Eve Arden News

It was announced today by The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors, and The Dorothy Loudon Foundation, Broadway newcomer Nicholas Barasch, currently appearing in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me at Studio 54, will be honored with the 8th Annual Dorothy Loudon Award at the 72nd Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony set for Monday evening, May 23, 2016 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Circle in the Square Theatre (West 50th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue), home of the current 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Fun Home.  The 2016 Theatre World winners will be announced shortly.

Wham! Pow! Boom! Up and away, it's Superman! Growing up in the 50s I couldn't wait for the next weekly adventure-filled installment of Supie and Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White and the Daily Planet on the small television screen. It was thrilling to see a man go into a telephone booth and change from street clothes into tights - even if they were baggy - and fly off - imagine! - to save the world from crime and destruction. It didn't matter that it was pure fantasy and that he he was only a comic book hero. Superman brought lots of excitement into our young lives. In 1966, the same musical composers who wrote the successful Broadway hit Bye Bye Birdie, Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, penned It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman! The New Musical Comedy and in spite of the great reviews, it did not catch on with the public, so quickly fizzled. Now 50 years later, what a camp to look back and laugh at all the silliness and innocence of that era, for the Superman musical is loaded with clumsy, goofy, campy laughs. Now onstage in a rare revival ... It's Superman receives a terrifically entertaining production at the Grove Theatre in Upland.

It's only the 10th Annual National Pet Day. but Cole Porter knew of the joys of furry friends back in 1941.

'Hello Magic Castle! And a happy half season's greetings to you!' declared stage legend, Carol Channing, as she took her seat center stage, where she belongs, at the world famous Magic Castle. The Magic Castle was honored and proud to present the iconic Carol Channing for a public Q&A, to a sold out crowd, on Thursday, June 25th. Scroll down for photos!

George Cukor's 1940 film version of Philip Barry's THE PHILADELPHIA STORY was Katharine Hepburn's return to glory after the actress had been labeled 'box office poison' after the failure of several films. 021The savvy Hepburn was able to bend MGM to her will when it wanted to film Barry's play, and the end result rewarded everyone involved: Hepburn, her old RKO co-star Cary Grant, and the up and coming James Stewart. Not only were Oscar nominations and wins in store, but at the center of it all was Hepburn in all her patrician, high cheek-boned elegance. She may have given greater performances as the tragic, dope-addicted 'Mary Tyrone' in the film version of Eugene O'Neill's LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT or as the caustic, sparring 'Eleanor of Aquitaine' in James Goldman's THE LION IN WINTER, but for those who want to see Hepburn at the height of her unusual beauty and comedic gifts, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is a must. Having seen the film numerous times, I was wary of Theatre Memphis' staging of Barry's work. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, once seen, leaves such an impression that it's rather like tackling a remake of THE WIZARD OF OZ or GONE WITH THE WIND or THE GODFATHER. Director Jason Spitzer has taken the dare, and he and his cast have mostly succeeded in the satiny, stylized production currently playing at Theatre Memphis.

Today we are talking to an Emmy Award-winning stage and screen star notable for her iconic leading role on long-running musical dramedy series GLEE in addition to numerous high profile roles in films, television and Broadway - the heartfelt and hilarious Jane Lynch. Discussing all aspects of her exciting new concert tour SEE JANE SING, Lynch opens up about the songs, stories and surprises that are in store for the lucky attendees at her East Coast appearances as well as clues us in on some of the musical selections that we can anticipate enjoying with Lynch accompanied by frequent collaborator Kate Flannery as well as her band. Additionally, Lynch reflects on the final season of GLEE, noting her favorite performances and moments as well as shares her insights into the worldwide phenomenon itself and whether or not she would enjoy being involved in a reunion or future iteration of the international hit down the line. Plus, Lynch looks ahead to new projects including several feature films as well as a pilot for a brand new sitcom that very well could appear on small screens across the country as soon as this Fall. Plus, Lynch recounts stories from her hit Broadway run in ANNIE, muses on future stage roles, touches on the upcoming spate of new episodes of her Golden Globe-winning hosting gig on HOLLYWOOD GAME night and much, much more!

Get all of Doris Day's best-loved movie musical classics!

