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'Priscilla' set for Broadway spring 2011 - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Priscilla' set for Broadway spring 2011 - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Broadway plans have been confirmed for "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," the musical adaptation of the 1994 Australian comedy, which will sashay into New York in spring 2011 following a fall 2010 North American tryout in Toronto. Set to classic disco and pop hits such as "I Will Survive," "I Love the Nightlife" and "Shake Your Groove Thing," the show follows three drag performers on an Outback road trip aboard an extravagantly decorated bus named Priscilla. Premiered in Sydney in October 2006, the musical transferred to Melbourne a year later, with producers calling it the highest-grossing homegrown tuner in Oz legit history. A London production has been playing at the West End's Palace Theater since March. Previews are scheduled to begin at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theater on Oct. 12 next year, with Broadway opening set for March 6, 2011 at a venue to be announced. Simon Phillips directs the show, which has a book by Stephan Elliott (director of the original film) and Allan Scott. Producers for North America are Back Row Prods., Specific Films, Rafford Films, Nederlander Prods., Terri and Timothy Childs, in association with MGM On Stage. Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber are exec producers.

'Potter' star spells out 'Business' plan - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Potter' star spells out 'Business' plan - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Daniel Radcliffe will head the cast of an upcoming New York reading of 1961 tuner "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," marking the first musical turn for the "Harry Potter" star. Producers Broadway Across America, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are test driving the project for a potential Rialto revival. Rob Ashford is on board as director and choreographer, hot off the strong critical reception for his Donmar Warehouse production of Jason Robert Brown-Alfred Uhry musical "Parade," which opened Oct. 4 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. While producers could not be reached for confirmation, the reading is scheduled for December, with no other cast so far in place. Sources said plans for the production will be worked out based on the success of the reading. Written by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, "How to Succeed" chronicles the rise of a crafty window cleaner as he follows the advice of a self-help manual to connive his way up through the ranks of the World Wide Wickets Co. and get the girl in the process. Robert Morse created the role on Broadway and in the 1967 screen adaptation. The original production won seven Tonys, including musical, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1962, running for a healthy 1,417 performances. Matthew Broderick won a Tony for the lead role in a 1995 Rialto revival. While that recent production might make it seem a little soon to start considering a major remount, the current economic turmoil, upheaval in the job market, and a host of fresh reasons to skewer the world of corporate America stand to make the cynical comedy resonate with today's audiences. Zadan and Meron have worked more extensively in film and television than the stage, however, their strong ties to Broadway have been established on the big screen in "Chicago" and "Hairspray," and in TV projects such as "The Music Man," "Annie" and "Gypsy." The producing partners also are working with Steven Spielberg on a series for Showtime and DreamWorks TV that will chart the development of a Broadway show from creative inception through opening night, with an eye toward mounting the production on the Rialto (Daily Variety, Sept. 23).

Zeta-Jones, Lansbury revive 'Music' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Zeta-Jones, Lansbury revive 'Music' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury are confirmed to topline the cast of the Broadway revival of "A Little Night Music," opening at the Walter Kerr Theater in December. Long-rumored duo of Zeta-Jones and Lansbury are joined by a cast that includes Alexander Hanson, an import from the Trevor Nunn-helmed revival's original staging at London's Menier Chocolate Factory. Broadway ensemble also will include Aaron Lazar ("Les Miserables") and Erin Davie ("Grey Gardens"). Zeta-Jones makes her Broadway debut in the show, although she starred in the 2002 pic version of Rialto longrunner "Chicago." In the 1973 Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler tuner, she'll play central character Desiree, an actress in fin-de-siecle Sweden. Hanson plays Fredrik, her former lover, with Ramona Mallory ("The Fantasticks") cast as Frederik's young wife. Lansbury portrays Desiree's mother, who is raising Desiree's young daughter (a role yet to be cast). Lazar and Davie play a count and a countess, respectively. Musical, based on Ingmar Bergman's 1955 film "Smiles of a Summer Night," has not been seen on the Rialto since its original 1973 run. A buzzed-about benefit performance presented by the Roundabout Theater Company in January starred Natasha Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave. London incarnation of the revival, which starred Hannah Waddingham, kicked off at the Chocolate Factory in November 2008 and went on to a limited West End run that ended this summer. Design team for the revival includes Lynne Page (choreography), David Farley (sets and costumes), Hartley T A Kemp (lights) and Dan Moses Shreier and Gareth Owen (sound). "Night Music" is produced in Gotham by Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, the Menier Chocolate Factory, Roger Berlind, David Babani, Andrew Fell and Sonia Friedman Prods.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Ortiz - Friends Play Enemies in ‘Othello’ - NYTimes.com

Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Ortiz - Friends Play Enemies in ‘Othello’ - NYTimes.com.

JOHN ORTIZ and Philip Seymour Hoffman have been close friends for 15 years, both off stage and on. They played best buddies in the 2007 production of “Jack Goes Boating” at the Public Theater, and Mr. Hoffman directed Mr. Ortiz to rave reviews in “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” in 2005. They were co-artistic directors of a downtown theater company, LAByrinth Theater, for more than a decade; during that time they celebrated the births of each other’s children and commiserated over the highs and lows of their beloved New York sports teams.

'La Cage' set for the Longacre - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'La Cage' set for the Longacre - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

The incoming Broadway revival of "La Cage aux Folles" has set a date and a theater, with the Brit import bowing in April at the Longacre Theater. Staging of the 1983 tuner, directed by Terry Johnson, originated at London's Menier Chocolate Factory last year and then jumped to the West End, where the show is still playing. Douglas Hodge, who toplined the Blighty production, will reprise his lead role in the Rialto transfer. "La Cage" -- produced by Sonia Friedman, David Babani, Fran and Barry Weissler and Robert Bartner/Norman Tulchin -- begins previews April 6 ahead of an April 18 opening.

Theater Listings - Fall Theater Listings - NYTimes.com

Theater Listings - Fall Theater Listings - NYTimes.com.

