2010 Wrapup: The Hottest Interviews of the Year!

2010 was a year filled with all sorts of exciting BroadwayWorld interviews - here's some of this year's highlights!

InDepth InterView: Julie Andrews Talks Despicable Me, Obama, GLEE, Hollywood & More!
(7/21) - Yesterday, I had the exceptional privilege of conducting an InDepth InterView with legendary Oscar-winning Hollywood and Broadway legend Julie Andrews, star of films like MARY POPPINS, THE SOUND OF MUSIC; original TV musicals like Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA; and stage shows like the original productions of MY FAIR LADY, CAMELOT and VICTOR/VICTORIA. In our exclusive conversation we discussed everything from her favorite cast albums and theatre scores to working with Robert Wise on THE SOUND OF MUSIC and STAR! to ENCHANTED, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, SHREK and this summer's smash-hit Pharrell Williams/Neptunes-composed animated musical DESPICABLE ME. We also discuss plans for a US tour and the resounding success of her children's book series - even after all these years she still was at the top of the book charts and featured in the top movie of the week last week! Additionally, We also discuss her opinions on co-stars Russell Brand and Steve Carell, rock music in the theatre, GLEE, the Obamas, Sondheim, the Tony Awards and much more. Here is much more than a mere spoonful of the endless vat of sweetness - as well as generosity, beauty, elegance and class - that defines Ms. Julie Andrews.

SOUND OFF Special Interview: Lea Salonga
(11/11) - I recently had the opportunity to lead the original Tony-winning star of MISS SAIGON - as well as the voice of the animated heroines of Disney classics ALADDIN and MULAN - in a look back at her astounding career, covering everything from MISS SAIGON to her new forthcoming original musical ALLEGIANCE co-starring George Takei: Ms. Lea Salonga. In speaking with the iconic boundary-breaking Broadway leading lady, we also touched upon all things LES MIZ - everything from LES MISERABLES onstage, the 10th Anniversary Dream Cast to, now: the 25th Anniversary 02 Concert Experience! Don't miss Lea alongside stage veterans Norm Lewis, Ramin Karimloo and pop superstar Nick Jonas in the truly spectacular concert presentation of the world's most beloved musical as it is released in movie theaters for one night only on November 17th in anticipation of its worldwide release on DVD and Blu-Ray early next year! Plus, in this exclusive conversation, Lea shares her thoughts on GLEE and her wish to duet with new GLEE cast member Charice, plus memories of the concert event of the past century, HEY! MR. PRODUCER, and much, much more!

InDepth InterView: Kristin Chenoweth
(10/2) - Recently I had the delectable delight of talking to one of the sweetest and sexiest (and shockingly super-talented) stars of stage and screen who can currently be seen on the hit of all TV hits, GLEE, in her recurring role as April Rhodes, as well as in the new Disney comedy YOU AGAIN co-starring Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Bell, Victor Garber, Cloris Leachman and Betty White: the Tony Award and Emmy-winning actress and operatic chanteuse herself, Ms. Kristin Chenoweth! In this BWW exclusive InDepth InterView we talk about filming the first of several new episodes of GLEE for season two, working on Broadway with GLEE lead (and show love interest) Matt Morrison, what singing Sondheim means to her as a person and as a performer, what GLEE means to Broadway, as well as a thorough discussion of her new Disney film YOU AGAIN directed by Andy Fickman. We also touch on her early Broadway work in A NEW BRAIN and the words and music of William Finn. She has it all - and the success in each form of media to prove it - so it is a special treat to present InDepth InterView: Kristin Chenoweth.

BWW Interviews: Laura Bell Bundy Unscripted; Talks New Album 'Achin' and Shakin' - Singles Drop Tuesday, Jan. 19
(1/18) - Broadway leading lady and country singer Laura Bell Bundy spoke exclusively with BroadwayWorld recently about the upcoming release of her sophomore album, Achin' and Shakin' (Mercury Records, a division of Universal). A follow-up to her previous Dixie-flavored pop/rock Longing For A Place With Nobody Home, Achin' and Shakin' is a concept album - part soulful and sultry "Achin'" ballads and part upbeat and sassy "Shakin'" tracks. Says Bundy of the idea: "'Two records, one woman' is my motto."

BWW Interviews: Stark Sands, An AMERICAN IDIOT
(4/26) - Green Day's American Idiot is undoubtedly one of the season's most ambitious projects. The concept: take one of the most successful rock albums of this generation and turn it into a Broadway musical - without adding a stitch (or nearly) of dialogue. The experiment, so far, has been a success, managing to win over theater minds largely unfamiliar with the rock/grunge genre, as well as music fans who, prior to it's opening, had never stepped foot in a Broadway house.

