James Lapine News

A preliminary peek at the mass of actual real-life trees and greenery that will act as the on location foundation for scenes depicting Little Red Riding Hood's interactions with the Wolf (played by Johnny Depp) and her Granny in the big screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's celebrated fairy tale-themed musical INTO THE WOODS has been revealed.

October is Adopt-a-Dog month, and ANNIE on Broadway is celebrating by showing support for those who adopt shelter dogs. From October 15 through 31, at participating shelters around the city, individuals who adopt a dog from a participating shelter will receive a voucher for two tickets to see ANNIE in November, while supplies last. ANNIE has partnered with a select number of shelters and rescue groups in NYC, all of which are members of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, to participate. Participating shelters include The Humane Society of NY, New York Animal Care & Control, Animal Haven, Sean Casey Animal Rescue and Louie's Legacy. More shelters will be announced via social media.

It was something of a perfect storm of talent that occurred inside the Short North Stage last night. Sarna Lapine, the niece of Tony-Award winning author/director James Lapine, is directing the Columbus premier of the Sondheim musical for which her uncle penned the book. She has combined forces with the 2013 Tony Award winning sound designer, Leon Rothenberg, Broadway veteran Laura Griffith (Dot), and local musical tour de force, Matt Clemens (George) to create a show that has so many "points of light" its artistic merit is brilliant as its Chromolume counterpart.

Craig Bierko, who began performances on September 17 in the role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical, has temporarily exited the show due to an injury. A show representative told NYT: 'Due to a shoulder injury which delayed his start in 'Matilda the Musical' and which has been aggravated during performance, Craig Bierko will be taking a 12-week disability leave from the production. At this time, understudies Chris Hoch and Ben Thompson will be playing Miss Trunchbull.'

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 Canberra, pitching its opulent spiegeltent at Civic Square for a limited season from tonight, October 10 2013.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE's Hannah Nordberg (Olive Hoover) and Tony nominee Rory O'Malley appear in this new Backstage Pass video for the new musical based on the film of the same name written by Michael Arndt. Check out the behind-the-scenes look below!

Darlinghurst Theatre Company today announced a diverse program of contemporary and classic drama for its inaugural season at the Eternity Playhouse. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience and discover high-quality, innovative productions at Sydney's exciting new theatre venue.

Recent Broadway headliner and current INTO THE WOODS movie musical prince Billy Magnussen is set for a UK gig with his band Roserved For Rondee this November he has announced via social media.

The sun will come out tomorrow on Food Network's CUPCAKE WARS, but four bakers had better get their cupcakes out faster than that if they want to make it to the Great White Way!

As the second month of filming begins at Shepperton Studios and on location throughout the UK, yet another glimpse into director Rob Marshall's rich cinematic world for Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's celebrated fairy tale musical INTO THE WOODS has been revealed via social media - this time, the famous beanstalk figuring in to the story of Jack.

The sun will come out tomorrow on Food Network's CUPCAKE WARS, but four bakers had better get their cupcakes out faster than that if they want to make it to the Great White Way!

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, will present its annual Monday Night Open Rehearsal Series, this year featuring Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. On three Monday evenings - October 21 & 28 and November 4 - different actors and directors will explore the text of Julius Caesar, giving theater-goers the opportunity to become part of the discovery process, and experience different acting approaches and directorial interpretations of one of Shakespeare's boldest tragedies. Here is the line-up for this year's Open Rehearsal series:

Joanna Gleason is perhaps most well known for her Tony Award winning portrayal of the Baker's Wife in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved Into The Woods. Good news! Ms. Gleason will be back on stage later this month in her NYC cabaret debut at 54 Below. Though busy preparing for the show, she took the time to chat with me about her upcoming cabaret performance, other future projects, and her surprise dancing abilities.

ANNIE, the critically acclaimed new production of the Tony Award-winning musical, celebrates one year on Broadway with this evening's performance. ANNIE began preview performances at the Palace Theatre (Broadway and 47th Street) on October 3, 2012, and opened on November 8, 2012.

Deadline reports that Dorian Missick (Southland) has joined the ANNIE remake alongside Tracie Thoms as Annie's 'fake parents'. The new film inspired by the classic Broadway musical with a modern spin also stars Quvenzhane Wallis in the title role with Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, as well as the recently announced David Zayas. The film is currenly filming on-location in New York City.

Upstairs Landing Productions kicks off season two of 'Standing By with Caskey Hunsader' today, October 1st at www.standingbytv.com/annie. Swings Skye Alyssa Friedman (Orphans & Annie) and David Rossetti discuss life standing by for the hit revival of Annie now playing at the Palace Theatre. Watch the interview below!

Zayas will take on the role of 'Lou, the local bodega owner who is a friend to Annie and has a crush on Miss Hannigan.'

Patti Lupone, Cristin Milioti and Sean Hayes are among the many Broadway favorites who will be popping up throughout the new Fall TV season. Below, BWW brings you a peek at some of your favorite Broadway stars who will be featured as both series regulars and guest stars.

Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, presents Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, starring Elizabeth Olsen as Juliet and Julian Cihi as Romeo, directed by Tea Alagic, and beginning previews today, September 28 at 3 pm, one day later than originally scheduled. The official press opening is set for Wednesday, October 16.

GLEE is back! Season Five of the TV's biggest and best musical series to date kicked off in a big, big way - with a big, big show that would have made Ed Sullivan blush. Ladies and gentlemen: The Beatles!