Today we are talking to a multi-talented creative force who has had a hand in crafting a wide range of memorable and vivid characters over the course of his career as both a screenwriter and a director - the earnest and energetic Richard LaGravenese. Detailing the finer points of his forthcoming stage-to-screen iteration of Jason Robert Brown's beloved cult musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan, LaGravenese traces the development of the project from his earliest inspiration through to the final finished film, now awaiting distribution. Additionally, LaGravenese opens up about the casting process and reformatting of the piece for the cinematic medium, as well as previews some of the standout moments we can anticipate when the film is finally released - musical, dramatic, stylistic and otherwise. Besides all about THE LAST FIVE YEARS, LaGravenese also discusses his screenplay for the recent rapturously-received HBO Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra and reacts to its international success, as well as shares thoughts on the cast and the script as it was realized on film by director Steven Soderbergh. Plus, LaGravenese offers us the exclusive 411 on his upcoming currently untitled CW TV series, directed by Taylor Hackford, and sheds some light on his contributions to Angelina Jole's new film UNBROKEN, as well as previews his forthcoming WE TV project coming up later this year, too. All of that, a look back at P.S. I LOVE YOU and more in this expansive conversation with a noted modern entertainment master.
Todd Graff News
Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Michael Feinstein are proud to welcome star of stage and screen, Jeremy Jordan, to Feinstein's at the Nikko for four performances only - Thursday, May 1 (8 p.m.); Friday, May 2 (8 p.m.); Saturday, May 3 (7 p.m.); Sunday, May 4 (7 p.m.).
Today we are talking to a legendary leading lady famous for a few of the most iconic roles in some of the most memorable musicals of the 1980s and 1990s as well as a versatile vocalist and concert performer set to make her cabaret debut later this month - the ingratiating and amusing Randy Graff. Looking back at originating the role of Fantine in the original Broadway production of mega-hit mega musical LES MISERABLES and singing the unforgettable 'I Dreamed A Dream' eight times a week (and on the best-selling cast recording) as well as recounting her Tony Award-winning work in the endlessly entertaining Cy Coleman/David Zippel musical comedy CITY OF ANGELS, Graff share stories from behind the scenes and gives us a rare look at theatrical history in the making and her elemental role in both productions. Additionally, Graff opens up about some of her other most fondly remembered work, including her fantastic turn in Ed Kleban's A CLASS ACT, William Finn's FALSETTOS, Cole Porter's HIGH SOCIETY, the stage play and documentary MOON OVER BUFFALO co-starring Carol Burnett, the most recent revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and much more. Most importantly, Graff generously outlines what we can expect from her upcoming solo shows at NYC hotspot 54 Below titled MADE IN BROOKLYN, in what will actually be the stalwart star's solo show premiere. In addition to all of that, Graff also touches upon some of her big screen and small screen work, ranging from LAW & ORDER to RENT, as well as recounts some theatrical tales involving theatre greats such as Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, John Simon and more. All of that and much, much more awaits in this rich resume recounting retrospective with one of Broadway's best!
Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond:
54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Ilene, Randy, and Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone in 'The Graff Family Holiday Special,' tonight, December 14th at 11 P.M., and in a sold out show on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7 P.M. This talented family will perform a host of holiday favorites and tunes from their various forays on the Great White Way in the tradition of the Andy Williams Christmas specials that mesmerized them as children. Expect tight, four-part harmonies, color coordinated hats and mufflers, indoor sleigh rides, audience participation, mistletoe, and plenty of high belting.
Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond:
54 Below just welcomed a part of its December line-up for a special performance preview, including Tony Award-winner Randy Graff, Tony nominee Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone from 'The Graff Family Holiday Special' (running 12/14 & 16); Tony-nominated song-writing team Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire (running 12/17); Tony nominee Euan Morton (running 12/12); and Chip Zien (running 12/5 & 11). Check out photos from the previews below!
