James Lapine News

Directed by Tony Award-winner and frequent Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, SIX BY SONDHEIM is a highly personal profile of a great American artist as revealed through the creation and performance of six of his iconic songs. Told primarily in Sondheim's own words, this feature documentary weaves together dozens of interviews with the composer, rarely seen archival material spanning more than half a century (including newly discoveRed Footage of Ethel Merman performing 'Gypsy') and re-stagings of three songs produced especially for the film. Executive produced by James Lapine and Frank Rich, the exclusive HBO presentation debuts MONDAY, DEC. 9 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT). BroadwayWorld was there for the New York City premiere last night and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet below!

Executive produced by James Lapine and Frank Rich, the exclusive HBO presentation debuts MONDAY, DEC. 9 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT).

The recent French premiere Opera de Toulon production of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's FOLLIES as well as the spectacularly elaborate, visually and aurally resplendant English-language Theatre du Chatelet production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE will both be arriving on DVD in 2014 according to a new announcement.

In a dual effort to raise awareness for dog adoption and help more dogs find loving homes, ANNIE teamed up with PEDIGREE Brand for the 'See the Show, Help a Dog' initiative. At the heart of the partnership is the PEDIGREE Brand belief that every dog deserves a loving home. It's a sentiment shared with ANNIE and Broadway - an organization that has cast shelter dogs in starring roles for decades.

Today we are talking to one of Broadway's biggest recent breakout stars all about his wide range of recent roles, from Broadway comedies to TV dramas to big screen movie musicals and beyond - the amiable and versatile Billy Magnussen. Discussing the finer points of his recent Broadway run in Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning Best Play VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, Magnussen imparts stories of sharing the stage with stalwarts Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce and expresses his enthusiasm for the piece. Furthermore, Magnussen offers up the exclusive 411 on his newest venture, the big screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's fairy tale-themed musical INTO THE WOODS and reveals fascinating new details about the production, as well as recounts co-starring with Meryl Streep and more. Most importantly, Magnussen gives us a preview of what we can expect from his upcoming UK rock shows with band Reserved For Rondee, opening up about the roots of the band, the types of shows they put on and specifics about the two shows coming up later this month. Plus, Magnussen comments on some of his most notable recent film and TV appearances - ranging from his stupendous character arc of HBO's BOARDWALK EMPIRE to his brief but memorable role in the indie THE EAST - and also looks ahead to his role on the new David Milch-penned HBO series THE MONEY as well as the upcoming Mary Pickford biopic THE FIRST. All of that, recollections of his recent audition for the big screen 50 SHADES OF GREY feature film and much, much more awaits in this engrossing conversation with a major Broadway and Hollywood talent on the rise.

Last night, November 14, Second Stage opened its much-anticipated production of Little Miss Sunshine. This new musical comedy is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning team James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Little Miss Sunshine's run has now been extended through Dec 15. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was at the after party to chat with the whole gang and you can check out what they had to say on opening night, plus a first look at the production below!

Last night, November 14, Second Stage opened its much-anticipated production of Little Miss Sunshine. This new musical comedy is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning team James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Little Miss Sunshine's run has now been extended through Dec 15. BroadwayWorld was there for all of the opening night festivities and you can check out photos from the after party below!

Last night, November 14, Second Stage opened its much-anticipated production of Little Miss Sunshine. This new musical comedy is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning team James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Little Miss Sunshine's run has now been extended through Dec 15. BroadwayWorld was there for all of the opening night festivities and you can check out photos from the star-studded arrivals below!

Tonight, November 14, Second Stage opens its much-anticipated production of Little Miss Sunshine. This new musical comedy is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning team James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Let's see what the critics had to say...

Tonight, Second Stage opens its anticipated production of Little Miss Sunshine. This new musical comedy is based on the film of the same name by Michael Arndt. It was adapted for the stage by Tony Award-winning team James Lapine, who wrote the book, and William Finn, who wrote the lyrics and music. Little Miss Sunshine's run has now been extended through Dec 15.

After rave reviews, sold out performances and standing ovations in New York, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, Spiegelworld will bring its all-new show EMPIRE to Newcastle, pitching its opulent spiegeltent in front of the Civic Theatre for a limited season from tonight, November 14 2013.

Today, Little Miss Sunshine's Rory O'Malley speaks exclusively with BroadwayWorld about James Lapine's 'No Hugging' rule, the pros of being a pessimist and why Book of Mormon was the greatest time of his ife.

