James Whitmore, 'An Actor's Actor', Dead at 87
by Eddie Varley - Feb 6, 2009
James Whitmore, the veteran Tony- and Emmy-winning actor who brought American icons Will Rogers, Harry Truman and Theodore Roosevelt to life in one-man shows, died Friday. He was 87 years old.
Ashford Joins Jackman and Luhrmann for OSCARS Staging
by Eddie Varley - Feb 2, 2009
The New York Times has reported that Tony winner Rob Ashford will lend his talents to director Baz Luhrmann's staging for Hugh Jackman's opening number for the 81st Annual Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on December 12th, 2008, that Hugh Jackman will host this year's Oscar telecast. Previous hosts have usually been TV or film comedians including Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, John Stewart, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres and others
Full Cast of HAIR Lined Up; Previews Begin March 6, 2009
by Robert Diamond - Jan 31, 2009
Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater, has announced the 26-member Broadway cast of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. Newcomers to the cast include Gavin Creel, Caissie Levy and Sasha Allen, who join the rest of the tribe, who are reprising their roles from Central Park last summer. Currently in rehearsal at the Union Square Theatre, HAIR begins preview performances on Friday, March 6 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street, NYC) with an Opening Night set for Tuesday, March 31, 2009.
Noel Coward's 'BLITHE SPIRIT' Goes On Sale 12/20/08
by BWW News Desk - Dec 20, 2008
The upcoming Broadway revival of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit will go on general sale on Saturday, December 20, 2008. Tickets can be purchased by visiting telecharge.com or calling 212-239-6200 in the New York area, and 800-432-7250 outside the New York metro area.
Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Monday, January 26, 2009 with the first performance on Thursday, February 26, 2009 and the official opening on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at The Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street).
Noel Coward's 'BLITHE SPIRIT' Goes On Sale 12/20/08
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 18, 2008
The upcoming Broadway revival of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit will go on general sale on Saturday, December 20, 2008. Tickets can be purchased by visiting telecharge.com or calling 212-239-6200 in the New York area, and 800-432-7250 outside the New York metro area.
Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Monday, January 26, 2009 with the first performance on Thursday, February 26, 2009 and the official opening on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at The Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street).
Testa, Burgess, Fleshler, LeFevre, Ortlieb, Rosen & More Join GUYS & DOLLS Cast
by Robert Diamond - Dec 15, 2008
Producer Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and co-producers Tulchin/Bartner/Jenkins, Bill Kenwright, Northwater Entertainment, Darren Bagert, and Tom Gregory announced the complete cast and design team for the new Broadway production of the greatest musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS. The first joint Broadway project by two-time Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo since their collaboration on the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys, GUYS AND DOLLS will begin previews on February 3, 2009 at Broadway's newly refurbished Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street). Opening Night is March 1, 2009.
Deborah Rush Added to Starry BLITHE SPIRIT Cast
by Robert Diamond - Dec 10, 2008
The producers of the upcoming Broadway revival of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit are pleased to welcome Tony-nominated actress Deborah Rush in the role of Mrs. Bradman, reuniting her with her Noises Off! director, two-time Tony Award winner Michael Blakemore.
Goodspeed Musicals Announces 2009 Season
by Gabrielle Sierra - Dec 4, 2008
Goodspeed Musicals, under the leadership of Michael P. Price, is pleased to announce the 2009 musical season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn. The 46th season includes three extraordinary musicals that are sure to delight theatregoers: the dazzling Broadway song and dance extravaganza 42nd Street will run from April 17 - June 28; the second production, the Tony Award-winning Camelot will run from July 10 - September 19; and completing the season is the zany adventure A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, featuring such memorable classics as 'Comedy Tonight,' which will run from September 25 - November 29.
Craig Bierko and Kate Jennings Grant Join GUYS & DOLLS Cast
by Eddie Varley - Dec 2, 2008
Producer Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and co-producers Tulchin/Bartner/Jenkins, Bill Kenwright, Darren Bagert, and Tom Gregory announced today that Craig Bierko (Tony Award nominee for The Music Man; Scary Movie 4) will star as 'Sky Masterson' and Kate Jennings Grant (Proof) will also star as 'Sarah Brown' in the new Broadway production of the greatest musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS.
Photo Flash: 'Oklahoma!' at Paper Mill Opens 9/21 with O'Malley & Sikora
by Eugene Lovendusky - Sep 19, 2008
Paper Mill Playhouse is proud to announce the opening of the theatre's 70th Season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! Created by the team of director, James Brennan, and choreographer, Peggy Hickey, Oklahoma! will run at the Millburn theatre from September 17 through October 19, 2008. Press Opening is Sunday, September 21st at 7:30pm
Rob Ashford Joins the 'Shrek' Creative Team
by Faetra Petillo - Sep 3, 2008
Variety is reporting that Tony-nominated choreographer Rob Ashford will be joining the creative team of the upcoming production of Shrek on Broadway.
McAnuff To Direct 'Guys and Dolls' On Broadway In Spring '09
by Faetra Petillo - Jul 29, 2008
Today it was announced that GUYS AND DOLLS will open on Broadway for the first time in 17 years in the spring of 2009 at a Nederlander Theatre to be announced. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, this production is the first joint Broadway project by director Des McAnuff and Sergio Trujillo since Jersey Boys.
Son's Broken Wrist Sidelines O'Donnell from Hollywood Bowl Les Miz; Ruth Williamson to Replace
by Robert Diamond - Jul 28, 2008
Les Misérables in Concert makes its Hollywood Bowl debut in a production featuring Melora Hardin as Fantine, Maddie Levy as Young Cosette, Tom Lowe as Enjolras, Michele Maika as Cosette, Michael McCormick as Thénardier, J. Mark McVey as Valjean, Lea Michele as Éponine, Brian Stokes Mitchell as Javert, Sage Ryan as Gavroche and John Lloyd Young as Marius. Rosie O'Donnell, who was to play the role of Madame Thenardier, has withdrawn from the performances in order to care for her eldest son, who broke his wrist. She will be replaced by veteran actress Ruth Williamson.
Drama League Announces Speciality Awards Recipients
by BWW News Desk - Mar 25, 2008
The Drama League (Jano Herbosch, President)announced the recipients of its three annual specialty awards, to be presented along with its five annual production and performance awards at The 74th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Friday, May 16, 2008 (noon).
George Hearn to Star w/ Rivera in THE VISIT at Signature
by BWW News Desk - Dec 21, 2007
Eric Schaeffer, artistic director of Signature Theatre, announced today that two-time Tony® winner George Hearn will join another two-time Tony® winner Chita Rivera for Kander & Ebb's musical The Visit - a highlight of Signature Theatre's national Kander & Ebb Celebration in the spring of 2008.