SEPTEMBER THE RETRIBUTIONISTS Several young Jewish men and women plot to kill Germans in retaliation for World War II atrocities. The play by Daniel Goldfarb (“Modern Orthodox”) is based on the true story of the Avengers, a rebel group that devised just such a plan in 1946. Leigh Silverman (“Well,” “Coraline”) is the director. In previews. Opens Monday[Sept. 14]. Closes Sept. 27. Playwrights Horizons Mainstage Theater, 416 West 42nd Street, Clinton. Ticket Central; playwrightshorizons.org. BLIND LEMON BLUES Songs by Blind Lemon Jefferson, the Texas entertainer who was hugely popular in the 1920s, make up the soundtrack for this musical homage to him and his contemporaries, set in 1948. Created by Alan Govenar and Akin Babatunde, the show includes musical arrangements by Mr. Babatunde, Cavin Yarbrough and his wife, Alisa Peoples Yarbrough, and is directed and choreographed by Mr. Babatunde. It is being remounted by the York Theater Company, where it had a limited run in 2007. In previews. Opens Tuesday[Sept. 15]. Closes Oct. 4. Theater at St. Peter’s, 619 Lexington Avenue, at 54th Street. (212) 935-5820; yorktheatre.org. AFTERMATH Actors portray Iraqi civilians who were interviewed for this documentary play about their lives in wartime Iraq and in exile. Jessica Blank and Erik Jen

Enron Expected to Arrive on Broadway in April 2010: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 09/04/2009

Enron Expected to Arrive on Broadway in April 2010: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 09/04/2009.

Lucy Prebble's play Enron, which begins a six-week run at London's Royal Court Theatre on September 17, will move to the West End this winter, and then open on Broadway in April 2010, according to published reports. The production, which premiered this summer at the Chichester Festival, is directed by Rupert Goold and designed by 2009 Tony Award winner Anthony Ward. The show stars Samuel West, Gllian Budd, Peter Caulfield, Howard Charles, Andrew Corbett, Amanda Drew, Susannah Fellows, Stephen Fewell, Tom Godwin, Tom Goodman-Hill, Orion Lee, Eleanor Matsuura, Tim Pigott-Smith, Ashley Rolfe and Trevor White.

Vets cue tuner tryouts - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Vets cue tuner tryouts - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Leslie Kritzer, Barbara Walsh and Felicia Finley are among the Broadway vets signed on to showcase the developing tuners at the 2009 New York Musical Theater Fest.

Rock legends headed to Broadway - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

1. Rock legends headed to Broadway - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins are coming to Broadway, with the tuner "Million Dollar Quartet" headed to Gotham for a planned spring run. "Million Dollar" has been playing to strong response in Chicago since it opened there in October. Show centers on the real-life 1956 gathering of rock-n-roll legends Presley, Cash, Lewis and Perkins, brought together for an informal jam session by influential record producer Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis. Score for the musical includes period chart-toppers such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Great Balls of Fire," "I Walk the Line" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." Production looks poised to tap the same demo of oldies-loving baby boomers that have helped turn "Jersey Boys," the bio-tuner about the Four Seasons, into one of the Rialto's top earners.

'Spider-Man' musical swings back - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Spider-Man' musical swings back - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Marvel Comics characters never stay dead -- and neither will tuner "Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark." Word among legiters has it that production on the troubled musical will start up again Wednesday with a call to resume work on the show, which has been halted since early August due to what producers call a cash-flow problem. The industry had recently been hearing that "Spider-Man" could possibly pick up sometime this week or next, although no official confirmation has been issued by producers or the show's reps. It's also rumored that the production isn't quite out of the financial woods yet. Not everyone who was working on "Spider-Man" has been called back to work, it's said, which some point to as an indication that while producers have gotten hold of some of the cash needed to capitalize the massive tuner, not all of it has yet been secured. The forward momentum on the project is apparently unrelated to the recent announcement that Disney intends to acquire Marvel -- a $4 billion deal that will not be finalized for some time. The stoppage last month halted the extensive construction and prep work needed to stage the technically ambitious show, both in the scene shop and at the Hilton Theater, the Broadway venue skedded to house "Spider-Man." Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Martin McCallum, Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment lead the producing team of the mega-budget spectacle. Capitalization costs are estimated at north of $35 million. So far there's been no indication of what the month-long delay in production will do to the proposed timeline for "Spider-Man," which for now remains skedded to begin perfs Feb. 25 ahead of a March opening.

‘Angels in America’ to Be Revived at Signature Next Year - NYTimes.com

‘Angels in America’ to Be Revived at Signature Next Year - NYTimes.com.

As part of its 2010-11 season dedicated to the work of Tony Kushner, Signature Theater Company will mount the first New York revival of his Pulitzer- and Tony-winning “Angels in America” since it closed on Broadway in 1994, Signature’s artistic director, James Houghton, said on Tuesday.

B'way 'Fela' adds mama - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

B'way 'Fela' adds mama - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Lillias White has joined the cast of the Broadway production of tuner "Fela!" Thesp ("Once on This Island"), who picked up a 1997 Tony for her perf in "The Life," will play the mother of Afro-beat musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti in the bio-tuner. White did not appear in last season's Off Broadway incarnation of the musical, unlike the show's star, Sahr Ngaujah, who appears in the Rialto transfer after originating the role in the earlier production.

Lithgow, Ehle topline 'Fitch' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Lithgow, Ehle topline 'Fitch' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

John Lithgow and Jennifer Ehle will topline the world preem of "Mr. and Mrs. Fitch," the latest play by Douglas Carter Beane ("The Little Dog Laughed," "Xanadu"). Lithgow ("Sweet Smell of Success") and Ehle ("The Coast of Utopia") will play the title roles in Beane’s comedy about married gossip columnists and the lengths to which they go for celeb news.

Hunter Foster set for 'Days' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Hunter Foster set for 'Days' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Hunter Foster is among the thesps who will appear in “Ordinary Days,” the small-scale new musical getting a run as part of the Roundabout Underground program. Foster, Lisa Brescia, Jared Gertner and Kate Wetherhead will star as four New Yorkers whose lives are connected by unexpected circumstances. Marc Bruni helms the show, which has music and lyrics by Adam Gwon.

