FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT INDEPTH INTERVIEWS

SWAN LAKE 3D Special Interview: Matthew Bourne

Today we are kicking off our special three-part series on the movie theater presentation of Matthew Bourne's SWAN LAKE in 3D on Tuesday, March 20 in Fathom-equipped cinemas throughout the US with the director and choreographer of the new production of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet, Tony-winner Matthew Bourne. In this all-encompassing conversation, Bourne and I discuss the inspiration behind his gender-bending vision for SWAN LAKE and how this new 3D film presentation is the ultimate production of the piece to date. Additionally, Bourne and I discuss how this new version differs from the original ballet as seen on Broadway in the mid-1990s and how leads Richard Winsor and Nina Goldman have brought new life and a style all their own to their pivotal roles. Plus, Bourne shares exciting news about his upcoming ballet rendering of SLEEPING BEAUTY, in addition to taking a look back at his past ballet work, such as THE CAR MAN, DORIAN GRAY, PLAY WITHOUT WORDS, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, CINDERELLA as well as his experiences choreographing West End and Broadway musicals such as CHILDREN OF EDEN, MARY POPPINS, OLIVER! and more. (more...)

InDepth InterView: Henry Krieger Talks LUCKY DUCK, DREAMGIRLS, SIDE SHOW Revival & More

Recently, noted DREAMGIRLS composer Henry Krieger was generous enough to take a comprehensive look back at his many accomplishments onstage and onscreen with me, turning back the pages of time and sharing memories of DREAMGIRLS, both on Broadway and in Hollywood, THE TAP DANCE KID, SIDE SHOW, KEPT, ROMANTIC POETRY and beyond, as well as discuss many aspects of his exciting new family-friendly musical opening next week at the New Victory Theater, LUCKY DUCK. Over the course of our compelling conversation, Krieger also revealed new details about the forthcoming 2014 production of SIDE SHOW, to be directed by DREAMGIRLS film director and TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN helmer Bill Condon - to premiere first at the La Jolla Playhouse and then at the Kennedy Center, as it makes its way towards Broadway - as well as first news on a musical collaboration with lyricist David Yazbek based on the life of television evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker set to star Tony and Emmy-winning Broadway and GLEE standout Kristin Chenoweth. DREAMGIRLS to LUCKY DUCK and much, much more awaits! (more...)

InDepth InterView: John Dempsey & BROTHER RUSSIA

Today we are talking to one half of the supremely talented composing team responsible for ZOMBIE PROM, THE FIX, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, and, now, BROTHER RUSSIA, the lyricist of the formidable Dempsey/Rowe himself, John Dempsey. In this career-spanning conversation, Dempsey and I discuss major and minor details of his handful of skillfully written and entertaining shows written with the collaboration of composer Dana Rowe (who will also be highlighted in this column next week), in particular their affiliation with legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh and Signature Theater founder and director Eric Schaeffer, director of the US premieres of three of their musicals, including the most current one opening later this month - as well as touch on his work with Boublil & Shonberg on THE PIRATE QUEEN and his musical adaptation of the religious-themed film SAVED! As if all of that were not enough, Dempsey and I also dissect the finer points of the new Dempsey/Rowe show in previews in Washington, D.C., BROTHER RUSSIA, as he outlines its inspiration, purpose, style and the intriguing story of the new heavy metal fairy tale meta rock opera - all of that and much, much more. (more...)

Exclusive InDepth InterView: Glenn Slater Discusses LOVE NEVER DIES, LEAP OF FAITH, SISTER ACT, TANGLED, New Musicals & More

Today we are talking to one of the busiest lyricists in show business, Glenn Slater. In the first part of our extensive discussion, besides discussing all aspects of the writing of LOVE NEVER DIES with Andrew Lloyd Webber and its West End debut, Slater also elaborated on the rewriting of the show and how this new Australian production and unprecedented in-theater presentation of it across the US is the ultimate realization of Lloyd Webber's dream vision for the musical drama - something the Lord shared with me himself when he recently did this column. In addition to all about LOVE NEVER DIES, in this second half of our recent chat Slater and I also trace his career trajectory to date, with a focus on his recent collaborations with composer Alan Menken on the smash hit Disney animated film, TANGLED, along with the currently-running Broadway hit, SISTER ACT, and, the upcoming Spring opening of their new musical, LEAP OF FAITH, starring Raul Esparza, as well as their previous theatre venture, THE LITTLE MERMAID. Plus, Slater shines some light on his upcoming projects, which include a Dreamworks animated musical with Menken, as well as a stage collaboration with his wife, Wendy Leigh Wilf, titled BEATSVILLE - all of that and much, much more! (more...)

