Patrick Wilson discusses his upcoming film Watchmen and role he plays in the motion picture, Nite Owl II. Wilson gives insight into his character and remarks on the amazing level of detail in the film. Catch these clips and the trailer by clicking here.

Interesting article in the NYT about creative advertising and the "new" places companies are willing to rent space on - namely - your body!  Are you ready to don a Broadway logo on your forehead or shaved head?  Perhaps a "Shrek - Bringing Ugly Back" tattoo? Whaddaya Say?

You might have read about Diana DeGarmo's newest gig - "OZ THE MUSICAL" where she's putting a new spin on the role of Dorothy in a contemporary versions of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  She was recently interviewed on a locat Texas TV station and sang one of the songs from the show. Click to watch here!

AfterElton.com has their list up of who they consider "The 37 Hottest Guys In Theater".  Do you agree with the list and/or the criteria?  Check out the list and then sound off on the message board here...

A "new" acquaintance of mine has created one of the most brilliant would-be commercials for Trader Joe's set to Jobim's (also known for "Girl From Ipanema") "Waters of March" - which is arguably one of the most difficult songs to memorize and sing. Check out Carl Willat's commercial here. Incidently - Carl worked on some of the effects for "Across The Universe" - among others.

Carl writes as in introduction:

"Our old studio on Bryant was right up the block from Trader Joe's and as you might imagine we would wander over there several times a day. One day I was taking a photo of a primitive but lovely hand-drawn chalk sign when a manager came running over to tell me cameras aren't allowed in Trader Joe's.

Well, he didn't say anything about cell phones so I decided then and there to make a commercial for TJ's on my Treo. Up until now they haven't done any TV advertising at all so I have no idea if this is the kind of thing they would like. "

Well if you aren't one of the million + viewers who already saw this - both videos are a great watch as we are less than 24 hours until President Obama takes office.  Catch "One Day More" and "Do You Hear The People Sing" and enjoy some theater politics. Or would that be political theater?

Yesterday I blogged lil Lucas giving his all singing Popular. Today I stumbled upon this terrific video of Kendall Claire perfoming "Broadway Baby" with gusto and style!  So great to see so many VERY young peple have a taste for theater at their age.  Sing out Kendall!

You have to watch this - if only for the "La La's" alone.  So cute! Way to go Lucas!  Have you stumbled upon a cute Broadway related video? Let me know about it!

Well if you missed Saturday Night Live's Broadway sketch last night, you can catch it right now, right here on BroadwayWorld.com.  It's MUST SEE TV as characters from Rent, Phantom, Annie, Wicked, Avenue Q and so many others hold a meeting to find that magic idea which will save Broadway during these hard economic times!

With the closing of several shows this past weekend, this new article in the International Herald Tribune discusses what's in store for the future for some with quotes from several Broadway notables. 

One "radical" idea suggested by Tony Award Nominated actress, Kerry Butler in the article is that "everyone should take a pay cut" so that theater tickets could be reduced in price. "The crew, the actors - if we're in a recession, let's all take a pay cut," Butler said, before adding, "My agent will kill me."

Marc Shaiman told the Tribune about the closing of Hairspray, "For me, it feels like putting a pet to sleep, but not because it's sick - because you can't afford dog food, so I can't make peace with it - if I had seen it sick and dying, I could make more peace with it."

Fans have made countless SIMS-based appreciation videos for their favorite Broadway shows from Wicked to Hairspray - and the latest - In The Height.  Click here to check out this clever "re-imagining" of the :30 spot for the show...  

YouTube is, of course, a great place to showcase your talents as we've seen from various videos like Nicholas and In The Heights.  A little over a year ago I met Anthony Nunziata (charming guy) who has a twin, Will - both of which perform together at various venues around NYC (and elsewhere).  They have a demo reel up on YouTube and it's definitely worth checking out.  You can find out more about these talented siblings by checking out their website at http://willandanthony.com.  Enjoy!

The Today Show featured "Shrek The Musical"  this morning with Sutton Foster, Marissa O'Donnell and Leah Greenhaus performing "I Know It's Today." Click here to watch http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/28138766#28138766 
 
Also, you can check out Meredith Vieira and her backstage feature at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/28110715#28110715 

The New York Times did a quick interview with Marc Shaiman about Proposition 8: The Musical which is a great read.  The article states, "The other benefit of the project is that it has introduced Mr. Shaiman to the medium of Internet video, a field to which he has never (willingly) contributed before" isn't exactly true though as BroadwayWorld fans know.  BroadwayWorld exclusively ran "50 Checks" from his upcoming "Catch Me If You Can" Broadway bound musical and his "Good Morning BroadwayWorld" continues to be one of the most watched videos on the site.  Haven't seen it yet? Check it out here!

Conceived and Written (six weeks later than he shoulda) by-Marc Shaiman and Directed/Staged by: Adam Shankman - You have to watch this All-Star video which stars John C Reilly, Marc Shaiman, Allison Janney, Neil Patrick Harris, Jack Black and SO many more Broadway and Hollywood stars...   For more info and to watch,  Click Here!

In the true spirit of the holidays, the cast and crew of the Tony-award winning "In The Heights" made one luck fan's dream come true.  Check out this video on YouTube which features the incredibly talented Nicholas,  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nV9IRY5A1s performing on Broadway with the cast!

Ok - no - Mel Brooks isn't taking his multi Tony award-winning musical to the ice rinks (yet..)  But after watching this great video circulating the web - well who knows what the future might hold for Max and Leo!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6HZ9q7RX0c

and since we're talking The Producers and videos - you might also check out this clever video (and marketing tactic) the cast of Westchester Broadway Theater's production created: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL7YlborJ0c&fmt=18

I was very saddened to read that Michael Crichton, a writer who I admire and respect tremendously for the depth at which he tackled research for his books has passed away.  CBS writes, "Crichton is best known as the author of "Jurassic Park" and the creator of "ER." His most recent novel, "Next," about genetics and law, was published in December 2006. 

"While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," the statement said. "He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget."

For more, click http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/05/print/main4575403.shtml

In short - a fantastic read:

http://nymag.com/arts/theater/features/51543/

Today's New York Times has a great article about getting tickets to various cultural events including Broadway including recent stats and discounts available.  Check out this informative article by clicking here.  The article starts off, "CULTURE can be expensive, no matter which way the Dow is pointing. But in belt-tightening times, the cost of enjoying the arts in New York might seem particularly daunting." And later, "Fortunately for anyone who wants to maintain a busy cultural calendar but hears the call of frugality - and for those of us who pinch pennies regardless - New York is also the home of the bargain ticket, with an array of discounts, promotions and freebies for everything from poetry readings downtown to the glamour of opera at Lincoln Center. Click the link above to read more!