Liza Minnelli News

The Center for the Performing Arts and the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative announce the 2013 Encore Celebration Gala Weekend presented by Krieg DeVault today, June 28 and Saturday, June 29. The Saturday evening of the gala weekend will feature Michael Feinstein as he inducts a new round of honorees as part of the Songbook Hall of Fame.

A Broadway star, two television legends and a guitar virtuoso have joined the entertainment lineup for the Encore Celebration Gala Weekend presented by Krieg DeVault, beginning tonight, June 28. The benefit for the Center for the Performing Arts also serves as the setting for the second annual Great American Songbook Hall of Fame induction. Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Rita Moreno and Jimmy Webb represent the 2013 class of the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame.

Fresh off the heels with rave reviews for his conducting debut with the Pasadena POPS, Michael Feinstein returns to lead the orchestra in a performance celebrating the legendary films of MGM. Michael Feinstein's MGM Movie Classics on Saturday, July 13 features rare and stunning arrangements from the golden age of the silver screen, and the orchestra will be joined by guest vocalists Ron Raines, Christine Ebersole, the cast of Hollywood Revisited, and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy Tap Ensemble.

Today, June 26, TKTS in Times Square, the same-day discount theatre outlet for Broadway and Off Broadway shows celebrated 40 years in Times Square. Beginning at 11am, there was a special celebration in honor of TKTS' 40th Anniversary behind the TKTS Booth on Broadway and 47th Street. Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein and Broadway star Julie Halston made special appearances to help with the festivities. Check out full coverage of today's celebration below!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's the TOP TEN HOT TOPIX in the Mosh Pit for January through June, 2013! And our 203rd weekly column. Check out what YOU've been talking about!

Direct from his award nominated performance as Emcee, internationally celebrated singer/songwriter WILL YOUNG reprises his role in Rufus Norris' acclaimed production of CABARET. Following a successful West End run, the UK tour of CABARET will open at the NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE on WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST.

Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch return to Bemelmans at The Carlyle Hotel with their evening of swinging standards running every Sunday in June, from 9pm - 12 midnight. The two performers, who have performed extensively on their own, gained national exposure together as the host and musical director of the wildly popular open mic, Cast Party, which celebrates talent every Monday at Birdland in NYC, and tours nationally. During their November run at Bemelmans, the duo received critical acclaim, and made news when rock legend Bono joined them in an impromptu performance. Check out photos from their concert below!

A public memorial for actress Helen Hanft will be held on Sunday, July 14 at 7 PM in the Ellington Room at Manhattan Plaza, 400 W. 43 St. (Ninth Ave. building).

Birdland Jazz Club is pleased to announce their stirring line-up of incomparable talent for July 1 - July 7, 2013.

Legendary Broadway stars will be coming to Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center in an intimate cabaret setting starting in July.

Five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald was honored in Chicago on Monday, June 17, by the Sarah Siddons Society's 2013 award. Scroll down for new photos of her at the event!

Five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway royalty Audra McDonald was feted on Monday night in Chicago when she was honored by the Sarah Siddons Society and presented with their 2013 award.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'The Jungle Book' opens, Audra and Sondheim visit, Stephen Wallem's St. Louis 'Shrek,' Make Music Chicago, 'The Land Of Smiles,' the Auditorium's cabaret series, Idina in Aurora and more!

STAGES ST. LOUIS is thrilled to announce new staff appointments to STAGES' Turley Performing Arts Academy. Broadway Veteran, Vince Pesce will assume the position of Director of Education at STAGES Kent Center for Theatre Arts, the new state-of-the-art facility, effective immediately. Pesce replaces longtime Education Director Rob Grumich, who will remain during the transition through July. Also, Tali Allen Liddell will become the Manager of Community Programs and Partnerships.

After sold show out performances in LA, NYC, and DC, nationally recognized actor and vocalist Gia Mora announces the Colorado premiere of her critically acclaimed solo show,Einstein's Girl. The show will play for one night only tonight, June 16 at 7:30pm at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret in Denver, CO. Lannie's is located at 1601 Arapahoe Street in downtown Denver on the 16th Street Mall.

Kander and Ebb classic a well-performed redux at Playhouse on Park.

Today we are talking to an exceptionally accomplished actress known for her many leading and featured roles in a number of illustrious musical theatre properties - among them, part of the original Broadway casts of FALSETTOS, CITY OF ANGELS, PARADE, LESTAT, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SCANDALOUS and many more - the gifted and genuine Carolee Carmello. Discussing many aspects of originating roles in those aforementioned shows as well as her replacement gigs in everything from KISS ME, KATE to SISTER ACT and MAMMA MIA!, Carmello sheds some light on her process in bringing such a striking series of characters to life onstage eight times a week, including creating roles Off-Broadway in ELEGIES, HELLO AGAIN and JOHN & JEN. Additionally, Carmello shares stories from the set of NBC's musical drama series SMASH as well as comments on other potential roles she would like to pursue someday. Most importantly, Carmello previews her highly anticipated performance at this Monday night's NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS and comments upon her affection for the iconic Ms. Garland. Plus, Carmello shares behind-the-scenes stories involving many of her notable collaborators and inspirations such as William Finn, Stephen Sondheim, Kathie Lee Gifford and she also expresses enthusiasm for her upcoming turn in the new musical TUCK EVERLASTING, set to premiere later this season. All of that, early Broadway and touring memories from CHESS, LES MISERABLES, CITY OF ANGELS, observations on the newly-released SCANDALOUS cast recording and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation.

The Centenary Stage Company will host a tribute to one of the most exciting musical artists of our time, Ray Charles, with 'Forever Ray', a stellar 13-piece lineup of powerhouse musicians. Members of the band have toured or recorded with Ray Charles, Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart, Levon Helm, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Kelly Clarkson, Patti LaBelle and Frank Sinatra to name a few.

After taking the Next Stage Festival by storm this past January, Jennifer Walls and Laura Anne Harris team up once at for the Toronto Fringe at the Annex Theatre. Two charismatic and enigmatic performers, two dynamic cabarets, starlets Jeni Walls and Laura Anne Harris present their solo shows - Liza Live! and The Homemaker - in one amazing venue!

Broadway veteran Sam Harris has penned a book titled 'Ham: Slices of a Life: Essays and Stories' coming January 2014. Taking on issues as diverse as addiction, fame, and parenting with his hilarious and deeply human voice, Harris's entertaining tales trace an arc of personal triumph that is universally accessible and inspiring. To pre-order, visit: http://SamHamBook.com