Spotlight On RICHARD III: Haydn Gwynne

Today we are completing our triptych look at the leading ladies of the new BAM production of RICHARD III, directed by Sam Mendes and starring Kevin Spacey, with a solo spotlight on a stage and screen star known for her wide range of roles in dramas, comedies, musicals, television and film - the one and only Haydn Gwynne. In addition to all about her intense preparation for her role in the searing and prescient Shakespearean historical tragedy, Gwynne also recounts her experiences working with Mendes, Spacey and the previous ladies who have participated in this RICHARD III spotlight with whom she shares the stage every night now through March 4, Gemma Jones and Maureen Anderman. Besides all about RICHARD III and its international tour begun at the Old Vic in London's West End and ending up in New York at BAM, Gwynne and I also discuss her recent stage work in Elton John and Lee Hall's Tony-winning international hit BILLY ELLIOT and working with theatre and film director Stephen Daldry on it, as well as some remembrances of her other notable stage and screen roles, old and new - prior musicals (such as CITY OF ANGELS), as well as her recent guest-starring stint on the hit BBC series SHERLOCK included, as well as a look ahead to her new feature film, HUNKY DORY, starring Minnie Driver. All of that and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: Matt Doyle On PRIVATE ROMEO, SPRING AWAKENING, GIANT, New Solo EP & More

One of the top-tier performers of a promising new generation of young stars on Broadway, Matt Doyle has appeared in both dramatic musicals and plays in establishing a versatile stage and screen career ranging from a multi-episode arc on GOSSIP GIRL to starring in SPRING AWAKENING on Broadway, as well as the recent revival of BYE BYE BIRDIE, in addition to his most recent New York credit, the highly acclaimed WAR HORSE at Lincoln Center. Equally at home in musicals and straight drama, Doyle's most recently released film venture is an intriguing and compelling independent feature showcasing his WAR HORSE co-star and fellow InDepth InterView participant Seth Numrich with a stylish and intense military school-set adaptation of ROMEO & JULIET titled PRIVATE ROMEO that, fortunately for all of us, also allows Doyle the chance to sing. Having studied at the Royal Academy in London, Doyle was perfectly prepared for his Shakespearean role in PRIVATE ROMEO and that training was also was influential to his success in the aforementioned musicals and plays he has starred in, as he generously fills us in on many memorable moments in his career to date and even shares his most recent experiences doing Michael John LaChiusa's GIANT. Exciting projects coming up next include a sequel to his 2011 EP, DAYLIGHT, titled - appropriately enough - SUNSET, as well as roles in theatre pieces currently in development. Plus, Doyle and I discuss sharing the stage with the starry original cast of SPRING AWAKENING such as GLEE stars Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: Reality Bites? Janeane Garofalo on RUSSIAN TRANSPORT, GENERAL EDUCATION, BAD PARENTS & More!

Today we are talking to a stand-up comedienne celebrated for her caustic wit, erudite political humor and illuminating social observations who has also made a name for herself over the last two decades as an actress by appearing in over 100 feature films and television shows, including recurring roles on the TV series SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE BEN STILLER SHOW, THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW and 24, as well as her film resume, ranging from roles in ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION to WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER to REALITY BITES, COP LAND, THE CABLE GUY, NOW AND THEN and many more - the one and only Janeane Garofalo. In addition to a twenty-year career retrospective, touching upon many of her most notable big screen and small screen appearances - sharing comments on many of her favorite colleagues and co-stars along the way - Garofalo also opens up about the theatrically attuned work she has previously done - such as HBO's THE LARAMIE PROJECT - and, most importantly, fills us in on the new play she is starring in for The New Group, RUSSIAN TRANSPORT, directed by Scott Elliott. Besides all about RUSSIAN TRANSPORT, her character in it and the political and social issues the new original play bravely tackles, Garofalo shares her enthusiasm for her newfound experiences in the theatre world and her intention of pursuing a theatre career further. Also, she clues us in on her upcoming film projects, BAD PARENTS and GENERAL EDUCATION, and offers her classic views on current politics as only she can, in her own delightfully droll and ingratiatingly idiosyncratic fashion - plus, much, much more! (more...)

