Playbill.com : News

Gentleman's Guide, 700 Sundays, Jane Lynch and More Added to Playbill Vault, Week Ending May 18

Andrew Gans — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

When the Playbill Vault launched in December 2011, it included information on over 10,000 shows and 120,000 actors, creative teams and crew members who have worked or are currently working on Broadway. And, new content is added daily.

Shaping Sound Dance Company, With "SYTYCD" and Bare's Travis Wall, Plays 13-City Tour Beginning May 18

Michael Gioia — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

Shaping Sound, a new contemporary dance company that features Emmy nominee and Bare choreographer Travis Wall ("So You Think You Can Dance"), launches a 13-city tour May 18 in Los Angeles. The company is slated to play New York City's Town Hall in June.

Lindsay Mendez and Marco Paguia Celebrate New Album "This Time" With May 18 NYC Concert

Michael Gioia — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

Lindsay Mendez, who will fly into Broadway's Wicked later this month, and music director and jazz pianist Marco Paguia celebrate their upcoming debut jazz vocal album, "This Time," May 18 at 7:30 PM at (le) Poisson Rouge.

STAGE VIEWS: Tony Award Winner BD Wong

Andrew Gans — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they're looking forward to and more. Here, via email, we hear from Tony-winning stage and screen star BD Wong, who will be seen in the starry 20th anniversary production of David Drake's The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me May 20 at 8 PM at the Gerard W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Read more about the evening here.

Tony Awards Film Series, Including Screenings of 1971 Tony Awards and 1967 TV Broadcast of Carousel, Presented May 18

Andrew Gans — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

The 3rd Annual Tony Awards Film Series is presented May 18 at The Paley Center for Media.

Vanessa Williams Co-Hosts "Broadway Backstage: Spring Preview" May 18

Andrew Gans — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

"Broadway Backstage: Spring Preview" airs in the New York metropolitan area on WABC-7 May 18 at 7 PM ET.

Memory Show, Starring Catherine Cox and Leslie Kritzer, Ends Off-Broadway Run May 18

Andrew Gans — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

Transport Group's New York premiere of the new musical The Memory Show, which officially opened April 30, ends its run at The Duke on 42nd Street, May 18. Performances are at 2 PM and 8 PM.

"Goodbye Until Tomorrow": The Last Five Years Ends Off-Broadway Run May 18; Ghostlight Will Release Album This Summer

Michael Gioia — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

The acclaimed Second Stage Theatre production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years, which stars Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe as a couple who falls in and out of love, ends its Off-Broadway extended engagement May 18. Ghostlight Records will release a cast album this summer.

THE WEEK AHEAD, May 18-24: Orphans Closes, The Rascals Tour and 2013 Drama Desks Are Awarded

Blake Ross — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

Playbill.com's weekly planner reminds you that Harriet Harris takes a Broadway break for some Shaw… David Drake celebrates The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me… Road Show and Scottsboro Boys emerge regionally… and Drama Desks are doled out! Enjoy your hard-earned WEEK AHEAD!

PLAYBILL VAULT'S Today In Theatre History: MAY 18

David Gewirtzman and Robert Viagas, Anne Bradley and Ernio Hernandez — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00 GMT

1923 Sweet Nell of Old Drury runs beyond the season at the 48th Street Theatre in New York. Alfred Lunt stars as Charles II and Laurette Taylor as his mistress Nell Gwynne. Lynn Fontanne and Howard Lindsay are in the cast. J. Hartley Manners stages.

"Mad Men" Actor Vincent Kartheiser Will Be Mr. Darcy in Guthrie's Pride and Prejudice

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:20 GMT

Vincent Kartheiser, best known for playing advertising executive Pete Campbell in the hit AMC series "Mad Men," will star as Mr. Darcy in the Guthrie Theater production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy, Starring Tom Hanks, May Head to London

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:07 GMT

Lucky Guy, the new play by late writer Nora Ephron, may be London-bound with its Academy Award-winning star, Tom Hanks, according to the Daily Mail.

Alan Alda, Lily Rabe, Liev Schreiber and More Will Read Shakespeare During Free Event at the Delacorte

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:44 GMT

Alan Alda, Lily Rabe, Vanessa Redgrave and Liev Schreiber are among the actors who will read from Shakespeare's plays as part of the Public Theater's "What Are We Worth? Shakespeare, Money, and Morals" event June 17 at the Delacorte Theater.

