Casting Completed for "God of Carnage" Film

This article was originally published in the October 22^nd, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

It was recently announced that John C. Reilly will join the cast of the film adaptation of God of Carnage. Reilly joins the previously-announced Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz.

God of Carnage, written by French playwright Yasmina Reza, premiered in London in 2008 and ran on Broadway from February 2009 to February 2010 (with a hiatus during the summer). The Broadway production one three Tony awards, including Best Play.

Links:

The original Playbill.com article, announcing Foster, Winslet and Waltz.

The more recent article, announcing Reilly.

Further Reading:

God of Carnage (Wikipedia)

John C. Reilly (Wikipedia)

"Evening Primrose" on DVD

This article was originally published in the October 22^nd, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

 

For the first time, Stephen Sondheim’s little-known, made-for-TV musical Evening Primrose will be released on DVD October 26. Because no stage version exists, the musical has remained relatively unknown since it aired in 1966.

A youtube video including one of the show's more popular songs, “Take Me to the World.” (From the 2004 studio cast recording, featuring Neil Patrick Harris and Theresa McCarthey.

Further Reading:

Evening Primrose (Wikipedia)

Romeo & Juliet Come to TV

This article was originally published in the October 20^th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

 

Deadline.com has reported that television network ABC is looking to air a Romeo & Juliet series this year. This series will mark the first time the play has been adapted for television in its original setting. But don’t get too excited just yet: Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) is in talks to direct the series.

Check it out at Deadline.com.

"Les Mis" in Cinemas

This article was originally published in the October 20^th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

The 25^th anniversary concert of Les Miserables, which was presented on October 3 in London, will be broadcast in almost 500 movie theatres across the United States on November 17.

The concert features Norm Lewis as Javert, Lea Salonga as Fantine, pop star Nick Jonas as Marius, and a company of three hundred singers and musicians.

To see if the concert will play in a cinema near you, visit this website and enter your zip code.

Further Reading:

Official website. 

A New Song for "Shrek"

This article was originally published in the October 15th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


The current national tour of Shrek the Musical features something that didn’t appear in the Broadway production: a new song, titled “Forever.” On Wednesday, a performance video of the song was released on the musical’s facebook page. See the link below to watch the video (and see the enormous dragon puppet featured in the stage show)!

Shrek features music by Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and book by David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole). The original Broadway production ran from December 2008 to January 2010, snagging numerous Tony nominations, but only one win (Costume Design).


"Forever" from Shrek the Musical National Tour from Shrek the Musical on Vimeo.


Further Reading:

Official site.

Shrek the Musical. (Wikipedia)

"Annie" Revival Finds Its Director

This article was originally published in the October 15th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


James Lapine will direct the Broadway revival of Annie, scheduled for next fall. A three-time Tony Award-winner for the books of Passion, Into the Woods, and Falsettos, Lapine’s numerous Broadway directing credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, and the new Little Miss Sunshine musical planned for February 2011.


Further Reading:

James Lapine (Wikipedia)

Annie production history (IBDB.com)

Frank Wildhorn’s New "Wonderland"

This article was originally published in the October 13th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


Wonderland: A New Alice. A New Musical is the latest musical from Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel). After brief runs in Tampa, FL and Houston, TX, it will return to Tampa in January before beginning performances on Broadway in March.

Wonderland tells the story of a new, adult Alice. With her marriage and career in danger, she finds herself in Wonderland. There, while searching for her daughter, she encounters many familiar characters

The official site.


Further Reading:
Frank Wildhorn (Wikipedia)

Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure (Wikipedia)

"Hands Off the Audience!"

This article was originally published in the October 13th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


Peter Marks, a reviewer for The Washington Post, has written a “theatrical manifesto” on the subject of audience participation. He seems to be against it, without exception. Do you agree?


“A theatrical manifesto: hands off the audience!”

Remembering Leonard Bernstein

This article was originally published in the October 11th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


The great Leonard Bernstein died twenty years ago this week. To remember him and his work, here are two excellent videos:


Bernstein tells the story of the first time he conducted the New York Philharmonic:



And here, he discusses creativity, immortality, and the great artistic works of the 20th century:

"Sweeney Todd" on Primetime

This article was originally published in the October 11th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



Even if you’re not a fan of “The Office,” you should watch last week’s episode. The whole episode was based around Sweeney Todd! One of the characters (Andy) was in a local community theatre production of the show, and the whole office went to see the performance. From awkward auditions, to strange audience behavior, to cell phone mishaps – it’s all there.

Here’s a clip of Michael’s audition, in which he performs an entire episode of “Law & Order.”


