Exclusive InDepth InterView: Liza Minnelli Talks LIVE AT THE WINTER GARDEN, CABARET HD, Lady Gaga & Moreby Pat Cerasaro - May 7, 2012Four letters say it all: LIZA. Descended from Hollywood royalty - the only Academy Award winner with both parents recipients of the prize, as well; Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli - Liza Minnelli made her mark on show business first with her stupendous debut in 1965’s FLORA THE RED MENACE by a new songwriting team comprised of composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb, and the rest is showbiz history. The fruitful musical marriage of the three over the next four decades would result in some of the finest achievements in all of entertainment, many featuring Ms. Minnelli, the peerless entertainer of a generation, as the central interpreter. FLORA THE RED MENACE to CABARET, CHICAGO, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, THE ACT, THE RINK and beyond, the partnership between Liza Minnelli and Kander & Ebb has yielded some of the most spectacular and unforgettable songs ever written or performed and 2012 is a special year indeed to celebrate their many fine achievements. In addition to the long-awaited Blu-ray premiere of the iconic Bob Fosse film musical for which Liza won a Best Actress Oscar, CABARET - premiering in the HD format later this year to mark its fortieth anniversary - this week sees the hotly anticipated CD and digital premiere of one of her finest live recordings ever captured - LIZA MINNELLI LIVE AT THE WINTER GARDEN - completely remastered, with bonus tracks. Featuring a powerhouse performance by the central star at the very height of her astonishing abilities, the diverse catalog of material is woven together seamlessly and quite wonderfully by master director Bob Fosse and conductor/musical director Marvin Hamlisch - and that’s without even making mention of the tremendous original specialty songs penned by Kander & Ebb for the event, including a song sequel to “Liza With A Z”. Discussing all aspects of the LIVE AT THE WINTER GARDEN album and the new digital and CD release of it, Minnelli reminisces about the electric evening with her trademark style, wit, humor, insight and passion while also sharing anecdotes about noted collaborators Bob Fosse, Fred Ebb, John Kander, Charles Aznavour, Marvin Hamlisch and many more. In addition to all about LIVE AT THE WINTER GARDEN and its multitude of charms and riches, Minnelli and I also discuss the new HD remastering of CABARET and her personal opinion of it, having just viewed the pristine new print at its gala debut, and she also shares how she feels the film has held up in the forty years since its premiere and her remembrances from the set. Additionally, Minnelli offers her candid opinions on a host of topics ranging from her ultimate show business legacy to sizing up CABARET versus THE GODFATHER to her affection for pop superstar and devoted Liza fan Lady Gaga to thoughts on Laura Nyro, Stephen Sondheim - and much, much more! (more...)
InDepth InterView: Eric McCormack Talks Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN, Shakespeare, New TV Series & Moreby Pat Cerasaro - May 5, 2012Today we are talking to an Emmy Award-winning actor perhaps most well-known for his title role in the iconic and ground-breaking millennial NBC sitcom hit, WILL & GRACE, who can now be seen eight times a week on Broadway playing a pivotal role in the starry revival of Gore Vidal’s politically-themed satire, THE BEST MAN - the affable Eric McCormack. Shining a spotlight on his theatrical roots at the Straford Shakespeare Festival in Canada all the way up to his small-screen sensation in WILL & GRACE and, now, his forthcoming new dramatic series, PERCEPTION, McCormack illustrates all aspects of his career and generously offers his insights, observations and shares his lessons learned over the course of his near-thirty-year career onstage and onscreen. In addition to all of that, McCormack outlines his experiences sharing the stage with titanic talents such as James Earl Jones, Angela Lansbury, Candice Bergin and the rest of the ensemble of THE BEST MAN, as well as sharing his thoughts about the relevance and poignancy of the play today, more than a half decade after its premiere, and what it says about our society, then and now, in addition to expanding on the play’s pertinent political themes and their exploration in the classic drama. Plus, McCormack clues us in on his own favorite plays and musicals, initial theatrical inspiration, his stint portraying the eponymous THE MUSIC MAN, future career plans and first news about his new TNT series, PERCEPTION - all of that and much, much more! (more...)
