Today we are talking to one of Broadway's best baritones all about his accomplished career in musical theatre that began nearly 20 years ago with a memorable turn in MISS SAIGON, the thoughtful and debonair Matt Bogart. In addition to looking back at his arrival on Broadway during the mega-musical era, Bogart also comments on subsequent starring roles in Broadway productions ranging from Elton John and Tim Rice's Tony Award-winning AIDA to Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy's THE CIVIL WAR and far beyond. Additionally, Bogart sheds considerable light on projects he has participated in over the years in regional productions and workshops, including THE BAKER'S WIFE, CAMELOT, ACE and more. Most importantly, Bogart offers the full 411 on this weekend's hotly anticipated evening of music from famous rock concept musical CHESS and clues us in on what we can expect from the starry evening, directed by Scott Coulter. Furthermore, Bogart shares stories from the set of SMASH, outlines some of his favorite musical theatre songs to date and details the process in bringing his previous solo albums to fruition along with JAY Records executive producer John Yap, looking ahead to the release of a brand new release set for later this year. All of that, a thorough analysis of participating in 2500 performances of long-running Tony Award-winning Broadway super smash JERSEY BOYS, appearing in the international broadcast and DVD edition of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, memories of the legendary 2002 Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration and much, much more!

Today we are talking to one of the most accomplished bring young stars on Broadway all about her many exciting endeavors including headlining the most recent revival of mega-hit ANNIE as well as playing a major part in the new Disney feature film edition of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS - the gifted and talented Lilla Crawford. Opening up about her experiences participating in the big screen edition of the Sondheim classic, Crawford offers insight into her iconic character of Little Red Riding Hood and sheds light on the filmmaking process with director Rob Marshall as well as comments on sharing the screen with such Hollywood heavyweights as Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep. Additionally, Crawford illuminates her time spent headlining the most recent Broadway revival of ever-popular Charles Strouse/Martin Charnin/Thomas Meehan musical ANNIE as well as working with recognizable Miss Hannigans two-time Tony-winner Katie Finneran and GLEE's Jane Lynch, as well as recounts her experiences meeting the star of the big screen ANNIE remake, Quvenzhane Wallis, and her own thoughts on the updated film remake. Most importantly, Crawford discusses her participation in this weekend's open house event to benefit Rosie's Theater Kids and shares her enthusiasm for joining Broadway proponent and Tony Award Honors recipient Rosie O'Donnell in bringing attention to the acclaimed theatre program for underprivileged youth, as well as clues us in on what she will be performing, too. All of that, participating in Marvin Hamlisch's recent PBS tribute, BILLY ELLIOT memories, who she would love to play in the forthcoming WICKED feature film and much, much more!

Today we are talking to the originator of leading roles in two iconic Tony Award-winning musicals of the 1990s and 2000s, RENT and AIDA, as well as a notable presence on the Great White Way in musicals such as CABARET, CHICAGO and MEMPHIS - the charismatic and steel-voiced Adam Pascal. Reflecting on his career highlights as part of Jonathan Larson's seminal rock musical RENT and how it defined an entire generation, Pascal opens up about his participation in the early stages of the show as well as comments on the enduring legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning musical in its 20th anniversary year. Furthermore, Pascal sheds some light on his other originating role in a Broadway musical as part of Elton John and Tim Rice's Disney stage musical AIDA, sharing observations on headlining a new musical of such epic proportions. Most importantly, Pascal previews what audiences can expect from his upcoming East Coast concerts coming up later this month and what sort of evening of story and song he has planned for his passionate fan-base. Additionally, Pascal reflects on his runs in a handful of revivals ranging from Kander & Ebb's long-running CHICAGO to the last Roundabout Theatre Company revival of CABARET as well as starring in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical MEMPHIS. Plus, Pascal offers the 411 on his new self-penned stage adaptation of the unique M. Night Shyalaman superhero film UNBREAKABLE and what his plans are for the project currently in development. All of that, potential future roles he would like to take on someday soon, his upcoming feature films PUNK IS DEAD and THE DEVIL'S CARNIVAL: HALLELUJAH, CHESS observations and much, much more with one of Broadway's most recognizable modern leading men!

