THIS WEEK IN PICTURES: February 27 - March 4

Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Melissa Leo, Colin Firth. Photo Credit: RD / Orchon / Retna Digital

The 83 Annual Academy Awards kicked off this week, with a handful of theatre veterans (including Natalie Portman, Colin Firth, and Melissa Leo) taking home Oscars for their outstanding performances this year. Miss the ceremony? Click here for the full list of winners, or here for more photos from the star-studded event.

Edward Baker-Duly, David Ganly, Paul Keating, Danielle Hope, Dazzle. Photo Credit: London News Pictures/ZUMAPRESS

There's a new wizard in town- in London's West End that iS. Boasting the talents of Michael Crawford and Danielle Hope, THE WIZARD OF OZ features a new score by theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show just opened at the Palladium and photos of the production can be found here.

Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Gary Beach. Walter McBride/ Retna Ltd

A slew of Broadway stars gathered in the Hudson Theatre this week to honor Tony winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman. The Vineyard Theatre celebration appropriately titled STRO! , featured performances from THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, THE PRODUCERS, and more. For full coverage of the event, click here.

John Leguzamo. Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

John Leguizamo, one of the many comedians heading to Broadway this season, began performances for his one-man show, GHETTO KLOWN on Monday, February 21st in preparation for a Tuesday, March 22nd opening. The 12 week engagement marks his third appearance on the Great White Way. Click here for more photos of Leguizamo in action.

Cast of THE SPIDEY PROJECT. Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia

Causing a lot of buzz in the theatre community lately are the many SPIDER-MAN spoofs set to open this month. THE SPIDEY PROJECT: WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY just sold out its performance in one minute, and in response has added another show on March 14. For more rehearsal photos, click here.

Gavin Creel. Photo Credit: Marcus Stern

Tony Nominee Gavin Creel has teamed up with director Diane Paulus once again for the A.R.T. production of PROMETHEUS BOUND. The new musical is inspired by Aeschylus's Ancient Greek tragedy about the heroic struggle of Western civilization's first prisoner of conscience. Check out photos from the Boston production here!

Matthew Morrison, Gwyneth Paltrow. Photo Credit: Adam Rose / Michael Yarish / FOX

Gleeks everywhere had a disappointing week, as American Idol took the spot of Fox's hit musical comedy. But next week's GLEE marks the return of Gwyneth Paltrow and John Stamos as substitute teacher Holly Holiday and Dr. Carl in the ‘Sexy' episode. Catch a sneak peek here!

Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson. Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta / FOX

If you've been holding off to tune in to American Idol this season, now is the time to start watching. With a dynamic new judges panel and a whole lot of talent, the show is more exciting than ever. This week, the top 24 were weeded down to 13. Click here for more photos of the finalists.

Patina Miller. Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.

Patina Miller, Victoria Clark, Fred Applegate and more will soon be raising the roof at the Broadway Theatre in SISTER ACT. Featuring a score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the show begins previews on March 24 and opens on April 20. Click here for more rehearsal photos!

Justin Guarini, Van Hughes. Photo Credit: Paul Kolnik

With the exit of John Gallagher Jr., Michael Esper, and Green Day's own Billie Joe Armstrong, AMERICAN IDIOT welcomed new stars Justin Guarini, Van Hughes, Davey Havock, and Libby Winters  in the show's leading roles. Check out more photos of the new cast that's heating up the St. James here.

Estelle Parsons, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Tate Donovan, Frances McDormand, Becky Ann Baker and Patrick Carroll. Photo Credit:Walter McBride / WM Photos / Retna Ltd.

Manhattan Theatre Company just opened David Lindsay-Abaire's newest play GOOD PEOPLE. Playing the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, the production features Becky Ann Baker, Tate Donovan, and Frances McDormand. For more photos from opening night, click here.