Broadway Inspirational Voices Will Perform Expect the Great Spring Concert June 2

Carey Purcell — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:31 GMT

Broadway Inspirational Voices will perform their third annual spring concert, Expect the Great, at the First Corinthian Baptist Church June 2 at 7 PM.

CHART TOPPERS: Top-Grossing Broadway Productions, Week of May 6-12

Judy Samelson — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:30 GMT

Here are the top-grossing Broadway productions for the week of May 6-12, 2013, as reported by The Broadway League.

Hold the Phone! Critic Kevin Williamson Sounds Off on Theatre Etiquette Following Natasha Cell Phone Incident

Michael Gioia — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:24 GMT

National Review roving correspondent and theatre critic Kevin Williamson, who attended the final preview of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 on May 15, was ejected from the audience for impulsively throwing a fellow audience member's cell phone during performance. Williamson spoke with Playbill.com about the incident.

Fiona Shaw Will Bring Rime of the Ancient Mariner to BAM

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:01 GMT

Olivier Award-winning actress Fiona Shaw, who recently appeared on Broadway in The Testament of Mary, will bring The Rime of the Ancient Mariner to the Brooklyn Academy of Music in December as part of the Next Wave Festival.

PHOTO CALL: The 79th Annual Drama League Awards

Matthew Blank — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:50 GMT

The winners of the 79th Annual Drama League Awards were announced May 17 at a gala ceremony and luncheon at the Marriott Marquis Times Square hosted by Emmy winner Debra Messing and Tony and Emmy winner David Hyde Pierce.

Kinky Boots, Pippin, Vanya and Sonia, Virginia Woolf? and Nathan Lane Win Drama League Awards

Andrew Gans — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:40 GMT

Songwriter Joey Contreras Partners With Broadway Dreams Foundation for Upcoming Album

Michael Gioia — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:14 GMT

The Broadway Dreams Foundation has announced three educational initiatives, including a sophomore album by musical theatre songwriter Joey Contreras, the development of a new musical and a showcase featuring BDF students from across the country at NYC's New World Stages.

PHOTO CALL: Jerry Seinfeld, Mike Birbiglia and Danny Aiello Celebrate Opening Night of Colin Quinn Unconstitutional

Matthew Blank — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:19 GMT

Colin Quinn Unconstitutional, a new comedy written by and starring Colin Quinn, opened at the Barrow Street Theatre May 16.

Shedding the Trench Coat and Going Beneath the Dress, Frances Ruffelle Debuts at 54 Below

Carey Purcell — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:32 GMT

Frances Ruffelle rose—or, rather, skyrocketed—to fame at 19 when she was cast as Eponine, the spunky street urchin in the musical Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil.

PHOTO RECAP: A Two-Show Day at Spider-Man, Newsies, Drood, Vanya, Cinderella, Jekyll & Hyde, Nice Work, Phantom, Big Knife, Hardbody, Top Hat and More

Matthew Blank — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:20 GMT

Initially launching in 2010 with a two-parter from Lion King cast members Ben Jeffrey and Fred Berman, Playbill.com's popular Two-Show Day photo series has taken readers backstage and into the lives of dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway performers. Here is a look back at over 70 installments.

Kennedy Center Honors Invite Public to Join Selection Process; Chita Rivera Appointed to Advisory Committee

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:18 GMT

The Kennedy Center board of trustees has announced a key revision to the selection process for the esteemed Kennedy Center Honors, which will now allow members of the public to participate via an online recommendation.

Michael Douglas Will Be Honored With Marvin Hamlisch Memorial Award

Carey Purcell — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:09 GMT

In support of the American Cancer Society, One Centennial Sensation will honor the late Marvin Hamlisch's birthday with an evening of performances and appearances by friends and family June 3.

Tony Administration Committee Schedules Meeting to Discuss "Possible Infraction"

Andrew Gans — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:01 GMT

The Tony Awards Administration Committee will assemble May 23, a spokesperson for the Tony Awards confirmed to Playbill.com.

PHOTO CALL: Rory O�Malley, Wesley Taylor, B.D. Wong and More Rehearse The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me Benefit

Matthew Blank — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:49 GMT

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will present a 20th anniversary performance of David Drake's solo show, The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, May 20 at 8 PM at the Gerard W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College.