InDepth InterView Tony Awards Edition: Jeff Calhoun - Part 1: BONNIE & CLYDE, Plus A Career Retrospectiveby Pat Cerasaro - May 25, 2012Today we are kicking off the 2012 InDepth InterView Tony Awards Series with the director/choreographer of the hottest hit of the 2011-2012 theatrical season, NEWSIES, that was recently awarded with a boatload of Tony Award nominations, in addition to a short-running show that has a very vocal group of advocates and supporters that also received a handful of Tony noms, BONNIE & CLYDE - the passionate and visionary Jeff Calhoun. Discussing all aspects of his mega-hit with Disney’s NEWSIES and his success d’estime with Frank Wildhorn’s BONNIE & CLYDE, as well as all about his years spent developing both, Calhoun illustrates his process and sheds some light on many aspects of the creation of the wildly different vehicles, as well as his opinions on the theatrical environment of today. Additionally, Calhoun outlines his experiences working with NEWIES and BONNIE & CLYDE breakout stars Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes - both Tony nominees - as well as his many years spent as an associate choreographer for legendary Tony-winning master director Tommy Tune creating many remarkable musicals such as GRAND HOTEL and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Plus, Calhoun conveys his infectious enthusiasm for his craft and discusses what drives him to create while also sharing his humbled appreciation for the recognition of both his new musicals this season by the Tony Award committee and reflecting on his vast multitude of experiences in the theatre so far in his career - everything from starring in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and MY ONE & ONLY on Broadway to choreographing THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and BUSKER ALLEY with Tommy Tune and transitioning into directing/choreographing with the hit revivals of GREASE, BIG RIVER, PIPPIN, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (with Graciele Daniele), BELLS ARE RINGING, as well as GREY GARDENS and the rest. All of that and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation with one of Broadway’s best! (more...)
Tony Interview Special: Jack Feldman on Getting His NEWSIES Do-Over!by Nicole Rosky - May 25, 2012Earlier this month, the 2012 Tony Awards Nominations were announced by Tony winning actress Kristin Chenoweth and Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jim Parsons. The Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from the Beacon Theatre, on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 10, 2012.
BroadwayWorld was there for this year's official Tony Brunch, and got a chance to chat with this year's nominees! Today we bring you Jack Feldman, nominee for Best Score for NEWSIES. (more...)
Gala Performance of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Marks Ruthie Henshall's Australian Debutby Jacqueline Bublitz - May 25, 2012Last month a gala performance of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM was staged at The Theatre Royal, Sydney, headlined by Ruthie Henshall in her Australian debut. (more...)
InDepth InterView Tony Awards Edition: Jeff Calhoun - Part 2: NEWSIES & What's Nextby Pat Cerasaro - May 25, 2012Today we are kicking off the 2012 InDepth InterView Tony Awards Series with the director/choreographer of the hottest hit of the 2011-2012 theatrical season, NEWSIES, that was recently awarded with a boatload of Tony Award nominations, in addition to a short-running show that has a very vocal group of advocates and supporters that also received a handful of Tony noms, BONNIE & CLYDE - the passionate and visionary Jeff Calhoun. Discussing all aspects of his mega-hit with Disney’s NEWSIES and his success d’estime with Frank Wildhorn’s BONNIE & CLYDE, as well as all about his years spent developing both, Calhoun illustrates his process and sheds some light on many aspects of the creation of the wildly different vehicles, as well as his opinions on the theatrical environment of today. Additionally, Calhoun outlines his experiences working with NEWIES and BONNIE & CLYDE breakout stars Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes - both Tony nominees - as well as his many years spent as an associate choreographer for legendary Tony-winning master director Tommy Tune creating many remarkable musicals such as GRAND HOTEL and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Plus, Calhoun conveys his infectious enthusiasm for his craft and discusses what drives him to create while also sharing his humbled appreciation for the recognition of both his new musicals this season by the Tony Award committee and reflecting on his vast multitude of experiences in the theatre so far in his career - everything from starring in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and MY ONE & ONLY on Broadway to choreographing THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and BUSKER ALLEY with Tommy Tune and transitioning into directing/choreographing with the hit revivals of GREASE, BIG RIVER, PIPPIN, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (with Graciele Daniele), BELLS ARE RINGING, as well as GREY GARDENS and the rest. All of that and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation with one of Broadway’s best! (more...)
METAMORPHOSES & CONSTABLE Set for June-August at Frist Center, Nashvilleby BWW News Desk - May 23, 2012It’s officially summer come June and this summer season promises to be an active one at the Frist Center. Next month kicks off with the opening of Metamorphoses: Drawings by Erin Anfinson, Kristi Hargrove, Mark Hosford, and Chris Scarborough in the Conte Community Arts Gallery, and is shortly followed by the opening of Constable: Oil Sketches from the Victoria and Albert Museum on June 22. The Frist has collaborated with Watkins College on an quilting workshop with edgy quilter Ben Venom and the second installment of Frist Fridays on June 29th features Sam Bush with special guest Lera Lynn. (more...)
