In a recent article with the Huffington Post, Alec Baldwin chatted about his dreams of singing in a Broadway show, and his admiration for actors who have stepped up to the challange in the past. Baldwin writes: 'When I have watched and admired people who can sing, like Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber, Mandy Patinkin, Michael Cerveris, Jason Danieley, Julie Andrews, Brian Stokes Mitchell, to name a few, I have always wondered what that must be like as a performer. To have that freedom. That joy.'
Today, in honor of the nationwide release of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY in movie theaters, we are celebrating the many accomplishments of the film's director who has made a name for himself in the twenty-first century as the finest and most productive theatrical filmmaker of our age - Lonny Price. With his string of highly successful filmed stage performances before COMPANY ranging from last year's stupendous SONDHEIM! THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT back to SWEENEY TODD: IN CONCERT starring George Hearn and Patti LuPone, CANDIDE starring Kristin Chenoweth, CAMELOT with Gabriel Byrne, as well as well as the LIVE FROM LINCOLN center broadcast of Sondheim's PASSION and the forthcoming feature film version of Athol Fugard's Pulitzer prize-winning MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS, Price is ushering in a new era of theatrical films for television and, now, the cinema. So, let's go back and take a look at what led up to the feature film live capture of COMPANY taking musical theatre to an entirely new level - and an enormously appreciative audience.
Three Is Company
Vassar & New York Stage and Film announce casting highlights for the 27th annual Powerhouse Theater season (June 24-July 31, 2011) and the schedule for Readings Festival 1 (June 24-26).
Bridging the gap between theatre, television and film in a thrilling and revolutionary new way with this week's premiere of STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S COMPANY, in select movie theaters nationwide Wednesday through Saturday (with a return engagement already scheduled for early July), director Lonny Price has introduced Sondheim's seminal concept musical comedy to a whole new generation of gleeks, as well as reverently keep the flame of the fire in the heart, soul and mind of this complex, rich and rewarding show for Broadway babies who already know its genius. Additionally, Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Hendricks, Stephen Colbert, Jon Cryer, Katie Finneran, Aaron Lazar, Martha Plimpton, Patti Lupone and the rest of the cast are absolutely perfect for their roles and bring a live spontaneity and verve to their material - the kind which you usually only see in the very best shows on Broadway - and that sense of timing, precise editing and overall polished presentation style is a sure credit to Price's positively sublime direction of the live stage production with the NY Philharmonic, as well as - and maybe even more so - the movie version of the live show in theaters now. It bursts with energy and, well, aliveness, just like a real Broadway show. Make that: Just like a real Broadway smash hit.
Talking all aspects of COMPANY: THE MOVIE while still editing it last month, Price was kind enough to open up about what the rehearsal process was like, filming it live and working with the all-star cast, as well as much, much more - all coming on the heels of last year‘s rapturously received Ellen Krass production of SONDHEIM! THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT, undoubtedly the finest Broadway concert capture of our age. Price discusses his affection for the material and the man behind the music, plus his smashing leading ladies. Plus: what's next?
Be sure to stay tuned for the complete InDepth InterView featuring Price's recollections on Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (and his forthcoming documentary about it), A CLASS ACT, directing DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and news about the feature film version of Athol Fugard's MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS coming later this year - a play which he starred in on Broadway twenty-five years ago. Actor, producer, director and, now, filmmaker - Price can clearly do it all!
5th Floor Productions will revive the musical Assassins for a limited run at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Chelsea. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, Assassins will open June 22nd for six performances through June 26th.
Acclaimed artistic guests such as Sir Derek Jacobi and Tony Award winners Heather Headley and Michael Cerveris joined Chicago Shakespeare Theater for its 25th Anniversary celebration on June 6, 2011.
Jesse Berger, Artistic Director and the Board of Directors of Red Bull Theater are please to invite you to the third annual RUNNING OF THE RED BULLS BENEFIT honoring Richard Easton, Katherine Hoold and Lily Rabe, with THE MATADOR AWARDS for excellence in classical theater.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) launches its 25th Anniversary celebration on June 6, 2011, with the Silver Jubilee Gala at its home on Navy Pier, benefiting the Regional Theatre Tony Award recipient's far-reaching Team Shakespeare education program.
Tony winner Michael Cerveris is set to make an appearance at Paul Sanchez's upcoming Joe's Pub show on June 7. The event will be held at 9:30PM and tickets are $17.
Casting has been announced for the upcoming reading of the new musical comedy Summer Schlock, with book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Carter (That's Andy), directed by Tony Award-winning director/producer Andy Sandberg (Hair, The Last Smoker in America) with music direction by Andy Einhorn.
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Jessica R. Jenen, will honor legendary actor, director and CSC veteran Austin Pendleton at this year's annual benefit gala Monday, May 23 at Bridgewaters at South Street Seaport.
Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998 and has quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists.
Casting has been announced for the upcoming reading of the new musical comedy Summer Schlock, with book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Carter (That's Andy), directed by Tony Award-winning director/producer Andy Sandberg (Hair, The Last Smoker in America) with music direction by Andy Einhorn.
Roger Daltrey plans to bring THE WHO'S TOMMY on tour this fall. The Who's Tommy is a rock musical by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff based on The Who's 1969 double album rock opera Tommy, also by Pete Townshend, with additional material by John Entwistle and Sonny Boy Williamson.
Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998 and has quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists.
The Public Theater hostd the final Public Forum evening of the season, 'Tony Kushner and Oskar Eustis in Conversation,' last night, May 8. In his new play, The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, Kushner writes movingly about politics and family in America today-plus unions, real estate and love. Kushner and Eustis discussed these topics and more, with an introduction by special guest host Cynthia Nixon.
The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Joey Parnes Interim Executive Director) announced the final Public Forum evening of the season, 'Tony Kushner and Oskar Eustis in Conversation,' on Sunday, March 8 at 8 p.m. In his new play, The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, Kushner writes movingly about politics and family in America today-plus unions, real estate and love. On Sunday, May 8, Kushner and Eustis will discuss these topics and more, with an introduction by special guest host Cynthia Nixon. Public Forum single tickets are $25 and go on sale beginning Thursday, April 21 at (212) 967-7555 or www.publictheater.org.
