Alan Menken News

Whoopi Goldberg revealed a few hints about the upcoming musical adaptation of her movie hit, Sister Act on today's episode of The View. She'll be among the producers of the show, and gave a preview of the production's poster artwork. Whoopi was visibly excited as she discussed the upcoming musical.

New York University will present a tenth anniversary production of King David, a modern oratorio by musical theater legends Alan Menken and Tim Rice, at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South) on Thursday, Nov. 13 and Fri. Nov. 14 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 ($5 with a valid NYU ID). The public may purchase tickets online at www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu or by phone at 212.352.3101 (daily between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.) In person tickets may be purchased at the box office, Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

UK theatre website Whats On Stage is reporting that Sister Act: The Musical will receive its European premiere in the West End next year, opening June 2nd, 2009 at the London Palladium, the current home of The Sound of Music. Sister Act: The Musical will begin previews on May 7th, 2009.

At its yearly coast-to-coast gala honoring excellence in casting, the Casting Society of America announced the New York award-winners at the 24th Artios Awards® held at Caroline's on Broadway on November 10, 2008.

SRT's Annual Benefit features Tony, Academy and Grammy Award-winning artists in 'Sonnet Sings: The Bard, An Evening of Original Songs Inspired by the Work of William Shakespeare.' 11/17

It has been confirmed that [title of show] star Heidi Blickenstaff will be replacing Sheri Rene Scott as 'Ursula' in the Disney musical THE LITTLE MERMAID on Broadway.

Issaquah, WA - Village Theatre announced that due to popular demand, there have been six additional performance dates added to the schedule for the production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast in Issaquah.

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced today that Tony Award-winning actor and singer Mandy Patinkin will present a two-week concert series at The Public's Anspacher Theater in honor of the 20th Anniversary of his first concert at The Public.

Broadway By the Bay, the largest theatre organization on the Peninsula, completes its 43rd season with DEFYING GRAVITY: STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND FRIENDS featuring Stephen Schwartz live, composer and lyricist of Broadway hits including Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin.

The Casting Society of America has announced more New York celebrity presenters for this year's 24th Annual Artios Awards, honoring excellence in casting. As previously announced, Broadway veteran and comedienne Julie Halston will act as Mistress of Ceremonies, and producer Thomas Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Group, will receive the special ‘New York Apple Award' at the New York ceremony.

The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is bringing back a traditional holiday favorite and making it bigger than ever. The Broadway holiday sellout A Christmas Carol: The Musical will play on the Festival stage from November 7 - December 24. A Christmas Carol: The Musical follows in the tradition of successful musical productions like Peter Pan and Disney's Beauty and the Beast, promising a bigger and better Carol than any ever seen before at ASF.

Sierra Boggess (Ariel), Sean Palmer (Prince Eric), Norm Lewis (King Triton) and Brian D'Addario (Flounder), stars of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, will lead a 3-song medley created especially for the Today Show Halloween broadcast on Friday, October 31st during the 8AM hour.

Starting today, October 28th, 2008 PS Classics is offering web pre-sale for six upcoming titles including the highly anticipated JACKIE HOFFMAN: LIVE AT JOE'S PUB and THE MARVERLOUS WONDERETTES.

Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook returns in January for its eleventh season celebrating the diversity of American popular song. For 17 nights of pop, folk, cabaret, R&B, country, rock, show tunes, bluegrass and multimedia, the series will explore the best of the golden age of musical standards through to today's most dynamic contemporary songwriting. The 2009 season - January 14 through March 6 - will bring to the stage some of today's most gifted interpreters of song, including top vocalist Kurt Elling and country's winning Patty Loveless. It will feature the rare opportunity to hear Paulo Szot, star of Broadway's South Pacific, and film and stage star Alan Cumming, in intimate concert settings.

DISNEY's ALADDIN opens October 30th and runs through January 4th at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive. Based on the smash hit 1992 Disney film Aladdin, DISNEY's ALADDIN is a magical journey for all ages, featuring an Academy Award-winning score. DISNEY's ALADDIN is directed and choreographed by Marriott Theatre for Young Audience's favorite, Rachel Rockwell (Seussical, Wizard of Oz, Princess and the Pea).

Broadway By the Bay, the largest theatre organization on the Peninsula, completes its 43rd season with DEFYING GRAVITY: STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND FRIENDS featuring Stephen Schwartz live, composer and lyricist of Broadway hits including Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin.

Village Theatre has announced the cast for the leading roles in its 2008-2009 Mainstage production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, on stage November 12, 2008-January 4, 2009 in Issaquah, WA, and January 9-February 1, 2009 in Everett, WA.

New York University will present a tenth anniversary production of King David, a modern oratorio by musical theater legends Alan Menken and Tim Rice, at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South) on Thursday, Nov. 13 and Fri. Nov. 14 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 ($5 with a valid NYU ID). The public may purchase tickets online at www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu or by phone at 212.352.3101 (daily between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.) In person tickets may be purchased at the box office, Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Grammy and Academy award winning Stephen Schwartz will star LIVE onstage in Defying Gravity: Stephen Schwartz and Friends. Songwriter Schwartz will be joined by esteemed Broadway stars Liz Callaway, Scott Coulter and Debbie Gravitte who will lend their voices for this not to be missed presentation.

Something BIG, GREEN, and MEAN is coming to the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport this October! It's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running October 2 - November 9, 2008.