Don Black News

London and Broadway's former Elphaba adds another date to her Songbook concert series

Sunset Boulevard at the West End's intimate Comedy Theatre closes today May 30, 2009. UK theatre sources are reporting that plans are in the works to launch a UK tour in early 2010 as well as some talk of bringing the production to New York, but no official announcement has yet been made.

The current London production of Sunset Boulevard at the West End's intimate Comedy Theatre has posted a closing notice for May 30, 2009.

Kerry Ellis has added an extra date to her London concert series due to phenomenal public demand

UK Productions of The Lion King, Blood Brothers and Sunset Boulevard have all been extended in the West End. The Lion King is running at the Lyceum Theater and has added four months to its schedule, bookings are being taken until January 31 2010. This company features Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa.

The Ford's Theatre reopening season continues with the Tony-nominated 'The Civil War' by Frank Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy. Jeff Calhoun directs the production at Ford's Theatre from March 27-May 24, 2009.

The Broadway production of Yasmina Reza's GOD OF CARNAGE opens on Sunday, March 22. The play, directed by Matthew Warchus began previews on Saturday, February 28 at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45 Street). Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden star in GOD OF CARNAGE, the new play by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by Matthew Warchus.

Sunset Boulevard at the Comedy Theater, London, has extended its run and will now close June 27, 2009. The run of this musical originally opened in 2008 and was set to run until April 18th; however, after being nominated for three Laurence Olivier Awards the production lengthened its engagement.

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, a new musical based on the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder series of classic American books, will launch a national tour in October at The Ordway Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, following a five-week engagement beginning September 10 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, N.J. Melissa Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child playing ?Laura' in the hugely successful NBC television series 'Little House on the Prairie' during the 1970's, now continues her legacy ?on the prairie' by taking on the role of Ma. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE will also star Steve Blanchard as Pa and Kara Lindsay as Laura.

The winners are being announced as they happen for this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, London's equivalent of the Tonys. The awards, which were created in 1976 were given out on Sunday March 8, 2009 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

The Ford's Theatre reopening season continues with the Tony-nominated 'The Civil War' by Frank Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy. Jeff Calhoun directs the production at Ford's Theatre from March 27-May 24, 2009.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's hugely successful musical on roller skates STARLIGHT EXPRESS - 'A Cinderella-meets-train enthusiast love story' - will play in New Zealand, for the first time, in July and August of 2009.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's hugely successful musical on roller skates STARLIGHT EXPRESS - 'A Cinderella-meets-train enthusiast love story' - will play in New Zealand, for the first time, in July and August of 2009.

For 2009-2010 ArtsWest has created a stimulating, conversation-inducing six-play season featuring 4 Seattle Premieres - including another World Premiere through their partnership with the National New Play Network - and the return of the smash holiday hit Plaid Tidings.

Award-winning singer KEVIN DOZIER, who was named ?Male Performer of the Year' at the 2003 San Francisco Cabaret Competition, will debut his new CD 'LOVE-WISE' at Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street, on Wednesday, February 18th at 6 PM as part of the ?Any Wednesday' Series of free concerts. Kevin made his highly anticipated NYC cabaret debut last June with Musical director/arranger CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE at the piano and played an equally successful return engagement in October. During his 10 years in San Francisco, he headlined at San Francisco's Plush Room, performed at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, Lush Lounge, and in various benefit concerts including 2 editions of Steve Murray's Viva Variety. He has appeared with such entertainers as Bobby McFerrin, Carmen McRae and Barry Manilow.

BroadwayWorld.com has learned that The Roundabout Theatre Company will be presenting a reading of the new Broadway-bound musical BONNIE & CLYDE on February 8 and 10, 2009. The show features a book by Ivan Menchell, music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black, direction by Jeff Calhoun and music direction by John McDaniel. Starring in the reading will be Laura Osnes as Bonnie and Stark Sands as Clyde.

BroadwayWorld.com has learned that The Roundabout Theatre Company will be presenting a reading of the new Broadway-bound musical BONNIE & CLYDE on February 8 and 10, 2009. The show features a book by Ivan Menchell, music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black, direction by Jeff Calhoun and music direction by John McDaniel. Starring in the reading will be Laura Osnes as Bonnie and Stark Sands as Clyde.

Kerry Ellis is to hang up her broomstick and swap her career-changing, award-winning role as green witch Elphaba in the hit musical 'Wicked' for a series of intimate shows celebrating the very best British music from the worlds of theatre, film and pop.

Award winning singer Maria Friedman will honor the works of British composers with her show 'MARIA FRIEDMAN CELEBRATES THE GREAT BRITISH SONGBOOK' at the Shaw Theater. Her performances will take place February 5-7th.

Nominations have been announced for this year's Laurence Olivier Awards, London's equivalent of the Tonys. The awards, which were created in 1976 will be given out on Sunday March 8, 2009 in a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel.