Willy News

Imagination Stage is extending its popular production of Rapunzel by a week. Rapunzel now runs in Imagination Stage's Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre through May 26.

Charleston Children's Theatre presents WILLY WONKA Junior April 19-22 with school performances April 19, 20 at 9:15am at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. General performance times have not yet been announced.

COCA announces its line-up for this weekend, including TRIumphant, its Spring Repertory Concert to be held this Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21, 22 at 2 p.m.

Making a name for herself as a model at a very early age set the stage for a career on screens large and small - as well as the Broadway stage itself many, many times over - for iconic beauty Brooke Shields. On April 24, she takes on the role of the Baroness in a starry Carnegie Hall concert mounting of Rodgers & Hammerstein's much-loved musical classic THE SOUND OF MUSIC, co-starring previous InDepth InterView participant Tony Goldwyn as Captain Von Trapp in addition the subject of next week's upcoming InDepth InterView as Maria, rising star Laura Osnes. Sharing her insights on her many notable Broadway appearances since her bow in GREASE in the 1990s - including thoughts on her stints in CABARET, CHICAGO, WONDERFUL TOWN, THE ADDAMS FAMILY and more - Shields opens up about her affection for the theatrical form and her desire to pursue plays and musicals in the future. Additionally, Shields comments on her role opposite Miley Cyrus on HANNAH MONTANA, as well as her sitcom days on SUDDENLY SUSAN and upcoming film appearance in HOT FLASHES. Plus, all about her impressions of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and her affection for the classic score, original film and its stars as well as the challenges she faces taking on the tricky role of the Baroness in the gala Carnegie Hall concert event. All of that and much, much more!

As we move past the middle of April (did you get your taxes done on time?), I hope your plans include attending a few productions at any number of the theatre and live performance establishments here on the beautiful California Central Coast!

Steps off Broadway Productions, Inc., will be performing their stage production of Willy Wonka on April 28, May 4 & 5 at 7:30 PM and April 29 & May 6 at 2:00 PM.

York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director), celebrating the legendary librettist and lyricist Tom Jones with Musicals in Mufti: The Tom Jones Festival, has announced the complete cast for the fourth musical in the spring series: Colette Collage, with Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones and Music by Harvey Schmidt. The limited engagement will play 5 performances April 27 - 29 at The York Theatre at Saint Peter's (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue).

Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, the producers of the new Broadway play MAGIC/BIRD, announced today that the star of "Lombardi," Dan Lauria, will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 8pm performance at the intimate Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) this Wednesday, April 18. Lauria, who portrayed the legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the hit play last year, will be joined on stage by his longtime friend Peter Scolari, who is playing legendary coaches Red Auerbach and Pat Riley in Magic/Bird.

The B Street Theatre, Sacramento's Resident Professional, New Works Theatre closes both its spring play selections for the Mainstage & Family Series tonight, April 15.

Eric Rosen has announced his selections for Kansas City Repertory Theatre's 2012-13 season, his fifth year as the theatre's artistic director.

MAGIC/BIRD opened at the Longacre Theatre on Wednesday, April 11. MAGIC/BIRD, directed by Tony Nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights), reunites Lombardi playwright, Oscar Winner and Emmy Nominee, Eric Simonson on MAGIC/BIRD, a new American Play chronicling the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson. Check out highlights from opening night below!

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson appeared on ABC's 'The View' this week to talk about the storied basketball rivalry and unique friendship with fellow basketball player Larry Bird. Their relationship is chronicled in the new Broadway show MAGIC/BIRD which opened Wednesday night, April 11 at The Longacre Theatre.

Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 2pm matinee performance today at the intimate 900 seat Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street), the second show following Wednesday's star-studded opening. Johnson, one of the two key subjects (along with fellow Hall of Famer Larry Bird) of the six person original play, will speak with the audience today and give his thoughts.

Experience La Traviata starring Natalie Dessay as part of The Met: Live in HD series transmitted live to movie theaters nationwide on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 12:55 PM ET / 9:55 AM PT.

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway last night, April 11 and BroadwayWorld was at the post-show celebration to chat with the company! Click below to hear from the cast and director Thomas Kail!

NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Larry Bird talked about their storied basketball rivalry and their unique friendship off the court on last night's LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN. Their appearance coincided with the Opening Night of the new Broadway show MAGIC/BIRD.

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway last night, April 11. BroadwayWorld was on hand throughout the evening and brings you photo coverage of the starry theatre arrivals below!

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway Tuesday night, April 10. BroadwayWorld was there to catch the stars, including Larry Bird, Tug Coker, Kevin Daniels, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson and more, in action at the after party and brings you photos below!

Last night, April 11, MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre, with special appearances by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird themselves. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the opening night curtain call and brings you photo coverage below!

MAGIC/BIRD, directed by Tony Nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights), will officially open with a 7 p.m. performance tonight.