Spotlight On RICHARD III: Maureen Anderman

Known for her many memorable roles on stages and screens large and small, many from the canon of William Shakespeare (OTHELLO, MACBETH) and Edward Albee (THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE, SEASCAPE, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? & LISTENING), Maureen Anderman is making her grand return to the realm of Shakespeare onstage in New York with the new BAM production of RICHARD III directed by Sam Mendes, starring Kevin Spacey. In addition to illustrating many aspects of the rapturously received revival of the historical tragedy as she has traveled with it around the world, Anderman and I also discuss her affiliation with Shakespeare and what she derives from performing his greatest works, with RICHARD III being the central focus. Also, Anderman details her experiences working with Edward Albee on the original Broadway productions of THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE and SEASCAPE, as well as offering some candid observations on some of her favorite feature film and television appearances over the years - THE DAYS AND NIGHTS OF MOLLY DODD and LAW & ORDER included. As well as all of that, Anderman also shines a light on her recent standby duties for Vanessa Redgrave in THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING and DRIVING MISS DAISY, as well as the forthcoming Westport Country Playhouse production of MAGICAL THINKING in which she will be starring later this year. (more...)

InDepth InterView: Aaron Carter & THE FANTASTICKS

Having previously appeared on Broadway in SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL as a teen, and, now, Off-Broadway, in the revival production of the timeless musical THE FANTASTICKS, actor and pop star Aaron Carter has fit a lot of experience into his less-than-quarter-century-long life. Besides his stage roles, Carter has amassed a more than merely respectable resume, having had three chart-topping albums, numerous soundtrack featured spots and even headlining his own feature films. In this career-spanning conversation, Carter and I take a look back at his tween pop superstar heyday - with a look at his contributions to soundtracks like THE PRINCESS DIARIES - as well as his recent stint on ABC's DANCING WITH THE STARS. Also, his impressions of leading a musical as vaunted and revered as Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's THE FANTASTICKS and the importance he places on a theatre appearances. Additionally, Carter also opens up about his desire to expand his horizons and diversify even further in his future, as well as shines a light on the rehearsal process taking on the lead role in THE FANTASTICKS and what it was like working with original show creator, Tom Jones, in preparing for the role. All of that and much, much more! (more...)

Spotlight On RICHARD III: Gemma Jones

Today we are kicking off our trio of InDepth InterViews with the leading ladies of the new BAM production of RICHARD III by talking to stage and screen star Gemma Jones all about her role in the politically-themed Shakespeare historical drama, which continues performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music through March 4. (more...)

InDepth InterView: Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks LOVE NEVER DIES, PHANTOM 25, Ricky Martin & More

On Friday, I had the exceptional honor of talking to the most successful composer in the world, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, all about the unprecedented new HD film version of his thrilling new musical coming to movie theaters in February, a continuation of the story begun in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, titled LOVE NEVER DIES. In addition to outlining the impossibly detailed process of bringing a production as complex as the Simon Phillips Australian staging of LOVE NEVER DIES to the big screen, we also discuss the genesis of the show and what an immense achievement it is to now have the original musical - in the form of the 25th anniversary Royal Albert Hall production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - as well as the sequel - LOVE NEVER DIES - committed to celluloid, mere months apart. Also, 2012 is certainly the year of the Lord on Broadway thanks to new revivals of two of his most beloved musicals, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA (the latter starring Ricky Martin), as well as the 10,000th performance of PHANTOM on Broadway. Plus, Lloyd Webber clues us in on which musical of his he would like to film next - SUNSET BOULVEVARD, with either Madonna or original Tony-winning star Glenn Close - and he also elaborates on the indescribable allure of the Phantom legend, now, nearly thirty years after the original show's debut and expresses his enthusiasm for the revolutionary new age of theatre-on-film we are experiencing now - all of that and much, much more! (more...)

