James Lapine News

According to a report by MSN Music News, Jay-Z will head musical direction for the soundtrack of the new Annie film starring Willow Smith. (more...)

According to a report by Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch, Amy Adams, soon to be playing The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, "would definitely consider," continuing her role in the production if it moves to Broadway. "That would be amazing," she said. (more...)

Two-time Tony Award® winner Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises, Noises Off) will star as Miss Hannigan in the new production of ANNIE, the Tony Award-winning classic musical. ANNIE opens November 8 at the Palace Theatre (1567 Broadway at 47th Street). Previews begin October 3. (more...)

After a shocking announcement on international television, 30 year old Ethan Rice finds himself finally having to confront who he was and what he did as a teenager. (more...)

Brent Barrett, SILENCE! The Musical’s original Hannibal Lecter, returned to check out the show this past Saturday, May 19th and reunited with his old friends afterward. See below for a photo of Barrett and the cast! (more...)

Off-Broadway theater company Playwrights Horizons has announced participating artists for its annual Spring Gala on Monday evening, June 11 at the event space 583 Park Avenue. (more...)

Shuler Hensley, SILENCE! The Musical’s newest Hannibal Lecter, took his first look at the show this past Saturday evening, May 19th and he visited his new friends afterward. Hensley is set to star in Off-Broadway’s smash hit for four weeks only June 1st through the 24th. See the photos below! (more...)

ANNIE, the new production of the Tony Award-winning classic musical, will play the legendary Palace Theatre (1567 Broadway at 47th Street) on Broadway. ANNIE will begin previews Wednesday, October 3 and will open Thursday, November 8, 2012. (more...)

Commemorating the life and works of Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, PlayhouseSquare and Great Lakes Theater present the musical SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, May 16 – July 8 at the Hanna Theatre at PlayhouseSquare. Check out these photos of the cast in action, including Marie-France Arcilla, Justin Keyes, Pamela Myers, Destan Owens, James Penca, Ciara Renée, Brian Sutherland and Emily Walton. (more...)

Stage and screen stars Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain will take on the iconic roles of Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin in playwright John Pielmeier’s world premiere of The Exorcist at the Geffen Playhouse. Helmed by acclaimed director John Doyle, who won a Tony Award for his striking reimagining of Sweeney Todd, this stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s famous 1971 novel transforms the unsettling battles of good versus evil, faith versus fact and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful. (more...)

The world premiere of the beautifully crafted musical “Los Otros” begins previews Wednesday, May 23 at 8 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. With book and lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh and music by Michael John LaChiusa, “Los Otros” opens on June 3, 2012; performances continue through July 1. Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk has been cast to play the role of Woman and Julio Monge will play the role of Man. (more...)

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The "Apocalyptour," two Sondheim/Lapine productions, Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen visit Northlight, "The Last Five Years," Spider Saloff writes and stars, that "Smash"ing season finale, and more.... (more...)

After more than 5,000 auditions in a coast-to-coast search, ANNIE has announced casting for the orphans for the new production of the classic Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. ANNIE will open on Broadway in Fall 2012 at a Nederlander theatre to be announced. The production will be directed by three-time Tony Award winner James Lapine and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler. (more...)

Today in 1994, Passion opened at the Longacre Theatre, where it ran for 97 performances. Passion is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine. The story was adapted from Ettore Scola's film Passione d'Amore. Passion is notable for being one of the few projects that Stephen Sondheim himself conceived, along with Sweeney Todd and Road Show. Set in 19th century Italy, the plot concerns a young soldier and the changes in him brought about by the obsessive love of Fosca, his Colonel's homely, ailing cousin. (more...)

Summer is just around the corner and Theater Works has some exciting theater camps for kids 3 - 18. Theater Works' first camp is the exciting tale of THE GOATS GRUFF with over 40 speaking roles available. This camp kicks off the summer series with 3 weeks of fun, acting, encouragement and a FULLY-COSTUMED AND STAGED PRODUCTION with your child performing on stage. This play has plenty of roles to keep every actor (boys and girls) engaged and active and will provide a fun filled time for performers and audiences alike. Theater Works camps are open to all ages, budgets and schedules. Registration is now open and discounts are offered for siblings or multiple camps. (more...)

What happens after “happily ever after” is explored in this deft and delicious production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s 1987 musical, Into the Woods. (more...)

Rumours that The Public Theatre's production of INTO THE WOODS will transfer to Broadway have been fueled once more by The New York Post, which reports that extentions to Donna Murphy, Amy Adams and the rest of the cast's contracts are being negotiated. (more...)

Beginning Friday, June 1st, Shuler Hensley will star as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Off-Broadway’s SILENCE! The Musical through June 24th, filling in for the vacationing David Garrison. (more...)

Acclaimed Off-Broadway not-for-profit theater company Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) has announced additional details for its 2012 special online Auction. Bidding for the auction, which already features an outstanding array of unique opportunities and experiences, is now underway at www.BiddingForGood/PlaywrightsHorizons. Online bidding continues through Monday, May 14 (with items staggered to close at 8PM and 9PM). (more...)

Michael Perlman, whose critically acclaimed NYFringe solo show, Flying on the Wing, was named Outstanding Solo Show of 2006, will debut his new ensemble play, From White Plains, produced by Fault Line Theatre at the CSV Cultural Center from May 31st through June 10th. Perlman's solo show powerfully and imaginatively dealt with the playwright's personal struggles dealing with Stickler's Syndrome and coming to terms with his sexuality. (more...)