Marie Rose News

The Jazz Singer, the first feature-length film with completely synchronized dialogue and musical sequences, will mark another milestone January 8 when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases the Blu-ray™ commencing the 2013 year-long 90thAnniversary of Warner Bros. Studios. The landmark film, which brought Broadway superstar Al Jolson "alive" and seemingly singing from the screen, was an immediate sensation when it opened in 1927 and created a revolution in the history of the motion picture industry. It earned Alfred Cohn an Academy Award®* (1927/28) nomination for Best Writing (Adaptation) and Warner Bros. received an Oscar® as a Special Award -- for producing The Jazz Singer, the pioneer outstanding talking picture, which revolutionized the industry. In 1996 the film was selected for preservation in the U.S. Library of Congress's National Film Registry for its cultural and historical significance.

Celebrating the American Spirit, performed by Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) and conducted by Judith Clurman along with guest artists, Broadway stars Kelli O'Hara and Ron Raines and composer-arranger Larry Hochman, represents an American songbook for the 21st century.

For nearly three decades, women of all ages and backgrounds have found inspiration, networking and support for business, health and relationships at the California Women's Conference. Scroll below for snapshots from this year's conference, featuring Fran Dresher, Marcia Cross, Joanne Worley, Tippi Hedren, Melissa Manchester, Helen Reddy and more!

The California Womens Conference has announced the additions of Oscar De La Hoya, Marianne Williamson, Deepak's daughter Mallika Chopra as well as Chris and Heidi Powell to an already impressive, record breaking roster of speakers and panelists on September 23rd & 24th at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Berkeley Playhouse opens its fifth season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved final collaboration, THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Berkeley Playhouse founding Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy helms this endearing family classic, featuring a cast of 40, with musical direction by Greg Mason and choreography by Staci Arriaga. THE SOUND OF MUSIC plays October 27 through December 2 (Press opening: October 27) at the Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

Grease kicks off the second blockbuster Broadway musical series, tonight, Sept. 12 - Oct. 7, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.

Dick Van Dyke, beloved actor, singer, dancer, writer and comedian, will receive SAG-AFTRA's highest honor - the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, comedian and Broadway veteran Phyllis Diller passed away this morning in her Los Angeles home. She was 95 years old. Some of her friends & colleagues remember the funny lady below:

The California Women's Conference will present a panel titled "Legendary Ladies of Stage and Screen," giving patrons the chance to hear personal and professional stories from women who embraced their dreams and worked their advantages.

So many cabaret shows, so little time . . . to write reviews that is. During his almost two years as a cabaret reviewer, BroadwayWorld.com critic Stephen Hanks managed to do a pretty good job of writing critiques during a show's run or soon after the run ended. But this summer he just couldn't keep up. Finally, here are observations on 10 performances over the past two months.

On Thursday, August 2, The California Women's Conference (CWC) launched their plans for this years highly anticipated conference on September 23rd & 24th at the Hotel Maya/Double Tree Hotel by Hilton in Long Beach. Among those in attendance were Marcia Cross, Frances Fisher, Tippi Hedren, Sharon Lawrence, Morgan Brittany, Kate Linder, Erin Murphy, Romi Dames, Donzaleigh Abernathy, Geri Jewell, Lee Purcell, Mother Love, Barbara Van Orden and Mary McDonough, Kami Cotler and Judy Norton of The Waltons fame.

Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment present Rick Bayless in Cascabel: Dinner - Daring - Desire, described as 'an unforgettable theatrical adventure featuring a sumptuous feast, world-class circus acts, and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless.' The culinary and theatrical experience of the year runs for four weeks only, March 21 through tonight, April 22, 2012 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University's 2012 MFA Repertory Season (April 18 - 21) presents: Scenes from the THE VOICE OF THE TURTLE, ORANGE FLOWER WATER, and RED LIGHT WINTER. We have a peek at the production photos from all shows below!

Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment announce additional performances of Rick Bayless in Cascabel: Dinner - Daring - Desire, a theatrical adventure featuring a feast, circus acts, and a love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless. The culinary and theatrical experience has been extended an additional week, through April 29, 2012, at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works.

The Southern California Motion Picture Council (SCMPC) have proudly presented their 2012 Golden Halo Award to actress, singer and humanitarian, Ms. Barbara Van Orden. The Golden Halo is the SCMPC's highest award.

Lily Tomlin, Joanne Worley, Carole Cook, Bruce Vilanch along with filmmaker and multi TONY-winning Director and Producer, Dori Berinstein all gathered on one stage to salute a star, an icon and a legend - Ms. Carol Channing. On Wednesday night, the Paley Center featured these incredible talents as well as gathering many more in the audience for the Los Angeles premiere screening of 'Carol Channing: Larger Than Life.' The panel members, who also appear in the critically acclaimed documentary, gathered with other friends, colleagues and fans of the woman who has been dubbed, and deservingly so, 'The First Lady of Musical Theatre.' Seen among those in attendance were a who's who of TONY, OSCAR, EMMY & GOLDEN GLOBE award winners including George Chakiris, Charles Fox, Davis Gaines, Ilene Graff, Tippi Hedren, Michael Learned, Kate Linder, Julie Newmar, Connie Stevens, Ruta Lee, Rose Marie, Richard Skipper, Barbara Van Orden, Dee Wallace and co-producer, B. Harlan Boll, to enjoy a film that also featured such noted industry greats as Loni Anderson, Marge Champion, Tyne Daly, Jerry Herman, Angela Lansbury, Bob Mackie, Margaret O'Brien, Debbie Reynolds, Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, Barbara Walters and many more.

It was an eclectic representation Hollywood talent that gathered on Thursday at the Egyptian theatre. From Broadway hits like "Grease" and "Peter Pan" to films such as "Westside Story" and "E.T. The Extraterrestrial" as well as cast members of many TV classics from "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "My Three Sons," "Bewitched," "Happy Days" and "The Waltons" to "Y&R" and "Hanna Montana" were present as Red Line Tours proudly unveiled their new series of collectible souvenir tickets designed by world-renowned artist, Andre Miripolsky. What do all these individuals share in common? Answer - A love for Hollywood History and its preservation.

Last night, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue announced the recipients of the eighth annual awards from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF). Check out photos from the event below!

Steppenwolf for Young Adults launches its 2011/12 season with The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter adapted by Rebecca Gilman, based on the novel by Carson McCullers and directed by Hallie Gordon, playing October 11 - November 4, 2011 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. The production features ensemble member Alan Wilder with Jessica Honor Carleton, Derrick C. Cooper, Walter Coppage, Ann Joseph, Loren Lazerine, Colm O'Reilly, Jay Reed, Robert Schleifer and Nick Vidal. Weekday matinees (Tuesdays through Fridays) are reserved for school groups only, with weekend (Saturday and Sunday) performances available to the public. Single tickets and tickets for school groups are currently on sale.

Steppenwolf for Young Adults launches its 2011/12 season with The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter adapted by Rebecca Gilman, based on the novel by Carson McCullers and directed by Hallie Gordon, playing October 11 - November 4, 2011 in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.