Blythe Danner News

Theatre World Awards for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut performances during the 2010-2011 theatrical season will be presented by former Theatre World Award winners, including: Tammy Blanchard (Gypsy, 2003), Gabriel Byrne (A Moon for the Misbegotten, 2000), Zoe Caldwell (Slapstick Tragedy, 1966), Billy Crudup (Arcadia, 1995), Blythe Danner (The Miser, 1969), Edie Falco (Side Man, 1998), Tovah Feldshuh (Yentl, 1976), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, 2007), Rosemary Harris (The Climate of Eden, 1953), Kevin Kilner (The Glass Menagerie, 1995), and Andrea McArdle (Annie, 1977). There will also be performances by former Theatre World Award winners, including: Karen Akers (Nine, 1982), Ernestine Jackson (Raisin, 1974), and John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys, 2006).

Today, we are talking to GLEE fan favorite - as Jesse St. James - and theatre superstar - from SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway to DEATHTRAP in the West End - the charismatic and magnetic Jonathan Groff. In this world exclusive interview, Jonathan and I discuss all things GLEE and all about working on the second season of the hit show - and, most importantly, everything about the season finale - with GLEE stars Lea Michele, Cheyenne Jackson, and Charice, in addition to working with Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel and GLEE creator/show-runner Ryan Murphy. Additionally, in this complete conversation, we take a look back at Groff's many stage roles ranging from HAIR and THE BACCHAE in Central Park for the Public Theater, to SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway, DEATHTRAP in the West End, as well as his debut in IN MY LIFE - a show whose composer/lyricist/writer, Joe Brooks, was just in the news following his apparent suicide this weekend. Jonathan and I also touch on his blazing feature film debut in Ang Lee's TAKING WOODSTOCK co-starring Liev Schreiber, as well as his work on the pilot for Ryan Murphy's PRETTY/HANDSOME, co-starring Joseph Fiennes and Blythe Danner, and his participation in the new independent film TWELVE THIRTY. We also take a look ahead to the future and deduce what is next for one of the brightest talents on Broadway - all of that and much, much more!

Following this weekend's WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE FIRST LISTEN of 'For Good' from WICKED as featured on the GLEE season finale, today BroadwayWorld is bringing the gleeks one last special surprise, just in time for the Season Two finale! Today, we are talking to GLEE fan favorite - as Jessie St. James - and theatre superstar - from SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway to DEATHTRAP in the West End - the charismatic and magnetic Jonathan Groff. In this world exclusive interview, Jonathan and I discuss all things GLEE and all about working on the second season of the show - and, most importantly, everything about the season finale - with GLEE stars Lea Michele, Cheyenne Jackson, and Charice, in addition to working with Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel and GLEE creator/show-runner Ryan Murphy - and, of course, recording and performing Adele‘s 'Rolling In The Deep' with Lea Michele, the surefire musical highlight of Season Two. Additionally, in the forthcoming complete chat, we take a look back at Groff's many stage roles ranging from HAIR and THE BACCHAE in Central Park for the Public Theater, to SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway, DEATHTRAP in the West End, as well as his debut in IN MY LIFE - a show whose composer/lyricist/writer, Joe Brooks, was just in the news following his apparent suicide this weekend. Jonathan and I also touch on his blazing feature film debut in Ang Lee's TAKING WOODSTOCK co-starring Liev Schreiber, as well as his work on the pilot for Ryan Murphy's PRETTY/HANDSOME, co-starring Joseph Fiennes and Blythe Danner, and his participation in the new independent film TWELVE THIRTY. Plus, we take a look ahead to the future and deduce what is next for one of the brightest talents on Broadway! All of that and much, much more - yet, one question remains: Is it 8 PM yet?!

The Broadway packed NURSE JACKIE on Showtime has just been renewed for a fourth season, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Starring Edie Falco in the title role, the show has featured a parade (which we hope never ends) of other Broadway talent and guest stars as well. The Season 3 finale of NURSE JACKIE is set to air next month.

David Kennedy, Westport Country Playhouse associate artistic director, has been named to direct the 2011 season opening production, "Beyond Therapy" by Christopher Durang, announced Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.

The Broadway world is abuzz with all things FOLLIES so it was perfect timing that this past Monday night, at Judith Ivey's home, the 2001 revival cast of FOLLIES got together 'to glamorize the old days, stumble through a song or two, and lie about ourselves...a little.' Ok, so there was no singing, but practically the entire cast got together to celebrate what was an amazing experience in their lives and the amazing family they considered ourselves back in 2001. Blogging about the experience was Broadway veteran Randy Slovacek, who gave us exclusive permission to run his memories of the night (and production). As an actor, Randy has appeared on Broadway in Follies, Chicago and Hello, Dolly!, as well as the National companies of A Chorus Line, Cats, 42nd Street, Chicago and Hello, Dolly!. In addition, Randy is a published writer with articles in prominent magazines and is the author of his own blog, 'The Randy Report.'

