In 1969, at age 16, Bronx-born Karen Wyman became a singing sensation appearing on TV with Dean Martin, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Tonight Show, and cutting two albums. A few years later she suddenly quit singing professionally to raise a family. Now, she's back and as she proved with her new show at the Metropolitan Room, she's as good as ever.
Today we are talking to a standout star of the internationally adored period-set drama series DOWNTON ABBEY all about her unforgettable character on the show as well as what we can expect from the highly anticipated upcoming extended Christmas episode - the convivial Lesley Nicol. Looking back at an incredibly accomplished career thus far, Nicol shares some insights on her favorite TV and film roles to date while also casting a glance back at some of her most memorable stage performances - as an original cast member of the inaugural West End JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as well as a multi-year run in long-running hi MAMMA MIA! included. Most importantly, Nicol outlines the finer points of her charming and committed characterization of the belabored chef of Downton Abbey itself and imparts her enthusiasm and enjoyment with the delectable and dramatic storylines conjured up by creator Julian Fellowes as well as shares some of her own favorite scene partners and events in the show's rich history. Additionally, Nicol clues us in on this year's Christmas ep and her own impressions of this year's sequence of events just as US viewers gear up for the first stateside showings of Season 4, starting in early 2014. Plus, Nicol looks ahead to DOWNTON ABBEY Season 5, set to film in 2014, and beyond. All of that and much, much more awaits!
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts rings in the New Year with performances in comedy, cooking, and music in the newly renovated Ruth Finley Person Theater (50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa). The 2013-2014 season continues with a line-up of renowned comedians, including Colin Quinn's Unconstitutional (January 16), Larry the Cable Guy (January 29) and Kathleen Madigan: Madigan Again (February 15). The star of TV's Restaurant: Impossible will cook up an entertaining evening in Robert Irvine Live! (January 17), while a legend of romance, Engelbert Humperdinck (February 9), and legends of rock, Chicago (February 11), perform just in time for Valentine's Day. Additionally, the 9th season of the Symphony Pops Series continues with Three Phantoms in Concert on February 23.
Today, she's back creating MORE controversy, telling Hunger TV that 'You know me and Rankin were talking about it. With magazines, with movies, it's always weird when things are targeted for young people yet they're driven by people that are like 40 years too old. It can't be like this 70 year old Jewish man that doesn't leave his desk all day, telling me what the clubs want to hear. I'm going out, I know what they want to hear. I know when you're in a club, what makes everyone go crazy and when the time is where everyone's like “alright I'm going go get a drink”. I know when people walk off the dance floor and I know what's driving it so I've got to be the one doing it because they're just not in on what 20 year olds are doing.'
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN opens tonight, October 10 at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. Let's see what the critics had to say...
I sat down with the phenomenally talented couple, Mike Hartman and Lauren Klein to discuss romance on and off the stage, the impact of theater in their lives, and taking on such iconic and challenging roles!
Today's blog is brought to you by my second cup of coffee and the last tiny flecks of energy I have left after this insane tech week. The insanity and long hours though, have brought us to this, our first preview, where the world will see what we've been working on for that last five weeks. Will it be a hit for the Goodspeed? Will people find our grapes to be sour? (Grant me at least one Napa Valley pun…I'm exhausted). I have my opinions on our show, which I've mentioned at length on here, but the audience member is the one who truly decides our fate.
Before rehearsals began, Education Dramaturg Ted Sod asked playwright Joshua Harmon to discuss his work on Bad Jews.
Well holy hoofers! That was one of the most joyous two hours and 20 minutes of television that I have witnessed in a long time; the fifteen minute real-life respite notwithstanding. From start to shocking finish Uncle Nigel and his panel of experts gave So You Think You Can Dance fans a proper celebratory sendoff to Season 10.
Today we are talking to one of the most notably theatrical and animated performers in music history known for his operatic onstage antics as well as his acting in a number of notable stage and screen properties over his forty-year career besides his legendary recording work - the one and only Meat Loaf. Analyzing the magical musical ingredients that have made BAT OUT OF HELL one of the bestselling albums of all time, as well as the worldwide success of its sequel and its lead single 'I'd Do Anything For Love' and his ongoing relationship with the peerless rock visionary of a creator behind them both, Jim Steinman, Loaf nee Aday sheds some new light on his rich recording legacy, then and now. Additionally, Loaf shares first news of his upcoming re-teaming with Steinman on tracks for his new BRAVE & CRAZY album as well as shares some candid and vivid touring stories old and new involving the idiosyncratic and iconic rock pair. Most importantly, Loaf gives us the 411 on his new Las Vegas residency at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, ROCKTELLZ & COCKTAILS PRESENTS MEAT LOAF for six weeks beginning September 26 and also outlines what fans can expect catching him on tour, too. Plus, Loaf recounts his various experiences on the Broadway and Hollywood adaptations of the ever-enduring ultimate cult classic as it marks its fortieth anniversary, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and also imparts memories from his early days in New York, recounting stage roles in musicals like HAIR and Steinman's own MORE THAN YOU DESERVE, as well as roles in Shakespearean drama and comedy byway of OTHELLO and AS YOU LIKE - not to mention the infamous ROCKABYE HAMLET '70s rock musical - among others. All of that, thoughts on the upcoming FIGHT CLUB sequel, choosing newcomer Michael Bay and casting Angelina Jolie for BAT 2 music videos, memories of appearing on GLEE as well as information on multiple upcoming film appearances and insights into show business in general - and much, much more!
