Jim Backus
Latest News on Jim Backus:
Interview: Will Lyman Talks Playing Scrooge in Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Dec 6, 2024)
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 26 - Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Holiday Album, and More! (Oct 28, 2020)
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 5 - Josh Groban, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and More! (Oct 7, 2020)
Interview: Will Lyman Talks Playing Scrooge in Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Dec 6, 2024)
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 26 - Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Holiday Album, and More! (Oct 28, 2020)
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 5 - Josh Groban, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and More! (Oct 7, 2020)
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Interview: Will Lyman Talks Playing Scrooge in Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Boston has a long history with “A Christmas Carol.” Victorian-era author Charles Dickens gave his first American reading of the holiday classic at Tremont Temple in December 1867 while he was living just a block away at the Parker House.
Boston has a long history with “A Christmas Carol.” Victorian-era author Charles Dickens gave his first American reading of the holiday classic at Tremont Temple in December 1867 while he was living just a block away at the Parker House.
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 26 - Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Holiday Album, and More!
Need something new to read, watch, or listen to? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases! This week's list includes an upcoming holiday album from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, a new song from the Back to the Future Musical, and more!
Need something new to read, watch, or listen to? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases! This week's list includes an upcoming holiday album from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, a new song from the Back to the Future Musical, and more!
New and Upcoming Releases For the Week of October 5 - Josh Groban, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and More!
This week's list includes new music from Josh Groban and Broadway songs from Seth MacFarlane. In addition, The SpongeBob Musical is coming to DVD, and the lyrics of Hadestown are now available!
This week's list includes new music from Josh Groban and Broadway songs from Seth MacFarlane. In addition, The SpongeBob Musical is coming to DVD, and the lyrics of Hadestown are now available!
Set Sail For Laughter With GILLIGAN'S ISLAND - THE MUSICAL
Audiences at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre will once again have the chance to see some of their favorite characters come to life on the stage as the theatre sets sail for laughter as it presents the area premiere of Gilligan's Island - The Musical.
Audiences at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre will once again have the chance to see some of their favorite characters come to life on the stage as the theatre sets sail for laughter as it presents the area premiere of Gilligan's Island - The Musical.
Watch as Lily Tomlin Launches Her Career in LAUGH-IN: The Complete Third Season, Coming to DVD
The 7-Disc Set, Available for the Very First Time at Retail, Features 26 Complete, Remastered Episodes from the Landmark Emmy® And Golden Globe®-Winning Series. Season Three Guest Stars IncludeJohnny Carson, Peter Sellers, Michael Caine, Bob Hope, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, The Monkees, Carol Channing, Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Debbie Reynolds, Jack Benny, Engelbert Humperdinck, Peter Lawford, Phyllis Diller, Roger Moore, James Garner, Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Andy Griffith, Carl Reiner, Ringo Starr and More!
The 7-Disc Set, Available for the Very First Time at Retail, Features 26 Complete, Remastered Episodes from the Landmark Emmy® And Golden Globe®-Winning Series. Season Three Guest Stars IncludeJohnny Carson, Peter Sellers, Michael Caine, Bob Hope, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, The Monkees, Carol Channing, Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Debbie Reynolds, Jack Benny, Engelbert Humperdinck, Peter Lawford, Phyllis Diller, Roger Moore, James Garner, Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Andy Griffith, Carl Reiner, Ringo Starr and More!
Yvette Cason, Jim Rash and More Round Out MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Cast at Pasadena Playhouse
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, has announced complete casting for their production of the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, which is being presented in honor of its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23 (press opening is December 15).
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, has announced complete casting for their production of the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, which is being presented in honor of its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23 (press opening is December 15).
Yvette Cason, Jim Rash and More Round Out MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Cast at Pasadena Playhouse
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, has announced complete casting for their production of the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, which is being presented in honor of its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23 (press opening is December 15).
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, has announced complete casting for their production of the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, which is being presented in honor of its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23 (press opening is December 15).
Pasadena Playhouse Announces Cast For MIRACLE ON 34th ST.
