Eddie Varley - Page 202

Drama Desk-nominated Alexander Gemignani will join the previously-announced James Naughton, Renee Elise Goldsberry, and Leslie Kritzer at the Manhattan Theatre Club's annual Winter Benefit: An Intimate Night, on Monday, 26, 2009 at the Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor). Hosted by Naughton, this cabaret-style show features the talents of three of the most talented fresh faces on Broadway. Gemignani was last seen on Broadway in the Sunday in the Park with George revival. Prior to that, he was in Les Miserables and Sweeney Todd, where he was nominated for a Drama Desk for his role as 'Beadle Bamford.' He recently played the starring role of 'Addison Mizner' in the Sondheim-Weidman musical Road Show at the Public Theatre.

The producers of Blithe Spirit are looking for a real-life psychic or medium to work closely with the cast of the upcoming Broadway show to guarantee that each performance is every bit as genuine as possible. Auditions were held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Sardi's (234 West 44th Street), across the street from The Shubert Theatre, where Blithe Spirit will be beginning performances on Thursday, February 26, 2009. The official opening of the show is on Sunday, March 15, 2009. The producers are seeking real-life mediums or actors who are also mediums to prepare a two-minute audition to conjure the spirit of Noel Coward or to display any psychic abilities. This psychic or medium chosen will receive full credit as the show's official consultant in the show's Playbill. Psychics and mediums came from all around the globe in the search for the best fit for Blithe Spirit. Among those who auditioned were a psychic sexologist, a psychic who has been featured in Time Out New York as one of the best in the city, a medium who has worked closely with the FBI to help solve murder cases, and many others that have experience conjuring deceased performers and politicians.

In-keeping with their series of 'Extraordinary EBay' packages, Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is proud to announce an online auction item some fans have been waiting eight years for! Join multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Will Ferrell at the opening night of the nearly sold-out run of his new one-man show on Broadway, You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush on February 5, 2009 at the Cort Theatre. The producers of this sure fire hit have generously donated a pair of prime seats along with two passes to the star studded opening night party to be auctioned on ebay with the proceeds to benefit Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W Bush - It's time for a change in America, but not without a few parting words from the 43rd President of the United States. Don't miss your chance to discover the man behind the myth, the truth behind the lies, and the logic behind the illogical in this limited Broadway event.

Disney Theatrical Productions (DTP) today announced that The Walt Disney Studios will celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the 1964 classic film, MARY POPPINS, with a 2-disc special edition DVD featuring brand new bonus materials from the hit stage production based on the popular film starring Julie Andrews and Dick van Dyke and on the P.L. Travers books. To be released on January 27, 2009, the DVD set will feature a new 45-minute documentary, 'Mary Poppins: From Page to Stage' that takes audiences behind the scenes for a close look at the creation of the stage musical produced by DTP and Cameron Mackintosh. Filmed in the UK, France and the United States, the documentary is a series of intimate conversations with many of the stage versions' creators including producers Cameron Macintosh and Thomas Schumacher, composers George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Richard Sherman, who co-wrote music and lyrics for the original film and set and costume designer Bob Crowley. The documentary also features a roundtable discussion at the world-famous Sardi's restaurant in New York City between Schumacher and actors Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, who originated the roles of Mary Poppins and Bert in the Broadway production. Another extra from the stage version is the musical number 'Step In Time' shot in its entirety onstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the show's Broadway home since 2006. The number showcases showstopping technical effects, as Bert and his chimneysweeps dance with Mary and the Banks children over the rooftops of London. The performance features Brown, Lee and the full Broadway company performing the never-before-filmed popular number from the show, also downloadable as an MP3 audio file.

THE ORPHANS' HOME CYCLE, a world premiere production of nine plays by Horton Foote that have been newly adapted by the Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award-winning playwright into a three-part theatrical event, will be co-produced in the 2009-2010 season by Signature Theatre Company (James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director; Erika Mallin, Executive Director) and Hartford Stage (Michael Wilson, Artistic Director; Michael Stotts, Managing Director). The productions will be directed by Michael Wilson and performed at Hartford Stage from August 27, 2009 to October 17, 2009 and at Signature Theatre Company, from October 29, 2009 to April 11, 2010. Each part of the three part cycle will be staged individually as well as in repertory and one-day marathons. Audiences may choose to see the individual parts or the entire trilogy. THE ORPHANS' HOME CYCLE encompasses nine newly adapted plays by Mr. Foote, together for the first time. Mr. Foote, 92, is actively adapting each of the full-length plays, some previously produced and others never before seen, into one epic cycle.