54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Ilene, Randy, and Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone in "The Graff Family Holiday Special," on Saturday, December 14th at 11 P.M., and in a sold out show on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7 P.M. This talented family will perform a host of holiday favorites and tunes from their various forays on the Great White Way in the tradition of the Andy Williams Christmas specials that mesmerized them as children. Expect tight, four-part harmonies, color coordinated hats and mufflers, indoor sleigh rides, audience participation, mistletoe, and plenty of high belting.
THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY: Tales from the World's Most Famous Theaters, Volume 1 (Dress Circle Publishing. 350 pages, $19.99) by author and musical theater historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the first book to recount the backstage drama of Broadway's greatest shows at eight iconic theaters. Using firsthand accounts from some of the biggest names in Broadway history, the book provides a look behind the curtains of the Al Hirschfield, August Wilson, Lyceum, Mark Hellinger, Marquis, Neil Simon, Richard Rodgers, and Winter Garden Theaters. The book just had a launch party at Sardi's and BroadwayWorld was there for the special celebration. Check out photo coverage below!
Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, November 2 at 10 AM for Neil Patrick Harris' return to Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the musical with book by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, directed by Michael Mayer. For tickets, call 212-239-6200 or visit Telecharge.com.
DRAMA HIGH is a million dollar title if ever there was one. It sounds like an emotionally-charged film or a soap opera-ish TV series, but it's a fascinating new book which delivers all of the above and more.
On October 4 (11pm), 54 Belwo will present the 10th Anniversary Screening & Reunion of the 2003 cult favorite film CAMP! Joining us for a pre-screening talkback will be director Todd Graff, and CAMP's Robin De Jesus, Sasha Allen, Joanna Chilcoat, Lynn Ahrens, Steven Cutts, Brad Simmons, Stephen Dimenna, Brittany Pollack, and other special guests to be announced.
Versatile stage and screen performer Robin De Jesus will take over for original author and star of the hit Off-Broadway one-man diva tribute PATTI ISSUES, Ben Rimalower, for a series of performances beginning September 8.
Lucky Monkey Pictures and Sh-K-Boom Records announced today Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan (“Smash,”Joyful Noise) will star in the film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's acclaimed musical The Last 5 Years.
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will present three performances of The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz May 16-18 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the performances feature performances by Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, and The Washington Chorus. The performances celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday as well as the 10th anniversary of the perennially 'popular' Wicked, and Mr. Schwartz will make a special appearance in each of the three programs, performing and sharing stories of the creation of Wicked.
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will present three performances of The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz tonight, May 16-18 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the performances feature performances by Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, and The Washington Chorus. The performances celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday as well as the 10th anniversary of the perennially 'popular' Wicked.
Paper Mill Playhouse hosted its largest fundraising event of the year, The 75th Anniversary Gala, on May 10th, 2013. The 75th Anniversary Gala celebrated Paper Mill's legacy as a world-class producer of theater and its role as a pioneer in arts education for three-quarters of a century. The evening offered dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and entertainment by students from Paper Mill Playhouse's arts education programs, The Eddie Bruce Band, and headliner Jeremy Jordan, star of Broadway's Newsies and NBC's Smash. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos from the festivities below!
Paper Mill Playhouse is hosting its largest fundraising event of the year, The 75th Anniversary Gala tonight, May 10th.
The 75th Anniversary Gala is a celebration of Paper Mill's legacy as a world-class producer of theater and its role as a pioneer in arts education for three-quarters of a century,' stated Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director. 'The annual benefit will offer an evening of dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and entertainment by students from Paper Mill Playhouse's arts education programs, The Eddie Bruce Band and headlining this memorable evening is star of Newsies and NBC's Smash, Jeremy Jordan.'
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will present three performances of The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz May 16-18 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, the performances feature performances by Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, and The Washington Chorus. The performances celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday as well as the 10th anniversary of the perennially "popular" Wicked.
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