BWW Interviews: WEST SIDE STORY Comes to DPAC in June - The Creative Process with Joey McKneelyby Larissa Mount - May 20, 2012One of the most well-known shows of all time, West Side Story, is coming to the Durham Performing Arts Center this June. In anticipation of its arrival, I spoke with Joey McKneely, the show’s choreographer, to gain insight into the unique elements of this production. He offered a glimpse into the creative minds of the late Jerome Robbins and Arthur Laurents. He explains why every generation needs to experience the power of West Side Story, and why this imagining of the production brings to light the relevance of the themes. (more...)
Exclusive InDepth InterView: Tammy Blanchard On HOW TO SUCCEED, THE BIG C, GYPSY, Judy Garland & Moreby Pat Cerasaro - May 19, 2012Today we are talking to one of the stars of the hit revival of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING - which will be closing this Sunday after a 16-month run, so catch it while you can - who has also carved out an astonishingly accomplished resume on film and TV since her stunning, Emmy-winning small screen debut in a lead role as the young Judy Garland in ME & MY SHADOWS: LIFE WITH JUDY GARLAND - the beautiful and tremendously talented Tammy Blanchard. Touching on many of her most memorable big screen and small screen roles and sharing her experiences of working with many of her impressive co-stars and creative collaborators - Bernadette Peters, Jessica Lange, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Sam Mendes, and her co-star on two films, the late Brittany Murphy - Blanchard eloquently illustrates her rise to stardom and the roles and performances she has given that she is fondest of - GYPSY to BELLA to THE GOOD SHEPHERD and beyond. Additionally, Blanchard clues us in on what we can expect from her multi-episode character arc on Showtime’s hit dramedy series THE BIG C and what it was like to play such a unique and unusual character - as well as her feelings on sharing the screen (and the onscreen bedroom) with previous InDepth InterView participants John Benjamin Hickey and Brian d’Arcy James. Plus, Blanchard shares how her new role as a mom has shaped her craft and career as well as future plans post-HOW TO SUCCEED, observations on GLEE and SMASH and much, much more! (more...)
BWW Interviews: Peter Lockyer on LES MISÉRABLES, Coming to Austin May 29-June 3by Kathy Strain - May 19, 2012In April of 2012, Peter Lockyer joined the U.S. Tour cast taking over the role of Jean Valjean. Peter Lockyer played Marius on Broadway many years ago and now has this new opportunity to play Jean Valjean. I recently interviewed Peter and learned a lot about his career and how he feels about being part of musical history. (more...)
BWW Interviews: Cori Laemmel Takes On The Friday Five Before Going Onstage For THE LAST FIVE YEARSby Jeffrey Ellis - May 18, 2012Today’s spotlight falls upon Cori Laemmel, who opens tonight in the reboot of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years opposite her real-life husband Tyson Laemmel (following the critically acclaimed version that starred Ryan Greenawalt and Kacie Phillips for the first two weeks of the run) at Street Theatre Company. (more...)
DEBUT OF THE MONTH: GHOST's Richard Fleeshmanby Caryn Robbins - May 16, 2012In a recent chat with BWW, Fleeshman spoke about his Broadway debut experience and how he literally makes magic happen every night on stage. (more...)
BWW Interviews: The JERSEY BOYS Talk Durham Engagement this Fallby Larissa Mount - May 15, 2012Get ready for the 2012-2013 season at the Durham Performing Arts Center! One of the major events this fall will be the arrival of the national tour of the 20th-longest running Broadway musical, Jersey Boys. At a recent event, I had the chance to chat with Matt Bailey (Tommy DeVito), Alayna Gallo (Lorraine and others), and Kevin Crewell (Bob Crewe and others) from the national touring company of Jersey Boys about the show, their experiences, and their acting beginnings. They had a lot to say, including some particularly nice things about the Durham Performing Arts Center as a venue. (more...)
InDepth InterView: Brian D'Arcy James Talks SMASH Season Finale, THE BIG C, 54 Below Concert & Moreby Pat Cerasaro - May 12, 2012Today we are continuing BroadwayWorld’s ongoing interview series with the stars and creative team of NBC’s hit musical drama series SMASH with a Broadway/Hollywood leading man who first made his mark on the stage creating a role in the Tony Award-winning TITANIC after having appeared in BLOOD BROTHERS and CAROUSEL and who has since starred in productions as diverse as SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, NEXT TO NORMAL, SHREK and many more - the jovial and multi-talented Brian d'Arcy James. Discussing all aspects of his role on SMASH as well as cluing us in on what we can expect from Monday’s highly awaited season finale, d'Arcy James and I also take a look back at his career onstage thus far and he shares fond recollections of working on TITANIC, SWEET SMELL, SHREK, NEXT TO NORMAL, TIME STANDS STILL and THE WILD PARTY Off-Broadway as well as offers his observations of his collaborators and co-stars in each endeavor. Plus, Brian also reveals his other current TV project: his character arc on Showtime’s dramedy THE BIG C, starring his TIME STANDS STILL co-star Laura Linney and previous John Benjamin Hickey, that begins this Sunday and continues through the rest of this month. Additionally, we also discuss his upcoming 54 Below concerts June 26-30 - as well as his thoughtful and candid opinions on some of his favorite songwriters and his own songs. Plus, comments on his film roles in HBO's GAME CHANGE, FRIENDS WITH KIDS, an upcoming short film - and much, much more! (more...)
