Great Lady

Alley Theater Company Artist Bettye Fitzpatrick Dies at Age 79

Longtime Alley Theater Company Artist Bettye Fitzpatrick died today at the age of 79 (more...)

InDepth InterView: Linda Purl On HOMELAND, TRUE BLOOD, THE OFFICE, Feinstein's Show, Upcoming Album & More

Today we are talking to a busy and very recognizable actress who has appeared in over 100 TV and film properties since her debut in the 1970s and just this year played arcs on both the freshly-minted 2012 Emmy-winning Best Drama HOMELAND, as well as HBO's hit nighttime vampire series TRUE BLOOD - the accomplished and arresting Linda Purl. Discussing her roles on the hit HBO and Showtime series she has appeared on this year as well as her recent multi-episode stint on NBC's THE OFFICE, Purl sheds some light on her long and rich career and also shares stories from the sets of some of her most famous forays - HAPPY DAYS, VISITING HOURS and more included. Additionally, we shed some light on her upcoming two-night-stand at Feinstein's At Loews Regency, MIDNIGHT CARAVAN… TRAVELS THROUGH THE GREAT NEW YORK NIGHTCLUBS, with special guest Desi Arnaz, Jr., and she sets the stage for what we can expect from the noir-inspired cabaret piece featuring songs of the 1940s and 50s. Furthermore, Purl opens up about her theatrical roots - starring in plays and musicals like OLIVER, THE KING & I and THE MIRACLE WORKER growing up overseas, as well as observing no less than Tennessee Williams, a friend of her parents, as he oversaw a Tokyo production of IN THE BAR OF A TOKYO HOTEL and resided with the clan; and, later starring on Broadway in THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER,GETTING AND SPENDING and in regional revivals, such as six seasons at Williamstown and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at LA's Rubicon. Additionally, she gives insight into many notable friends and collaborators - Edith Head, Angela Lansbury, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Laurence Olivier, Kim Hunter, Robby Benson and others. Plus, first news on the forthcoming studio album of MIDNIGHT CARAVAN - and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: Linda Purl On HOMELAND, TRUE BLOOD, THE OFFICE, Live Shows & More!

Today we are talking to a busy and very recognizable actress who has appeared in over 100 TV and film properties since her debut in the 1970s and just this year played arcs on both the freshly-minted 2012 Emmy-winning Best Drama HOMELAND, as well as HBO's hit nighttime vampire series TRUE BLOOD - the accomplished and arresting Linda Purl. Discussing her roles on the hit HBO and Showtime series she has appeared on this year as well as her recent multi-episode stint on NBC's THE OFFICE, Purl sheds some light on her long and rich career and also shares stories from the sets of some of her most famous forays - HAPPY DAYS, VISITING HOURS and more included. Additionally, we shed some light on her upcoming two-night-stand at Feinstein's At Loews Regency, MIDNIGHT CARAVAN… TRAVELS THROUGH THE GREAT NEW YORK NIGHTCLUBS, with special guest Desi Arnaz, Jr., and she sets the stage for what we can expect from the noir-inspired cabaret piece featuring songs of the 1940s and 50s. Furthermore, Purl opens up about her theatrical roots - starring in plays and musicals like OLIVER, THE KING & I and THE MIRACLE WORKER growing up overseas, as well as observing no less than Tennessee Williams, a friend of her parents, as he oversaw a Tokyo production of IN THE BAR OF A TOKYO HOTEL and resided with the clan; and, later starring on Broadway in THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER,GETTING AND SPENDING and in regional revivals, such as six seasons at Williamstown and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE at LA's Rubicon. Additionally, she gives insight into many notable friends and collaborators - Edith Head, Angela Lansbury, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Laurence Olivier, Kim Hunter, Robby Benson and others. Plus, first news on the forthcoming studio album of MIDNIGHT CARAVAN - and much, much more! (more...)

BWW Book Reviews: I HAD A BALL: MY FRIENDSHIP WITH LUCILLE BALL

When I was a couch potato kid in the 70's I couldn't imagine anything more fun than being part of Lucy Ricardo's crazy schemes. During 'I Love Lucy's twice a day airings, I dreamed of stomping grapes in Italy, stuffing chocolates down my shirt, selling Vitameatavegamin, or disguising myself in crazy costumes to break into show business. I wanted to be friends with Lucy. Little did I know that on the other side of the country, Michael Stern was doing just that. (more...)