Today we are talking to an instantly recognizable stage stalwart who has lit up Broadway and beyond for more than three decades since her debut in William Finn's IN TROUSERS - the one and only Mary Testa. Discussing all aspects of her exemplary new album created in collaboration with acclaimed orchestrator Michael Starobin, HAVE FAITH, Testa imparts the impetus behind the concept album and outlines what motivated the wildly eclectic song choices included on the release - ranging from the Beach Boys, Prince and Aerosmith to Michael John LaChiusa, William Finn, Jill Sobule and many more. Furthermore, Testa eloquently describes the fascinating and compelling theme upon which the album is based - the journey of a soul through life; ostensibly a search for faith - and relates the sonic experience to her own spiritual pursuits. Additionally, Testa clues us in on what we can expect from her upcoming promotional concert appearances alongside Starobin in support of the album, as well, kicking off with a concert at Barnes & Noble next week along with a series of shows at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Reflecting on the various ways in which she has seen the theatre transform over the course of her career thus far, Testa also sheds some light on many of her most celebrated roles to date, including IN TROUSERS, THE RINK, XANADU, 42nd STREET, MARIE CHRISTINE, SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE, QUEEN OF THE MIST, GUYS & DOLLS, A NEW BRAIN, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, LUCKY STIFF, CHICAGO, WICKED and more. All of that, playing Barbara Bush in FIRST DAUGHTER SUITE and much, much more with one of Broadway's most reliably entertaining and endlessly inventive regulars.

Today we are talking to one of Broadway's biggest and brightest stars all about her incredibly busy year and impossibly packed schedule coming up for the rest of 2014 and the start of 2015 - the winsome and angelic Kelli O'Hara. Offering a generous tease of her upcoming Carnegie Hall holiday concert spectacular alongside fellow InDepth InterView participant Matthew Morrison and the NY Pops in KELLI & MATTHEW: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, O'Hara reflects on some of her favorite Christmas memories and shares some of her favorite holiday selections while commenting on the notable rapport shared between herself and Morrison, previously having co-starred in the Lincoln Center Theater productions of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA and SOUTH PACIFIC. Furthermore, O'Hara offers us a behind the scenes perspective on starring in NBC's recent entertainment extravaganza PETER PAN LIVE! and her thoughts on the unique production process as well as performing in the live telecast itself and introducing new material into the hallowed score for the show specifically for the broadcast. Additionally, O'Hara opens up about her leading role in the hotly anticipated forthcoming revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's vaunted THE KING & I, to be directed by her frequent collaborator Bartlett Sher, and sheds some light on what preparations are currently underway in taking on the iconic role of Anna as well as posits her own insights into the complex character in the historically-informed story. All of that, first news on appearing in the Tom Hanks tribute as part of this year's Kennedy Center Honors, reflections on THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY on Broadway and on disc, whether she would consider playing Marian in NBC's recently announced live TV production of THE MUSIC MAN and much, much more!

Today we are talking to one of the most powerful directors on Broadway, in the West End and in Hollywood all about the breathtaking screen-to-stage-to-screen adaptation of his Tony Award- and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL, coming to Fathom movie theaters nationwide this week, the affable and gifted Stephen Daldry. Discussing originally adapting the hit British indie alongside composer Elton John and screenwriter/lyricist Lee Hall into the worldwide sensation that the musical eventually became, Daldry reflects on how many iconic elements of the original production came to be as well as comments on the enduring impact of the musical since its debut more than 10 years ago. Additionally, Daldry sheds considerable light on how the Fathom filming of BILLY ELLIOT was designed to showcase the exceptional entertainment value of the enterprise and its incredible cast of actors, as well as overseeing the unforgettable finale staged especially for this special 10th anniversary performance, including an awe-inspiring dance sequence involving 26 actors who have notably essayed the title role over the course of the show's run on Broadway, in the West End and around the world since its debut. Additionally, Daldry also touches upon his other two recent Fathom Events seen in movie theaters worldwide, SKYLIGHT and THE AUDIENCE, both of which will also be arriving on Broadway later this season in new productions. Plus, Daldry comments for the very first time on the feature film adaptation of stage sensation WICKED and working with Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman on bringing it to the screen, as well as offers his thoughts on the importance of properties such as BILLY ELLIOT and WICKED targeting the youth demographic in general. All of that, his early career success directing Caryl Churchill's remarkably prescient and powerful A NUMBER and FAR AWAY as well as an update on his new Peter Morgan TV series collaboration created especially for Netflix titled THE CROWN and much, much more in this quick yet compelling chat with one of the industry's best!