As I said in last week's recap, despite one of the most talented Top-20 in recent memory, I have been a little underwhelmed at times with this season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.
Today we are talking to the daughter of one of the most iconic performers in entertainment history, Judy Garland, who has made a name for herself in show business over the course of an impressive fifty-year career comprising starring roles...
Today we are talking to an electrifying live performer who has made a major mark in the theatrical realm with his work as the title character in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL - PHANTOM 25 for short - as well as the originator of the role in its musical sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES - to say nothing of his long-standing and upcoming association with LES MIERABLES, at the O2, in Toronto this Fall and beyond - the one and only Ramin Karimloo. Espousing on the many major musical theatre roles he has essayed thus far as well as what he would like to take on in the future, Karimloo grants unprecedented access into his background and illustrates his experiences participating in some already classic once-in-a-lifetime events, such as PHANTOM 25 and LES MIZ at the 02. Most importantly, Karimloo clues us in on what we can expect from his series of shows this week at SubCulture as well as explains the history and future plans for his Broadway and Bluegrass - aka Broadgrass - tour. Additionally, Karimloo discusses the finer points of his forthcoming headlining role as Jean Valjean in the Toronto kick-off of the brand new LES MISERABLES revival and shares his memories of appearing on the Academy Awards this year with the film's cast. Also, Karimloo offers first news on his upcoming series of EPs, reflects on his past solo albums and how they developed, as well as comments on his recent UK TV recurring role on THE SPA ROOM and desire to pursue more TV/film work in the future, as well as shares his enthusiasm for GLEE - and much, much more!
Before stage and screen comedy legend Lily Tomlin takes the stage for 'An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin' at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Saturday, June 22, the two-time Tony Award winner spoke candidly with BroadwayWorld's Michael Lawrence Quintos about her influences, her work in the theater, and why she would probably never do a Broadway musical anytime soon.
One of the most exciting aspects of theatre in Texas is sitting in the audience while Jaston Williams, of GREATER TUNA fame, takes the stage. His charisma and charming personality completely mesmerize and enchant audiences. Recently, I had an opportunity to catch back up with Jaston Williams, and he toldme about his recent performance as Truman Capote in TRU at Austin's ZACH Theatre and his upcoming production of his solo show BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS at Galveston's The Grand 1894 Opera House.
Today we are talking to a five-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer celebrated for her stupendous work on CRAZY FOR YOU, THE PRODUCERS, CONTACT, THE FROGS, THOU SHALT NOT, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and many more - the master musicals director Susan Stroman. In discussing a vast array of topics, Stroman and I touch upon many of her past projects as well as look ahead to her current and future endeavors - that is: the forthcoming Broadway bow of the new musical BIG FISH, starring Norbert Leo Butz, as well as the world premiere of Ahrens & Flaherty's LITTLE DANCER next year. Most importantly, Stroman shines a light on her enduring artistic partnership with Mel Brooks in bringing to life the screen-to-stage musical adaptations of both THE PRODUCERS and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, with BLAZING SADDLES on the way - their rich collaboration also being highlighted in this week's AMERICAN MASTERS tribute to Mel Brooks on PBS. Additionally, Stroman reflects on some of her lesser-known entities and casts a light on some of her foremost influences as well as candidly discusses her specialty work for a bevy of major stars - such as at SONDHEIM: A CELEBRATION AT CARNEGIE HALL in 1992 - and the finer points of working with Stephen Sondheim and Nathan Lane on Sondheim's most recent original Broadway musical, THE FROGS. Plus, Stroman shares first details of her upcoming collaboration with comedy master Woody Allen on the musical stage adaptation of Allen's Academy Award-winning BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and also offers the 411 on the upcoming Los Angeles and West End productions of Kander & Ebb's THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - including the real-life role the musical has played in the pardoning of the originally accused nine just last month. Stroman also comments on her work with Hal Prince on the career revue PRINCE OF BROADWAY, opening in Japan in 2015, and also touches upon her ongoing desire to pursue a film adaptation of her multi-Tony Award-winning and genre-redefining 2000 Best Musical, CONTACT. All of that and much, much awaits in this wide-ranging conversation!