InDepth InterView: Alice Ripley on NEXT TO NORMAL Tour & A Career Retrospective
(12/11) - Over the course of our ninety minute conversation earlier this week, Tony-winning Broadway star Alice Ripley was kind enough to open up about her role in the phenomenon of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical NEXT TO NORMAL, which is now kicking off a US Tour beginning in Los Angeles, as well as offer thoughts on many of her significant stage roles that she has taken on over the course of her impressive and varied career. Pete Townshend and THE WHO'S TOMMY to Andrew Lloyd Webber and SUNSET BOULEVARD and TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, to Sondheim with COMPANY (as the greatest Amy of all time), and even a turn in ROCKY HORROR; Alice Ripley has seemingly done it all, and her passion, dedication and insight into her craft are amply evident in both her studied performances on stage as well as in discussing the art of acting in musical theatre in conversation and what she has taken as her inspirations to play Diana Goodman, ranging from Albee to O'Neill to actors like Cynthia Nixon, Toni Collette and more. In this portion of her most comprehensive interview to date, BroadwayWorld is proud to present Part I of InDepth InterView: Alice Ripley.

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Barrett Martin of 'The Addams Family'
(8/4) - From the show that's defied the critics, we spotlight the veteran gypsy and fiance of fellow dancer Megan Sikora.

InDepth Interview Sneak Preview: Jerry Mitchell Confirms CATCH ME IF YOU CAN on Broadway
(7/12) - Tonight, I conducted an InDepth InterView with Tony- winning choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell in which we discussed his irreproachable and much-celebrated work on each year's Broadway Bares benefits in addition to his Broadway credits which include YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, HAIRSPRAY, LEGALLY BLONDE, as well as the forthcoming Broadway productions LOVE NEVER DIES and a revival of BALLROOM. We also discussed working with legendary stars of Hollywood and Broadway like Ann Miller, Lauren Bacall, Donna McKechnie, Harvey Fierstein, Matthew Morrison, Laura Bell Bundy and many more! Here is an exclusive Sneak Peek coming in the wake of raising more than a million dollars for the BC/EFA with Broadway Bares XX: Strip-Opoly, setting a new record!

BWW Exclusive InDepth InterView Part 1: Raul Esparza Talks ROCKY HORROR, TABOO & More
(12/17) - In this exclusive interview with BroadwayWorld, Raul Esparza takes a comprehensive look back at his spectacular rise to fame from this time ten years ago in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW on Broadway, his first New York stage role, to now, with career-defining reviews for the out-of-town tryout of the new Alan Menken musical LEAP OF FAITH - as well as his sold-out American Songbook concerts early next year in New York. What does the future hold for Raul Esparza onscreen and onstage? Will it be Shakespeare or Sondheim or something completely new? Mamet or MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG? You may very well find your answer here.

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Ben Thompson of 'American Idiot'
(7/2) - Ben made his B'way debut in the Green Day musical, and is now friends with the rockers he's long idolized.

BWW TV Exclusive Interview & Contest For a One Night Only Event with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp
(12/1) - In late November, BroadwayWorld TV asked Richard Jay-Alexander if he would sit down and talk to Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp about their upcoming Town Hall gig. BroadwayWorld TV brings you this unique and relaxed interview and the chance to win the prize of one of the greatest contests that BroadwayWorld has ever offered.

BWW INTERVIEWS: Idina Menzel
(9/17) - Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel opens the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra season with three performances September 24th through September 26th. Ms. Menzel will perform a diverse repertoire of classic pop, musical theater favorites (including hits from Wicked and Rent) as well as songs from her album, I Stand.

BWW Exclusive Q&A: Michael Crawford Talks Return to the Stage
(9/24) - Juggling both film and stage careers, Michael Crawford had established himself as one of theatre's finest leading men long before he opened as "the Phantom" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, beginning one of the most widely acclaimed and memorable performances in theatre history. Few stars are as widely connected to a single role as Crawford is to "the Phantom." His Los Angeles and Broadway performances earned an astonishing catalogue of critical recognition including the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Los Angeles Dramalogue Award and Drama Critics Award. Since leaving PHANTOM after nearly four years in the role in London, New York and Los Angeles; Crawford has become a multi-platinum recording artist and one of the world's most sought after concert and stage performers, playing to sold-out venues around the globe. In addition to his recent concert work, stage credits in London and on Broadway include Billy, Flowers for Algernon, Black Comedy, Dance of the Vampires, The Woman in White, and Barnum. It was announced late last night that he will make his eagerly awaited return to the stage alongside Danielle Hope, winner of the BBC's smash hit Over The Rainbow, when the show opens at the LONDON PALLADIUM next year. We checked in with the star to get the first scoop!

