La Bete

Yesterday, November 30, Star Jones (Celebrity Apprentice), Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl), Bebe Neuwirth (Addams Family on Broadway), Ana Gasteyer (Saturday Night Live), Chita Rivera (Broadway Legend & 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient) & Joanna Lumley (Broadway's La Bete/Absolutely Fabulous) helped Duracell power the New Year by visiting the launch of the pop-up mobile Duracell Smart Power Lab to pedal Power Rovers that are collecting energy to power the iconic 2011 numerals on New Year's Eve. BroadwayWorld was on hand and brings you photo coverage below.

This Christmas the Rose Theatre will join forces with Broadway producer Bud Martin to present The Three Musketeers, a brand new musical adapted from the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. The Three Musketeers will play at the Rose from 27 November to 2 January, prior to the West End.

The 39 Steps, Priscilla and Legally Blonde also pick up prizes!

Today, we are talking to the versatile and multi-talented Tony-winning actor who has recently found television superstardom following his turn as the Russell Edgington, King of the Tennessee Vampires, on HBO's hit series TRUE BLOOD, but he has also proven himself to be equally at home on the big screen - as can be clearly seen in his impressive turns in 21 GRAMS, GARDEN STATE, CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR, MILK and more. Discussing his penchant for the dark side as well as his musical comedy side - such as his unforgettable performance in Joe Mantello's ASSASSINS and opposite Christina Applegate in the recent revival of SWEET CHARITY - Denis O'Hare makes clear his adoration for the theatrical form and his undying - make that undead - devotion to his craft. This extensive chat certainly gives us a lot of grist and meat to chew on. Be sure to catch O'Hare eight times a week on Broadway in ELLING, which opens today.

The Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter is now selling tickets to the Thursday, December 16th performance of Broadway's La Bête, David Hirson's satire starring Tony Award winners David Hyde Pierce and Mark Rylance and BAFTA winner Joanna Lumley. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will support programs, services and research to benefit the New York City Alzheimer's community.

While the campy antics of Devil Boys From Beyond may suggest an unlikely blend of screwball classics like His Girl Friday with infamous sci-fi fare such as Plan 9 From Outer Space, the movie title that kept popping into my mind was Clash of The Titans.  Not because of the mythical physiques of beefy boys Jeff Riberdy and Jacques Mitchell, but because this honey of a laff-riot matches esteemed associates from the schools of Off-Broadway's two most significant drag theatre artists.

'They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway' and nothing could be truer as you gaze through this dazzling gallery of new photos taken by Monica Simoes of Broadway at night. Before Times Square started looking like Piccadilly Circus and Tokyo at night, it was the Broadway theatres that lit up the Great White Way. These pictures prove that the legend of Broadway has not lost it glitter.

Sure, in America the guilty have just as much a right to a fair trial as the innocent.  But when someone you believe is guilty doesn't get one, is that a wrong you can be all that enthused about righting?  That's one of the discussion points that might be mulled over by leftist radicals downing shots of vodka after taking in Amy Herzog's After The Revolution.  Unfortunately, this tantalizing moral dilemma is regulated to a throwaway point in a play that teases us with its political content while contenting itself with being a rather formulaic family drama.  It's a good one, for sure; well-written (despite an unsatisfying ending) with absorbing conflicts and director Carolyn Cantor's excellent cast is always engaging, but every so often the play reminds us of an interesting direction the author decided not to take.

The acclaimed Broadway revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley will play through Sunday, January 9th, 2011 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street), capping off a limited 16-week Broadway engagement. LA BÊTE began previews on Broadway on September 23rd and officially opened October 14th. The Broadway run immediately follows a critically and commercially successful engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End. LA BÊTE will have played a total of 23 preview performances and 101 regular performances on Broadway.

