Julie Andrews News

Blake Edwards, husband of 41 years to Julie Andrews and a well known writer and director who produced and directed Victor/Victoria on Broadway has died at age 88 this morning.

Stephen Sondheim to Jerry Herman to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael John LaChiusa to Kander & Ebb to Dempsey & Rowe, PUTTING IT TOGETHER to MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET on Broadway - the phenomenally gifted co-founder of the Signature Theater is one of the brightest lights in directing today - whether in regional theatre or on Broadway or the West End - and a mere glance at his resume reveals many of the reasons why. Discussing the current production of SUNSET BOULEVARD opening later this month at the Signature, plus a complete rundown of the upcoming Kennedy Center production of FOLLIES, in this, his most comprehensive interview to date, Eric Schaeffer bares all and reveals what makes his productions shine so bright on Broadway and beyond.

Over the course of our ninety minute conversation earlier this week, Tony-winning Broadway star Alice Ripley was kind enough to open up about her role in the phenomenon of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical NEXT TO NORMAL, which is now kicking off a US Tour beginning in Los Angeles, as well as offer thoughts on many of her significant stage roles that she has taken on over the course of her impressive and varied career. Pete Townshend and THE WHO'S TOMMY to Andrew Lloyd Webber and SUNSET BOULEVARD and TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, to Sondheim with COMPANY (as the greatest Amy of all time), and even a turn in ROCKY HORROR; Alice Ripley has seemingly done it all, and her passion, dedication and insight into her craft are amply evident in both her studied performances on stage as well as in discussing the art of acting in musical theatre in conversation and what she has taken as her inspirations to play Diana Goodman, ranging from Albee to O'Neill to actors like Cynthia Nixon, Toni Collette and more. In this portion of her most comprehensive interview to date, BroadwayWorld is proud to present Part I of InDepth InterView: Alice Ripley.

Celebrate the holidays with the Des Moines Community Playhouse and a journey to once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away with the family musical Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella,' Dec. 10-23. Tickets may be purchased at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.; by phone at 515-277-6261; and online at dmplayhouse.com. Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella' is sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

Acclaimed New York actress Niffer Clarke (Bells Are Ringing, Adding Machine) presents her debut solo album, "Beyond the Ingenue", to be released on December 3rd.

Today, we are concluding our spotlight on the new school of Disney feature film directors begun last week with Byron Howard and Nathan Greno of TANGLED - now in Disney Digital 3D in movie theaters nationwide - and continuing yesterday with Don Hahn of WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY, with a indepth conversation with Jeff Sherman and Greg Sherman, the directors of THE BOYS documentary - now available on DVD - tracing the glorious career of their famous songwriting fathers, even if life was anything but 'A Spoonful of Sugar' behind the scenes. MARY POPPINS to THE TIGGER MOVIE, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG on screen and on Broadway to BUSKER'S ALLEY, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and much more, the Sherman Brothers' career continues on in their twilight years as their sons carry on the tradition of incisive, emotional storytelling in THE BOYS documentary just as their fathers have done in their hundreds of beloved songs - some, such as those from MARY POPPINS, Academy Award winners. The rich legacy lives on with the Sherman Sons in THE BOYS, new on DVD this week.

News veteran Paula Zahn will cover for stage and screen legend Julie Andrews as host of the festive annual New Year's celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic, under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst from Vienna's Musikverein.

Acclaimed New York actress Niffer Clarke (Bells Are Ringing, Adding Machine) presents her debut solo album, "Beyond the Ingenue", to be released on December 3rd.

Legendary stage, film and television star Dick Van Dyke brings Step In Time! A Musical Memoir to the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre @ the Geffen Playhouse opening December 16. He has much to say in our interview about his career and the people he's worked with.

Asolo Repertory Theatre today announced further details and pricing for special concert, An Intimate Evening with Frank Wildhorn & Friends. The starry concert features musical theatre legend and Bonnie & Clyde composer Frank Wildhorn at the piano, starring Rob Evan and Laura Osnes, with Marlyn Sanchez, and Jack Murphy; singing songs from Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Wonderland, Bonnie & Clyde and more.

Happy Holidays everyone! Come visit our Nation's Capital during the holiday season. It's such a beautiful time of the year here, with so many lights shimmering on the monuments, The Mall, and on The White House. As we await the first snow flakes, DC area theatres are chocked full of productions for the whole family filled with elves, reindeers, Santas, and Scrooges.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that Jason Donovan will star as 'Captain Von Trapp' in their smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "THE SOUND OF MUSIC" at the Regent Theatre Stoke (15 February - 5 March 2011) Box Office….

Audition slots are filling fast for your chance to be involved with our two fantastic productions in 2011: Forever Broadway and 42nd Street.

Audition slots are filling fast for your chance to be involved with our two fantastic productions in 2011: Forever Broadway and 42nd Street.

Celebrate the holidays with the Des Moines Community Playhouse and a journey to once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away with the family musical Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella,' Dec. 10-23. Tickets may be purchased at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.; by phone at 515-277-6261; and online at dmplayhouse.com. Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella' is sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

Wondering what unique gift to buy that 'special someone' for the holidays? How about a live theatre experience they'll never forget?

A screenwriting legend, a real estate mogul, and the team captain of the First American Women's Everest Expedition, will be among the celebrities sharing stories, experiences and triumphs during the SmartTalk ConnectedConversationsTM 2011 series in New Brunswick.. A celebrity-based spoken word series, SmartTalk connects the most intriguing and influential women of today with audiences in an intimate theatrical setting.

BroadwayWorld.com presents Twitter Watch, which brings you only the best and most interesting reports straight from the mouths of Broadway stars, shows and more on the hot social networking service - Twitter!

Asolo Repertory Theatre today announced adding a new title to its Asolo Rep Extras series, An Intimate Evening with Frank Wildhorn & Friends. The starry concert features composer Frank Wildhorn at the piano along with some of Broadway's finest voices. Further details will be announced soon. The show, to be held on December 21st at 8 p.m. in the Mertz Theatre, replaces the Holiday concert originally scheduled. Details and prices will soon be released latter this month. Call the box office for more information at 941-351-8000; toll free 800-361-8366, or go online at www.asolorep.org.

Jennifer Nettles, of reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Sugarland, hosts 'CMA Country Christmas' with music, memories and stories of the season from some of the format's biggest stars. Artists who perform in the special and share with fans their favorite holiday traditions include Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Sugarland.