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, presents the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, on its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23, directed by Cameron Watson.
Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre of California, presents the original 1947 radio play of Miracle on 34th Street, on its 70th anniversary for a limited engagement of 14 performances from December 14 to 23, directed by Cameron Watson.
Arizona Theatre Company Schedules Summer of Classic Films at Temple of Music & Art
With Arizona Theatre Company's (ATC) mainstage 2016-17 season completed after the run of the world premiere of Holmes and Watson, ATC has decided to leave the Temple of Music & Art theater dark this summer because it's the best way to watch movies, particularly the classics.
With Arizona Theatre Company's (ATC) mainstage 2016-17 season completed after the run of the world premiere of Holmes and Watson, ATC has decided to leave the Temple of Music & Art theater dark this summer because it's the best way to watch movies, particularly the classics.
The CW Announces Schedule of Upcoming Holiday Specials
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Kevin Frazier ('Entertainment Tonight”) and Keltie Knight ('The Insider”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas.
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Kevin Frazier ('Entertainment Tonight”) and Keltie Knight ('The Insider”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas.
VIDEO: BWW's 12 Days of Christmas with Guest Editor Richard Jay-Alexander; Day 3 - It's Great to Be Back on Broadway from Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
If you've been joining us for BWW's 12 Days of Christmas video features, on this 3rd day, the choice was easy and obvious for me. Tonight, for the first time ever on a stage, MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL will be staged and performed, benefitting the The Actors Fund. The very special event takes place this evening at 7:30 pm at The Gerald W. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College (524 West 59th Street). For more info, and how to get tickets, click here.
If you've been joining us for BWW's 12 Days of Christmas video features, on this 3rd day, the choice was easy and obvious for me. Tonight, for the first time ever on a stage, MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL will be staged and performed, benefitting the The Actors Fund. The very special event takes place this evening at 7:30 pm at The Gerald W. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College (524 West 59th Street). For more info, and how to get tickets, click here.
BWW Reviews: Theatre Memphis Spikes the Eggnog with A CHRISTMAS CAROL
As my hand was turning to mincemeat while writing personal notes in Christmas card after Christmas card, I persevered, knowing that at the end of my travails there would be a reward: A much anticipated performance of Theatre Memphis' annual 'gift' to Memphis, Charles Dickens' venerable A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I must admit: I have not attended every performance of that classic since its inception. I have, however, infrequently stopped to hang my wreath at its door; and I've seen some fine 'Ebeneezers' over the years (I recall a former teaching colleague, Tom Ford, offering a tight, clipped interpretation and, of course, one of the best and most frequent of the actors donning those tattered gloves, Memphis acting favorite Barry Fuller). As I wrote card after card, I began to think about all the other interpretations of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that I have encountered through the years - Seymour Hicks; Reginald Owen (in the role MGM intended for an ailing Lionel Barrymore, who had become famous for his radio performance and who would have, no doubt, been superior; a not-all-that-bad consolation prize was his equally tight-fisted 'Mr. Potter' in Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE); Orson Welles (in a Mercury Theatre radio performance); Sir Ralph Richardson (a beautiful audio recording); Alastair Sim (in the early 1950's British film and offering my favorite interpretation of the role; Danny Peary, in his fascinating ALTERNATE OSCARS, selects him as Best Actor for that performance); and, certainly, George C. Scott, in what was considered to be the version to end all versions. (And does anyone recall Jim Backus' 'Mr. Magoo' in a delightful animated musical television special back in the 1960's?)