Sandra Bernhard (I'm Still Here... Damn It!, TV's 'Rosanne'), Florence Henderson (Fanny, TV's 'The Brady Bunch'), Maureen McGovern (Little Women, Nine) and Ron Palillo (Hot L. Baltimore, TV's 'Welcome Back, Kotter') will be performing at Broadway Backwards this year, joining previously announced performers Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu, All Shook Up), Tony Award nominee Sally Mayes (She Loves Me), Kate Reinders (Good Vibrations, Gypsy; one-half of TASTiSKANK) and Tony Yazbeck (Gypsy, A Chorus Line), Mario Cantone (Assassins, TV's 'Sex and the City'), Alan Cumming (Cabaret), Gina Gershon (Cabaret, Showgirls), Whoopi Goldberg (Producer: Thoroughly Modern Millie, TV's 'The View'), Aaron Lazar (Les Mis?rables), Megan Mullally (Young Frankenstein, How to Succeed in Business..., TV's 'Will & Grace'), Jai Rodriguez (TV's 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' Rent), Christopher Sieber (Spamalot), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q), Marty Thomas (Xanadu); and TV's 'Ugly Betty' stars Becki Newton and Michael Urie. Joining the roundup on Monday, February 9, 2009 as Host will be Jim Caruso, who recently appeared alongside Liza Minnelli in Liza's At The Palace!, singing, dancing and celebrating the music and arrangements of the late Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers. And for the past six years, Jim Caruso has hosted a Monday night showbiz bash called 'Jim Caruso's Cast Party,' which was honored with a New York Nightlife Award, as was his Broadway at Birdland concert series.

Variety reports that Broadway revivals of 'Bye Bye Birdie' and 'Merrily We Roll Along' are contenders for the 2009-10 season at the Roundabout Theater Company, with the 'Birdie' production potentially opening the newly rebuilt Henry Miller's Theater. Composer Stephen Sondheim has been talking up an upcoming Roundabout staging of 'Merrily,' his 1981 tuner penned with book writer George Furth, at public appearances. And Roundabout a.d. Todd Haimes has previously expressed his desire to produce the show.

Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opens tonight, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). It is the Catskill Mountains in the early 1960s, and Lili Adler (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominee Lily Rabe) and her mother Eva (Tony and Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl) are spending the summer across the lake from a bustling hotel where comics entertain and buffets overflow. When a handsome young stranger (Benjamin Eakeley) enters their world, the emotionally fragile Lili finds herself falling in love. But once her imperious mother learns of their relationship, lies are exposed, alliances are forged and Lili's one chance to escape her mother's control may be lost forever.

An 81-year-old actor Fred Kellerman almost gave everything to the craft of acting. According to reports by MSNBC, 'The incident happened Sunday on the final practice run by a seniors theater group for their production of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men.' One actor picked up a pistol he had borrowed from another cast member and fired it at the head of fellow actor Fred Kellerman, who was playing the character Lenny. At the end of the play, Lenny takes a fatal gunshot to the head.' The bullet grazed Fred Kellerman's scalp and he was rushed to hospital from the stage at the Manatee theatre on the west coast of the sunshine state.

More than 50 years after it opened at the National Theatre, the new production West Side Story , under the direction of the legendary Arthur Laurents, returned to the National in preparation for its Broadway opening. DC audiences and critics alike embraced Karen Olivo's stunning portrayal of Anita. Before Karen Olivo left Washington for New York, she spoke to DCTheatreScene.com, click here to read the interview. Karen Olivo's many credits include In The Heights, Rent, Brooklyn, Hair- 40th Anniversary Concert (director Diane Paulus), Miracle Brothers (director Tina Landau). 'Law & Order,' 'Law & Order: SVU,' 'Conviction.' Film: Adrift in Manhattan, Sibling, Late In The Game, Two Lovers. Directed by multiple Tony Award winner and author of the musical Arthur Laurents, West Side Story features scenic designs by James Youmans (Gypsy), costumes by Tony Award nominee David C. Woolard (The Farnsworth Invention, The Who's Tommy), lighting by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Gypsy, Jersey Boys), hair by Mark Adam Rampmeyer (The Farnsworth Invention) and sound design by Tony Award nominee Dan Moses Schreier (Gypsy, A Catered Affair). The original Jerome Robbins choreography is being reproduced by Tony Award nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).

A recent 'Talkback Tuesdays' featured a post-show conversation with actress Melora Hardin. BWW TV was there to share in the fun as Melora discussed being a part of the hit Kander & Ebb musical!

Academy and Tony Award-winning actor Joel Grey returns to television in a new episode of ABC's 'Private Practice.' Grey, whose recent TV credits include 'Brothers & Sisters' and a critically acclaimed appearance on FOX's hit drama 'House,' will guest star as Dr. Alexander Ball in the January 22, 2009 episode titled 'Nothing to Fear.'

The Roanoke Times is reporting that the Mill Mountain Theatre, once the flagship of Roanoke's thriving arts and cultural community, is shutting its doors, board members announced Tuesday. The theater, which has large and apparently mounting debts, has cancelled at least the rest of this season. Its last play will be 'Driving Miss Daisy,' which runs through Feb. 8 on the Waldron Stage, assuming the theater can meet production costs. The play is scheduled to open tonight.