NBC's TODAY Announces Winners of 'Mom of the Year' Contestby BWW News Desk - May 10, 2012Jennifer Winn from Verdigris, Okla. was named Mom of the Year and received a Grand Prize check for $112,962 – a Salary.com calculation of what mothers would make if they were paid an annual salary for their work. (more...)
Nominee Reactions: Josh Young for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 'I feel amazing!'by BWW - May 1, 2012Josh Young, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
"I feel amazing. I honestly didn't expect a thing so I wasn't the least bit nervous. I figured I would sleep in as late as possible and wake up to find out that my show was nominated but that I wasn't. But, when I got up to walk the dog and checked my phone and saw a text from my agent saying "'atta boy!" These past couple of months have been a crazy roller coaster and have been some of the hardest weeks of my life. I was sidelined with a horrible chest infection and couldn't breathe, but trying to do the show as much as I could...and let me tell you, if there is ever a role where you need to breathe it's 'Judas.' So I'm Just So appreciative to all of the nominators who came back to the show to see me. I want to celebrate but I think I need to go back to sleep so I can do a good job onstage tonight!"
(more...)
Nominee Reactions: Christian Borle for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER - 'Watching EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'by BWW - May 1, 2012Christian Borle, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
"It's been an awfully nice morning! I'm happy and Just So very proud of the show. It's been a few years leading up to now. This is just enormously gratifying. I woke up this morning and turned on NY1 and watched. I just got a new sound bar for my TV so I think I'm going to sit down and watch 'The Empire Strikes Back.' That will be my celebration for the day!"
(more...)
Nominee Reactions: Roger Rees for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER - 'feel very elated'by BWW - May 1, 2012Roger Rees, Best Direction of a Play for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
"I feel very elated because many years ago I won a Tony for 'Best Actor' and now im up for director! So it's very thrilling! I'm up with the wonderful Alex Timbers and we're very very pleased to be nominated. I was walking in the park this morning when I got the phone call with the news. Now I'm going off to rehearsal with B.D. Wong for Herring Bone. I'm already late for that! I'm very pleased because we got 9 nominations and I'm Just So very pleased for everyone connected with the show- the actors, the crew, and the whole team really! Everyone really contributed and hopefully many more people will come and see the show because of this."
(more...)
Nominee Reactions: John Tiffany for ONCE 'I thought 'My God, who has died'?'by BWW - May 1, 2012"I can't believe it. It's such a humble and delicate show, so I'm Just So thrilled that it's enjoying so much success. There is something about the rawness that seems to be touching people, I guess. I was actually out watching a lunchtime play here in Scotland and all of a sudden my phone started buzzing like crazy and I thought "Oh My God, who has died?" It's that terrible! So I took my phone out and saw the text messages saying that we had gotten all of these nominations so it's safe to say that I enjoyed the last 10 minutes of the play immensely."
(more...)
Nominee Reactions: Jayne Houdyshell for FOLLIES - 'Pure Joy to Be a Part of FOLLIES'by BWW - May 1, 2012Jayne Houdyshell, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for FOLLIES
"I'm in LA and so I'm still just waking up and in shock. In a way it hasn't even hit yet, but boy what a lovely honor! I am Just So happy for the show. That's the most thrilling thing. When I came on board in New York I was Just So excited and now to be honored is unbelievable. It has been nothing but pure joy to be a part of Follies. And today, we get to be reunited for tech in LA so that's the best possible way to celebrate."
(more...)
1 2 3 4 … 40 next »
BWW TV: SUBMISSIONS ONLY Season 2 Wraps with an All-Star Cast in 'Another Interruption' Finale!
BWW TV EXCLUSIVE: Brian d'Arcy James Uncut Part 1: Talks SMASH, Industrials, NYC Concert & More!
FLASH: Andrew Lloyd Webber Writes The Music Of The Night
FLASH SPECIAL: Jeff Calhoun - From GREASE to NEWSIES
2012 Tony Awards Clip Countdown - Day 15: Tommy Tune At The Tonys
2012 Tony Awards Clip Countdown - Day 10: RENT Owns
2012 Tony Awards Clip Countdown - Day 16: NINE Is A 10 (Twice)