Chicago Engagement of The Book of Mormon to End This Fall; Additional Stops in L.A. and Denver Planned

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:49 GMT

The Chicago production of The Book of Mormon, which opened to acclaim in December 2012, will play its final performance Oct. 6 at the Bank of America Theatre. The production will then tour to San Francico, Denver and Los Angeles.

STAGE PORTRAIT: Vanya and Sonia's Kristine Nielsen, David Hyde Pierce, Sigourney Weaver and Billy Magnussen

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:30 GMT

Acclaimed illustrator Ken Fallin's drawings of the greatest stars and scenes of the theatrical world are a recurring part of Playbill.com.

THE SCREENING ROOM: Tim and Charlie's Farewell Tour, With Josh Young, Krysta Rodriguez, Lindsay Mendez, Randy Graff and More

Michael Gioia and Andrew Gans — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:28 GMT

Tim and Charlie's Farewell Tour, an evening celebrating the composer and lyricist team Tim Rosser and Charlie Sohne, was presented April 28 at 54 Below. Here are highlights from the concert.

Patti Murin, Natalie Charle Ellis, Lindsay Nicole Chambers, Jason Michael Snow and More Set for Popesical: In Concert

Michael Gioia — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:10 GMT

Patti Murin, who starred in the Broadway musical Lysistrata Jones, will lead the concert version of Popesical, a new musical comedy by Adam Overett, May 27 at Joe's Pub in New York City.

PHOTO CALL: Darren Criss, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz and Annie Co-Stars Celebrate Jane Lynch's Broadway Debut

Matthew Blank — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:04 GMT

Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Lynch, known for playing a bullying cheer coach on TV's "Glee," began performances as orphanage matron Miss Hannigan in Broadway's Annie on May 14. The cast celebrated her arrival with a May 16 curtain call photo op and party.

Casting Announced for LA Reading of Scott Damian's Coffee Stains

Andrew Gans — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00 GMT

An industry staged reading of Scott Damian's Coffee Stains will be presented May 20 at the Colony Theater in Burbank, CA.

Oscar Winner Cate Blanchett Will Star in David Mamet's "Blackbird" Film, About JFK Assassination

Michael Gioia — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:42 GMT

Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett will star in the upcoming David Mamet film "Blackbird," which exposes a secret explanation for the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, according to Variety.

Michael Berresse Will Direct Heidi Blickenstaff in Weston Playhouse's Next to Normal

Andrew Gans — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30 GMT

Heidi Blickenstaff, the Broadway singing actress best known for her work in [title of show], will take on the role of bipolar mom Diana in the Weston Playhouse's upcoming production of Next to Normal.

Emily Blunt and Christine Baranski in Talks for "Into the Woods" Film

Adam Hetrick — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:26 GMT

Casting for the film adaptation of Into the Woods continues to take a starry turn. Tony Award winner Christine Baranski and Golden Globe Award winner Emily Blunt are the latest actors reported to be in talks for the fairytale musical, according to the Wrap.

Cynthia Nixon to Direct America Ferrera and Caroline Rhea in Benefit Reading of Little Murders

Carey Purcell — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:23 GMT

Cynthia Nixon will make her directorial debut with a benefit reading of Jules Feiffer's 1967 comedy Little Murders at the Off-Broadway Acorn Theatre May 19.

The Verdict: Critics Review Immersive Musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at NYC's Kazino

Playbill Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:09 GMT

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Dave Malloy’s critically praised "electro-pop opera" based on "War and Peace," officially opened May 16 at Kazino — a new venue created specifically for the show that immerses audiences in the experience.

PLAYBILL.COM'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, May 11-17: Christopher Durang Collects Awards, Glass Menagerie Set for the Fall, 700 Sundays to Return

Robert Simonson — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:05 GMT

When Christopher Durang's comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike opened at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre last fall, it got respectful reviews—good, but not great—and enjoyed a healthy run. Durang could easily file the title as one of his successes, though not necessarily as a critical and popular smash.

Season 12 Winner of Fox's "American Idol" Named

Andrew Gans — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:37 GMT

The winner of the 12th season of Fox's "American Idol" singing competition was revealed on the May 16 broadcast of the long-running program.