BWW Interviews: Shaun Taylor-Corbett, HEIGHTS' New 'Sonny'
(8/27) - After almost a year on the 'In the Heights' tour, Shaun is back in the B'way company and stealing scenes.

BWW Interviews: Jerry Herman Praises LA CAGE, Talks New MAME & More
(5/24) - Broadway legend Carol Channing is fond of telling the story about a group of Russian diplomats who came to see the original production of Hello, Dolly! in 1964. Although they spoke virtually no English, they sat through the show and visited with the star in her dressing room afterwards. Talking through an interpreter, they told her that they loved the musical because it was filled with so much optimism. Although they couldn't understand the lyrics, the ebullience of Jerry Herman's music allowed them to experience and enjoy what producer David Merrick touted as "the world's happiest musical".

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Sean Hayes
(5/11) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. Next up - Sean Hayes, nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance in PROMISES, PROMISES. Read the transcript of his interview below!

BWW Exclusive InDepth InterView Part 2: Raul Esparza Talks NORMAL HEART, EVITA, Future Roles & The Art of Acting
(12/19) - Here is the second part of our three-part discussion, in which Esparza and I analyze his roles and performances in plays, as well as a thorough discussion of the art of acting - and, additionally, a chat about roles he would like to play in the future, both near and far.

InDepth InterView: Sir Ian McKellen
(11/1) - Today, we present a particularly thrilling taste of the forthcoming InDepth InterView in this BWW WORLD EXCLUSIVE with one of the finest actors of stage and screen - and, now, thanks to the Scissor Sisters NIGHT WORK album, recording studio - the foremost Shakespearean interpreter of our age and star of two of the biggest film franchises of all time - LORD OF THE RINGS and X MEN - Sir Ian McKellen! In this portion of the complete discussion, we discuss his second year hosting the ONLY MAKE BELIEVE gala to benefit hospitalized children, as well as discuss how he became involved with the Dena Hammerstein-founded charity. We also discuss his participation in Peter Jackson's forthcoming LORD OF THE RINGS prequel THE HOBBIT and his cameo in the epic music video for his Sister Sisters collaboration "Invisible Light" - plus thoughts on Shakespeare, stage, screen and monster movies and not just GODS & MONSTERS. All god, no monster, Ian McKellen is as renowned and respected as it gets. And rightfully so.

BWW Interviews: George Hearn: Family and Friendship
(2/6) - This weekend, two-time Tony winner George Hearn is finally making his Encores! debut in Fanny, a 1954 musical.

BWW Interviews: Bryce Ryness
(7/16) - Each June, the Broadway season comes to a close, the industry celebrates its finest at the growing list of award ceremonies, and the industry airs out a collective sigh of relief. (Some) enjoy summer Fridays and the rest of us regain an appreciation for free time at night.

BWW Interviews: Adam Pascal comes to Toronto and Talks RENT: The Broadway Tour
(1/17) - RENT: The Broadway Tour has had a very successful run for the past year, and is quickly coming to an end. The tour arrived in Toronto on the 12th of January, receiving rave reviews and filling the seats of the Canon Theatre with eager fans, excited at the chance to see Original Broadway Cast Members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprise the roles they first played over thirteen years ago on Broadway. Shortly after arriving in Toronto, Adam Pascal took some time to talk with BWW about what life on tour has been like for him, and about what is in store for the future.

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Jude Law
(5/13) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. Next up - Jude Law, nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his performance in HAMLET. Read the transcript of his interview below!

BWW Interviews: Hunter Ryan Herdlicka
(6/1) - Imagine being 22 years old; an aspiring actor who comes to New York with dreams of "making it big" and having it actually happen two weeks later. Sound too good to be true? Not so, if A Little Night Music's Hunter Ryan Herdlicka is any example. Fresh out of Carnegie Mellon last year, Herdlicka quite literally stepped off of the proverbial boat and into one of the most high profile productions of the season, starring as 'Henrik Egerman' in Sondheim's Night Music alongside Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta-Jones, directed by Trevor Nunn.

BROADWAY BARES Q&A with 'Classic' Edition's Sebastian LaCause!
(6/2) - Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS and Jerry Mitchell are pleased to announce BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC, the latest edition of their popular "Solo Strips" series to be held Sunday, June 6 (9 & 11 PM) at Splash (50 West 17th Street). BROADWAY BARES: CLASSICwill feature strips inspired by favorite numbers fromBROADWAY BARES' 20-year history. Headlining the evening will be BARES creator and executive producer Jerry Mitchell, who will take the stage of Splash, where he first created the event in 1992. Other favorite performers set to strut, strip and show that they "still got it" include: Jennifer Cody(Shrek The Musical), Steve Geary (Contact),Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), Rachelle Rak (Fosse) and more.