Today we are talking to a spectacularly gifted Tony Award-winning stage and screen performer known for originating numerous memorable roles in both new musicals and revivals as well as starring in this month's Encores! special presentation of THE BAND WAGON, Brian Stokes Mitchell. Opening up about the new stage-to-screen adaptation of the movie musical classic while granting a rare few moments for a chat while on a break, Mitchell shares his enthusiasm for re-teaming with frequent collaborator director/choreographer Kathleen Marhshall as well as what audiences can expect from the brand new concert presentation while also commenting on his starry assortment of fellow players in the production, including Tracey Ullman, Michael McKean and Laura Osnes. Furthermore, Mitchell offers first news of his return to FOX's hit musical dramedy series GLEE for its final season and preliminarily clues us in to what we can expect from his last appearance on the series. Additionally, Mitchell reflects on his starring role in the 2002 Kennedy Center production of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's SWEENEY TODD and whether he would be interested in pursuing that part again in the future. Plus, Mitchell reveals he has recorded a series of studio albums awaiting release and shares his opinions on what material he would like to record in the future. All of that, thoughts on THE PRINCE OF EGYPT and if it could work onstage, his upcoming Christmas concert series with the Cincinnati Symphony, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN memories and much, much more in this exclusive conversation with one of Broadway's most beloved leading men!

Today we are talking to a world famous triple-threat star of stage and screen who first shot to fame in the 1980s as the first African American Miss America and found considerable success as a recording artist and actress thereafter, the divine Vanessa Williams. Sharing sage wisdom from her life and career as well as reflecting on many of her most popular properties to date, Williams reveals some of her many secrets to success while also looking ahead to next month's hotly anticipated all-star concert presentation of legendary Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein musical SHOW BOAT, co-starring Julian Ovenden, Norm Lewis, Jane Alexander and many more along with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Ted Sperling. Also, Williams shares her enthusiasm for setting out to create new renditions of some of SHOW BOAT's most noted selections, including 'Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man Of Mine'. Additionally, Williams opens up about her multiple musical theatre endeavors highlighting the work of Stephen Sondheim, including the Tony Award-winning 2002 Best Revival production of INTO THE WOODS and the recent original revue SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Plus, Williams details her ongoing participation in THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, after having starred in the well-received Broadway production last season and now finishing up headlining the Los Angeles production before bringing the drama to Boston. All of that, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN memories, saving Audra McDonald's wedding day and much, much more with one of Broadway's brightest stars!

Today we are talking to a spectacularly talented and universally beloved stage and screen star who is celebrated around the world for her wacky way with a character - 7-time Emmy Award winner Tracey Ullman. Discussing the finer points of her just announced participation in the upcoming Encores! mounting of celebrated Vincente Minnelli movie musical THE BAND WAGON, Ullman opens up about her anticipation in taking on the role of scrappy and smart Broadway lyricist Lily Marton, famously essayed in the original film by Nanette Fabray. Also, Ullman sheds some light on some of the musical material we can anticipate hearing from her in the newly devised Encores! edition of THE BANDWAGON penned by Douglas Carter Beane, including such showstopping classics as 'That's Entertainment' and 'Louisiana Hayride'. Furthermore, Ullman elaborates on her excitement in teaming with noted co-stars Brian Stokes Mitchell and Michael McKean, as well as performing for the first time at the newly renovated City Center. Plus, Ullman also clues us in on what viewers can expect from the hotly anticipated feature film edition of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's celebrated fairy tale-themed musical INTO THE WOODS and shares stories from the set. Additionally, Ullman reflects on some of her early stage roles, ranging from a Berlin stage production of another Vincente Minnelli movie musical masterpiece, GIGI, along with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and more. All of that, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and much, much more in this exclusive conversation with a comedy legend.

