Liz Smith News

Today, Kay Thompson is remembered largely as the author of the iconic 'Eloise' books and for her picture-stealing turn as the Diana Vreeland-like fashion editor in 'Funny Face'. But the preternaturally talented Thompson was so much more: singer, vocal arranger, nightclub star, radio personality, fashion innovator, sometimes shrewd businesswoman, mentor-and world-classeccentric. In 'Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise', film director and producer Sam Irvin delivers the first full-length biography of this inimitable personality who left her indelible mark on show business-and on the lives of millions of readers. The book will be released November 2, 2010.

niversal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions bring the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical to the Triangle's DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center from November 2-14, 2010. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim on Broadway including 10 Tony Awards.

Last night at the Waldorf-Astoria, Bette Midler hosted Hulaween 2010, her annual gala to benefit the New York Restoration Project. This year's event honored Senator John Kerry and featured a special performance by Paul Simon, a costume contest judged by Michael Kors and a live auction with Judy Gold. New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to reclaiming and restoring New York City parks, community gardens and open space. In partnership with the City of New York, NYRP is also leading MillionTreesNYC - an initiative to plant and care for one million new trees throughout New York City's five boroughs by 2017. Click here for more information.

Today, Kay Thompson is remembered largely as the author of the iconic 'Eloise' books and for her picture-stealing turn as the Diana Vreeland-like fashion editor in 'Funny Face'. But the preternaturally talented Thompson was so much more: singer, vocal arranger, nightclub star, radio personality, fashion innovator, sometimes shrewd businesswoman, mentor-and world-classeccentric. In 'Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise', film director and producer Sam Irvin delivers the first full-length biography of this inimitable personality who left her indelible mark on show business-and on the lives of millions of readers. The book will be released November 2, 2010.

Last night, October 18, the Joel Grey-directed, 25th anniversary staged reading of Larry Kramer's ground-breaking play, The Normal Heart, earned a heartfelt standing ovation at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The reading starred Glenn Close, Victor Garber, Jason Butler Harner, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Jack McBrayer, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Patrick Wilson in the one-night-only event that raised $150,000 for The Actors Fund and Friends in Deed.

Producer Daryl Roth announced that Glenn Close will play the role of 'Dr. Emma Brookner' in the upcoming, Joel Grey-directed, 25th anniversary staged reading of Larry Kramer's ground-breaking play, The Normal Heart. She joins cast members Victor Garber, Jason Butler Harner, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Jack McBrayer, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Patrick Wilson in the one-night-only event that will benefit The Actors Fund and Friends In Deed. The historic reading will take place at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street) on Monday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Last night, October 13, Tony Award winning director & choreographer Matthew Bourne, Broadway's Original Tony Award winning Billy Elliot Trio David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish & Trent Kowalik; Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden (Pollock), film & TV star Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia! movie), Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line), directing royalty Sir Richard Eyre, Tony Award winning stage & film star Alan Cumming (Cabaret), Academy Award & Tony Award winning stage and film director Sam Mendes (Cabaret, American Beauty), Emily Mortimer (Pink Panther, '30 Rock'), downtown performance artist Joey Arias, renowned puppeteer Basil Twist, screenwriter Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands), Broadway choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys), and Jack Noseworthy (Sweet Smell of Success) were among the stars who came out to celebrate the opening night of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at the New York City Center. BroadwayWorld was also on hand and brings you photo coverage below.

Tony-award winning star Donna McKechnie will join host Ken Kleiber for his 'Kentertainment Report', today, Wednesday October 13 at 12:15pm on Sirius 109/ XM 98. Ms. McKechnie will be speaking about her career and upcoming events, including 'Sondheim Unplugged' and 'My Musical Comedy Life', (both at the Laurie Beecham Theatre with the latter also at the Palais Royale in Indiana), and 'From Broadway With Love', a evening benefitting 'Animal Protection of New Mexico' which also features Kaye Ballard and Liliane Montevecchi.

Producer Daryl Roth announced today that Glenn Close will play the role of 'Dr. Emma Brookner' in the upcoming, Joel Grey-directed, 25th anniversary staged reading of Larry Kramer's ground-breaking play, The Normal Heart. She joins previously announced cast members Victor Garber, Jason Butler Harner, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Jack McBrayer, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Patrick Wilson in the one-night-only event that will benefit The Actors Fund and Friends in Deed. The historic reading will take place at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street) on Monday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children is delighted to take part in Culture Night for the 5th year, opening its doors for an evening of art, music and fun.

30 Rock's Jack McBrayer, who plays Kenneth the page on the hit NBC TV show has just been cast to make his Broadway debut in the staged reading of The Normal Heart on October 18th, reports the New York Times.

The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children is delighted to take part in Culture Night for the 5th year, opening its doors for an evening of art, music and fun.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions bring the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical to PlayhouseSquare from November 19 through December 12. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim on Broadway including 10 Tony Awards.

Producer Daryl Roth announced today that the first cast members are in place for the Joel Grey-directed, 25th anniversary staged reading of Larry Kramer's ground-breaking play, The Normal Heart, at the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 West 48th Street) on Monday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. Victor Garber, Jason Butler Harner, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Patrick Wilson are set to star in the one-night-only event on Broadway that will benefit The Actors Fund and Friends In Deed. Additional casting news will be announced shortly. This reading comes on the heels of the sold-out, acclaimed reading of The Normal Heart at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse in September, which was also directed by Mr. Grey.

NEW PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 7, 2010- Tuesdays at 7pm, Thursday - Sunday at 7:30pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2pm. There will be a different holiday schedule for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A DAY AT DILLER'S ... Broadway, Screen and Comedic Icon Phyllis Diller Opens Up Her Estate. 'You know you're old if they have discontinued your blood type,' says Phyllis Diller, who at 93 is still entertaining audiences everywhere... even in her own home.

NEW PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 7, 2010- Tuesdays at 7pm, Thursday - Sunday at 7:30pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2pm. There will be a different holiday schedule for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Stage West presents Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS, adapted by Patrick Barlow.

After a career on Broadway and at Radio City Music Hall, New Jersey wardrobe & hair professional Vince Esoldi is retiring along with his unique Autograph Suit with over 300 famous signatures!

Stage West presents Alfred Hitchcock's THE 39 STEPS, adapted by Patrick Barlow.