The long journey to create a successful revival of the '70s hit musical "Pippin" seemed as endless as the title character's meandering search for his life's purpose in a wicked world. But Diane Paulus' Cirque du Showbiz production preeming at American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Mass., is fresh, lively and in many ways extraordinary -- and sure to create positive buzz prior to its just-announced spring perch at the Rialto's Music Box Theater. The time for "Pippin" has finally come. Read More...

Diane Paulus' revival of "Pippin" has found its corner of the Rialto, with the production -- which opened Thursday at American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Mass. -- booking a spring slot at Broadway's Music Box Theater. Read More...

The American Repertory Theater production of Pippin, the Tony Award-winning medieval pop musical fable by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson, will transfer to Broadway's Music Box Theatre in March, Tony Award-winning producers Barry and Fran Weissler and Howard and Janet Kagan announced Jan. 3. Read More...

The memorably tuneful musical “Pippin,” a staple of high school and college theater troupes, will return to Broadway this spring for the first time since its original five-year run ended on Broadway in 1977, the show’s producers announced on Thursday night. The approximately $8 million production – a transfer of the current “Pippin” revival running at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Mass. – will begin performances on March 23 at the Music Box Theater and open on April 25. Read More...

It’s not easy being the son of the most powerful man in Europe. Pépin the Hunchback, the eldest son of Charlemagne, didn’t have much of a life: His father dismissed his mother, and after his attempt at revolt was put down, Dad had him tonsured and sent to a monastery, where he died, not yet 50 years old. He has a far better time of it as the hero of “Pippin.” Read More...

A bold new staging of the dark and existential musical you thought you knew. Pippin, on a death-defying journey to find his "corner of the sky," must choose between a life that's ordinary or a flash of singular glory. Read More...

Spider-Man cast member Matthew James Thomas will star in the title role of Diane Paulus' re-conceived revival of Pippin, which will premiere at the American Repertory Theater in December. The cast also boasts Tony Award winner Andrea Martin, as well as Tony nominees Patina Miller, Terrence Mann and Charlotte d'Amboise. Read More...

The classroom: Broadway. The course: musical theater. And the faculty: members of the Great White Way. Welcome to the school of Students Live! Read More...

It’s no secret that Broadway casts a weathered eye on its upstarts. Grand tradition, after all, doesn’t blink for youth. But as more risk-taking productions like "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" and "Book of Mormon" achieve popular and critical acclaim, it’s clear a new breed of Broadway player is emerging: It includes young actors, writers, directors, producers, and composers who are not satisfied to play bit roles in Broadway’s history; they're bent on altering its very arc. The 25 people on this list bring more than theater professionalism to any production; they promise innovation, artistry, passion, and most importantly, fearlessness. While they may express respect for theater tradition, the collaborative nature of the work means they’ll spend the next decade egging each other on to break the rules — good news for a discipline often accused of being stuck in amber. If that boldness means failure, at least it’ll be ecstatic failure. And if it means success, we expect this group to influence Broadway for generations to come. Read More...

“Putting people in Broadway shows and giving them their break is one of the best parts of the job,” says casting director Duncan Stewart, who casts for Broadway, national tours, and the West End. “As is cultivating new talent, seeing new people, and getting out there and finding new faces. There’s nothing more exciting than bringing new talent to the table and having the director and composers turn to you and say, ‘Where are you finding these people?’ ” Read More...

“Make the right impression,” Stewart says. “Don’t make the wrong impression. Some people feel like just by making any impression, they’re going to be newsworthy and noteworthy—being overly aggressive, or being too kitschy. I don’t need confetti in an envelope when I open up a submission to make you stand out.” He pauses, then laughs. “I don’t want to have to vacuum the floor because of you.” Read More...

"One might expect to see splashy autographed show posters adorning the walls of Duncan Stewart's New York City casting office. Not so. Instead, gave a bit lower and you'll discover..." Read More...

Billy Ray Cyrus is the latest entry through the revolving door of celebrity casting in the long-running revival of Chicago, making his Broadway debut in the role of silver-tongued criminal lawyer Billy Flynn. Read More...

Broadway casting director Benton Whitley has a pulse on new and emerging talent in NYC and is teaching a two night intensive (Class One: classroom setting/Class Two: one on one private meeting) concentrating on the fundamentals of auditioning for the Musical Theatre, and how it pertains specifically to you, the actor, and the current landscape of theatre here in New York. Read More...

A lucky actress may have "Magic to Do" in the upcoming Diane Paulus-helmed revival of Pippin, which will be unveiled at the American Repertory Theater in December. Read More...

The director Diane Paulus, now represented on Broadway with “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,” and the Montreal circus company Les 7 Doigts de la Main (or 7 Fingers) will collaborate on a new production of the Stephen Schwartz musical “Pippin” that will begin performances at the American Repertory Theater in December, the Cambridge, Mass.-based theater announced on Thursday. Read More...

