Hottest Articles on BWW 7/3/2012 - 7/10/2012

1) Win Tickets to See Il Divo in Concert!

The world's foremost classical crossover quartet Il Divo is set to embark on its 2012 world tour, the group's fourth, which follows the release of the quartet's latest album, Wicked Game (on Syco/Columbia Records) and provides a new mark of achievement for the signature vocal blend and unique operatic arrangements which have captivated millions and launched a classical-crossover sensation. To celebrate the kick-off of this much-anticipated world tour, BroadwayWorld invites you to enter for a chance to WIN ONE PAIR OF TICKETS to see Il Divo live in concert! (more...)

2) AMERICAN IDOL's Jessica Sanchez in the Running for MISS SAIGON Film?

AMERICAN IDOL's Jessica Sanchez is reportedly in the running for the upcoming MISS SAIGON film. Sanchez, 16, was the season 11 runner-up in the singing competition. (more...)

3) Photo Flash: First Look at Alan Cumming in Lincoln Center Festival's MACBETH

On June 15 The National Theatre of Scotland production of Macbeth starring the Tony Award-winning Alan Cumming opened at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow, and the show just transferred to the Lincoln Center Festival on July 3. BroadwayWorld brings you photos of Cumming in action below! (more...)

4) InDepth InterView: Paul Becker Talks TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN, Ben Vereen Documentary, Upcoming Films & More

Today we are talking to a terrifically talented triple-threat who has graced the silver screen in CHICAGO, as well as in the TV productions of THE MUSIC MAN, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and in many stunt and dance double roles in his career thus far who has since become the protegee of dance extraordinaire Kenny Ortega and broken out on his own with a string of striking and memorable sequences in entities as diverse as TV's HELLCATS and the recent feature films THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, SUCKER PUNCH, MIRROR, MIRROR and TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 - gifted dancer/choreographer/director Paul Becker. Talking about many of his most memorable past projects and filling us in on his many current and future ones - TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN PART 2, a Ben Vereen documentary, an original movie musical titled STAGE FRIGHT, a James Gray film featuring Jeremy Renner and Marion Cotillard, a Lifetime movie musical with Karen Olivo and even more - Becker brings us into his unique and idiosyncratic world and gives us a glimpse into how he achieves consistent excellence in all of his many endeavors as he attempts to define his anomalous career for us. Additionally, Becker takes a look back at acting onscreen in the Oscar-winning Best Picture CHICAGO, choreographing the ultimate vampire wedding, judging SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? Canada, producing CANADA'S GOT TALENT, giving two hundred dancers movement for a Michael Buble music video and he also shares some hopes and wishes for what he would like to take on in his blindingly bright future in show business - directing a feature film, perhaps? What about a Broadway show when time permits? The possibilities are multitude and seemingly endless and Becker is one of the most brightly shining behind-the-scenes talents on the rise, as is clear to qualify by all of the exquisitely exciting entities he is involved with on the horizon, both near and far. Plus, Becker shares his experiences choreographing various THE MUPPETS movies, working with Ortega on the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus concert tours, directing the first YouTube feature film, dancing with death in MASTERS OF HORROR, giving moves to monsters in THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, staging the spectacular finale of MIRROR, MIRROR showcasing Julia Roberts, choreographing the fairy tale characters of ONCE UPON A TIME, and he also offers opinions on GLEE and SMASH, reveals his early influences, favorite stars, formative films - and much, much more! (more...)

5) Photo Flash: First Look at Brooke Shields, Richard Chamberlain, Emily Yetter et al. in THE EXORCIST at Geffen Playhouse!

The Geffen Playhouse's world premiere stage adaptation of The Exorcist features Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain in the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin, respectively, as well as Broadway actor David Wilson Barnes as the troubled young priest Father Damien Karras, Tony Award nominee Harry Groener takes on the role of Chris' charismatic director Burke Dennings and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Emily Yetter plays the young Regan MacNeil. The world premiere cast also includes Stephen Bogardus, Manoel Felciano, Tom Nelis and Roslyn Ruff. The play is written by John Pielmeier adapted from the novel by William Peter Blatty, and is directed by John Doyle. The Exorcist just began previews and opens in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse on July 11, 2012 and runs through August, 12, 2012. Get a first look at the production in the photos below! (more...)

6) RENT to Close September 9 at New World Stages

The producers of the off-Broadway production of Rent have announced that the musical will close after the performance on Sunday, September 9. The production will have played 32 previews and 450 performances. (more...)

7) BWW Looks Ahead: Fall Season 2012 - Early Preview!

Now that the 2012 awards season has come to a close, BroadwayWorld is looking ahead to an exciting season coming up. This summer/fall Broadway will welcome a plethora of productions - from star-studded revivals to exciting new musicals. Below, we bring you the line-up of officially announced upcoming shows (still subject to change). Don't forget to stay tuned for more even more opening announcements expected soon! (more...)