Watch the full episode “Andy’s Play” at NBC.com.


And, in a deleted scene, the characters discuss Sondheim’s brilliance and obligatory standing ovations.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Creates New “Wizard of Oz”

This article was originally published in the October 8th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



In London, Andrew Lloyd Webber is producing The Wizard of Oz. But, this isn’t any Oz you’re familiar with. Webber and lyricist Tim Rice have created a new version of the familiar favorite. Based on the 1939 MGM screenplay, Lloyd Webber’s version includes all the favorite songs and scenes, with some new tunes and surprises thrown in (like songs for the witches).

The production’s Dorothy was previously cast in the popular U.K. reality show "Over the Rainbow". It will also feature Michael Crawford as The Wizard.

The Wizard of Oz is scheduled to begin previews next February, and a Broadway production is a definite possibility.


Links:

London’s The Daily Telegraph looks back at the history and appeal of the show.

Lloyd Webber’s production company, the Really Useful Group, has information on the show.

And here’s the official site.

World Trade Center Theatre Will Get Funding Boost

This article was originally published in the October 8th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



As construction continues on the new World Trade Center, plans are in motion to build a performing arts center at the site. Planners are focusing on a 1,000-seat theater geared mainly toward dance companies from outside of New York. The Joyce Theater, a modern dance company, will be responsible for the center’s artistic programming and vision.

With $55 million already allocated to the performing arts center, the decision will soon be made to increase the funding by another $100 million.

The Wall Street Journal’s article.

"Carrie" Returns to New York

This article was originally published in the October 6th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


Carrie (the musical based on the Stephen King novel) is going to get another chance. The original 1988 Broadway production closed only three days after opening, to terrible reviews.

But MCC Theater apparently thinks it has potential. They’re working with Altar Boyz director Stafford Arima to bring a revised Carrie to the Lucille Lortel Theater sometime during the 2011-12 season.


Link:

The New York Times article.


Further Viewing:

A review on NYC’s Channel 9 – Perhaps the worst review you have ever heard!


A collection of three other TV reviews, all just as bad.


The chorus number “Wotta Night."


“Evening Prayers” featuring Betty Buckley (Carrie’s mother) and Linzi Hateley (Carrie).

"Sister Act" Will Open Next Spring

This article was originally published in the October 6th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



The Sister Act musical, featuring a score by Alan Menken, will finally be headed to Broadway next spring after a lengthy run in London. Previews will begin March 24, with an opening on April 20 at the Broadway Theater.


Further Reading:

Sister Act, the musical (Wikipedia).

The Sondheim You've Never Seen

This article was originally published in the October 4th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


Here’s a Sondheim show you’ve never seen live on stage before: Evening Primrose. This hour-long musical was originally written for broadcast television, airing in 1966. It will be staged (albeit as a staged reading) for the first time in North America this month as a benefit performance.

Evening Primrose tells the story of a young poet who takes refuge from the outside world in a department store, where he meets a secret community of people who have lived there for years. After falling in love with one of them, he must decide whether to remain in the store or lead her to the outside world.


Link:

Playbill.com has casting information.


Further Reading:

Evening Primrose (Wikipedia.) – Warning: Contains spoilers.

Top 10 Plays of the Coming Season

This article was originally published in the October 4th, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


Been wondering what plays will be popular this year? Theatre Communications Group recently released a list of the Top 10 most-produced plays at their member theatres for the 2010-11 season. The list doesn’t include Shakespeare plays or holiday-themed shows, but it’s a great overview of what will be happening across the country this season.

The 39 Steps (Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of the Hitchcock film) easily tops the list with 23 productions. Steppenwolf company member Tracy Letts is the only playwright holding two spots on the list (Superior Donuts and August: Osage County). The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee holds two distinctions: it is the only musical and the only carry-over from last year’s list.

Aside from the creators of Spelling Bee, Sarah Ruhl is the only playwright to make it from last year’s list (making this her fourth consecutive appearance).



Click here to view the full list, as well as Top 10’s stretching all the way back to 1994.

"Les Mis" Celebrates 25 Years

This article was originally published in the October 1st, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



In celebration of the popular musical’s 25th anniversary, there will be a new production of Les Miserables touring the United States Nov. 2010 through Sept. 2011. The production began in the U.K., and has been touring Europe throughout 2010, swinging back into London for the past month. The tour has been playing at the same time as the original production, which still runs in London.

Yet another Les Mis event will take place this weekend in London, in the form of the 25th Anniversary Concert. The concert will feature Norm Lewis as Javert, Lea Salonga as Fantine, Nick Jonas (who, believe it or not, played Gavroche in the original Broadway run) as Marius, and a company of over three hundred actors, singers and musicians. The producers have announced plans to broadcast the video of the concert internationally, but no American dates have been announced.


