Ann-Margret News

Last night, SMASH cast Marilyn Monroe in the big Broadway musical based on her life at the show's center. Or, did they? While Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) may have done whatever it took to make an impression on the show's lothario director, Derek (Jack Davenport), it was Ivy's long-standing friendship with the songwriting team of Julia & Tom (Debra Messing & Christian Borle) and the belief in her readily apparent talent by the lead producer, Eileen (Anjelica Huston), that really sealed the deal. So, where does that leave Karen (Katharine McPhee)? In the chorus, it seems - at least for now. The drama escalated and reached an early peak along with the crescendos of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's smashing "Twentieth Century Fox Mambo" showstopper - the musical highlight of the impossibly strong second episode - as the heated fully-staged and fully-choreographed audition gave way to a dream reality which finally showed us all out there in the audience what a Karen/Marilyn could potentially be: a true blonde bombshell to beat the band. Of course, nothing is quite so cut and dry as it may appear and Karen may get her chance in the spotlight on the actual Marilyn musical's stage after all. Yet, for the next few episodes at least, Ivy is the star of the show - and she is going to wring every last wiggle, coo and peck out of the role. Plus, who can put over a number in true Broadway fashion - as Marilyn Monroe, perfectly played, no less - than Megan Hilty? Did you hear her line in the newly envisioned 'Let Me Be Your Star'? In much the same way as Hilty with the Broadway pizazz, McPhee effortlessly puts over treacherously tricky pop songs with smoothness, sweetness and near-tangible sincerety and conviction. Which way will the score ultimately go - and, furthermore, what shall be of the show that contains it? Will the musical be more Norma Jean or more Marilyn, thus more befitting of Karen or Ivy, respectively? Who knows, perhaps there ultimately will be two Marilyns required - as was proposed in this very column last week at this time and seems the logical ultimate conclusion of the casting dilemma at the show's core. We will certainly have to wait and find out what happens next on SMASH and what the show ends up requiring of its incredibly talented cast of hoofers and stars-to-be. Plus, Nick Jonas, Uma Thurman and Bernadette Peters make guest star debuts in the next several weeks!

According to the NY Post, Ann-Maragret will be heading to the Great White Way in a play by Sandra Hochman. Cindy Adams writes: 'Debuting on B'way in a comic role, it'll star Ann-Margret. Based on Sandra's old children's book, it's a family show. Now all they need is to raise $3 mil.'

ELVIS LIVES "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event" is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis' life.

MASTERWORKS BROADWAY opens its vaults with more classic cast recordings previously unavailable in the CD era.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Saturday January 21, to the general public for William Shatner's Broadway show SHATNER'S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT at www.telecharge.com. Producers also announced the show's creative team and student ticket policy.

MASTERWORKS BROADWAY opens its vaults with more classic cast recordings previously unavailable in the CD era.

ELVIS LIVES will appear at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on January 15, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The show is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis's life featuring four finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., announced today an expanded tour schedule for the new theatrical concert experience ELVIS LIVES "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event."

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., announced today the performance dates and venues for the new theatrical concert experience ELVIS LIVES 'The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event.'

Kravis Center Kicks Off 2012 with a Month-Long Line-Up of Superior Entertainment + Comedy by Jackie Mason & Dennis Miller + Hit Shows Like ELVIS LIVES, HAIR & Neil Berg's 103 YEARS OF BROADWAY + World Premiere of DIVORCE PARTY: THE MUSICAL + Classic Music from Joshua Bell & Hye-Jin Kim, Cleveland Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra + Pop Hits by B.B. King, The Lennon Sisters & The Nylons + High Kicks from The State Ballet Theatre of Russia + Magical Memories with Larry King & More 'Celebrating 20 Years of Artistic Excellence and Commitment to the Community'

Kravis Center Kicks Off 2012 with a Month-Long Line-Up of Superior Entertainment + Comedy by Jackie Mason & Dennis Miller + Hit Shows Like ELVIS LIVES, HAIR & Neil Berg's 103 YEARS OF BROADWAY + World Premiere of DIVORCE PARTY: THE MUSICAL + Classic Music from Joshua Bell & Hye-Jin Kim, Cleveland Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra + Pop Hits by B.B. King, The Lennon Sisters & The Nylons + High Kicks from The State Ballet Theatre of Russia + Magical Memories with Larry King & More 'Celebrating 20 Years of Artistic Excellence and Commitment to the Community'

Kravis Center Kicks Off 2012 with a Month-Long Line-Up of Superior Entertainment + Comedy by Jackie Mason & Dennis Miller + Hit Shows Like ELVIS LIVES, HAIR & Neil Berg's 103 YEARS OF BROADWAY + World Premiere of DIVORCE PARTY: THE MUSICAL + Classic Music from Joshua Bell & Hye-Jin Kim, Cleveland Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra + Pop Hits by B.B. King, The Lennon Sisters & The Nylons + High Kicks from The State Ballet Theatre of Russia + Magical Memories with Larry King & More 'Celebrating 20 Years of Artistic Excellence and Commitment to the Community'

Mannheim Steamroller continues to be America's favorite Christmas music artist with their spectacular and beloved holiday show.

Mannheim Steamroller continues to be America's favorite Christmas music artist with their spectacular and beloved holiday show.

ELVIS LIVES will appear at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on January 15, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The show is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis's life featuring four finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

Capitalizing on the rave reviews of its initial debut as "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Tour" in 2010, the touring production has been enhanced to capture the imaginations and interests of all types of fans including Broadway, concert and Elvis aficionados. The nationwide tour kicks off in Morganton, N.C., on January 14. Subscription and single tickets are now on sale for all tour engagements. For more information visit: www.ELVISLIVESTOUR.com.

Kravis Center Kicks Off 2012 with a Month-Long Line-Up of Superior Entertainment + Comedy by Jackie Mason & Dennis Miller + Hit Shows Like ELVIS LIVES, HAIR & Neil Berg's 103 YEARS OF BROADWAY + World Premiere of DIVORCE PARTY: THE MUSICAL + Classic Music from Joshua Bell & Hye-Jin Kim, Cleveland Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra + Pop Hits by B.B. King, The Lennon Sisters & The Nylons + High Kicks from The State Ballet Theatre of Russia + Magical Memories with Larry King & More 'Celebrating 20 Years of Artistic Excellence and Commitment to the Community'

ELVIS LIVES "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event" is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis' life.

On Stage Touring, LLC, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., announced today an expanded tour schedule for the new theatrical concert experience ELVIS LIVES "The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event."

Composer Carol Hall has launched a brand new website. In a statement issued the site was described as 'In a world strewn with clutter and excessive information, Carol Hall, a composer/lyricist/playwright known for the clarity and directness of her writing, has just launched a new website that captures those same qualities.