The New York Times reports this morning that Mark Rylance, currently starring in La Bete alongside David Hyde Pierce and Joanna Lumley at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway, may be reprising his role as Johnny 'Rooster' Byron in Jez Butterworth's award-winning play, Jerusalem, on Broadway this season.

'COLOGNE, Or The Ways Evil Enters The World.' the short story, was first published by Windfall Press. Its production history began in 1999 at Highways in Santa Monica starring the author, and under David Schweizer's direction continued at The Tiffany Theatre in West Hollywood produced by Paula Holt & Eileen T'Kaye. It subsequently played at Theatre 150, Ojai, at The Evidence Room, LA, at Santa Fe Playhouse, New Mexico, Off-Broadway at the Rattlestick Theatre (adding Suzi Dietz to the producing team), and finally at the Lavender Footlights Festival in Miami. The current production marks the debut of Harry Hart-Browne in the role and the first time an actor other than the playwright has assayed the role.

This Christmas the Rose Theatre will join forces with Broadway producer Bud Martin to present The Three Musketeers, a brand new musical adapted from the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. The Three Musketeers will play at the Rose from 27 November to the 2 January, prior to the West End.

The only press night offered for the Public LAB's premiere production of playwright/director Richard Nelson's That Hopey Changey Thing was this past Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 at 7pm.  Given that the play actually takes place on Tuesday. November 2nd, 2010 at 7pm (America's Election Night, for my plethora of foreign readers) I was rather hopey that the text might, in fact, wind up being changey, depending on the news of returns coming in during the play's 90 minutes.  No such luck.  But even in its frozen state, the piece is sharp, engrossing and superbly acted.

The all new 21st Season of Broadway Beat is here! This week catch up with Broadway Beat at Elling, La Bete, The Language Archive and Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles.

So, dear readers, I know you're used to me writing about all things Seattle Theater related but I'm currently out on my pilgrimage to Mecca (as it were) visiting New York to see some of the new shows (both on and off Broadway) they have to offer.

Three quarters of a century before a Frank Rich review had the power to close a Broadway show on opening night, New York City Police Commissioner William McAdoo accomplished the same feat with his pan of the 1905 American premiere of George Bernard Shaw's, Mrs. Warren's Profession.

Perhaps not content with merely being the best comic actress on the New York stage, Jan Maxwell follows her hilarious turns in last season's revivals of The Royal Family and Lend Me A Tenor by refreshing her dramatic chops a with a riveting, edge of your seat performance in John Doyle's senses-tingling production of Arthur Kopit's 1978 drama, Wings.

'COLOGNE, Or The Ways Evil Enters The World.' the short story, was first published by Windfall Press. Its production history began in 1999 at Highways in Santa Monica starring the author, and under David Schweizer's direction continued at The Tiffany Theatre in West Hollywood produced by Paula Holt & Eileen T'Kaye. It subsequently played at Theatre 150, Ojai, at The Evidence Room, LA, at Santa Fe Playhouse, New Mexico, Off-Broadway at the Rattlestick Theatre (adding Suzi Dietz to the producing team), and finally at the Lavender Footlights Festival in Miami. The current production marks the debut of Harry Hart-Browne in the role and the first time an actor other than the playwright has assayed the role.

An article by Patrick Healy for the NY Times points out that several new shows this Broadway season, including Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and La Bete, are struggling to fill their houses after receiving mixed reviews for their productions.

This weekend, ABC launched a special celebration of Broadway, toasting the Fall 2010 season with the help of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC star, and Broadway legend Bernadette Peters. Click below for the segment, in addition to highlights of LA BETE and COLIN QUINN'S LONG STORY SHORT!

BroadwayWorld.com is pleased to present illustrator Ken Fallin, who brings you original illustrations of everyone's favorite theatrical stars each week. This week's feature: David Hyde Pierce, Mark Rylance and Joanna Lumley in LA BETE!

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), opened on Broadway, October 14. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night of July 7. Broadway Beat was on hand for the opening night party and spoke with show's stars and creative team. Click below to go inside LA Bete's opening night.

