Laurence Olivier News

Junkets Publishers has announced the publication of BULLETS OVER BISHOP LAVIS by Christo Davids and Jody Abrahams. This is the second in the four-volume New Voices Series of recent South African plays. New Voices brings together play scripts of interesting theatre pieces that are performed in alternative and smaller theatre venues like studio theatres, church halls and old warehouse buildings.

Helen Mirren, Benedict Cumberbatch and Christopher Eccleston have joined the starry cast for the National Theatre of Great Britain's 50th anniversary celebration "LIVE FROM THE NATIONAL THEATRE: 50 YEARS ON STAGE," directed by Nicholas Hytner. This special event will be broadcast by National Theatre Live to cinemas internationally on Saturday, November 2, 2013 (with many encore dates in U.S. cities). From Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead to The History Boys, from Antony and Cleopatra to Angels in America, from Guys and Dolls to London Road, this will be a thrilling evening of live performance and rare glimpses from the archive, featuring many of the most celebrated actors who have performed on their stages over the past five decades.

'Henry V,' the final installment of Shakespeare's four history chronicle plays comprising 'The Hollow Crown' airs October 11 at 9 p.m. on THIRTEEN's'Great Performances' on PBS stations (check local listings).

Tickets for American Idiot, West Side Story, STOMP, Mamma Mia!, Blue Man Group, and Hal Holbrook In Mark Twain Tonight! at the National Theatre go on sale Monday, October 28.

Cedar Lake hosts a workshop with choreographer Akram Khan in conjunction with the New York performances of his award winning solo DESH at Lincoln Center's White Lights Festival, November 6 & 7.

The long-anticipated Los Angeles return of LOOK HOMEWARD, ANGEL, directed by TheProdCo's Co-Artistic Director T L Kolman and featuring a powerhouse cast, opens November 2, 2013 at the Secret Rose Theatre, 11246 Magnolia Boulevard, in the heart of the North Hollywood Arts District.

All Star Productions presents DAYS OF HOPE, with Music and Lyrics by Howard Goodall and Book by Renata Allen.

'Henry V,' the final installment of Shakespeare's four history chronicle plays comprising 'The Hollow Crown' airs October 11 at 9 p.m. on THIRTEEN's'Great Performances' on PBS stations (check local listings).

Rupert Goold, the Almeida Theatre's Artistic Director, will direct the World Premiere ofAmerican Psycho, a new musical thriller with book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. It will run from 3 December 2013 to 25 January 2014 with Press Night on 12 December.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today the release ofChicago Shakespeare Theater: Suiting the Action to the Word, a collection of original essays that furthers the study of William Shakespeare in performance and stagecraft through the exploration of the Theater's first twenty-five years. Respected scholars, artists and theater critics view Shakespeare through the lens of the theater's artistry, bringing together professional observations and scholarly examinations of CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines's productions as well as collaborations with world-renowned directors who have worked at CST, including Michael Bogdanov(The Winter's Tale - 2003); Edward Hall (Rose Rage: Henry VI, Parts 1, 2, and 3 - 2004) and Josie Rourke (The Taming of the Shrew - 2010).

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) celebrates the 200th anniversary of composer Richard Wagner's birth (May 22, 1813) with an unprecedented series of events this month. Beginning on Friday, Oct. 11, and running through Thursday, Oct. 24, CCM explores Wagner's iconic work and enduring legacy with a series of guest lectures, film screenings and a concert performance by the CCM Philharmonia. Aside from the Oct. 12 Philharmonia performance, these events are free and open to the general public.

The Boston College Theatre Department kicks off the 2013-2014 season with its production of Patrick Barlow's raucous comedy The 39 Steps. Directed by Theatre Department faculty member Luke Jorgensen, the production will be presented on the mainstage of the Robsham Theater Arts Center from October 17-20.

Top Hat, winner of three Olivier Awards, for 'Best New Musical', 'Best Choreography', 'Best Costume Design' and winner of the Evening Standard Award for 'Best Night Out', is now in its final weeks at the Aldwych Theatre. Enjoying over 600 performances in London, the West End production of Top Hatends on Saturday 26 October 2013.

Main Street Theater's 39th Season opener, Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing, runs through October 6. BroadwayWorld has a look behind the scenes with the cast and creative team below!

Experiencing a play from Britain's National Theatre in London is possible thanks to the Live in HD series at The Ridgefield Playhouse, which will broadcast NTL 50 Years on Stage on Sunday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate its 50th anniversary, The National Theatre of Great Britain presents a once-in-a-lifetime performance featuring stars from its early golden period under the leadership of Laurence Olivier at the Old Vic theatre to its now iconic building in the heart of London. The anniversary performance will feature Britain's finest theatrical talent, including renowned writers such as Harold Pinter, Peter Shaffer, Tom Stoppard, Alan Bennett and David Hare, and celebrated actors including Maggie Smith, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, Michael Gambon and the rising stars of today.

American Stage Theatre Company is excited to announce their 2013-2014 season opening production, THE BIRDS by the acclaimed Irish Playwright Conor McPherson (The Seafarer). Previews are tonight and tomorrow, October 2 & 3. Opening Night is October 4 and the production runs through October 27.

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign across North America with a sold-out engagement in Pittsburgh, which concluded on Sunday, September 29 at the Benedum Center. The triumphant four-week return grossed over $6.4 million at the box office and entertained more than 85,000 patrons during 32 performances (one of which was tailored to the needs of patrons on the autism spectrum). This was THE LION KING's third sold-out engagement in Pittsburgh, following a six-week premiere in 2004 and a six-week run in 2008 at the Benedum Center.

Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and Rafe Spall star on Broadway in Harold Pinter's Betrayal, directed by ten-time Tony Award-winner Mike Nichols. Betrayal begins performances tonight, October 1 at the Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street). Opening night is Sunday, November 3. Betrayal is a strictly limited engagement, running 14 weeks only, through January 5, 2014.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Vivien Leigh's birth in November, actor Susie Lindeman will portray the screen legend in the play Letter to Larry in London and Los Angeles.

Richard Eyre has adapted and will direct Ibsen's Ghosts, running at the Almeida Theatre now through 23 November 2013, with Press Night on 3 October. Designs are by Tim Hatley with lighting by Peter Mumford and sound by John Leonard. The full cast is Lesley Manville (Helene Alving), Brian McCardie (Jacob Engstrand) Charlene McKenna (Regina Engstrand), Jack Lowden (Oswald Alving) and Will Keen (Pastor Manders). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!