SPOTLIGHT ON BEAUTY & THE BEAST 3D: Robby Benson

Today we are talking to a star of many notable films and television shows who initially surprised many viewers with his commanding presence as the voice of the Beast in Disney's classic animated film BEAUTY & THE BEAST, now back in theaters for its twentieth anniversary (in 3D) - the one and only Robby Benson. In addition to telling us all about his impressions of and experiences working on BEAUTY & THE BEAST and what he thinks of the new 3D movie experience, he also shares his affection for co-stars Angela Lansbury and Paige O'Hara - both having been previous InDepth InterView participants, as well - and what the storied legacy of the film means to him. Also, Benson discusses his talented family, including his rock star wife, Karla DeVito, and their daughter, a star-on-the-rise in her own right, Lyric (her Benson-produced debut album, LYRIC'S LOVE LIGHT REVOLUTION, is available here) and details the many hats he wears as an actor, director, producer, author, singer and recording artist. Plus, recollections on ICE CASTLES and its haunting Marvin Hamlisch theme, directing FRIENDS and EVENING SHADE, his vivid memories of performing in OLIVER!, THE ROTHSCHILDS, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE on Broadway and a discussion of his own semi-auto-biographical musical, OPEN HEART, and, of course, what it was like being suggested by Francis Ford Coppola to George Lucas for a role in STAR WARS - and much, much more! (more...)

SPOTLIGHT ON BEAUTY & THE BEAST 3D: Paige O'Hara

Today we are talking to the titular leading lady of the Oscar-winning Disney classic BEAUTY & THE BEAST, Paige O'Hara, all about her experience acting as the voice of Belle and what it was like to be an essential element of the enormous success that the lauded family favorite has enjoyed for more than twenty years, as well as her impressions of the new 3D film experience currently in movie theaters nationwide in honor of its 20th anniversary (also available on Blu-ray in standard definition and 3D). In addition to all about her role as a Disney Legend-indoctrinated princess, O'Hara also sheds some light on her Broadway and theatre career, having starred in LES MISERABLES, OKLAHOMA!, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and the onstage revival and subsequent complete John McGlinn symphonic recording of SHOW BOAT. Additionally, O'Hara details her many collaborations on BEAUTY & THE BEAST, such as composers Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman, in addition to previous InDepth InterView participant Angela Lansbury and this week's upcoming InDepth InterView subject - the Beast himself - Robby Benson. Plus, news on O'Hara's Judy Garland bio-musical - FROM GUMM TO GARLAND: JUDY, THE MUSICAL - and her new role as a Disney Fine Arts artist, as well as much, much more! (more...)

Exclusive InDepth InterView: Constantine Maroulis Talks THE TOXIC AVENGER, ROCK OF AGES Film, AMERICAN IDOL & More

On Friday, I had the enviable privilege of talking to ROCK OF AGES Tony Award nominee and AMERICAN IDOL star Constantine Maroulis all about the new musical he is starring in at the Alley Theater in Houston as it eyes Broadway, THE TOXIC AVENGER. In addition to discussing all aspects of the science fiction-themed musical spoof and its creators, David Bryan and Joe DiPietro - of MEMPHIS fame - Maroulis and I also take a look back at his career onstage thus far and his essaying of roles in RENT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE WEDDING SINGER and JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS and ROCK OF AGES, as well as what we can expect from him in the future, near and far. Additionally, he shares his reflections on appearing on AMERICAN IDOL Season 4 and being mentored by fellow InDepth InterView participant Simon Cowell, as well as the immense impact that that entertainment entity, along with GLEE, has had on a whole new generation of theatregoers in the 21st century. Plus, Constantine clues us in to the exciting expansions that have been made to ROCK OF AGES for the forthcoming feature film version that he makes an appearance in, directed by HAIRSPRAY's Adam Shankman, and also shares his experiences recording the ASTEP benefit album A NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS, his new role as a dad and much, much more! (more...)