BWW Interviews: Rod Roberts Talks About PETER PAN & Houston's Local Talent

As consumerism ruled the streets of Houston on Friday, November 23, 2012, the cast of PETER PAN was preparing for a six show weekend in San Jose, California. PETER PAN, with Cathy Rigby back in the titular role by popular demand, is known for being a fun-filled, family friendly extravaganza. The current tour is headed to Houston and will open at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) on December 11, 2012. To get more information about the show, like the casting of local Houston youth in the production, I chatted with the Dance Captain, Rod Roberts. (more...)

Ordway Presents 2012 Flint Hills International Children's Festival, 5/29-6/3

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents its 12th annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival from May 29-June 3. Minnesota's signature arts festival for children and families-and one of the only of its kind in the nation-features artists hailing from all around the globe, telling stories about different cultures through the uniting power of the performing arts. The Flint Hills International Children's Festival will highlight five headlining artist groups making their mark internationally through extraordinary puppetry, dance, music and theater performances. (more...)

Ordway Presents 2012 Flint Hills International Children's Festival, 5/29-6/3

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents its 12th annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival from May 29-June 3. Minnesota's signature arts festival for children and families-and one of the only of its kind in the nation-features artists hailing from all around the globe, telling stories about different cultures through the uniting power of the performing arts. The Flint Hills International Children's Festival will highlight five headlining artist groups making their mark internationally through extraordinary puppetry, dance, music and theater performances. (more...)

DANCING WITH THE STARS Cast Reacts to Dorothy Hamill's Exit

With the same grace she showed on the ice as an Olympic champion, Dorothy Hamill gave a heartfelt goodbye on last night's DANCING WITH THE STARS. A serious spinal injury could lead to irreparable damage if she continued her pursuit of the Mirror Ball Trophy. Today, cast members from the show responded to the sad news of her departure. (more...)

Phylicia Rashad Makes LA Directorial Debut with A RAISIN IN THE SUN at Ebony Rep., 3/23 - 4/14

Actress/Director Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Los Angeles directorial debut with the Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT) is proud to return this groundbreaking play to Los Angeles for its first fully-staged production in over twenty years. Preview performances begin on March 23, 2011, Nate Holden Performing Arts Center with Opening Night on Friday, March 25th. The play runs through April 17, 2011 (4718 W. Washington Blvd.) in Los Angeles. (more...)

Phylicia Rashad's A RAISIN IN THE SUN Previews at Ebony Rep

Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT), Founder/Producer Wren T. Brown, announced today, that Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Los Angeles directorial debut with its production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. (more...)

Phylicia Rashad Will Direct Ebony Rep's A RAISIN IN THE SUN, 3/23-4/17

Actress/Director Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Los Angeles directorial debut with the Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. (more...)

Phylicia Rashad Makes LA Directorial Debut with A RAISIN IN THE SUN at Ebony Rep., 3/23 - 4/14

Actress/Director Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Los Angeles directorial debut with the Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT) is proud to return this groundbreaking play to Los Angeles for its first fully-staged production in over twenty years. Preview performances begin on March 23, 2011, Nate Holden Performing Arts Center with Opening Night on Friday, March 25th. The play runs through April 17, 2011 (4718 W. Washington Blvd.) in Los Angeles. (more...)

