Laurence Olivier News

Come Back, Little Sheba, the heartfelt drama that launched William Inge's career and became a Broadway hit, begins previews today at the Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre. Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell directs this powerful portrayal of flawed humanity and the enduring power of love. With this production, she adds a third work (Picnic (2001), Bus Stop (2005)) by the writer known as the "Playwright of the Midwest" to her directorial repertoire at The Shaw.

The Irish Repertory Theatre continues its sixth season of the Irish Rep Reading Series, with a free reading of Conor McPherson's adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's THE BIRDS today, June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) in Manhattan. Henry Wishcamper directs.

Trevor Nunn is to direct a cast including Rob Brydon, Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Alan Ayckbourn's A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre later this year.

Trevor Nunn is to direct a cast including Rob Brydon, Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Alan Ayckbourn's A Chorus of Disapproval opening at the Harold Pinter Theatre later this year. Joining the trio on stage will be Teresa Banham, Daisy Beaumont, Georgia Brown, Rob Compton, Matthew Cottle and Steven Edis, who is also the show's Musical Director. The production runs September 17, 2012 - January 5, 2013, with an opening night scheduled for September 27, 2012.

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

A celebration of the life of John Neville will be held in Stratford next month. Mr. Neville, who was Artistic Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival from 1986 to 1989, died on November 19. He was 86.

Grease, the satirical Broadway hit that launched the movie musical sensation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, is now playing at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through July 1. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and WarRen Casey, Grease gets the 2012 Music Circus season off to a singing, dancing, high energy start. BroadwayWorld has the complete coverage of the production photos below.

The Irish Repertory Theatre continues its sixth season of the Irish Rep Reading Series, with a free reading of Conor McPherson's adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's THE BIRDS on Friday, June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) in Manhattan. Henry Wishcamper directs.

Grease, the satirical Broadway hit that launched the movie musical sensation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, will be at Wells Fargo Pavilion from tonight, June 26 - July 1. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease will get the 2012 Music Circus season off to a singing, dancing, high energy start.

Grease, the satirical Broadway hit that launched the movie musical sensation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, will be at Wells Fargo Pavilion from June 26 - July 1. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and WarRen Casey, Grease will get the 2012 Music Circus season off to a singing, dancing, high energy start. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below. Check back later for full coverage.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) will present the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Geddie, executive producer of THE VIEW for his contributions as writer, producer and director in his more than 30-year television career.

With the popularity of pop culture sensations such as Diablo III and Words With Friends, it is obvious that the public likes a good game. Playing with another person's emotions is a completely different type of amusement. It is this type of game playing that is the order of the day in Anthony Shaffer's mystery, Sleuth.

Edward Hall's Hampstead Theatre production of Chariots of Fire will transfer to the Gielgud Theatre from tonight, 22 June 2012, following its run at the North London venue. Award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett's new adaptation, inspired by Colin Welland's original screenplay, is now booking in the West End until 10 November 2012.

Thirteen gifted students from drama schools across the UK have been awarded with £55,500 worth of bursaries by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) in order to help them complete their training. Previous bursary winners include Patterson Joseph, Daniel Rigby, Vinette Robinson, Bryony Hannah and Michael Sheen.

REBECCA, the new musical based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier novel, has found its male and female leads: Jill Paice will play the role of "I" and Ryan Silverman the role of "Maxim de Winter." REBECCA will open on Broadway Sunday, November 18 at The Broadhurst Theatre. Previews will begin Tuesday, October 30.

Fresh off its National Tour PCPA puts its spin on Legally Blonde, the Musical playing July 6 - 22, in the Marian Theatre then July 27 - August 19, in the Solvang Festival Theater. It will be directed and choreographed by Michael Jenkinson.

According to BBC News, actor Kenneth Branagh, X Factor judge and Diamond Jubilee songwriter Gary Barlow, Royal Shakespeare Company Artistic Director Michael Boyd, and more were awarded knighthoods at Queen's Birthday Honours on June 15. Film star Kate Winslet was also recognized as a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), among others.

John Tiffany is this year's recipient of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for ONCE. Click below to catch John's first moments as a Tony winner, and take a first 'spin' with his award!