MODERN MUSIC MASTERS: Georgia Stitt Talks New Album, New Musicals & More

Discussing all aspects of her sensitive, charming and emotional new collection of songs, MY LIFELONG LOVE, today we are talking to composer Georgia Stitt, a uniquely gifted artist whose moving new album is an ideal representation of the many facets of her songwriting abilities as well as a portal into her own genre-spanning inspirations and projects from which a number of these songs are culled - many musicals included! In addition to all about MY LIFELONG LOVE and the fabulous Broadway personalities appearing on it - such as Jessie Tyler Ferguson, Susan Egan, Shoshana Bean and Brian D'Arcy James - Stitt also illustrates how her personal life and role as a mother to two daughters has influenced her craft and career, as well as what we can expect from her in the future - like the new jukebox musical, HELLO! MY BABY, and the original musical, BIG RED SUN. Plus, working on the recording of the new ballet, THE TRUMPET OF THE SWAN, with her husband, Tony-winner Jason Robert Brown; music directing and acting as vocal coach on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT and GREASE: YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT, an overview of the musicals she is working on currently - and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: John Logan Talks SWEENEY TODD, CORIOLANUS, LINCOLN & More

John Logan, the playwright responsible for the Mark Rothko-inspired 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Play, RED, is also a name familiar to movie buffs around the world who may very well have enjoyed his considerable contributions to cinema - among them, the screenplays for 2000 Best Picture Oscar-winner GLADIATOR (directed by Ridley Scott), Oliver Stone's ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, Martin Scorsese's THE AVIATOR, Tim Burton's film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (2008 Golden Globe winner for Best Picture, Musical Or Comedy) and many more. Discussing his collaborations with those lauded directors as well as his work for the stage - going all the way back to his Chicago roots - Logan and I also touch on some of his incredibly exciting upcoming projects - the new Sam Mendes James Bond film, SKYFALL; the Ralph Fiennes-directed adaptation of Shakespeare's CORIOLANUS; Martin Scorsese's critically lauded HUGO, now in theaters; and, Steven Spielberg's forthcoming biopic of LINCOLN, co-written with Tony Kushner and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Additionally, Logan illustrates his appreciation for RED Tony-winning leading man Eddie Redmayne, who also starred in the Kathryn Bigelow-directed HBO pilot of Logan's aborted Broadway-themed musical series, A MIRACULOUS YEAR. All of that, plus early casting ideas for Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett, as well as much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView Exclusive: Michael Crawford Talks THE WIZARD OF OZ, PHANTOM, Future Concerts & More!

If only for originating the title role in the longest-running and most successful musical in world history - THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - which is merely one of the many impossibly impressive moments in a fifty-year career that truly defies description - Michael Crawford is known and loved the world over. From the Broadway and West End stage to the concert stage; the recording studio to the movie studio; performing everywhere imaginable - he has conquered it all. In a resume-spanning conversation that takes us from Broadway to Hollywood and to the stage of the London Palladium where he is now starring as the eponymous WIZARD OF OZ in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new theatrical adaptation of the classic film, Crawford and I take a look back at his many notable stage roles - among them, BILLY, BARNUM, DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES and, most recently, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE WOMAN IN WHITE - and he also generously shares stories and recollections of the esteemed figures he has collaborated with over the years, including Barbra Streisand, John Lennon, Oliver Reed, David Foster, Stephen Sondheim, Hal Prince, Sarah Brightman and many more! Additionally, Crawford shares his insightful opinions on the state of theatre today and how it has changed over the course of his decades spent in show business, as well as looks ahead to returning to the concert stage following his departure from THE WIZARD OF OZ in the West End in February. So, catch Crawford while you can - and your little dog, too! (more...)

MODERN MUSIC MASTERS: Alexandre Desplat Talks TWILIGHT, HARRY POTTER, CARNAGE, Polanski & More