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Alfred Molina
(5/17) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. Next up - Alfred Molina, nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his performance in RED. Read the transcript of his interview below!

SOUND OFF Interview: Walter Chase of Straight No Chaser
(11/29) - With over twelve million hits on YouTube for their "Twelve Days of Christmas" alone, the all-male a capella group Straight No Chaser has become something of a global phenomenon following their humble collegiate debut in 1996. As one of the founding members of the group, Walter Chase recently spoke with me about his passion for music, the trials and tribulations - and joys - of a capella singing, touring the world as part of a group, fame, as well as all about the dazzling brand new Straight No Chaser DVD/2-CD box set ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, which will be released this week, featuring over thirty holiday tracks - and a few surprises, too! Also, you can catch Straight No Chaser live in concert on December 1 as part of the Live From T5 concert series.

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Catherine Zeta-Jones
(5/10) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. First up - Catherine Zeta-Jones, nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Read the transcript of her interview below!

BWW Interviews: Diane Paulus Part II - HAIR, The New Tribe, and The U.K.
(2/9) - Talk about a makeover. Just over one year ago, Diane Paulus was merely a freelance director with a hit on her hands. Now, that hit - Hair - is a Tony Award winning musical, and she a Tony-nominated director, newly appointed Artistic Director of one of the most prestigious regional theaters in the country (A.R.T. in Boston), and soon to be triple tasking on productions on Broadway, in London, and at her theater in Boston. Did I mention she's also a mother of two?

STAGE TUBE: Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet Interviews with GLEE Cast
(1/24) - The stars of the Fox hit show GLEE were interviewed on the red carpet at the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards where the show went on to pick up the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

BROADWAY BARES Q&A with 'Classic' Edition's Jen Cody!
(6/1) - Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS and Jerry Mitchell have announced BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC, the latest edition of their popular "Solo Strips" series to be held Sunday, June 6 (9 & 11 PM) at Splash (50 West 17th Street). BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC will feature strips inspired by favorite numbers from BROADWAY BARES' 20-year history. Headlining the evening will be BARES creator and executive producer Jerry Mitchell, who will take the stage of Splash, where he first created the event in 1992. Other favorite performers set to strut, strip and show that they "still got it" include: Jennifer Cody (Shrek The Musical), Steve Geary (Contact), Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), Rachelle Rak (Fosse) and more.

BWW Interviews: Priscilla's Costume Designer Tim Chappel
(10/5) - Priscilla Queen of the Desert begins a 12 week pre-Broadway run Oct 12th in Toronto at the Princess of Wales Theatre. BWW is thrilled to bring you a series of interviews with the cast and crew behind the show. First up is Tim Chappel, the Academy Award Winning Costume Designer.

InDepth InterView: Ruthie Henshall
(7/26) - Recently, I had the privilege of conducting an InDepth InterView with British belting triple-threat diva Ruthie Henshall, currently lighting up Broadway as Roxie in CHICAGO. She previously has played Velma both in the original London revival cast as well as on Broadway opposite Sandy Duncan in a highly-praised run nearly ten years ago. In this revealing discussion, we discuss her experiences working on CHICAGO on Broadway and in the West End, playing ensemble roles in the original productions of CHILDREN OF EDEN and MISS SAIGON, working with Bob Avian, Matthew Bourne, Carol Burnett, Kelsey Grammer and John Barrowman, as well as what roles on Broadway she wants to do next (clue: "I Miss The Mountains") and her upcoming concerts in Australia and appearances at Feinstein's next year! Broadway has welcomed Ruthie back with open hearts and open arms - and why not? In her own words, she is the "real deal!"

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Barbara Cook
(5/18) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. Next up - Barbara Cook, nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Read the transcript of her interview below!

BWW TV Interview: Brian d'Arcy James Talks NEXT TO NORMAL
(6/4) - Monday, May 17, Tony Award nominee Brian d'Arcy James returned to the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal for a special limited engagement. d'Arcy James was the original 'Dan Goodman' in the Second Stage Theatre off-Broadway production of the acclaimed musical, and took on the role of 'Shrek' in Shrek: The Musical as Next to Normal continued it's development in workshop and at the Arena Stage in Washington D.C.

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Logan Keslar of 'La Cage Aux Folles'
(9/2) - Logan is doing 'La Cage' for the third time in two years, but it's his first-ever show on Broadway!

