Michael Blake News

Joffrey Ballet School, a world-renowned dance center offering the most versatile and highest quality training, will present a Winter Concert collaboration highlighting the schools' Jazz and Contemporary Trainees and the Joffrey Concert Group. The celebrated fusion of performers will take place February 22, 8:30 p.m. and February 23, 4:00 p.m. at the Salvatore Capezio Theater. The program will feature seven new and restaged works from legendary choreographers Jennifer Archibald, Donald Byrd, Daniel Gwirtzman, Brian McSween, Davis Robertson, Margo Sappington and Chet Walker.

Today we are talking to a legendary leading lady famous for a few of the most iconic roles in some of the most memorable musicals of the 1980s and 1990s as well as a versatile vocalist and concert performer set to make her cabaret debut later this month - the ingratiating and amusing Randy Graff. Looking back at originating the role of Fantine in the original Broadway production of mega-hit mega musical LES MISERABLES and singing the unforgettable 'I Dreamed A Dream' eight times a week (and on the best-selling cast recording) as well as recounting her Tony Award-winning work in the endlessly entertaining Cy Coleman/David Zippel musical comedy CITY OF ANGELS, Graff share stories from behind the scenes and gives us a rare look at theatrical history in the making and her elemental role in both productions. Additionally, Graff opens up about some of her other most fondly remembered work, including her fantastic turn in Ed Kleban's A CLASS ACT, William Finn's FALSETTOS, Cole Porter's HIGH SOCIETY, the stage play and documentary MOON OVER BUFFALO co-starring Carol Burnett, the most recent revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and much more. Most importantly, Graff generously outlines what we can expect from her upcoming solo shows at NYC hotspot 54 Below titled MADE IN BROOKLYN, in what will actually be the stalwart star's solo show premiere. In addition to all of that, Graff also touches upon some of her big screen and small screen work, ranging from LAW & ORDER to RENT, as well as recounts some theatrical tales involving theatre greats such as Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, John Simon and more. All of that and much, much more awaits in this rich resume recounting retrospective with one of Broadway's best!

Lead producers Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza, announced today that REBECCA, the musical based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, has officially extended its rights through December 31, 2014 and is eyeing a Winter 2014 start. They are now joined by Co Producers Steven Colson, Peter Bezemes and Barbara Sellinger, along with the previously announced co-producers, who all remained committed to the project.

Jemima Rooper, Sandra Dickinson, Simon Jones and Patsy Ferran join Janie Dee, Charles Edwards and Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit, directed by Michael Blakemore. This new production of Noel Coward's sharp comedy of social mores opens at the Gielgud Theatre on 18 March 2014, with previews from 1 March.

Today in 1989, City of Angels opened at the Virginia Theatre (now the August Wilson Theatre), where it ran for 879 performances. City of Angels is a musical comedy with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel, and book by Larry Gelbart. The musical weaves together two plots, the 'real' world of a writer trying to turn his book into a screenplay, and the 'reel' world of the fictional film. The musical is an homage to the film noir genre of motion pictures that rose to prominence in the 1940s. It was directed by Michael Blakemore with sets designed by Robin Wagner and costumes by Florence Klotz.

Just in time to witness the end of Thanksgiving and joyfully move on towards a celebration of the Christmas season, the incredibly talented cast of "Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical" (also known as "Here's Love") brings Meredith Wilson's rarely staged musical to life with its jubilant presence, proclaiming that it is time at last for Santa to make his much anticipated appearance - this time in Bay Ridge.

Returning to the London stage for the first time in nearly 40 years the inimitable Angela Lansbury reunites with acclaimed director Michael Blakemore to reprise her Tony award-winning Broadway performance as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. Opening at the Gielgud Theatre on 18 March 2014, with previews from 1 March, this new production of Noel Coward's sharp comedy of social mores will also star Janie Dee and Charles Edwards.

Joe's Pub this week, Oct. 21-27, will feature performances by DEB OH & THE CAVALIERS, NIKKI M. JAMES, BEBE ZAHARA BENET, JEAN ROHE. SWEET CRUDE / ALEXIS & THE SAMURAI, ERIN MARKEY, THE REAL AMERICANS, RAVEN O-ICON, THE MATERIAL WORLD, BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, ROBIN SPIELBERG, SVEN RATZKE, MARTHA GRAHAM CRACKER, BAD REPUTATION VOLUME 2 CD RELEASE, and RYAN MONTBLEAU.

Stage Left Theatre announces their upcoming revival of A Day in the Death of Joe Egg written by Peter Nichols and directed by ensemble member Greg Werstler. A Day in the Death of Joe Egg is the second production of Stage Left's 32ndseason. Press opening is Tuesday, January 14th at 7:30 PM at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont. The show runs through February 16th.