SOUND OFF Special Interview: Sylvie Vartan

Today we are talking to an international recording superstar who ushered in the new era of rock and roll with her songs and performance style in France in the early 1960s and created an unparalleled entertainment legacy reaching its apotheosis in 2010 with the release of her finest album to date, SOLEIL BLEU - the one and only celebrated chanteuse herself, Sylvie Vartan. Predominantly performing material from this stupendous recent album as well as from her vaunted back catalogue, Vartan will take the stage of Feinstein's At The Regency for two nights next week - Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27, both at 8:30 PM. Be sure to take a listen to SOLEIL BLEU if you have not heard it and if you cannot manage to score a ticket to either of Sylvie's sold-out shows at Feinstein‘s, well... c'est la vie! In this career-spanning conversation we touch on working extensively with everyone from The Beatles to Carla Bruni to Charles Aznavour to what's next for her and much, much more! Playing to a gigantic arena for a three-week engagement sharing the stage with The Beatles themselves was Sylvie Vartan's entrée into the entertainment industry - and what an introduction! Bringing a sexy, swingin' style and hip dance moves to go along with her funky, rock n roll swagger and smoky vocals, Vartan virtually created the modern day pop/rock diva in the later mold of Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar and many of the Great Lady rock icons we have known since. Through countless stage shows, concert spectaculars, albums, films, television appearances and magazine cover stories, Vartan has firmly established herself as one of the foremost women in the French entertainment realm. Case in point: the First Lady of France herself, Carla Bruni, even contributed songs to Sylvie's newest album, the career-defining SOLEIL BLEU. Tacking on all of these topics as well as many more - most importantly: what we can expect to hear from her at Feinstein's next week and the charity closest to her heart - Vartan and I shed some light on her impossibly accomplished and fascinating career - such as selling 40 million records, committing 1200+ songs to record and giving more than 2500 onstage performances in her five-decade-spanning career - and, we also take a look ahead to her very bright future. (more...)

Fringe World Presents Festival 2013, 1/25-2/24

Start spreading the news! After sell-out and return seasons across Australia, Trevor Ashley (Hairspray, Little Orphan traAshley Fat Swan) channels the superb talents of the iconic Liza Minnelli. From pill popping to her showbiz family, Liza dishes the dirt like you've never seen before, accompanied by a big band & featuring all her greatest hits! (more...)

Ten Star Award Winners To Be Honored at 7th Annual Evening of Stars Gala at SCERA Center for the Arts

Those who have made significant contributions to the arts in a variety of categories will be recognized for their achievements in enriching the communities and citizens of Utah at the 7th Annual Star Awards held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem. (more...)

Ten Star Award Winners To Be Honored at 7th Annual Evening of Stars Gala at SCERA Center for the Arts

Those who have made significant contributions to the arts in a variety of categories will be recognized for their achievements in enriching the communities and citizens of Utah at the 7th Annual Star Awards held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem. (more...)

BWW Reviews: ValLimar is Outstanding as Ethel Waters

Actress/singer ValLimar Jansen beautifully becomes Ethel Waters, body and soul, in Sweet Mama String Bean. The story concerns the first half of Waters' life, which may be little known to many: how she rose from illegitimacy to radio, club and Broadway super-stardom by the 1940s, before becoming the well-known Emmy and Oscar nominated actress. (more...)

BWW Reviews: Janis Joplin and the Black Blues Divas are Alive and Well at CPH

There is a love-in going on at the Cleveland Play House's Allen Theatre between Janis Joplin and the audience. Janis Joplin? She's dead. She died in 1970 at the age of 27. You'd never know it from the happenings on the CPH stage. Mary Bridget Davies, who took over the role opening night, doesn't imitate Janis, she is Janis! (more...)

Phylicia Rashad Directs Ebony Rep's A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Closes 4/17

Actress/Director Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Los Angeles directorial debut with the Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. (more...)

BWW EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Westfeldt Talks Chekhov's THREE SISTERS, FRIENDS WITH KIDS, New Series & More

Today we are talking to the multi-talented actress/writer/producer of the hit indie romantic comedies KISSING JESSICA STEIN and IRA & ABBY, who is now adding director to her list of abilities with her new feature film FRIENDS WITH KIDS, co-starring her real-life husband Jon Hamm - the delightfully sweet and talented Jennifer Westfeldt. Both Jennifer and Jon can be seen - and heard - later this week in an exciting radio adaptation of the Anton Chekhov classic THE THREE SISTERS, in a new translation by Christopher Hampton, also co-starring Tessa Thompson, Sarah Zimmerman and Reid Scott, which will also be recorded and broadcast online. Tickets to the performances live on stage are also available at the link below. In this candid conversation Jennifer and I cover everything from 24 to GREY'S ANATOMY; to Bernstein on Broadway in her Tony-nominated turn in WONDERFUL TOWN co-starring Donna Murphy; to her onscreen and off-screen partnership with Hamm and the formation of their new production company; as well as their new feature film together - FRIENDS WITH KIDS - and much more. Plus, what is her and Jon's favorite LA pizza joint? Further information on the live performances and the online and radio broadcasts of THE THREE SISTERS can be found here (http://www.latw.org/live/boxoffice/boxofficehomeindex.html). (more...)

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