LCT3 books 'Felt' bow - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

LCT3 books 'Felt' bow - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

"What Once We Felt," a new play by Ann Marie Healy, will have its world preem as the season's first offering from Lincoln Center Theater's LCT3 initiative. Ken Rus Schmoll will helm the play by Healy ("Now That's What I Call a Storm"). Set in a grim future, story centers on a writer whose novel turns out to be the last one ever printed. "What Once We Felt" will be the first of three LCT3 productions during the 2009-10 season, with the other two offerings still to be announced. Prior productions by the initiative, which aims to showcase the work of emerging legit creatives, include Matt Sax and Eric Rosen's "Clay" and David Adjmi's "Stunning." "What Once We Felt" will play the Duke on 42nd Street Oct. 26-Nov. 21.

Lincoln Center Theater to Present Ann Marie Healy's What Once We Felt: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 07/13/2009

Lincoln Center Theater to Present Ann Marie Healy's What Once We Felt: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 07/13/2009.

Lincoln Center Theater will present Ann Marie Healy's What Once We Felt at the Duke on 42nd Street, October 26-November 21. Ken Rus Schmoll will direct. Set in a darkening future, the play follows a writer's journey through the political world of publishing, as her novel becomes the last print published novel ever. The work is presented as part of Lincoln Center's LCT3 initiative, devoted to producing work of emerging playwrights, directors and designers. Healy's other plays include Now That's What I Call A Storm, Have You Seen Steve Steven, and The Legend of Minne Willet. What Once We Felt will also be produced this coming season by Chicago's About Face Theatre, February 3-March 7. For more information, visit www.lct3.org.

Craig, Jackson to star in 'Steady Rain' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Craig, Jackson to star in 'Steady Rain' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

It's official: Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman will star in a Broadway production of Keith Huff's two-hander "A Steady Rain," bowing at the Schoenfeld Theater in September. The two high-profile thesps look poised to turn straight play "Rain" into a top-selling hit along the lines of Julia Roberts-starrer "Three Days of Rain," which in 2006 racked up boffo weekly sales figures more common to large-scale tuners. Current, starry production of play "God of Carnage" has recently done similarly spectacular biz. Jackman previously demonstrated his power at the Broadway B.O. in the 2003 Peter Allen bio-musical "The Boy from Oz," which was a major hit despite mixed reviews (and netted Jackman a Tony). Craig, whose stage credits in London include "A Number" and "Angels in America," will make his Main Stem debut in "Steady Rain." John Crowley ("The Pillowman") helms the show, about two Chicago cops whose friendship is rocked by a domestic dispute that is not what it seems. Huff's play had its 2007 world preem in Chicago, where the success of an initial run at Chicago Dramatists led to a 2008 re-mounting at the Royal George Theater. In Chi the monologue-based play, helmed by Russ Tutterow, starred Randy Feinmeyer and Peter DeFaria. Creative team for the Broadway staging includes Scott Pask (the set designer who won a Tony for his work on "Pillowman"), Hugh Vanstone (lights) and Mark Bennett (music and sound). Producing team of "Rain" is led by Federick Zollo, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli (one of the producers of the James Bond franchise currently toplined by Craig), who were all producers of the financially disappointing 2005 tuner "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Raymond L. Gaspard, Frank Gero, Cheryl Wiesenfeld, Jeffrey Sine, Michael Rose and Robert Cole are also on the list of producers. "Rain" will be begin previews at the Schoenfeld Sept. 10 ahead of a Sept. 29 opening. Production will run 12 weeks.

Michael McKean to star in 'Donuts' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Michael McKean to star in 'Donuts' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Michael McKean will topline the Broadway production of Tracy Letts' play "Superior Donuts," with the thesp reprising the role he essayed in the show's Chicago preem. McKean portrays the owner of a run-down Chi doughnut shop in Letts' follow-up to his Pulitzer winner "August: Osage County." Thesp's Broadway credits include "The Homecoming," "The Pajama Game" and "Hairspray." No further casting has been confirmed. The Chicago cast also included Jon Michael Hill as the shop owner's teenage employee. Helmed by Tina Landau, production bowed last year at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater, where "August" originated. "August" producers Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian and Jerry Frankel also produce the Rialto transfer of "Donuts." Show begins Broadway previews at the Music Box Theater Sept. 16 ahead of an Oct. 1 opening.

'Ragtime' confirms Broadway stay - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Ragtime' confirms Broadway stay - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Producers of the "Ragtime" revival have confirmed its Broadway berth at the Neil Simon Theater, where the new staging of the 1998 tuner will open in November. The production, helmed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, had seemed a likely Rialto transfer since it won rave reviews in its spring bow at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Production will have a cast of about 40 and an orchestra of 28. Budgeted at the Kennedy Center at $4.4 million, the Gotham transfer will be capitalized at $8 million-$8.5 million, according to producer Kevin McCollum. He described the new staging as "less declarative" than the Rialto preem. "It feels like a more intimate production, in terms of the storytelling," he added. No casting for the Gotham engagement has been announced. Thesps in the Kennedy Center run, which played April 18-May 17, included Ron Bohmer ("The Woman in White"), Manoel Felciano ("Sweeney Todd"), Christiane Noll ("Jekyll and Hyde") and Bobby Steggert ("110 in the Shade"). Based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, "Ragtime" has a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Set in New York City in the early 1900s, plots follow a rich Victorian couple, a Harlem jazz musician and a family of Jewish immigrants as their lives intersect with famous figures of the era. Design team for the revival includes Derek McLane (sets), Santo Loquasto (costumes) and Donald Holder (lights). The original Broadway staging picked up four Tonys, including trophies for book and score. Production is often remembered as one of the last from Livent, the company topped by big-spending producer Garth Drabinsky, who was indicted in 1999 and recently found guilty of fraud and forgery in a Canadian court. McCollum, Roy Furman, Roger Berlind, Max Cooper, Tom Kirdahy/Devlin Elliott, Jeffrey Sine, Scott Delman, Roy Miller, LAMS Prods., Wendy Federman and Emanuel Azenberg produce "Ragtime" in association with the Kennedy Center. Show begins previews Oct. 23 ahead of a Nov. 15 opening.