Tony nominee Diane Paulus will helm a new revival of Pippin at Cambridge's American Repertory Theater in December. Gypsy Snider (Traces) will serve as the production’s choreographer. Paulus directed a Broadway-aimed reading of the hit Stephen Schwartz tuner in 2010, starring her Hair leading man Gavin Creel. No casting or exact production dates have been set. Read More...

Supermodel Christie Brinkley will return to the cast of the long-running, Tony-winning Broadway revival of Chicago in April. Read More...

She said recently that playing the iconic role of Roxie Hart 'brings out the crazy sex kitten in everyone'.

And audiences got to see if America Ferrera had indeed transformed herself from Ugly to vamp as she made her West End debut in Chicago last night. Read More...

America Ferrera is best known as the frumpy but lovable star of ABC's Ugly Betty. But now the 27-year-old is proving that she has a saucier side when the occasion calls for it. Read More...

Ugly Betty's America Ferrera is making her British stage debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago next week, and she's joined by Darius Campbell, returning to the role of Billy Flynn as Kander and Ebb's prohibition-era musical re-opens at the Garrick Theatre in London. Read More...

She won fame as the frumpy star of TV's Ugly Betty. But America Ferrera claims that taking on the role of highkicking murderess Roxie in the musical Chicago can turn anyone into a vamp. Read More...

The long-running, Tony-winning revival of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse's Chicago will celebrate its 15th year on Broadway Nov. 14. Read More...

The stage lights rise, revealing six feminine silhouettes behind jail bars. A spotlight shines down each of their faces as they launch into the chilling lyrics, "He had it coming." The first murderess emerges from her cell reenacting her crime verbally and physically, performing a series of ferocious kicks, dynamics turns, and precise choreography. This is the beginning of Bob Fosse's "Cell Block Tango": an iconic number from the musical CHICAGO that continues to capture audiences whether it's performed on Broadway, TV, or even at your studio's recital. Read More...

AMERICA FERRERA (Ugly Betty) is the new Roxie Hart in London’s West End! She is going to be terrific! Check out the articles below.

BroadwayWorld.com:

Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award-winner America Ferrera, known across the world as Ugly Betty from the hit TV series of the same name, swaps her trademark braces for fishnets from 7 November for eight weeks only, when she makes her British stage debut as the alluring publicity-seeker Roxie Hart in the smash hit musical CHICAGO. Read More...

Popwatch.com:

Who knew? Ugly Betty can sing! Emmy-winning actress America Ferrera will join the London cast of the long-running musical Chicago next month, EW has learned exclusively. Ferrera will play Roxie Hart, the role made famous by Gwen Verdon and Ann Reinking on Broadway and Renée Zellweger in the 2002 film. (American Idol's Kara DioGuardi is currently playing Roxie on Broadway.) Ferrera's eight-week stint will begin on November 7. Read More...

The Old Globe in San Diego is behind a fall workshop of the Broadway-aimed musical Yank!, about gay military personnel during World War II. Director David Cromer and the project's writers will explore the latest draft of the show Oct. 24-Nov. 17 in Manhattan. Read More...

Angela Cohen was in a quandary when told she'd have to cut her hair if she wanted to play a stewardess in the pilot for "Pan Am," a new ABC series that is generating some buzz. Cohen wanted the role, but her wavy, curly hair—extending halfway down her back—was part of her professional and personal identity. For starters, she was afraid she'd end up resembling a poodle. Second, she wasn't sure how a bobbed look would affect her ability to book other roles. And third, a new hairstyle would require new headshots—a time-consuming and expensive prospect. Nevertheless, Cohen complied, losing 15 inches of hair. Read More...

"American Idol may be about finding the next pop star, but it's almost as successful as a springboard to Broadway. In recent years, season 6 champ Jordin Sparks reached new heights in "In the Heights," "Grease" was the word for season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, and season 3 "Idol" Fantasia earned raves for "The Color Purple." Season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis even scored a Tony nomination for "Rock of Ages." Read More...

Scott Bakula, best known for his Golden Globe Award-winning role as Sam Beckett in TV's "Quantum Leap" and as Captain Jonathan Archer in "Star Trek: Enterprise," is returning to his theatrical roots to appear in the Menier Chocolate Factory's world premiere of Saul Rubinek's Terrible Advice. It begins performances Sept. 22, prior to an official opening Sept. 29, for a run through Nov. 12. Read More...

Christopher Sieber has signed on to play drag star Albin opposite George Hamilton as Georges in the national tour of La Cage aux Folles. The casting represents a role switch for Sieber, who played Georges opposite the show's librettist Harvey Fierstein in the final stretch of the Tony-winning 2010-2011 Broadway revival, directed by Tony winner Terry Johnson. Read More...

The musical "Chicago" is about to finger-snap its way into the record books.

The matinee performance on Aug. 27 will mark the musical's 6,138 show, meaning it vaults over the original version of "A Chorus Line" to become the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history. Read More...

