William Morris News

 Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) announced today that Becky Benaroya has bequeathed the collection that she and her late husband Jack Benaroya carefully assembled during their 70 years of marriage. The collection of 225 works includes Northwestern and international studio art glass along with important paintings and sculptures by renowned regional artists. The gift, announced on Mrs. Benaroya's 93rd birthday, includes a contribution for the construction of a new 7,390 square-foot gallery addition in which to present the collection, an endowment fund for its care, and funds for a dedicated curator. The contribution to support the gift totals nearly $14 million. TAM's expanding collection further establishes the Pacific Northwest as the nation's art glass epicenter.

Music icons Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., will make their debut in the new musical, UP, UP & AWAY! a musical fable.

The critically acclaimed off-Broadway hit THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY, written by and starring James Lecesne, the writer of the Academy Award-winning film Trevor, begins a limited 23 performance engagement at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, tonight, January 13. The show runs through January 31, 2016 (press opening Thursday January 14).

ROCK AND A HARD PLACE, an unprecedented look inside a youth prison boot camp, will debut in May, exclusively on HBO. The powerful documentary is produced for HBO by Seven Bucks Productions, co-founded by Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia, and 44 Blue Productions.

This week at FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visitwww.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551.

As previously reported, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton will receive a behind-the-scenes book from Grand Central Publishing next spring. In anticipation of its release, Miranda has once again taken to Twitter to confirm that the book, which he's aptly calling '#Hamiltome' on the social media network, is now available for pre-order. In addition, he's also offered up a new peek inside. Check it out below!

THE 8TH ANNUAL JOE ICONIS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR brought holiday escapades to Feinstein's/ 54 Below on December 18-19. BroadwayWorld has photos from the starry concert below!

As previously reported, Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical Hamilton, now playing to packed houses at the Richard Rodgers Theater, is getting its own life in print via Grand Central Publishing. Miranda just took to Twitter to announce he is almost finished proofing the behind-the-scenes book, and then it's off to the printer!

Dylan Baker and Becky Ann Baker join THE 8TH ANNUAL JOE ICONIS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, presented December 18-19, at Feinstein's/ 54 Below.

Ghostlight Records and Two River Theater announce the release of the Original Cast Recording of the new musical BE MORE CHILL, with physical CDs in stores and online today, December 18.

This week FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visitwww.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551.

SAG-AFTRA today announced the promotion of Jeffrey Bennett to the role of New York Local executive director effective Jan. 1, 2016.

Craving a show after the show?  FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, is bringing its popular late-night series with fresh faces and hot new performances to keep the party buzzing into the wee hours. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551. FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW welcomes you to loosen your tie and embrace the night at its upcoming event: 

Abingdon Theatre Company launches its new Master Class Series with THE SOLO STORY WORKSHOP, a three-day intensive workshop with award-winning writer and actor James Lecesne, to be held this weekend, December 11-13 at Abingdon Theatre Company (312 West 36th Street).

The critically acclaimed off-Broadway hit THE ABSOLUTE BRIGHTNESS OF LEONARD PELKEY, written by and starring James Lecesne, the writer of the Academy Award-winning film Trevor, will have a limited 23 performance engagement at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Wednesday, January 13 to Sunday, January 31, 2016 (press opening Thursday January 14).

This December and January, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at Feinstein's/54 Below and to purchase tickets, visitwww.54Below.com/Feinsteins. 

Nick Blaemire, Annie Golden, Eric William Morris, George Salazar, and more join The 8th Annual Joe Iconis Christmas Spectacular, presented December 18-19, at Feinstein's/ 54 Below.

Michael Kimmel's (The Last Goodbye) new play will be read for the first time in New York on November 30th, 2015 at 7:30 PM for a one night-only benefit reading in Theater 511 at Ars Nova (511 West 54thStreet), directed by Molly Beach Murphy (Big Bend in the Red Dirt Desert) and featuring an all-star cast. Kimmel is also the author of Songbird, which premiered and is running currently at 59e59, now extended through December 6th. Proceeds will benefit Healthy Birth Day & Count The Kicks, which is dedicated to the prevention of stillbirth and infant death through education, advocacy, and support. The evening is stage managed by Michelle Heller (Les Miserables) and produced by Allison Bressi (Songbird).

Abingdon Theatre Company launches its new Master Class Series with THE SOLO STORY WORKSHOP, a three-day intensive workshop with award-winning writer and actor James Lecesne, to be held December 11-13 at Abingdon Theatre Company (312 West 36th Street).

59E59 Theaters has announced that SONGBIRD is extending its run through Sunday, December 6. The production was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, November 29.