Hottest Articles on BWW from Friday, May. 11

1) Zooey Deschanel to Lead Broadway-Bound COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER as Loretta Lynn

In 1976, Coal Miner’s Daughter, country star Loretta Lynn's autobiography (written with journalist George Vecsey) became a New York Times Bestseller; in 1980 the book was made into an Academy Award-winning film starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. Now, it's headed for Broadway, with actress Zooey Deschanel playing Loretta Lynn. (more...)

2) BWW TV Seattle Exclusive: Behind the Scenes of Kristin Chenoweth on Tour!

BroadwayWorld Seattle was granted EXCLUSIVE access to Kristin Chenoweth's debut performance of her new (and first ever) tour, which opened in Seattle on Wednesday night ... and received a whopping NINE standing ovations for a show unlike we had ever seen. (more...)

3) Win Tickets to See Il Divo in Concert!

The world's foremost classical crossover quartet Il Divo is set to embark on its 2012 world tour, the group's fourth, which follows the release of the quartet's latest album, Wicked Game (on Syco/Columbia Records) and provides a new mark of achievement for the signature vocal blend and unique operatic arrangements which have captivated millions and launched a classical-crossover sensation. To celebrate the kick-off of this much-anticipated world tour, BroadwayWorld invites you to enter for a chance to WIN ONE PAIR OF TICKETS to see Il Divo live in concert! (more...)

4) Photo Flash BROADWAY BARES: HAPPY ENDINGS- Promo Shots!

Promotional images for this year’s BROADWAY BARES XXII: HAPPY ENDINGS produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS have just been released. BROADWAY BARES will be held Sunday, June 17 at Roseland Ballroom (239 West 52nd Street) with two performances (9:30 PM and midnight). Check out the images below! (more...)

5) Central Park's INTO THE WOODS Eyeing Broadway?

Rumours that The Public Theatre's production of INTO THE WOODS will transfer to Broadway have been fueled once more by The New York Post, which reports that extentions to Donna Murphy, Amy Adams and the rest of the cast's contracts are being negotiated. (more...)

6) STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes of West End's THE BODYGUARD, Starring Heather Headley, in Rehearsal!

Starring Heather Headley as Rachel Marron and Lloyd Owen as Frank Farmer in the roles made famous on film by the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, tickets for THE BODYGUARD went on sale on May 1, taking bookings until 27 April 2013 for the production’s first booking period. Previews begin on 6 November 2012, twenty years after the release of the Oscar nominated film. Opening night is 5 December. Can't wait? Gossip blogger Perez Hilton went behind the scenes, and you can get a first look below! (more...)

7) Andrew Veenstra, Todd Cerveris, et al. to Lead War Horse National Tour; Full Cast Announced

Casting was announced today for the upcoming U.S. tour of the 2011 Tony Award-winning Best Play, War Horse. The company, comprised of more than 30 performers, includes Andrew Veenstra as Albert Narracott, Brian Keane as Arthur Narracott, Michael Wyatt Cox as Billy Narracott, Todd Cerveris as Ted Narracott, Angela Reed as Rose Narracott, Jason Loughlin as Lieutenant James Nicholls, and Jason Alan Carvell as Private Schnabel. (more...)

8) STAGE TUBE: FOLLIES Arrives in LA!

James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, which was just nominated for eight Tony Awards, opened last night, May 9 at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Performances of the exclusive Los Angeles engagement of the Kennedy Center’s critically acclaimed Broadway production of Follies will continue through June 9, 2012. Catch in inside look at the show's arrival in LA below! (more...)

9) STAGE TUBE: MATILDA On Its Way to Broadway!

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, which won big at this year's Olivier Awards, will open in New York early 2013. Matilda The Musical premiered at The Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the RSC, playing to sold-out audiences for twelve weeks from November 2010 to January 2011. (more...)

10) STAGE TUBE: Cheyenne Jackson Releases 'Drive' Music Video!

Broadway favorite Cheyenne Jackson just released the music video for "DRIVE," the 1st single from his upcoming July EP, available for download on iTunes and Amazon. Check out the video below! (more...)

11) Review Roundup: GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES

Megan Hilty and Rachel York star in the Encores! production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, whick openedon May 9 at New York City Center. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is directed by John Rando with music direction by Rob Berman and choreography by Randy Skinner and will play for seven performances, May 9 – 13, at New York City Center, 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. (more...)

12) Review Roundup: FOLLIES in LA!

James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, which was just nominated for eight Tony Awards, opened earlier this week on May 9 at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Performances of the exclusive Los Angeles engagement of the Kennedy Center’s critically acclaimed Broadway production of Follies will continue through June 9, 2012. (more...)

13) STAGE TUBE: Hugh Jackman Wishes 'Happy Mother's Day' from LES MIS Film Set!

Hugh Jackman takes a moment to wish everyone a happy Mother's Day from the set of the Les Misérables film.Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean) takes a moment to wish everyone a happy Mother's Day from the set of the Les Misérables film. Check out the video below! (more...)

14) Beth Leavel, Leslie Uggams, and Tari Kelly to Lead THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE at the MUNY

The Muny will present THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE as a part of the 94th season in Forest Park. Set to star in the production are Broadway favorites Beth Leavel, Leslie Uggams, and Tari Kelly as Mrs. Meers, Muzzy, and Millie respectively. The production, running June 18-24, will be directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Chris Bailey. (more...)

15) BWW TV: Meet the Drama Desk Nominees; Part 1- Jeremy Jordan, Audra McDonald, and More!

On May 8, the nominees of the 2012 Drama Desk Awards gathered at New York City's Oceana Resaurant to celebrate, and BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge was there to chat with all of them. In this first edition, check out interviews with Audra McDonald, Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Patrick Page, Michael Cerveris, and many more! Check back later for parts 2 and 3! (more...)

16) STAGE TUBE: Anthony Rapp as Warhol - Behind the Scenes at City Theatre's POP!, PA

POP!, a new musical by Maggie-Kate Coleman and Anna K. Jacobs, directed by Brad Rouse and choreographed by Billy Porter is currently playing until May 19 at the City Theater Mainstage, 1300 Bingham St, Pittsburgh, PA. Check out this behind the scenes video featuring an interview with star Anthony Rapp who plays Andy Warhol plus and idea of what to expect from the music and dancing. (more...)

17) STAGE TUBE: On This Day 5/11- ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

Today in 1959, Once Upon a Mattress opened at The Phoenix Theatre, where it ran for 244 performances. Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The play was written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Once Upon A Mattress marked the Broadway debut of later stage and TV legend Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. Also featured were Joseph Bova, Allen Case, Jack Gilford and Matt Mattox. Jane White played the role of Queen Aggravain, becoming the first African-American actress to portray a white character on the Broadway stage. (more...)

18) STAGE TUBE: Megan Hilty Talks SMASH, WICKED, and More on LAST CALL

SMASH's Megan Hilty recently visited "Last Call With Carson Daly" and discussed her role in SMASH, her Broadway debut in WICKED, and more. (more...)

19) AUDIO: First Listen - Alfie Boe Duets With Nick Jonas and Robert Plant for New Album!

Following 2010's BRING HIM HOME, Alfie Boe returns with the release of his sophomore album, ALFIE. Get a first listen to the album with two tracks - featuring Nick Jonas and Robert Plant - below! (more...)

20) Adam Lambert, Lisa Marie Presley to Perform on AMERICAN IDOL, 5/17

On next week's AMERICAN IDOL results show, Lisa Marie Presley will perform "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet," from her new album "Storm & Grace," and Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert performs his new song, "Never Close Our Eyes." (more...)