Today we are talking to a multi-award-winning stage and screen musical master all about the forthcoming Fathom presentation of his new musical FROM HERE TO ETERNITY premiering in movie theaters nationwide early next month, the sharp and affable Sir Tim Rice. Outlining his impetus for pursuing a musical adaptation of the acclaimed novel upon which the multi-Academy Award-winning film is based, Rice reveals what drew him to the project as well as what viewers can expect from the dense, complex and majestic score created along with composer Stuart Brayson for the enterprise. Additionally, Rice sheds some light on the specifics of crafting the show, with a special emphasis on the controversial elements contained within the material. Plus, Rice shares specific examples of how some of the biggest showstoppers in the rich and varied score were crafted, as well as his impressions of the impeccable cast featured in the stage version, and, now, the Fathom film - and preliminary prospective plans for an American production, too. Furthermore, Rice reflects on his work with recently deceased entertainment icons Robin Williams, on ALADDIN; Lauren Bacall, on THE FAN; and Richard Attenborough on the JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT film. Also, Rice shares new details on the forthcoming 30th anniversary 3-disc special edition of CHESS set to be released next month. All of that and much, much more awaits!

Today we are talking to an Academy Award-winning producer all about his sensational career trajectory thus far as we look ahead to next week's LGBT awareness-raising charity event UPRISING OF LOVE, the talented Bruce Cohen. Discussing his friendship with noted composer and UPRISING OF LOVE co-producer Stephen Schwartz, Cohen details what audiences can expect from the star-studded evening of information and entertainment, scripted by none other than Cohen's Oscar-winning MILK collaborator Dustin Lance Black. Furthermore, Cohen outlines how he first became involved with the UPRISING OF LOVE movement at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Additionally, Cohen shares his enthusiasm for the impressive slate of performers scheduled to take the stage of the Gershwin Theater, home of WICKED, for the one-night-only experience - including recording icon Sting, Broadway legend Patti LuPone, recent Tony Award winner Billy Porter, plus the casts of WICKED, I AM HARVEY MILK and more. Plus, Cohen also teases preliminary prospective plans to pursue a stage iteration of TV cult hit PUSHING DAISIES with creator Bryan Fuller, shares memories of working with Steven Spielberg on a number of projects, as well as reflects on producing last season's BIG FISH on Broadway, as well as comments on his Oscar-winning work on AMERICAN BEAUTY, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, upcoming projects and much more!

Today we are talking to a two-time Emmy Award-winning stage and screen star who counts a modern-day TV icon among her most memorable roles, none other than nefarious and outrageous Sue Sylvester on FOX's hit musical dramedy series GLEE, the versatile Jane Lynch. Shedding light on her hosting duties for the upcoming GLBT equality charity event UPRISING OF LOVE, set to star Sting, Billy Porter and Patti LuPone, Lynch opens up about the importance of the cause and why she was drawn to participating in the show next week. Additionally, Lynch shares stories from her early theatre days - including performing in an amateur production of UPRISING OF LOVE co-producer Stephen Schwartz's own musical GODSPELL. Plus, Lynch recounts her experiences performing material from beloved family-friendly musical ANNIE on GLEE - with the world premiere of "Little Girls" having been hosted right here on BroadwayWorld - as well as her reflections on starring as Miss Hannigan in the most recent Broadway revival of the popular show. Of course, Lynch shares a brief but tantalizing preview of what viewers and gleeks alike can expect from the final season of GLEE, now back where it all began at McKinley High in Lima, Ohio. All of that, new information on her upcoming onscreen reunion with GLEE co-star Matthew Morrison and much, much more!