Having composed the musical scores for some of the biggest films of the century so far, Alexandre Desplat has displayed an uncanny ability to tap into the thoughts, emotions and even the very dramatic themes inherent in properties as diverse as - just to use his most recent projects as examples - TWILIGHT: NEW MOON, HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, Roman Polanski's THE GHOST WRITER and CARNAGE, Stephen Daldry's upcoming EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE, George Clooney's THE IDES OF MARCH (another stage-to-screen adaptation like CARNAGE), Terrence Malick's THE TREE OF LIFE, as well as the main theme for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN - performed on the soundtrack by noted pianist Lang Lang. Discussing all aspects of his compositional process as well as outlining his interactions with the respective directors of each entity - his ongoing collaboration with Roman Polanski, first and foremost - Desplat and I delve into the delicate art of film composing and how he has achieved such great success and international acclaim for his incredibly impressive work on a heady list of projects in a relatively short period of time - last year's Best Picture Oscar-winner THE KING'S SPEECH included. Desplat and I also touch on some of his own favorite film composers and he shares his opinions on Broadway and Hollywood music icons such as Bernstein, Sondheim, Cole Porter, Michel Legrand, fellow Modern Music Master Mark Isham and also sheds some light on his plans for the future - and much, much more! (more...)

Exclusive InDepth InterView: Katie Finneran Talks I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER, COMPANY, Sondheim, PROMISES & More

Last night, I spoke to two-time Tony-winner Katie Finneran all about her new Fox sitcom I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER, co-starring Jaime Pressly, which premiered yesterday at 9:30 PM. Additionally, Finneran and I discuss her recent role in the terrific live performance film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY, co-starring Neil Patrick Harris and Patti LuPone, and we also take a look back at her two Tony-winning Broadway roles from earlier this decade - the lauded Jeremy Sams revival of the comedy NOISES OFF, as well as Rob Ashford's revival of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David/Neil Simon PROMISES, PROMISES. Also, Finneran describes the feeling of reaching a career peak such as she has achieved this year - a new Tony Award, the COMPANY film and headlining a sitcom of her own - and also relates how her role as a new mom has influenced her participation on the battle-of-the-generations comedy. All of that - plus, reminiscences of working on DAMAGES, OZ, roles she would like to play in the future (Dolly, Mame and The Baker's Wife included) and much, much more! (more...)

Exclusive InDepth InterView: Stephen Sondheim On New Book, LOOK, I MADE A HAT; Filming FOLLIES?; Shakespeare; Future & More

Today, BroadwayWorld is extremely proud to present an extensive conversation with the modern master of the musical theatre himself, Stephen Sondheim, all about the incredibly revealing and thoroughly riveting second volume of his complete collected (and annotated) lyrics (covering 1981-2011) - following last year's superlative FINISHING THE HAT - titled LOOK, I MADE A HAT. With ample insights pertaining to the Pulitzer Prize-winning SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, INTO THE WOODS, ROAD SHOW, THE FROGS and many more, Sondheim and I also discuss some of his Hollywood endeavors - the proposed film adaptation of INTO THE WOODS, as well as the never-produced SINGING OUT LOUD and his Oscar-winning work for Warren Beatty's DICK TRACY - and his affection for - and process of adapting (in the case of WEST SIDE STORY, the CYMBELINE setting in THE FROGS and his recent scoring of the Public Theatre's production of KING LEAR starring Kevin Kline) - the works of William Shakespeare. Additionally, we discuss the upcoming Encores! revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, the currently-running revival of FOLLIES starring Bernadette Peters (as well as its brand new cast album), the West End transfer of the Michael Ball/Imelda Staunton-led SWEENEY TODD in the UK and much, much more! (more...)

Exclusive InDepth InterView: Kenneth Branagh Talks Sondheim, Shakespeare & MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

Noted thespian and master theatre and film director Kenneth Branagh has found himself at a career peak in 2011, excelling in both entertainment arenas with his striking, visionary blockbuster THOR being one of the year's biggest hits as well as his simply incredible portrayal of Laurence Olivier in the new film MY WEEK WITH MARILYN generating considerable Oscar buzz. Sharing his cordial and candid insights on a number of topics ranging from his beginnings in Shakespeare to his directing and acting in a string of Shakespearean stage plays and films - his iconic films of HENRY V and HAMLET among them - Branagh also illustrates his impressions of fellow acting titans such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir John Gielgud, Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, Simon Callow and many more. Plus, he shares his deep affection for the most famous musical theatre Shakespeare adaptation of all time - the classic WEST SIDE STORY; based on ROMEO & JULIET - as well as his love of the work of Stephen Sondheim as a composer/lyricist in his own right. Plus, news on his desire to do Broadway in the future, as well as all about Branagh's new lead role in the Belfast-to-West End transfer of THE PAINKILLER - and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView Exclusive: Cheyenne Jackson Talks 30 ROCK, GLEE, Carnegie Hall, LOVE NEVER DIES & New Album!

