Neil Simon News

BroadwayWorld.com excitedly reported last week that NBC has officially picked up the pilot entitled SMASH for a series to begin mid-season. Now, the network has posted teaser clips of their new series that we just CAN'T WAIT to see! Here, watch Debra Messing and Christian Borle debate writing a Marilyn Monroe musical, Karen (Katharine McPhee) argue with her parents, and then have a disagreement with her director on rehearsal etiquette.

BroadwayWorld.com excitedly reported last week that NBC has officially picked up the pilot entitled SMASH for a series to begin mid-season. Now, the network has posted teaser clips of their new series that we just CAN'T WAIT to see! Here, Broadway newcomer, Karen (Katherine McPhee), dazzles a tough crowd.

BroadwayWorld.com excitedly reported last week that NBC has officially picked up the pilot entitled SMASH for a series to begin mid-season. Now, the network has posted teaser clips of their new series that we just CAN'T WAIT to see! Here Megan Hilty hits one out of the park as her Smash character, Ivy.

The Tony Award Winning GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Reza will kick off the Seattle Repertory Theatre's 2010-2011 season which they recently announced.

Actors Annie Korzen, Ron Orbach, DeeDee Rescher, and Carol Ita White join stars Jason Alexander and Gina Hecht in the special three-week engagement of the comedy The Prisoner of Second Avenue by Neil Simon. Directed by Glenn Casale, the production close May 15, 2011 at El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.

The Tony Award Winning GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Reza will kick off the Seattle Repertory Theatre's 2010-2011 season which they recently announced.

On May 25, the curtain will open on a new chapter for the Alhambra Theatre & Dining as veteran actor Barry Williams - aka Greg Brady of the famed 1970's TV series, The Brady Bunch - stars in the Alhambra's first-ever production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple. Mr. Williams will play the lead role as Oscar Madison in the classic comedy.

On May 25, the curtain will open on a new chapter for the Alhambra Theatre & Dining as veteran actor Barry Williams - aka Greg Brady of the famed 1970's TV series, The Brady Bunch - stars in the Alhambra's first-ever production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple. Mr. Williams will play the lead role as Oscar Madison in the classic comedy.

The Bergen County Players (BCP) presents The Tiger, a dark comedy by Murray Schisgal. Under the direction of Jerry Pettinati, The Tiger will be performed at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell for two performances only: Saturday, May 14 at 2pm and Sunday, May 15 at 7pm.

Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the nominees for their ninth annual 'Pavilion Awards' which recognize Outstanding Achievement in Local High School Theatre. For the fifth year, First Niagara Bank serves as the Corporate Sponsor for this program, which allows for many categories within the musical and non-musical genres. Musicals in consideration were held at the Cortland, Dryden, Groton, Homer, McGraw and Tully High Schools. Non-musical plays were also presented at Cortland, Homer and Tully.

Act II Playhouse concludes its 2010-2011 season with Art (May 10-June 5) by Yasmina Reza (author of the recent Broadway hit God of Carnage), translated by Christopher Hampton.

Since 1998, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has been awarded to some of the biggest names in entertainment: Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, and George Carlin, to name a few. This year, the Kennedy Center will present the 14th Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Will Ferrell on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 7 p.m. The award, named to honor one of America's-and the world's-greatest humorists, will feature a lineup of the biggest names in comedy.

BroadwayWorld.com has excitedly learned that NBC has officially picked up the pilot entitled SMASH for a series to begin this fall. The news will be officially announced later this week at NBC's upfronts which begin next week in New York.

On Thursday, May 12, audience members at the new Broadway musical CATCH ME IF YOU CAN will get the chance to hear first-hand from the real Frank W. Abagnale Jr. (played on stage by Aaron Tveit), whose teenage escapades are the basis for the musical and the 2002 film of the same name. Immediately following the 8pm performance, Mr. Abagnale will host an on stage post-show talk back and Q&A. Tickets for this performance can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com and at The Neil Simon Box Office (250 West 52nd Street). Only ticketholders for that evening's performance will be able to attend the Talk Back.

Drury Lane Theatre presents Neil Simon's Tony Award-winning dramatic comedy BROADWAY BOUND, previewing June 9, opening June 16 and running through July 31 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

DanceOn, the YouTube partnership channel exclusive to dance videos, released the ninth episode of DIARY OF A CHORUS GIRL today. Alex Ellis chats with Kerry Butler who plays Brenda Strong, the leading role Alex understudies, and gets the chance to sing Brenda's show-stopping number 'Fly, Fly Away' for the first time in front of a live audience.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,' 'White Noise,' 'Porgy And Bess,' 'The Wiz,' 'Adrift In Macao,' 'Glee,' more.

Yesterday, May 9, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center presented its annual Monte Cristo Award to legendary Broadway and screen actor James Earl Jones, in recognition of his monumental achievements and contributions to the American and international theater community. The award was presented to Mr. Jones at a gala dinner that included special guests and performers Tony Award-nominee Michael Berresse ([title of show], Kiss Me Kate); Chris Chalk (Fences),; Academy Award-winner Michael Douglas (Wall Street); Emmy Award-winner Charles S Dutton (The Piano Lesson, 'Roc'); Tony Award nominee Penny Fuller (Dividing the Estate, The Dinner Party); Tony Award-winner Boyd Gaines (Driving Miss Daisy, Gypsy); Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award-winner Vanessa Redgrave (Driving Miss Daisy, Long Days Journey Into Night); Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Seven Guitars); Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams (On Golden Pond, King Hedley II); and Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Executive Director Preston Whiteway.

Join us for a very special Gala Evening - 'Cabaret 55' - celebrating Westport Community Theatre's 55th anniversary! 'Cabaret 55' will be held Friday, May 20 at 7:00 PM at the Westport Woman's Club, 44 Imperial Avenue.

Act II Playhouse concludes its 2010-2011 season with Art (May 10-June 5) by Yasmina Reza (author of the recent Broadway hit God of Carnage), translated by Christopher Hampton.