Today we are talking to one of the most successful and accomplished composers and lyricists in Broadway and Hollywood history all about his participation in next week's hotly anticipated charity event UPRISING OF LOVE, co-produced with Bruce Cohen, hosted by Jane Lynch and starring Sting and Patti LuPone, among others - the one and only Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz sheds lights on what inspired him to curate the evening, as well as previews some of the entertainment set to be on hand and what audiences can expect from the Dustin Lance Black-penned benefit to raise awareness of gay bullying and support equal rights for all. Additionally, Schwartz looks back at his many major musical landmarks and touches upon the current revival of PIPPIN as well as long-running Broadway hit WICKED and the currently in development film adaptation of it. Plus, Schwartz comments on the upcoming screen-to-stage adaptation of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, currently set to premiere in La Jolla later this year. Furthermore, Schwartz shares news on the development of several current projects he is working on at the moment, including the new stage musical based on the life of Emanuel Schikaneder and the animated big screen A.R. Rahman collaboration MUMBAI MUSICAL, with remarks on the recent stateside premieres of new musical MY FAIRY TALE and musical revue SNAPSHOTS, too. All of that, thoughts on Ariana Grande and Kanye West sampling 'Popular', GLEE covering 'Defying Gravity', reflections on some lesser-known compositions from his solo albums RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY, thoughts on a Broadway production of CHILDREN OF EDEN and much, much more!

Today we remember stage and screen icon Joan Rivers in honor of her death this week at the age of 81 with this InDepth InterView originally presented in 2013.

Today we remember stage and screen icon Joan Rivers in honor of her death this week at the age of 81 with this 2011 InDepth InterView.

Today we are talking to the gifted composer and lyricist behind the earth-shattering score for Broadway's biggest recent hit, HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH, the versatile and passionate Stephen Trask. Shedding considerable light on the development of the idiosyncratic rock musical, Trask discusses his influences and the organic way in which the outre show developed from humble beginnings at downtown bar Squeezebox in the mid-1990s, to Off-Broadway hit at the turn of the new century all the way to the rapturously received feature film adaptation, and, now, the 2014 Broadway production. Trask also details his affection for Tony Award-winning lead actor Neil Patrick Harris and looks ahead to the new leading man donning the titular wig, Andrew Rannells. Additionally, Trask also shares news on the forthcoming sequel to HEDWIG currently being developed with John Cameron Mitchell and teases some of what we can expect from the hotly anticipated theatrical experience. Furthermore, Trask reflects on his own upbringing and musical influences and how that informed the composition of the score for HEDWIG, as well as his own favorite performers. Plus, Trask reflects on his fruitful career as a movie scorer in Hollywood and comments on his upcoming musical endeavors, including two original stage musicals - JUST THE BLACK KEYS, a real-life inspired original musical potentially involving Peter Askin and Michael Mayer, as well 15 MINUTES, a Studio 54-centric period piece written with Rick Elice - as well as much, much more.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: One of the most iconic Broadway leading ladies in theatrical history, in honor of her passing earlier today at the age of 89, let us revisit this career-spanning InDepth InterView with the one and only Elaine Stritch. As a personal aside, following the conclusion of the interview proper the conversation between Ms. Stritch and I continued for several more minutes and she emphatically relayed to me that this had been her favorite interview to date and that she was incredibly appreciative and pleased with being questioned about the topics chosen herein. The following is reprinted exactly as it originally appeared here on BroadwayWorld on February 17. Hats off to a dynamite dame.

