Elaine Stritch News

Awards shows are catnip for entertainment enthusiasts around the world not only because they are a celebration of the best of the breed in whatever medium or genre the presentation recognizes but also because a live telecast with so many stars and so many categories allows for ample room for entertainment - and error. In Tony Awards history, there have been a few unmistakably unmissable moments that live on thanks to the magic of YouTube for a variety of reasons - thrilling battles to the finish in tight categories, chilling reactions from non-winners when the top prize is announced, and, of course, some very unusual albeit unforgettable ties and inconsistent category tweaks. Nevertheless, the Tony Awards is always the biggest night of the year for Broadway babies and this year should prove to be no exception with the hot competition and spectacular stars scheduled to appear on June 7 at Radio City Music Hall and presented to the world, once again, via CBS at 8 PM.

The Muny announced today the complete cast for its production of Alan Jay Lerner (book & lyrics) and Frederick Loewe's (music) classic My Fair Lady. The production will be directed by Marc Bruni, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Ben Whiteley.

EOT has created a true winner here--a gorgeous production of the highest quality with performances that I will not soon forget and technical aspects that elevate it way beyond any community theatre fare. 

Though no one in Aaron Lazar's family had professionally pursued show business before he came along, he sees his entire career as being heavily influenced by his musically talented grandparents and great-grandparents. So in order to give back to the special seniors in his personal and professional life, Lazar has become involved with JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging), a non-profit organization. Lazar opened up to me about the impact the seniors in his life have had on him, his favorite memories from working with legends like Angela Lansbury and Elaine Stritch, why he wanted to join JASA, and more. Check out the interview below!

The complete cast and creative team have been announced for The Old Globe production of William Shakespeare's delightful and romantic Twelfth Night. Rebecca Taichman, whose production of the time-traveling Time and the Conways fascinated audiences last April, is back to direct the first show of the 2015 Summer Shakespeare Festival. The Old Globe engagement will begin performances on June 21 and run through July 26, 2015, with opening night on Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 p.m., in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.

Jenni Barber, Quentin Earl Darrington, Bradley Dean, Dan Fogler, Ana Gasteyer, Josh Lamon, Aaron Lazar, Alyse Alan Louis and Rema Webb will join the previously announced Jonathan Groff in the Encores! Off-Center production of William Finn and James Lapine's A New Brain, running June 24 - 27, 2015. The production will be directed by James Lapine, with choreography by Josh Prince.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Managing Director Jeff Griffin, has announced that its upcoming production of DOCTOR FAUSTUS, adapted by David Bridel and Andrei Belgrader from the play by Christopher Marlowe, starring Chris Noth ("Law & Order," "Sex and the City," "The Good Wife"), directed by Andrei Belgrader (CSC's production of The Cherry Orchard) will extend through Sunday, July 12.  Previews will now begin Tuesday, June 2 with an official opening Thursday, June 18 at CSC (136 East 13th Street).   Joining Noth in the cast are Tony Award nominee and "The Good Wife" co-star Zach Grenier as Mephistopheles, Jeffrey Binder, Ken Cheeseman, Carmen M. Herlihy, Walker Jones, Marina Lazzaretto, Geoffrey Owens and Lucas Caleb Rooney. 

The 10th Anniversary STELLA BY STARLIGHT Gala just took place last night, May 11, 2015 at The Prince George Ballroom in New York City, with Honorary Chair Donald Katz, to celebrate and benefit the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. The Marlon Brando Award for excellence in the arts and a life devoted to social engagement was presented to ETHAN HAWKE; The Harold Clurman Spirit Award for courageous contribution to the culture of the City of New York and beyond  to TRYMAINE LEE; The Stella Adler Award for consummate artistic achievement and interpretation to KATE MULGREW; and The Group Theater Award for prolific achievement in theater, film and television arts and community and social commitment to JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the special night below!

The 10th Anniversary STELLA BY STARLIGHT Gala is set for tonight, May 11, 2015 at The Prince George Ballroom in New York City.