Theater for a New Audience Announces Season - NYTimes.com

Theater for a New Audience Announces Season - NYTimes.com.

The Theater for a New Audience announced plans for a busy 2009-10 season Off Broadway on Tuesday, and its leaders said they were hoping to make that schedule even busier in the spring by remounting their recent acclaimed productions of "Othello" and "Hamlet."

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Vertigo's M Reimagines Hitchcock's 'Dial M For Murder' 6/30

Vertigo's M Reimagines Hitchcock's 'Dial M For Murder' 6/30.

After the highly succesful UK premiere Production of Bert V Royals 'Dog Sees God; Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead' at Taurus and later transferred to the Lowry Theatre, Vertigo Theatre Productions are hoping to repeat the success with their latest offering 'M' a modern re imagining of the stage play (and subsequent Alfred Hitchcock Film) 'Dial M For Murder' Written by Craig Hepworth and Adele Stanhope and directed by Hepworth 'M' is a story about Revenge, Blackmail, Manipulation, Greed and Murder. A tense thriller that will keep you on The Edge of your seat until its shocking end. 'M' receives its 1st outing at the companies regular venue Taurus on Manchester's Famous Canal Street from June 30th to July 4th. Many of the highly praised Dog Sees God cast return to the company for 'M' including Rick Carter, Emma Willcox, Mike Gates and Stuart Reeve as well as Hepworth and Stanhope. The cast are this time also joined by Mael Ellis and Dale Vickers making his debut. Tickets for 'M' go on sale at the end of March through Quaytickets and the Vertigo Theatre Productions website.

Jerry Lewis to Direct Nutty Professor Musical on Broadway: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 06/29/2009

Jerry Lewis to Direct Nutty Professor Musical on Broadway: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 06/29/2009.

Jerry Lewis will make his Broadway directorial debut when he helms the new musical, The Nutty Professor, which is aiming to open during the 2010/2011 season at a theater to be announced. Based on the 1963 film (which Lewis co-wrote and starred in), the show will feature music by Marvin Hamlisch, with book and lyrics by Rupert Holmes. The story centers on dull geek Professor Julius Kelp, who creates a potion that transforms him into a smooth talking, party animal named Buddy Love. Lewis has appeared on Broadway in Damn Yankees! and Jerry Lewis at The Palace. He has numerous film credits as performer, director, writer, producer, and sometimes as all four, including The Bell Boy, The Ladies Man, It's Only Money, The Delicate Delinquent, and The King of Comedy. Hamlisch has won the Pulitzer Prize, along with the Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Awards. He's best known for the musical A Chorus Line. Holmes won Tonys for his book and lyrics to The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and was most recently represented on Broadway by Curtains, for which he received a Drama Desk Award and Tony nominations.

Evan Rachel Wood catches 'Spider' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Evan Rachel Wood catches 'Spider' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

It's official: Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming will star in the upcoming Broadway mega-spectacle "Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark." Deals were wrapped up late in the week for both thesps, who have been expected to confirm their stints in the show for a while now. Performance dates for the technically complicated tuner also have been pushed back. Previously skedded to open Feb. 18, the musical now won't begin previews until Feb. 25. Wood will play Spidey's paramour Mary Jane Watson, while Cumming will portray bad guy Norman Osborn, a.k.a. the Green Goblin. Julie Taymor ("The Lion King"), who helms the tuner and co-pens the book, has worked with both actors previously. Wood starred in Taymor's movie-musical "Across the Universe," while Cumming appeared in Taymor pics "Titus" and "The Tempest." The actor donning the tights of the wall-crawler himself remains unannounced; open auditions for the role were held earlier this year. Wood's co-star in "Across the Universe," Jim Sturgess, has also been mentioned as a possibility for the part.

Atlantic Theater unveils slate - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Atlantic Theater unveils slate - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

A couple of David Mamet one-acts and the latest play by Sam Shepard are among the offerings on tap for the 2009-10 season at Off Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company. The org's mainstage offerings kick off with "Two Unrelated Plays By David Mamet," a double bill of shorts "Keep Your Pantheon" and "School." "Pantheon," a comic tale about a troupe of actors in ancient Rome, preemed last year at Center Theater Group in L.A., where it was paired with the scribe's 1971 work "The Duck Variations." At the Atlantic it plays with "School," a world preem billed as a comedy about recycling and communication. Atlantic a.d. Neil Pepe ("Speed-the-Plow") directs "Two Unrelated Plays," beginning previews Sept. 9 ahead of a Sept. 30 opening. Mamet, one of the co-founders of the Atlantic, will be well represented in Gotham this season, with a new play, "Race," confirmed for a fall opening on Broadway and a revival of "Oleanna" also circling the Main Stem. Atlantic will import the production of Shepard's "Ages of the Moon" from Ireland's Abbey Theater, playing Gotham in a run that begins previews Jan. 9 ahead of a Jan. 27 opening. Jimmy Fay, who helmed the show's Dublin preem earlier this year, returns to direct. Play revolves around two old friends for whom shooting the breeze turns dangerous. No casting for the New York incarnation has been announced; Stephen Rea appeared in the two-hander in Dublin. Atlantic also announced the season's first production in its smaller space, Atlantic Stage 2. Bekah Brunstetter's "Oohrah!" follows two couples who live near a military base in a North Carolina town. Evan Cabnet will direct the production, starting previews Sept. 1 and opening Sept. 9. One more play remains to be announced for the mainstage, along with another for Stage 2.

Arts, Briefly - Another Rock Musical, but No Oldies This Time - NYTimes.com

Arts, Briefly - Another Rock Musical, but No Oldies This Time - NYTimes.com.

Following buzzy runs in San Diego and Seattle, the original musical “Memphis” will open on Broadway at the Shubert Theater on Oct. 19. Previews begin on Sept. 23. The show focuses on a young white D.J. who prowls the underground clubs of Memphis in the segregated 1950s and falls in love with rock ’n’ roll and a black singer. David Bryan, a founding member of Bon Jovi, wrote the score; Joe DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”) wrote the book. Out-of-town reviews for the musical, directed by Christopher Ashley (“Xanadu”) and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (“Jersey Boys”), have been solid, with critics seeming especially pleased “Memphis” is built around new songs instead of well-worn period hits.