Today we are talking to a remarkably accomplished writer and director who has amassed numerous top entertainment trophies over the course of his long and distinguished career, including multiple Emmy Awards, Tony Awards and even a Grammy - the uniquely talented Martin Charnin. Sharing his thoughts on the forthcoming big screen adaptation of his hit musical property ANNIE as well as previewing what we can expect from the forthcoming 2014-2015 national tour, Charnin also reflects on the original production of the classic Depression-era musical and analyzes why it remains a continual cultural touchstone for generations new and old while also looking ahead to a potential Broadway production of the sequel, written with original composer Charles Strouse, ANNIE WARBUCKS. Also, Charnin touches upon his time as a member of the original cast of iconic musical WEST SIDE STORY and recounts working alongside legends such as Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents and more. Additionally, Charnin sheds some light on his illustrious string of collaborations with recently deceased composer Mary Rodgers Guettel, ranging from more than 50 songs written as a team to a string of special TV musicals as well as working together on the stage musicals HOT SPOT and THE MADWOMAN OF CENTRAL PARK WEST. Besides of all of that, Charnin also looks back to his heyday as a TV variety special helmer, having created award-winning tributes to a slew of Broadway's best composers and lyricists including George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Cole Porter and many more. Plus, Charnin shares his thoughts on GLEE, how show business has changed, the possible future life for TWO BY TWO and much, much more in this wide-ranging chat with a major Broadway notable.

Today it is BroadwayWorld's extreme honor to bring you an exclusive and extensive discussion with one of the finest American actors in history all about his legendary career onstage and on screens large and small - the commanding and versatile two-time Tony Award-winning and Academy Award-winning James Earl Jones. Touching upon much of his internationally regarded iconography as well as looking ahead to current and future endeavors, Jones eloquently expresses his observations on acting, art, humanity and life itself. Focusing on the ScreenVision presentation of Alfred Uhry's DRIVING MISS DAISY starring opposite fellow icon and InDepth InterView participant Dame Angela Lansbury, Jones astutely outlines the themes of the touching Southern drama depicting the unlikely friendship between an uptight society woman and her dedicated chauffer as well as opens up about his own experiences with culture clashes and race in his life. Additionally, Jones juxtaposes his observations of working alongside Vanessa Redgrave on the Broadway and West End iterations of the play versus the Australian tour with Lansbury which has now been preserved on film and is being shown in movie theaters across the country throughout this month. Plus, Jones reveals some of his own favorite moments in the powerful play and dissects the dynamics of his dense and complex characterization of Hoke in the piece and how he sees Hoke's relationship to that of Daisy (Lansbury) and her son, Boolie (played by Boyd Gaines). Besides all about DRIVING MISS DAISY, Jones also previews his upcoming Broadway return in the recently announced revival of the classic Kaufmann & Hart chestnut YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU and expresses his thoughts on the multi-racial casting planned for the hotly anticipated production. Furthermore, Jones looks back at some of his most fondly remembered roles to date - ranging from the voice of Darth Vader in STAR WARS and Mufasa in THE LION KING, to his seminal work in films such as DR. STRANGELOVE, CLAUDINE, CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY, FIELD OF DREAMS and more. All of that, his thoughts on the upcoming STAR WARS sequels currently in production, observations on his role in the new feature film comedy THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN, memories of his Shakespeare In The Park KING LEAR (available on DVD), his Tony Award-winning work in August Wilson's FENCES as well as much, much more!

Today we are talking to an accomplished and charismatic West End and Broadway star who originally made a name for herself as the title character in the infamous page-to-stage adaptation of Stephen King's CARRIE who has gone on to achieve acclaim for numerous starring roles in the UK ranging from JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT to CHICAGO as well as the original West End casts of THE SECRET GARDEN, MARY POPPINS, and, most recently, LONDON ROAD - Linzi Hateley. Shedding some light on her unforgettable West End and Broadway debut as well as bringing us all the way up to the present day commenting on her hotly anticipated return to New York later this month with her new cabaret show at 54 Below, titled SINCE CARRIE, Hateley grants a rare all access pass to her career onstage and onscreen. Besides all about SINCE CARRIE and CARRIE itself, Hateley also recounts her experiences participating in the original cast of a number of notable West End and UK productions, including THE SECRET GARDEN, MARY POPPINS and more. Also, Hateley shares first news of the forthcoming feature film adaptation of UK hit LONDON ROAD and how her stage role will be adapted to the big screen iteration. On the topic of screen roles, Hateley also offers the 411 on her participation in the smash hit cinematic version of international stage hit LES MISERABLES and voices her thoughts on the movie musical revolution in general. Besides all of that, Hateley reflects on her work in the Stephen Sondheim revue MOVING ON and offers opinions on some of her most cherished studio recordings. All of that, a look ahead to starring in Cameron Mackintosh's upcoming UK tour of BARNUM and much more in this wide-ranging chat with an astonishingly versatile and always engaging West End and Broadway leading lady.

