Fred Ebb News

Life is imitating art for leading man Raza Jaffrey, as CHICAGO producer, Barry Weissler spotted him in the new Steven Spielberg TV series Smash, and immediately offered him the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of the musical. He will star in CHICAGO at the Garrick Theatre from 16 May to 14 July, playing the role between present Billy, David Bedella, who leaves the cast on 12 May, and Olympian Robin Cousins, who joins on 17 July.

The Town Hall's (123 West 43rd Street) critically acclaimed Broadway by the Year's® 12th Season continues with The Broadway Musicals of 1975 on Monday, May 14th at 8PM. 1975 was a year that brought us famous shows by musical theater icons including Marvin Hamlisch, (A Chorus Line), John Kander and Fred Ebb (Chicago), and Richard O'Brien (The Rocky Horror Show), among others. Produced by The Town Hall, The Broadway Musicals of 1975 is created, written and hosted by Scott Siegel.

Tacoma Musical Playhouse has announced the 19th season of musical theater in Tacoma. The 2012-2013 season will include six Broadway-style musicals on the TMP Mainstage and three family-friendly productions from the Tacoma Children's Musical Theater.

Olympics Gold Medallist Robin Cousins will star on the West End stage as Billy Flynn in the musical CHICAGO at the Garrick Theatre from 17 July, 10 days ahead of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. He will be in the show until 8 September, the day before the final day of the Paralympics.

The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor esteemed stage actress Patti LuPone with the company's third Stephen Sondheim Award. The award, established in 2009 in honor of America's most influential contemporary musical theater writer and composer, will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit on April 16, 2012 at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC. Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer said, 'I am thrilled that Patti LuPone will be this year's recipient of the Stephen Sondheim Award. With her wonderful performances in Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Company, Passion, and more - she has had an amazing connection to Steve's words and music. It's wonderful to add her name to the distinguished honorees Angela Lansbury and Bernadette Peters. We look forward to saluting Patti and her extraordinary talents in April.'

According to an audition listing, Walter Bobbie is set to direct Vineyard Theatre's Developmental Lab Production of THE LANDING (previously titled 'Andra') -- a collection of three related one-act musicals written by the celebrated composer John Kander and his new collaborator, Greg Pierce - THE LANDING will be presented May 15-June 3 at The Vineyard (108 E. 15 St.).

Take a trip back to the 1970's with two vintage commericals from musical theatre favorites SWEENEY TODD and CHICAGO! Check out the original TV spots below!

Signature Theatre closes out its 2011/12 season sporting funky legwarmers and wielding neon glow sticks with the Washington premiere of the musical comedy hit Xanadu. Beginning performances on May 6th, Xanadu will be transforming Signature's MAX Theatre into one big disco-ball heaven - complete with satin shorts and roller skates! Nominated for four Tony Awards® (including "Best Musical"), the musical features a Book by Douglas Carter Beane, with Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Xanadu will play at Signature from May 6, 2012 through July 1, 2012. Tickets are now on sale.

According to parezhilton.com, Pamela Anderson is headed to Broadway. The actress is set to star in the hit revival of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse's Tony Award-winning musical CHICAGO.

Northern Stage, the pioneering New England theater company, announces its new production of Chicago. The company obtained special permission from the show's creators to produce an intimate ensemble-based version of the hit musical, directed by Northern Stage Producing Director Catherine Doherty and award-winning New York director-choreographer Connor Gallagher, who also developed original choreography for the show.

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) will close its 2011-12 season with the Bay Area premiere of The Scottsboro Boys, the critically acclaimed musical based on a tragic chapter in American history. Nominated for twelve 2011 Tony Awards, The Scottsboro Boys features music and lyrics by the legendary Broadway songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman), book by David Thompson (Steel Pier, Chicago), musical direction by Eric Ebbenga, and direction and choreography by five-time Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Contact). Jeff Whiting will serve as associate director and choreographer. Tony and Emmy Award winner Hal Linden (Barney Miller, The Rothschilds on Broadway) joins the stellar cast as The Interlocutor. The Scottsboro Boys performs a limited run June 21-July 15, 2012, at the American Conservatory Theater (415 Geary Street, San Francisco). Press night is Wednesday, June 27, at 8 p.m. Tickets (starting at $20) are on sale now and may be purchased online at act-sf.org or by calling 415.749.2228.

Due to critical praise and popular demand, Vineyard Theatre has announced a final extension - now through April 28 - for the new musical NOW. HERE. THIS., which opened to rave reviews and sold out houses at The Vineyard on March 28. This will be the second and final extension for the show, which must close on April 28 due to season and artist schedules.

New Dramatists, Tony Honor recipient and playwright development workshop, today announced that two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters will be honored with their 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award at its 63rd Annual Spring Luncheon tribute, to be held Thursday, May 24th at the New York Marriott Marquis.

The Tennessee Reperatory Theatre Announces its 2012-2013 Season Lineup, including CLYBOURNE PARK, DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, CABARET, TIME STANDS STILL, and A CHRISTMAS STORY. Subscriptions start at $100. Subscription information is available at www.tennesseerep.org. Subscriptions available by internet and phone order beginning April 2, 2012.

Tony-nominated actor Brian Lane Green (Starmites) joins the lineup of Broadway talent performing in the March 30th concert with John Bucchino. In addition to Lane is Broadway funnyman Todd Buonopane (…Spelling Bee) and renowned singer/songwriter Lindy Robbins.

The Old Globe today announced the cast and creative team for the West Coast Premiere of The Scottsboro Boys, the critically acclaimed musical about an infamous chapter in American history.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's PIPE DREAM will be recorded live at New York City Center's Encores! series this week, and released this Summer on Ghostlight Records. Produced by Rodgers & Hammerstein: AnImagem Company, this preservation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's 1955 Broadway musical rarity marks the first time an Encores! musical has been recorded live.