Asolo Repertory Theatre announced the complete cast of its upcoming production of Bonnie & Clyde a thrilling new musical with book by Ivan Menchell (The Cemetery Club, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang); music by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel); lyrics by Tony Award-winner Don Black (Sunset Boulevard, Song and Dance); Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by John McDaniel; and direction and musical staging by Tony Award- winner Jeff Calhoun (Deaf West's Big River and Pippin, Grease!). The production runs from November 16 - December 19, 2010 on the Asolo Rep mainstage-The Mertz Theatre. The press opening is November 19, at 8 p.m.

Raymond J. Lee and Ben Gettinger recently released the first installment of their webisode titled, 'Thank You...Next.'

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), opened last night, October 14. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night of July 7. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the opening night arrivals and brings you photo coverage below.

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), opened last night, October 14. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night of July 7.

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), opened last night, October 14. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night of July 7.

They say we've become a society anesthetized from violent images since the days when graphic television news footage from Vietnam helped spark the largest anti-war movement this country had seen up until that time.  But the video clips from Gaza shown in Pulitzer-winning journalist Lawrence Wright's solo piece, The Human Scale, are enough to test any playgoer's stomach.

American playwright David Hirson's rollicking 1991 play, LA BÊTE, is a comic tour de force about Elomire (David Hyde Pierce), a high-minded classical dramatist who loves only the theater, and Valere (Mark Rylance), a low-brow street clown who loves only himself. When the fickle princess (Joanna Lumley) decides she's grown weary of Elomire's royal theatre troupe, he and Valere are left fighting for survival as art squares off with ego in a literary showdown for the ages.

This week I had the honor and privilege of conducting a comprehensive InDepth InterView with legendary star of stages and screens worldwide, both large and small - and winner of an Oscar and a Tony award along the way - who will be co-starring with Glenn Close in a special benefit reading of Larry Kramer's Pulitzer-prize winning AIDS crisis drama THE NORMAL HEART on Monday night, unquestionably one of the greatest dancers and performers of all time: Mr. Joel Grey! In this extensive interview we discuss his daughter Jennifer Grey and his feelings and advice to the DIRTY DANCING star on her participation in DANCING WITH THE STARS and teaching her some tricks of the trade, in addition to the first word of the upcoming Kathleen Marshall-helmed revival of ANYTHING GOES co-starring Sutton Foster coming to the Roundabout early next year as well as his thoughts on co-stars Liza Minnelli, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster as well as working with directors like Bob Fosse, Hal Prince, Joe Mantello and Kathleen Marshall! We also discuss much, much more! It may be gray outside these Fall days but it's all Grey at BWW!

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), will officially open tonight, October 14. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night of July 7. Click below for a video preview of LA BETE!

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley will open on Broadway October 14, 2010 at the Music Box Theatre. Joining Rylance, Pierce, and Lumley in both London and New York are Stephen Ouimette, Lisa Joyce, Greta Lee, Robert Lonsdale, Michael Milligan, Liza Sadovy, Sally Wingert, Deanne Lorette, and Steve Routman.

This past Friday afternoon I read that this person has been meeting with producers to consider the possibility of appearing on Broadway, in order to, 'expand her brand by taking to the stage.'  That evening I heard the 82-year-old Marilyn Maye, after nearly ninety minutes of superlative interpretations of musical theatre classics from the likes of Jerry Herman, Frank Loesser and Kander and Ebb, tell her completely enthralled audience that it's still her ambition to one day be on Broadway, before emoting a beautifully vulnerable 'Losing My Mind' that segued into a classy and celebratory 'I'm Still Here' that brought just about the entire packed Metropolitan Room house to its feet in one of the most adoring ovations I've ever seen.

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), will officially open October 14, 2010. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night of July 7. The first Broadway production shots have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a look below.