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Ashley Amber of 'Promises, Promises'
(6/1) - The hit revival is Ashley's 8th Broadway show, but her first since she became a mom.

BROADWAY BARES Q&A with Jerry Mitchell
(6/4) - Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS and Jerry Mitchell are pleased to announce BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC, the latest edition of their popular "Solo Strips" series to be held Sunday, June 6 (9 & 11 PM) at Splash (50 West 17th Street). BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC will feature strips inspired by favorite numbers from BROADWAY BARES' 20-year history. Headlining the evening will be BARES creator and executive producer Jerry Mitchell, who will take the stage of Splash, where he first created the event in 1992. Other favorite performers set to strut, strip and show that they "still got it" include: Jennifer Cody (Shrek the Musical), Steve Geary (Contact), Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), Rachelle Rak (Fosse) and more.

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Kristine Bendul of 'Come Fly Away'
(5/2) - Kristine learned to dance the Twyla way in 'Movin' Out' and is now in Tharp's Sinatra-scored production.

BWW Interviews: Triple Tony Nominee KELLI O'HARA on O.C. Cabaret Debut, 1/21-1/24
(1/21) - In just the span of a few short years, Kelli O'Hara has become one of Broadway's most beloved women of musical theater. With three Tony® Award nominations in a row under her belt (The Light in the Piazza, The Pajama Game and, most recently, the critically-acclaimed revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific), the revered stage star is now getting ready to debut an updated version of her much-lauded cabaret act from New York's Café Carlyle at the Orange County Performing Arts Center's Samueli Theater on January 21. The intimate series of concerts will feature not only some familiar Broadway hits but also a few songs close to the singer-actor's heart, some of which can be found on her debut album Wonder of the World. She will also sprinkle the show with a few stories and anecdotes from her life: from her early childhood in Oklahoma to her debut on the Great White Way. O'Hara recently sat down for a quick chat with BroadwayWorld to discuss her early influences, her distinguished Broadway roles, and even some of her guilty pleasures.

BWW Interviews: Lexi Lawson Chats about RENT, The Broadway Tour
(1/10) - RENT: The Broadway Tour comes to Toronto starting January 12th for two weeks at the Canon Theatre. Starring Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal and many other Rent veterans, this touring production welcomes newcomer Lexi Lawson to the Rent family in the role of Mimi Marquez. Lexi is living the dream of many young girls who have loved Rent since it debuted back in 1996, and she took the time to talk to us about what this amazing journey has been like for her.

Tony Awards 2010 Special Interview: Midtown North & South NYC Police Precincts
(6/5) - Today, we are talking to three members of the NYPD - Officer Bekim Kalicovic, Sergeant Andrew Lopez and Detective Martin Speechley - who work in the theatre district and whose precinct will be receiving a Special Tony Award this season for their stupendous work protecting and serving the theatre community.

BWW Interviews: IN THE HEIGHTS David Del Rio
(2/25) - David Del Rio is making his Broadway debut as Sonny in In The Heights. A recent graduate of the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, School of Film & Television, he is best known for his starring role in Nickelodeon's supernatural hit comedy, "The Troop," where Del Rio plays Felix, a shy teen trying to keep the global monster population under control. Del Rio's previous stage credits include The Elephant Man, Next to the Last Hamlet, The Odyssey and Joe: The Musical. He recently spoke with BroadwayWorld about premiering on the Great White Way, joining the Heights family and more.

InDepth InterView: John Kander
(11/2) - Today we are talking to the legendary Broadway and Hollywood composer best known for his work with estimable lyricist Fred Ebb on legendary shows such as CABARET, CHICAGO, THE RINK, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN and THE VISIT - as well as the classic, Oscar-winning film adaptations of those first two shows - who also composed the unofficial New York anthem "New York, New York" and yesterday premiered his newest original musical on Broadway: THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS - none other than thoughtful and gentle genius John Kander. We discuss his fifty-year career writing with Fred Ebb, writing for Liza Minnelli and Kristin Chenoweth, working with directors like Bob Fosse, Hal Prince and Susan Stroman, plus his thoughts on GLEE, the future of his shows written before Ebb's passing - as well as some SCOTTSBORO BOYS talk - in this comprehensive conversation on all things razzle-dazzlingly resplendent as only Kander & Ebb can claim be. Plus, Kander dissects and discusses the writing process of five of his finest compositions! Start spreadin' the news...

