Walter McBride - Page 285

Dozens of movie and Broadway stars came out Thursday, October 4 for the opening night of the Manhattan Theatre Club Broadway production of Theresa Rebeck's Mauritius at the Biltmore Theatre.

The record-breaking, razzle-dazzle Broadway smash Chicago welcomes Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum R&B superstar Brian McKnight to the company for a six-week limited engagement in the role of slickster criminal lawyer Billy Flynn from Tuesday, October 8 through Sunday, November 18.

The Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, winner of four 2006 Tony Awards including Best Musical, celebrated its 1-millionth customer on Tuesday, October 2. The lucky audience member, Robin Becker from New Jersey, was brought on-stage after curtain call and presented with a Jersey Boys poster, tote-bag and applauded by the entire company.

Mauritius playwright Theresa Rebeck was the guest of honor at Lark Theatre's 'An Evening with Theresa Rebeck' on Tuesday, October 2 at Angus McIndoe.

On Tuesday, October 2nd, Gerard Alessandrini's Forbidden Broadway marked its 25th Anniversary with a brand-new edition Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening, at the 47th Street Theatre. To mark the occasion, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Office of Theatre, Film and Television named October 2, 2007 as 'Forbidden Broadway Day.' Chita Rivera read a proclamation from Mayor Michael Bloomberg and unveiled a street sign renaming West 47th Street 'Forbidden Broadway.'

This fall, Red Bull Theater returns with 'Revelation Readings,' an Obie Award-Winning reading series exploring new and classic plays of heightened language. Leading off was a benefit reading of Paula Vogel's Desdemona, featuring Jessica Hecht, performed at the Playwrights Horizons Mainstage at 7PM on October 1.

The Rise Of Dorothy Hale, a new play by Myra Bairstow, celebrated its company opening performance on Sunday, September 30 at St. Luke's Theatre, followed by a cast party at Sardi's Restaurant. Because of a change in directors, opening night is scheduled for October 4.

The Toronto International Film Festival was held in Toronto, Canada the week of September 6 through 15. Several American screen and stage stars made appearances. The premiere of The Jane Austen Book Club was held at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on September 9. The film opened in LA and NYC on September 21.

The cast and creative team of Aaron Sorkin's world premiere new play, The Farnsworth Invention, met the press in a photo call on Tuesday, September 18. The American play about the advent of television, is scheduled to open November 14 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th St.) after beginning previews October 15. Des McAnuff directs.

The Toronto International Film Festival was held in Toronto, Canada the week of September 6 through 15. Several American screen and stage stars made appearances throughout the event, including Richard Attenborough, Christopher Plummer, Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden and Lauren Bacall.

On Sunday, September 16, thousands upon thousands of fans of Broadway assembled in Times Square for the 16th Annual Broadway on Broadway Concert presented by Continental Airlines and hosted by Hairspray's Lance Bass. BroadwayWorld brings you photos backstage with stars from such shows as Les Miserables, Curtains, Chicago, Mary Poppins, Rent, Legally Blonde, The Drowsy Chaperone and more!

Julie Taymor's up-coming film Across the Universe premiered during the Toronto Film Festival 2007 at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto, Canada. September 10.

Julie Taymor and the stars of her up-coming film 'Across The Universe' appeared at a press conference during the Toronto Film Festival 2007 held at Sutton Place in Toronto, Canada, on Monday September 10.

The Roundabout Theatre Company presents the revival of Terrence McNally's 'The Ritz,' to play Studio 54 beginning previews September 14, opening October 11. The cast includes Rosie Perez and Kevin Chamberlin.

The Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of 'Pygmalion' starring Claire Danes, Jefferson Mays, Boyd Gaines and Jay O. Sanders, begins Broadway previews at the American Airlines Theatre on September 21, opening October 18

Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee of Disney's 'Mary Poppins' unveiled their unique Sardi's portraits Thursday, August 29, 2007.

A press preview for the musical comedy Lone Star Love, which begins previews on November 1st at the Belasco Theatre, was held at the Hilton Theatre Studios in New York City on August 23rd.

On August 22nd, John Melendez (Stuttering John of 'Howard Stern Show' fame), his wife Suzanna and their daughters Greta and Lily Belle visited Max Crumm and Laura Osnes backstage after a performance of Grease at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Amber Stone was chosen as the Gypsy Robe Winner for Grease, which opened on Sunday, August 19th at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th Street) after beginning previews on July 24th.

Grease, featuring book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, opened on Broadway on Sunday, August 19, 2007 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, and BroadwayWorld was there!