SPOTLIGHT ON FOLLIES 2011: Ron Raines
by Pat Cerasaro - Aug 24, 2011
Today we are kicking off Broadway World's multi-part series of interviews with the stars of the 2011 Kennedy Center produced and Eric Schaeffer directed production of Stephen Sondheim & James Goldman's seminal showbiz musical, FOLLIES, currently in previews on Broadway at the Marquis Theater. Suave leading man Ron Raines sheds light on the central, pivotal role of Benjamin Stone and how he sees the character - in his youth, in his marriage, in the present and, also, in the future, post-Loveland and, even post-FOLLIES - as well as illuminates his interactions with the colorful array of stars he shares the stage with eight nights a week - chief among them: Bernadette Peters, Elaine Paige and Jan Maxwell! Additionally, we discuss what has changed in the transfer from Washington, D.C. to NYC, as well as examine the underlying message and story told in Ben's stunning musical triptych of 'The Road You Didn't Take', 'Too Many Mornings' and 'Live, Laugh, Love'. As if all that were not enough, Raines and I cast a glance back at his previous stage and screen work and discuss his solo albums, upcoming concert appearances and much, much more! Plus, first news of his essaying of the title role in SWEENEY TODD with Karen Ziemba in St. Louis next summer, directed by the helmer of the original Christopher Bond play that inspired Sondheim to compose the musical adaptation in the first place back in 1969.
InDepth InterView: Frank Vincent on CHICAGO OVERCOAT & More
by Pat Cerasaro - Apr 17, 2011
Appearing in all three of Martin Scorsese's masterpieces - RAGING BULL, GOODFELLAS and CASINO - would surely suffice, at least for the artistic quotient of any resume, yet the suave and commanding presence of Frank Vincent as Tony Soprano's arch-nemesis Phil Leotardo on HBO's THE SOPRANOS may very well be his most beloved role to date. Yet, how to even choose? In addition to those four simply masterful entities, Mr. Vincent has also appeared in films for a wide array of highly notable directors, including: Spike Lee on DO THE RIGHT THING and JUNGLE FEVER; Brian DePalma on WISE GUYS; James Mangold on COP LAND; and the recently deceased Sidney Lumet on the 1996 crime thriller NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN. In addition to a thorough discussion of his past roles, new and old - plus, what it was like to act as acting coach to Nas, Method Man and DMX on Hype Williams's BELLY - we also get down to brass nuts and bolts about his riveting new crime thriller CHICAGO OVERCOAT, available this week. In OVERCOAT, Mr. Vincent portrays perhaps his most rich and complex character to date and his powerful performance is something to cherish, cheer - and, surely, cower at; in fear. After all, who does badass boss better than Mr. Vincent? As it turns out, he's also a hell of a nice guy, to boot! Now, to quote Billy Batts in GOODFELLAS, 'Go home and get your shine box!' but, first enjoy his colorful comments!
B.B. King Confirms Three Rare UK June Concerts
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 28, 2011
Universally hailed as the reigning King of the Blues, the legendary B.B. King will perform three UK concerts in Manchester, Edinburgh and London in June 2011.
Vanessa Bell Armstrong Signs with Music World Gospel
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 28, 2011
Multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee and Stellar Award winner Vanessa Bell Armstrong today signed an exclusive recording and co-management agreement with Music World Gospel. Armstrong will be co-managed by Clive Ennis of CAnthony Entertainment
Roundabout Completes Cast for Murphy Led PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE
by Jessica Lewis - Feb 22, 2011
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Tracy Aron, announces the complete cast for the new Broadway musical THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, starring two time Tony® Award-winner Donna Murphy, directed by Leonard Foglia. THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE features book & lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart and music by Mike Stoller and Artie Butler.
Motion Picture Academy to Honor Jerry Lewis with Humanitarian Award
by BWW News Desk - Feb 22, 2009
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced today that their board of governors have voted to give Jerry Lewis the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Lewis is to be presented with the special Oscar statuette on February 22, 2009 during the 81st Annual Academy Awards.
Motion Picture Academy to Honor Jerry Lewis with Humanitarian Award
by Robert Diamond - Dec 10, 2008
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced today that their board of governors have voted to give Jerry Lewis the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Lewis is to be presented with the special Oscar statuette on February 22, 2009 during the 81st Annual Academy Awards.
Charm City Call Board: January 2 - 7
by James Howard - Jan 2, 2008
Happy New Year! News of Spotlighters, QuestFest, Run of the Mill, FPCT, more! Plus! Job openings and audition notices!
Broadway Bullet Interview: Frank Conway, BC/EFA
by Michael Gilboe - Mar 7, 2007
We recently sat down with Frank Conway of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to learn about some upcoming events they have planned... and get the backstage lowdown on crazy happenings!
A CHORUS LINE Special: 'My Inner Cassie'
by Robert Diamond - Oct 5, 2006
Featuring all the Broadway Cassies including Donna McKechnie, Ann Reinking, Pamela Sousa, Cheryl Clark, Wanda Richert, Angelique Ilo, Laurie Gamache, Deborah Henry, Vicki Frederick in a very special feature.
BWW Turns its Spotlight on Vegas: A Chat with Michael Gill
by Robert Diamond - Mar 15, 2006
One of the hottest topics today, in the world of theatre business, is the increasing trend of Broadway shows setting up shop in Las Vegas. BroadwayWorld.com now turns it spotlight to the desert...and it seemed like the perfect time to chat with Michael Gill. Widely considered to be the leading expert at this crossroads of Broadway and Vegas, Gill reveals what makes a Broadway show desireable for transfer. He also talks about his current and upcoming productions, such as Hairspray and Phantom. Here is an insider's take on the Vegas theatre business and much more.
