David Niven (1910-1983) was an actor of such diverse talents and charm that he is often categorized using clichéd phrases like 'urbane light comedian' or 'leading man.' These descriptions are indeed accurate, but one does not survive before the camera for a half-century on charm alone. The problem-if you can call it that-is that Niven made it all look too easy. Like Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days, he took everything in stride, unflappably and (seemingly) effortlessly playing his part, always prepared for whatever came his way. He was, after all, originally a military man by profession. He then chose to 'bum' around America, eventually winding up in Hollywood. Just as his film career began to blossom, he was one of the first to answer Britain's call when World War II broke out, serving on active duty for the duration and rising to the rank of colonel. He even made two propaganda films during brief leaves, including The Way Ahead, which is included in this series. After making his return in Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's masterpiece A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven), he resumed a glorious career in film, theater, television, and writing with his typical debonair insouciance. This series aims to recapture some of the special glory that was David Niven.
The New York Times reports that producer Jeffrey Richards has announced that the current revival Eugene O'Neill DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS starring two-time Tony Award winner Brian Dennehy, stage and screen star Carla Gugino, and Tony nominee Pablo Schreiber, under the direction of Tony Award Winner Robert Falls will close May 24 at the St. James Theatre after a run of 32 performances.
Sincerity and sizzle are missing from Stoneham Theatre revival of William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama
Desire Under the Elms has just announced that it will transfer from Chicago's Goodman Theatre to Broadway's St. James Theater. Previews will begin on April 14, with opening night set for April 27th.
What's On Stage reports that the Sothwark Playhouse recently announced its new spring season line-up which. Its new season will follow the successful fall season which included shows, such as Romeo and Juliet, Unstated, and Moll Flanders.
It was announced today that the upcoming previously announced revival of West Side Story will begin previews on February 23, 2009 with an official opening slated for March 19, 2009.
WEST SIDE STORY, the landmark American musical, will return to Broadway in a new production directed by two-time Tony Award winning librettist Arthur Laurents.
The Old Globe Theatre has announced a complete 10-production winter season with the new musical A Catered Affair, a stage adaptation of the classic film musical The Band Wagon and the West Coast premiere of a new Richard Greenberg play among the highlights.
'The Broadway Musicals of 1949' will be the latest entry in the 'Broadway by the Year' series; featuring Karen Ziemba, Cady Huffman, Marla Schaffel and more, it will be released on May 19th
A weekly theater column for the Baltimore/Washington area.
New York City Center will present the 13th season of New York City Center Encores! Great American Musicals In Concert®, opening February 9 with Kismet starring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie, followed by the Kander and Ebb musical 70, Girls, 70. George and Ira Gershwin's Of Thee I Sing will end the season, playing May 11 - 14.
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