SOUND OFF Special Interview: David Campbell
(11/4) - Today we are talking to one of the brightest stars in all of Oz - Australia, that is - the dashing leading man and internationally renowned solo recording artist David Campbell! In this enthusiastic and ingratiating interview, Campbell talks about his life on the stage - having starred in SUNSET BOULEVARD, THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, URINETOWN, SHOUT! and many hit musicals in his homeland - as well his extensive recording and concert tour career, with a special focus on this week's US release of his stellar show tune album ON BROADWAY which features the world premiere recording of one of the best Broadway eleven o'clock numbers of the last twenty years - maybe ever - coming from the forthcoming Marc Shaiman/Scott Wittman score for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (which opens on Broadway near the end of this season). Plus, he addresses the rumors of taking on the role of The Phantom in the Australian premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES and gives us an update on his upcoming US concert appearances. Check out our chat, then be sure to pick up ON BROADWAY which is in stores and on iTunes now! He may sing "Goodbye" like nobody's business, but we are just saying hello to the charismatic David Campbell.

InDepth InterView: Hal Prince
(10/24) - Last week I conducted an illuminating InDepth InterView with legendary producer and director Harold Prince in which we discussed his singular career, having won more Tony Awards than any other person on the planet for his near one-hundred productions since his start as George Abbott's assistant producer over fifty years ago. He produced such landmark musicals as DAMN YANKEES, THE PAJAMA GAME and WEST SIDE STORY in the 1950s and then went on to become a director in his own right with Kander & Ebb's FLORA, THE RED MENANCE (Liza Minnelli's Broadway debut), CABARET into the Sondheim series of masterpieces in the 1970s - COMPANY, FOLLIES, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, PACIFIC OVERTURES, SWEENEY TODD - bridging into his two biggest commercial successes, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals EVITA and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Celebrating its 23rd year on Broadway in January, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the most successful entertainment of all time, more than any other musical, television show or even feature film in history. It's a juggernaut like no other and the mystery, magic and majesty that had made the show such a rousing success is thanks to the masterful eye-of-all-eyes, the true master director of the American Theatre, Harold Prince. But, will he be doing the sequel?

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Laura Linney
(5/12) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. Next up - Laura Linney, nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play for her performance in TIME STANDS STILL. Read the transcript of her interview below!

BWW Interviews: Reichen Lehmkuhl Talks GAY ITALIAN WEDDING
(5/17) - It's hard to believe that Reichen Lehmkuhl was ever thought to be ugly. In his autobiography, Here's What We'll Say, he writes of a note that a girl left in his middle school locker: "She went on to tell me I was ugly, disgusting, and to top it off, a total geek." He then discusses how he was considered unattractive even as he entered the United States Air Force Academy.

BWW Interviews: NORMAL's Mazzie & Danieley
(8/30) - Three-time Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie and her husband, Broadway veteran Jason Danieley, are starring in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Next to Normal, where they portray married couple Diana and Dan Goodman. Mazzie and Danieley first appeared on stage together in 1996 in the off-Broadway play, The Trojan Women: A Love Story.

Broadway Beat Tony 2010 Q&A: Kelsey Grammer
(5/14) - The Tony Awards Nominations were announced Tuesday, May 4th and the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 13, 2010. The day after the nominations, on Wednesday, May 5th, Broadway Beat talked to nearly all of the nominated stars in advance of a special two-part Broadway Beat Tony Awards extravanganza. Every day, we'll be presenting unedited, raw "Short Takes" sneak peeks of some of these amazing interviews. Next up - Kelsey Grammer, nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. Read the transcript of his interview below!

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Joseph Medeiros of 'Yank!' and 'Anyone Can Whistle'
(4/1) - Joseph, who was in 4 B'way musicals last year, will go straight from the hit 'Yank!' into the latest Encores! show.

BROADWAY BARES Q&A with 'Classic' Edition's Steve Geary!
(6/3) - Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS and Jerry Mitchell are pleased to announce BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC, the latest edition of their popular "Solo Strips" series to be held Sunday, June 6 (9 & 11 PM) at Splash (50 West 17th Street). BROADWAY BARES: CLASSIC will feature strips inspired by favorite numbers from BROADWAY BARES' 20-year history. Headlining the evening will be BARES creator and executive producer Jerry Mitchell, who will take the stage of Splash, where he first created the event in 1992. Other favorite performers set to strut, strip and show that they "still got it" include: Jennifer Cody (Shrek the Musical), Steve Geary (Contact), Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), Rachelle Rak (Fosse) and more.