When I look back over the years and reflect on all the truly wonderful actors I've seen, there are a few performances that continue to hold power over my mind: Judi Dench in the West End production of "The Royal Family," David Suchet as Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus" at the Old Vic, Brent Carver (an astounding and surprising Tevye) in Stratford's "Fiddler on the Roof," and, of course, Patti LuPone's star turn in the last Broadway revival of "Gypsy." All these considered, there is one great performance that seems to stand out amongst the rest, one that continues to capture my soul: Christine Ebersole's tour de force in the musical "Grey Gardens." Read More...

Christie Brinkley has just landed in town. "I love the Tower of London. I thought it was really fun!" "I love Le Caprice! I love The Ivy! I love Langan's! It's this big brasserie place and it seems so European to me!" "You know last year I went to Wimbledon for the first time ever. I felt like I was in Hogwarts. I got to sit in the royal box. That was pretty cool!" Read More...

Christie Brinkley hit the London stage for the first time this week starring as Roxie Hart in the musical CHICAGO. The show kicked off in the West End three months after her Broadway debut and will run from Monday 11 July at the Cambridge Theatre for a limited four-week season, ending on Saturday 6 August. Read More...

Broadway is crazy with two things this spring: blossoms, and Hollywood headliners. Film and TV stars taking a turn on the boards is nothing new, but this March and April, as 22 new shows open (out of a year-long tally of 42), there's a particularly lush crop. Read More...

Duncan Stewart, director of casting at the National Artists Management Co., has partnered with colleague Benton Whitley to form a new casting office, Duncan Stewart and Co., located in New York City. Heidi Birkett will represent the company in London as a consultant. Read More...

Casting director Duncan Stewart is hanging out his own casting shingle, Duncan Stewart and Co.

Stewart and colleague Benton Whitley have partnered to run the Gotham home base of the org, with another principal, Heidi Birkett, onboard in London to serve as U.K. consultant and liaison. Read More...

Duncan Stewart, Director of Casting at National Artists Management Company since 2007, has joined colleague Benton Whitley to form Duncan Stewart AND COMPANY, a New York-based legit casting office.

Heidi Birkett rounds out the principal team, acting as the firm's UK Casting Consultant/Liaison in London. Read More...

Former "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi, the Grammy-nominated songwriter and star of Bravo's "Platinum Hit," will make her Broadway stage debut in September in the Tony-winning revival of Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre.

DioGuardi will step into the role of merry murderess Roxie Hart for an eight-week limited engagement, Sept. 5-Oct. 30. Read More...

Supermodel Christie Brinkley, who is currently playing Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago,  will reprise the role in the West End edition, beginning performances July 11 for a four-week season through Aug. 6.

She will be joined by Amra-Faye Wright, who starred as Velma Kelly opposite her on Broadway, for the same run. Jonathan Wilkes will continue in the role of Billy Flynn with James Doherty as Amos Hart, Jasna Ivir as Mama Morton and R. Whitehead as Mary Sunshine, all until Aug. 27 when Chicago will leave the Cambridge Theatre. Read More...

Casting director Duncan Stewart keeps Chicago stocked with fresh (and famous) jazz hands.

Before Dancing with the Stars, there was Chicago. The long-running Broadway revival (fourteen years and counting) was an early advocate for casting celebrities to keep audiences coming back for more. Read More...

John O'Hurley will star as Billy Flynn in the national touring company production of Chicago, beginning with an engagement at Devos Hall in Grand Rapids, Michigan (May 10-11).

Subsequent stops will include the Fisher Theatre in Detroit (May 17-22); Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, SK in Canada (May 30 & 31); the Civic Center in Des Moines, Iowa (June 2-5); the Oriental Theatre in Chicago (June 7-12); the Robinson Center in Little Rock, AR (June 14-16); and Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth (June 17-19). Read More...

Stage and screen star George Hamilton will head the cast of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of La Cage aux Folles, which is scheduled to play its final performance at the Longacre Theatre May 1 at 3 PM.

The national tour, which will feature Hamilton in the role of Georges, will be produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, Sonia Friedman Productions and David Babani in association with NETworks Presentations. Read More...

"Classic beauties, men and women, are usually not funny, unfortunately," says David Ziff, vice president of the on-camera commercial department at CESD (Cunningham-Escott-Slevin-Doherty) Talent Agency in Los Angeles. "So, if we find one who has improvisational or standup comedy skills, it's a winning combination in commercials and something we can promote to casting directors." Read More...

If you want to talk about persistence and dedication, then I must, in the same breath, talk about Caitlin Mundth. While there are numerous other (and possibly "starrier") examples, I think Caitlin's story is particularly impressive and inspiring. Over the course of one and a half years, Caitlin got herself on my radar and, through sheer perseverance, went from being a casual recommendation from a colleague to a respected and valuable cast member of my latest show, the Broadway production of "La Cage aux Folles," starring Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge. Read More...