Paul Thomas News

Stimulate your senses this summer as everything is growing over at Rockwell: Table & Stage with For The Record: Boogie Nights. The space at 1714 N Vermont Ave no longer operates under three distinct names but instead the entire venue will be referred to as Rockwell: Table & Stage and includes a bi-level outdoor dining space as well as a newly remodeled live music performance space. While renovations will continue throughout the summer, "For The Record" co-creators Shane Scheel and Christopher Lloyd Bratten choose to present a show adapted from the works of multiple Academy Award-nominated Los Angeles director Paul Thomas Andersonfor a summer experience that Angelenos will not easily forget. The show has just been extended through August 11, 2012.

A new Paul Thomas Anderson film only comes along once or twice a decade, so the recent teasers that have been released for his new film - a veiled Scientology parable titled THE MASTER, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Pheonix and Amy Adams - have been inspiring adulation amongst both Anderson's devotees (The Milk Drinkers?) and film fans alike, but what about yesterday's official trailer premiere? Sheer awe. When Philip Seymour Hoffman joined me in my InDepth InterView column in 2010, we spoke quite a bit about his previous work with Anderson on MAGNOLIA - which he called "an opera" - and BOOGIE NIGHTS, which is unquestionably a magnum opus; to say nothing of Hoffman's memorable turns in the respectively arresting and enchanting HARD 8 and PUNCH DRUNK LOVE - and the first news of this new religion-based project had just surfaced at that time, so this week's long-awaited release of the official theatrical trailer of THE MASTER is a promise of a new Anderson/Hoffman cinematic collaboration finally at long last fulfilled - and much, much more, as well.

As first reported on E! News, Philip Seymour Hoffman has signed on for the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming HUNGER GAMES sequel, 'Catching Fire.'

Another trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's THE MASTER, from The Weinstein Company, has been released. While the first trailer focused on Joaquin Phoenix's character, the latest features the film's Philip Seymour Hoffman in the title role. Get a first look below!

"For The Record" co-creators Shane Scheel and Christopher Lloyd Bratten present a show adapted from the works of multiple Academy Award-nominated Los Angeles director Paul Thomas Anderson for a summer experience that Angelenos will not easily forget. Check out photos from last night's opening of 'For The Record: Boogie Nights' below!

Today we are talking to the noted director of one of the most successful stage-to-screen adaptations of the new century, HAIRSPRAY, about his brand new feature film adaptation of Broadway's currently running 80s stadium rock smash hit ROCK OF AGES - the eminently talented Adam Shankman. Discussing the starry cast of ROCK OF AGES - Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige included - as well as the expanded songstack of the reconceived film version - which now includes Joan Jett's 'I Love Rock N Roll' and Def Leppard's 'Pour Some Sugar On me', among others - Shankman imparts his infectious enthusiasm for the movie musical format and expresses his relishing of the exciting possibilities afforded by the heavy metal jukebox property. Additionally, Shankman reminisces on his experiences filming HAIRSPRAY and confirms his future re-teaming with HAIRSPRAY and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL superstar Zac Efron on an upcoming film comedy which begins shooting next month, titled THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU, co-starring Jason Bateman and Goldie Hawn. Plus, memories of choreographing Paul Thomas Anderson's BOOGIE NIGHTS, directing two episodes of GLEE, working with Carrie Ann Inaba on ROCKULA more than twenty years ago (his film debut), anecdotes about SMASH - and much, much more!

The Master is an upcoming drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Paul Thomas Anderson. It was given the green-light in May 2011, and began filming in June. The film stars Tony nominee Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Laura Dern. The Master is scheduled for release on October 12, 2012.

Gary Naylor is buffeted by a blast from the past

This Summer, Manhattan Repertory Theatre will be presenting 18 new plays featuring some of this country's finest playwrights, actors and directors in a theatrical celebration of new work - MRT's SUMMERFEST 2011. Tickets are $20. For reservations call: (646) 329-6588. Manhattan Repertory Theatre is located at 303 W. 42nd St. Third floor.

SketchFest NYC is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for this year's seventh anniversary Festival. SketchFest NYC will run from June 8 - 11, 2011 at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre; 307 West 26th Street.

SketchFest NYC starts TODAY, running from Wednesday June 8th, to Saturday June 11th at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

SketchFest NYC is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for this year's seventh anniversary Festival. SketchFest NYC will run from June 8 - 11, 2011 at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre; 307 West 26th Street.

SketchFest NYC is pleased to announce the full schedule for this year's seventh anniversary Festival, including the Whitest Kids U Know, Marvel Comics, and The Rejection Show. In addition, we're pleased to announce that Atom: Comedy Central Digital Shorts, The Onion News Network, and 101.9RXP will all be presenting shows at this year's Festival

Today we are talking to the multi-talented actress/writer/producer of the hit indie romantic comedies KISSING JESSICA STEIN and IRA & ABBY, who is now adding director to her list of abilities with her new feature film FRIENDS WITH KIDS, co-starring her real-life husband Jon Hamm - the delightfully sweet and talented Jennifer Westfeldt. Both Jennifer and Jon can be seen - and heard - later this week in an exciting radio adaptation of the Anton Chekhov classic THE THREE SISTERS, in a new translation by Christopher Hampton, also co-starring Tessa Thompson, Sarah Zimmerman and Reid Scott, which will also be recorded and broadcast online. Tickets to the performances live on stage are also available at the link below. In this candid conversation Jennifer and I cover everything from 24 to GREY'S ANATOMY; to Bernstein on Broadway in her Tony-nominated turn in WONDERFUL TOWN co-starring Donna Murphy; to her onscreen and off-screen partnership with Hamm and the formation of their new production company; as well as their new feature film together - FRIENDS WITH KIDS - and much more. Plus, what is her and Jon's favorite LA pizza joint? Further information on the live performances and the online and radio broadcasts of THE THREE SISTERS can be found here (http://www.latw.org/live/boxoffice/boxofficehomeindex.html).

Now in its 11th Year, The North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival continues to be one of the top winter comedy destinations for performers from all of the country. This nationally renowned festival runs from February 2-20 and includes three packed weekends of sketch, stand-up, and improv. Tickets and a full schedule are available at www.nccomedyarts.com.

Now in its 11th Year, The North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival continues to be one of the top winter comedy destinations for performers from all of the country. This nationally renowned festival runs from February 2-20 and includes three packed weekends of sketch, stand-up, and improv. Tickets and a full schedule are available at www.nccomedyarts.com.