'Babes' back in Broadway arms - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Babes' back in Broadway arms - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Plans are afoot for a Broadway revival of 1937 Rodgers and Hart tuner "Babes in Arms" to star Rosie O'Donnell. Randy Skinner, recently Tony-nommed as choreographer of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," is attached to helm and choreograph the production, which has a new book by Joe DiPietro ("Memphis"). Producers Gerald Goehring, Pat Addiss and Michael F. Mitri organized private readings of "Babes" in Gotham last month with O'Donnell, last on Broadway in "Fiddler on the Roof" in 2005, and Shuler Hensley ("Young Frankenstein") among the cast. Although no timeline for the brewing production has been nailed down nor has fund-raising begun, producers hope to have a plan in place by the end of the summer, according to Goehring (also producing the upcoming tuner version of "A Christmas Story") and Addiss ("Passing Strange," "The 39 Steps"). New version of "Babes in Arms" retains the storyline of the Depression-era original, in which a chorine (O'Donnell) helps a group of kids put on a show in order to keep them from being sent to a workfarm. Book was originally penned by composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart. Goehring said the new production would have a relatively modest scale, with a cast of about 15 and what is essentially a single set. Skinner and O'Donnell worked together previously in a 2008 Encores! staging of "No, No, Nanette." Score of "Babes" includes "My Funny Valentine" and "The Lady Is a Tramp," plus "With a Song in My Heart," an additional Rodgers and Hart tune incorporated into the new book. Revival of the tuner would be the first on Broadway since its 1937 preem.

UK Hit 'GIRLS NIGHT' Musical Plays at Sofia's Downstairs Cabaret Starting 6/2

UK Hit 'GIRLS NIGHT' Musical Plays at Sofia's Downstairs Cabaret Starting 6/2.

Entertainment Event Productions will present the Off-Broadway premiere of the smash UK hit GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL, written by Louise Roche and directed by Jack Randle. Performances will begin June 2nd, for an Opening Night on June 4th at the Downstairs Cabaret Theatre at Sofia's (227 West 46th Street, next to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre). Featured in the cast are Sonya Carter, Renee Colvert, Laurie Gardner, Justine Hall, and Carly Sakalove. This limited engagement runs through July 26th. Girls Night: The Musical has earned rave reviews playing packed houses throughout the United Kingdom since 2003. It premiered in the US in May 2007 and has toured across the country since then. It has been described as "'Desperate Housewives' meets Mamma Mia!" (Applause Magazine), "a boisterous, bust-out, bawdy musical revue" (Wisconsin State Journal), "An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication!" (Hollywood Reporter) and "As funny and outrageous as Sex and the City!" (The Advocate).

Brian Dennehy to Star in Hughie and Krapp's Last Tape on Broadway: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 06/01/2009

Brian Dennehy to Star in Hughie and Krapp's Last Tape on Broadway: Theater News on TheaterMania.com - 06/01/2009.

Two-time Tony Award winner Brian Dennehy will star in a Broadway mounting of a double bill of Eugene O'Neill's Hughie and Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape beginning April 12, 2010, according to The New York Times. No theater has been announced. As previously announced, the double-bill will first play the Goodman Theater in January. Dennehy also performed the two plays at Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2008, and also performed Hughie at Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre later that year. Dennehy starred in the Goodman's recent Broadway production of Desire Under the Elms, and won his Tonys for Death of a Salesman (which also garnered him an Olivier Award) and Long Day's Journey Into Night. Additional Broadway credits include Inherit the Wind and Translations. He has numerous film and television credits, earning two Golden Globe Awards and six Emmy nominations.

Neil Simon revivals fill out casts - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Neil Simon revivals fill out casts - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Dennis Boutsikaris, Josh Grisetti and Santino Fontana are among the thesps joining Laurie Metcalf in the cast of the Neil Simon revivals coming to Broadway in the fall. Billed as "The Neil Simon Plays," the repertory stagings of Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Broadway Bound" follow the life of a Brooklyn family. Newcomer Noah Robbins will play the central role of Eugene in "Brighton Beach," while Grisetti ("Enter Laughing") portrays the older Eugene in "Broadway." Boutsikaris ("Amadeus") plays the family patriarch opposite Metcalf as the mother of the family. Fontana ("Billy Elliot") is cast as Eugene's brother. Jessica Hecht ("Julius Caesar"), Allan Miller ("Brooklyn Boy") and Alexandra Socha ("Spring Awakening") also join the ensemble. One more role remains to be cast in the shows, to be helmed by David Cromer. "Brighton Beach" opens Oct. 25, with "Broadway Bound" opening Dec. 10, both at a theater to be announced. Emanuel Azenberg and Ira Pittelman produce.

Groff to star in 'Bacchae' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Groff to star in 'Bacchae' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Jonathan Groff (“Spring Awakening”) will topline the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park staging of “The Bacchae.” Groff plays the god Dionysus in the Greek tragedy, which also will star Andre De Shields, Karen Kandel, George Bartenieff, Joan MacIntosh, Steven Rishard and Rocco Sisto. JoAnne Akalaitis helms the production, which will have original music by Philip Glass. Show runs Aug. 11-Aug. 30 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Arts, Briefly - Hello to Broadway’s New ‘Birdie’ - NYTimes.com

Arts, Briefly - Hello to Broadway’s New ‘Birdie’ - NYTimes.com.

You may not know the name of Nolan Gerard Funk if you’re over the age of 15, but the young actor (who starred earlier this year in the Nickelodeon TV movie “Spectacular!”) will soon be visible on Broadway. Mr. Funk, below, has been cast as Conrad Birdie, the Elvis Presley figure in the Roundabout Theater Company’s revival of “Bye Bye Birdie,” the company announced on Thursday. In a news release, Roundabout said it had also cast Allie Trimm (“13”) as Kim MacAfee and Matt Doyle (“Spring Awakening”) as Hugo Peabody, as well as Dee Hoty, Molly Ephraim and Jake Evan Schwencke. They join the show’s previously announced stars, John Stamos, Gina Gershon, Bill Irwin and Jayne Houdyshell. Previews are scheduled to begin on Sept. 10 with an opening of Oct. 15 at the new Henry Miller’s Theater.

