Gregg Edelman News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards Celebration was great! Now onward to '50 Shades,' 'Mr. Burns' and 'Book Of Merman,' plus two from Christopher Pazdernik,' 'Ordinary Days,' 'First Wives Club,' tributes to John Hughes and Stephen Sondheim and a showtune film cameo!

Broadway In Chicago and producers Paul Lambert, Jonas Neilson and Elizabeth Williams announced today the full cast for the premiere of the new Broadway-bound musical First Wives Club, which begins this winter at the Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph St.).

Today in 2008, A Tale of Two Cities opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, where it ran for 60 performances. A Tale of Two Cities is a musical with book, music and lyrics by Jill Santoriello based on the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens.The Broadway production featured James Barbour, Natalie Toro, Aaron Lazar, Gregg Edelman, and Brandi Burkhardt.

In the new film 'The Word,' a man's otherwise perfect life is destroyed when his son is kidnapped and murdered. He finds himself torn between avenging his son's death and moving on with his now hollow existence. Two-time Tony-winner James Naughton plays F.B.I. agent Mike Sheehy, who is tasked with hunting down the boy's killer. 'The Word' opens in select cities, including New York and Los Angeles, this week. Last week, I spoke to Naughton about the film, his iconic role as the original Billy Flynn in long-running 'Chicago' revival, being a part of a family of performers, and whether or not there is any truth to the rumors of a 'City of Angels' reunion concert.

On July 23 and 24, performers Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch (along with bass player Steve Doyle) took their swinging, sophisticated nightclub act to the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Cabaret & Performance Conference in Waterford, CT. The duo performed in concert, and also participated in a talk-back with the students who are interested in creating their own one-person shows on the cabaret scene. Scroll down for photos!

New York City is the place where stars flock to take their turns on the grandest stages in the world. Throughout the past year, Broadway has welcomed such film and television stars as Daniel Radcliffe, Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Debra Messing and Ian McKellen, as well as a slew of celebrated Broadway favorites such as Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, Neil Patrick Harris and many more. The Great White Way isn't the only place for stars to shine on stage though. During the summer months, many cherished performers travel to regional theatres around the country to share their extraordinary talents with the rest of America. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a roundup of this summer's starriest productions at a theatre near you!

Anita Gillette visited her friend Penny Fuller, who is appearing in Berkshire Theatre Group's production of A Little Night Music at The Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, MA. BroadwayWorld was there as well- check below for some photos from backstage!

When it comes to works by Stephen Sondheim, the music is everything, and the Berkshire Theatre Group does not let us down.

A Night on the Stage is the annual fundraiser benefiting the operating funds of Piedmont Players Theatre (PPT) in Salisbury. PPT has been a Salisbury Institution for more than 50 years, drawing audiences, volunteers and performers that travel up to 50 miles to be a part of theater here in Salisbury. PPT operates 2 theatrical spaces; the historic Meroney Theater and the 'all-youth' Norvell Theater, which also houses the educational youth program, including several workshops and a summer filled with exciting theatre summer camps for children of all ages.

A Night on the Stage is the annual fundraiser benefiting the operating funds of Piedmont Players Theatre (PPT) in Salisbury. PPT has been a Salisbury Institution for more than 50 years, drawing audiences, volunteers and performers that travel up to 50 miles to be a part of theater here in Salisbury. PPT operates 2 theatrical spaces; the historic Meroney Theater and the 'all-youth' Norvell Theater, which also houses the educational youth program, including several workshops and a summer filled with exciting theatre summer camps for children of all ages.

Not only has Northwestern University's 83rd Annual Waa-Mu Show snagged Joseph Jefferson ("Jeff") Award-winning Chicago-based director and actor Michael Goldberg to guest direct this year, the musical confection is partnering with Andy's Frozen Custard. The downtown Evanston store is creating a special Waa-Mu Concrete that will be available to sweet-loving Waa-Mu fans.

The Leonia Chamber Musicians concludes its 40th anniversary celebration with the final concert of the season on April 27, 2014, 2:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 399 Broad Avenue, Leonia, New Jersey. The concert is open to the public.

In honor of Les Miserables' opening tonight, BroadwayWord brings you the actors who've taken on the many complex and vocally challenging roles of Victor Hugo's world, from the unscrupulous Thenardiers to innocent Cosette, or principled Javert against the compassionate and strong-willed Jean Valjean. From Fantine and Eponine, unfortunate in life and romance, to Enjolras and Marius, the fiery young leaders of the French Revolution.

Berkshire Theatre Group has announced additional casting for A Little Night Music. Four-time Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Gregg Edelman will play the role of Fredrik Egerman and Emmy Award winner and two-time Tony Award nominee Penny Fuller will play the role of Madame Armfeldt for BTG's 2014 summer musical. Ethan Heard, who directed BTG's 2013 hit murder mystery The Cat and the Canary, will direct Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical which also features Tony Award and Drama Desk nominee Kate Baldwin, internationally-acclaimed vocalist and actress Maureen O'Flynn, and Broadway and television actor Graham Rowat.

The Leonia Chamber Musicians continues its 40th season celebration with the final concert on April 27, 2014, 2:30 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 399 Broad Avenue, Leonia, New Jersey.

Winners of the 12th Annual Nightlife Awards and Special Guest Stars joined together to celebrate New York Nightlife earlier this week at The Town Hall. Special Guest Stars included Stephanie J. Block. Tony Award Winner Bill Irwin, Tony Nominee Jason Robert Brown, Recording and Concert Artist Nellie McKay, and the show's Three-Time Emmy Award-winning host, Bruce Vilanch. broadwayWorld brings you photos from the special event below!

In an unusual development, an All-Star concert will take place on January 9th to help raise funds for another All-Star show that will take place just two-a-half weeks later. The first show, 'I Love The Nightlife' will be a 90 minute spectacular that will include a post show party. It will take place at 7 PM on Thursday, January 9th in the Jerry Orbach Theater at the Snapple Center on 50th Street and Broadway (upstairs where The Fantasticks has been playing).

Searching for a novel holiday gift idea for a live theater or movie fan? Consider wrapping and adding a bow to a pair of tickets to Northwestern University's 83rd annual Waa-Mu Show. Tickets go on sale today (Dec. 11).

The Museum of the City of New York just presented legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its Louis Auchincloss Prize at a gala dinner that included a musical tribute featuring Tony Award winners and nominees. Cabaret! will took place last night, November 19th; it was a rare opportunity to recognize a living legend, and in an intimate setting. Singing Sondheim favorites were some of musical theater's most talented performers, including Gregg Edelman, Harvey Evans, Judy Kaye, Howard McGillin, Victoria Mallory, and Sarah Stiles under the direction of Michael Montel and music director Larry Yurman. BroadwayWorld was there for the special event and you can check out photo coverage below!

The Museum of the City of New York will present legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its Louis Auchincloss Prize at a gala dinner that will include a musical tribute featuring Tony Award winners and nominees. Cabaret! will take place this evening, November 19th; it is a rare opportunity to recognize a living legend, and in an intimate setting.