As my hand was turning to mincemeat while writing personal notes in Christmas card after Christmas card, I persevered, knowing that at the end of my travails there would be a reward: A much anticipated performance of Theatre Memphis' annual 'gift' to Memphis, Charles Dickens' venerable A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I must admit: I have not attended every performance of that classic since its inception. I have, however, infrequently stopped to hang my wreath at its door; and I've seen some fine 'Ebeneezers' over the years (I recall a former teaching colleague, Tom Ford, offering a tight, clipped interpretation and, of course, one of the best and most frequent of the actors donning those tattered gloves, Memphis acting favorite Barry Fuller). As I wrote card after card, I began to think about all the other interpretations of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that I have encountered through the years - Seymour Hicks; Reginald Owen (in the role MGM intended for an ailing Lionel Barrymore, who had become famous for his radio performance and who would have, no doubt, been superior; a not-all-that-bad consolation prize was his equally tight-fisted 'Mr. Potter' in Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE); Orson Welles (in a Mercury Theatre radio performance); Sir Ralph Richardson (a beautiful audio recording); Alastair Sim (in the early 1950's British film and offering my favorite interpretation of the role; Danny Peary, in his fascinating ALTERNATE OSCARS, selects him as Best Actor for that performance); and, certainly, George C. Scott, in what was considered to be the version to end all versions. (And does anyone recall Jim Backus' 'Mr. Magoo' in a delightful animated musical television special back in the 1960's?)
The CW Announces 2014 Holiday Highlights
The following are highlights of The CW's Holiday episodes and specials
The following are highlights of The CW's Holiday episodes and specials
GILLIGAN'S ISLAND's 'The Professor' Russell Johnson Dies at Age 89
Russell Johnson, who portrayed Professor Roy Hinkley on three seasons of the CBS comedy GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, has passed away of natural causes at the age of 89.
Russell Johnson, who portrayed Professor Roy Hinkley on three seasons of the CBS comedy GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, has passed away of natural causes at the age of 89.
James Dean Ultimate Collector's Edition Debuts Today
When he died in 1955 at the age of 24 in a car crash, James Dean was mourned by millions of fans throughout the world. Despite only making three films – all of them for Warner Bros. – Dean became one of Hollywood's most spectacular stars
When he died in 1955 at the age of 24 in a car crash, James Dean was mourned by millions of fans throughout the world. Despite only making three films – all of them for Warner Bros. – Dean became one of Hollywood's most spectacular stars
50th Anniversary Celebration of IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD Set for Today
The 50th Anniversary screening and celebration of Stanley Kramer's 'IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD' which opened The Cinerama Dome 50 years ago, will take place today, October 27th, which will be declared 'IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD DAY' in Los Angeles.
The 50th Anniversary screening and celebration of Stanley Kramer's 'IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD' which opened The Cinerama Dome 50 years ago, will take place today, October 27th, which will be declared 'IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD DAY' in Los Angeles.
50th Anniversary Celebration of IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD Set for 10/27
The 50th Anniversary screening and celebration of Stanley Kramer's “IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD” which opened The Cinerama Dome 50 years ago,
The 50th Anniversary screening and celebration of Stanley Kramer's “IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD” which opened The Cinerama Dome 50 years ago,
Marilyn D'Honau, Lori Leshner and Stephen Purdy Among Camp Broadway Guest Artists, Now thru 10/14
Today, Camp Broadway has announced its roster of guest artists visiting its three-day musical theater dance intensive geared towards dancers ages 14-18, occurring over the Columbus Day weekend, today, October 12-14, 2013.
Today, Camp Broadway has announced its roster of guest artists visiting its three-day musical theater dance intensive geared towards dancers ages 14-18, occurring over the Columbus Day weekend, today, October 12-14, 2013.
James Dean UItimate Collector's Edition Debuts 11/5
On November 5, Warner Home Video will debut East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant (a George Stevens production), remastered Blu-ray as the James Dean Ultimate Collector's Edition
On November 5, Warner Home Video will debut East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant (a George Stevens production), remastered Blu-ray as the James Dean Ultimate Collector's Edition
Marilyn D'Honau, Lori Leshner and Stephen Purdy Among Camp Broadway Guest Artists, 10/12-14
Today, Camp Broadway has announced its roster of guest artists visiting its three-day musical theater dance intensive geared towards dancers ages 14-18, occurring over the Columbus Day weekend, October 12-14, 2013.
Today, Camp Broadway has announced its roster of guest artists visiting its three-day musical theater dance intensive geared towards dancers ages 14-18, occurring over the Columbus Day weekend, October 12-14, 2013.
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