THIS WEEK IN PICTURES: October 4-10

Pictured: Alan Rickman, Sting, and Jim Parsons. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

This season's THE LAST SHIP, in previews now at the Neil Simon Theatre, received some special guests earlier this week: Broadway veterans Jim Parsons and Alan Rickman! Sting, who wrote the music and lyrics of this original musical, was there for the visit, as well as the show's stellar cast which includes Michael Esper, Rachel Tucker, and Fred Applegate. BroadwayWorld was there for the special event, and you can check out more photos of the visitors with the cast here!

Pictured: Alex Sharp. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

The highly-anticipated Broadway production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME official opened on Sunday, October 5th at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Starring recent Juilliard graduate Alex Sharp in his thrilling Broadway debut, the show is based on Mark Haddon's novel of the same name. The West End production of the play received seven 2013 Olivier Awards. The Broadway production has already begun to enjoy similar success in New York. Click here to see more of the incredible cast's opening night bows!

Pictured: Nathan Lane. Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff.

Broadway legend Len Cariou celebrated his 75th birthday this week, and 54 Below hosted a fantastic party, featuring many Broadway favorites. Among the guests were Nathan Lane, James Earl Jones, Betty Buckley, Liz Callaway, and so many more. Cariou won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd in Stephen Sondheim's historic musical, but he has made many appearences on Broadway during his career, including A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and APPLAUSE. Click here to see more photos from the extravagant celebration!

Pictured: Andrew Call, Nick Blaemire, and Orville Mendoza. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

The cast of the Atlantic Theatre Company's most recent production FOUND traveled to the Soho Apple Store earlier this week for a performance and discussion about the process of bringing a fully original musical to New York. With an official opening on Tuesday, October 14th, the show is set to run through November 9th. Inspired by actual events, the show follows Davy (Nick Blaemire) and his two best friends as they follow a mysterious trail of notes and letters that they discover. Click here to see more photos from the cast and creative team's appearance!

Pictured: Jason Danieley and Kate Baldwin. Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy.

The Broadway-bound production of CAN-CAN officially opened this week at Paper Mill Playhouse, starring Kate Baldwin and Jason Danieley. As the first show of the theatre's 2014-2015 season, CAN-CAN features direction by David Lee and choreography by Patti Columbo. Originally produced on Broadway in 1953, the show has not been revived on Broadway since 1981. It is high time for this show to make its way back to the Great White Way. Click here to see more photos from the opening night celebrations!

Pictured: Kristin Chenoweth and Andrew Lippa. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

Tony and Grammy Award nominee Andrew Lippa's oratorio I AM HARVEY MILK had its New York premiere in a one-night-only event this past Monday. Starring himself as Harvey Milk, Kristin Chenoweth as the soprano soloist, and Noah Marlowe as Young Harvey Milk, the piece celebrates Harvey Milk's incredible legacy and life through music and theatre. BroadwayWorld was there for this one-of-a-kind event, and you can click here to see more photos of the after party!

Pictured: Susan Stroman. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

The Kennedy Center is currently playing host to a world premiere musical: THE LITTLE DANCER. Directed and choreographer by Susan Stroman, the piece is inspired by Degas' sculpture "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen" and tells the story of ballerina Marie Van Goethem and her struggles in the Paris Opera Ballet. The production stars Rebecca Luker, Boyd Gaines, New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck, and Kyle Harris. The cast is currently in rehearsals, with previews beginning on October 25th. Click here to see more!

Pictured: Marian Seldes. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

On Monday, October 6th, American stage actress Marian Seldes passed away at age 86 after an extended illness. Seldes was a strong presence in the theatre community, with a career that spanned 60 years, during which she earned five Tony nominations. She won the Tony in 1967 for her performance in A DELICATE BALANCE. Her final appearance on Broadway was in 2007 Terrence McNally's DEUCE alongside Angela Lansbury. Click here to learn more about her remarkable career.

Pictured: Stephen Trask, Michael C. Hall, Lena Hall, John Cameron Mitchell. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

Michael C. Hall is getting ready to put on some makeup and turn up the 8-track as the Belasco Theatre's newest Hedwig in the Tony Award-winning HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. Hall met the press this week with the show's creators, John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, as well as his soon-to-be costar: Tony Award Winner Lena Hall. Michael C. Hall will begin performances as Hedwig next week and continue through January 4th, 2015. Click here to see more coverage of this week's meet the press event!

Pictured: Stockard Channing, Matthew Broderick, Terrence McNally, Jack O’Brien, Megan Mullally. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.

Terrence McNally's backstage comedy IT'S ONLY A PLAY has finally opened on Broadway! Officially occupying the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, the cast features Stockard Channing, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, F. Murray Abraham, Megan Mullaly, Rupert Grint, and newcomer Micah Stock. Originally produced Off-Off-Broadway in 1982, then again Off-Broadway in 1986, this marks the show's first Broadway production. Click here to see more of the opening night bows!