Two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole returns to the legendary Caf? Carlyle for the first time since her critically acclaimed 2002 debut. She opened last night Tuesday, January 20, 2009 and BroadwayWorld was there to mix and mingle with the very starry crowd. The evening includes songs by Rodgers & Hart, Irving Berlin, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac - and even a little bit of opera. John Oddo (Musical Director) leads a quintet. Tony Award-winner Scott Wittman directs. The Caf? Carlyle is located in The Carlyle Hotel - 35 East 76th Street at Madison Avenue. The performance schedule is: Tuesday-Saturday at 8:45 PM with additional shows at 10:45 PM on Saturday, January 23rd, Friday, January 30th & Saturday January 31st. There will no performance on Tuesday, January 27th. There is a $50 music charge for the Tuesday-Thursday performances and a $65 music charge for the Friday and Saturday performances. Dinner is served from 6:30PM. For reservations please call 212-744-1600.

Academy and Tony Award-winning actor Joel Grey returns to television in a new episode of ABC's 'Private Practice.' Grey, whose recent TV credits include 'Brothers & Sisters' and a critically acclaimed appearance on FOX's hit drama 'House,' will guest star as Dr. Alexander Ball in the January 22, 2009 episode titled 'Nothing to Fear.' In 'Nothing to Fear,' Violet finds out she's pregnant but isn't sure who the father is; Addison struggles with her own guilty conscience after her kiss with Wyatt; and Sam and Pete clash when an old friend and colleague (Grey) asks them to help him die. Meanwhile Charlotte proposes marriage to Cooper.

Adam Lambert had all the right moves on American Idol last night for the series San Fransisco auditions and with a strong performance of the Queen hit 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Lambert received four yes's for him to move forward in the show. Adam Lambert has appeared on stage in Wicked and also had a role in The Ten Commandments. The eighth season kicks off with three weeks of audition episodes, featuring tryouts held in East Rutherford, NJ; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; San Francisco, CA; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. After the two-night premiere, auditions will continue for two weeks on Tuesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); and Tuesday, Jan. 27 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The final audition episode will air Thursday, Jan. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Variety is reporting that the trust representing the late writer-director Colin Higgins has sued attorney Barry Hirsch for failing to properly represent his interests in the '9 to 5' stage musical. Colin Higgins Prods. filed suit on Jan. 14 against Hirsch and his law firm in L.A. County Superior Court, accusing Hirsch of legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty. The trust seeks damages to be determined in a jury trial. Among the many charges in the filing reveals Variety include, Hirsch failed to adequately secure Higgins' rights to a live stage show from Patricia Resnick, the original scribe for the movie, and failed to advise the trustee in 2006 that the firm was representing Resnick at the time she was writing the book for '9 to 5: The Musical.'

Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu, All Shook Up), Tony Award nominee Sally Mayes (She Loves Me), Kate Reinders (Good Vibrations, Gypsy; one-half of TASTiSKANK) and Tony Yazbeck (Gypsy, A Chorus Line) have just been added to the roster of performers to be featured in Broadway Backwards 4, joining previously announced performers Mario Cantone (Assassins, TV's 'Sex and the City'), Alan Cumming (Cabaret), Gina Gershon (Cabaret, Showgirls), Whoopi Goldberg (Producer: Thoroughly Modern Millie, TV's 'The View'), Aaron Lazar (Les Mis?rables), Megan Mullally (Young Frankenstein, How to Succeed in Business..., TV's 'Will & Grace'), Jai Rodriguez (TV's 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' Rent), Christopher Sieber (Spamalot), John Tartaglia (Avenue Q), Marty Thomas (Xanadu); and TV's 'Ugly Betty' stars Becki Newton and Michael Urie.

Broadway in San Diego has announced that the National Tour of IN THE HEIGHTS will play San Diego's Civic Theatre in 2010. The Tony winning musical will play July 27th through August 1st at the Civic, no other tour dates are not known at this time. Casting details are also unknown, but news of the tour production should be released in the next number of months. IN THE HEIGHTS opened to critical acclaim, going on to win four 2008 Tony Awards (Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations), and garnering a 2008 Grammy Award nomination for the original cast album. In November, 2008, Universal Pictures acquired the rights to produce a feature film based on IN THE HEIGHTS. In The Heights broke the house record at the Richard Rodgers Theatre set by Disney's Tarzan the week of December 28, 2008, earning $1,121,695. IN THE HEIGHTS then topped its own record the week of January 4, 2009, earning $1,136,062.

On Monday evening The 52 Miss America Pageant Contestants enjoyed 'The Music of the Night' at Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. After the performance they met lead cast members Andrew Ragone (Raoul), Kristi Holden (Christine) and Tony-Award Winner Anthony Crivello (The Phantom) and took photos inside the famed Phantom Theatre. The contestants, many of them performers themselves for the talent segment of the pageant, were enthralled by the production. This lavish production of The Phantom of the Opera thrills audiences eight times a week at The Venetian. From the moment you enter the magnificent custom-built theatre you are immersed in the storied Paris Opera House and become part of The Phantom's world. Featuring every beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber song from the original, spectacular sets, new effects, and a breathtaking chandelier experience, Phantom is an only-in-Vegas experience.