The Flea Theater has announced the New York premiere of The Theatre @ Boston Court's production of HAPPY DAYS by Samuel Beckett, directed by Andrei Belgrader. After critically acclaimed runs in Boston and LA, The Flea welcomes theater veterans Brooke Adams and Tony Award nominee Tony Shalhoub to Tribeca.  Previews begin June 20 with opening night slated for June 29.

Ghostlight Records will release two previously-unreleased tracks from stage and screen star MELISSA ERRICO as a special digital exclusive on May 18, 2015.

Jessica Grove, who most recently appeared on Broadway in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch, will join DUETS with The Write Teacher(s) at 54 Below tonight, May 2.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Managing Director Jeff Griffin, have announced complete for their upcoming production of DOCTOR FAUSTUS, adapted by David Bridel and Andrei Belgrader from the play by Christopher Marlowe, starring Chris Noth ('Law & Order,' 'Sex and the City,' 'The Good Wife'), directed by Andrei Belgrader (CSC's production of The Cherry Orchard). Joining Noth in the cast are Tony Award nominee and 'The Good Wife' co-star Zach Grenier as Mephistopheles, Jeff Binder, Ken Cheeseman, Carmen M. Herlihy, Walker Jones, Geoffrey Owens and Lucas Caleb Rooney. Previews begin Friday, May 29 for a limited engagement through Thursday, July 2 at CSC (136 East 13th Street). The official press opening is Thursday, June 18.

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man, the hit comedy written by Matt Murphy, based on the best-selling book by Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman, is making a stop in Milwaukee at the Marcus Center's Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall for two nights only tonight, April 30 and Friday, May 1.

Annoying Actor Friend just announced the inaugural AWARESIE AWARDS. But what are they, exactly?

Jon Peterson has a lot to celebrate right now. Peterson, who won numerous honors when he starred in Chip Deffaa's Off-Broadway musical play 'George M. Cohan Tonight!' at the Irish Repertory Theater, will celebrate today his tenth year of starring in the show, which--since its debut in New York--has taken him all across the country.

Jon Peterson has a lot to celebrate right now. Peterson, who won numerous honors when he starred in Chip Deffaa's Off-Broadway musical play 'George M. Cohan Tonight!' at the Irish Repertory Theater, will celebrate on Friday his tenth year of starring in the show, which--since its debut in New York--has taken him all across the country.

Stephen Sondheim is the greatest writer that the musical theatre has ever known. Now, obviously, intelligent minds can disagree, but if you do, I'm sorry, you're wrong. From story integration, to compelling characterizations, to insightful and witty lyrics, to complex and engaging melodies, no one has ever done it better than the man that many call "The Master." Sondheim's genius comes from the fact that every syllable he writes, and every note he composes, is in service of the story that he is telling; which is why I am always apprehensive of seeing one of the numerous revues of his work. Though he has been intimately involved in such shows as SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, MARRY ME A LITTLE, and PUTTING IT TOGETHER, which is running through May 9th at The Winter Park Playhouse, it often feels slightly disingenuous to see his songs, which fit so seamlessly amidst their original works, shoe-horned into completely contrived circumstances. Fortunately, under the direction of Roy Alan (who also choreographed), WPP's production makes each of Sondheim's beloved songs feel fresh, exciting, and (nearly) wholly original.

A glamorous dose of the legendary Lypsinka, John Epperson's iconic creation, will once again be doled out this summer when the acclaimed LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET returns for a limited Off-Broadway engagement. LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET will be performed Wednesday, July 22nd through Saturday, September 12th at the ravishing jewel-box Connelly Theater, located at 220 East 4th Street (between Avenues A and B) in Manhattan's East Village. The Opening is Saturday, July 25th at 8 PM. Tickets ($35 - $65) will go on sale on Monday, April 27th at 10 am online at www.lypsinka.com and www.tweedtheater.org/lypsinka, or by calling 866-811-4111.

Inspired by BroadwayWorld.com's Friday Six, welcome to BroadwayWorld Nashville's latest installment of The Friday Five: five questions designed to help you learn more about the talented people you'll find onstage throughout the Volunteer state. This week the spotlight shines on Maggie Pitt, Jaymes Campbell and Susan Adkins - The Philadelphis Story's Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven and the director of Lakewood Theatre's production opening in Old Hickory this weekend.