SOUND OFF SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Michael Feinstein & Amber Edwards Talk PBS Series AMERICAN SONGBOOK
(9/30) - Today we talk to the world's foremost authority on twentieth-century music, the incomparable cabaret artist and Broadway performer known for his countless albums and appearances on film, television and stages worldwide, the affable and well-spoken - and encyclopedic - Michael Feinstein! In this SOUND OFF Special Interview he does BroadwayWorld the special honor of diagramming a lesser known gem - in this case, one of Cole Porter's final compositions - in his inimitable and illuminating style, as well as opening up about his new PBS reality series. We simultaneously speak to acclaimed directed Amber Edwards (WORDS & MUSIC: JERRY HERMAN) who also provides her insights on how to approach documentation of a life as rich, varied and hectic as Feinstein's. Lest we forget, he also owns and operates the premier cabaret club in Manhattan, Feinstein's At The Regency! Talking everything from Ira and George to iPods and Glee, Feinstein and Edwards share their insights and experiences in championing the twenty-first century Great American Songbook on television and on the internet in 2010 and bringing Feinstein's formidable talents to a whole new generation. All of that, and more show tunes than you can shake a stick at! Be sure to tune into your local PBS station next Wednesday at 8 PM for the premiere episode of MICHAEL FEINSTEIN'S AMERICAN SONGBOOK!

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Nina Lafarga of 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown'
(11/4) - Nina, who's danced with many pop stars, goes from the Heights to the verge for her 4th Broadway show.

Tony Awards 2010 Special Interview: Tom Viola
(5/25) - Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is one of the foremost AIDS charities on Broadway and their four yearly benefits provide not only help to those who need it most, but also provide thrilling showcases for the vast talent on Broadway and off, raising tens of millions of dollars a year for AIDS-related charities. The President of the BC/EFA, Tom Viola, is receiving a Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre for his work as an individual this year, as the organization itself has already been singled out for their amazing work by the Tony committee. Here, Viola discusses his feelings on the Tonys, the origins of the many yearly benefits such as Broadway Bares and Easter Bonnet Competition, in addition to his earliest theatrical memories.

BWW Interviews: KEVIN KERN Takes on The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, 2/16 - 2/21
(2/16) - While the Northern East Coast of the U.S. was hammered with blizzard-like conditions last week, Broadway vet Kevin Kern was busy with the launch of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, the concert revue he co-stars in, which compiles many of the prolific composer's musical hits that are in turn interpreted by six talented, well-known performers of the Broadway stage. Luckily, he and the extraordinary cast will get the chance to thaw out a little bit when the show pays a visit to the Orange County Performing Arts Center for a limited, one-week engagement on February 16 through 21. Kern—whose theater credits include Broadway's Wicked, The Wedding Singer, and Les Misérables, as well as the pre-Broadway runs of 9 to 5: The Musical and Next to Normal—recently took some time in between performances to talk with BroadwayWorld/Costa Mesa to discuss the concert, as well as his early work in the original casts of Altar Boyz and 9 to 5 (in the latter, he divulges his early star-struck shyness towards a certain Ms. Parton). He also breaks the exclusive news (to us first!) about his upcoming involvement in a hit Broadway musical that's about to cross the pond over to London!

BWW Interviews: PROMISES' Sean Martin Hingston
(7/23) - In the year 2000, the face of Sean Martin Hingston became quite familiar to New Yorkers; not just theatergoers, but the average Joes and Janes who traversed the city via public transportation. Susan Stroman's innovative CONTACT was playing at Lincoln Center and its ads were blazoned on every bus, taxi, and subway billboard. The artwork featured the ravishing Deborah Yates as "The Girl In The Yellow Dress being pursued by the forlorn-looking Boyd Gaines. Looking on was the menacing presence of Sean Martin Hingston. The image remains in the memories of almost everyone who saw it.

SPECIAL PREVIEW: InDepth InterView - Elaine Paige
(6/13) - Today, in honor of the American premiere of ELAINE PAIGE: CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS ONSTAGE being broadcast on PBS this week is a sneak peek of an upcoming InDepth InterView with legendary star of Broadway and the West End, Elaine Paige. In this portion of the interview we discuss the writing of CHESS with ABBA's Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus and lyricist Tim Rice, as well as her thoughts on contemporaries like Patti LuPone and, of course, originating the leads in EVITA, CATS, CHESS. We also preview her new album produced by Phil Ramone and featuring a duet with Barry Manilow. We also discuss the new song written for her by Stiles & Drewe for the concert.

BWW Interviews: 'Piano Man' Darren Holden
(7/27) - Darren Holden, the former Piano Man in the Broadway and first national touring productions of the hit Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical MOVIN' OUT, returns to the US for some August concert dates with the new Irish Ballad group called The High Kings, comprised by Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy, and Martin Furey.

STAGE TUBE: Sondheim Gives Interview On The Today Show
(4/20) - Stephen Sondheim gave an interview to The Today Show, during which he discussed his career, Sondheim on Sondheim and Oscar Hammerstein II.