THEATER TALK, the lively TV series devoted to the world of the stage - hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post, and series producer Susan Haskins - returns for its 18th New York television season with a preview of Broadway's most anticipated fall shows on Friday, October 15 (2010) at 12:30 a.m. on Thirteen.

Check out the October calendar of events on page A21 of today's New York Times featuring well-known writers, celebrities, newsmakers, and musicians.

Michael Donald Edwards, Asolo Repertory Theatre's producing artistic director, announced today his selections for the 2010-2011 season. A major highlight of Asolo Rep's 52nd season is the pre-Broadway try-out production of Bonnie & Clyde opening on November 19, 2010.

Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce talks to the ladies of the 'The View' on September 28 on everything from La Bete to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. Check out the video below!

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley began previews at Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) on September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), will officially open October 14, 2010. This immediately follows a limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010 with opening night set for July 7. BroadwayWorld brings you a look at the marquee below!

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley play Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) beginning tonight, September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), will officially open October 14, 2010. This immediately follows a critically-acclaimed limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010.

Acclaimed comedian David Lee Nelson will host this exciting star-studded event to assist Coyote REP in raising funds for its upcoming season at the beautiful Players' Club at 16 Gramercy Park in NYC.

Acclaimed comedian David Lee Nelson will host this exciting star-studded event to assist Coyote REP in raising funds for its upcoming season at the beautiful Players' Club at 16 Gramercy Park in NYC.

Some of the West End's biggest stars have been nominated in BroadwayWorld UK's first-ever awards!

Matthew Warchus' production of David Hirson's La Bête, starring Mark Rylance, David Hyde Pierce and Joanna Lumley, will complete its run as scheduled at the Comedy Theatre on 4 September, transferring immediately to the Music Box Theatre on Broadway with previews from 23 September and opening on 14 October.

Kerry Butler, Deidre Goodwin, James Patrick Stuart and Tom McGowan will star in the NYMF 2010's Production of Pandora's Box - A New Musical Play with Music and Lyrics by Glen Roven, Book by Maria S. Schlatter, and Directed by Gary Halvorson and Wayne Cilento. The show will run at Theater St. Clements (423 West 46th) with performances on October 8, 9, 11, 13, 14 and 16th.

The first major revival of David Hirson's Olivier Award-winning comedy LA BÊTE starring Tony and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance, Tony and Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce, and BAFTA Award winner (and star of 'Absolutely Fabulous') Joanna Lumley will play Broadway's Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street) beginning September 23, 2010. This new production, helmed by acclaimed Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, Boeing-Boeing, The Norman Conquests), will officially open October 14, 2010. This immediately follows a critically-acclaimed limited summer engagement at the Comedy Theatre in London's West End from June 26-September 4, 2010.

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features announced today that the new Broadway musical ELF will star Tony® Award winner Beth Leavel (Emily), Tony® Award nominee Mark Jacoby (Walter), Matthew Gumley (Michael), Valerie Wright (Deb), Michael McCormick (Mr. Greenway), Michael Mandell (Store Manager) and six-time Emmy® Award winner George Wendt (Santa). Full casting including the lead roles of Buddy and Jovie will be announced shortly.

Matthew Warchus' production of David Hirson's La Bête, starring Mark Rylance, David Hyde Pierce and Joanna Lumley, will complete its run as scheduled at the Comedy Theatre on 4 September, transferring immediately to the Music Box Theatre on Broadway with previews from 23 September and opening on 14 October.

Trevor Nunn directs the first major London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Charles Hart's Aspects of Love at the Menier Chocolate Factory, previewing from 07 July with press night on 15 July and running until 26 September. Designs are by David Farley with choreography by Lynne Page, lighting by Paul Pyant, musical supervision by Caroline Humphris, orchestrations by David Cullen and sound by Gareth Owen. Trevor Nunn previously directed the world premiere of Aspects of Love and returns to the piece to direct this new intimate version.