Jessica Lewis - Page 226

He is the man who brought SPIDER-MAN back from the brink. In a feature out yesterday, the New York Times profiles Michael Cohl, the man about which we have heard little, but who is responsible for resurrecting the most expensive and, for some, most highly anticipated Broadway show in history. Cohl stepped into the role of lead producer on the mega-musical in the fall of 2009 after a significant investment in the show fell out, leaving the production stifled and dry. A former music tour promoter for U2 and the Rolling Stones, Cohl was recruited by SPIDER-MAN composers Bono and The Edge to reinvigorate the production. And reinvigorate it he has, with previews officially scheduled to begin in just months on November 14, 2010.

On September 1, 2010 The Alliance Theatre opened Twist for its Atlanta debut. Inspired by Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, and in the rich musical tradition of Jelly's Last Jam, this heart-warming musical brings award-winning director/choreographer Debbie Allen (Fame) back to the Alliance, following her hugely successful Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (winner of the 2010 Olivier Award for Best Revival). The production runs through October 3, 2010. Check out the newly-released production photos below!

Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files reports today that Hal Holbrook just recently finished filming a guest stint on NBC's The Event. The series, an upcoming American conspiracy thriller was created by Nick Wauters. It is scheduled to premiere Monday, September 20, 2010 at 9 pm/8c.

BroadwayWorld has learned that the Broadway-bound White Noise will receive a private industry reading on Friday, October 1, 2010. As BroadwayWorld has previously speculated, Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Leonardis have joined producers Holly Way and Jay Strommen with the intention of bringing the production to Broadway as early as next season. No official announcement has been made. Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, Next To Normal, Addams Family) directs.

It has certainly been the summer for youngsters with powerful vocal chops. First, 10-year-old soprano Jackie Evancho impressed the world à la Susan Boyle with her debut on 'America's Got Talent' in August, and now, nine-year-old Los Angeles-based triple threat Oliver Richman is 'Defying Gravity' with a new video that debuted on the internet September 3. Click below to watch!

Since it opened in the West End in January 2010, ENRON has broken box office and attendance records at the venue. As well as winning several major awards, the production was driven by popular demand to extend its West End run, having already enjoyed sell-out runs at Chichester Festival Theatre and London's Royal Court Theatre. The Broadway production of ENRON was nominated for four Tony Awards before it closed this spring.

Nederlander Sales & Patron Services, Camp Broadway and Broadwayworld.com are excited to announce the second annual At This Stage Education Expo on September 20 at the Minskoff Theatre as part of Back2Broadway month! The event will feature representatives from dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, licensing houses, and popular NYC educational attractions who will help attendees unlock the educational possibilities that coincide with Broadway and Times Square. Building on the success of the first annual At This Stage Education Expo, attendees may enjoy a lecture series exploring the role of the arts in education, as well as hands-on workshops and demonstrations that will add value to your groups' Broadway experience!

This week, Adam Lambert appeared on the 'Kidd Kraddick in the Morning' syndicated radio and web talk show to discuss all things Broadway and American Idol. The WICKED alum reveals in the discussion that it was, in fact, his desire to better position himself on Broadway that motivated his decision to try for Idol. Having understudied in WICKED for a time without a promotion, Lambert explains that he felt the push Idol could give him in the media could better his chances to land a leading role on the Great White Way.

Producer Daryl Roth announced today that the first cast members are in place for the Joel Grey-directed, 25th anniversary staged reading of Larry Kramer's ground-breaking play, The Normal Heart, at the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street) on Monday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. Victor Garber, Jason Butler Harner, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Patrick Wilson are set to star in the one-night-only event on Broadway that will benefit The Actors Fund and Friends In Deed. Additional casting news will be announced shortly. This reading comes on the heels of the sold-out, acclaimed reading of The Normal Heart at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse in September, which was also directed by Mr. Grey.

Casting has been set for the world premiere of Randy Newman's 'Harps and Angels,' which begins previews at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum on November 10, opens November 21 and continues through December 22, 2010.

Last night, September 8, the cast of AMERICAN IDIOT performed on NBC's 'America's Got Talent.' Click below to see their performance!

On Tuesday, September 7, LIMELIGHT: THE STORY OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN opened at the La Jolla's Mandell Weiss Theatre. The production, which has music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis and a book by Christopher Curtis and Thomas Meehan, runs through October 17, 2010. The show is directed by Michael Unger and stars Rob McClure and Ashley Brown. See below for the first production shots!

On September 5, 2010, IN THE HEIGHTS creator Lin-Manuel Miranda wed his long-time girlfriend, Vanessa, in an intimate celebration amongst family and friends. For the evening's surprise tribute to the bride, Manuel recruited his family, his new in-laws, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and some old HEIGHTS buddies to perform To Life (L'Chaim) from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Click below to watch Manuel, and the teary bride, during the number!

As BroadwayWorld had previously reported, the UK is abuzz with talks of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET making its way across the pond. The show's official UK website seems to validate the rumors, as casting calls for the roles of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley have been announced in Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Bristol, and Dublin. No word as to whether or not the show is West End-bound specifically or if any of the original Broadway cast members will be making the move.

Due to high demand for tickets, Goodman Theatre extends Mary Zimmerman's much-anticipated revival of Leonard Bernstein's enduring masterpiece, Candide by one week. Performances now run September 17 - October 31, 2010.

As BroadwayWorld has previously reported, on Monday, September 13 at 7:00 & 9:30 PM, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL is making its New York City debut with a concert at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater. The concert will feature songs from the upcoming musical with a full band. Some of Broadway's greats will lend their voices for this special evening. Tickets are $20.

It was another version of 'Circle of Life' on-stage at Broadway's THE LION KING Friday night, September 3, when The Bachelorette's Ali Fedotowsky and fiancé Roberto Martinez were joined by both of their families to take in the show. Following the performance, they joined cast member Dashaun Young (Simba) back-stage where he presented them with a gift from the cast. Ali and Roberto were all smiles when they received the custom-made Playbill in which they got star billing.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed 'Best of New York' by New York Magazine and 'an invaluable New York institution' by The New York Post will continue its Fall 2010 season with the debut BRYAN BATT - two-time Screen Actors Guild Award winner and star of television's 'Mad Men' - on October 3 and 4. Mr. Batt takes to the New York nightclub stage with 'Batt On A Hot Tin Roof' in an evening of song and charismatic storytelling, weaving a hilarious and poignant tale of his 'life experience' in the Big Apple and the Big Easy. From Cole Porter to Burt Bacharach, embracing classic Broadway and new composers, Batt creates a fun filled evening celebrating heart, hope, and home. Both shows take place at the Loews Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

JERSEY BOYS, the Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, celebrates five year on Broadway this November. To celebrate, the production has released a new tribute commercial and BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

Tonight, September 8, the cast of AMERICAN IDIOT will perform on NBC's 'America's Got Talent' at 8pm. Tune in to catch their show!