Today we are talking to one of the brightest stars on Broadway whose career has virtually exploded over the last few years with recurring roles on Fox's hit musical dramedy series GLEE, as well as NBC's multi-award-winning 30 ROCK - in addition to his newly minted classic character in the canon of unforgettable personalities on Larry David's HBO series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM - the astonishingly gifted Cheyenne Jackson. Talking all about his Broadway roots and starring in musicals such as XANADU, FINIAN'S RAINBOW, ALL SHOOK UP and more, Jackson and I also discuss some of his favorite performers and co-stars and he shares fond remembrances of musicals and appearances past, as well as looks ahead to what he would like to do in the future, both near and far. Jackson also reveals what the next few months hold - the early 2012 return of 30 ROCK; the release of his new film THE GREEN - and describes what audiences can expect from his 50s and 60s-themed Carnegie Hall concert on November 18, CHEYENNE JACKSON'S COCKTAIL HOUR: MUSIC OF THE MAD MEN ERA. Plus, first news on his self-penned solo album with collaborator/muse Sia, as well as his upcoming film appearances - and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: Matt Zarley & CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME

Today we are talking to a Broadway stalwart with a string of hit shows on his resume - CATS, A CHORUS LINE, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, THE WHO'S TOMMY, CHICAGO and more included - as well as hit solo albums of his own, such as his new release CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME; the one and only Matt Zarley. He also shares all about the shoot for the three music videos for the songs on his new dance album - "WTF" and "Forgive Me" included. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on Broadway now versus when he started out in the late-80s, Gillian Lynne versus Michael Bennett, as well as opinions on GLEE, his own favorite shows and scores, co-stars' careers and much, much more! (more...)

InDepth InterView: Roslyn Hart & NEVER SLEEP ALONE

Fiercely idiosyncratic and refreshingly impassioned, actress and performance artist Roslyn Hart is entirely her own entity unto herself - and with this year's previous hit solo show, SHELLS, and, now, next week's NEVER SLEEP ALONE, she is carving out a distinctively hip and edgy corner of the new 21st century theatre world as she takes her unique one-woman-shows around the world - and, always, back to New York. Talking all aspects of her new dating seminar-style spoof show, NEVER SLEEP ALONE, as well as its origins and inspirations - an engagement that defies description and which arrives with ample audience participation opportunities; as Hart is wont to offer so that all involved may relish her uproarious responses - Hart and I delve into the deep, dark depths of the dating pool in 2011 and discuss the finer aspects of the densely detailed characters she creates in her solo spotlight shows, new and old. Additionally, Hart also shares exciting news about SHELLS being developed into a television comedy, as well as her experience appearing earlier this year on HBO's BORED TO DEATH. Plus, what audiences can expect from NEVER SLEEP ALONE and the future appearances she may make as her freshly-born alter-ego, sexual psychologist and music therapist Dr. Alex Schiller - and much, much more! (more...)

MODERN MUSIC MASTERS: Mark Isham & ONCE UPON A TIME

Today we are going to continue our ongoing interview series focusing on composers whose work transcends merely one medium with this highly-lauded and respected film and television composer known for over 100 film scores in his thirty year career - such as his Academy Award-nominated work on CRASH; as well as this year's WARRIOR starring Tom Hardy, in theaters now - the immensely talented Mark Isham! Detailing the challenge of scoring each and every episode of ABC's hit new fairytale-themed series ONCE UPON A TIME and what it is like bringing the magical Disney wonderland of the show to musical life every week - as well as some hints of what we can expect in future episodes - we also look back at many of his most notable collaborations over his accomplished career, many with some of the finest theatre and film directors of our age - Sidney Lumet, Robert Altman and David Mamet included. Additionally, Isham shares insights into the work of fellow composers soon to be featured in this column - such as Alexandre Desplat and Alan Menken - as well as what we can look forward to from him in the future, near and far - on screens, both small and large! Plus - much, much more! (more...)