John Pankow News

Deadline reports that Mercedes Ruehl has joined the cast of the upcoming ABC legal drama pilot DOUBT. The actress joins previously announced cast members Steve Coogan and Carl Gugino on the project from Sony TV.

Stouthearted Films has announced the world premiere of PUTZEL, an indie comedy starring Jack T. Carpenter (I LOVE YOU BETH COOPER, Sydney White) in a breakout role and -- following her stellar performance in HELLO I MUST BE GOING -- the incomparable Melanie Lynskey (WIN WIN, UP IN THE AIR, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER). PUTZEL is directed by Jason Chaet (Creative Consultant KISSING JESSICA STEIN) and will have its world premiere today, October 13 at the 2012 Woodstock Film Festival.

Anyone who follows the theater scene in New York realizes that hardly a year goes by when actor Darren Pettie isn't appearing on Broadway, Off Broadway or regional theater. He's also been seen on television in "Mad Men", "Pan Am", "Castle", "Gossip Girl", "Brothers and Sisters" and a host of other shows. Not only is he one of New York's busiest actors, he's one of its finest, too. Take, for example, his performance two seasons ago in THE MILK TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE. As the enigmatic Christopher Flanders, Pettie was required to utter the single syllable word "Boom" to emulate the crashing of the waves upon the rocks surrounding Italy's Divina Costiera. Other actors in the role have faltered here, but Pettie imbued the line with authority and conviction that were never apparent in previous incarnations of the work. "Thanks," responds the actor via telephone. "There were some nights that I was very self conscious about that line."

Stouthearted Films is thrilled to announce the world premiere of PUTZEL, an indie comedy starring Jack T. Carpenter (I LOVE YOU BETH COOPER, SYDNEY WHITE) in a breakout role and -- following her stellar performance in HELLO I MUST BE GOING -- the incomparable Melanie Lynskey (WIN WIN, UP IN THE AIR, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER). PUTZEL is directed by Jason Chaet (Creative Consultant KISSING JESSICA STEIN) and will have its world premiere on October 13 at the 2012 Woodstock Film Festival.

The Golden Globe-nominated SHOWTIME comedy series EPISODES has been renewed for a third season. The announcement was made today by David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.

Signature Theatre began performances for MEDIEVAL PLAY, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, on May 15 in anticipation of a Thursday, June 7 opening night in The Irene Diamond Stage at the Company's new Frank Gehry-designed home, The Pershing Square Signature Center. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the production below!

Signature Theatre (James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director; Erika Mallin, Executive Director) presents MEDIEVAL PLAY, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, begining tonight, May 15 for a Thursday, June 7 opening night in The Irene Diamond Stage at the Company's new Frank Gehry-designed home The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues).

Signature Theatre has announced that John Pankow will replace previously announced actor David Pittu (who has left the production due to schedule conflicts) in the world premiere of Kenneth Lonergan's new play MEDIEVAL PLAY, which Lonergan will also direct.

One of the greatest joys of our job is seeing our audiences transformed by a theatre performance. At some point in Roundabout's 46-year history, you've likely experienced a play or musical that has inspired you. Roundabout has been fortunate to produce award-winning productions on Broadway for 20 years now. You may even recall our first Broadway production of Anna Christie at the Criterion Center in 1992.

BroadwayWorld has learned that Lonny Price will be directing two private readings of David Rhodes comedy, THE ROAD TO SKYE, June 29 and 30.

The new Broadway production of Tom Stoppard's ARCADIA, directed by David Leveaux, opened last night, March 17 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Tickets for this limited engagement are on sale through Sunday, June 19, 2011.

At a press junket in New York for his upcoming movie The Extra Man, Kevin Kline suggested he may be back on the boards within a year. BWW's Adrienne Onofri attended the junket on Monday, and on behalf of Kline's theater fans asked if he'd be working on stage again anytime soon. 'There's something I might do this season on Broadway,' Kline commented, though he didn't provide further details.

Last night, Monday, May 10, The New Group opened their latest production of The Kid. This marks the final production in The New Group's current 2009-2010 season, which featured Kenneth Lonergan's The Starry Messenger and most recently, the hit revival of Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, directed by Ethan Hawke. The Kid plays a limited Off-Broadway engagement through May 29 at The New Group @ Theatre Row. BroadwayWorld was on hand to capture the opening night after party arrivals.

Shakespeare is commissioned to write about current events in Bill Cain's fascinating new drama, currently running at Manhattan Theater Club.

Manhattan Theatre Club's production of EQUIVOCATION by Bill Cain, (former artistic director of Boston Shakespeare Company), directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes (Translations, Beauty Queen of Leenane) opens tonight at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street).

Previews are underway for the New York premiere of EQUIVOCATION by Bill Cain (former artistic director of Boston Shakespeare Company), and directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes (Translations, Beauty Queen of Leenane). Opening night is set for March 2 at Manhattan Theatre Club at New York City Center - Stage I.

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of EQUIVOCATION by Bill Cain (former artistic director of Boston Shakespeare Company), directed by Tony Award winner Garry Hynes (Translations, Beauty Queen of Leenane) starts previews tonight at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street) in preparation for a Tuesday, March 2 opening night.

BWW Discounts is offering you the chance to purchase tickets at a very special price to The NY City Center's production of FANNY, part of their Encores! series.

The performance of Equivocation on Tuesday February 9 has been cancelled in order to allow for an additional day of technical rehearsal. Previews will now begin on Wednesday, February 10. EQUIVOCATION's opening night remains Tuesday, March 2 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street).