Hottest Articles on BWW 1/1/2013 - 1/8/2013

Today we are talking to a talented writer and journalist who has penned the definitive book on the hottest UK crossover TV series of the new millennium, the early 20th century-set family period drama DOWNTON ABBEY, with her estimable new tome now available, THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA - Jessica Fellowes. Discussing many of the most alluring aspects of the hit Brit series, especially insofar as an international audience is concerned, as well as adding even more historical, political and social insight into the proceedings on the show over the course of its run so far, Fellowes and I assess many of the most arresting aspects of the three seasons of the series as well as the comprehensive behind-the-scenes look that she provides (along with Matthew Sturgis) in THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. All of that, discussion of the third season of the series which premieres in the US on PBS January 6, first news on Jessica's uncle Julian's new historical series for NBC, THE GUILDED AGE and much, much more! (more...)

Lea Salonga, who starred in the original stage production as 'Eponine' and the 2006 revival as 'Fantine' wrote the following review on the new film for Inquirer. Check it out below! (more...)

2012 marked the passing of a number of notable entertainment icons whose influence will be felt for centuries to come, yet unquestionably one of the most pertinent people to pass on insofar as Broadway babies were concerned given his considerable contributions to musical theatre (and far, far beyond) was the one and only EGOT-plus recipient himself - that is: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony-winner; plus a spare Pulitzer Prize, in his case, as a matter of fact - legendary composer/conductor/arranger Marvin Hamlisch. And, last night, byway of PBS and Live From Lincoln Center, audiences across the country were treated to a live gala event celebrating his tremendous Broadway and Hollywood legacy - ONE SINGULAR SENSATION: CELEBRATING Marvin Hamlisch. Highlights of the star-studded night included SMASH Brian d'Arcy James on a song he debuted in Hamlisch's short-running SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, Michael Feinstein with an emotional take on Hamlisch's self-professed favorite self-penned song, Raul Esparza and Kelli O'Hara on two obscure SWEET SMELL gems and Maria Friedman with a song from Hamlisch's forthcoming musical THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, with book and lyrics by Rupert Holmes, based on the comedic cinema classic by Jerry Lewis, with the moment of the night owing to O'Hara and McDonald joining SMASH lead Megan Hilty on a spine-tingling iteration of the stunning A CHORUS LINE trio "At The Ballet". Through the ears of Marvin, last night we were reminded that nobody did it quite like he did while remembering the way we were - and what we won't forget - while being entertained by some of the best songs of the last century offered by New York's finest performers, musicians and creative talents. (more...)

The New York Times is reporting that MARY POPPINS will close on Broadway on March 3, 2013 to make way for renovations , followed by its next tenant 'A musical adaptation of the company's 1992 animated film "Aladdin," according to two Broadway theater executives. The two executives spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss production plans that remain confidential. A Disney spokesman did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment on Monday.' (more...)

After Peter and the Starcatcher plays its final performance on Broadway on January 20, 2013, the show will follow Avenue Q, Rent and Million Dollar Quartet by opening off Broadway at New World Stages. No dates or casting have been announced for the show's next incarnation. (more...)

Performer John Sloman (TVs Mad Men, and Broadway's Big and The Music Man) is asked to star in a career-defining role in a new musical. Will he accept the role? What is the new musical? Stay tuned. The episode also stars Angel Reda (currently Chicago on Broadway). (more...)

Do you hear the people sing? According to reports, tens of thousands have this week, as the Les Miserables: Highlights from the Motion Picture Soundtrack has now hit #1 on both Amazon and on iTunes. (more...)

Producers Barry & Fran Weissler and Howard & Janet Kagan present the American Repertory Theater's 40th Anniversary production of Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz's PIPPIN, directed by Diane Paulus, on Broadway in the Spring of 2013. (more...)

The full cast for the London revival of A Chorus Line has now been confirmed. (more...)

As Sir Robin carols merrily to King Arthur in Monty Python's Spamalot, 'In any great adventure, if you don't want to lose...you won't succeed on Broadway if you don't have any Jews.' Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy is a new, 90-minute documentary by Michael Kantor, creator of the Emmy-winning series, Broadway: The American Musical. The special just aired on Great Performances yesterday, January 1 on PBS. Click below to watch! (more...)

According to Billboard.com, Les Miserables: Highlights from the Motion Picture Soundtrack has now hit #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, topped only by Taylor Swift's Red album. (more...)

Troika Entertainment presents the international hit, Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical. Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical launches its national tour on January 8 in Minneapolis, MN at the Orpheum Theatre. (more...)

Hi! My name is Cody Williams and I am so excited to be working on Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella. Over the next month I'll be blogging about my rehearsal experience for this INCREDIBLE production. We rehearse at the historic 890 Broadway building, home to the American Ballet Theatre, Gibney Dance Center, and some of the nicest elevators in all of New York! My time with R+H's Cinderella started this summer with a month long workshop, continued with a reading in October and although we hadn't yet started actual rehearsals, we performed in the Macy's Day Parade this Thanksgiving (check that sucker of the bucket list!) We started rehearsal for the Broadway production the first week of December. (more...)

Today, in anticipation of the DVD release of NBC's hit musical drama series SMASH on January 8, BroadwayWorld is pleased to present this exclusive clip from the extensive behind-the-scenes features available on the complete Season One DVD box set! 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actor In A Musical, Christian Borle, along with SMASH executive producer and lauded theatrical producer Craig Zadan, expound upon some specifics of the hit series in this exclusive look at the bonus content present on the forthcoming DVD set. Enjoy! (more...)

Producers Bill Kenwright, The Really Useful Group, David Mirvish, Troika Entertainment & Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures present the all-Canadian cast of the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new stage adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below. (more...)

The new production of RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S Cinderella will begin performances in January at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd St). RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S Cinderella has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is directed by Mark Brokaw. Josh Rhodes is choreographer. The cast and creative team met the press today, and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with the whole gang about the production. Check out what they had to say below, plus catch a special performance preview! (more...)

MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, himself newly married to Patrick Abner, performed a brief wedding ceremony at the Beach reception, which was attended by the grooms' mothers and about 100 friends and other family members. Broadway Producer-director Richard Jay-Alexander sang Frank Loesser's 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?' at the ceremony along with custom lyrics and we've got the footage. (more...)

According to a new update from the New York Times, REBECCA's lead producer, Ben Sprecher, is hopeful that the show might make it to Broadway in the coming 2013 season. He told the Times that he believes the necessary funds to mount the show can be raised because of 'the widespread publicity and notoriety surrounding the show after the fraud scheme was revealed.' (more...)

BroadwayWorld was invited backstage at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre for a special two-part tour from Celia Keenan-Bolger (right before she left the show) and Adam Chanler Berat. Click below to watch Part 2 and be sure to check back later for a special chat between the castmates! (more...)

Atlantis Productions' Asian premiere of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," Philippine Educational Theater Association's screen-to-stage adaptation of "Bona," and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions' international touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" lead the 2012 BroadwayWorld (BWW) Philippines Awards with nine, five, and four nods respectively. (more...)