Today we are talking to a recognizable and well-known character actor who has appeared in a number of notable stage and screen properties over the course of his fifty-year career, Shakespeare to COCO to CITY OF ANGELS to STAR TREK and galaxies far, far beyond - Rene Auberjonois. Detailing the finer points of his participation in a number of wildly different stage properties - from his Broadway debut in Lee J. Cobb's Lincoln Center KING LEAR through to COCO opposite Katharine Hepburn, a starring role in CITY OF ANGELS, as well as the infamous DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES and Larry Gelbart's SLY FOX this century, and many more - Auberjonois paints a vivid picture of the working actor throughout the decades. Additionally, Auberjonois also outlines his favorite moments in participating in a number of Robert Altman's most memorable movies - MASH and MCCABE & MRS. MILLER among them - and shares stories from the sets of many of his best-known and best-remembered film appearances - THE EYES OF LAURA MARS and many more included. Plus, Auberjonois also comments on some of his favorite TV parts to date, including his enduring STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE legacy and his most recent projects such as the animated series POUND PUPPIES and ARCHER. Most importantly, Auberjonois offers insight into his indelible participation in the enduring Disney animated family favorite THE LITTLE MERMAID, including how the recent 3D re-release and this week's special features-packed Blu-ray has introduced his famous voice and theatricality to a whole new generation. All of that, thoughts on Broadway now versus the Golden Age, his continued patronage in supporting renown charity Doctors Without Borders, working on Stephen Schwartz's GEPPETTO for Disney and much, much more awaits in this uniquely compelling career-spanning conversation with a stage and screen stalwart.

Michael Blakemore, an actor, director, and writer of books such as Next Season and Arguments with England: A Memoir, has written another book, Stage Blood, due to come out September 19, 2013.

Starz in association with Sony Pictures Television has announced today that Tobias Menzies ('Game of Thrones,' 'Rome,' Casino Royale) will play the roles of both Frank Randall and Jonathan 'Black Jack' Randall in the original series 'Outlander.' The series adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international best-selling books by Ronald D. Moore ('Battlestar Galactica,' 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,' 'Star Trek: The Next Generation') is set to premiere on Starz in 2014.

Today we are talking to an exceptionally accomplished actress known for her many leading and featured roles in a number of illustrious musical theatre properties - among them, part of the original Broadway casts of FALSETTOS, CITY OF ANGELS, PARADE, LESTAT, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SCANDALOUS and many more - the gifted and genuine Carolee Carmello. Discussing many aspects of originating roles in those aforementioned shows as well as her replacement gigs in everything from KISS ME, KATE to SISTER ACT and MAMMA MIA!, Carmello sheds some light on her process in bringing such a striking series of characters to life onstage eight times a week, including creating roles Off-Broadway in ELEGIES, HELLO AGAIN and JOHN & JEN. Additionally, Carmello shares stories from the set of NBC's musical drama series SMASH as well as comments on other potential roles she would like to pursue someday. Most importantly, Carmello previews her highly anticipated performance at this Monday night's NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS and comments upon her affection for the iconic Ms. Garland. Plus, Carmello shares behind-the-scenes stories involving many of her notable collaborators and inspirations such as William Finn, Stephen Sondheim, Kathie Lee Gifford and she also expresses enthusiasm for her upcoming turn in the new musical TUCK EVERLASTING, set to premiere later this season. All of that, early Broadway and touring memories from CHESS, LES MISERABLES, CITY OF ANGELS, observations on the newly-released SCANDALOUS cast recording and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation.

Comedian Ron White is returning to CMT, armed with a cigar in one hand and a glass of scotch in the other, when his latest comedy special RON WHITE: A LITTLE UNPROFESSIONAL makes its television premiere tonight, June 15 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.

Comedian Ron White is returning to CMT, armed with a cigar in one hand and a glass of scotch in the other, when his latest comedy special RON WHITE: A LITTLE UNPROFESSIONAL makes its television premiere Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.

Trinity Repertory Company previously announced that three local Rhode Island residents would be receiving Pell Awards this year in addition to Kate Burton, the recipient of the 2013 Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. The 17th annual Pell Awards will be held tonight, June 10, 2013 at Trinity Rep with a reception to follow next door at the Providence Public Library.

Trinity Repertory Company announced today that three local Rhode Island residents will be receiving Pell Awards this year in addition to Kate Burton, who had previously been announced as the recipient of the 2013 Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. The 17th annual Pell Awards will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Trinity Rep with a reception to follow next door at the Providence Public Library.

It's April 1st. Do you know when your Spring is coming? During another longggggg New York winter, the good news is that there were a ton of warming cabaret shows. The bad news is that there were so many, even during this seemingly endless winter our intrepid reviewer Stephen Hanks didn't have enough time to review them all right after the performances. So in what is becoming a seasonal ritual, here he offers yet another compilation of 13 'catch-up' cabaret show reviews.

Nationally-syndicated morning talk show 'LIVE with Kelly and Michael' will showcase an all-star lineup of musicians who will take the 'LIVE' stage during March and April 2013. Vibrant artists from rock to pop, country and rap will perform their latest hits and chat with the hosts.

Comedian and faithful supporter of the Armed Forces Foundation Ron White joins CMT for an evening full of laughs, when CMT PRESENTS RON WHITE'S VEGAS SALUTE TO THE TROOPS 2013 premieres tonight, March 15 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.