Links

Official tour site.


A video and photo gallery, containing footage of both the original production and the new one.

Spring Brings Big Stars in Major Play Revivals

This article was originally published in the October 1st, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



Recently, word broke about two Broadway revivals of plays being planned for the spring, both featuring major stars:

Rumor has it that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is planning to star in a revival of Death of a Salesman on Broadway, with Mike Nichols directing. Michael Riedel, however, is skeptical.

Recent MacArthur “Genius” award winner David Cromer will direct Edie Falco and Ben Stiller in John Guare’s House of Blue Leaves. David Cromer will direct, according to Variety.


Further Reading

Death of a Salesman. (Wikipedia.)

Death of a Salesman production history. (IBDB.com.)

House of Blue Leaves. (Wikipedia.)

"The Sound of Music" Returns to the Silver Screen

This article was originally published in the October 1st, 2010 issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, you’re in luck! In honor of the film’s 45th anniversary, it’s returning to the theaters. On Oct. 19 and 26, 498 cinemas across the country will screen the movie in special “sing-along” events. Find out if the classic film will play in a theater near you by clicking the “Buy Tickets” button and entering your zip code at the link below:


The official 45th Anniversary site.

Media Feature: Shakespeare on PBS

This article was originally published in the September 29th issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


You might already know that PBS has recorded several Shakespeare productions as part of their “Great Performances” series. But did you know that you can view the full videos online?

The website currently offers two full performances: Hamlet (starring Patrick Stewart and David Tennant) and King Lear (starring Ian McKellen). Both were originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and have been adapted for film. You can also watch a preview of the upcoming Macbeth, an adaptation of the West End and Broadway production starring Patrick Stewart.

Also, don’t miss the special features, including “The Making of Hamlet” and Patrick Stewart speaking on “What We Learn from the Bard.”



Link

Direct link to the videos at PBS’s website.

It's Official: David Cromer is a "Genius"

This article was originally published in the September 29th issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

Chicago director David Cromer is among twenty-three individuals who were named as recipients of the MacArthur Fellows Program (otherwise known as the MacArthur “Genius” Grant). According to the MacArthur Foundation, Cromer is “reinvigorating classic American plays and illuminating their relationship to the present.”

The award has a monetary value of $500,000, paid out over five years. The MacArthur Foundation explains that the awards aren’t given as rewards for past accomplishments, but instead are “an investment in a person’s originality, insight, and potential” and the purpose of the program is “to enable recipients to exercise their own creative instincts for the benefit of human society.” Recipients are allowed to use the money for whatever they choose, from new projects to living expenses. Cromer has spoken of the opportunity the award will give him to return to his roots in small, experimental Chicago theatres.

Cromer began his theatrical work in Chicago, directing popular productions of A Streetcar Named Desire and William Inge’s Picnic. His great skill at interpretation and directing soon led to the short-lived Broadway production of Brighton Beach Memoirs and the recent Off-Broadway Our Town, which began life in Chicago. He is set to direct Nicole Kidman in Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth next fall, and has his name attached to virtually every planned remounting of classic American plays.



Links

A profile of Cromer at the MacArthur Foundation’s site, with a video interview.

The complete list of recipients.


Additional Reading

2008 New York Times profile of Cromer by Charles Isherwood.

Kennedy Center and Sondheim Honor Teachers

This article was originally published in the September 29th issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


The Kennedy Center recently announced that, in honor of Stephen Sondheim, it is starting a new program that will award grants to outstanding teachers. The “Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards” are $10,000 grants that will be awarded to several teachers annually on Sondheim’s birthday, March 22.

The awards are not limited to teachers in artistic fields, and nominations are open to the public. For more information on guidelines and instructions on how to nominate an inspirational teacher, visit the link below.


The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards.

"Lion King" Returns to Chicago

This article was originally published in the September 29th issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.


For the first time in five years, The Lion King is returning to Chicago. Produced by Broadway in Chicago, the popular musical opens at the Cadillac Palace Theatre September 29 and runs through November 7.


Links

The Lion King at Broadway in Chicago’s website.

Arena Stage: Refreshed and Revived

This article was originally published in the September 27th issue of the TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



In Washington, D.C., another major theatre reopens next month. Arena Stage has undergone a major remolding that took $135 million and 30 months. Arena has a reputation for the development and discussion of theatre, which it hopes to continue in the unique new building despite financial stresses.