Last night I had the particular privilege of discussing the intricacies and intrigue of William Shakespeare's legendary history play RICHARD III with one of the greatest actors of our age and a true patron of the arts - two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey. Discussing the finer points of his characterization of the hunchback antihero, Spacey paints a vivid portrait of his experiences in reteaming with his AMERICAN BEAUTY collaborator, director Sam Mendes, on bringing a truly 21st century take on the classic play to the stage - and then bringing the production all the way from the hallowed ground of Spacey's own The Old Vic in London, to the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City to a whirlwind worldwide tour spanning the globe. NOW, a compelling new documentary following the project from rehearsal through to opening night and ensuing world tour is set to be released next month and is highlighted by the fly-on-the-wall intimacy and access it provides viewers, as well as offering copious performance footage of Spacey and company in action onstage. Additionally, Spacey and I address and analyze the undeniable connections between RICHARD III and his super-successful Netflix dramatic series HOUSE OF CARDS, touching upon not only the dramatic parallels, but the lucky sequence of events that made the entire endeavor possible in the first place. After all, Frank Underwood is the modern Richard III in many ways - bloodlust, ambition, ego, humor and darkness included; but, also, the humanity. Plus, Spacey expresses his enthusiasm for starting work on Season Three of the series now that they have been granted Maryland filming tax breaks once again, which was holding up production until this week. Besides all of that, Spacey also clues us in on his future endeavors of interest, mentioning his spate of recent musical performances and his desire to pursue a musical role once again sometime soon following his acclaimed turn as Bobby Darin in musical biopic BEYOND THE SEA. FOLLIES, perhaps?! A wide-ranging conversation with a stage and screen mega-star like none other awaits in today's special spotlight.

Today we are talking to a Broadway leading lady making a major mark in the gender-bending role of Yitzhak in the new Broadway production of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's masterful rock musical HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH starring Neil Patrick Harris, the affable and idiosyncratically alluring Lena Hall. Discussing sharing the stage with NPH in the raucous and wild rock showpiece, Hall offers a vivid view of her participation in the Broadway iteration of the cult hit - ranging from polishing her vocals for a cover of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" to donning a prosthetic penis and much more. Additionally, Hall opens up about the larger themes of the prescient and timely musical, as well as shares her affection for the rock, pop and punk sound the score so evocatively emulates and recreates. On that note, Hall also sheds some light on her other ongoing endeavor, as lead singer of the band The Deafening, and shares some of her favorite songs to sing at gigs around town - including an upcoming show at Arlene's Grocery later this week. As if that were not enough, Hall also looks back on some of her most fondly remembered roles to date, reflecting on her time spent in the corps of CATS and the lace-ups of KINKY BOOTS through to a new jukebox musical project featuring the music of iconic rock songwriter Holly Knight. All of that, throwback tales involving NPH and much, much more in this wide-ranging conversation with one of the most uniquely compelling Broadway stars of the new season.