Today we are talking to a top-tier Tony Award-winning talent known for an incredibly accomplished resume ranging from noted performances in original musicals to reinvented revival roles and beyond - the dignified and dynamic Victoria Clark. Discussing many of her most celebrated dramatic, comedic and musical turns to date, Clark recalls an astounding life in the theatre - ranging from her Broadway debut in the unforgettable original production of Sondheim's iconic SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE to the hit revivals of GUYS & DOLLS and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING to originating memorable parts in the Broadway productions of TITANIC, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, SISTER ACT and CINDERELLA, to name just a few of the highlights so far. On the latter note, Clark outlines her experiences in her most recent Broadway musical foray, that of the beloved Fairy Godmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic CINDERELLA, as well as illuminates her acclaimed run in the Los Angeles transfer of the most recent revival of FOLLIES and her Sondheim work in general (SWEENEY TODD, too). Most importantly, Clark sheds some light on her compelling character in the new drama THE SNOW GEESE and relates candid stories of sharing the stage with co-stars and fellow vets Danny Burstein and Mary-Louise Parker, among others. Plus, Clark looks ahead to the upcoming TITANIC reunion concert and imparts her excitement for the project as well as comments on some of her most memorable film roles while also sharing first news of future plans - which include directing herself - and muses on some potential roles she would enjoy bringing to the stage in the future, near and far; HELLO, DOLLY! or MAME, maybe? All of that and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation with one of Broadway's best grande dames!

Annabelle Gurwitch (Dinner and a Movie, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up, Fired!) is adapting her third book, the forthcoming memoir, I SEE YOU MADE AN EFFORT (Blue Rider Press, March 2014) into a theatrical property, following the success of her past two book to plays: You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up and Fired! A sneak preview of the work in progress is scheduled for Nuyorican Poets Cafe (236 East 3rd Street) tonight, November 12th at 9pm.

Playwrights Horizons has announced initial casting for the New York premiere production of STAGE KISS, a new play marking the eagerly-awaited return of two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl(Dead Man's Cell Phone at PH; The Clean House, In the Next Room...) to the theater company. Directed by Rebecca Taichman (Milk Like Sugar at PH; the current Marie Antoinette, Orlando, The Scene, Luck of the Irish), the production will begin previews Friday evening, February 7 at 8PM with an Opening Night set for Sunday, March 2 at 7PM. The limited engagement will play through Sunday evening, March 23 at Playwrights Horizons' Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street).

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, November 10, 2013 - Sunday, November 10, 2013.

Salon/Sanctuary Concerts presents More Between Heaven and Earth starring Campbell Scott and Melissa Errico. Directed and with a script by Erica Gould, the site-specific music-theatre production will be staged on Sunday, 8 December 2013 at 8pm at Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl Street, the oldest structure in Manhattan, built in 1719.

Today we are talking to one of the most exciting breakout stars from FOX's hit musical dramedy series GLEE all about his Broadway and Hollywood past, present and future while previewing what we can expect in the coming weeks at McKinley High and beyond - the one and only Darren Criss. Detailing the finer points of his upbringing as a musical theatre fan, Criss speaks about some of his early theatre roles and shines some light on his stint starring in the recent revival of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING in addition to musing on some roles he would like to take on in the future, near and far. Besides all about GLEE, Criss also opens up about his recent film projects such as GIRL MOST LIKELY, co-starring Kristen Wiig (available now) as well as first news and fascinating new details on HBO's hotly anticipated documentary centered on musical theatre master Stephen Sondheim, directed by longtime collaborator James Lapine, titled SIX BY SONDHEIM. Criss outlines his role in the new doc as well as shares stories from the set and sharing time with Sondheim himself, as well as Lapine and co-stars Jeremy Jordan, Laura Osnes and America Ferrerra as part of the film's 'Opening Doors' sequence. Additionally, Criss shares his foremost early influences, imparts his perspective on his unique place in the performing arts realm, reflects on his recent sold-out national tour and solo music projects as well as looks ahead to what's next. All of that, a generous helping of GLEE backstage dish and a tantalizing appetizer of what is to come as well as much, much more in this extensive chat with one of the most popular personalities in the performing arts.

Currently celebrating its 35th Anniversary Season, Second Stage Theatre will extend its production of James Lapine and William Finn's new musical comedy, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, by one week, now playing through Sunday, December 15. The musical has broken box office records for Second Stage Theatre, earning the highest pre-opening advance in the company's 35-year history.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival wrapped up its 78th season Sunday night with the final performances of The Taming of the Shrew and King Lear. Preparations for the 2014 season are well under way; member ticket sales start this week and previews begin February 14.