As a critic, my first obligation is to be honest, so my readers will trust me when reporting on my experiences in the theater. After seeing the world premiere of In a Year With 13 Moons at Yale Rep, I have to tell you the truth. I didn't get it.
Today we are talking to a versatile stage and screen actress who has scored in a number of unique roles on Broadway and around the country in addition to making a recent mark with her work on the Broadway-themed web series IT COULD BE WORSE - the passionate and compelling Alison Fraser. Discussing her vast resume and some of her most fondly remembered performances to date, Fraser opens up about her remarkable career thus far - including her work originating parts in IN TROUSERS, MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS, THE SECRET GARDEN, ROMANCE/ROMANCE, GUNMETAL BLUES, THE DIVINE SISTER and more - and looks ahead to her most recent projects, current, upcoming and beyond. Most importantly, Fraser details the finer points of LOVE THERAPY, the new Wendy Beckett play she stars in Off-Broadway and outlines her continuing collaboration onstage with the playwright, having previously starred in CHARITY CASE, as well as what we can expect from the realistic new drama, opening April 29. Additionally, Fraser sheds some light on her recent work in the world premiere of the Tennessee Williams play IN MASKS OUTRAGEOUS AND AUSTERE and how that led to her new solo revue, THE TENNESSEE WILLIAMS SONGBOOK. Plus, memories of appearing in GYPSY on Broadway with Patti LuPone and working with Arthur Laurents on that as well as his own final play, cameoing on SMASH, reflections on her memorable musical partnerships with husband Rusty Magee and noted FALSETTOS songwriter William Finn, as well as thoughts on the contemporary theatre scene and her various theatre-related web projects, favorite recent shows and much, much more!
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET features the music of legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. The four came together for one night only at Sun Records in Memphis, TN on December 4, 1956, and the show gives audiences an inside look on what could be considered the greatest "jam session" of all time. Audiences can expect to hear popular hits such as 'Blue Suede Shoes,' 'Hound Dog,' and 'I Walk the Line' along with 'Great Balls of Fire,' 'Fever,' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.' Below, Kelly Lamont, who plays Elvis' girlfriend Dyanne, speaks in depth about the story, the characters, the music, and her experiences with MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET.
Last week I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Broadway headliner and SMASH Season Two Breakout star Jeremy Jordan about a wide range of topics, covering the vast majority of his career thus far in anticipation of the upcoming New York Pops Stephen Schwartz concert event, THE WIZARD & I: THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, on April 12 at Carnegie Hall. So, today, in this all-encompassing conversation, Jordan and I discuss his preparation for the sure-to-be sensational Schwartz event and provides analysis and ideas on the songs he will be performing as well as Schwartz's oeuvre in general. Also, Schwartz reveals a plethora of information about Season Two of NBC's musical drama series SMASH and what we can expect from the series over the next several weeks as the drama heats up and HIT LIST hits the stage. Also, Jordan reveals preliminary information about the forthcoming feature film adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's celebrated Off Broadway musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS, co-starring fellow Broadway/Hollywood crossover Anna Kendrick, and he shares some initial impressions of the project, as well as new details about what we can expect from the highly anticipated Richard LaGravenese-directed movie musical that is set to start shooting in June. Additionally, Jordan reflects upon his time playing Tony in WEST SIDE STORY under the direction of Arthur Laurents, in addition to remarking upon roles he would enjoy pursuing in the future, near and far, as well as much, much more!
Early in the rehearsal process, Bobby Cannavale spoke with Education Dramaturg Ted Sod about the role of Charlie Castle inThe Big Knife.
Below, check out quotables from NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon February 4 - 8:
Sitting down with any member of the Houston theatre community is one of the true perks of writing for BroadwayWorld. Recently, I got to sit down with three of the four cast members in Stark Naked Theatre's upcoming production of Yasmina Reza's GOD OF CARNAGE. Kim Tobin (playing Veronica), John Gremillion (playing Alan), and Kay Allmand (playing Annette) all talked to me about the show and why Houston audiences will love it.
I should really start off by apologizing, dear readers, as I'm about to share with you a production that you cannot see. Alas it only showed for one weekend but for those like myself who were fortunate enough to catch Showtunes' latest production, "Falsettos" then you realize that, even though it was simply a concert version, it is now the production to which all future productions of the show must be compared.
Before starting rehearsals for Talley's Folly, Sarah Paulson spoke with Education Dramaturg Ted Sod about preparing to play Sally Talley.
| 2001 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
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