One of America's most beautiful, intelligent and respected actors will do the honors as godmother to the intimate, all-suite Seabourn Quest when it is named at the port of Barcelona on June 20, 2011.

Yesterday, May 2, Soho Rep honored Marian Seldes at their annual spring gala. Co-hosted by Mr. Bogosian and Tim Blake Nelson the evening will featured musical performances by Jomama Jones & The Lisps, who performed a song from their new musical FUTURITY. The stage performance featured scenes and songs from past and upcoming Soho Rep shows. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the event and brings you photo coverage below.

This evening, the 2011 Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were handed out to recipients in 14 categories and 3 special awards. This year's ceremony will benefit The Actors Fund. A full list of recipients follows below.

Last night, the 2011 Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were handed out to recipients in 14 categories and 3 special awards. This year's ceremony will benefit The Actors Fund. BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture the special night including the winners, presenters and performers.

Marin Ireland, Eric Bogosian, Isiah Whitlock Jr. and John Guare join the previously announced Blythe Danner, Ted Danson, Parker Posey, Peter Dinklage, Lili Taylor, Michael Stuhlbarg at the Soho Rep SPRING GALA 2011 honoring Marian Seldes. Co-hosted by Mr. Bogosian and Tim Blake Nelson the evening will also feature musical performances by Jomama Jones & The Lisps. The stage performance will feature scenes and songs from past and upcoming Soho Rep shows. Special musical guest will be Jomama Jones - who had a critically acclaimed run at Soho Rep earlier this season - in addition to The Lisps, performing a song from their new musical FUTURITY. Doors open on Monday, May 2nd at 6:30pm at the Highline Ballroom (431 West 16th Street) in Manhattan; for tickets please visit the Soho Rep website - www.SohoRep.org or call 212-647-1828.

The Lucille Lortel Awards announced today the details for the 26th Annual Lortel Awards Reception & Ceremony. The Awards Ceremony will be held on May 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. EST at NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place, at Washington Square. Members of the industry may purchase tickets through the Off-Broadway League, while public tickets are $75.00 and are available via phone (212.352.3101), online (http://skirballcenter.nyu.edu) or in person at the Skirball Center's Shagan Box Office (566 LaGuardia Place, Tuesday-Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

Marin Ireland, Eric Bogosian, Isiah Whitlock Jr. and John Guare join the previously announced Blythe Danner, Ted Danson, Parker Posey, Peter Dinklage, Lili Taylor, Michael Stuhlbarg at the Soho Rep SPRING GALA 2011 honoring Marian Seldes. Co-hosted by Mr. Bogosian and Tim Blake Nelson the evening will also feature musical performances by Jomama Jones & The Lisps. The stage performance will feature scenes and songs from past and upcoming Soho Rep shows. Special musical guest will be Jomama Jones - who had a critically acclaimed run at Soho Rep earlier this season - in addition to The Lisps, performing a song from their new musical FUTURITY. Doors open on Monday, May 2nd at 6:30pm at the Highline Ballroom (431 West 16th Street) in Manhattan; for tickets please visit the Soho Rep website - www.SohoRep.org or call 212-647-1828.

The Lucille Lortel Awards announced today the details for the 26th Annual Lortel Awards Reception & Ceremony. The Awards Ceremony will be held on May 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. EST at NYU Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Place, at Washington Square. Members of the industry may purchase tickets through the Off-Broadway League, while public tickets are $75.00 and are available via phone (212.352.3101), online (http://skirballcenter.nyu.edu) or in person at the Skirball Center's Shagan Box Office (566 LaGuardia Place, Tuesday-Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

Opening its 2011 season and its 80th birthday year, Westport Country Playhouse will stage comic master Christopher Durang's "Beyond Therapy," directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, April 26 through May 14.

Due to critical and popular demand, Off-Broadway's eleven-time Obie Award-winning Soho Rep will extend the U.S. premiere of debbie tucker green's BORN BAD by two weeks, now through May 7th, 2011 at Soho Rep (46 Walker Street), it has been announced by Soho Rep Artistic Director Sarah Benson. Leah C. Gardiner directs.

Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award

Opening its 2011 season and its 80th birthday year, Westport Country Playhouse will stage comic master Christopher Durang's "Beyond Therapy," directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, April 26 through May 14.

Westport Country Playhouse announces its restaurant partners for the 2011 season, playing April 26 through November 5. Playhouse subscribers will receive discounts, many up to 20%, at partner restaurants upon presenting a ticket or stub on the day of their ticketed performance.

Monday nights have been long enjoyed by theatregoers and all of us here at BroadwayWorld.com as the night where there's more cabarets, benefit concerts and other special events than we know how to handle. The beginning of the week has gotten even more complicated now, because in addition to all of those, we're now finding ourselves rushing home to be in front of the TV at 10pm to watch the wonderful NURSE JACKIE on Showtime, starring Edie Falco. The show has featured a parade (which we hope never ends) of other Broadway talent and guest stars as well. Season 3, which began last week looks to be the show's sharpest, most fun and strongest season yet.