BWW Interviews: WHITE'S LIES' Christy Carlson Romano
(4/22) - Christy Carlson Romano is not your average twenty-six year old. She has already spent two decades conquering show business, finding success in theater, film, and television. A former Disney kid, she was nominated for an Emmy for her role in the TV series "Kim Possible" and is also well known for her role alongside Shia Labeouf in "Even Stevens".

BWW Interviews: 'Gays for GLEE' Sensation Jeigh Madjus Talks to BWW
(5/31) - Glee is a worldwide smash hit, and recently started accepting video submissions for a guest star spot on the show. One of the videos by Toronto native Jeigh Madjus has taken the Internet by storm, with Perez Hilton and The Advocate promoting it under the now popular term "Gays for Glee". Jeigh sat down and talked to BWW and his audition, his love for Glee and his views on being a homosexual actor.

InDepth InterView: Joel Grey
(10/18) - This week I had the honor and privilege of conducting a comprehensive InDepth InterView with legendary star of stages and screens worldwide, both large and small - and winner of an Oscar and a Tony award along the way - who will be co-starring with Glenn Close in a special benefit reading of Larry Kramer's Pulitzer-prize winning AIDS crisis drama THE NORMAL HEART on Monday night, unquestionably one of the greatest dancers and performers of all time: Mr. Joel Grey! In this extensive interview we discuss his daughter Jennifer Grey and his feelings and advice to the DIRTY DANCING star on her participation in DANCING WITH THE STARS and teaching her some tricks of the trade, in addition to the first word of the upcoming Kathleen Marshall-helmed revival of ANYTHING GOES co-starring Sutton Foster coming to the Roundabout early next year as well as his thoughts on co-stars Liza Minnelli, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster as well as working with directors like Bob Fosse, Hal Prince, Joe Mantello and Kathleen Marshall! We also discuss much, much more! It may be gray outside these Fall days but it's all Grey at BWW!

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: Adrienne Jean Fisher of 'Banana Shpeel'
(3/7) - AJ will be tap dancing and hip-hopping in the new Cirque du Soleil show, set to open next month in NYC.

BWW Interviews: The Best of Times is Now for Jerry Herman
(9/20) - Little did composer/lyricist Jerry Herman know that when he wrote that lyric for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, he was actually predicting his own future. The original production of LA CAGE opened to enormous critical acclaim in 1983 and is currently receiving its second revival on Broadway in The Menier Chocolate Factory's brilliantly scaled-down version. The second act showstopper in every version is "The Best of Times" which inevitably has the audience singing along when it's performed during the final bows. It's also the song that seems to be going through Herman's head ever since August 13th when he learned he'd been named to receive one of this year's Kennedy Center Honors.

BWW Interviews: HAIR's Steel Burkhardt
(8/2) - In the first of our series of interviews with the HAIR cast, we catch up with Steel Burkhardt, currently starring as the playful Berger in HAIR at the Gielgud Theatre.

InDepth InterView: Christine Ebersole
(10/22) - I recently had the honor of conducting an extensive interview with legendary stage and screen star - of films such as AMADEUS, TOOTSIE and more - best known in the twenty-first century for her work on the Broadway stage having created not one, but two Tony-winning lead roles in the 00s, in both 42nd STREET and GREY GARDENS - the riveting Christine Ebersole. In this exhaustive discussion we talk everything from starring alongside Angela Lansbury in Michael Blakemore's production of Noel Coward's timeless comedy BLITHE SPIRIT and how instrumental that experience was in her selection of material - as well as mindset, mood and more - for this sparkling new studio album, CHRISTINE EBERSOLE SINGS NOEL COWARD. We also discuss her extensive film and television work and what exciting events lie ahead - including concert appearances with Michael Feinstein and a special event at Carnegie Hall!

InDepth InterView: Donna McKechnie - Part I
(6/18) - Today, I am sharing with you Part I of my exclusive InDepth InterView with legendary Broadway star Donna McKechnie who is perhaps best known as the genius director- choreographer Michael Bennett's muse and primary interpreter as well as the originator and inspiration for the character of Cassie in A CHORUS LINE - for which she won Best Actress In A Musical at the 1976 Tony Awards - in addition to her many roles on Broadway and the West End, as well as all over the country on tours of every kind over the years. In Part I of this comprehensive chat we discuss her earliest featured roles on Broadway, working on the groundbreaking COMPANY and her thoughts on collaborators Bennett, Sondheim and Hal Prince; as well as her thoughts on the current state of Broadway, the out-of-town experience in the Golden Age and creating Cassie in A CHORUS LINE. Plus, of course, we discuss her fantastic new show and much, much more!