The new Arena Stage officially opens October 23, but you can see a video preview and an excellent photo tour at the links below.



Links

Washington Post article.


Another Post article, which includes a video.


A multimedia tour of the new building.

Chicago's Newest Venue: The Broadway Playhouse

This article was originally published in the triweekly TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.



Broadway in Chicago is bringing a newly-remodeled theatre venue to the windy city. Previously known as the Drury Lane Water Tower, the 549-seat theatre has undergone renovations throughout the summer. On September 24, the venue reopened as the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

On its opening weekend, the Broadway Playhouse hosted the currently touring cabaret act of Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Women). Next February, the venue’s first major production will be a newly-revised version of the musical Working, based on the book by Studs Terkel and featuring music by Stephen Scwartz and others. This revised Working will also feature new material by the Tony-winning In the Heights creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.



Links

Official page at Broadway in Chicago’s website.


A review of Sutton Foster’s performance from the Chicago Tribune.

"Rabbit Hole" Film Announces Release

This article was originally published in the triweekly TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

In addition to recent news that Nicole Kidman is returning to Broadway, it was announced last week that her Rabbit Hole film would be released in a limited run on December 17. The film, also starring Dianne Wiest, Aaron Eckhart and Sandra Oh, will be released across the country on January 14.

The film is an adaptation of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, which ran in New York in 2006. The original New York production also snagged a Tony Award for Best Actress for Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City).

In addition to starring, Kidman is also producing Rabbit Hole, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month.

Links

Playbill.com article.

Two clips from the film (YouTube).

Additional Reading

Rabbit Hole – the film (Wikipedia).

Rabbit Hole – the play (Wikipedia).

David Lindsay-Abaire (Wikipedia).

Polanski's "God of Carnage" Film Cast

This article was originally published in the triweekly TheatreZine e-mail newsletter. To subscribe (for free), enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of this page.

The film version of God of Carnage, adapted by Roman Polanski, has announced its cast. Set to begin shooting in February 2011, the film will star Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christoph Waltz and Matt Dillon. The film will be set in Brooklyn, but Polanski's current legal troubles require production to occur in France.

The original play by French playwright Yasmina Reza was a hit on Broadway, running from March 2009 to June 2010. Starring Marcia Gay Harden, James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis, the production won Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Director.

Links

Playbill.com article.

God of Carnage (Wikipedia).

Yasmina Reza (Wikipedia).

Selection from the latest issue: Broadway at the White House

On July 19, the White House hosted a Broadway concert as part of the White House Music Series, which featured many notable singers (including Nathan Lane, Elaine Stritch, Idina Menzel, Brian d'Arcy James and Audra McDonald). The concert was held in the East Room and featured mostly songs from recent Broadway productions, with a few classics in the mix.

PBS taped the concert, and will broadcast it on October 20 as a special entitled "A Broadway Celebration" as part of its continuing series "In Performance at the White House." See below for the link to view the entire concert online.

Links

Playbill.com provides the full list of songs and performers.

A recap and review from the Washington Post (including some dish on Elaine Stritch's massive lyrics flub), with a small photo gallery.

PBS's website, where the video will be available after broadcast.

Selection from Issue #7 - "Scottsboro Boys": The Guthrie to Broadway

The new Kander & Ebb musical The Scottsboro Boys finishes its run at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis this weekend. After an acclaimed Off-Broadway run last spring directed by Susan Stroman, many expected a transfer directly to Broadway, but the producers had difficulty finding a theatre that suited the show. Now, Scottsboro will transfer from Minneapolis to Broadway's Lyceum Theatre, begging previews on October 7 and opening on October 31.

The musical, completed after lyricist Fred Ebb's death, tells the story of an infamous 1931 civil rights case in which nine black teenagers were convicted by an all-white jury of raping two white women. Their death sentences were overturned by the Supreme Court, but despite flimsy evidence and unreliable testimony from victims, their convictions were held up by the courts. Kander and Ebb set the story within the framework of a minstrel show, evoking their previous vaudeville-influenced successes Cabaret and Chicago.

With this weekend being the last opportunity to see Scottsboro at The Guthrie, we thought we'd take a look back at news and reviews of the original Off-Broadway production, and look forward to the Broadway opening.

Links

In the New York Post, Michael Riedel gives a rundown of the Off-Broadway production, including a video of star Brandon Victor Dixon singing a ballad from the show.

Ben Brantley of the New York Times reviews the original Off-Broadway run. 

A Broadway.com video including interviews with the cast and creators. 

Further Reading

The Guthrie's official site.

The official site of the Broadway production.

Kander & Ebb (Wikipedia).