James Lapine News

'The Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum, book by John Kane, music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, directed by Jonah Hagans, will be presented on Tokyo International Players' mainstage tonight, May 17 through May 20.

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 'Apocalyptour,' two Sondheim/Lapine productions, Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen visit Northlight, 'The Last Five Years,' Spider Saloff writes and stars, that 'Smash'ing season finale, and more....

After more than 5,000 auditions in a coast-to-coast search, ANNIE has announced casting for the orphans for the new production of the classic Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. ANNIE will open on Broadway in Fall 2012 at a Nederlander theatre to be announced. The production will be directed by three-time Tony Award winner James Lapine and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler.

Today in 1994, Passion opened at the Longacre Theatre, where it ran for 97 performances. Passion is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. The story was adapted from Ettore Scola's film Passione d'Amore. Passion is notable for being one of the few projects that Stephen Sondheim himself conceived, along with Sweeney Todd and Road Show. Set in 19th century Italy, the plot concerns a young soldier and the changes in him brought about by the obsessive love of Fosca, his Colonel's homely, ailing cousin.

Summer is just around the corner and Theater Works has some exciting theater camps for kids 3 - 18. Theater Works' first camp is the exciting tale of THE GOATS GRUFF with over 40 speaking roles available. This camp kicks off the summer series with 3 weeks of fun, acting, encouragement and a FULLY-COSTUMED AND STAGED PRODUCTION with your child performing on stage. This play has plenty of roles to keep every actor (boys and girls) engaged and active and will provide a fun filled time for performers and audiences alike. Theater Works camps are open to all ages, budgets and schedules. Registration is now open and discounts are offered for siblings or multiple camps.

Kim Crosby will play the Baker's Wife in the Springfield Little Theatre's INTO THE WOODS, which plays today, May 13 through 29 in Springfield, MO.

Rumours that The Public Theatre's production of INTO THE WOODS will transfer to Broadway have been fueled once more by The New York Post, which reports that extentions to Donna Murphy, Amy Adams and the rest of the cast's contracts are being negotiated.

What happens after "happily ever after" is explored in this deft and delicious production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's 1987 musical, Into the Woods.

Paul Gross, one of Canada's acclaimed actors, leads the cast of Are You There, McPhee? a world premiere by John Guare at McCarter Theatre Center. Directed by Sam Buntrock, the production runs now through June 3, 2012.

Beginning Friday, June 1st, Shuler Hensley will star as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Off-Broadway's SILENCE! The Musical through June 24th, filling in for the vacationing David Garrison.

Acclaimed Off-Broadway not-for-profit theater company Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) has announced additional details for its 2012 special online Auction. Bidding for the auction, which already features an outstanding array of unique opportunities and experiences, is now underway at www.BiddingForGood/PlaywrightsHorizons. Online bidding continues through Monday, May 14 (with items staggered to close at 8PM and 9PM).

Michael Perlman, whose critically acclaimed NYFringe solo show, Flying on the Wing, was named Outstanding Solo Show of 2006, will debut his new ensemble play, From White Plains, produced by Fault Line Theatre at the CSV Cultural Center from May 31st through June 10th. Perlman's solo show powerfully and imaginatively dealt with the playwright's personal struggles dealing with Stickler's Syndrome and coming to terms with his sexuality.

Westport Country Playhouse will launch "InteraCT: Playhouse Young Professionals," where patrons under 40 can network, socialize and attend a performance, beginning on Thursday, May 17, and continuing on selected evenings throughout the 2012 season.

Mark Lamos directs an impressive kickoff at Westport Country Playhouse with a 25th-anniversary production of Stephen Sondhheim's funny and thought-provoking musical INTO THE WOODS.

Cindy Adams writes in today's New York Post that James Lapine will executive produce a documentary on Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. The film, due out next year, will include 'material is on Sondheim's life, fresh interviews he's not given before, videos and new versions of his songs.'

A 25th anniversary production of the imaginative, fractured-fairy tale musical 'Into the Woods' by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim will be staged at the theater where Sondheim was an apprentice in 1950, Westport Country Playhouse, in Westport, CT, through May 26. Directed by Mark Lamos, The Playhouse's artistic director, the musical will open the historic theater's 82nd season. It is co-produced with Baltimore's CENTERSTAGE.

Paul Gross, one of Canada's acclaimed actors, leads the cast of Are You There, McPhee? a world premiere by John Guare at McCarter Theatre Center. Directed by Sam Buntrock, the production runs tonight, May 4 through June 3, 2012. (Opening Night: Friday, May 11.)

Westport Country Playhouse will present "LGBT Night OUT," for members of the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender communities and allies, beginning tonight, May 3, and continuing on selected Thursdays throughout the 2012 season.

Queen City Theatre Company (2010 Theatre Company of the Year) presents the regional premiere of the musical PASSION. This highly anticipated production marks the closing of the company's 5th season in Charlotte, NC and will run from tonight, May 3rd until May 19th at the Duke Energy Theatre.

Erin Cummings, star of TV's 'Spartacus' and 'Pan Am,' attended SILENCE! The Musical at P.S. 122 this past Friday, April 27th, joining a long list of luminaries who have turned up in the audience at the hit show over the past few months including Jodie Foster, Neil Simon, James Earl Jones, Kelly Ripa, Josh Groban, Lisa Lampanelli, Jonathan Demme, Matt Bomer (twice!), Joan Rivers, Chita Rivera, Jeremy Jordan, Stephen Schwartz, John Kander, James Lapine, Jonathan Groff, Justin Kirk, Corbin Bleu, Mario Cantone, David LaChapelle, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, TR Knight, Willie Garson, Seth Rudetsky, Steven Pasquale, John Rando, Telly Leung, Christian Campbell, John McDaniel, Eden Espinosa, Charlotte d'Amboise, Carol Woods, Anika Larsen, and Anthony Heald.