated film.
THE LAST 5 YEARS will celebrate its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 7th at 8:30PM at the Ryerson Theater.
STAGE TUBE: On This Day 9/2- Chad Kimball
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 2, 2014
Happy Birthday, Chad Kimball! After moving to New York, he was hired for the Broadway musical, The Civil War, joining the show 3 weeks before it closed. He was in the Off-Broadway revival of Godspell (2000) and the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods (2002) as Milky-White the cow. He appeared in the Broadway musicals Lennon and Good Vibrations in 2005. Kimball originated 'Huey' in the musical Memphis at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2008, starred in the Broadway production, and earned a Tony nomination for his performance.
Broadway Babies - Meet the Broadway Class of 2014, Fall Edition!
by BWW Special Coverage - Aug 26, 2014
In the coming months, Broadway will welcome a fresh crop of productions- many of which will mark the Broadway debuts for a slew of talented actors. Whether they are fresh faces or established stars, these Broadway babies will soon take their very first bows on the grandest stages in the world.
Meet all of the Great White Way's newest stars below, and be sure to let us know who you're most looking forward to seeing onstage!
BWW Reviews: Tony Winner Jennifer Holliday Leads Dazzling BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS Concert
by Michael L. Quintos - Aug 22, 2014
When you've been given the privilege to watch and, of course, listen to legendary Tony winner Jennifer Holliday sing live---in that signature inimitable style---it's practically akin to a religious experience. She is, to put it mildly, still one of the world's most treasured, gifted musical voices. Even more awesome? Holliday served as the finale headliner that capped off an impressive line-up of Broadway stars that included Erich Bergen, Rogelio Douglas, Jr., Danny Gurwin, and Tony nominee Chad Kimball. And the highly entertaining evening---a pleasant mixture of amusing anecdotes and enthralling showtune performances---was hosted by Holliday's Tony nominated DREAMGIRLS co-star, Obba Babatunde.
Michael Ajao, Paul Bigley, Arthur Byrne and More Set for OUR TOWN at the Almeida Theatre - Full Cast Announced!
by Christina Mancuso - Aug 21, 2014
Casting is announced for Our Town at the Almeida Theatre. Award-winning US actor-director David Cromer will direct and perform in this intimate version of Thornton Wilder's iconic American play. The cast will also include Michael Ajao, Paul Bigley, Arthur Byrne, Sidney Cole, Kate Dickie, Laura Elsworthy, Anna Francolini, Matthew Jacobs-Morgan, Daniel Kendrick, Simon Lennon, Jessica Lester, Richard Lumsden, Annette McLaughlin, Christopher Staines, Rhashan Stoneand David Walmsley.
The Hope Players' INTO THE WOODS Supports Hope for Change Foundation This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Aug 15, 2014
Local non-profit theater group The Hope Players announces the latest in their signature series of fundraising performances - Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's masterpiece Into the Woods. The group is affiliated with The Hope for Change Foundation (HFC) - a Westchester-based non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research through theatrical endeavors.
BWW Interview: CHAD KIMBALL Talks BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS
by Don Grigware - Aug 11, 2014
Chris Isaacson Presents has announced a one-night-only concert event at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 16 at 8pm. Broadway Under the Stars will star Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday (Dreamgirls) and will also feature (in alphabetical order) Obba Babatunde (Dreamgirls), Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys, stage and film), Rogelio Douglas, Jr. (In the Heights), Danny Gurwin (Little Women) and Tony Award-nominee Chad Kimball (Memphis). David Galligan will direct, and the music director is Gerald Sternbach.
Exclusive: Nikki Gil, Joaquin Valdes Chat THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Jude Cartalaba - Aug 7, 2014
In its fifth year, 9 Works Theatrical brings together the first-time tandem of Nikki Gil ('Sweet Charity,' 'They're Playing Our Song') and Joaquin Valdes ('Red,' 'Into the Woods'), playing the beloved couple featured in Jason Robert Brown's ('The Bridges of Madison County,' 'Parade') cult musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS. The production, directed by Robbie Guevara ('Grease,' 'They're Playing Our Song'), runs from Saturday, August 9, until Sunday, August 31, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
THE SONDHEIM REVIEW Presents - Sondheim 101: Into the Woods at 25
by Robert Diamond - Aug 5, 2014
BroadwayWorld.com is very excited to kick off a brand new partnership with THE SONDHEIM REVIEW. Each month we'll be bringing you special, and exclusive archives from the quarterly magazine dedicated to the work of the musical theatre and Broadway's foremost composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. Each issue contains news, interviews, features, reviews, historical information, upcoming productions in your area, puzzles, and more. Our correspondents in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, and all over the world bring you the latest, most accurate information and insights.
The Hope Players' INTO THE WOODS to Support Hope for Change Foundation, 8/15-17
by BWW News Desk - Jul 31, 2014
Local non-profit theater group The Hope Players announces the latest in their signature series of fundraising performances - Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's masterpiece Into the Woods. The group is affiliated with The Hope for Change Foundation (HFC) - a Westchester-based non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research through theatrical endeavors.
FLASH FRIDAY: First Midnight! INTO THE WOODS Casts A Spell Onstage & Onscreen
by Pat Cerasaro - Aug 1, 2014
Today we are celebrating the lineage of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's family-friendly fairy tale musical INTO THE WOODS now that we have gotten our very first glimpse of the new big screen edition starring Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp late this week via an attention-grabbing new teaser trailer and production photos.
Broadway Legend Joy Franz Completes Cast of TIM REALBUTO: ALONE (WITH PLENTY OF HELP), 7/24
by Jillian Gaier - Jul 16, 2014
Broadway legend Joy Franz, who starred in the original and revival companies of Into the Woods on Broadway, is the final cast member to join Tim Realbuto's July 24th star-studded 54 Below show entitled Tim Realbuto: Alone (With Plenty of Help). Throughout the evening, each guest star will play a different person in Tim's life. Franz will play Tim's mother.
Tony Winner Jennifer Holliday to Headline BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS, 8/16
by BWW News Desk - Jun 23, 2014
Following up the triumphant 'Night After the Tonys With Linda Eder', Chris Isaacson Presents has announced a one-night-only concert event at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 16 at 8pm. Broadway Under the Stars will star Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday and will also feature (in alphabetical order) Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys, stage and film), Rogelio Douglas, Jr. (In the Heights), Danny Gurwin (Little Women) and Tony Award-nominee Chad Kimball (Memphis) David Galligan will direct, and the music director is Gerald Sternbach.