John Patrick Shanley's thought-provoking drama DOUBT, A PARABLE certainly has earned its share of accolades since it premiered at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2004. Winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play, Shanley's screenplay for the film adaptation was also nominated for an Academy Award. The single act play has been brought back in a meticulously detailed production by 1st Stage in Tysons. The playwright's work is reason enough to head to the intimate space 1st Stage calls its home near Tysons Galleria. Shanley's tense, four-person rumination on scandal, gender roles, Catholic church politics, and the power of doubt to bind us or tear us apart is worth a look any time it finds its way to a stage. I just wish the 1st Stage production had more of a spark to ignite the passionate debate and ambiguous mystery Shanley has written.

In honor of this week's announcement heralding GREASE: LIVE! arriving in January 2016 on FOX, today we look back at the various versions of the ever-popular hit musical.

Karen Carpenter, a producer, director and teacher, a theater-maker for more than 30 years, has been appointed the interim Artistic Director of the William Inge Center for the Arts and the 34th Annual William Inge Theatre Festival. The Inge Festival is the Official Theater Festival of the State of Kansas, hosted on the campus of Independence Community College, which houses the William Inge archives.

The Mirror Repertory Company, along with The Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency (GAAR), presents Tony-nominee Marla Schaffel (Jane Eyre) in THE MIRACLE WORKER as part of its 2014 summer season in Greensboro, Vermont. GAAR's 2014 summer season will also include a limited engagement of Rodgers + Hammerstein's CAROUSEL.

The Mirror Repertory Company, along with The Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency (GAAR), presents Tony-nominee Marla Schaffel (Jane Eyre) in THE MIRACLE WORKER as part of its 2014 summer season in Greensboro, Vermont. With special events beginning over the 4th of July weekend, GAAR's 2014 summer season will also include a limited engagement of Rodgers + Hammerstein's CAROUSEL.

This is the kind of musical even non-musical theatre folks will love! Forget any idea of skipping it because it is a hilariously fun send-up of the 1950s and sci-fi B-movies directed by Dan Spurgeon and choreographed by Anna Safar with spot-on cheeseball precision, featuring a cast that knows how to play the comedy without ruining it.

Mirror Repertory Company, the resident company of Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency, presents Tony Award-winner Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd) and Tony-nominee Marla Schaffel (Jane Eyre) as part of its 2013 summer season in Greensboro, Vermont.

Ryan Landry and the Gold Dust Orphans take on Joan Crawford (and Bette Davis) in the noir musical MILDRED FIERCE. Add this one to a long string of hilarious productions recognized by their clever irreverence, dazzling costumes, done-on-a-dime sets, and multi-talented ensembles. Varla Jean Merman is the icing on the cake.

With Jon Engstrom's super direction and choreography and this cast's nonstop excellent tapping, cavorting, and devilishly fine chemistry, this production of 42nd Street dazzles from top to bottom.

The Full Monty/book by Terrence McNally/music & lyrics by David Yazbek/choreography by John Todd/directed by Richard Israel/Third Street Theatre/through October 14

Deadline.com reports that William Asher, the writer and director of such popular TV shows as I Love Lucy, Bewitched, Gidget and Our Miss Brooks, died yesterday in Palm Springs, CA, according to local reports. He was 90.

Hollywood and Broadway award-winners Kaye Ballard, Liliane Montevecchi, and Lee Roy Reams are to star in "Doin' It For Love," a Broadway-style tribute to the standards and the stories behind the music. Celebrating the finale of its Southwest Tour in Los Angeles on March 9 and 10, "Doin' It For Love" features a 10-piece orchestra conducted onstage by David Geist, the show's music director. Hilary Knight, the internationally renowned artist and illustrator, designed the poster art and collectables for the show. The profits from "Doin' It For Love" will go to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Investigation and Rescue Fund supporting undercover investigations and animal rescue efforts.

Actress/singer/comedienne Kaye Ballard remains one of the great living legends of stage, screen and television. She did comedy and sang with bandleader Spike Jones. She was the costar of TV's The Mothers-In-Law and The Doris Day Show, and the very funny film The Ritz among many others and too many Broadway musicals and road shows to mention. This lady brings mirth and goodwill wherever she appears. Animals are close to her heart, so it is no wonder that she, Lee Roy Reams and Liliane Montevecchi are mounting Doin' It For Love, for two nights only at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre March 9 and 10 to benefit PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). In our chat she talks about PETA, her love of animals and offers choice bits about her accomplishments and costars.