Fred Johanson News

Andrew Lloyd Webber's SUNSET BOULEVARD, with Glenn Close reprising her role as 'Norma Desmond', opened to all-around favorable reviews this week at the London Coliseum. With all of the hype surrounding the English National Opera's stripped-down production, lyricist Don Black told the New York Post: 'But of course there is talk of doing it somewhere else. I think there is a very good chance of it going to New York.'

Glenn Close (Norma Desmond),Michael Xavier (Joe Gillis), Siobhan Dillon (Betty Shaefer) and Fred Johanson (Max Von Mayerling) were joined by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Christopher Hampton and Dan Black on stage following the opening night performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard (4 April 2016).  BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Kit Harington's Faustus and Glenn Close's Norma Desmond to Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize-winner and a heist farce, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews…

Glenn Close (Norma Desmond), Michael Xavier (Joe Gillis), Siobhan Dillon (Betty Shaefer) and Fred Johanson (Max Von Mayerling) star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's SUNSET BOULEVARD. Lonny Price directs the strictly limited run of 43 performances at English National Opera's London Coliseum, which runs until 7 May 2016. Let's see what the critics had to say...

Still not over Sara Bareilles coming to the rescue during a Waitress technical glitch? Didn't have time to check in on your favorite Broadway stars? Well don't worry BroadwayWorld has rounded up some of the biggest stories from this week from Broadway and beyond with BroadwayWorld's 'This Week in Pictures.' Highlights from this week include THE CRUCIBLE opening on Broadway, 1776 comes to Encores!, Alfie Boe takes his opening night bow in FINDING NEVERLAND and SO much more!

Just in! Glenn Close (Norma Desmond), Michael Xavier (Joe Gillis), Siobhan Dillon (Betty Shaefer) and Fred Johanson (Max Von Mayerling) star in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard with Anna Woodside as Hedda Hopper, Emily Bull as Hedy Lamarr, Julian Forsyth as Cecil B DeMille, Mark Goldthorp as Sheldrake, Fenton Gray as Manfred, Haydn Oakley as Artie Green and James Patersonas Jonesy. Further company members include Carly Anderson, Michelle Bishop, Jacob Chapman, Nadeem Crowe, Cornelia Farnsworth, Ria Jones, Katie Kerr, Aaron Lee Lambert, Matthew McKenna, Jo Morris, Tanya Robb, Ashley Robinson, Vicki Lee Taylor, Gary Tushaw, Adam Vaughan and Stuart Winter.  BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

The great Glenn Close reprises the iconic role of Norma Desmond in SUNSET BOULEVARD in a semi-staged English National Opera production at London Coliseum from next week. Lonny Price directs the strictly limited run of 43 performances, which begins on April 1 and closes May 7. The cast also includes Michael Xavier, Siobhan Dillon, Fred Johanson, Anna Woodside, Emily Bull, Julian Forsyth, Mark Goldthorp, Fenton Gray, Haydn Oakley and James Paterson.

The World Premiere of Exposure The Musical - Life Through A Lens will run at the St. James Theatre, for a limited season, from 16 July until 27 August 2016, with press night on Thursday 28 July 2016. 

Rehearsals began just last month for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard at the English National Opera. Since then, star Glenn Close stopped by Graham Norton to chat about the production and revealed her hopes that it will lead into something more. She said, 'I'm hoping very much that this will lead directly to making a movie... this like a revving up. It's a very elaborate rehearsal.' Check out the full interview below!

Today (22 February 2016) rehearsals for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard begin at the English National Opera Rehearsal Studios as the full cast is announced. Check out a sneak peek at the cast preparing for rehearsals below!

Michael Xavier, Siobhan Dillon and Fred Johanson will join Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard, the second production in the partnership between English National Opera (ENO) and the GradeLinnit Company. 

Glenn Close has found her leading men for SUNSET BOULEVARD at the London Coliseum this spring.

Disney Theatrical Productions announced today that Dean John-Wilson will play the role of Aladdin alongside Jade Ewen as Jasmine in the West End premiere of the new musical based on the classic Academy Award-winning animated film. BroadwayWorld previously reported that the duo were in negotiations for the show, but the official word came today.

King Richard III was finally laid to rest this month with suitable pomp and majesty in Leicester Cathedral.

The company of Cats in Stockholm is certainly having difficulty keeping the drama confined to the stage, according to a report in Stockholm's The Local yesterday. Backstage, scandal has rocked the company, as one cast member has been targeted for sexual harassment against several of the female performers.

Stage Door are proud to present for the first time on CD the musical 'The Far Pavilions'. This ground breaking release charts the musical journey from concept to reality between 1997 - 2005.

For the first time Tony and Academy Award Winner Joel Grey (Cabaret, Chicago, Wicked) will be headlining at the National Autistic Society and ADDISS Benefit The Night of 1000 Voices.

For the first time Tony and Academy Award Winner and Broadway legend Joel Grey will be headlining at The Night of 1000 Voices. He will be joined by the current Phantom in Las Vegas, Anthony Crivello, Tony Award Winner for his performance in Kiss of The Spiderwoman, Ruthie Henshall and members of the Cast of Avenue Q and special guests. This exciting and exclusive performance will introduced by I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Queen, Myleene Klass and will be for the benefit of The National Artistic Society.