Today we are talking to a multi-talented creative force who has had a hand in crafting a wide range of memorable and vivid characters over the course of his career as both a screenwriter and a director - the earnest and energetic Richard LaGravenese. Detailing the finer points of his forthcoming stage-to-screen iteration of Jason Robert Brown's beloved cult musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan, LaGravenese traces the development of the project from his earliest inspiration through to the final finished film, now awaiting distribution. Additionally, LaGravenese opens up about the casting process and reformatting of the piece for the cinematic medium, as well as previews some of the standout moments we can anticipate when the film is finally released - musical, dramatic, stylistic and otherwise. Besides all about THE LAST FIVE YEARS, LaGravenese also discusses his screenplay for the recent rapturously-received HBO Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra and reacts to its international success, as well as shares thoughts on the cast and the script as it was realized on film by director Steven Soderbergh. Plus, LaGravenese offers us the exclusive 411 on his upcoming currently untitled CW TV series, directed by Taylor Hackford, and sheds some light on his contributions to Angelina Jole's new film UNBROKEN, as well as previews his forthcoming WE TV project coming up later this year, too. All of that, a look back at P.S. I LOVE YOU and more in this expansive conversation with a noted modern entertainment master.

Today we are talking to the founder and Vice President of Yamaha Entertainment Group who single-handedly spearheaded the incentive to create a one-of-a-kind work of pianistic art for iconic Tony Award-winning rock legend Elton John to utilize in a spectacular new concert experience called THE MILLION DOLLAR PIANO - the passionate and dedicated Chris Gero. Discussing all aspects of the impetus, development, design and actual building and subsequent employment of the technology created to craft the Million Dollar Piano itself, Gero sheds a light on the half-decade-spanning process of bringing the technological and artistic achievement to the stage and outlines Elton John's own participation in the project. Furthermore, Gero opens up about the new software developed for the project and how that has established a whole new avenue of live entertainment via the Yamaha Disklavier. On that note, Gero shares stories detailing his participation with various Disklavier showcase events and the possibilities afforded by the revolutionary new piano tech that will be spotlighted in his new documentary 88 - featuring performances by Elton John, Michael McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Jamie Collum and more. Additionally, Gero offers the 411 on Yamaha's participation in a wide range of specialty events, ranging from the silver piano Alicia Keys played on the Super Bowl to provided keys for Paul McCartney and more, as well as various Elton John charity benefits he has helmed over the years. All of that and much, much more in this behind the scenes look at the modern technical marvel that is Elton John's Million Dollar Piano and the man behind it!

Today we are setting our sights on one of the most iconic Broadway leading ladies alive and looking back at her astonishingly rich and varied career onstage and onscreen, having worked with many of the most important entertainment figures of the 20th and 21st century over her 60-year career and winning multiple awards and honors in the process - the one and only Elaine Stritch. Touching upon her time in many notable theatrical entities ranging from her early work at The New School under director Erwin Piscator to rubbing elbows with legends like Bertolt Brecht, William Inge, Noel Coward, Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando to her unforgettable turns in Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY and FOLLIES IN CONCERT, Stritch also shines a light on her indelible performances in the plays of Edward Albee and looks ahead to a staged reading of THREE TALL WOMEN she is pursuing later this year. Most importantly, Stritch opens up about the multi-year process in creating the stunning and awe-inspiring new all-access documentary ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME, directed by Chiemi Karasawa, and outlines how she dealt with cameras documenting her every move for more than two years. Additionally, Stritch comments on her memorable moments in the films of Woody Allen byway of SEPTEMBER and SMALL TIME CROOKS, as well as shares insights into some of her most famous and fabulous co-stars - Ben Gazzara, Alec Baldwin, James Gandolfini, Steve Buscemi and many more included. Plus, Stritch details her recent move back to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan, and shares details about her recent recuperation from hip surgery and ongoing battles with alcoholism as well as learning to see with only eye. As if all of that were not enough, Stritch also imparts her thoughts on why she appeals to the younger generation and how her Emmy-winning 30 ROCK role has raised awareness for her in the last decade and whether she would ever consider pursuing a reality series or new solo cabaret act. All of that, why she hates the word diva and much, much more in this career-spanning conversation with the veritable reigning queen of Broadway herself.