James Earl Jones News

Brian Stokes Mitchell visited The Today Show to sing a selection from his new CD/DVD 'Ring Christmas Bells.' Mitchell also discussed his 'Lights on Broadway With brian Stokes Mitchell' children's book, a benefit for The Actors Fund. Each book comes with a CD single of 'I was Here.'

Act II Playhouse follows its highly-acclaimed production of Boeing-Boeing with Ernest Thompson's beloved play, On Golden Pond, onstage Nov. 17 to Dec. 13. Act II Producing Artistic Director Bud Martin directs this classic American comedy/drama that is every bit as touching, warm, and witty today as when it debuted on Broadway in 1979.

The Village Voice, the nation's first and largest alternative weekly newspaper, announced the judges for the 55th Annual Village Voice Obie Awards.

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, a grand concert showcasing the Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning composer's biggest and most memorable hits, makes its way to the Orange County Performing Arts Center for a special one-week-only engagement February 16 - 21 in Segerstrom Hall.

After more than 50 years on the air, CBS is canceling the soap opera As the World Turns, according to Variety. The final episode will be broadcast in September of 2010 in its 54th year. The completion of the show is reportedly a reflection of ratings decline, a pattern CBS also saw with it's other daytime drama, the recently cancelled Guiding Light.

Second Stage Theatre is pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed production of Anna Deavere Smith's LET ME DOWN EASY, has extended four weeks, through December 6. Conceived, written, and performed by Ms. Smith and directed by Leonard Foglia, LET ME DOWN EASY opened on Wednesday, October 7 and was originally scheduled to run through November 8.

Richard Skipper will join Eileen Fulton in her annual holiday show, THE CHRISTMAS SHOW, at Don't Tell Mama. The performance will take place Saturday, December 5th at 3PM.

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), has announced that Jonathan Moscone of the California Shakespeare Theater is the first recipient of the Zelda Fichandler Award, which recognizes an outstanding director or choreographer who is transforming the regional arts landscape through his singular creativity and artistry in theatre.

Just days after opening in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", Broadway stars James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Sanaa Lathan will headline one of the biggest events in the West End calendar, the launch of the 10th Annual Whatsonstage.com Awards, the "theatregoers choice".

Richard Skipper will join Eileen Fulton in her annual holiday show, THE CHRISTMAS SHOW, at Don't Tell Mama. The performance will take place Saturday, December 5th at 3PM.

The award-winning smash hit Broadway production of Tennessee Williams's 'CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF', which enjoyed a sell out run on Broadway last year with an all black cast, will open in London's West End this winter. 'CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF' will open at the Novello Theatre on Tuesday 1 December, following previews from 21 November. The limited season will finish on Saturday 10 April 2010.

James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad are set to reprise their recent Broadway roles of Big Daddy and Big Mama in the West End production of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Debbie Allen will once again direct and acclaimed UK actor Adrian Lester will play the role of Brick. The production will begin December 1st at a theater yet to be announced.

wo-time Tony Award-winning actress Judith Ivey will portray that great woman of American letters -- letters from readers seeking advice, that is -- when she plays the legendary, trailblazing columnist Ann Landers in David Rambo's play THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS Off-Broadway this fall, starting performances October 7, 2009 at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St.) in New York City. B.J. Jones directs. The production will run through November 29. Opening night TBA.

Following its sold-out run on Broadway, the explosive 2008 production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning classic CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF will be opening in London's West End in December this year. Featuring a dynamic all-star cast led by Academy Award® nominee and two-time Tony winner James Earl Jones, Tony Award® winner Phylicia Rashad, Olivier Award winner Adrian Lester and Tony Award® nominee Sanaa Lathan.

Take Wing And Soar Productions is proud to announce its Founder and Producing Artistic Director Debra Ann Byrd, has been named the recipient of the Lucille Lortel Award from the League of Professional Theatre Women. Ms. Byrd will receive the honor, which will be presented to her by award-winning Broadway and film actress, Jane White, at an awards celebration scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2009 at The National Arts Club.

Miriam Zendle takes a look at the London theatre scene, recommends shows and actors to see and to avoid

James Earl Jones talked at length with Maddy Costa of the UK's Guardian about several topics including his role in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, how he got into acting, and how he formed a relationship with his absent father later in life.

Due to popular demand, the critically acclaimed production of Anna Deavere Smith's LET ME DOWN EASY, now playing at Second Stage Theatre, has extended a second time and will now close on January 3, 2010. The show, which is currently extended through December 6, will not be performed December 14 - 20 due to Smith's previous commitment to perform Hymn with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at City Center.

Following its sold-out run on Broadway, the explosive 2008 production of TENNESSEE WILLIAMS' Pulitzer Prize-winning classic CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF will be opening in London's West End in December this year.

Second Stage Theatre will host a post performance discussion with Anna Deavere Smith and three of her interview subjects from Let Me Down Easy following the Friday, November 20 performance.