Hartford Stage Presents 'DIVIDING THE ESTATE' Opening 5/28

Hartford Stage Presents 'DIVIDING THE ESTATE' Opening 5/28.

Hartford Stage, under the leadership of Michael Wilson, artistic director, and Michael Stotts, managing director, announced today that the Broadway hit comedy Dividing The Estate, by Horton Foote, directed by Wilson, will transfer to Hartford Stage in May 2009 to close the Tony Award-winning theatre's 45th season. The gospel musical drama Gee's Bend, which was to have been the sixth and final MainStage offering this year, has been postponed until next season. Dividing The Estate, a human comedy about a family that must confront its past as it prepares for its future, opened to critical acclaim Off-Broadway in the fall of 2007 at Primary Stages. It began its limited engagement Broadway run in October 2008 at the Booth Theatre, produced by Lincoln Center Theatre in association with Primary Stages. Almost the entire company of the Broadway production are returning, including Drama Desk winner Hallie Foote, Obie Award winner Arthur French, Tony Award nominee Penny Fuller, and Gerald McRaney. Other returning cast members include Devon Abner, Pat Bowie, James DeMarse, Virginia Kull, Maggie Lacey, Nicole Lowrance, Jenny Dare Paulin, and Keiana Richard.

PURE CONFIDENCE Reopens Off-Broadway At 59E59 Theaters 5/27

PURE CONFIDENCE Reopens Off-Broadway At 59E59 Theaters 5/27.

The Mixed Blood Theatre Company's January 2009 production of Carlyle Brown's Pure Confidence, directed by Tony-nominee Marion McClinton, will reopen Off-Broadway at the 59E59 Theaters in Manhattan on May 27. The all-Minnesota cast and creative team is continuing with the show, featuring Gavin Lawrence in his seventh production as Simon Cato. Mixed Blood Theatre is thrilled to have its critically acclaimed production of Pure Confidence move from the Mini-Apple to the Big Apple. Said Artistic Director Jack Reuler, "For 33 years Mixed Blood has modeled a multiplicity of peoples coming together and being better off for having convened. Pure Confidence, with its Twin Cities playwright, director, cast, and design team, embodies that theatrical aspiration."

'Superior Donuts' rolls onto the Rialto - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Superior Donuts' rolls onto the Rialto - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

The Broadway run of "Superior Donuts" is now official, with Tracy Letts' play set to open on the Rialto in the fall. Gotham engagement for Letts' follow-up to his Pulitzer Prize winner "August: Osage County" has been much discussed since "Donuts" preemed last summer at Steppenwolf Theater, the Chicago company that also originated "August." Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler and Jerry Frankel - the lead producers behind the Broadway run of ``August'' - produce ``Donuts,'' which will be helmed on the Rialto by Tina Landau, who directed the Chi bow. Plot centers on the relationship between the owner of a rundown donut shop in uptown Chicago and his sole employee. No casting has been announced for the Gotham incarnation; Michael McKean and Jon Michael Hill led the cast at Steppenwolf. Producers aim to open the Rialto stint Oct. 1 at a Shubert theater to be determined.

'Memphis' set for Shubert theater run - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Memphis' set for Shubert theater run - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Looks like Broadway-bound tuner “Memphis” has nailed down the Shubert Theater for its fall run, with a group sales announcement indicating the show will begin previews in September. Tuner -- with music by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan, book by Joe DiPietro and lyrics by Bryan and DiPietro -- played Seattle earlier this year. Storyline follows a 1950s Memphis DJ who is one of the first to play music by African-Americans. The show now occupying the Shubert, the revival of “Blithe Spirit,” is currently selling tickets through July 19. “Memphis” aims to begin previews Sept. 23 ahead of an Oct. 18 opening.

Cast set for 'First Wives Club' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Cast set for 'First Wives Club' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Adriane Lenox (“Doubt”), Barbara Walsh (“Company”) and Karen Ziemba (“Contact”) will topline the Broadway-bound tuner version of “The First Wives Club,” set to begin its out-of-town tryout at San Diego’s Old Globe in July. Lenox appeared in a reading of the musical earlier this year. John Dossett, Brad Oscar, Sam Harris and Sara Chase also are among the vets of that reading to join the cast. Francesca Zambello (“The Little Mermaid”) directs “First Wives,” with book by Rupert Holmes (“Curtains”) and music by pop hitmakers Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. Musical is based on the 1996 pic of the same name, and the 1992 novel on which it is based. Design team includes Peter J. Davison (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Mark McCullough (lights) and Jon Weston (sound). Lisa Stevens choreographs. “First Wives” begins San Diego previews July 15 ahead of a July 31 opening. Paul Lambert and Jonas Neilson will produce the Broadway run, with dates and theater to be determined.

Lane, Neuwirth to lead 'Family' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Lane, Neuwirth to lead 'Family' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth have signed on as the leads of tuner "The Addams Family," which has nailed down an April opening on Broadway. Lane and Neuwirth, who have appeared in developmental readings of "Addams," play spooky spouses Gomez and Morticia in the tuner. Family also will include Jackie Hoffman ("Hairspray") as Grandmama, Kevin Chamberlin ("Seussical") as Uncle Fester, and Krysta Rodriguez ("Spring Awakening") as daughter Wednesday. Plot centers on the waves made in the titular macabre family when Goth kid Wednesday falls in love with a nice young man, played by Wesley Taylor ("Rock of Ages"). Terrence Mann and Carolee Carmello play the boy's parents. Cast also includes Zachary James ("South Pacific") as Lurch and Adam Riegler ("Shrek the Musical") as young Pugsley.