8) Prolific Broadway Costume Designer Martin Pakledinaz Dies at 58; Sutton Foster, Patti LuPone & More Share Memories

Two-time Tony Award-winner and prolific costume designer Martin Pakledinaz died at home this morning, July 8, 2012, after a long illness. He was 58. Pakledinaz has designed hundreds of theater, opera, dance and film pieces during his career spanning more than 30 years. (more...)

9) STAGE TUBE: Jennifer Hudson Performs at Boston Pop's Fireworks Spectacular

Academy Award and GRAMMY(R) Award-winning superstar Jennifer Hudson performed on the BOSTON POPS FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR. Hudson performed her signature tune, "And I Am Telling You" from Broadway's Dreamgirls and "Feeling Good". Check out both performances below! (more...)

10) Photo Coverage: Opening Night of Muny's ALADDIN! Robin De Jesus, John Tartaglia, Samantha Massell & More!

It's "A Whole New World" as The Muny presents the third show of its 94th season, Disney's Aladdin, which opened through July 13, directed by Gary Griffin, and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. BWW is excited to present a first look at photos from the production and the cast on opening night! (more...)

11) STAGE TUBE: ALADDIN at The Muny - Opening Night Highlights!

It's "A Whole New World" as The Muny presents the third show of its 94th season, Disney's Aladdin, which runs through July 13, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Check out the video below for highlights from the show's opening night! (more...)

12) BroadwayWorld Releases Updates for iPhone, iPad & Android Apps!

Today, July 6, we've released updates to our applications for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices which now feature an improved login system (login once and forget it), multitasking improvements, speed improvements, an updated player for BWW radio, access to your BWIDB Personalized News Feed and other miscellaneous fixes and enhancements. (more...)

13) Adam Lambert Fronts QUEEN at UK's Sonisphere Festival Tonight, 7/7

According to USA Today, American Idol alum Adam Lambert will front the legendary rock band Queen when the group headlines England's Sonisphere Festival tonight, July 7th. (more...)

14) STAGE TUBE: THE NUTTY PROFESSOR in Rehearsal!

The Broadway-bound THE NUTTY PROFESSOR Musical, premiering this summer at TPAC in Nashville, is now in rehearsals. Get a sneak peek below! (more...)

15) The Addams Family's Krysta Rodriguez Joins SMASH Season 2 as Series Regular!

According to TVLine, The Addams Family's Krysta Rodriguez is set to play series regular Ana in Smash Season 2. (more...)

16) BWW TV EXCLUSIVE: CHEWING THE SCENERY WITH Randy Rainbow Ep. 8 - A PORGY AND BESS Performance, Minnelli, Stritch & More!

It's time for episode eight of BWW's newest exclusive TV series - CHEWING THE SCENERY WITH Randy Rainbow! In this week's episode, Randy 'chats' with Elaine Stritch and Liza Minnelli about this past week's biggest theatre news, including Broadway closings, Cher's new musical, Jennifer Hudson on SMASH and more! (more...)

17) BWW TV: Introducing the 2012 NYMF Shows! Jeremy Kushnier, Leslie Kritzer, Singing Doughnuts & More!

On July 3, the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) presented a special preview of the 2012 season, featuring musical selections from Rio, Stand Tall, Himself & Nora, Trouble, Stealing Time, Arnie the Doughnut, Foreverman, A Letter to Harvey Milk and The Groove Factory - just a small sampling of the exciting 2012 offerings. The event, hosted by Godspell alum Corbin Bleu, featured Leslie Kritzer, Matt Bogart, Natalie Toro, Jeremy Kushnier, Tom Deckman, Adam Monley, Danny Quadrino, Jennifer Wren, J. Manuel Santos and more. BroadwayWorld was on hand throughout the morning to capture the show previews and below, we're thrilled to bring a very first look at the performance highlights! (more...)

18) Idina Menzel Considering 'A Couple' of Broadway Projects

According to an interview with the Windy City Times, Idina Menzel is considering "a couple" of new Broadway projects. (more...)

19) STAGE TUBE: BRING IT ON Releases New Musical Montage!

Direct from a 13-city National Tour, Bring It On: The Musical begins previews on Broadway on Thursday, July 12, and opens Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at The St. James Theatre for a 12-week limited engagement through Sunday, October 7, 2012. A new musical montage of the production has just been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below! (more...)

20) BWW Special Coverage: 4th of July Guide for the Patriotic Theatre Junkie - Videos, Event Schedules & More!

A devout theater fan knows no holiday, and thankfully, many of Broadway's most beloved shows and performers nationwide don't either. So what's a theater enthusiast to do on this Independence Day? Check out a sampling of this year's most exciting 4th of July offerings and click below to revisit some of your favorites saluting our nation in song! (more...)