Christine Ebersole News

One of the many delights of director Michael Blakemore's revival of Noel Coward's giddily funny 1941 froth, Blithe Spirit, is that this 2009 production looks like it could have been seen in the play's premiere year. No doubt contemporary Broadway theatre can provide more spectacular ways for an actress playing a ghost to enter a room than to just have her walk through the French windows. And certainly if an invisible spirit chooses to destroy her husband's drawing room, modern technology can whip up a few tricks more gasp-inducing than simply having a picture frame fall and a bookshelf topple over. But when you have one of the English language's great comedies played by a company that excels in the verbal dexterity of the playwright's wit, there's no need for such distractions.

On Monday, April 6, Linda Lavin returned to the Broadway at Birdland stage with a new show, along with musical director/singer Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle on bass, and Steve Bakunas on drums. The show, 'Moments Like This' is a new show that gave the sold-out Birdland audience a chance to meet the Broadway and television star up-close and personal as she recalled her roots in the theater, her love of torch songs, and a life-long obsession with the big bands of the 1940's.

Jack Wrangler, iconic adult and musical theater performer passed away today from complications from lung disease. He was 62 years old. With piercing blue eyes, unruly blond hair, a chiseled physique and cocky swagger, Jack Wrangler was the king of ?70s gay porn. Forging a gay sexual revolution, he wasn't the typical object of homoerotic desire but an intelligent, full-bodied, self-confident male. Exulted for his 80-plus adult films, the openly gay superstar even conquered the straight adult world and legitimate theater. Mr. Wrangler eventually married pop vocalist Margaret Whiting and their relationship would last for the rest of his life.

Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce that Linda Lavin and Billy Stritch will return to the Broadway at Birdland series with a brand new show, 'Moments Like This,' on Monday, April 6 at 7pm.

USA Network will present the new original series ROYAL PAINS ,starring Mark Feuerstein ('What Women Want,' 'In Her Shoes,' 'Good Morning Miami') this summer. The 11-episode order is the first original series production from Universal Cable Productions for USA Network. ROYAL PAINS will also star Paulo Costanzo ('Joey'), Jill Flint ('Gossip Girl') and Reshma Shetty ('30 Rock').

Legendary designers WILLIAM IVEY LONG and BOB CROWLEY are among the four recipients of 2009 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards to be presented at a ceremony this Friday, March 27 at 6:30pm, at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Five-time Tony Award winning costume designer William Ivey Long will receive the 2009 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for theatrical costume design, and, for his achievements as both a costume and scenic designer, Bob Crowley (also a five-time Tony Award winner) will receive the TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards' special Robert L. B. Tobin Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatrical Design.

Friends In Deed presented Charles Busch and Lypsinka, with Lisa Estridge stepping in at the last minute for an ill Whoopi Goldberg, in the first-ever New York presentation of the infamous Broadway-play-that-wasn't, LEGENDS!. Written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner James Kirkwood ('A Chorus Line'), the play was presented in a special One Night Only staged reading benefit on Monday evening, March 23 at 8PM at Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street).

Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce that Linda Lavin and Billy Stritch will return to the Broadway at Birdland series with a brand new show, 'Moments Like This,' on Monday, April 6 at 7pm.

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Sunday, March 22, 2009.

Five of the world?s foremost design and style luminaries will be honored at the Savannah College of Art and Design?s annual SCAD Style ?toile Awards in New York March 23. Honorees accepting the distinguished ?toile Award include hip hop mogul and designer Russell Simmons, Tony Award-winning Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long, Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion editor Robin Givhan, actress and philanthropist Cornelia Guest, and New York City Planning Director Amanda Burden.

Greg MacKellan, artistic director of 42nd Street Moon, today announced that the company would postpone the production of The Baker's Wife scheduled in early spring, and replace it with High Spirits, the musical version of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, opening March 21 and running through April 5, 2009.

The Dramatists Guild Fund's annual Benefit Gala, titled 'STAR TURNS: Great Writers Thank Their Lucky Stars!' which will be held on Monday, April 20 at the Hudson Theatre (Millennium Hotel, 145 West 44th St), will honor Rosie O'Donnell and Rosie's Broadway Kids.

HBO Films Grey Gardens will air on the HBO network on Saturday, April 18 at 8:00pm Eastern, in HD.

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Monday, March 16, 2009.

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit began preview performances on Thursday, February 26, 2009 and opened on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (West 44th Street). BroadwayWorld and Broadway Beat were there to capture all the excitement of Opening Night with clips from the show and interviews with the starry cast! Led by two time Tony Award winner directore Michael Blakemore (Kiss Me, Kate; Copenhagen, City of Angels, Noises Off!) leads the cast of this newest addition to the Great White Way which stars 4 time Tony-award winner Angela Lansbury (Sweeney Todd,Gypsy, Dear World, Mame), Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding, An Ideal Husband), two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens, 42nd Street), and two time Tony nominee Jayne Atkinson ('24', 'Recount' Enchanted April). Simon Jones (Waiting in the Wings, The Real Thing), Deborah Rush (Noises Off!) and Susan Louise O'Connor (Walk Two Moons) round out the cast.

Five of the world?s foremost design and style luminaries will be honored at the Savannah College of Art and Design?s annual SCAD Style ?toile Awards in New York March 23. Honorees accepting the distinguished ?toile Award include hip hop mogul and designer Russell Simmons, Tony Award-winning Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long, Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion editor Robin Givhan, actress and philanthropist Cornelia Guest, and New York City Planning Director Amanda Burden.

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit began preview performances on Thursday, February 26, 2009 and opened on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (West 44th Street). We were of course there to bring you all the excitement of the opening night party!

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit began preview performances on Thursday, February 26, 2009 and opened on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (West 44th Street). We were there to capture all the starry arrivals at opening night!

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit began preview performances on Thursday, February 26, 2009 and opened on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (West 44th Street). BroadwayWorld.com was of course there to bring you all the excitement of opening night!

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit began preview performances on Thursday, February 26, 2009. It will open Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (West 44th Street).