Second Stage sets season - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Second Stage sets season - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

A new play written and directed by Paul Weitz and the rain-check run of the latest Douglas Carter Beane play are set for the 2009-10 season at Off Broadway's Second Stage Theater. "Trust," from Weitz, centers on a rich married man who is dissatisfied with his life. Weitz's plays "Show People" and "Privilege," both helmed by Peter Askin, previously preemed at Second Stage. Weitz will direct his own work this time around in a production skedded to begin previews in summer 2010. Prior to that, the new play by Beane ("The Little Dog Laughed"), "Mr. and Mrs. Fitch," will get a winter 2010 run directed by Scott Ellis. Show, about a pair of married gossip columnists, was originally set to bow in the summer but had to be delayed due to conflicts with Ellis' sked. (Small-scale tuner "Vanities," starting previews June 30, filled the vacancy this season.) No casting has been announced for either "Trust" or "Fitch." Already on the Second Stage slate is the new play written and performed by Anna Deavere Smith, "Let Me Down Easy," a solo docu-theater piece about health care. Helmed by Leonard Foglia ("Thurgood"), "Easy" begins perfs Sept. 15. One more production remains to be announced

'Phantom' sequel delayed until 2010 - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Phantom' sequel delayed until 2010 - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Looks like we may have to wait a bit longer for that "Phantom" sequel: The London papers are reporting that "Love Never Dies," Andrew Lloyd Webber's upcoming tuner about the continuing exploits of the characters of "The Phantom of the Opera," has been pushed back til spring 2010. Directed by Jack O'Brien, "Love Never Dies" was originally supposed to kick off this fall with a preem in London followed quickly by productions in Toronto, Gotham and an undetermined Asian territory. Reason given for the delay involved the re-orchestration of the score. With the London preem -- said to be toplined by Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess ("The Little Mermaid") -- pushed back, the timeline for successive productions (including Broadway) remains up in the air.

'Birdie' opens Henry Miller's Theater - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Birdie' opens Henry Miller's Theater - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

After months of talk, it's official: The Roundabout Theater Company has sealed the deal with Gotham real estate company the Durst Organization and Bank of America to program the new incarnation of Henry Miller's Theater, which will open in the fall with the Roundabout's upcoming revival of "Bye Bye Birdie." The Henry Miller's -- an entirely new Broadway auditorium constructed behind the original 1918 facade of the old theater -- is the first Rialto house built to green standards, with environmentally minded elements including waterless urinals, an air filtration rate of 95%, wall panels and baseboards made with a high percentage of recycled content, and locally sourced marble. The Broadway venue, located on West 43rd Street near Times Square, will have 1,055 seats. Mezzanine will be at ground level, with the patrons descending to the orchestra. With the deal, the finances of which were not disclosed, the theater becomes the third Broadway space to be operated by the Roundabout, following the American Airlines Theater and Studio 54. The addition marks a gutsy move in a rough economic climate that has nonprofit theater companies all over the country tightening their belts. Roundabout previously produced its hit revival of "Cabaret" in the old Henry Miller's. Douglas Durst, head of the Durst Org, sits on the Roundabout's board. A third space for the Gotham nonprofit has long been discussed as a potential venue for hit productions that could sustain longer runs, such as the company's popular stagings of "Cabaret" or "The Pajama Game."

Ashanti to play Dorothy in 'Wiz' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Ashanti to play Dorothy in 'Wiz' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

R&B singer-songwriter Ashanti will topline the Encores! Summer Stars staging of "The Wiz," beginning perfs in June. Single-monikered performer will play Dorothy in the limited-run revival of the 1975 tuner, a redux of "The Wizard of Oz." No other casting has been announced for the production, helmed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, who collaborated previously on "In the Heights." "Wiz" is the third outing for Summer Stars, the more fully produced offshoot of the Encores! series of semi-staged concert performances. The first outing of the series, "Gypsy," transferred to Broadway last season and picked up three Tonys. "Wiz" runs June 12-July 5.

Fisher's 'Drinking' sets Broadway run - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Fisher's 'Drinking' sets Broadway run - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Carrie Fisher's "Wishful Drinking" has nailed down its Broadway run, with the solo show to be presented by the Roundabout Theater Company at Studio 54 in the fall. Tony Taccone ("Bridge and Tunnel") directs "Drinking," which centers on Fisher's reminiscences of her life in Hollywood. Since it preemed at the Geffen Theater in Los Angeles in 2006, the show has played a series of regional nonprofits including Berkeley Rep (where Taccone is a.d.), Boston's Huntington Theater and Seattle Rep, the production's current stop. In Gotham, Roundabout presents "Drinking" in association with Jonathan Reinis ("Kiki and Herb: Alive on Broadway"), Jamie Cesa ("Naked Boys Singing"), Eva Price and Berkeley Rep. In a tough financial time for legit nonprofits, the one-actor production "Drinking" has the advantage of being a low-cost offering toplined by a well-known performer. Show has sold well in prior runs, including the stint at Berkeley Rep, where "Drinking" broke a box office record. Production begins Gotham previews Sept. 22 ahead of an Oct. 4 opening, with the limited run skedded to end Jan. 3. Alexander V. Nichols designs sets, lights and projections.

Menier's 'Music' looks to Broadway - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Menier's 'Music' looks to Broadway - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

London's Menier Chocolate Factory production of tuner "A Little Night Music" looks to be gearing up for a Broadway run, with Equity auditions posted for a fall transfer of the staging helmed by Trevor Nunn. Tentative timeline sees the production beginning rehearsal in October ahead of a December opening. According to the audition announcement, show is produced by David Babani for Chocolate Factory Prods., Andrew Fell and the Frankel Viertel Baruch Routh Group. The Menier Chocolate Factory's production of the 1973 tuner by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler repped the first time Nunn had directed a tuner by Sondheim. The revival received largely positive reviews from the London press when it opened in London late last year.

Will '9 to 5' be Broadway's next hit? - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Will '9 to 5' be Broadway's next hit? - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

The producers and creatives of "9 to 5" are working overtime to make sure their tuner is up to the job of becoming the next Broadway hit. The musical, opening April 30 at the Marquis Theater, punches in for the season after a fall tryout at the Ahmanson in Los Angeles, where the production was plagued by technical difficulties while critical reaction ranged from upbeat to so-so. Between coasts the big-budget tuner has undergone the usual fine-tuning -- with a creative team mostly light on legit experience: producer Robert Greenblatt, prexy of entertainment at Showtime; book writer Patricia Resnick, co-screenwriter of the 1980 pic; and the needs-no-introduction Dolly Parton, writing music and lyrics in her first stage outing. (Much-employed helmer Joe Mantello, whose lengthy CV includes "Wicked" and "Take Me Out," is the legit vet of the group.) Five songs heard in L.A. have been cut, three others added and the second act has been significantly restructured in an effort to strike a stageworthy balance for the screen-to-boards transfer. "Tonally, the musical is more madcap but also more emotional than the movie," Greenblatt says. "9 to 5" arrives in Gotham as the third and final big-budget new tuner of the season, after insta-hit "Billy Elliot" and fluctuating "Shrek the Musical," both of which opened in the fall. The show looks to carve out an audience with the help of Parton's wide appeal and a collective fondness for the movie, which, feevee exec Greenblatt notes, is always running on cable. The story centers on a trio of harassed working femmes who take revenge on their chauvinist boss, with multiple flights of fantasy along the way. Taking the roles originated by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Parton are, respectively, Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty, with Marc Kudisch as the boss portrayed in the pic by Dabney Coleman. Despite repeated stalls in L.A., the set was apparently not one of the things that required a redo in the cross-country move. There's been nary a peep about breakdowns in New York. The difficulties at the Ahmanson are explained as part of the learning curve that comes with a complex and heavily automated scenic design by Scott Pask. Some legiters who have seen the show suggest the set is too complicated, but Greenblatt disagrees, saying the multi-scene storyline, with its central setting of an office bullpen, demanded it.

Arts, Briefly - Powerhouse Lists Summer Schedule - NYTimes.com

Arts, Briefly - Powerhouse Lists Summer Schedule - NYTimes.com.

New works by Duncan Sheik, the Tony Award-winning composer of “Spring Awakening,” and the comedian Lewis Black will be presented this summer at the Powerhouse Theater of Vassar and New York Stage and Film. The theater announced its 2009 season, which includes “Whisper House,” a musical ghost story featuring music and lyrics by Mr. Sheik and book and lyrics by Kyle Jarrow and directed by Keith Powell (of television’s “30 Rock”). Also on the bill is “One Slight Hitch,” a play by Mr. Black (of “The Daily Show” fame) and directed by Joe Grifasi, as well as “The Burnt Part Boys,” a new musical that Playwrights Horizons and the Vineyard Theater are jointly producing for Playwrights’ 2010 season. More information can be found at powerhouse.vassar.edu.

Atlantic assembles cast for 'Make Me' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Atlantic assembles cast for 'Make Me' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Atlantic Theater Company has assembled a cast of legit regulars for the world preem of Leslie Ayvazian's "Make Me." Ensemble includes Candy Buckley, Jessica Hecht, Richard Masur, J.R. Horne, Anthony Arkin and Ellen Parker. Story follows three relationships pushed to extremes. Christian Parker, who is associate a.d. of the Atlantic, helms the show, which opens May 31 at Atlantic Stage 2.

'Liberace' heading to Broadway - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Liberace' heading to Broadway - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

The ghost of Liberace hopes to set up a candelabrum on Broadway next season, with "Liberace: The Man, the Music and the Memories" aiming for a Rialto run in the fall. Show, starring Wayland Pickard as the flamboyant ivory-tickler, is gearing up for Gotham under the auspices of producers Edmund Gaynes and Nancy Bianconi. "Liberace" re-creates a Vegas showroom performance by the late entertainer. Pickard, in heavy makeup that boosts his resemblance to the musician, performed a similar show under a different title in L.A. in 2006 and played another Southern California stint earlier this year. Pickard appears in the show with a handful of supporting thesps. Pamela Hall, whose Off Broadway credits include the upcoming "Danny and Sylvia: The Danny Kaye Musical," will helm the show.

Audra McDonald joins 'Twelfth Night' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

Audra McDonald joins 'Twelfth Night' - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

Audra McDonald and Raul Esparza are among the thesps joining Anne Hathaway in the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of "Twelfth Night." McDonald ("110 in the Shade," "Private Practice") will play the countess Olivia, with Esparza ("Company") portraying music-loving duke Orsino. Also among the cast will be Hamish Linklater ("The New Adventures of Old Christine") and Jay O. Sanders as the prankster drunks Andrew Aguecheek and Toby Belch, respectively, with Michael Cumpsty playing the object of their torment, Malvolio. David Pittu ("What's That Smell?") plays the clown Feste. Helmed by Daniel Sullivan ("Proof"), "Twelfth Night" plays Central Park's Delacorte Theater June 10-July 12. Complete cast remains to be announced.

'Vanities' finds Off Broadway home - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Vanities' finds Off Broadway home - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

"Vanities," the small-scale new tuner that bowed out of an announced Broadway run earlier this season, has found an Off Broadway home at Second Stage, where the show will open this summer. The commercial producers, led by a team that includes Sue Frost, remain attached to the project. In the Second Stage season, "Vanities" takes the place of "Mr. and Mrs. Fitch," a new Douglas Carter Beane comedy, which was recently postponed due to a conflict in the sked of director Scott Ellis. "Vanities," with book by Jack Heifner and music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, will play Second Stage with the cast and creative team previously announced for the Rialto incarnation. Lauren Kennedy, Sarah Stiles and Anneliese van der Pol star in the three-actor musical, helmed by Judith Ivey and choreographed by Dan Knechtges. Plot, based on Heifner's 1976 play, follows the friendship of three women from the 1960s through the late 1980s.

'Girls' show heads to New York - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety

'Girls' show heads to New York - Entertainment News, Legit News, Media - Variety.

"Girls Night: The Musical," a tuner that originated in the U.K. and has toured the U.S., will get a Gotham stint beginning in June. Written by Louise Roche, the show, about five women in a karaoke bar, has a song list that includes "I Will Survive," "It's Raining Men" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Brit helmer Jack Randle directs. "Girls Night" is set to open June 4 at the Downstairs Cabaret Theater, below the midtown restaurant Sofia's.